Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Rachel Richards, I’m a 27-year-old bestselling author and professional speaker based in Louisville, KY. I self-published my first bestselling book, “Money Honey: A Simple 7-Step Guide for Getting Your Financial $hit Together,” in 2017, and I’m launching my second book on November 19, 2019! It’s called “Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement: The Secret to Freedom, Flexibility, and Financial Independence (& how to get started!)”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest release is called “Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement.” At age 27, I quit my job and retired, and I now live off $10,000+ per month in passive income. It’s a really exciting time! I’m passionate about passive income, which is money earned with little to no ongoing work. It’s no get-quick-rich scheme – it takes work to create passive income, but once you have it up and running, it’s almost totally hands off. I’ve learned all about the five different categories of passive income: Royalties, Portfolio Income, Coin-Operated Machines, Ads & E-Commerce, and Rental Income. So many people wanted to know my “secrets” so I finally decided to write a book all about passive income and how to create it!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I’m deep into writing, I lose sleep because I’m so excited and always thinking about what to write next. Sometimes I’ll wake up at 1:30am and can’t fall back asleep. I’ve learned that when that happens, it’s best to just get up and write. On top of that, so as not to disturb my husband, I take my laptop into the closet. He sometimes finds me in there writing when he wakes up at 5am. Ha!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In terms of nonfiction, I adore “The Millionaire Fastlane” by MJ DeMarco. Also Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” is a classic. I love fiction, too; my favorites authors are Gillian Flynn and Emily Giffin.

What are you working on now?
I’m about to launch “Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement,” so all my energy is focused on launch week! It’s an exciting time. After that, I might do more professional speaking at high schools and colleges, to help teach younger people about money management skills.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think the best method is to use social media. Facebook groups are a great way to get involved, get engaged, and meet new people. Don’t just promote yourself. Add tons of value. Become the expert. People will naturally want to buy your book and follow you!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read the book “Published” by Chandler Bolt. It taught me 99% of what I needed to know to write, edit, launch, and market both of my books. It wasn’t until I read that that I finally felt motivated to start writing at all!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The two most important things in life are your health and your family. Never lose sight of that. Be grateful everyday for what you have.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle. It’s mind-blowingly good!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I launch “Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement,” I’d love to start exploring fiction. My real dream is to write a bestselling fiction novel. I think it’s a harder craft to hone, but I can’t wait!

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?
“Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand (because it’s so long! And so good.)
“Harry Potter” the 6th book by J.K. Rowling
“Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn

Author Websites and Profiles
Rachel Richards Website
Rachel Richards Amazon Profile

Rachel Richards’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in MN in a big family. I have seven brothers and three sisters. I’ve lived in SoCal for the last three years, and I love it. I don’t miss the MN winters! Lol.
I started writing stories as a kid, but my passion was really sparked as a teenager. My mom was always into reading various fantasy, sci-fi and romance novels. She also loved writing poetry and fiction. We started writing together via Yahoo RPG groups when I was fifteen.
I’ve published one book before, but it was on createspace (RIP)
Curse of the Shadow King is my fresh start!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Curse of the Shadow King. I’m inspired by a lot of stuff in my life. But, I don’t think there was one specific thing that inspired the characters or story. After I outlined the book, it was just kind of therapeutic to sit down, and express myself.
As a fantasy writer I love writing the fantastical, but I also love to ground it with pieces of who I am, and real things I see in the world around me. I believe the reader needs that bit of grounding to connect with your heroes.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I don’t think I have any unusual writing habits, although most authors probably have weird google search histories.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Rick Riorday, Cassandra Clare, and Jenna Moreci.
I also have to admit, I was heavily influenced by Joss Whedon.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a few projects. Knights of Avalon, is going to be a series. Curse of the Shadow King is book one. It’s an Arthurian legend based series, with a couple of my own spins. I’m creating my own Knights of the round table. A couple adventures are going to begin in side novels, and blend into the main series.
My next goal is book 2, which is about 99% done.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think promotion can be the most difficult part of this journey.
I post on various social media platforms, and started to create YouTube content.
I read articles, and watch blogs for tips on how to grow my platform, and engage followers. Numbers are great, but you definitely want to create engaging content.
Three tips I heard that have resonated with me 1) Know, let people get to know you a little 2) like, hope they like you, and 3) TRUST. Be authentic, honest and genuine in whatever you offer. Trust is a big deal when you’re reaching out into the market.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write because you love writing. Being an author is a tough journey full of highs and lows. If you don’t love what you do, it’s going to be even harder. Having doubts seems to be part of the process. Nevertheless, know you aren’t alone when you feel hopeless and overwhelmed. Surround yourself with people who share your passion for support. I joined a writing group called Cyborg Central on Discord. Don’t be afraid to find people to trust to critique and beta your work. Compliments are a boost and in some moments fuel. But, constructive feedback is one of the best ways to improve. Part of that is seeking the advice other people in the industry (check out Jenna Moreci) and READING!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The advice I give is the advice I’ve gotten.

What are you reading now?
EVE: The Awakening by Jenna Moreci.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books! I have so many projects planned. Stay tune for updates.

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?
TSC- Jenna Moreci
City of the dead- S.D Perry
Rick Riordan – The Lightning thief
Cassandra Clare- City of bones
Erin Kinsella – Hades and Persephone

Author Websites and Profiles
Joseph Harkreader Website

Joseph Harkreader’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 late comer to writing novels. I knew I had something specific to write about in historical fiction in 2007. After years of research I felt ready with the information required about the subject matter but lacked the confidence that I could actually write. For practice I wrote an autobiographic tale of coming of age with a four legged companion and used Amazon Createspace to self publish. It lack any decent editing and is hard for me to read today but it got the job done. I finished that in April 2018 and jumped into my novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“White Bird” Book One: Among the Nez Perce is an epic novel of historical fiction based in west central Idaho. It was destined from the beginning to be named White Bird although I had no idea what the content would be. As a boy of eight years of age I crossed over White Bird Pass and my mother who is a very nervous driver panicked so badly that it made a big impression on me. As a child and an adult I gravitated to the wilderness, and particularly to the mountains and rivers of Idaho every time I could return to visit. A campfire along a fast flowing river with a million stars overhead is my idea of heaven. All this and so much more made it into the novel. My character is born to an ancient Nez Perce bloodline and is a child of destiny with a renewed bond to the re-awakened “Great Spirit Animals”. It would be a better question to ask me how the writing of this novel inspired me. It was simply the greatest of spiritual experiences, opening me to the great mysteries in this world. Believe in something with all your heart and you can make it so.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
It is interesting that I have written so much on my computers and am still a hunter and pecker when it comes to typing. It works for me though because my typing speed is often perfectly matched with the speed in which I am able to decide how to express my current thought process.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have many favorites and many genres. My favorite authors are the ones that show much of what is within themselves in the telling of their tales. Nelson DeMille taught me much through his introspective narrative within the scope of his Military novels. Upcountry is a particular jewel and I cannot read that final page without shedding a small tear.

What are you working on now?
Book Two is about my character (Daniel Knight) entering the world of 1968 Vietnam. I needed to show the 1965 Vietnam perspective and Daniel would not yet be old enough so I am writing “Return Of Coyote-A white Bird Novella”.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far my Facebook page is best because it can take you to all the other pages. Here are two links. One to my Facebook page and one to my website.
https://www.facebook.com/Blainewright.Idaho/
https://blainewrightidaho.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be ready to do a lot more than write a book. No matter which way you go you have to be your own marketer and that means you need to research the unexplainably numerous aspects of getting your book placed and heard about. If you have money there a so many people out there who want to show you how to do each and everything and you still have to know enough to understand which of them can really help. I ( for example) have no budget for this at all so have to do it all myself. This right here is an example of me
-searching for a way-.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Understand yourself. It is critical to know what it is you want to share with the world.

What are you reading now?
The Deserter by Nelson (and Alex) DeMille

What’s next for you as a writer?
Starting my series late in my life I will need to finish this long tale and that should encompass least 3 or 4 thousand pages. I majored in politics and would not mind writing opinion based geopolitical papers.

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?
Nelson DeMille- Upcountry, Word of Honor
Charles Dickens- A Tale of Two Cities
Stephen King-Green Mile

Author Websites and Profiles
Blaine Wright Website
Blaine Wright Amazon Profile

Blaine Wright’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 late comer to writing novels. I knew I had something specific to write about in historical fiction in 2007. After years of research I felt ready with the information required about the subject matter but lacked the confidence that I could actually write. For practice I wrote an autobiographic tale of coming of age with a four legged companion and used Amazon Createspace to self publish. It lack any decent editing and is hard for me to read today but it got the job done. I finished that in April 2018 and jumped into my novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“White Bird” Book One: Among the Nez Perce is an epic novel of historical fiction based in west central Idaho. It was destined from the beginning to be named White Bird although I had no idea what the content would be. As a boy of eight years of age I crossed over White Bird Pass and my mother who is a very nervous driver panicked so badly that it made a big impression on me. As a child and an adult I gravitated to the wilderness, and particularly to the mountains and rivers of Idaho every time I could return to visit. A campfire along a fast flowing river with a million stars overhead is my idea of heaven. All this and so much more made it into the novel. My character is born to an ancient Nez Perce bloodline and is a child of destiny with a renewed bond to the re-awakened “Great Spirit Animals”. It would be a better question to ask me how the writing of this novel inspired me. It was simply the greatest of spiritual experiences, opening me to the great mysteries in this world. Believe in something with all your heart and you can make it so.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
It is interesting that I have written so much on my computers and am still a hunter and pecker when it comes to typing. It works for me though because my typing speed is often perfectly matched with the speed in which I am able to decide how to express my current thought process.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have many favorites and many genres. My favorite authors are the ones that show much of what is within themselves in the telling of their tales. Nelson DeMille taught me much through his introspective narrative within the scope of his Military novels. Upcountry is a particular jewel and I cannot read that final page without shedding a small tear.

What are you working on now?
Book Two is about my character (Daniel Knight) entering the world of 1968 Vietnam. I needed to show the 1965 Vietnam perspective and Daniel would not yet be old enough so I am writing “Return Of Coyote-A white Bird Novella”.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far my Facebook page is best because it can take you to all the other pages. Here are two links. One to my Facebook page and one to my website.
https://www.facebook.com/Blainewright.Idaho/
https://blainewrightidaho.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be ready to do a lot more than write a book. No matter which way you go you have to be your own marketer and that means you need to research the unexplainably numerous aspects of getting your book placed and heard about. If you have money there a so many people out there who want to show you how to do each and everything and you still have to know enough to understand which of them can really help. I ( for example) have no budget for this at all so have to do it all myself. This right here is an example of me
-searching for a way-.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Understand yourself. It is critical to know what it is you want to share with the world.

What are you reading now?
The Deserter by Nelson (and Alex) DeMille

What’s next for you as a writer?
Starting my series late in my life I will need to finish this long tale and that should encompass least 3 or 4 thousand pages. I majored in politics and would not mind writing opinion based geopolitical papers.

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?
Nelson DeMille- Upcountry, Word of Honor
Charles Dickens- A Tale of Two Cities
Stephen King-Green Mile

Author Websites and Profiles
Blaine Wright Website
Blaine Wright Amazon Profile

Blaine Wright’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started my career as a journalist in South Africa, where I covered major current events. From running through the streets to cover protests, to sitting in courtrooms to report on public interest trials, to analyzing latest political developments. I got exposed to situations and experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. I finally made the decision to become a full-time writer and spent 2 years writing a book about South Africa’s longest running criminal trial – which I’d covered for a number of years. I now live in a remote little town bordering the renowned Kruger National Park, where life some days feels too good to be true. I’ve just co-authored a memoir about a rhino monitor’s life in Africa. If I’m not writing, you’ll most likely find me on a golf course where I’m trying to work on my golf game.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book’s name is South Africa’s High Treason Club, which tells the story of a nationalistic right wing group known as the “Boeremag”. I started covering the trial as an intern journalist, as I had to get familiar with court reporting. Not too long after starting to attend the trial, I started to talk to the alleged mastermind of the group and soon found myself going to visit him in prison to interview him. I interviewed him for 6 years and finally published the story of the mammoth trial in 2019.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think there’s anything too unusual about drinking way too much coffee and listening to piano music to stay focused.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Writing non-fiction means that I read quite a bit of non-fiction. I loved Bridget Hilton-Barber’s “Student Comrade Prisoner Spy”. South African journalist, and a work colleague, Mandy Wiener (Author of Killing Kebble) has always been an inspiration to know that writing a book was possible when I thought it would always only be a dream. I also really enjoyed Antjie Krog’s “Country of my Skull”.

What are you working on now?
I’ve just finished co-authoring a fascinating memoir of a monitor for black rhinos in the conservation area that I live in. Coming from the UK, he found himself in a unique position where he was tasked with looking after 20 black rhinos to help ensure their population growth and range expansion. The book also looks at mental health, as he takes the reader through his journey of dealing with depression and being diagnosed as being on the spectrum in his early 40’s.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I absolutely love Twitter for its interactive reach to anyone in the world. The fact that you can post several times a day without driving people up the walls, is also a plus.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be sure to research everything you can about the actual journey of being an author. Read up about marketing and querying and everything you will be confronted with. There are days where it feels incredibly lonely and frustrating to get your project out into the world – but just know that it will all be worth it – even if your book doesn’t get published, there’s nothing quite as satisfying in this world as knowing that you have written a book!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My editor Isabella Morris told me in one of our very early meetings that “a story will choose you”.

What are you reading now?
I’m busy with the adventurous Cry of the Kalahari by Mark and Delia Owens (author of Where the Crawdads Sing). My husband and I were in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve last year, the same reserve where they had set up a research camp, and it’s captivating to read their stories from this area we’d visited.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to explore fiction, as I’ve been working on serious non-fiction for a few years now.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
The Bang Bang Club by Greg Marinovich and João Silva
The Earth is Enough by Harry Middleton

Author Websites and Profiles
Karin Mitchell Website
Karin Mitchell Amazon Profile

Karin Mitchell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Bristol, England and was an early reader, but I don’t think my school teacher appreciated that as, while other kids were battling with A is for Apple, I was happily reading my Peter Rabbit books – and telling everyone. My father was in the army, and we moved a lot, so I relied very much on my books for company. I still have a few of my childhood classics. The first book I ever wrote was for my daughter and took me two years of Sundays to finish. Although it received good critiques from several UK publishers, it was a time when horse and pony stories for girls flooded the market. I have no idea where the only two copies of the manuscript ended up. Lesson – always keep a copy of your work!
It wasn’t until I moved to Canada that I started writing seriously, thanks to my late husband. I think he got fed up with hearing me say ‘one day I’m going to write a book’ and signed me up for a writing course. Everything followed from there. I wrote short stories, newspaper and magazine articles, many of which were published. My very first adult book was a contemporary western romance, which is now the proverbial book under the bed – where it deserves to be. Writing is a craft, and I am still learning. Now, at the age of seventy-six, I have a lifetime of experience to draw from and write historical, mostly Regency, romantic fiction. It’s a genre that has appealed to me since I was thirteen. I have now written nine books and am working on my tenth.
I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been able to travel, having visited France, Spain, Singapore, New Zealand and many places in the USA and Canada. I find inspiration for settings just about everywhere I go, especially when I go home to the UK to visit my three children, their partners and my two lovely, grownup grandsons. I’m a two-time breast cancer survivor and put that down in part to having a positive outlook on life, having a strong circle of friends, and many fulfilling activities.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Published in July of 2019, my ninth book is titled His Unexpected Muse, the third book in my Berkeley Square Regency romance series. The first book was His Dark Enchantress and because the hero’s sister was so intrusive I promised her a book of her own, which became His Ocean Vixen. Characters from both books stayed with me so I wrote their story, too.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I do try and write every day but it’s never at the same time. I’m not much of a morning person, so I don’t usually get work on my writing until early afternoon. If I get stuck I will resort to pen and paper until the writing flows again. There’s something organic about the physical activity of writing as opposed to typing on a keyboard.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
That’s easy! I read Georgette Heyer’s ‘Frederica’ when I was about thirteen and have always loved the Regency genre.

What are you working on now?
I’ve started a new series, Those Regency Belles. It’s easy enough to read about lords and ladies and the upper echelons of the ton, so I wanted to write about young women with something extraordinary about them. There will be three in this series, too.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I mostly use my own website, Facebook and Twitter and hope that my friends and author friends will share and tweet when I post.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing while you learn your craft.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write the damn book! I’d been talking about the amount of research I had done on the book I was writing, and the tutor whose course I was taking said ‘forget the research and write the damn book.’ She was quite correct, of course, because I had researched way more than I needed which wasted productive writing time. These days I write the book and then research what I need to know to make my story credible.

What are you reading now?
Bill Bryson’s At Home – A Short History of Private Life. In this book, Bryson gives us the history of rooms in a house. I have found it fascinating, but then I do like the way he imparts his extensive knowledge with a wry sense of humour.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll be concentrating on writing Those Regency Belles stories. Yes, there will be some research but not until it is really necessary.

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?
Uh-oh. Only 3 or 4? The first would be Frederica by Georgette Heyer as I still find that as fresh and funny as when I first read it. Next would be Rosamund Pilcher’s The Shell Seekers. Because I know so many of her settings it always feels like home. Any of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher books, I really like the way he sets up his fight scenes and I can’t argue with Reacher’s brand of justice. And because it made me laugh out loud each time I read it, J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Author Websites and Profiles
Victoria Chatham Website
Victoria Chatham Amazon Profile
Victoria Chatham Author Profile on Smashwords

Victoria Chatham’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi there, I’m a New Zealander who lives in Wellington, or “Wellywood” as it is affectionately dubbed around here. Working part time in a bookshop, means I always have a book to read – from thrillers to kids books. And I love them all, but my favorites are epic fantasy and science fiction. I love the worlds, I love the imagination, I love the adventure.

As for books written, I’ve had numerous short stories published, including horror, science fiction, fantasy and stories for children. In terms of books, I’ve written around ten, depending on what is counted as a book. I have a number of children’s books of varying lengths, and my current epic fantasy series has three novels, “Quest”, “Prophecy” and “Omens” as well as a short story book magnet: “The Secret Child”.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Omens.” Like the rest of the series it was inspired by some of my favorite authors, and there are nods to many of them in the series. Omens is stand alone, (at least I hope so) and darker than the previous novels, as I plumb some of the elements of dark fantasy and horror to make life really difficult for my feisty heroine.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think I’m like a lot of authors, I spend most of the day procrastinating, and suddenly at midnight, my writing brain switches on.
There’s a bit of talking that goes on, too. I mean how else do you get your characters to talk to you, or figure out what the prose will sound like? At least, that’s my excuse.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many authors, where do I start?
Ursula Le Guin, JRR Tolkien, Jill Murphy, Terry Pratchett, H.P. Lovecraft (mostly just to use those spoof elements), Diana Wynne Jones, Iain M. Banks, C. J. Cherryh, Andre Norton, E.B. White (mostly known for Stewart Little or Charlotte’s Web, but Trumpet of the Swan is my favourite), Alf Prøysen, Lewis Carroll, Neil Gaiman…

I could go on for a very long time, but I will spare you.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m just taking a breath and working through ideas for my final free reader magnet for the series. I haven’t quite decided on a character. Currently I’ve narrowed it down to six:
Old Capro: the wizard’s younger days hunting dragons
Amarinda: spy and lover of dresses and feminine things
Jonathan: his adventures as a trader before he became a wizard
Torri: the inventor
Tishke: I’ve no idea what I’d write, but I love Tishke – she’s a bit of a mystery and crazy fun. I still haven’t figured out her early days.
Potsie: The leader of the wizard UN D’Ground

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s something yet to be determined, I’m pretty new to the promotion game.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep exercising: keep the blood flowing if you want to keep ideas coming. And read lots.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This is nothing to do with writing, but for all the celiacs out there, this is for you – “gluten is poison”. That piece of advice changed my life! If you’re feeling really sick and run down, low in iron or have other markers, get tested – it might save your life!

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading Brandon Sanderson’s “Oathbringer” and I’m still not sure how I feel about it, but it is beauiful and really well written. And I just finished Frances Hardinge’s Deeplight, which was amazing and just a little bit steampunk.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I really like variety. I can’t bear to write the same thing twice so my plan is to finish a series of You Choose Adventures with my daughter, write another free story for my Sylvalla Chronicles series, and then aim for a science fiction dystopian thriller.

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 Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Verdigris Deep, by Francis Hardinge
Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett
And an enormous blank book to write in!

Author Websites and Profiles
A.J. Ponder Website
A.J. Ponder Amazon Profile

A.J. Ponder’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi – I’m Lynne Black, Founder of Fashionista Bombshell Whims!

I’m a Freelance Writer, Blogger, and Author. I’m living my best life and sharing my love of things that interest me as well as hopefully you – too!

My stories and posts offer a peek into my life. I have published two books and my plan is to inspire you through my book and articles.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Cortship – Before my sister Edie was killed; she started working on The Cortship. When Edie started this manuscript; her goal was to create a story about friendship and romance.

Since Edie’s death, I have worked off and on on the manuscript. After the trial was over, I was finally able to pick up the pieces. With my co-writer, Alan Cohen; we collaborated to bring this manuscript to life.

What are you working on now?
My blogging site – https://lrbandassociates.com/

Author Websites and Profiles
Lynne Black Website
Lynne Black Amazon Profile

Lynne Black’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! I’m Elizabeth, currently an author and student simultaneously. When I’m not juggling homework and marketing, I’m practicing piano, viola, or staring at the ceiling thinking about ideas that may never go anywhere. I’ve written one book so far, but I’m sure that later down the road there will definitely be more.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Midnight Before Me – my pride and joy. I wrote it during a time in my life when I was confused about my future, and it achieves one of my biggest goals in art: to give a good story alongside a good message in one beautiful package. As I was writing it, I wanted to help myself deal with the emotions I was experiencing during that time, and now that I am publishing/have published it, I want to help others going through that as well.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I get stuck on a scene or a phrase or even a word, I spin in my roll-y chair at my desk for a couple of minutes until I think of something genius… or become too dizzy to stand. Surprisingly, staring at something or watching the walls whir by help me focus on just my thoughts instead of the world around me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Hmm… I have a rather terrible memory regarding names of authors especially, but I think Osamu Dazai’s book, No Longer Human, helped me understand a lot of the emotions I was feeling. Other books that I consumed “in mass” made me feel inspired to write fantasy stories, similar to how looking at paintings can inspire an artist to draw. Oh! And The Cay by Theodore Taylor really pushed me to look at a book based on its characters instead of its plot–something I took to heart in my own novel.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on promoting my book, but I think over the summer, I’ll finally pen down an idea that’s been at the back of my mind for… about a year now.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think I’m still trying to discover that. Amazon Ads have proved very effective in getting my book in peoples’ faces, and I’m currently running a Goodreads giveaway for a month. Any tips on promotion is always welcome!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Plan in advance. Contact promoters before your book comes out. I got a bit caught up in the rush of the major release, that I neglected some online marketing. But, even so, don’t panic–don’t make decisions on a whim when things don’t go well… otherwise, you might end up just squandering money. (Unfortunately, I’m guilty of that…)

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Simplify, simplify, simplify.

What are you reading now?
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

What’s next for you as a writer?
Marketing, marketing, marketing… and then some more writing of an idea floating around my head… potentially about fairies.

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?
No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
The Midnight Before Me by me (duh)
A desert survival guide

Author Websites and Profiles
Elizabeth Lo Website
Elizabeth Lo Amazon Profile

Elizabeth Lo’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Lynne Black is a Blogger, Freelance Writer and Author of The Cortship and Fun Recipes from Lynne’s Kitchen. Lynne is a sucker for good romantic fiction and anything fashion or sports related.

When Lynne isn’t reading or writing fun and interesting articles, she’s probably following one of Boston’s professional sports teams or planning fun and sexy vacations for her and her husband.

You can connect with Lynne on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/LRB-Associates-419659688127497/ or on twitter at: https://twitter.com/lynnelrb23

Also, you can visit Lynne’s Website at: https://lrbandassociates.com/Be sure to subscribe to her Email list and you will receive and be entered into giveaways and have a chance to win EGift Cards on contests taken place throughout the year. Subscribe to my blog and you will receive fun news and be entered into all contests and giveaways.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Cortship is the name of my latest book and this book was initially started by my beautiful Sister, Edie who was killed in November 2015. After several years, I was able to pick up the pieces and finish this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t have anything particularly unusual, however my motto is: “If you don’t read, you can’t write. As an avid reader, I’m always conducting research and putting my own spin on topics.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Before I started writing, I reading many different genres of books and I cannot say that one particular book influences me as many Authors have had an impact on my writing style and practice my craft in becoming a better writer.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on creating upcoming holiday blog posts sure to give you some ideas for the season.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Of course, launching my first book was daunting. As a new Author, I’m still learning on ways to promote my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice would be to read, write your thoughts in a journal and get into a habit of writing often.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up. Be open to new experiences and most importantly, be true to yourself.

What are you reading now?
Presently, I am reading the Ring.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue to write articles, blog posts and books that resonate with my readers.

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 was stranded on a desert island, I would take the book A Little Life, The Perfect Play and definitely something romantic, yet that has a touch of comedy such as Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lynne Black Website
Lynne Black Amazon Profile

Lynne Black’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing for as long as I can remember. I produced ‘books’ of lined sheets of paper stapled together, with illustrations by the ‘author’ at age 4! The subject matter was usually my dog! Later, once I developed a lifelong love of comics and pop culture thanks to growing up in the 1980’s and being surrounded with so many now-iconic TV and film franchises, I began first submitting to locally-produced newsletters and fanzines, as well as semi-professional student-body newspapers. In junior and senior years of high school that was a newspaper called ‘High School Happenings’, which featured some of my earliest poetry, and that led to having the confidence to submit reviews and articles to the provincial newspaper ‘The Telegram’. I followed that with articles in ‘The Herald’, which is akin to the provincial ‘TV Guide’. I collaborated with friends on multiple fanzines, everything from spoofs on ‘The Weekly World News’ which we entitled ‘Stranger Times’, to a fanzine of original science-fiction and fantasy stories from myself and those who submitted, entitled ‘Random Access’. I have written one book professionally, ‘His Soldier’s Coat: Private Gabriel Ryan And The Knights Of Columbus Fire Of 1942’.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called ‘His Soldier’s Coat: Private Gabriel Ryan And The Knights Of Columbus Fire Of 1942’. The main title takes it’s name from a poem from the American Civil War that my grandfather, who is the subject of my book, enjoyed as a fellow soldier himself. It is a nonfiction account of my grandfather’s harrowing and life-changing experiences being trapped inside a raging inferno during a dance that took place at the Knights Of Columbus building in 1942. This event was attended by many soldiers of different Allied branches all stationed in or furloughed in St John’s, Newfoundland, now a Canadian province but during World War Two under the auspices of the British Empire. To this day, there is heavy debate as to the exact cause of the fire; many suspected sabotage from Axis influences, though this has never been proven. Due to the confined spaces, the shape and age of the structure, and the blackout conditions imposed against enemy bombings at the time, escape was not an easy option whatsoever. My grandfather chose to help as many people as he humanly could to be saved, and in so doing was injured, struck by a falling beam that affected him physically the rest of his life. Growing up I had heard snippets of the story over the years but my grandfather was reluctant to discuss it openly; he was at heart a quiet man and preferred not to dwell on his war experiences. Finally, when I was approximately 12 years old, my mother cajoled him into documenting the bulk of his experiences, and to soften the subject matter, he peppered his memoirs with anecdotes of his youth growing up in a very small and remote community of Newfoundland, and of childhood adventures with his family. This material, combined with research into the time period, I would later utilize and rely on greatly to fashion the book itself, which I primarily wrote in tribute to him not long after his passing. I have been grateful for the attention it has gotten and I am honoured to have been able to bring his own words and memories of not just the horrific events of the fire but his own life experiences growing up during an economically depressed time in Newfoundland to life. Everything in the book is either his own words or my extrapolation from them. It will likely go down as the most personal and most important work I ever undertook.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have never viewed writing or the act of producing creative work as a ‘job’…the second that creeps into my mind, I have to put any written work aside, as going to a mental and emotional place inside my heart and mind during the writing process is not one in which I can bring forth on demand. I have to ‘feel’ what I am writing, be passionate about the subject matter and have a vested interest in doing as good a job as I am capable with the work. Thus, I likely wouldn’t ever be able to ‘phone it in’ or write to a deadline! Writing for me centers me and balances me and is close to a spiritual experience. So in terms of ‘unusual’ as writing habits, I would have to say I have the rare ability to put something away and not obsess over it or feel I am not being ‘productive’ by forcing words out. If I am not ‘feeling’ what I am writing, then I’ll revisit it later.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Far too many to count! I grew up with the vivid tales of comic books, which I feel is fully underrated and undervalued for the educational and communicative tools they truly are and always were. Though I wouldn’t ever claim to be in the same league as he, I greatly value the work of Alan Moore; from ‘Swamp Thing’ to ‘Watchmen’ to ‘V For Vendetta’ and others, Alan Moore has demonstrated he is a literary genius. Harlan Ellison is also a major influence; his prose flows like water over a lake. However, limiting ‘influences’ to established writers or even to books does the written word a disservice. I could be influenced by a well-written Facebook post from a friend, or even a pithy bumper sticker! The entire world is an influence. Life itself is an influence.

What are you working on now?
I am in the process of adapting my book ‘His Soldier’s Coat’ to an audio-book format. I also have been perusing a collection of poetry that I have compiled over the years that I had entitled ‘Houdini’s Remains’ which I am polishing up for a potential release.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find Twitter is effective to at least spread the word with appropriate hashtags. Instagram also helps, though both require a great deal of time and attention. My book ‘His Soldier’s Coat’ is on the Amazon of several countries, and generally sharing the appropriate link to potential buyers in those markets has been effective. The subject matter of military history has also opened up a lot of doors metaphorically; the public tends to view it with respect and dignity, which is gratifying.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t become obsessed with the notion that you ‘must’ produce words on a page or a screen every day just for the sake of saying you did so. Writing is an art, it is a skill, and while it must be practiced, even the largest bodybuilders take time away from the gym. Don’t worry if a day, a week, or a month or more goes by without you producing something that you feel is ‘worthy’. Let those who work on deadlines in magazines etc worry about deadlines. Robert Frost was an elderly man before he became famous for his poetry; clearly, he took the time to enjoy other aspects of his life as well. Once you decide to be a writer in your heart, then that’s what you are, but unless you are under some form of imposed deadline, don’t worry about producing ‘all’ the time. Let your words breathe and live in your mind before forcing them out.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
‘You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to an informed opinion. Nobody is entitled to be ignorant’. – Harlan Ellison.

What are you reading now?
Hundreds of different things monthly. I pour through stacks of comic books, whether to finally finish the runs of those I collected haphazardly in my youth, or current titles. My tastes vary: in terms of books, I am currently reading a ‘Doctor Who’ novel entitled ‘Molten Heart’ by Una McCormack, a collection of stories revolving around Wayne Gretzky entitled ‘Facing Wayne Gretzky’ by Brian Kennedy, and I’m listening to an audio-book entitled ‘America Before’ by the wonderfully academic maverick Graham Hancock.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To finally adapt as a novel a ‘Doctor Who’ fan-film script I co-wrote in 1992 and that was only partially completed as a fan-film, entitled ‘The Oracle Of Time’. With the mainstream appeal now of ‘Doctor Who’, the time appears to be right to do so, and as is would be purely for the creative endeavor of doing so as I certainly don’t have the rights to that or any SF property, it would hopefully be a charitable effort, with proceeds going towards a registered charity. Other than that, the aforementioned audio-book version of ‘His Soldier’s Coat’ book which I will narrate myself, which is quite a powerfully personal experience for me and a great joy to tell my grandfather’s story in his grandson’s voice.

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?
Without a doubt, ‘Absolute Watchmen’ the over-sized recent edition would top the list. Not merely for the extra material, interviews with creators and personnel involved in that masterpiece of a graphic novel, but also as the original comic series reveals something new every time I read it; it is the most nuanced and articulate expression of just how powerful a medium comic books are. Next, the autobiography of the hockey player Phil Esposito, ‘Thunder And Lightning’; it is a laugh-out-loud account of the man’s hockey career, including his infamous experiences playing in the Canada/Soviet Union ‘Summit Series’ of 1972. It is written in a boozy, breezy style and Esposito pulls no punches, which is quite refreshing in a current political climate in which far too many tremble and cower at the thought of offending anyone. Lastly, I found ‘Inside Star Trek: The Real Story’ by Herbert F Solow and Robert H Justman to be a fascinating read. A combination of historical document detailing the story pitches that led to the creation of the original ‘Star Trek’ TV series, with biographical information on key personnel involved, a broad overview of the state of affairs in North American television production practices in the mid-1960’s, and a blow-by-blow account of the day-to-day production duties and mishaps of two men intimately involved in helping to produce what has become a cultural touchstone for generations. I am fascinated by behind-the-scenes stories such as those.

Author Websites and Profiles
Shannon Lush Website
Shannon Lush Amazon Profile

Shannon Lush’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My very first publication was in Essence Magazine, which brought on a television appearance! After a few more publications in newspapers and one anthology, I decided to tackle novel writing. I figured I could string words together okay, so this shouldn’t be too difficult. I was very green, to say the least.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Never Too Late. Elements from my own upbringing inspired the painful scenes for my book. For example, I never saw pictures of myself around the house as a kid or teen. To this day, I love taking photos. In my study, I have a featured wall for family photos, and yes, I’m among the portraits, cheesing from ear to ear.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can write in a crowded, noisy restaurant and it wouldn’t bother me, especially if I’m engrossed in my character’s outcome. Preferably, I enjoy writing at home or at coffee houses.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am fascinated by Walter Mosley’s books and how he, seemingly, effortless captures the essence of a sympathetic character. Equally, I enjoy Bernice McFadden’s style of writing as she fuses literary description with rich dialog. Sadly, I can’t get any more from one of my all time favorite authors, Bebe Moore Campbell.

What are you working on now?
A novel titled Twelve Years. I like to challenge myself with different elements or styles such as first or third person, plot twists, etc. But, I’ll let you in on a little secret: in every book I write, someone will die. What someone does with the time they have on this planet is quite fascinating. I enjoy exploring that, because no matter what we achieve or fail to accomplish during this lifetime, we will all pass through the universe the same way. No one can get out of life alive!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a new author still becoming known, I’d say utilizing virtual book tours, and book clubs, as well as free book promotions, certainly help. Best sites: Bookbub, and Goodreads, including social media. Of course, my own website is a promotional tool for my published works, including book reviews I’ve received.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Know why you love to write. This is important because you will have hurdles that knock you flat on the ground, especially if you want to be a serious author. Never give up even when you get a rejection. Keep telling yourself that you have something to say and you will not stop until people are given the opportunity to read your work! Above all, put out a polished product, no matter how long it takes. To do so, one must read, read, and continue to read a variety of material. Lastly, don’t compare yourself to other authors. You are unique. Period.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up on your dream.

What are you reading now?
Being Lara, by Lola Jaye.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d love to have one of my works turned into a movie. I pride myself as writing inspirational stories, which means I’m willing to take my time to go deep with my characters in order to draw out emotion from readers. I actually have a vision board

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?
Ha! The bible, Love on the Dotted Line by Daavid E. Talbert, and Brothers and Sisters by Bebe Moore Campbell.

Author Websites and Profiles
Pamela Towns Website
Pamela Towns Amazon Profile

Pamela Towns’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Sahreth, but a lot of people know me by my nickname ‘Baphy.’ For most of my life, I’ve struggled with both physical and mental health including bone, blood, and heart diseases as well as lung failure and liver transplant which earned me the reputation of the ‘weird sick kid’ growing up. Although I’m yet to write on my physical problems, I do often like to incorporate my experiences as a PTSD and Schizoaffective Disorder patient into my work. I live in Arkansas, USA with my incredible wife of 9 years and our furry family (rats, cats, and an old dog named Odie). At present, I have four books published, am working on three more, and have many ideas for future stories.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recently published work is ‘Hallucinatory Tribulation Vol. 1.’ It’s a collection of short psychological horror/thriller stories inspired by mental illness, namely my own struggles with Schizoaffective Disorder (schizophrenia and major depressive disorder) and PTSD.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I’m your typical ‘grab a pot of coffee and sit at the computer for hours’ type. I’m somewhere between a plotter and a panster. Usually, I have ideas hit me randomly that I write down and when it’s time to pick up work on a new book, I look at that list and take the first one that sticks out to me. I’ll sit and think about that idea until a full story-line appears, then it’s back to the computer.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been an avid reader since I first learned right before I started school. Funnily enough, I’m the only reader and the only creativity-oriented mind in my family so not only did other people think I was weird, my family did too. My first inspirations to be an author were George Orwell and Ted Dekker, with James Patterson coming in my later teen years. I love how Orwell’s books made a point of getting his audience to analyze important things like government and social interaction. My ‘Visitor’s Blood’ series draws heavily from those things. Dekker, to me, is a passionate person who uses his dark musings to portray his positive beliefs, even if those around him can’t see past his strangeness. It was through Patterson that I modeled my writing habits, namely focusing on short chapters to keep the reader’s attention and neglecting (largely) flowery wording in favor of plain speak.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on Book 3 of my ‘Visitor’s Blood’ series, which will be the last installment (save for maybe a prequel at some point). It’s a social science fiction story that follows an Earth couple as they journey to an alien world where they take part in a rebellion aimed at equality of the two races: humans and vampires. I’m also working on a psychological thriller involving a demonesque being who shapeshifts in order to manipulate his prey. My third work-in-progress is a gritty realistic fiction that I’m not too keen on getting into the details of as of yet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Although I’ve been writing since I was ten and worked on my first book for ten years, I’m a new author myself. The only advice I can give to any writer is to keep working. Never stop trying to improve and take all criticism with an open mind.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Dream big and dream hard, but work harder. Work and dedication is the difference between casual day dreamers and those who make their dreams a reality.

What are you reading now?
Due to mental health issues, I had difficulty reading for several years. Now, much therapy to where I’m stable, I’ve opted to focus solely on reading indie work. My to be read/reviewed list as well as past reviews can be found on my website.

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me is the same as it always is: keep looking to improve and getting my work seen. In 2020, I plan on attending several events and continuing to write my stories, looking for any criticism and opportunities to do more and do better.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“Saint” by Ted Dekker, for remembrance of my beginnings; “Animal Farm” by George Orwell, to remind me that the company of a crowd isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be; and “The Collective Works of Edgar Allan Poe,” because I can read them a million times and still be in love.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sahreth ‘Baphy’ Bowden Website
Sahreth ‘Baphy’ Bowden Amazon Profile

Sahreth ‘Baphy’ Bowden’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the author of 24 published books with six more in varying stages of completion. Nine are audiobooks, with one more in the works. I live in western Washington where it rains nine months of the year and drips off the trees the rest of the time; ideal for writing. I’ve written my whole life. My first production was a one-act play in second grade that the teacher liked so well, she had the class act it out. SPruprising, my Cruise Addict’s Wife series took off right away. My background in stand up comedy influences all of my books. Why would anyone read a book that makes them feel worse?!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Ghost in the Bakery” was a fun one to write. It takes place in a small town in Oregon, where Kate buys an old building for cheap, not knowing it comes with a couple of resident ghosts. It’s just the kind of story I love to read, with warm characters and no flinch-worthy scenes. I’m creative enough to compose my own nightmares: these are not-scary ghosts.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A year ago summer, in southern Idaho, I crashed into my adult son, the one shaped like a fire hydrant, at the bottom of a 600-foot-long slip-n-slide down a slope during a family reunion. Along with tearing six ribs loose from their moorings, the impact shattered my baby finger. So now I type with it politely canted away from the keyboard as if I was about to pick up a teacup. Also, I’ve written in a daily journal since I was 18, which was some time ago.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love a good cozy (there are so many poorly-written ones out there) and anything to do with WWII. “Sarah’s Key” was so good, I had to take breaks reading it.

What are you working on now?
“One Daughter at a Time” will be out in January. It’s a coming-of-age story about Julie, who leaned too heavily on her husband. Once he died, can she raised the five daughters alone, teaching them all they need to know? The story shows the hazards of five little girls and a mother who’s growing up along with them.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Shotgun approach. Some sites work better than others, and some months I have more to spend on promoting them that others. My first book, Tips from the Crusie Addict’s wife, never needs promoting; it’s frequently a best-seller with no help from me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, and write some more. The more books you have out there, the more you’ll sell. And the world needs to hear your words, your story, your way of telling it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write at least 160 words per day. Often, I write many more than that, but the idea of writing even a snippet every day keeps the current book in my mind so my subconscious can work out knots while I’m going through my day.

What are you reading now?
“The Nazi Officer’s Wife.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books! I have many more in me, and I will get them out

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 Book of Mormon, a good thesaurus, and my journal. I need to write, after all.

Author Websites and Profiles
Deb Graham Amazon Profile

Deb Graham’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1961. Back then, as we didn’t yet have the luxury of a television set in the house, as kids, if we weren’t playing outside, we usually read. I learned and loved to read before I’d even started school, and was writing my own little stories by the age of five. At school then, writing was the one pursuit that I really enjoyed, and at which I seemed to excel: I won commendations, prizes and even an award for a story of mine that was sent on my behalf to an Irish national newspaper, when, If I remember correctly, I was still only about seven.
Of course, it all went to my head! As far as I was concerned my future was sorted; all I’d ever have to do was write. I needn’t bother myself about trying to do well in school, or ever consider any alternative careers, and certainly I’d need never worry about money. But, unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way.
Let free on the world then, unburdened by any qualifications or skills, I worked at various jobs, but then finding myself unemployed for a while, in the Irish recessionary 1980s, I decided that it was about time that I was discovered, and finally got around to writing my first great book!
However, the one publisher that I sent it to didn’t seem to agree, sending it back to me with the note that it ‘didn’t suit their lists’ and the suggestion that supplying it hand-written mightn’t be such a good idea, and that, if I was forwarding it elsewhere, I should really consider first getting it typed. And there was I believing that my genius was bound to shine through even my barely decipherable long-hand… I really was that naïve!
Disappointed as I was, I never did get it typed, or sent it anywhere else, coming to the painful realization that, maybe, just maybe, it really wasn’t so great. But I did continue to write.
My first novel published was The Prince in 1996. The new version, The Revenge of The Stoned Rats (The novel previously known as The Prince), in 2018.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Revenge of The Stoned Rats (The novel previously known as The Prince) A new version of my novel The Prince which was published in 1996, and was inspired by my life experiences up until then.
I was probably near enough to being what might have been called then ‘a model child.’ I did what I was told and I doubt that I was ever any trouble to anyone. But I did read a lot, and I did think a lot, and probably overthought a lot, and at the age thirteen I changed. I questioned everything that I’d been told, I believed nothing and saw no value in anything, and began my rebellion against all. Thankfully, in my teens, I found the company of other unsettled souls: Lads who’d spent a lot of their childhoods in reform schools and juvenile prisons, some of whom, as it transpired, were well on their way to achieving senior status, but who turned out to be the most trustworthy and loyal friends I have ever had. The book, in part, is a tribute to them.
The family circumstances and situation are purely fictional, but otherwise the novel is autobiographical; I always had the feeling that everything that I experiencing was just material for a book I would write someday. That book was The Prince, now called The Revenge of The Stoned Rats.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Writing whilst listening to loud music.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
That’s a difficult one because I’ve read a lot of books, and I couldn’t honestly say that I’m aware of being particularly influenced by any specific author. I actually think that my influences might be more musical than literary e.g. the lyrics of David Bowie, Talking Heads and The Psychedelic Furs, and the attitude of The Sex Pistols.

What are you working on now?
A novel that I’ve been tipping away at now for over twenty years…. seriously! But just to qualify; oftentimes, because of work and financial commitments, I haven’t managed more than a few paragraphs at holiday times. But, thankfully, the road ahead is looking a lot clearer now and I am hopeful that it will see the light of day in the next year, if not two.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m hoping it will be Awesome Gang! But other than that, I’m very much old school and haven’t really used the internet or social media to date. The Revenge of The Stoned Rats is, though, available now from bookshops around Ireland, so, fortunately, I’ve done a number of radio and newspaper interviews, and have had articles written about it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t set out to try and write a bestseller, just be true to yourself.

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

What are you reading now?
I’m catching up on a few I missed along the way. I’ve just finished Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mockingbird, and have my eye now on Charles Dickens’s, David Copperfield.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To finally complete my new 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?
I suppose I’d have to take Robinson Crusoe…for sure! But, otherwise, I’d like to take a few books that I haven’t read yet, and preferably lengthy ones, and I don’t know what they’d be. But if it was a choice of old favourites, maybe, The Wasp Factory by Ian Banks, The Catcher in The Rye by J.D. Salinger, and Days Between Stations by Steve Erickson, and, if I had room for one more, definitely for reasons of literary merit, as well as for length, The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann.

Author Websites and Profiles
Eddie Smyth Amazon Profile

Eddie Smyth’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in France but grew up in California and around the world. I’ve also lived in Mexico, French Polynesia, Australia, Switzerland, the UK, Nicaragua and Portugal, and am now living in Spain working as a language coach.
I started writing kind of by accident five or so years ago. One thing led to another, and I’ve now published one short story collection, “The Edge of Reason”. Just the one so far, though I am working on another one, which I hope to publish by next summer.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is “The Edge of Reason”, and it’s just a collection of a dozen completely independent and very different short stories. These were inspired by different writing prompts I found here and there.
The stories cover various genres including romance, thriller, fantasy, horror and historical fiction. My focus when I write is to try to convey as much realism as possible through the style, so as to better immerse the reader in the story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. But the way I got into writing might be unusual. Remember when I said I started “kind of by accident”? At first all I was doing was jumping on unusual idea associations I saw on friends’ posts on Facebook, trying to be clever and funny. The posts were intended to be about a paragraph long but quickly grew to a couple of pages’ worth. My friends then started saying I should get into writing more seriously. And from there it just kind of snowballed, and as I wrote I gained confidence and honed my style.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I really like Frederick Forsyth’s style, which I discovered reading books like “The Fourth Protocol” and “The Day of the Jackal”. This style helped me develop my penchant for realism and detail. I also took inspiration, for the character development and emotional expression sides, from John Marsden’s “Tomorrow” series.
The rest of my literary inspiration comes from other authors like Rowling, Clancy, and Brown.
For everything else, I draw inspiration from my travels, my empirical experience of humanity and society, and my various nerd tendencies.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a new short story anthology, this one with an overarching theme. It will be a collection of fictional stories illustrating some of the more or less rational behaviors we humans are capable of in our society, including cognitive biases, prejudice, double standards and other similar contradictions. The aim will be to raise awareness of these behaviors, of how necessary they are, but also how we can mitigate them if we know they’re there.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As I’m still on a rather limited budget, I’ve been focusing exclusively on social media. I have a Facebook page as well as profiles on Twitter, Instagram and Goodreads. I also try to find sites like this one to get visibility and/or reviews.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just go for it. Put the pen to the paper – or the fingers to the keyboard – and write. Fine-tune your style. Start by writing something that you yourselves will like, based on what you yourself like in what you read. Get feedback and keep improving. Don’t give up.
And when you’ve decided on a deadline for a project, never forget Hofstadter’s Law: everything takes longer than expected, even when you factor in Hofstadter’s Law.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard for writing is the advice to just go ahead and do it. Writing is just like a whole lot of other things in life: so many people keep saying they’ll do it, but only those who follow this advice actually make it.
Also, never discount or dismiss any constructive criticism. Take the criticism side with a pinch of salt, and use the constructive side to your advantage in order to improve.
And like Nike says, “Just do it.”

What are you reading now?
I’m reading various things, depending on my mood. I really enjoy the whimsically sarcastic and nerdy sides of “Thing Explainer” by Randall Munroe of XKCD fame. I’m also practicing my Italian by reading The Lord of the Rings in that language. Trevor Noah’s “Born a Crime” audiobook also keeps me entertained and finding out about the complicated situation he grew up in. And on the more factual side, I sometimes turn to Dubner and Levitt’s “Freakonomics” series.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As mentioned above, I’m working on another short story collection which I’m hoping to release early next summer. My first big project was a novel, but when I realized it was easier to begin with short stories I eventually put it on the backburner for now. But my stories are getting longer and more elaborate, so I may be working my way back up to a novel already, so I may finally release that story at some point in the coming years.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well I’ve been on desert islands before, and even there one can find so much to do and discover there that reading wouldn’t necessarily be the first priority.

Author Websites and Profiles
Damien Concordel Amazon Profile

Damien Concordel’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my second book. The first was a photo tips ebook I wrote a few years ago.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is Trails to the Top and it was inspired by all the great guests who come on my podcast, The Outdoor Biz Podcast. I’m an avid Outdoor Adventurer with a 30 plus year career in the outdoor industry. I’ve held leadership roles with iconic brands such as Montbell, Eagle Creek, JanSport Dana Design and Lowepro and am the founder, producer, and host of The Outdoor Biz Podcast. I believe achieving success in the outdoor biz is dependent upon embracing the outdoor lifestyle and learning from outdoor leaders that came before you. In addition to podcasting, I help outdoor and adventure brands, retailers, and outfitters grow their business through podcasting.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Simon Sinek, Tim Ferris, Edward Abbey, Alfred Lansing

What are you working on now?
I continue to publish the podcast once a week and am working on volume 2 of Trails to the Top.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have got that figured out yet. My book launched about two weeks ago and I’m sorting it all out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stick with it, it’s a long process but worth every bit of effort you put towards it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Trust your gut

What are you reading now?
The Bully Pulpit by Dorris Kearns Goodwin

What’s next for you as a writer?
volume 2 of Trails to the Top.

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?
Endurance, The Four Work Week, The Monkey Wrench Gang and Shantaram

Author Websites and Profiles
Rick Saez Website
Rick Saez Amazon Profile

Rick Saez’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Wisconsin with my family, three cats, and one very friendly dog. The Flight of The Starling is the first novel I wrote as an adult, but I have been writing stories for as long as I can remember. I wrote a lot of poetry in high school and college, and now I concentrate mostly on short stories, novels, and personal essays. I have written another book, also with fairies but in a modern setting, for young adults which I hope to publish next year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Flight of The Starling is a fairy tale for everyone. Middle grade-school kids can read it themselves, younger kids will like having it read to them, and older fans of fantasy, especially with a sense of humor, will enjoy it, too. My goal was to write a new fairy tale that felt like it would fit in with old traditional tales. I wanted to play with readers’ expectations but also satisfy that sense of nostalgia for castles and courts and noble quests. I tried to make it sweet, funny, and a little romantic.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it’s unusual but I keep a pin board with character bios, setting notes, open questions, and pictures or quotes that might inspire something in my current story. It’s good to look at it every day to keep the story fresh in my mind and continue to add details, even if I don’t have the time to sit down and write a whole chapter. Maybe just add a new character name or idea that came to me and flesh out the story world a bit, or insert something into the timeline. That visual layout where you can move pieces around is really helpful.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
This book was heavily influenced by The Princess Bride by William Goldman, The Ordinary Princess by M.M. Kaye, and A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. I love books that fully inhabit their worlds while poking fun at them. In other words, camp. A narrator telling the story ties is all together, in this style.

What are you working on now?
My next project is a steampunk novel set in the Old West. The premise is a steampunk cyborg – men enhanced with super strength and endurance through technology. Of course evil forces exploit this so a band of rebels works to sabotage and bring down the corporations forcing people into conversion.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning, but Kindlepreneur is a good resource of ideas. It’s how I found Awesome Gang and many other sites whose purpose is to promote indie books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice for anyone who wants to be a writer is write every day and don’t give up. You may have natural talent or be a born storyteller, but to be a good writer takes practice. Lots and lots of practice. It also takes listening when people give you advice and criticism. Just because you love what you wrote, that doesn’t mean it works for the reader. Criticism and rejection are as much a part of writing as the fun parts of making up stories and sharing them with an audience. So practice, learn, and keep going.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Learn the rules before you break them. Applies to grammar, storytelling, adventuring, and life.

What are you reading now?
Winter of The Gods by Jordanna Max Brodsky
Urban fantasy about Greek gods in Manhattan.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Building the platform of Ella Arrow, Curator of Wonder (on ella-arrow.com) is my next big project as I try to expand my audience. I am trying to find wonder and magic in my everyday life, even when the news is crummy or it snows on Halloween or I have a ton of chores to do. I want to inspire readers to find ways to appreciate what’s all around them, feel connected to other people, and seek out those special moments of harmony, but also to recognize the struggle in such a quest.

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?
• Trigger Warning by Neil Gaiman
• The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart
• The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
• Grimms’ Fairy Tales

Author Websites and Profiles
Ella Arrow Website
Ella Arrow Amazon Profile

Ella Arrow’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is the first book I have written in this particular genre.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Fallout. I was inspired to write this book after spending 20 years in the medical field as a certified speech-language pathologist. As medical science advances antibiotics are becoming less effective in treating certain diseases. Viral stains are able to mutate and become non responsive to treatment as well. What happens when we run out of methods to treat these super bugs? What is society’s response?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I tend to write late at night and early in the morning.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, James Patterson, Margaret Atwood, Jack Hunt, Nora Roberts

What are you working on now?
A thriller involving a mother who has her child murdered.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do paid promotional advertising as well as word of mouth.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the book. Don’t edit as you go. You can hire and editor later. Focus on the story.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Figure out your end before you write anything. The ending dictates the characters choices throughout the book.

What are you reading now?
If You Tell by Gregg Olsen

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing my thriller and planning out the next 3 books in that series

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Help, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Pride & Prejudice

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Was born in Hungary, came to the U.S. in 1939. Have lived in NYC, Chicago, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Los Angeles, among others, now live in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Attended Washington & Jefferson College, Carnegie Tech, Tulane U., UCLA Extension, Columbia Pacific U. Was a theatre director for thirty years, then turned to the study and practice of modern metaphysics and to writing. Have written twenty books, three stage plays, half a dozen screenplays, one children’s book. I have always written what I wanted to, and have been pleased to find readers for my writing, most of which has been based on real events.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Doppelganger: The Legend of Lee Harvey Oswald. In 2009 I read two or three books about the murder of JFK. I found that information about the man calling himself Lee Harvey Oswald was peculiar, confusing and often impossible. I kept reading and then researching, and finally concluded that “Lee Harvey Oswald” was an intelligence agent in deep cover, who was using the identity of the real Lee Harvey Oswald. It eventually became obvious that “Harvey Oswald” had been set up as a patsy and was innocent of any crimes, much less two murders. I wrote the book because I thought it was terrible to murder “Harvey” and then falsely accuse him of murder. I wanted to clear his name, especially for his two daughters. Later, I wrote a play based on the book, O: The Legend of Lee Harvey Oswald.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was a literature major as an undergraduate, and I was influenced by Hemingway, as he had a clear and simple style.

What are you working on now?
Working to get my Oswald play produced. Glad to hear from any directors or producers or agents.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing, someone, somewhere is waiting for what you have to say. Anyone can self-publish on Amazon for free. I didn’t get serious about writing until I was over 65 years of age.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
?

What are you reading now?
Metaphysical books.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. Become rich and famous.

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 Russian novels, like War and Peace, as they are long and complex.

Author Websites and Profiles
George Schwimmer, Ph.D. Website
George Schwimmer, Ph.D. Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an independent author and publisher from Las Vegas, NV. I am passionate about finding ways to earn money online and teaching people about them. So far, I’ve only written one book, but I have more coming soon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Ultimate Business Toolbox

I wrote this book, because I wanted to give aspiring entrepreneurs the tools to succeed online.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I can thing of.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Laptop Millionaire, Outwitting The Devil, Think And Grow Rich, 48 Laws of Power

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a course to teach people ways of making money online.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://books2read.com/u/mgG6qR

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Promote, promote, promote, and promote some more.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

What are you reading now?
40 Rules for Internet Business Success

What’s next for you as a writer?
Online courses and YouTube videos.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Holy Bible, a book about desert survival, and a book about building a boat from scratch

Author Websites and Profiles
Sean Pancirov Website
Sean Pancirov Amazon Profile

Sean Pancirov’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am going to feel very old saying this, but I graduated from college five years ago. I recently started taking my acting much more seriously and will be making my debut in several feature films next year. I would say Blaxpride was my first book, but Blaxpride: Dilation is what you may consider a second edition that is four times the length of the first one. Hopefully, the first of many that can eventually lead to a potential film or TV series. TaleFlick is what I hope can help me in that regard.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
haunts him as his misdeeds in Hong Kong have a domino effect on his hometown of Oakland, California. Despite wanting to live a healthy life, he is forced to defend his city as the masked crusader Blaxpride. The same detail was placed on the first Blaxpride, but this is a more detailed version with 90 day time period for when he first arrived back in the Bay Area. What inspired me to write this book was the fact that when I finished college, a lot of my old friends were still in school or complacent. I wanted to discuss topics of being an African American college graduate from the Bay Area with a target on his back when all he wants to do is be around family and work. In a fantasized situation, you get to witness all of that plus more.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing style is kind of crazy! (laughs) Some days I just go at the typing without any type of brainstorming and just let the brain do all the work on the fly. I also take public transportation a lot, so when I get some kind of downtime, I tend to open my phone and start creating more characters. The iPhone Notes app is beneficial to me. I really don’t sketch as much as I used to, but I do visualize mental images of what I expect each character to. I think just continuing to write, even when it’s not for a story, can create other ideas. And I think that’s what I want out of Blaxpride. Most of my previous readers will see that Blaxpride: Dilation is a prime example of this. Trust the process. (laughs)

What authors, or books have influenced you?
S.E. Hinton is probably one author that intrigued me. I loved the Outsiders, and that book will be referenced a lot throughout Blaxpride and the BlaxUniverse. I also like Christopher Paul Curtis, as “Bud, Not Buddy” was something I read a lot in grade school and I felt it was always an extremely underappreciated coming of age story about family. Those two stories influenced the Blaxpride series.

What are you working on now?
Well, I mentioned earlier that I am an actor. I am trying to take on more leadership roles to develop and enhance my acting skills. I’ve also undergone a considerable workout regimen to prepare in case one-day Blaxpride is designed for the screen and I would love to play Larry Lee one of these days. I mean, I think I know the character best. (laughs) But seriously, I just want to continue to develop Blaxpride novels and even short stories for other characters in the universe so that when the time is right – I am all in and ready to go.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do a lot of interviews, promote on social media (Instagram/Facebook/Twitter) and hope for the best. I even reached out to a few connections I have on LinkedIn for support, and I am seeing how that’s going. I want genuine people who are interested in my product. At this point, it’s quality over quantity, and nobody wants faulty products.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just don’t give up. There are going to be people that love your ideas, and there’s going to be people that hate them. I always envision myself creating my own superhero universe for TV/film, but I decided to take the novel/book approach. I am working TaleFlick to get my work out there, but I am in no rush. When the time is right, Blaxpride and the BlaxFamily will be seen on the screen eventually.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It wasn’t advice, but it was a good quote from Kevin Hart. It was, “Everybody wants to be famous, but nobody wants to do the work. I live by that. You grind hard so you can play hard. At the end of the day, you put all the work in, and eventually, it’ll pay off. It could be in a year, it could be in 30 years. Eventually, your hard work will pay off.” I live by that because I know eventually Blaxpride is going to make it.

What are you reading now?
I don’t really read books, but a lot of articles from success authors or writers that have their work developed for TV/film. That’s one of the goals I have for myself at this moment.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, you would be lying to yourself if you didn’t want to create work that didn’t receive multiple accolades. So I won’t lie to myself. I wish that, and I want it bad, whether it’s with Blaxpride: Dilation or the next project, but I know for a fact that I want to create something that both my mom and dad will be able to visualize and say, “My son did that, and we are so proud of him.”

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?
See, if I’m going to be stranded on an island. I need some humor and some action. I would want the Miles Morales Spiderman book, a few Archie Comics, and Arrow: Vengeance. I must diversify depending on the mood I’m in that day. If not, I may end up yelling at Wilson. (laughs)

Author Websites and Profiles
David Bermudez Website
David Bermudez Amazon Profile

David Bermudez’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written two published books, Hope And Possibility Through Trauma and my recent book, Overcoming A Mysterious Condition. These books are about my life and the trauma I endured. However, I don’t focus on the horror aspects. The details of what I’ve experienced help show my journey and the ways in which I healed. In my view, it is more important to show that not only did I endure horrific torture and abuse, but that I am finding a way through it into healing and recovery.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Overcoming A Mysterious Condition. I did not sit down to write a second book. It happened out of the blue because what I started to write that day was a blog post. The only thing was, it was way too long for a blog post.

I found that I had so much more to say on the subject, so I came back another day and another day. At the time the title I saved it under became “writing something.” Each day I kept sitting down to write and I’d easily crank out 2000 to 3000 words. It became obvious that this was more than a blog post. It was working its way towards becoming a book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I write, there are times that I have an organized structure in mind or on paper. However, most of the time, I write from an inspired moment. If something catches me that pumps up my emotions, I can crank out a few thousand words easily.

When I’m in that inspired moment of writing, the words I write don’t often register in my mind. It isn’t until I read through it after I’m done that I truly see what I have written. When I create music, it is the same way as how I write. I don’t hear what I’ve created until it is finished. Thankfully, these days, we have electronic means for recording and writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of the fiction authors I love is John Grisham because he weaves the story through the book. Another new and upcoming author is Aiden L. Bailey because of how he brings the characters to life. Again, it is about telling a story and helping the reader become emotionally invested in the words you craft together.

When it comes to nonfiction authors, I love the ones that try to make a difference with something unique. I think of Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk who has written a timeless piece that was ahead of its time. Dr. John Sarno understood the Mind Body Connection long before it was an everyday concept. There are people like Mike Lew who helped so many by writing a book for male survivors. Dr. Peter Levine with his many concepts that offer a way for others to deal with trauma and not only from a concept-oriented way.

The way these authors present their words and how much impact they have on the world is the way I hope my books will always be received. I’m not in this only to write books. I want to make a difference in the world through what I write.

What are you working on now?
Throughout so much of my healing, I recorded various journal entries. As I was going through the healing sessions with Dr. Paul Canali, I would make observations of what was happening, from the good and difficult to the ah ha moments of realization. My attempt now is to put this in a format so that some of these healing concepts I’ve written about become more real and easy to understand.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I spend most of my time in two places. One is Twitter and the other is my blog. Each week I write a blog post that deals with some aspect of healing or a part of my own journey. Often these two parts intersect. The other way is that I try to tweet real and authentic concepts with compassion and empathy for others. I work to connect with people authentically so that they feel heard, listened to, and understood. I know I suffered horrendous torture and trauma in silence. If I can give someone the ability to break that silence and be heard, even if it is a small moment, I know that my life has helped make a difference.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Realize that writing is only half of what you need to do because promotion and marketing is the other part. Learn from those that are doing well and never think you’ve got it figured out. The minute you do, you’ll be running behind the crowd.

Write from your heart. Make your words authentic so people can connect with you. It is more important to have your book concepts explained well because you’ve reached that point where you really do know what you are talking about, not just regurgitating what others have told you.

The other part of advice I would give is edit your work and have someone do it professionally. I’ve read a lot of books that have great content, but the writing needs a great deal of editing. It is difficult enough to get a point across, but when the writing is poor, it makes it much more difficult.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Find the thing that in life that connects you to your heart and then give it all the energy that you can. When we connect to the heart, we find our true calling in life. In the process, it helps lift others up to higher places.

What are you reading now?
I just finished John Grisham’s new novel, The Guardians and was very moved by it. I also just finished reading the book, “The Shift Squad” by Rick Fortier and it was one of those books that I wish I could have read years ago. On my reading list is “The Mind-Gut Connection” and probably many more after that. I try to read as many books as I can.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve only just begun as a writer in my view. As soon as I get done writing the next book on my personal healing experiences, then I’ve got a 5 part series I’ll be writing on the Mind Body. As I do this, I’ll continue to market and promote things and hopefully work to make audio versions of my books. I hope that my books could be translated into other languages at some point so more people could be helped by them. Another thing that I hope to bring about is doing some seminars and conferences where I can put these concepts into action with larger groups.

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 longest books I could find and probably the classics that I’ve not read. Anything that would allow me to slowly read the book and enjoy every page of it.

Author Websites and Profiles
Don Shetterly Website
Don Shetterly Amazon Profile

Don Shetterly’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Sylvia Damsell. I was born and brought up in South Africa but now live in England. My main occupation is writing novels which I love doing. I also write under the names of Sylvia Wheatley and Elise Robbins but mainly under Sylvia Damsell where I write Christian historical western romances.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is ‘A Bride for Lemuel’ which is part of a series called ‘Lone Pine Brides.’ I’m not sure what inspires my books. I just start writing and a book follows. True historical facts are included among the fiction, which is something in which I am very interested, particularly the way women began to move into areas where they were not allowed before in the later nineteenth century. My books address some of these issues but not in a boring way, just as part of the plot. There is always romance.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not particularly. I type on a laptop which, as its name suggests, sits on my lap where I sit on the sofa with my legs up. Sometimes I put on earphones and listen to music while I’m writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Bible mostly which I love. Under the name of Sylvia Wheatley I write commentaries, also novels set in different Bible times.

What are you working on now?
I am about to start a new Christmas novel set in California but haven’t got into it properly. I also have another book in the pipeline which is on pre-order but hasn’t been written yet. ‘Anna’s Destiny’, the story of a lady from Asia set in 1879 and a sequel to ‘A Bride for Lemuel.’

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook, also Awesome Gang and a couple of other promoters.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make sure there are no mistakes in your book which involves re-reading many times before it is published. Advertise on facebook or elsewhere but don’t spend more than you earn on it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’m not sure but I personally would say, enjoy what you do. Don’t just do it to make lots of money.

What are you reading now?
The Bible regularly. Have just read, ‘An Agent for Phoebe’ by Nerys Leigh. I really enjoyed it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will just keep writing because that is what I love and do the research that goes with it, which is also fascinating.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible.
A compilation of all my books.
Two other longs books by an author I like which I don’t mind reading over and over again.
I’d also like my laptop with a few spare batteries.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sylvia Damsell Website
Sylvia Damsell Amazon Profile

Sylvia Damsell’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, It’s not much to tell about me. I’m twenty-nine, and I love reading. I read everything-except for horror. I’m the oldest, it’s just me, and my baby sister who is also my best friend. I travel a lot with my family. I’m a shopaholic and social media addict. I’m from San Francisco, California, but I now live away from the city.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is also my first one. The title is the Earl’s Secret Treasure. It’s a historical regency romance. What inspired it? I would have to say two of my favorite authors. When I was fourteen I picked up a book by Johanna Lindsey. It was called Tender Rebel. It was the first time in my life I had ever stayed up to read a book. I was amazed. It had adventure, a wonderful heroine, and a dashing hero. It was terribly romantic and when I finished it I went to the library and found every book I could on historical romances. Since then I’ve been hooked.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
If you count listening to music, then no. Sometimes I hear a song, or listen to a conversation and then I start to create this entirely new world. I write it in my phone memo until I get to my laptop where I proceed to write, and keep writing until that character is done speaking.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Johanna Lindsey, Beverly Jenkins, Brenda Jackson, Laura Lee Guhrke, JR Ward.

What are you working on now?
I’ve already finished a contemporary sports romance, so I want to get started on releasing that in the new year. As for what I’m writing now is the sequel to The Earl’s Secret Treasure.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I used a public relations company that are absolutely wonderful. Enticing Journey Book Promotions.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing. Believe in your work, and never listen to what other people say. If in your heart you wanted to write that crazy sci-fi thriller, or robots falling in love in the midst of an apocalypse, or a girl defying tradition and following her own path, then do it. I can guarantee that there is someone out in this big world that will read and enjoy your work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It doesn’t matter what others think. As long as you love it, and are proud of it, then that is all that truly matters.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading too many things actually. Currently, it’s JR Ward’s The Bourbon Kings. That book is amazing! I’m also reading E.L. James The Mister. I love James, so I knew I would love this book.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully producing more books that people love. I’m thinking of expanding into a vampire romance series. I want something good though, not tacky, or lame vampires.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Topaz by Beverly Jenkins
Tender Rebel Johanna Lindsey
The Reluctant Suitor by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

Author Websites and Profiles
Nicole Renee Website

Nicole Renee’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written three books so far while I’m currently on my fourth.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is SONG OF THE SAME NAME. It is inspired by certain individuals I have come across in the past.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King’s Shining and Danielle Steele’s Daddy

What are you working on now?
I’m working on my fourth book now in which is still untitled.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
By going on blog tours and posting on Facebook and Twitter.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To believe in myself

What are you reading now?
A biography on Marilyn Monroe.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Depends on what the future brings me-

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.
2. The Shining by Stephen King
3. The Divide by Nicholas Evans

Author Websites and Profiles
Sandy Granato Website
Sandy Granato Amazon Profile

Sandy Granato’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I gained a PhD in Engineering from the University of Cambridge, hold numerous patents and have a career in technical management in high-tech industry. I began writing as another creative outlet after becoming ‘blocked’ as a sculptor and portraitist.

The pen name ‘Jeremiah Hope’ reflects my innate optimism for the future and confidence in the human will to survive and thrive, rather against the trend of the modern world. This in part, explains the non-dystopian, but certainly not utopian future world that forms the background to my books. I have a strong belief that to be credible fiction has to reflect what is possible. It is this that has driven the creation of a ‘new medieval’ setting with a mixed technology reminiscent of the 1920’s and social and political structures similar to earlier periods.

Renaissance is my first novel and forms the introduction to a planned series that seek to combine adventure, excitement, derring-do, with a thought-provoking subtext.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Renaissance’ is an action, adventure thriller, set in a post-apocalyptic future, but not a high-tech dystopia, which you might imagine from my background. I have chosen instead a new middle ages, using tools and technology that hobbyists and the few remaining professionals could make work with limited resources.

I have always questioned sci-fi worlds where complete social breakdown is accompanied by huge consumption of energy and resources. It simply could not happen. The organisation, equipment, and specialist knowledge needed to produce and process oil is vast. This is not available to a depleted population that has survived a near-extinction event.

I also read a huge amount of history, especially medieval history and I have always been fascinated by the intensity, colour and violence of that world and how people sought to organise themselves, through religion, guilds and so forth. The social and political world of the middle ages was small, vibrant, and intensely alive, in part because people did not expect to live a long time.

I chose a post-apocalyptic setting for ‘Renaissance’ as a means of creating a small, close, world where I could develop characters that the reader might care about and also, in between the action, ask questions about our world, as much as theirs. I hope that I have been subtle enough in that aim not to detract from the pace of the plot or put my creations in a false position.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I have yet acquired any odd writing habits, but I intend to!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think recently the biggest impressions on me have been made by Raymond Chandler and George Orwell. I am also a huge fan of C J Sansom’s ‘Shardlake’ series. Going back I read a lot of action novels, Alastair Maclean, Hammond Innes, Robert Ludlum, Fredrick Forsyth, Dick Francis. I am trying to write books that I would enjoy reading…

What are you working on now?
The second volume in the ‘Renaissance’ series, tentatively titled ‘Reprint’. I am really enjoying the plot at the moment and the new characters are mixing in nicely with some of the ones from the first book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am very new to book promotion. It is extremely difficult to persuade people to take a chance on an unknown writer and in a sea of talented people I have not yet worked out how to get rescued!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I think at this stage it would be presumptuous of me to give advice – my ears are open and my mouth firmly shut.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think the only advice that has been correct so far is not to give up. It is tough to get going and it will always be tough to get going, but in the end you make your own luck.

What are you reading now?
I have just finished a couple of Jasper Fforde’s excellent ‘Thursday Next’ series and I am reading a history of the Royal Navy. Next up a brief introduction to Bronze Age Europe.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Complete the second book in the ‘Renaissance’ series, then possibly a comedy whodunnit that I have a plot outline for but not actually started.

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 life on a desert island would be busy, hunting, growing food etc. Maybe I would make my own paper and ink and get some more writing done!
If I was fortunate enough to land with some books then possibly I would start with the Bible, since all of human experience is in there somewhere. Pride and Prejudice is a book I have read over and over again so maybe that and possibly a complete history of the British Isles.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jeremiah Hope Website
Jeremiah Hope Amazon Profile

Jeremiah Hope’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a debuting Author. Tigers Love Bubble Baths & Obsession Perfume (who knew!)is a cozy mystery romance with a spiritual twist recently published by Koehlerbooks. Born in Brooklyn, New York, I have a business degree in accounting from City University, NY, and have worked in insurance and financing. I have spent thirteen years as a religious education teacher and have lived and worked in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. For the past decade, I have served as a Eucharistic minister at my Catholic church, bringing the Eucharist to community nursing homes. After raising my family in Connecticut, I currently travel between Connecticut and Florida, where I plan to continue in my ministry.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
TIGERS LOVE BUBBLE BATHS & OBSESSION PERFUME (who knew!)
Three things inspired my fiction novel: Visiting a big cat reserve in Florida I watched in awe a tiger frolicking in a tub overflowing with bubbles and lapping up Obsession perfume. What a title I thought. Then I had to craft the story. A wish poster was second. What if you could make an unrealistic wish & it came true! Third, a close friend blindsided and betrayed by her cheating husband.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love quirky long Book Titles. It is the first inkling of my book and I have to craft the story around the title of my book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love political thrillers and all their authors.

What are you working on now?
I have been writing for a decade and have many rejection slips. Tigers…. was my 4th manuscript and my first adult novel. My previous three manuscripts were YA. I am currently working on re-editing my 3rd written manuscript, a YA Adventure Fantasy, and hoping to submit to the Publisher. I am also writing a 5th manuscript, a YA. All while promoting Tigers….

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a newbie published author trying to establish myself and get a following, I am trying anything and everything. Social media, etc. different marketing platforms. I have help.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you write because it is part of your heart and soul, Never, ever, give up. Have faith in your writing and yourself. It will happen this I promise. It took me 10 years to get my first novel published. Praying helps me.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Have faith in yourself, your work and it will happen.

What are you reading now?
Research materials for a new manuscript I have in mind.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To get more books published. Keep writing manuscripts.

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, Thesaurus, Wizard of Oz, and David Baldacci’s latest political thriller. Love his books! Because I can’t write in that genre and it’s such a learning curve for me.

Author Websites and Profiles
Mary K. Savarese Website
Mary K. Savarese Amazon Profile

Mary K. Savarese’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a professional writer for 20 years. After graduating from Film School Munich in scriptwriting, I worked as a screenwriter in the German movie business, then as a game writer in the video game industry.
Five years ago, I finally made my childhood dream come true and published my first novel. I have four traditionally published books in Germany, of which three are a Dystopian series.
My latest book, Shadow City, is, in a way, another debut for me, however. It’s my first book in English for the US market after I moved to the US in 2016.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Shadow City, and it has been just released in November.
It’s a Sci-Fi/Dark-Fantasy story with elements of Horror set in post-apocalyptic LA.
Since I used to be a game writer, I built the world of Shadow City similar to an RPG, with different factions and multiple strong characters. Gamers will surely feel reminded of the Fallout series when reading Shadow City. It’s a game series I love, and which inspired me a lot for my book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a strict plotter, which is not very surprising considered that I used to write screenplays. I plan every scene in advance and write it down in a few sentences before I start writing the book.
When I started developing Shadow City, I planned it as a trilogy from the beginning. Before I wrote the first sentence of the novel, I knew exactly how the trilogy will end.
I have a very special work procedure. When I write I imagine a movie in my head. I see everything in all details moving and rewind the scenes in my head over and over again to make changes until I’m satisfied. Then I write them down. It is why my writing style often is described as cinematic by my readers.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a big fan of George Orwell, Aldous Huxley, Anne Rice, Phillip K. Dick, and Isaac Asimov. These are probably the authors who influenced me the most. Additionally, I enjoy reading Stephen King, Dean Koontz, George R.R. Martin, and Andrzej Sapkowski.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on Dark City, which is the working title for the sequel to Shadow City. I’m almost done, maybe 40 more pages to go.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook Ads, Amazon Ads, and Netgalley.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
One of the most difficult things for newbie authors is to actually finish a book. It’s easy to get distracted or disheartened. I would suggest focusing on only one story at a time. Especially the middle of a story is often difficult to write, and that’s the point when many have new ideas for completely different stories and start working on them.
I wouldn’t do that. If you have new ideas, write them down in a notebook, so you can come back to them later, no matter how tempting it is. Finish your story first.
I also would recommend writing every day, if possible. It doesn’t need to be much. If you have five minutes, write for five minutes. If you have five hours, write for five hours. Writing every day is the best way to avoid writer’s block because you become so used to writing that after a while, you can do it anytime, anywhere.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never ever give up!

What are you reading now?
I just finished reading “Reality by Deception” by Bobby Casto, a YA Sci-fantasy story, and I enjoyed it a lot.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will finish Shadow City 2, prepare its publishing for next year, and simultaneously start writing book 3 of the trilogy.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Probably George R.R. Martin’s Ice&Fire series. These books would keep me busy for quite some time
(Not to mention that they are fantastic!)

Author Websites and Profiles
Anna Mocikat Website
Anna Mocikat Amazon Profile

Anna Mocikat’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a university student. I have three degrees and when I’m not studying i read and write. I also enjoy watching movies and catching up on the latest TV shows on Netflix. I’ve written two books and my second novel is part one of a three part series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Truth Come to Light – I’ve always been interested in ancient civilisations and the connection to aliens. It’s one of the main themes in my book – ancient civilisations and their connection to two alien races. The archaeology aspect was inspired by the first archaeology dig I went on.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, i can only write to music and I don’t plan my books. I just write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Danielle Steel, Wilbur Smith, Nora Roberts and Clive Cussler. The book which influenced me with Truth Come to Light is the Ancient Alien companion book which describes ancient civilisations past with aliens.

What are you working on now?
Part two of the series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media, ad campaigns.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, don’t give up. It’s going to take a while to get your story heard but keep it up. Never kick it in as you don’t want your passion to burn.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up, Love peace and happiness. Always laugh.

What are you reading now?
The Shadow Sister by Lucinda Riley. Very good book. I can’t put it down.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the trilogy and starting my fantasy novel which I have an idea and can’t wait to start it.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Message from Nam by Danielle Steel, The Mister by E.L James, Jane Austen seven novel series.

Taryn Feldmann’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Xander is my pen name. I had to disguise my identity because, in my new book, I chronicle the true events as a teacher in an urban school district. I didn’t want to name people or locations because I didn’t want to be possibly sued. I’ve written a free book and I have a companion book coming out soon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title is Weirdo. I actually didn’t decide on this, my former superintendent chose it for me. His standing order was to ‘get rid of the weirdo’. Being an educator with the diagnoses of Asperger’s Syndrome which is on the Autism Spectrum, being a teacher is difficult enough but, having this disorder makes it even harder. I was furious as I had been reading about other people with the same disorder getting bullied around by their bosses.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Being a teacher, I just have to take advanced of any time I might have to write a little something every time. It’s difficult, but not impossible.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Killing series like Lincoln, Jesus, Patton, etc. Temple Grandin has been a big inspiration. J.R. Tolkien has been another. Bible is very helpful.

What are you working on now?
Since I’m writing for both my real name and my pen name I do have several things I’m working on. I’m currently working on a book that will help couples understand the male side of a person with Asperger’s Syndrome. I’m not sure where I’ll go from there.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since I’m new at this, I’m not completely sure. I didn’t go in full with Amazon because I wanted to use different outlets, but I try to stick close to Social Media to help drive the message.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Well, since I am a newly published author, that would be difficult. Make sure you’re organized with our material and have a plan. Always seek out help because I’m 50 and I don’t know it all.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
John Byrne, a famous comic book author, and artist told me, “every story that has ever been thought about has been told; it’s the way you tell it that makes all the difference.”

What are you reading now?
Several books on writing and publishing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Trying to push this book and the upcoming companion book – “Pieces Left Behind”.

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, Star Trek Next Gen: Vendetta, Dracula.

Author Websites and Profiles
Xander Bell Website

Xander Bell’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m very passionate about both writing and gaming hence my love for the GameLit and LitRPG genre.

I have written one book so far, but plan to release 5 more in the series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is ‘Age of the Behemoths’ and it was inspired by video games like Monster Hunter, Dauntless, Pokemon, Kaiju, Shadow of the Collossus, Dragon Dogma, World of Warcraft, Skyrim, Final Fantasy a probably many others.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The only thing unsual about my writing habits is how I tend to be more creative and productive with my writing at very late hours in the evening when I was planning to go to sleep.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many authors and books have influenced me particularly Taran Matharu with his Summoner Series.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the following books to the ‘Age of the Behemoths’ series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Utilising all avenues available to you like Social Media.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing and editing your work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To keep writing.

What are you reading now?
Rise of the Dragons and Fate of the Fallen.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to write different types of litrpg and gamelit novels.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Harry Potter, Wolf Brother, The Alchemist and Artemis

Author Websites and Profiles
Amelia Gaine Website
Amelia Gaine Amazon Profile

Amelia Gaine’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a graduate from Oklahoma city university. I have written 3 books. They are Cupid Traps, The Madness and Love Beyond Fate.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Love beyond fate. I kept thinking about time travel romance stories.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I stay up late at nite to type and write the novel. I used to write in pen and paper too.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nora roberts and sidney sheldon. Bloodline is my fav book of sheldon’s.

What are you working on now?
Nothing. I am just relaxing.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I blog about it in my blog or write about it in facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just try your hand in writing a novel.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Set your dream free and let it come true.

What are you reading now?
I am reading newspapers from around the globe. I visit websites of news portals.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am just promoting my books.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Anything from nora roberts and sidney sheldon collection. 2 each from each author.

Author Websites and Profiles
Christian Ferlosi Website
Christian Ferlosi Author Profile on Smashwords

Christian Ferlosi’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My grandfather was a lawyer. My dad was a lawyer. I am a lawyer. It’s in our blood. When I was young I heard stories of my grandfather and dad in the courtroom. I couldn’t imagine growing up and doing anything else. I’ve been a lawyer for 30 years and I have tried a lot of cases. The people whose lives are often dependent on the outcome of court cases have left me with a catalog of stories.

I have now written two novels. Legal Reserves was published last years and is a legal thriller that follows three friends from law school who end up being the two lawyers and the judge in the biggest case any of them had ever handled. The book has done great and has become an Amazon #1 bestseller. My latest, The Jersey, still has a lawyer as the main character, but it’s much more family-centric.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Jersey was inspired by my kids and their love of soccer and baseball. When my oldest was 9 he was the worst player on an all-star team but kept going to practice and in the last game of the summer finally got into a game. I couldn’t believe the emotions that one at bat generated for me. I wrote an essay about it which is now at the heart of the novel. Why do we as parents get so involved with our kids’ athletic achievements?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I’m in writing mode, I am very disciplined. With kids and a full-time job, I have to be. I block out 30 minutes a day for writing and during that period I churn out a lot of words. Some are actually worth keeping. I have written two books that way and now have begun a third

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Because I write so much about the law I have to say that the legal thriller stars like Grisham and Turow have had a huge influence on me, which is true. However, it’s the writers who can tell a saga over the span of years that really amaze me. Any author who can keep track of generations of characters each of whom have separate identities, gets my attention. I love reading books by Ken Follette for that reason. He can tell a fairly complicated story, but the story is always moving and fast paced.

What are you working on now?
Like I said, I am working on my third novel, tentatively entitled Desperate Decisions. I won’t give away too much but it was inspired by a family dinner conversation we had where we all gave our thoughts on the question of, “if you could send your son back in time to kill someone like Hitler, would you do it?”

the answers we had to that question were varied and lead to some great discussion.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning how to promote my books. It’s a real challenge and takes much more time than I thought it would. Getting bloggers to review my books is so time consuming and hasn’t yielded a lot of results. I have found that using social media and just keep pounding out the posts has worked. Obviously, the best way to get results is to write a killer book to start. I am new to sites like Awesome Gang, but so far, this site has been extremely easy to work with and hopefully will lead to more exposure.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing. I think everyone has a great story inside of them. It’s daunting when you sit down to write your story, but it’s in there somewhere. The only way it’s coming out is to get the words down. Your first draft is going to suck and it takes lots of work to get from that first draft until the final, polished product. I think taking it in small chunks works best for me. Some days, if i get one good paragraph down, I’m happy because I know I am one step closer to getting the story finalized

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write for your fans–ignore the people who may not love your writing. The vast majority of people aren’t going to like what you have written, but that still leaves lots of people who will love to sit down with your book. When someone posts a mediocre review of my book it stings, I have to admit it. But, for every person who doesn’t love what I’ve written, there are bunches who do who want to read even more. They are the ones you are writing for.

What are you reading now?
Washington Black. Awesome story. Amazing writing. Deserves all of the kudos it’s receiving.

What’s next for you as a writer?
i want to continue to evolve. The Jersey is much different than my first book. I want to try new stories, in new settings, with different themes.

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 Godfather. Exodus. The Kite Runner. And My Cousin Vinny (on video, I know, cheating).

Author Websites and Profiles
James Rosenberg Website
James Rosenberg Amazon Profile

James Rosenberg’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Joanna White, a Christian author. I’ve written well over 50 novels and in so far 2019, I managed to write a million words. I have two novels published with Christian publisher Ambassador International, and two short stories with more coming. This December, my short Nutcracker retelling will be published with Divination Publishing in an anthology. I recently self-published Dark Magi and in 2020, have two more books coming out and another anthology. I’m passionate about writing and want to write clean books people can delve into and enjoy.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dark Magi came out November 19th. It started off as a writing competition in which I was the host. The writers got together, made characters in a world I created (which was inspired by a darker version of the Hunger Games) and eventually writers were judged and eliminated until there was only one left. As the judge and host, I wrote scenes from the villain’s perspective and these eventually were put together, edited, expanded upon until they became Dark Magi.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably not any more than usual other than the fact that I write a lot and I do so very quickly. I’ve finished a 200 page novel in 24 hours and finished a 50,000 novel in a week. I have to have peace and quiet and be completely alone when I’m writing. If someone else is in the room, typically, no inspiration will come.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Bible has been my biggest influence but in terms of earthly authors, Cassandra Clare mostly inspired me to delve more into the fantasy genre.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I just finished writing The Nutcracker’s Curse, a short story for a Christmas Fairy Tail anthology coming out in December. I’m actually taking a break from writing for now because next year in 2020, I want to hit a million words again this time with just novels. (In 2019, I did it with novels, short stories, an articles I wrote online). I outlined 20 stories over the last month and will be writing 4,000 words a day. At least, that’s the goal.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Story Origin has recently become my best friend. They have a lot of promos and newsletter builders and I find it so helpful ever since Facebook’s policy made their algorithms harder for authors like me to be seen.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you believe writing is your passion and it’s something you want to do, then don’t give up. Keep at it. You will struggle and it will be hard and you’ll have a lot of rejections and bad reviews along the way, but it’s worth it. Also, make a habit of writing at least once every day. It will help you accomplish so much if you do.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To never give up and to trust in God. He knows what He’s doing and He has a plan and it’s always for the best – better than anything we can think or imagine.

What are you reading now?
I actually don’t do much reading but I am reading a book called Ten Ways To Sell More Books. It was a free download I found while researching on how to promote my latest release.

What’s next for you as a writer?
In May 2020, I’ll be self-publishing The Last Pendragon and later on that summer, The Crystal Heist. I’m excited for both of them as I’m waiting to work on my next biggest release from Ambassador International – Book Three of the Valiant Series, called Samurai. During this time, I’ll also be trying to meet my goal of writing 20 books in 2020 and hit a million words with those.

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. My good author friend, Ariel Paiement’s books because they’re fantastic. And honestly, this may sound odd, but since I write the books I want to read, I just need a laptop so I can write. Or a pen and paper, though I prefer typing my stories. Then, I could just write whatever I want.

Author Websites and Profiles
Joanna White Website
Joanna White Amazon Profile

Joanna White’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 new author, and just recently published my debut novel, but I have loved writing and telling stories for as long as I can remember.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest and first book is called Mirror Walker. The thing that inspired it was strange. Several years ago I was driving passed a cemetery and I got this feeling. It was the type of feeling you get when you’re near something old. Something that has a history and it somehow peaks your sense of wonder and excitement while also triggering a longing sadness at the same time. After I had this experience, I thought I would like to capture it in the telling of a story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a playlist of songs that I listen to everytime I write. I find that it’s helpful to combat writers block as well because my brain seems to be conditioned to go into writing mode whenever I listen to these songs now. I also like to write while outdoors whenever possible. I’ve even been known to write near cemeteries on occasion to try and recapture the feeling that inspired the book originally.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was a young teenager I would read The Giver over and over. I just loved the originality and overall depth and tone of the book. I also read several William Sleator books. I’m a huge Sci-fi fan, and I loved how his books jumped right into the story and the way they explored the fantastic through the eyes and actions of believable, real characters. I also love the Cirque Du Freak series by Darren Shan. I really like how he was brave enough to allow his characters to become scarred emotionally and physically. He wasn’t afraid to explore deep melancholy and stark macabre.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the sequel to Mirror Walker.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My book is so freshly published I don’t know if I have any really great advice, except that you shouldn’t settle. Make sure that your book is professional quality. Professional writing, editing and professional book cover. The cover is the first thing people are going to judge the book and you as an author on. Make sure it’s good!

I also got some amazing help from the folks at Kindlepreneur as well as from many other websites and youtube videos. Do your research and follow through!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Let a lot of people read your drafts, but not just anyone. Let people read who you trust, who like your genre and who will be straight forward with you. Try to take the critiques as information and take it well so that the person will want to continue helping you and will feel comfortable being honest.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When it comes to writing, show me don’t tell me. Paint a picture with your words rather than allowing them to dwell in flat exposition.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will be focusing completely on the Mirror Walker series for the foreseeable future. I believe in this series and hope to share it with as many people as I can.

Author Websites and Profiles
James Clarno Amazon Profile

James Clarno’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written a total of 5 books, however 3 were until different pseudonyms! I published my first book when I was 17 but only my last two have been under my real name. I’m a NYC writer and writing has always been one of my greatest passions.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Ultimate Secrets of Intelligence, I wrote it because I’ve never seen anything like it before and I feel that there are so many misconceptions about intelligence. I wanted to write something not only to help everyone confront their ignorance and self reflect, but to come to terms with what it truly means to be intelligent and to get rid of any false ideas that are still out there. I wanted to bring to light the fact that intelligence isn’t this serious entity that people make it out to be, but rather it’s quite liberating, and can bring a lot of happiness. My book tells people how to use it for that.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My unusual writing habit is that I never have a plan or specific way to outline any of my books. I know a lot of authors either “swear by outlines or swear at them” but I’ve never really done either, I just wing it and put together collections of my essays until it becomes a cohesive novel.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My all time favorite book is The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles, it’s the best thing ever written in the history of the universe. It’s the only book that not only altered my mindset, but is the reason I act the way that I do every single day. Also, Adam Grant has motivated me a lot through his nonfiction works like “Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World” because it provides readers such an amazing groundwork for a unique work ethic. I also love the classic writers like King and Hemingway.

What are you working on now?
Since I just recently finished my last book, I’m not currently writing any new novel, but I do see myself in the near future publishing a work about the concept of wealth. I’m also writing for a lot of online platforms about a multitude of topics including physical health, philosophy of the personality and human rights.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method is not sticking to one method! Just distributing your book as much as you can and expanding in all ways is the most important thing, so my method is to stay open-minded in regards to any opportunities to do so.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice would be to ignore the statistics, don’t care about the money, and don’t pay attention to whether or not people are supporting your writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One of my favorite pieces of advice is that failure is the default. This is especially important for authors/freelance writers because once they understand that they will get rejected the majority of the time, they’ll come to terms with the fact that rejection just gets rid of everything irrelevant. Rather quickly, they’ll work their way to the top since they will begin producing a larger volume of works than those who can’t handle the rejection, or so-called failure.

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading Adam Grant’s “Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Success.” I’ve read all of his other works and listen to his podcast religiously, so I know this book will help build my work ethic even further.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My most recent book The Ultimate Secrets of Intelligence is going to be put on shelves in NYC’s independent bookstore Shakespeare & Co, as well as more NYC book stores later in the season. I’m also working on many personal essays as well as essays that bring light to current issues! These will be published on a multitude of platforms such as print journals, individual blogs and literary magazines.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Probably all of Natasha Preston’s books since they keep me so entertained. She’s the only fiction writer I read! Her book Silence would be my #1 choice, it’s the best fiction book I’ve ever read, you really feel like you are connected to the characters.

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have two published books at this time and several more to be published in the next year. One of my books will be jointly written with my son. Most of my books are science fiction or epic fantasy though I did recently branch out into paranormal romance.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recently published book is titled Chieftess. It was actually inspired by a previously written and yet unpublished book. I realized that I needed to tell the back story and provide some history to my series before publishing the rest of the series. My next book to be published is titled Divinity and should be published by the end of 2019.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I have any unusual habits. Though I do obsessively plot out my books before I start writing. And I like to sneak recipes into books.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m not sure who has influenced me. Though I read a lot, there doesn’t seem to be any one author who I think influenced me. I haven’t read any books that I felt were like mine.

What are you working on now?
I’m just finishing up my latest book Divinity for publication in the next two months. Divinity takes place in the same fictional universe as Chieftess and End of Imperium. It’s a science fiction coming of age story about telepaths and their fight for equality in a galaxy which depends on their services for space travel and interstellar communication. This book was heavily influenced by my 13 year old son’s ideas and I will be publishing it jointly with him as co-author.

I’ve started on a new and as yet untitled paranormal romance about shifters (creatures which shift between human and animal) which I will be posting my creative process publicly on my blog as it is written as part of the demonstration of how I write blog series titled 30 Steps to Writing a Fiction Novel in 30 Days

Publication of Book 2 of the Maker of Fate series has been postponed a few months but Empire of Man will be published soon. Fans of Chieftess will get to see whether Leilana gets revenge for her parent’s murders or if the Mages will succeed in conquering the world of Olympus.

I’m also gearing up to help my son publish his first completely original work. The ideas, art, and story are completely his and I can’t wait to see his fantasy adventure about dragons in space when it comes out in print. Excerpts will start showing up on my blog in February of 2020 and the book will be available for presales in June of 2020.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t found a “best” method yet. I’ve gotten the most sales from using Book Raid. It’s an email newsletter list which notifies readers subscribed to it when books are discounted. This is my affiliate link for anyone who wants to get notified (for free) of discounted and free book promotions. https://bookraid.com?aff_id=2575

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up on writing just because someone dislikes your writing. Different readers have different tastes. Also, learn how to communicate effectively.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Self-care is not selfishness. I spent most of my life dedicated to making other people happy and never really spent a lot of time on keeping myself happy or healthy. But not very long ago someone gave me the best advice I’ve ever received. Self-care, caring for yourself means not just staying healthy, but having healthy relationships/friendships, and doing what you need and want to do to be healthy and happy. And it’s not selfish to take care of yourself.

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading Brotherband Scorpion Mountain by John Flanagan. It is book 5 in the Brotherband series which my son introduced me to a few months ago. Here’s the Amazon link if anyone is interested in it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll be continuing with my Maker of Fate series (starts with End of Imperium), my Gods of Necromancy series (starts with Divinity), and I’ll be adding the Navigator series to the mix next year.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring Price of the Stars by Debra Doyle and James D MacDonald, my book Chieftess, and I’m not sure what else. I don’t have a favorite book and it’s a little difficult to think of four books which I could read that many times without getting bored of them.

Author Websites and Profiles
Delilah Bluette Website
Delilah Bluette Amazon Profile
Delilah Bluette Author Profile on Smashwords

Delilah Bluette’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 on the island of St. Thomas USVI but resides in the United States. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. I have written three books and another that will be published in April 2020.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called When I Kiss Em, They Stay kissed. I heard that phrase decades ago and decided to use it. The paperback and audible will be released in Feb 2020. I chose to write this book because, after the festivities of the holidays, Valentine’s Day seems to be a difficult time for a lot of people.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I always pick one song that motivates me to write my book and I have to send my book out for editing and formatting before I finish writing it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Holy Bible would be first and any book that has to do with Self-Improvement. I found a deep love for Rhonda Bryne audiobooks.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a book of poetry but I have been more focused on this book to make sure that it has a successful launch.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I found blog interviews, radio advertisement so long as I don’t have to do them live and twitter. Surprisingly I dont find much success with Facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, be very careful who you purchase your ISBN number from, never use a free ISBN from Amazon or anyone else that will lock your book in so that you can only sell from them. I would say to write what you want. I have written, Nonfiction, Historical fiction, Romance and Poetry. I have no niche yet. When you are comfortable you will find which is best for you. Find good beta readers, and editors and have a good time while doing it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To mind my own business.

What are you reading now?
Nothing currently.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To publish my book of poetry and to create some coloring books for my grandbaby.

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

Author Websites and Profiles
L.A. Davis Website
L.A. Davis Amazon Profile

L.A. Davis’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an award winning children’s book author and illustrator. I was born with dyslexia, ADD, and autism. I graduated from the art institute of Pittsburgh with an associate degree and California university of Pennsylvania with a Bachelors of fine arts. I have over a dozen books I wrote and illustrated.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Green Pickle Juice. My step daughter asked me one day, “Do you have any use for pickle juice?” This question stuck in my head and now it’s a book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well I write on anything. I written on recites, napkins, cardboard boxes.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen king. Believe it or not. I loved his worlds, and of course I love Dr. Seuss with his rhymes.

What are you working on now?
Many things. Maybe another bible story, or Christmas story and a combination of both of course.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The three R’s read, write, research. Writers write, and writers must read. Ask yourself questions. Who, what, when, where, why, and what if? Never stop asking questions.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t aim low aim high, I’ll tell you why. Aim for the moon and the stars, even if you miss you’ll land on mars.” From why can’t I fly by me Uncle Dave.

What are you reading now?
Chronicles of Narnia

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing because writers write right? Also I am operating a brick and mortar store where I will be teaching writing, stained glass, and painting.

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, chronicles of narnia

Author Websites and Profiles
david howard Website
david howard Amazon Profile

david howard’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, blogger and poet.

I made a humble beginning earning my living as a retail salesman, and currently I cherish my successful career working in a pharmaceutical company in Saudi Arabia.

Besides this, I am a beBee brand ambassador for beBee Affinity Social Network S.L., which is a successful personal branding platform. On this platform, I regularly post his short, straightforward articles that make us look at our own world from a different perspective.

Born in Secunderabad, India, I am a proud, old student of St. Patrick’s High School, Secunderabad, India. It was during his schooling period that I developed an inclination for writing.

I am a lively and enthusiastic individual and I apply vision to help people and get along with the work by being aware of people’s aspirations. Very often, I am persevering and appreciative of others, and seeking involvement with them in life’s tasks.

Till date, I have written four (4) books. They are ‘Glimpses of Thoughts’, ‘Veils of Darkness’, ‘Work, Workplace and Winning Ways’ and ‘The Chronicles of Times’.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘Glimpses of Thoughts’, a collection of poems, written in neo-classical style, that glow with a crisp freshness of thought.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I think of writing an article or a poem, firstly, I think of an idea, and with spontaneous thoughts, it becomes easier to pen down what I want to write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Notes to Myself by Hugh Prather

What are you working on now?
Right now, I am working on inspirational stories with practical advice.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I come up with a write-up for my book and post it on beBee.com, which is a successful personal branding platform

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be vivid in your mind and write anything good that can inspire and motivate others.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be firm in your faith and virtuous by character.

What are you reading now?
Nothing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Want to complete my 5th 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?
1. Holy Quran (the central religious text of Islam)
2. Hisnul Muslim (the book of supplications)
3. Stories of the Prophets

Author Websites and Profiles
Mohammed Abdul Jawad Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Marriage Therapist. I wrote The Joy of Marriage Getaways: Fire Up Your Relationship with 26 Ways to the “Zone of Us” to inspire couples to set aside time to be together during their busy life of constant “Kiddy-time”. It is my first book. I create weekends for couples who need help with communicating and other difficult life issues in Private Couple Retreats on the North Carolina Coast.

I have been influenced by John Gottman, Ph.D. who wrote the well-known book, The Seven Principles of Making a Marriage Work. My training as a Certified Gottman Method Therapist emphatically helps partners talk with each other with better results. I mention Dr. Gottman’s work 39 times in The Joy of Marriage Getaways. I have also been influenced by Gary Chapman’s many books, especially The Five Love Languages.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My husband, Jim, always tells me that if I am able to help even one couple, all the effort that it takes to write will be worthwhile. I try to think about that one couple for whom this particular book could make a difference.

Author Websites and Profiles
Deborah Rees Websit

Deborah Rees’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing poetry when I was in middle school. I was bullied a lot and I didn’t have many friends so it became an outlet for me.
I progressed to writing books in my twenties when I saw a somewhat controversial video on social networking that sparked a ton of literary ideas. From that inspiration came my first book “When the Chips Are Down.” My second novel, “Arid,” was published last year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “Arid” and it was inspired by a conspiracy theory video I saw on TV. The video covered the mysterious draining of many lakes and rivers in the northern part of the US and the Flint, Michigan water crisis. It really got me thinking.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I experience writer’s block, I go jogging. I can often come up with better ideas when I’m in motion as opposed to just sitting on my couch. I also have a bad habit of not eating when I’m engrossed in writing. It’s caused me to almost pass out more than once.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury, George Orwell, Janet McNulty

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a prequel to Arid called “Parched-The Days before Exile.” It’s a story of some of my main characters’ lives before they were sent to the wastelands and the events that led up to the fall of their society.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I definitely take advantage of the “free” days that Kindle allows. I spread out my exposure of my free promotion among several different book sites. I also have a newsletter and I use Facebook and Instagram a lot.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Join authors’ groups and help promote each other. Success isn’t a solo project

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” A lot of authors think they’re going to sell thousands of copies right out of the gate but that usually doesn’t happen.

What are you reading now?
“The Dare” by Mia Carter

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to make “Arid” available as an audio book next year.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’m not sure I could choose. I read so many different types of books by all sorts of authors.

Author Websites and Profiles
Anne Joyce Website
Anne Joyce Amazon Profile

Anne Joyce’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a native Floridian who writes Florida themed, fantasy romance with human females finding love with fae creatures. I currently have two series I am working on. Both series are set in the fae Florida realm.
Spark Bond Series is the story of human Morgan and her elf prince mate, Chaistolf. Book one, Spark Bond Ignited is the story of how they meet and fight a menacing fae realm for their love. Book two is scheduled for release in December 2019. This story tells the ups and downs of being bonded to an elf prince, who is also a wolf shifter in a realm that wants Morgan dead. She is forced to change and grow to keep up with her new life as she travels north to prove her royal elf heritage.
The Ride Series is my other work in progress. I have two books published, Unforgettable Ride and Forsaken Rider. This series is set ten years after the other series ends in the same realm and with some of the same characters.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Wondrous Ride, book three of the ride series is my latest writing. After initially writing all five books of the Spark Bonded series, I realized after falling in love with Calanon, a supporting character in that series, that he needed a HEA of his own. Nothing will ever be simple with our dear tortured assassin but he found himself a love worth living for in the Ride Series.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write outside… in Florida. While that might initially seem like paradise to some, I write outside even in the middle of summer. Okay even during the humid summer days, I’ll admit, I live in paradise. Being outside puts me in touch with nature and for some reason, brings me closer to the fae realm I’ve created here.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Geeze, I’ve been reading like a starving lion since I could hold a book open. Being a horse person, I initially read all of Walter Farely’s creations but the book that captured my imagination was one called, Can I Get There By Candlelight?.
Recently, I’d say the books that have influenced me most were, The Fae Chronicles by Amelia Hutchins. J.R. Ward’s, Brotherhood Series and L.M. Adam’s Eventide Series. They are more like my works.

What are you working on now?
Editing Spark Bond Radiance. Book two of the Spark Bond Series. I’d written the entire series years ago… badly. The story is solid but I wasn’t a wordsmith back then. It’s a huge endeavor and I’ve rewritten most of book two as I cringe at my initial writing. I only have three more books to go before completing the series. Lord knows, my books are long though.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t focused on promoting my books much. Too busy writing them right now. https://kindlepreneur.com has been very helpful.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write your story down. You are gonna have to go back to edit it anyways but once you get it down on paper, your muse will stop bugging the crap out of you. Don’t wait until it’s too late. My mom did that and now she can’t write her book. She’s gone. Do it now! You ARE good enough and if someone tells you your not… then endeavor to improve your skills. Writing as an art but it’s also a skill. Both can be learned and improved upon.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up on your dream.
“Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better.”

What are you reading now?
I just finished J.R. Wards the Savior. Waiting for a few new releases to come out as I edit my own books. So I guess you could say, I’m reading Spark Bond Radiance.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish Morgan and Chaistolf’s series. They have a wonderful adventure ahead of them as they are separated by a wicked princess and Morgan is thrown back into her old world, pregnant. She’s picked up by the U.S. Government and held in a research facility until they have no further use of her. She is brainwashed and freed. As she tries to pick up the pieces of her shattered she raises her half elf son with the help of her friends. She meets a group of elves living in the panhandle of Florida and love blooms once again for her. Still she’s trying to find a way back to Chaistolf. He ends up finding her though but both of them have been changed and struggle to reconnect with one another. Then tragedy strikes Morgan’s reverse harem and she is separated from her family yet again, this time in the dangerous waters of Fae Florida. What she endures as a human slave alters her but Chaistolf and Calanon rescue her. After that, she must heal herself.

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?
Just three or four? I can’t pick, maybe the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon.

Author Websites and Profiles
A.M. Proctor Website
A.M. Proctor Amazon Profile

A.M. Proctor’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I grew up in New Jersey in a small suburban town that bordered New York State. It was beautiful and I am still in touch with many of my friends from high school or college. I was born in Canada and went back there for grad school, finally residing in Ottawa for many years. Two years ago, not as a retirement move but rather to simply escape the brutality of the Canadian winter, I moved to a small town in Florida to be closer to my brother and his family.

I’ve written three full-length books, two nonfiction and one fiction, and three published short stories.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Finding Lisa. It’s the story of two best friends who are about to turn 40. As the book opens, they are downtown in Ottawa, Ontario, seeing a movie and going to the deli for a snack. Lisa confides in her best friend, Tara, that she is pregnant, but her boyfriend may not be the father. After that, Lisa goes missing. Tara launches a search party to find her in conjunction with the police, her colorful women’s collective, Lisa’s Catholic parents and congregation, and a 24-year-old man that Tara has a crush on.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I dictate everything with Dragon NaturallySpeaking so I get my words down very quickly. Dragon can make some pretty funny homonym mistakes that keep me laughing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of my favorite authors when I was in my 20s and 30s was Joyce Carol Oates. I just loved the way that she could spin a story and make her characters so magical. Over time, Oates has gone rather dark so I prefer her earlier material. I also love the classics like John Steinbeck, John Irving, John Updike (all the Johns) and my favorite modern-day writer is Jodi Picoult. I love the way she builds her stories around pertinent social issues like reproductive rights, autism, school shooting, segregation, the plight of elephants in the wild, etc. Almost all my fiction has a strong social issue component. In Finding Lisa, I address midlife crisis, addiction, violence against women, and unrequited love.

What are you working on now?
Now I’m just working hard at my day job, which is copy-editing and evaluating manuscripts as the owner of an editing company called Book Magic.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like Chick Lit Café. They’ve done a great job of promoting Finding Lisa.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be so hard on yourself, don’t read all your Amazon reviews, and NEVER contact a reviewer on Amazon that you don’t know, directly through email or in the Amazon comment section. It makes you look like an amateur. Rise above the urge.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard about life or about writing? The best advice I’ve ever heard about life can be summed up as a combination of the Serenity Prayer and the Golden Rule—treat others the way you would like to be treated, and accept the things you can’t change, change the things you can, and be smart enough to know the difference.

The best advice I’ve ever heard about writing is that the entire process is basically rewriting. Get your first draft down and don’t worry about it being perfect. After that, go back and revise, revise, and revise (rinse, lather, and repeat). Then get a few beta readers that you trust to give you some honest yet constructive feedback before you do a final draft.

What are you reading now?
I’m a multitasker and I’m hooked on audio books, which I listen to all day and half the night while I am running around doing errands, at the gym, or cooking. I belong to Audible and I often choose the Reese Witherspoon pick. Right now I am reading The Other Woman by Sandie Jones on Audio, recommended by Reese, and I love it because it’s different. And I am reading Pretty Guilty Women in print by Gina Lamanna – that one is keeping me awake at night. It’s a page turner.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I may do a sequel to Finding Lisa because I left some key plot developments unfinished at the end of the book and I miss the characters. Tara was one of my favs.

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’m a huge fan of Ayn Rand’s writing even though I don’t agree completely with her rather callous philosophy. But I have read all of her fiction from Atlas Shrugged to The Fountainhead and her nonfiction as well. Her books are extremely long, clocking in somewhere around 1000 to 1200 pages, so I believe that I would bring The Fountainhead since I’ve already read Atlas three times! I would also bring something by Charles Dickens, probably Great Expectations; East of Eden by John Steinbeck; and Them by Joyce Carol Oates.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sigrid Macdonald Website
Sigrid Macdonald Amazon Profile

Sigrid Macdonald’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an indie author and I just published my first book back in July of this year (2019). I’m a homeschooling mother of 5 who’s been married for 15 short years that escapes the hassles of everyday life by obsessively reading anything I can get my hands on and writing anything that pops into my head. Occasionally foul-mouthed and unapologetic about it, some of my “bad” habits show up in my writing, but I think they just give a splash of color to a black and white page in the end. Fantasy and mystery are probably my favorite genres, but if they’re mixed together… oooo, I can’t get enough of that.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Beholden to Balance: Initiate. It’s the first book in a slow-burn, reverse harem urban fantasy series I’m working on. The series as a whole was inspired by what I wanted to read but wasn’t really finding, parts of my past experiences, and things I wish existed (like magic in all forms). Writing, in a way, has become my free therapy session where I can get out what bugs me, kill all the bad guys, fix the world’s problems, and dream of purple skies over glowing grass, all at the same time. I absolutely love it, lol.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Um, yes.
I plot with sticky notes and thread all over a wall in my bedroom. My family jokingly calls it my “crazy wall”, but it’s how I organize all the different threads I’m weaving through this fictional world.
I can often be found huddled over my laptop with a sweet tea next to me. I may or may not be wearing sweatpants. I almost always wear a hoodie with one arm in and one arm out, and though my husband laughs every time he sees me like that, it’s just too hot with it on and too cold with it off! So he can laugh all he wants. I’m comfortable that way despite how it may look, lol.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Nicholas Sparks, Tate James, and Kim Harrison. Honestly, the list could go on and on.

What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on book 2 in my Beholden to Balance Series. It’s mostly plotted out now and the writing is about to begin!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, I’m so new at this, I have no idea. This website, awesomegang.com, is an amazing resource that I found through Kindlepreneur.com. There are also all the social media outlets, though I’m not sure yet, how those affect sales one way or another.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. That’s the best advice I can give. If I waited for perfection, I never would’ve published my book, and they may not either if perfection is their goal.
Of course, there’s also the obvious things such as starting an author website, signing up for different social media platforms, and attempting to build an audience any way they can.
Another tip would be trying to implement some goal setting techniques. Some people are more goal-oriented than others, but giving it a shot might not hurt too bad.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t sweat the small shit, ’cause the big shit’ll kill ya.”

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m on book 3 in The Bargainer Series by Laura Thalassa. It’s awesome. You guys should check it out. The first book is called Rhapsodic (The Bargainer Book 1).

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next for me is writing and publishing book 2 of my series. From there, I plan to write at least another 4 books in this series, plus maybe, a few novellas that branch off of the world I’m building. When that’s all done? Who knows? I’ll probably dive headlong into another series with a different world.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Hmm. THIS IS AN IMPOSSIBLE QUESTION! Okay, I think I would bring Worth It by S.M. Shade and C.M. Owens, a collection of everything Edgar Allen Poe, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, and Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison. Sadly and grudgingly, I would have to let all the other wonderful gems stay on the mainland.

Author Websites and Profiles
Cilla Raven Website
Cilla Raven Amazon Profile

Cilla Raven’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 42 years old from Philadelphia. I have written 3 books so far. I’m writing a day time tv soap opera and self publishing them in an ongoing book series which I plan on having 15 or more books in the series when it is all done.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book series is called Cape Heights and so far I have the first 3 volumes published.When I was a kid I loved watching soap operas and this carried into my adulthood. I started writing my soap Cape Heights on the internet back in 2003 with a group of other writers. It came about when I found this online soap opera called Crystal Beach that I signed up to write for and from there I created another one with the help of some of the writers from Crystal Beach. We wrote Cape Heights online for about 3 years before it fizzled out. I had not done any writing since then. Then about a year ago I started thinking a lot about my soap opera from all those years ago. I started remembering all of the characters and the stories we had going on and then new ideas came to me for the characters. I decided to start writing it again but start the characters from five years after where we left them off before.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My book series is different in not only that it is like a soap opera but the writing style is very different. I write it in the format of part screen play and part narration which is how we wrote it all of those years ago. The characters name is first and then below it are their dialog and their thoughts, feels, gestures and body language in italics. Then the character they are interacting with…..their name first then their thoughts, feelings, speech, etc. Instead of chapters my book is broken up into episodes just like it would be on tv and each episode has several different scenes taking place at different locations throughout the town. The scene number plus location is at the beginning followed by the characters in the scene. Some people find this format hard to read at first, but most people quickly get used to it and then find that it does make it much easier to follow plus picture it in your mind as you would see it if it were on tv. Because my soap has close to 60 characters (including a handful of small children) writing it this way makes it easier to follow. When there are a lot of characters in one scene it would be harder to follow who is saying what writing it in traditional prose format.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been an avid reader for as long as I can remember! I started off as a teen and early twenties reading mostly horror and supernatural novels. My first favorite author was Stephen King. then Anne Rice became a favorite of mine for many years, she still probably is my favorite. As I got into my 30’s and beyond I started venturing in to many other genres. Romance, historical fiction, biographies, memoirs, non fiction. There is almost no genre at this point that I won’t read.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on Cape Heights Volume 4 which I hope to have published if not by the end of December then early January.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a facebook page for my books. I also have a twitter author page. I use a book promoter as well. I also post on several book promotion pages on facebook and I also promote my books on soapoperanetwork.com in their blogs forum. Trying to get people to try my books is hard because soap operas are not as popular as they once were and on top of that, I am kind of pioneering my own genre. You typically don’t see people writing soap operas in a book format.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
if you love to write, write! Publish it yourself if you can’t find a publisher willing to take you on. But be realistic-there are MANY indie authors out there and it is really difficult to get yourself noticed. It is going to take A LONG TIME to get a following. You may never get much of a following and you may not make any money at it for a long time. But if you love it, keep at it! Do it for yourself at least even if you never make it big time.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you really want something in life, don’t quit at it. Keep trying or keep improving at it. Failure is ok.

What are you reading now?
I’m trying to help out other indie authors by purchasing and reading their books on Kindle. I try to read 3 books at one time. I’m currently reading Bronze Bloodline of the Phoenix by Dallas Elkheart, The Fifth Survivor, Episode 2 by Angel Ramon, and The Guardians of Hytheria by Darnall Eggleston

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to keep writing Cape Heights until I can reach the conclusion that I have in my mind, which is probably going to take another 15 books to get to, lol. Once I’m finished Volume 4 it’s on to Volume 5!!!!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Lord of the Flies
To Kill A Mocking Bird
The Witching Hour by Anne Rice
and for a nice romance to lighten the mood, The Notebook. Even though I actually have never read the book, I have seen the movie about 100 times, it is one of my fave movies so I’m sure I would love the book just as much. I’ve read about 5 other Nick Sparks books and I enjoy him.
Oh and also The Green Mile. One of my favorite if not THE favorite Stephen King book of mine

Author Websites and Profiles
Michele Ceron Website
Michele Ceron Amazon Profile

Michele Ceron’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, I grew up mostly knowing farm life. I was born in Flint, Michigan, but have lived in the Upper Peninsula most of my life. When I am not writing, I am running our farm and Cottage Bakery. I have written 12 books, and the 13th is almost done.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s a cookbook. Something that my mother and I did together. Our love of baking and cooking is what inspired us to create this cookbook.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write mostly at night. After I am done with all the farm work and my dogs have settled down.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.R. Ward has been a big influence in my writing. Cherise Sinclair and Donna Grant are also major influences. I have read just about everything these ladies have written. One day i hope to be as well know as them.

What are you working on now?
I am working on The Masters of Dark Desires: Master Roland. It is the third book in the Masters of Dark Desires series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use mostly Facebook and Pinterest. I have a wonderful promoter on Facebook and I do lots of promos myself

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Being an author is tough. Not everyone will like what you write. The main thing is that you like it. Write because that is what you love, don’t write because you feel you have to. If you don’t like what you write it will show. Put heart into everything you write. Put a piece of yourself in every book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
No matter what, never give up, never listen to those who only speak with negitive minds.

What are you reading now?
No way out by Lila Rose
and
Night Zero by Rob Horner

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have some book signings coming up this winter and next summer

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 Masters of the Shadowlands, The Dark Kings, The Black dagger Brotherhood

Author Websites and Profiles
Candy A. Varty Website
Candy A. Varty Amazon Profile

Candy A. Varty’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 mixed race Sri Lankan and English. Born in London, I moved to the East Coast of Sri Lanka in 2003. In 2004 I survived the Asian Tsunami, along with my husband and first son who was born in 2005. I moved to Australia in 2008 where my second son was born. My wanderlust has led me to live and work around the world, but I always return to Sri Lanka, the place I call home. I exhibit my love for the country in my writing, my first book Luk in Sri Lanka; a children’s travel guide was published in 2013. My second book, a contemporary novel, is set in post-tsunami Sri Lanka and follows the story of a teenage girl kidnapped by terrorists. It is called Orange Moon and was published in 2019.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Orange Moon is the title of my latest book. It is semi-autobiographical although I couldn’t pinpoint exactly which character is me. From 2003 until the present I have owned a hotel on the East Coast of Sri Lanka. In 2004 it was washed away in the Asian Tsunami but we rebuilt it in 2005. During this time, the civil war was responsible for a huge number of deaths and many people went missing. My novel is set in 2006. It follows the story of a teenage girl kidnapped by terrorists on the East Coast of Sri Lanka. Most of the story is set in and around a hotel.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I find I get affected by traumas that my characters go through. Even though I have complete control over their outcome, it still makes me sad to see them in pain! My books always play out as a movie in my head. My next challenge is to write a screenplay.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Hanif Kureishi
Chhimi Tenduf-la

What are you working on now?
A Young Adults novel following a 14-year-old boy called Cyrus who is grieving for his mother and goes on the run from his violent father. He makes friends with a teenage monk who helps him to cross into other realms to unravel the secret in his past.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am trying to find out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing.

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

What are you reading now?
Normal People by Sally Rooney

What’s next for you as a writer?
To dive headfirst with no safety harness into the world of book promotion and marketing!

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 Stranger by Albert Camus

The other 3 books I would write myself and keep changing the ending so I would never get bored!

Author Websites and Profiles
Srianjali Gunasena Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a new author and the book Bound for Barcelona is my debut novel. I’ve spent over two years learning the craft and art of writing, developing my voice as an author, and editing so many drafts of the manuscript I’ve lost count. I have found the experience to be one of the most fulfilling, yet the most difficult endeavor of my life. My previous profession was as a licensed psychotherapist, which contributed to my desire to write a book about transitions in life, relationships, the issues women face.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Bound for Barcelona – Breaking Free, The Journey”. This is a story about a woman’s journey – my story – created as a fictionalized novel, and as such, will appeal to women readers of most any age. I decided to write about this journey when I took my own leap of faith, and moved from the United States to Barcelona. The process of writing it has been intensely emotional (as is the book) and took over two years.
The book casts aside the concept of genre classification, and thus, is quite a unique blend. It includes an intensely passionate and erotic romance, but does not fit the criteria or expectations of a book placed in that genre. It pulls the reader in and holds attention because its themes/characters are real, relatable and believable. It speaks to the real issues women face and raises the questions: How does one navigate and survive the trials of dating (especially in midlfe)? How do you start over after divorce and child rearing? Is a relationship between an older woman and younger man viable? Does one guard one’s heart, or risk it all for love and passion? Would you dare to pole vault over obstacles to realize a dream? The inspiration to create this book came from my own life experiences and struggles, and I hope that the story will provide some inspiration to others.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My office space is often at a café near the beach, but has included a balcony overlooking all of Paris, and a terrace in the middle of the Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors such as Elizabeth Gilbert have inspired a style of writing which speaks directly to the reader in a way that feels genuine, as if we were friends enjoying a conversation. I enjoy contemporary books related to women’s fiction, matters of the heart, and memoirs, and so when I set out to become an author, I wanted to write the kind of book I would want to read.

What are you working on now?
I am preparing to start the second part of the series, Bound for Barcelona. It will follow the heroine through her journey as she develops a new life, sets out on new adventures, and finds her path of self discovery.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m on that learning curve right now!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
structure and plan out your novel before beginning. I found the book “Story Engineering” by Larry Brooks to be one of the most helpful books out there. If I had read that to start with, it would have saved me a lot of time writing new drafts.

What’s next for you as a writer?
First, learning how to manage the marketing of my book. That is becoming a full time job and I look forward to getting back to the art.

Author Websites and Profiles
Marcella Steele Website
Marcella Steele Amazon Profile

Marcella Steele’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I may go by my initials C. A. on the page, but you can call me Catherine! I’m 28 years old, I’m from Ontario, Canada, and I work in a school library. I love dogs and horses (well, all animals really), a good cup of coffee, word searches, cooking, trees, and of course, writing.
I decided at age 5 that I wanted to be an author, so I think it’s fair to say I have written many books in my lifetime. Too many to count, honestly. Most of my early books consisted of ~10 pages of 8.5×11 paper stapled together, all written and poorly illustrated by me.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Sought Six: The Sterling Cone” is my debut novel, but it’s doing wonderfully well thus far (it has reached international bestseller status on Amazon, and even the most reluctant readers are telling me how much they love it)!
I got the idea for it when I was 10 years old and sitting in math class, clearly not focusing on long division. I looked around the room at a few of my classmates and thought about how I could take some of their personality traits and create this group of characters that would fight evil in a fantastical world together. The rest is history.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure how unusual this is, but I do my best work at night. I’m more productive between the hours of 9:00 pm and 2:00 am than any other time of day.
I also listen to a lot of classical music while I write (Handel, Bach, and Mozart mainly). I find it to be extremely conducive.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Growing up, I was a huge fan of Harry Potter, as most of us were. I was obsessed with the idea of creating a whole new world with its own set of parameters, and I thought J. K. Rowling did that brilliantly. I loved The Chronicles of Narnia for the same reason.
I also really loved (and still do to this day) “Coraline” by Neil Gaiman. It had just the right amount of reality blurred with fantasy, and darkness that was as captivating as it was chilling.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on the second book in “The Sought Six” series, another middle-grade (this time a dark fantasy), and a murder mystery whodunit story that at this point will either stay a novel or become a script for Netflix. Haven’t decided.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media is essential for new authors. The #writingcommunity on Twitter is huge and overall very supportive. It’s how I discovered my publisher!
Otherwise, I find word of mouth works wonders. Get people talking and advocating for you. Spread the word. Since I write for children and I work in a school, I try my best to get my students on board and talking to their friends at other schools.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every single day (even if that means staring at a blank page for an hour) and don’t give up. The process is long and grueling. It’s designed to weed out the weak. If you want it bad enough and discipline yourself to stick with it, you will eventually be rewarded in some way.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My nana always says “don’t borrow trouble”. I admit I have a hard time following that sometimes, but it’s great advice.

What are you reading now?
At the moment, I’m reading “And The Mountains Echoed” by Khaled Hosseini. I’m almost finished!
(His first two books are absolutely amazing in their own rights, as well. I highly recommend them.)

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next up? At the forefront, I’ve got promotion for “The Sterling Cone” as well as working on Book #2 of the series!
Otherwise, who can tell what tomorrow may bring?

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Probably some books on how to build a reliable boat out of island materials, so I can get off the desert island.

Author Websites and Profiles
C. A. Klug Amazon Profile

C. A. Klug’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Allistar Banks is a prolific author, having published five books in the last two years. She was born and raised in McCormick, South Carolina. Ms. Banks is a graduate of Lander University in Greenwood, SC, and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications in 2013. She has been featured in the Index-Journal, The Press and Banner, McCormick Messenger, Lander University’s magazine, and interviewed on WZLA 92.9FM. She is best known for children’s books that teach new concepts and emotional development. She is now honored to be on a future broadcast with the CBS Sunday Morning Show for her children’s book called A Colorful Balloon Ride, which teaches one to five-year-old’s their colors by using objects of carnival food and nature on Mary and Emily’s hot air balloon ride around the County Fair with Mr. John. Besides spending time writing, she has a terrier mix named Sylvia, and before that, she owned a golden retriever and two Shih Tzu’s. Besides spending time writing, she loves to go hiking, hear local bands play, watch re-runs of Friends, go to museums, see plays, read, bowling, and catch a good comedy at the movie theater.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Cracking the Happy Weight Code. My book is inspired from the fact that I made the decision to lose fifty plus pounds fourteen years ago and I never looked back. My book is used to inspire young adult women to have a positive body image and to make a commitment to have a healthy lifestyle.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ll stop working on one chapter and go to the next one and come back and finish up the previous chapter.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Rachel Hollis, Candace Cameron Bure, and Sarah Jakes Roberts influenced me to write my latest two novels called Girl, Rise and Cracking the Happy Weight Code.

What are you working on now?
I am working on my third novel which is about Alli’s friend named Sarah from Cracking the Happy Weight Code and it tells of Sarah’s story about how she struggled with body image, weight, and trying to be the best athlete she could be in girls basketball. Sarah Crossroads develops a binge eating disorder after her sister dies in a car accident with her and their friends at prom. After high school, Sarah goes off to college and plays girl’s basketball after her father doubts her ability to do so and proves to him through hard work and dedication that she can play basketball. Her binge eating disorder takes over her first year of college and quits the basketball team and now is left to pick up the pieces of letting her father down, her hard work and dedication of pushing herself her junior and senior year of high school to play girl’s basketball, and her failed relationship with Joshua.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My church small group, blogging, and Instagram.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would join a small group on Facebook with the type of writing that you do, Grammarly for editing, send out a press release to your local newspaper(s), and find niche groups that can relate to your book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”-Eleanor Roosevelt.

What are you reading now?
I am reading a poetry book called Milk and Honey.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am going to be a Presenter at the South Carolina International Reading Association in February. I am going to present all of my books at the Local Author’s Night in Aiken, SC on April 27, 2020 from 5-6:30 p.m. location TBA.

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 Help, Girl, Stop Apologizing, and James Patterson.

Author Websites and Profiles
Allistar Banks Website
Allistar Banks Amazon Profile

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

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In 1983, I moved from the beautiful state of Michigan, to the equally beautiful state of Georgia. It was here that I began my professional career in manufacturing.
At present, I have one novel that has been recently published, Neptune’s Chalice.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
That would be Neptune’s Chalice.
While I watched network news coverage of the 2016 presidential race, I tried to imagine the “Behind the scenes” daily activities of the candidates and the people they would have come in contact with. But also, having deeper thoughts of the conversations taking place about political strategies, campaign funding and also the darker, unspoken side of political power.
It was then, that the story for my novel struck me. Over the next few weeks, I began to write down storylines and names of characters, followed by an outline and the story itself. Then, as they say, the rest is history.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to maintain an uninterrupted setting. But life seems to find its way past my closed door.
However, one thing I do like, is to play light classical music at a low volume while I write. My favorite composer is Mozart.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite author is Dan Brown. I have been influenced by books such as…
Marathon Man by William Goldman
Three Days of the Condor by James Grady
Inferno and Angels & Demons by Dan Brown

What are you working on now?
I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say it is related to Neptune’s Chalice.
I am also working on the outlines for two other unrelated novels, one which may be very controversial.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am currently working with Artisan Book Reviews. They have launched a fantastic promotional campaign for Neptune’s Chalice. A few of the sites are…
Book Review Magazine
Hot Good Reads
Hooked on Books
Best Reads Reviews
Bookstagram
Book Nook

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you are ever unsure whether or not what you are writing will capture a readers attention, let a few people you know read a few chapters, providing they would give you their honest opinion. listen to their comments. Don’t take it personal if it is negative.
With the feedback you get, you will know if you are on the right track.
I write suspense fiction. I try to keep the story moving. Most importantly, force the reader to keep turning pages.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It was given to me by a formally trained writer who I let read the opening chapter of my novel. She said that is was not necessary to be so detailed that you loose the interest of the reader before the end of the book.

What are you reading now?
The six wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am happy to announce Neptune’s Chalice will be coming out in audio format soon.
I have three more novels on my to do list. The second, hopefully, will be out in the spring of next 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?
Da Vinci Code
The six wives of Henry VIII
Five Days in November
Ancient Rome

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Feinauer Amazon Profile

Michael Feinauer’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I attended the University of Utah, graduating with honors with a degree in English and a minor in Physics. I currently work as a high school teacher, where I try to convince my students that science and the humanities aren’t mutually exclusive and that magic is real. I’ve written one (and a half!) books so far, so I’m halfway through my first trilogy.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled “Regnum Terra.” I started writing it ages ago when I was in high school, and it was inspired by many of the books I was reading at the time. I’ve always loved fantasy, and my story evolved from my early attempts to create something as incredible as the books that sucked me into a new world every time I picked them up.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a very rambunctious two-year-old, so I only write when I can carve out some spare time at work. If I try and pull out my laptop at home, my toddler tries to ‘help me’ write the book. It doesn’t work very well.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anything fantasy or science fiction. I particularly love the works of Ray Bradbury, as well as books written by Lisa Mangum and Cassandra Clare.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the sequel to “Regnum Terra,” tentatively titled “Hespera.” I ended my last book on a pretty mean cliff-hanger, so I’m doing my best to get the sequel out quickly.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have actually loved making my own website to promote my books. You can check it out for yourself at www.regnumtrilogy.com
While in college I studied a little bit of coding, and it’s been fun using that knowledge to help create a digital home for my books. I share all of my website posts on Facebook and Twitter, and I’m also a big fan of Goodreads.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be persistent! Writing is a hard thing, but the hardest part of writing isn’t finding the words to say what’s on your mind. The hardest part of writing is believing in yourself enough to start writing in the first place, and then to keep writing even when you feel ready to quit. Imagine how many incredible stories have never been told, just because their authors didn’t have the grit to push through until the end.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard comes from Neil Gaimen:
“You need that conviction that you are brilliant. This is the greatest idea that anybody’s ever had. And that by writing it, you will set the world on fire.”

What are you reading now?
I’m re-reading “To Kill a Mockingbird,” because that’s the book I’m teaching my 10th grade English students this term!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I look forward to finishing my next book and using it as an opportunity to improve my craft. My next big goal is to find an (affordable) author event to go table at. A whole day spent talking about my book? Yes, please!

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 by Emily Bronte
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Author Websites and Profiles
Ellie Penner Website
Ellie Penner Amazon Profile

Ellie Penner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve just written the one so far (Grey Skies), but the second is completed in draft form ready to be edited to oblivion!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Grey Skies’ is my debut release. It’s a young adult, fantasy novel which draws inspiration from all different sources. It has the magical aspect one might associate with ‘Harry Potter’, but the dystopian/alternate reality of ‘The Hunger Games’.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
So, when it comes to planning, my method is to just write everything on some loose A4 paper as a stream of consciousness. Everything goes down on however many pages it takes and then I sit on it for a day (at least). When I look back, I tear it apart, rearrange it and completely vandalize the document.

I kind of do the same thing when it comes to writing too, except I write each chapter as its own document first and then merge whatever has oozed from my fingertips into one complete draft.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was younger, I had an obsession with a book series by Garth Nix called, ‘The Keys to the Kingdom’ and quite honestly, I have yet to grow out of it and constantly return to them. There is something about the unlimited potential of the universe in those books which fascinates me.

I would have to say another influence has been Gregory Maquire and his twisted take on classic tales (including ‘The Wizard of Oz’). His writing style can be quite direct at times and then change gear to be poetic in tone; a florid tonal shift which also changes the flow, something I wanted to capture in ‘Grey Skies’ too.

What are you working on now?
The follow-up, book two in ‘The Height of Magic’ series, is well underway and I have a completed first draft which is ready to be dissected and edited.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter is a great source of self-promotion. So much support is out there on the #writingcommunity tag that I would implore any new writers to explore it and contribute.

Free sites like awesomegang.com and bookclubpro.com are brilliant too, in that they allow authors to create content which they can then refer to as a promotional tool!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you want to.

If anyone questions, or demeans your work; it is their problem. You have a right to be heard an express yourself. You have a right to have fun too!

If you are one in a million there are seven thousand seven hundred people out there; just like you who will love your book!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Unless they are paying your bills, pay them no mind.” – Rupaul Charles.

And it is true! I am a great believer in individuality and yet society seems to love compliance.

You do you and that’s more than enough.

What are you reading now?
As a nerd, I am currently working my way through ‘The Target Storybook’ by Terrence Dicks. It is a collection of ‘Doctor Who’ stories spanning each of the Doctors. It really encapsulates what is great about the show; the endless possibilities!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am really going to push forward as hard as possible with the second of ‘The Height of Magic’ series, with an aim to release in early 2020. After that, there is definitely another potential story in Pitt’s world, but I have started planning another book for younger children (still very much in development) that might come to fruition too.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A survival manual! You can never be too prepared.

In all seriousness, ‘Goodbye to Berlin’ would have to be one of them. It is such a snapshot in time that has served me as a reminder to be humble and grateful. Another would be ‘Giovanni’s Room’, which would probably leave me dehydrated (in a tropical environment at least) because of the bittersweet narrative that story thrives on.

Author Websites and Profiles
John Vallis Website
John Vallis Amazon Profile

John Vallis’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Vlada Glory. I am an artist and a designer. As a child, I loved grandma’s pies very much. And I always wanted to make them delicious like her. And so I grew up. I found a grandmother’s notebook with recipes and now I want to share them with you

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last book is grandma’s cakes. My grandmother inspired me

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write simply and clearly

What are you working on now?
Over the cake recipe book

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid and be yourself. Try and try.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up

What are you reading now?
Erich Maria Remarque night in Lisbon

What’s next for you as a writer?
Uncharted future

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Northern Colorado with my wife, two daughters, and old blind dog named Kirby. When I’m notworking myself to the bone teaching tweens how to play band and orchestra instruments, I camp with my family in my tiny trailer or travel to strange worlds in my head in order to write about them. If the weather is decent, you might catch me riding my bike or running because I am afraid of death, and I’ve heard exercise helps with that.

I began writing in 2016 after the Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl. The absence of American Football in his life after that point left a gaping hole in my soul. I then proceeded to fill said hole with speculative fiction. It’s worked out okay so far, with my story, “The Musicologists,” being published in the anthology, Triangulation: Harmony and Dissonance, published by Parsec Ink, Geminus: A Novella, now available from Castrum Press, “Terror in El Pueblo,” featured on denverhorror.com at denverhorror.com/2019/08/26/terror-in-el-pueblo/, and “Canis ignis,” will appear in the December issue of Mad Scientist Journal.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My novella, Geminus, was inspired when I misread a movie description and thought it was talking about a virus that made people remember the future. It wasn’t at all the plot of that movie, but the idea stayed with me. I mulled it over until I created the twins in the book, one who remembered the past and one who remembered the future. (This one was difficult to write. Timeline issues are hard to manage.)

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The short answer is that I’m always writing. I get up at 5:00am before I go to work and write for an hour every day. In the evenings, after my kids go to sleep, I take care of the business end. I submit stories, do editing, and spread the word about my books. Good habits require three things, a cue, a routine, and a reward. My cue is waking up. My routine is writing. My reward is writing. It’s a beautiful system.

What are you working on now?
I had an idea the other day talking to my dad. Someone wanted him to make their gravestone so they could use it as a sculpture in their home until they died. How effing cool is that? Next time I get a moment to breathe, that one is getting turned into a story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Talking to everyone I meet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get a music degree. That’s where I learned grit, perseverance, and, most importantly, it endowed me with a growth mindset. I knew at first that I wasn’t as good as I wanted to be, but I also knew that the only way to get there was to keep at it. I went to my writer’s group like I went to viola lessons, to push myself to get better. To learn from everyone around me. Truthfully, I’m not all the way there yet. My vision of myself as a writer is not realized yet, and it may never be. But I’ll definitely be trying.

What are you reading now?
Kevin Wilson’s “Nothing to See Here”

Author Websites and Profiles
Cory Swanson Website
Cory Swanson Amazon Profile

Cory Swanson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m Kayette, author of the Rising Sun Saga.
I love reading novels and watching movies that are romance based and supernaturally themed. The Rising Sun Saga was created when I thought about combining those two genres set in a fantasy/reality setting.
I also love dancing, lots of cups of tea and being around nature in a beautiful garden or at a nice beach in summer.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book that has just been released is Soul Veil: book 3 in the Rising Sun Saga. I was really inspired to write this book as books 1 and 2 in the saga had opened up a lot of questions that needed answering. In Soul Veil I began to reveal more about the supernatural realm that Kira was encountering and about who Abe really is, but left it a little open for more books in the series to follow.
Also having readers eagerly waiting for this book, also inspired me to keep going and finish writing this one.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Before writing the Rising Sun Saga I was into reading Frank Peretti’s ‘This Present Darkness’ and ‘Piercing the Darkness’ as it featured angels and demons and the supernatural themes that I find interesting.

What are you working on now?
A new thread of books in the Rising Sun Saga. Plotting two new books from a different character’s point of view, in the beginning stages.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up, especially when you’re nearly done!

What are you reading now?
the latest in M. Marinan’s books

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to keep writing more books in the Rising Sun Saga, with more backstories and new scenes from other character’s points of view.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I think I would want to pick up my entire bookshelf!!
If just choosing a few, maybe the 3 books in the Rising Sun Saga, and Leitaya Macale’s little inspirational books that would cheer me up while waiting for a rescue

Author Websites and Profiles
Kayette la Mane Website
Kayette la Mane Amazon Profile

Kayette la Mane’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been telling stories since before I could write, though that’s probably nothing special among writers. I do, however, remember my mom typing up a story I dictated to her out of my head on our very first computer before I could write, so I’m not just saying it.

I also remember a computer repair guy some years later, when I could type myself, being called because our computer had become suuuuper slow; he said the problem was this folder with over a hundred Word Documents, taking up all the space. They were stories I’d typed up, mostly about horses and dragons. Or, rather, the beginnings of stories.

It was years before I actually completely finished a first draft. I would get too distracted by a new idea, and start on that; or, as a ‘pantser’, I’d run out of steam on the current idea and just hop on over to the next, shinier one. But at some point I realized I’d have to knuckle down if I ever wanted to finish a book.

I’ve finished many more since then; probably about nine or ten. Aside from a few short stories and novellas, none of my novels ever made it to publication – until Nightmare City. With that one, I finally felt like it was good enough.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The idea for Nightmare City – dreams and nightmares literally coming true – came to me at least 10 years ago. It went through quite a few installments and formats; a short story first, then a pilot script for a TV series, finally the novel. They’re all quite different from each other, as I wrote them all several years apart; but the idea, that initial premise, just wouldn’t let me go. So here, finally, it is.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I’m not sure if this is unusual, but I tend to crank out first drafts in the wee hours of the morning, when my mind is still close to the dreamspheres; whereas rewriting and editing I have to do in the afternoon, or at least after several cups of tea, when my analytical brain has kicked in.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Neil Gaiman, Ilona Andrews, and Patricia Briggs are the first three that come to mind, though they’re surely not the only ones. Naomi Novik, Rebecca Gablé, and J.K. Rowling are high up on that list, too, alongside Douglas Adams, Jane Austen, Kerstin Gier, Louis L’Amour and Jen Sincero.

Hm. Eclectic crowd. Some German authors in the mix, too (I’m half German).

My favorite book, one I’ve read cover to cover at least 20 times (and it’s a honkin’ long book, almost 1.000 pages!) is “Das Lächeln der Fortuna”, or “Fortune’s Wheel” in English, by Rebecca Gablé; it’s a historical novel set in 14th century England, and it’s… unputdownable. Even on the 20th read-through. Seriously, if you can get your mitts on it, read. it.

What are you working on now?
Something non-book related, to be honest: Setting up some hopefully passive income in the form of an online course, teaching people how to get started as virtual assistants in Germany. That’s how I got started freelancing and managed to quit my 9-5 day job, and I would love to help others achieve that dream, too.

If all goes well there, I’ll be starting on the rewrites of Book 2 of the Nightmare City series in March 2020.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying things out. This is my first published full-length novel, after all. Netgalley seemed to work great in garnering a fair amount of reviews pre-publication. I would definitely use that service again.

My family and friends have also been amazing promoters – still are. I’d definitely recommend any self-publishing writer to tap into their own social network.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for the fun of it; write because you can’t *not* write. Don’t write for the money. That ain’t gonna happen (for fiction; non-fiction could conceivably be a different, erm, story). At least not in any sort of predictable time-frame. BUT, also: FINISH SOMETHING. And then finish the next thing. And the next. Get in the habit of finishing things, and sooner or later, there’ll be something really good in there.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Revise, revise, revise. Send your manuscript to beta readers, then revise, revise, revise again. Send it to an independent editor, then revise, revise, revise again. To make your book the best version of itself, you must involve other people; other writers, other readers, other editors. The act of writing is a lonesome gig; creating a good story, a good book, is not.

What are you reading now?
“A Wicked Kind of Husband” by Mia Vincy – recommended by Ilona Andrews, who never steers me wrong.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Learning the ins and outs of book promotion for self-published authors. It’s actually a lot of fun – I get to stretch my marketing muscles rather than my story-telling muscles; there’s quite a bit of overlap, but also a steep learning curve. Good thing the German in me loves to organize, make plans, create lists…

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?
Definitely “Fortune’s Wheel” by Rebecca Gablé. I could probably happily read that another 20 times.

At least one book by Ilona Andrews, though off the top of my hat I can’t decide which one.

And definitely a biiiiig notebook (and pen), to be able to write and journal, since being stranded on a desert island sounds incredibly boring. Does that count?

Author Websites and Profiles
P.S. Newman Website
P.S. Newman Amazon Profile

P.S. Newman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Sean Abraham, and I started my journey in Barcelona, Spain. The place gave me roots that have shaped my upbringing. During my time there, I evolved through childhood up until the age of 14. During that time, I made friends who I can still keep in touch from time to time. The sad part was that I left but soon to realize the opportunities ahead.

The move took me to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where I completed my studies and moved on to owning a franchised business. The journey shaped me to be a competent business owner and placed me through trying times, which were all upheld and overcame them all.

Workforce Journey
Next, my journey took me into Private Investigation, Protection Officer, Hotel General Manager, Screening Officer, and Sales Director. One can say I was trying many variations.

Continuing along, I started working onboard the cruise ship industry, taking me through journeys around the world. Until this point in my life, I am still enjoying the luxuries of traveling aboard passenger cruise lines.

All in all, I have made my choices in which I learned and trudged on to make my other memories jealous and continuing to do the same.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Private Investigator School: 15 Valuable Skills That Will Help You Fast-Track Your Career In Investigation.

It is a personal experience in the investigation field. Much of this comes from education, research, friends, and colleagues. Networking with these professionals in the field has helped make this book possible.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Gundi Gabrielle, Orrin Woodward, 4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss

What are you working on now?
Working on my next new project which is becoming a digital nomad. Currently taking on a CFA Level 1 course.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am a newbie so I won’t know until the numbers come in.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, write your first book, make mistakes, learn from them and keep learning.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There are no regrets, just stepping stones to raise you into the altar of your desired final destination.

What are you reading now?
Around The World in 60 Seconds

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep blogging about my adventures, research, and place my best efforts into my next new project.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Think Like A Monk by Jay Shetty
The psychology of persuasion by Kevin Hogan
Finding Your Element – Ken Robinson

Author Websites and Profiles
Sean Abraham Website
Sean Abraham Amazon Profile

Sean Abraham’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Awesome Gang Readers, Welcome ! Currently I’ve self-published 3 poetry books and working on my first romance novel. I am very passionate about my work and inspire others to be just as passionate about theirs. I love music, the night sky and fishing. Halloween is my favorite day of the year, I love being A Creative.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Passion Overdose” is my third book. It was written to make the readers heart smile after the heart break.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I Usually write my books at Work lol.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Zhane is my favorite author.

What are you working on now?
Currently working on two poetry books dedicated to two of my all time favorite male R&B artists. I am also bringing to life my Publishing Company, Rebel Myndz Publications. In which, I’ll be accepting submissions soon enough.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am a new Author, so, I am exploring my platform options.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for you until they ask you to Write for Them – Ena, you’ll almost never be discouraged.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The most expensive thing you can do, is pay attention to the wrong people.”

What are you reading now?
Currently reading finance books.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My Publishing Company and hopefully a legit movie script deal.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A book on survival
Real Estate
An Erotica
And of course my favorite self-published work.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ena Alese Amazon Profile

Ena Alese’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Growing up with four brothers in a diverse neighborhood coupled with two careers—the first in law enforcement and the second in conservation—and the folks I encounter every day have provided me with incredible experiences for a lifetime of stories. I have written two books—Figure Eight and Spider Lake—both part of the Northern Lakes Mystery series. I am working on the third one right now. If the firewood holds out I hope to have a solid draft done before the fishing opener.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Spider Lake is the name of my latest book. It is inspired by the people, places and traditions of northern Wisconsin.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know enough to determine whether my writing habits are unusual or not. My favorite place to write and where I get the most done is sitting on the porch with the fire going when the wind blowing cold outside. I am very satisfied when biofuel I have cut and split heat the house.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been a lifelong reader. Many authors have had significant influence that is reflected in my writing. Two of my favorite books are Rascal by Sterling North, a wonderful story of a boy and his pet raccoon in Albion, Wisconsin at the end of World War I and A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold a truly inspirational story of the land. Mystery authors who have influenced me include C. J. Box, Craig Johnson, Dana Stabenow, and Victoria Houston.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the third book in the John Cabrelli Northern Lakes Mystery series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have an amazing wife who does all of my marketing and promotion. This partnership allows me to focus on writing and allows her to do what she loves to do.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write about what you know. Write a story that you would enjoy reading yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write about what you know. Write a story that you would enjoy reading yourself.

What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading The Nail Knot by John Galligan

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will keep writing as long as people enjoy reading what I write. I really love the idea of a story within the story. In my first two books my readers and I really enjoyed how this played out. I’m just going to get a little trickier.

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?
Rascal By Sterling North, Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold, Advanced Bush Craft by Dave Canterbury, Stories of Old Duck Hunters and Other Drivel by Gordon MacQuarrie

Author Websites and Profiles
Jeff Nania Website
Jeff Nania Amazon Profile

Jeff Nania’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a newly self published author from Jersey City , New Jersey. I’m a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University. I have founded a 501(c)(3) organization called The Outreach and Uplift Foundation Inc. I am also the CEO of the Shannon Wealth Advisory. I have traveled to many parts of the world, and with my personal experiences. I hope to offer a solution to solve the many obstacles minorities face within the urban community. I have written one book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is entitled, The Memoirs of a Modern Day Slave. What inspired my book was my everyday life living in the inner city. It was my opportunity to attend college, and travel the world that helped liberate me. My liberation then helped create enlightenment. In which I used to create journal entries of the harsh reality that minorities face living within urban communities. I used my own philosophies and ideologies that I gained through the years to express my viewpoints on society. Which in return helped me to create this memoir.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to think that my writing habits are a bit unusual and unorthodox. Before I conduct my writing, I like to make observations and do a little research. I also like to use theories. In my memoir, I use Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, and the Muted Group Theory. To make comparisons within my subject matter. I also like to write short notes in my iphone . This helps me to not forget and remember what it is I want to write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The very first book that ever influenced me was, The autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley. I remember reading it in college, and it changed my life. it inspired me so much, that I traveled to Egypt because of it. Malcolm X’s entire transition spoke to me as a early youth. Another book that helped influence me was, Succeeding Against the Odds- The Autobiography of a Great American Businessman. It’s about the founder of Ebony magazine, John H. Johnson. His entire life story was compelling, and it helped motivate me to accomplish anything in life. No matter what adversities I may face.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on some new ventures for the following year with my non profit organization , The Outreach and Uplift Foundation, Inc. I’m looking to get more involved in the community of Jersey City. So I’m currently working on some grants. I’m also promoting tmy memoir, and trying to get it into the hands of as many readers as possible.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method so far is by using Facebook and Instagram. I pay to advertise my posts, and by doing so. I’m able to reach a larger target audience. I’m also using promotion sites like Awesome Gang to help broadcast my book as well.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors is to not be discouraged. It’s easy to lose faith in your project. It took me 7 years to self publish my book. However the opportunity presented itself , and I took advantage of it. I’ve learned that things may not happen on “your time”, but it will happen “in time”. Just remain focus, and never give up !

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard came from my father . He said to me “They can’t get blood from a rock.” For some reason that quote always stuck with me . It just means no one can get anything out of you that you can’t give. Try to do the best with what little you have, but don’t overexert yourself.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Sam Greenlee’s ,The Spook Who Sat By The Door.

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me as a writer is to hopefully gain more insight and hopefully churn out another book on the plight of Afro Americans. I’m currently happy with my book as a new self-published author, and initially I only set out to help inspire those in the urban community. However, I think in time I’ll be able to write more books. Once more subject matters are revealed to me.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The 48 Laws of Power, The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told by Alex Haley, Who Moved My Cheese, and The Alchemist.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jerard Shannon Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
That’s my first book – “The threat of green stone”.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Team 5 :The threat of green stone”.
I like to imagine different world. And I have created one. Members of Team 5, Guards of Gates protect Earth. They control time travelling through these Gates . Guards accidentally discovered aliens who were almost ready for invasion.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like dynamic plot.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like reading various genres.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the next novel “Team 5”, sequel of the “The threat of green stone”.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find inspiration! And write regularly.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Advice: to speak to heroes of the novel. Imagine, how they will answer you.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Don’t know yet.

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?
Stories by Jack London

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an independent (indie) dark fantasy/paranormal horror writer based in Seattle, Washington. The stories that I prefer to read – and write – have supernatural elements, positive portrayals of the LGBT community, strong female leads, and complex characters. So far, I’ve written two novels so far in the Port Hollow Witches series, with the third well underway (to be released in December 2019).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Devil’s Bane. There’s a funny story with this – it’s actually the first in the Port Hollow Witches series, even though The Claiming was published first (back in March). It was initially supposed to be a supplemental novella to The Claiming, detailing the events that led up to The Claiming. And then I started writing it. About halfway through, I realized that, while Kendra’s story (a journey into the literal underworld to save her twin brother) is central to the series, it’s not the only story that matters. I fell in love with each and every one of my characters when I wrote Devil’s Bane, but especially Rory and Kathryn. The novella I’d planned quickly expanded into a full-length novel and set many events into motion in the Port Hollow story universe that I hadn’t expected. I owe Kathryn a deep debt, since it was when writing her story that I really embraced the fact that the world I’d created was much bigger and more nuanced than I’d initially believed.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Absolutely. I’m 100% a planner. It’s essential to my writing process since if I don’t have a plan I’m paralyzed in front of a blank screen, wondering how to begin. So I plan everything out. Every single scene, every plot twist, every story-line that I want to include, every major revelation – all of it. I sometimes spend weeks or months on an outline, character development, etc. And then, at some point in the writing process (usually halfway through), my characters flatly refuse to do what I want them to do. Instead, they do something completely unexpected, often to the betterment of the overall story. At that point, everything tends to go completely off the rails from the original plan and it’s all I can do to just experience it with my characters (and write it all down, of course). I used to fight this. I have two absolutely terrible novels buried deeply in the darkest and least trafficked corner of my harddrive, under lock and key, as a result of trying to keep things according to a strict plan. Those novels are not discussed in polite company. With The Claiming and Devil’s Bane, I decided to go with it – and ended up being really happy with how they turned out. So now I realize that planning everything – and going off the rails – is just a part of how this weird and crazy writing mojo thing works for me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
It’s hard to pin this down since I read quite a lot and I pretty much always have. A lot of writers have probably influenced my writing over the years and I’m sure that authors I haven’t even read yet will probably have an impact on my growth as a writer in the future. But I can say that the very first time that I made the conscious decision to become a writer was when I was in the 5th grade. The entire class (60 some-odd kids) had to go to a weekend camp (in terms of the overall experience, think Friday the 13th, except without the advantage of a crazed killer on the loose to at least make it interesting). It was awful. I’m an introvert by nature and back then I was horribly shy to boot. I also had pretty severe hearing loss, which made things even worse for me (a series of corrective surgeries have since more or less fixed my hearing – at least to where it’s way less impactful to my life). To say that I wasn’t exactly popular is understating it quite a lot. The camp, since it was really well structured and basically every minute was filled with some kind activity, was awful for me but at least somewhat tolerable. But I’d been dreading the bus ride back, surrounded by my classmates, for days. So, the moment I got onto the bus, I opened the book I’d grabbed off of my bookshelf for the trip – The Last Vampire, by Christopher Pike – and spent what should have been a painfully awkward and possibly even traumatic two-hour bus trip back into Seattle, absolutely absorbed in the darkly splendid world that Sita (the main character in that series) inhabited, mesmerized by what I was reading and totally oblivious to the world around me. It was, at some point on that bus ride, that I realized I wanted to be – needed to be – an author.

What are you working on now?
Harbingers, book three of the Port Hollow Witches series (to be released December 2019). Basically, it’s a continuation of both The Claiming and Devil’s Bane, following all of the main characters from those novels and introducing new viewpoints into the mix. Since the gateway to the underworld is opening and unleashing all manner of mayhem onto the town of Port Hollow, it’s been really exciting and fun to write.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t really found my “best website” yet, but I’m just getting started. I will say that the writing community on Twitter has been absolutely amazing so far and I’m super grateful for everyone I’ve encountered on there so far (btw, I’m @glennwilliamsWA).

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Oh wow. There’s kind of a lot. I could talk about setting a schedule for writing (for me that’s 6am, almost every single day, until a full scene is finished) or the fact that, as a writer, you can’t be afraid of writing a terrible first draft (because you will, it’s just about as unavoidable for writers as death and taxes is for everyone else). But the biggest thing, in my opinion, is that you should write the kinds of books you’d most like to read. Be honest with yourself. Maybe it’s not literary. Maybe it’s even a little embarrassing. But if you write those kinds of stories, it’ll be a labor of love. For me, that genre is horror/dark fantasy stories featuring LGBT characters, strong female leads, and sinister supernatural threats for the characters to overcome. For you that ideal story might be sweet romance with a happily ever after or an epic fantasy set in a world that has yet to even be fully imagined. Lean into it. That love of genre will infuse your stories with authenticity in a way that writing purely to market never can.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There are actually two pieces of advice that have totally saved me at different points in my life. #1 – just breathe, this too shall pass. And #2 – keep swimming.

What are you reading now?
I’m re-reading Alice by Christina Henry. It’s a very dark retelling of Alice in Wonderland and I 100% recommend it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Why, the bright lights of Broadway, of course! Wait, was that a no? Hmmm, tough crowd. The USA Today Bestseller list? No? Right then, maybe and maybe not. But a guy can certainly dream.

What’s next for me is finishing The Port Hollow Witches series. I’m nearly done with book 3 and I have books 4 and 5 planned out. I’m hoping to finish the series by 2020. I have a lot of other ideas for what might come next. I’m loosely planning a series featuring vampires. I also have plans for a series of fairy tale retellings that will feature LGBT protagonists in a shorter, two-hour reads format (between 50-70ish pages).

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 – A desert island survival guide (there’s tons of these on Amazon). Not the most original choice, I know. But practical.
#2 – A very large blank notebook or journal (if I can’t have a pen, I’ll make my own charcoal using the instructions I find in #1 for creating fire – I’m sure that’s in any survival guide worth its snuff has instructions for making fire, right?). Because the idea of not being creative just doesn’t sit very well with me.
#3 – An unabridged volume of Grim’s fairy tales. Have you ever read these? No, really. It’s definitely not Disney. There’s some pretty dark stuff in here, but the stories are really are timeless.
#4 – Honestly, I’d probably also bring an omnibus of The Last Vampire series (1-6). It’s a good reminder of where I’ve come from as a writer and why I’m doing this in the first place. Plus, Sita is an old friend at this point. She’s saved me more than once and I’m sure she’ll do it again at some point.

Author Websites and Profiles
Glenn Williams Website
Glenn Williams Amazon Profile
Glenn Williams Author Profile on Smashwords

Glenn Williams’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing since age 8 for 40 years. I first published at age 11. I have been published about 20 times and am online internationally.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I write poetry, fiction and songs of praise. Coffetime Tales and Poems is available on Amazon, eBay and Barnes and Nobles. I like coffe shops and good reads.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write everything with pen and paper and then type it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robert Frost Lorraine Hansberry John Donne and the Romantic British poets.

What are you working on now?
I am publishing a song set to music and vocals this winter. I have haiku coming out in magazines and I am putting together a book of religious poems.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am on allpoetry.com. Poetrysoup.com. Poetrynation.com. And Christart.com. Being online gets feedback and support from a community of writers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write as often as you can. Keep a pen and paper handy. Write about everyday life. Use everything. Don’t discard – edit.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Have faith in yourself and in God. All things are possible, if you believe.

What are you reading now?
Be Careful What You Pray For by Kimberly Lawson Roby

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to work on and promote praise songs.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible. A dictionary. A notebook. And a high school English book.

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing stories way before I knew how to write. I think we all as children try to make sense of the world around us – to understand ourselves and others, their situations and perspectives – to see the world through their eyes. I’ve always been a writer but didn’t believe in myself to explore it as a career. After I completed my graduate degree, I began my humanitarian work leading education development programs in marginalized regions worldwide. It was during one of the programs that I created when I remembered just how much writing meant to me and gathered my courage and self-trust to delve into it completely. In June 2019, I published my debut poetry collection “Moonhold” and also launched my blog “Art of Love, Mirror of The Soul” where I write on connection, empowerment, holistic wellbeing, mysticism and folklore.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Moonhold” is the name of my debut poetry collection. The name refers to how the waning is always held by the waxing (even if we can’t see it). The story is about holding space for love and life through all of its changing phases; holding heartbreak with hope. Spirituality is a big part of my life and poetry is in many ways the verse of mysticism because of its introspective, unnamable feeling nature. This inspired my interest in poetry. It’s always been challenging to express myself in shorter sentences as I usually philosophize everything – and so I wanted to experience myself in a new way as poetry; in the moving stillness, in the intimacy of silence, and the mysticism of the poetic art. The book is about life and perspective. Life expands and withdraws in its chest like breathing, like the ebb and flow, like love and like us. I wanted to portray that in the book’s story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually imagine everything as movie scenes. And I always have a pen and paper near the bed because I’ve always had lucid and vivid dreams.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
To be honest, my biggest inspiration and influence have always been folklore and fairytales. I’ve lived across three continents and have always loved storytelling from around the world – there is so much wisdom we can gain from the ancestors. My influences in school were Shakespeare, Hemingway and Fitzgerald. Nowadays I mainly read spiritual and esoteric texts.

What are you working on now?
I am working on expanding “Art of Love, Mirror of The Soul” which you can read on my website. I am also working on a second book, freelance writing projects and my humanitarian work.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I post mainly on my website https://lubomirakourteva.com and on my Instagram @lubomirakourteva . And I am writing articles sporadically for different publications just to get my name out there. Basically I am focused on expanding my reach and network. I use various websites for promotion and also SEO for my website, but I find it a bit draining since it takes away from my creative focus. I trust that my book will reach the hands of those it’s meant to.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and embrace not knowing. It’s hard to trust ourselves and share openly – some people will like it and others will not. My book made it to number #1 on The Best Seller’s List in Love Poetry one day and then went to the hundreds’ rank – it is still the same book. What I mean is – don’t get discouraged and stay true to your voice and the intention behind why you wrote it in the first place.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not to be too hard on myself. As a Buddhist monk told me, “We are all dependent on the same Emptiness.”

What are you reading now?
I recently re-read “The Green Door” by O. Henry.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A lot of writing ahead – working on freelance projects and collaborations, in addition to my blog and my second book!

Author Websites and Profiles
Lubomira Kourteva Website
Lubomira Kourteva Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I currently have only written one novel and myriad short stories, but I plan to write many more in the future. I am planning on majoring in English and have a large passion for nearly every genre of book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Gateway, and I was inspired to write it after noticing that the lines between science fiction and fantasy are a lot more blurred than people typically think. I found about about the genre of science fantasy, and loved the idea. Why couldn’t you have a futuristic world of technology coupled with powers such as invisibility and populated with dragon-like creatures? So I started writing that world.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have an obsession with making a book organized before writing, so I often make entirely seperate areas for different character POVs and only combine them at the end. I label each chapter and have collections of scenes exploring different character arcs and subplots, to be distributed through the book when I am ready. It results in a large document full of different scenes that it takes forever to string together coherently, but it’s nice for remembering to follow up on subplots.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are too many books that have influenced me to count, but a book that particularly influenced my worldbuilding methods is Seraphina by Rachel Hartman. Reading about Goredd made me realize how important rich and immersive worldbuilding was, and I created the religion of Meeskism for skeefers partly from being so charmed by the saints in Seraphina. It also made me realize that what’s important for a book isn’t having a 100% original idea, but the delivery of the idea. Seraphina includes dragons, a very old trope, yet manages to feel very fresh and unique in its take on them.

Another book that greatly influenced me was 1984 by George Orwell, which helped develop my views and understanding of totalitarianism. Its depiction of an oligarchy is so chilling that I sought to bring many of its themes into my own writing, due to their applicability throughout history.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the second book in The Migax Cycle, which will likely be released in 2020. It’s going to delve deeper into the situation of the wilders of Migax, and I’m quite excited for it to be published.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have just started out self-publishing so I have less experience in this department, but the website that has gotten me the most exposure is Wattpad.com. It’s a free story-sharing website, and while people don’t have to pay to read your books, it has a thriving and loyal community that can really set you up for a readership that will follow you into publishing. Just because it won’t earn you money in the short-term doesn’t make it a waste of time, and being connected to a community of writers can provide you with invaluable experience and exposure.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. A major reason why writers never end up publishing is because they don’t get around to actually finishing their books. It’s more fun to think about how your book will go than to actually sit down and do it (I’m guilty of this all the time), but if you don’t make time to write your skills won’t improve and you’ll never finish a project. Don’t worry if you don’t think your book is publishing-worthy because every little thing you write is a form of practice. No one has to read what you’ve written if you don’t want them to, so open up and write without fear.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I can’t name a best piece of advice because there’s so much good advice I’ve heard, but one of the ideas that impacted me the most is that the only purpose of life is enjoyment and connection. We have no way of being certain of a higher purpose beyond what we give ourselves, and with so little time to live on this Earth, why wouldn’t we spend every bit we have enjoying ourselves and connecting with others? The idea helped me refocus my goals and realize that I should concentrate on doing what brings me joy, rather than worrying about whether or not something is worth it or not or if I’m making myself look ridiculous.

What are you reading now?
Currently, I am reading Deadly Persuasion by Jean Kilbourne, which is a book about the psychological and sociological effects of advertising. While it was written in 1999, many of its points are relevant to today.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am planning on continuing promoting and hopefully gaining reviews of Gateway, and I will finish writing, edit, and then publish its sequel. I hope to gain exposure as a self-published author and perhaps one day make a successful career out of it.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
It is odd that I am given the choice between 3 and 4 books, as if I would pick 3. Here would be my choices:

1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. The writing is incredibly poetic, the emotions at once joyful and heartrendingly sad, and the book leaves you with a feeling of wonder at the beauty and horror of humanity. Being on an island, I would be quite lonely, and this book would surround me with very real characters that could ease some of my need for connection.

2. Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood. Another poetic book, the writing style of this one is beautiful, and I would be able to get lost within this book and its descriptions for hours, thus alleviating boredom.

3. Galápagos by Kurt Vonnegut. This is the book I would need to alleviate existential dread. I would need the dark humor of Kurt Vonnegut to make me laugh at my situation rather than break down and give up.

4. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. Thematically, the title is quite fitting. Truly one of the oddest books I’ve read; this book would keep me entertained and make me grateful that my situation wasn’t quite as messed up as the characters’, and puzzling out who’s who on the genealogical tree would stave off weeks of boredom.

Author Websites and Profiles
Juliette Dunn Website
Juliette Dunn Amazon Profile

Juliette Dunn’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book. I’m really excited and nervous. I have always had a different view about thoughts, struggles and success. My first novel is my attempt to share my thoughts with enthusiastic readers.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The bame of my novel is ‘The way I never thought’.
It is for those who have a dream and those who will do their best to achieve it.
I was inspired by the simple things going around me. Like adolescents giving up easily on thing, things they once dreamt of.
I have attempted to make them believe that with courage, self-trust and perseverance, they can achieve everything.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My thoughts flow freely only on paper, not on computer. And I like to work with complete silence around me. Like deathly stillness..

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oliver twist by Charles Dickens was my first novel as far as I can remember. It powerfully showcases human emotions. Since I read it at a young age, I was totally blown away with its literature. That was what first got me into lengthy novels.

What are you working on now?
I am working on sci- fi genre now. And with a twist of psychological thrill.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is the best part of a nocel or any story. After that you partially lose control. So enjoy yourself and pour your hear out while writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never take criticism from someone you wouldn’t go asking for advice to.

What are you reading now?
A thousand pieces of you by Claudia Gray.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Strengthen my vocabulary.

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?
Just 3 or 4 wouldn’t do.

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have just release my debut book, a memoir called “I’m Not the Only One”. It has received a Canada Book Award for the content.
I was born and raised in Canada, specifically Ontario. I was a competitive athlete throughout elementary, high school and finally university. I have been involved in different charitable organizations over the years.
I have a love of animals, with a dog and cat of my own.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
As mentioned above, my book is titled “I’m Not the Only One”. It is a memoir/self-help/non-fiction that focuses on the topic of sexual assault.
The inspiration for my book came one night when I couldn’t sleep. I had considered writing a book someday, but that day came without warning. I started to write down my thoughts so that I could get them out of my head. The initial pages were in no particular order and just a long dialogue to myself. Something though was present underneath the disorganized first thoughts. I worked with it over a period of 7 months and the end result was what we have today.
As I started to write down my thoughts I was realizing how frustrated I was that the discussion around assault seems to end at the assault itself. There never seems to be further discussion on how this impacts the victims/survivors. The media seems to forget we are human beings and that trauma continues after the intimate event. While I was healing, I felt abandoned by those around me. I felt alone and I felt worthless. I had to rebuild my life to what it is today. If I could help someone else going through the same thing, feel a little less alone, I wanted to do that.
I also grew from the writing experience. There were things I didn’t appreciate I hadn’t let go, or healed from. When I finished the first draft and submitted it to the editor, I felt this weight release. A weight I didn’t even know I was carrying around. It was almost magical.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I type everything out and jump around as thoughts come to mind, but for the most part it’s pretty uneventful.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
For this topic I would say none. It is not really a topic that you go looking for inspiration. It is there, or it isn’t based on your own experiences.

What are you working on now?
At the moment, nothing. I am starting the marketing process for this book. I would love to write children’s books someday, but I am not there yet.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Instagram has been the best method for me. I like that I feel connected to a community. I try not to push the direct promotion of my book too much, but rather build a group of supporters and individuals looking for that connection themselves.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid.

What are you reading now?
A Willing Murderer by Jude Deveraux. Murder mysteries tend to be my go-to reads.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Promotion of my current book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
One or two of the last Harry Potter books
One or two James Patterson books

Author Websites and Profiles
Tori Hill Website

Tori Hill’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have only written one book and started many. I’m excited to get back and finish all of the books I have started. I believe they came to me for a reason. I feel compelled to complete all of the ideas and adventures I have started.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Take It With You”. I was inspired by my car. I spent over a decade pining for a newer Nissan Z. I had them as my screensaver and desktop wallpaper. I picked the Z in every racing videogame I ever played. Finally in 2010, I figured out a way to get one. I think because I tried for so long to get one, when I finally had it, I had achieved a major goal. I’m not sure if I willed it to be or if I could feel the future and knew it was going to happen. Anyway, I’ve always felt connected to that car. So much so that one day I thought I would want to be buried in it. Not just because I loved the car, but because it was a goal that I had achieved. Persistence can get you what you want. Just keep trying.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to do the 2 minute bad writing polka. I pretty much write gibberish for a couple minutes, then go back and edit heavily. I usually find a few good trinkets that can get me on to the next idea.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have enjoyed Kahlil Gibran’s “The Prophet”. Most recently, I’ve been influenced by Ernest Cline’s “Ready Player One”.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a book about four friends going on a brewery tour over a year’s time. I am excited to explore how their relationships change over the year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, Awesome Gang has been great. I haven’t really used anything else.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is to keep going. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Do not get discouraged. It will happen eventually in some way, shape or form.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Quite simply, the best advice is to keep going. Persistence is key. Just keep trying. Keep putting yourself out there. You know you so do you.

What are you reading now?
Currently, I am reading through the entire Harry Potter series. I am reading them to my 9 year old son before he goes to bed each night.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I hope to keep writing and get to finish all of my book ideas. I am playing with the idea of setting a word goal schedule to help me achieve my goals.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Any Lord of the Rings book, “The Prophet” and “Journey to the Center of the Earth”.

Author Websites and Profiles
NATHAN LOUWAGIE Website
NATHAN LOUWAGIE Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Eastern Kentucky in a town so small that we couldn’t afford traffic lights and tractors caused major backups on the highway. I grew up watching a lot of science fiction (i.e., Star Trek, Space 1999, Twilight Zone) and comedies. I kept on thinking that I could write these shows. How hard could it be? At the age of 13, I took a chance and submitted a skit to Saturday Night Live (SNL). About a month later, I got a nice letter from SNL that stated they do not accept materials from outside writers. So, my life was crushed for about another 22 years until I got the improv and acting bug. When I started writing again, I wrote dinner theater play (a total of four). By the age of fifty, I wrote my first novel “In The End” under the pseudonym Cullen Kit Alexander. The book is a nod to my youth and growing up in Eastern Kentucky. I wrote my second novel “Ancestry: Awakenings” in 2016 (again under Cullen’s name) that follows a nine year old girl’s journey to inheriting magic passed down by family members from an ancient African Tribe. I also wrote a play in 2016 that is still waiting to be produced called Putting The Fun In FUNeral about an adopted funeral home owner who by chance discovers who his biological parents are when he buries each of their spouses.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Witch Detective: The Fire And Brimstone Bourbon Trail Case is my most current literary work. (This is the first novel that I have published under my real name.) I’ve always loved stories about witches, their familiars, magic, and supernatural creatures. I’ve combined my love for these elements with my state’s claim to fame (bourbon) and created a fictional town in Western Kentucky called Abysmal where only bad things can happen.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Editing is probably the craziest (I have my computer read aloud to me). I also have a tendency to observe people in their natural environment and make notes for possible characters. It’s the psychologist in me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dean Koontz and Alan Dean Foster

What are you working on now?
Two books are in the hopper – “Bingo Baby” and “The Antique Dealer.”

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing everyday and write for your enjoyment.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up

What are you reading now?
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish the “Antique Dealer” and “Bingo Baby” by the end of 2020

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 write more than I read, so I’d rather have paper and pen since a computer would probably be out of the question … unless I had one of the Professor from “Gilligan’s Island.”

Author Websites and Profiles
Alan Hounshell Website
Alan Hounshell Amazon Profile

Alan Hounshell’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a new author and have only published one book. I am eager to receive honest reviews on my writing and content so that I might improve and be able to relay useful information to many different people, in a way that is effectively coherent. Having feedback from readers is something that I highly value, as it isn’t only a way to receive constrictive criticism, but also a way to see whether the content I am producing is helpful to people. It’s fulfilling.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Anger Management: Understanding Your Anger and the Strategies that can Guide You Toward Progressive Self-Development
I wrote this in response to some of the things I realized that I was dealing with in the past, that took affect in different areas in my life, and I never noticed until it was too late in some aspects. I also noticed that some people in my work environment, that was naturally aggressive, were undergoing similar issues. I figured it would be helpful to pass on somethings that have worked, and haven’t worked to well, in my journey as well as that of some aquaintences.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I noticed often in my editing that I tend to try and pack way too much detail in every sentence and paragraph. This may be typical for a new writer of non-fiction works, but even after trying to remove content and oversimplify, I struggle with the occasional run-on scentence or overly-large paragraph that is descriptive enough to provide understanding, but bordering on too much information. I dont want to insult my readers inteligence by communicating with them as though they are grade schoolers.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In my youth, to be honest, the most impactful works of authors I’ve read were fantasy novels. People like Patrick Rothfuss and Brent Weeks, who would produce volumes of work that went through years of editing after their whole series was already written. People who take the time to make a finished product with clear foreshadowing and a story that makes sense, with full sensory description for everything. Though despite how smart they are and how complete their works may have been, to them, were humble enough to endure the editing process and rewrite so many different parts of their story while keeping it true to the core was amazing to me, as they understood that peoples voices are to be heard and they are to keep an open mind to criticism. Writing, as i understood it, was so much more that being able to put together a few good sentences and forming a story, but having good business sense, being coachable, leadership, having a love for people and acknowledging the affect they have on their readers…much respect

What are you working on now?
Researching and understanding marketing techniques that can bring my books to the eyes of readers who might benefit from them.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon is my first and I haven’t had much experience to validate any other website’s I am starting to use right now. I need to reach back out to you in a few months to give you an honest answer.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t procrastinate and be a perfectionist when writing. You’ll be stunting your creativity if you’re trying to make critical edits on your first draft. Do your reasearch for your desired book topic (set a dead line), create a list of topics of the utmost importance to dedicate your focus to, Research each one of those subtopics individually to help fill out and direct your outline (set a dead line for this too), and then just free write with all of your studied material in accordance to your outline. You have a proofreading and editing process for a reason. Eliminate the fluff and make corrections to your work, after the fluff and errors have been made, not during the writing. You’re going to make changes anyway, so don’t jeapordize your writing by doing it at the wrong time.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Garbage in = Garbage out
You reap what you sew
Law of equivalent exchange
…it’s all the same. Funny thing is that I first recognized this in my sofomore college fluid mechanics class (Qin=Qout), and it applies to everything. If you want to be able to provide value to others, you must first obtain and become valuable yourself.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck and Million Dollar Habits: Proven Power Practices to Double and Triple Your Income by Brian Tracy
Personality Plus is next in the que

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just finished The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clason and know that it is difficult for many people to get out of debt in todays society, especially where there are ads for products and services being pitched to you from every form of media, as well as in person. It also doesn’t help that money is virtually no longer tangible, and you can spend it by clicking a button or waving a piece of plastic across a screen. My next short book might be written on either becoming debt free or managing income, pulling on some further research as well as my own experience of becoming completely debt free.

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 – KJV
How to Survive on a Desert Island
How to Survive being Lost at Sea

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Christina Francine is an enthusiastic author of a variety of work for all ages. When not weaving tales or cultivating medicinal herbs, she teaches academic writing at the college level. She’s also a licensed elementary teacher. Her picture book, Special Memory, is currently available at Amazon and her leveled Reader, Mr. Inker, in January 2020. She is published in Journal of Literacy Innovation, Joyful Child, Internet Review of Science Fiction, ForeWord Reviews, and MidWest Book Review. She also believes raising her two daughters is the best thing she has ever done. Christina is a member of the Hamburg Writer’s Group and of the Buffalo-Niagara Children’s Writers & Illustrators (BNCWI).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Special Memory is a picture book inspired by my two daughters.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second book in a leveled reader series. Here is more about the first book:
Rafiq misses his friends from Pakistan and a boy at school makes fun of his name. It is not easy being an immigrant in America. Rafiq knows he’s safer in “the land of the free,” yet he is homesick. When he receives a fancy pen for his birthday, he discovers his new best friend, a talking pen. Sometimes Mr. Inker is too proud and his jokes corny. He can be a real stinker, but he helps Rafiq with English words, makes him laugh, and finds a way to connect Rafiq with his old friends through traditional letter writing. This Step 3 Waldorf Reader is perfect for boys and girls ages 5-8.!

Be sure to look for other books about Mr. Inker who is sometimes a stinker.
A unique idea – a talking pen. In an age where cell phones seem most kids’ friends, the author resuscitates the original means of communication: the pen! A talking writing utensil becomes an immigrant boy’s best friend. Immigrant children will like reading a book about themselves combined with a little fun and magic. Not only will they learn to read, but have fun at the same time. Mr. Inker will bring smiles to immigrant and American children alike. The story may even cause a chuckle or two. Teachers and parents will like the learning within each story and the learning section at the back of the book.

Another work in progress is a fantasy novel. It’s in one of many revisions. One publisher expressed a little interest but hasn’t committed, so I’m still looking for one who will commit. Here is a little about this novel:

ASIMA, DREAMKEEPER OF EARTH’S CHILDREN is about a lonely dreamkeeper’s struggle to find forbidden true love, which jeopardizes her health, life, ability to save a young girl, and her professional position.

Asima is the protector of human children’s dreams and searches for true love, even though she isn’t allowed a mate. When her drive turns to passion, she neglects herself instead of her charges. Weakened, Asima eventually starts to miss required dreamkeeper classes. Her job begins to be affected at a time when Callie, a thirteen-year-old girl in a new school, is bullied and needs Asima the most. Asima is exhausted however, and fights to save Callie from Magnus, a class four sleep demon. It takes great effort, but Asima places him inside a bubble cell.

Asima stumbles upon Nicholas, a young man creatively rich in music and song who’s unaware he’s stolen her heart. Asima enters Nicholas’s dreams; something dreamkeepers are forbidden to do, and learns Nicholas has decided to pursue a career different from his passion.

Disappointed in not finding true love on Earth, Asima visits her mother on her home planet, Dulon. She pushes her mother to give her the truth about her father and the reason for their separation. It is here Asima decides to stop searching for true love, feels love doesn’t exist anyhow, and to concentrate on her job of helping Earth’s children. Her best friend, Hrimfaxi, a blue Pegasus with white wings, and the dreamkeeper for Earth’s animals, encourages Asima the best as he can.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon and Goodread reviewers have provided positive reviews. LinkedIn is amazing in that on average, my profile receives surprising visits and requests to connect.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Become an author, or anything you desire to be because it is your passion, you enjoy doing that thing. Writing for publication is hard, but possible. It may take years before you see progress, or very little time. Ask yourself what your destination is with this passion. Why are you doing it? Work hard because if given the choice, you would rather do this than anything else. Don’t expect to sit down and have perfection flow from your pen or through the keyboard. Writing well takes work just as learning to make most baskets in basketball. We are not born knowing how to write like we are knowing how to talk.

If you want to write, don’t give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Listen to your creative/inventive self and not the editor when first creating your story. The creative/inventive self is tied to play. If voices pop into your head while first writing your story/inventing, the editor side of yourself is out. Tie this editor up until your story is done and you’re ready to tweak it.

What are you reading now?
A technical communication textbook for college classes I’m teaching this coming semester.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Putting the final touches on the two books I mentioned I’m working on and having them available for readers. I’d like to hear from readers on their thoughts about my work. For some reason I’m driven to make a positive difference in people’s lives through writing.

Author Websites and Profiles
Christina Kennison Website
Christina Kennison Amazon Profile

Christina Kennison’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 54 years old and retired a couple of years ago, after a long a varied career in corporate IT. I live in London UK and have been happily married for nearly thirty years.

I have so far completed one book and have a couple in the works at the moment.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Tales from the Library (Tiny Tales in Two Parts) was created when I started an online story blog. Originally called Tiny Tales in Two parts or (3T), at least once a week I would publish a short story online. The two-part short story format allowed me to use different genres, and a wide variety of storytelling approaches to tell the larger story arc I had in mind.
As I approached the end of the first story arc I was encouraged to turn it into a proper novel, and so Tales from the Library came into existence.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not sure what is usual or unusual. I have often just sat at the keyboard, with a couple of characters and a rough plot idea and started typing. If I am lucky, as I type the story unfolds and often resolves not how I imagined it would.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
At an early age (eight) I was introduced to science-fiction by my father. He purchased me Asimov’s foundation trilogy. I was immediately hooked, though the some of the subtleties of those books were lost on a young lad. It didn’t stop me working through many other similar books.
I then discovered Tolkien and the many worlds of fantasy, Thomas Covenant stories and so on. In my twenties I was introduced by friends to the dark worlds of Lovecraft.

There are elements in my writing so far which echoes each of the amazing ideas they pioneered.

What are you working on now?
I am working on two projects at the moment:
– Tales from the Library part two, following on from the end of the current novel.
– The Atlantic, a supernatural mystery based on a cruise ship.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a first time writer and promoter, I am still learning the best approach to do this.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
1) Just start writing.
2) Find someone who has better grammar skills than you to help you.
3) Keep writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One of my friends pointed out I was trying to hard to write like someone else. She told me to write like me and be damned.

What are you reading now?
‘The Shattered Sword’ by Parshall and Tully, a Historical account of the WW2 battle of Midway, but done from the Japanese perspective. A fascinating work, that in places has had me enthralled as if it was a novel.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Sounds corny, but to keep focused on writing. There are plenty of other things that can distract me.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Asimov’s ‘Foundation Trilogy’ (been a long time since I read them)
Lovecraft’s ‘At the mountains of Madness.
Donaldson’s ‘The second chronicles of Thomas Covenant’.

Author Websites and Profiles
John Lonsdale Website
John Lonsdale Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello readers! I am the author of the ‘A Sweet Reunion Romance’ novella series and ‘Jingle Bells, Mussel Shells, Murder all the Way’ which is a holiday-themed cozy mystery novel. I also have a poetry collection called ‘Dreams for the Divine and Drowning’ and a collection of rhymes and fairytales called ‘Of a Lilac Moon’. Finally, I have a collection of short stories called ‘Stained: Short Stories for the Unkempt Woman’. I live with my husband, daughters, and dogs on Whidbey Island, Washington. I have lived all over the United States but came back to Whidbey a few years ago to be close to family and to be a part of the amazing artist community here!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘Jingle Bells, Mussel Shells, Murder all the Way’. It is a holiday-themed cozy mystery but it didn’t start out that way. It was supposed to be the third book in my ‘A Sweet Reunion Romance’ series that followed a side character named Tessa as she found love. Instead, she found a dead body. The characters took over from there and soon I had what I consider a sweet romance/cozy mystery cross-over book! There’s still a lot of sweet romance but also you find the humor, mystery, and yes-recipes, that you often see in a cozy mystery novel.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write from an armchair on a little purple laptop. I have to have the tv on in the background and often it’s Friends, Lifetime movies, or reality tv. I have to be drinking an energy drink or something fizzy. I take a lot of breaks where I walk around the room and see what chores I can ignore.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I set out to write a cozy mystery I wanted to read a lot of pet-themed cozies. Linda O. Johnston, Ginger Bolton, and V.M. Burns were all on the list. I love anything with a great pet side-kick and I hope that readers love my own Kipsie the senior Shih-Tzu from ‘Jingle’!

What are you working on now?
I am about to start a new cozy series about an L.A. actor/ pet groomer who comes back home to take over a family business. She will encounter lots of small-town drama, past loves, family issues, and tons of fun characters, and of course a murder to solve!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do a lot of social media posting when I’m taking a break from writing. Facebook mostly but I use Instagram for my poetry and Twitter when I remember.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I know it’s not usually recommended, but I like to edit as I go. I write slow, think about what I’m saying and really don’t have to do much re-writing in my editing process. I hate rough drafts that require you to start over. I’d rather get it right the first time.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Let the story tell itself.

What are you reading now?
Look Who Tuna’d Up Dead by Aliyah Burke

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m just going to keep writing. I have so many stories to tell and no time to waste!

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?
Ooh, good one! I would take Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Hunger Games, and the 100 Best Short Stories Collection. Just off the top of my head!

Author Websites and Profiles
Katie Hagen Website
Katie Hagen Amazon Profile

Katie Hagen’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profil

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m just a normal guy – a scruffy nerf herder some would say. This is technically my first crack at an actual book, though I’ve written several feature-length screenplays. The art form and technique are slightly different, to say the least, but writing is writing. And it has been an interesting adventure so far. And I’ve enjoyed every minute of it!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Day Crosser is the name. And what inspired it is the recent attention in the mainstream media regarding the border/border wall, the immigrants, as well as the divide across the country when it comes to this type of topic. Very polalrizing, to say the least. The co-author, Greg Leib, had an idea for a story when he belonged to the Writers Studio Tucson Workshop and wrote a two-page outline. He wanted to expand on it, so I took over, first turning it into a screenplay, then I decided to adapt into a book. This story is about people from different environments and world views, and how we are far more alike than we are different. I didn’t write this because I hate the President, or I’m trying to gain social justice brownie points – I wrote it because I care about the characters in the story. It’s ultimately a story that is both tragic, and empathetic.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Lots of Coffee! But most writers drink coffee, right? I also listen to music, LOTS of metal. Death Metal, Doom Metal, Black Metal… you name it. It’s great writing music, though others around you might not appreciate it much.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well Stephen King will always be at the top of the list. I really like R.A. Salvatore and I’m a big fan of the The Dark Elf Trilogy. I’m also a fan of Glen Cook and The Black Company.

What are you working on now?
I’m finishing up my zombie epic “Seeds of the Dead”. It deals with GMO, population control and ZOMBIES! It’s another screenplay adapted into novel form. It’s a ZOM-COM, and it’s much more robust than “Day Crosser”. I should have that released by the first of the new year.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. And write some more. And keep at it… until you achieve your goal.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t talk about it, just do it!

What are you reading now?
I have no time to read now. I’m always writing! I did finish the Dinosaur Apocalypse Book series by Wayne Spitzer. If you love dinosaurs and end of the world type scenarios, he’s your go-to author. They deliver!

What’s next for you as a writer?
“Seeds of the Dead”, then after that I have a couple of supernatural horror novels I want to complete. And who knows… maybe I’ll make “Day Crosser” into the movie I always intended it to be. We’ll have to 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?
Dark Elf Trilogy, Fingerprints of the Gods, The Black Company, and Cabal by Clive Barker. All great books!

Author Websites and Profiles
Andy Kumpon Website
Andy Kumpon Amazon Profile
Andy Kumpon Author Profile on Smashwords

Andy Kumpon’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 24 about to be 25. I have only written one book but is something I am extremely proud of even if it is not fantastic. I have a lot to learn but I am continuing to write and am currently writing two other books at this very moment.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Anfractuous is the name of my latest and first ever book, I was inspired for this idea by first off all the media I consume. I am a giant fan of all the Star Wars movies. I also have a weird cross interest in horror like Steven King and also weird stories like the ones found in Black Mirror the TV show. All of this had me wanting to mix a space opera with horror and twists and turns. One day while listening to the JRE podcast they had talked about different forms of space travel and that gave me the idea for asteroid flying.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I consistently listen to my favorite genre of music, this is deathcore and deathmetal. That might not even bey that unusual so I will say I also make all different types of noises and I act out my characters while I am sitting alone and writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Steven King is an obvious so probably cliche. When I was young I was head over heals for R.L. Stein and could not get enough of his horror style. Those two have been the largest influences for writing in my life.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the squeal to Anfractuous called, Anfractuous: Darkness Beyond Stars. I am also working on a third book not connected to those two called, The Mystery of Mercy Street.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do not really have one, I post links to my amazon on my Facebook and now I suppose I am doing this.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You have to write the story, I don’t like to hear people talk about writers block I think it is an excuse for being lazy. Most people sit and worry about perfection. Perfection comes later while editing, just getting the story on the page is the core part.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Exactly the advice I would give to new people. Write.

What are you reading now?
I am reading the book Feed but honestly I must say I am not really enjoying it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just continue to write stories and see where trying to be an author can take me.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
This is a hard question, currently I feel like there is not a lot that I want to be reading. Mostly I think the books I want to consume at the moment have not been made so that is why I am so admit on writing, I want to create the things I think are missing from the reading space. So I guess I would bring my future books with me, unless someone else writes in the vein of Black Mirror.

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Currently, I have 3 titles published. I’ve got an Urban Fiction/African American Erotica book titled Honor & Nirah: A Supernatural Love Affair. I’ve got a digital marketing book titled You Don’t Have To Be A Big Corporation To Start! And Your Key To Success: Writing An Amazon eBook.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Honor & Nirah: A Supernatural Love Affair. It is my baby! It was inspired by a love affair gone wrong that I personally experienced. It was so fun to add the psychic aspect of Nirah’s life. The dynamics between Nirah and everyone who crosses her path is something that I’ve loved to see play out. Whether you love or hate her, she will definitely leave an impression on your life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, but everything I do is unusual. I write best late at night or first thing in the morning. I have a million tabs up on my laptop. I’m listening to a vlog or some music. Or sometimes, nothing at all. I write a paragraph and will read that same damn paragraph over and over again until it speaks the next one to me. Out loud, mind you. If it flows in conversation, it will read well. At least, I think so.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
NAKO, Mary Monroe, Omar Tyree, Eric Jerome Dickey, E. Lynn Harris.

What are you working on now?
The sequel to Honor & Nirah: A Supernatural Love Affair. It delves deeper into Nirah’s mind. You’ll see relationships with key people in her life, gain insight on her husband. And even get a glimpse into her childhood. And of course the steam…her love life is still hot!

Author Websites and Profiles
Janella Williams Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing poetry for over 50 years and have occasionally participated in poetry readings. I kept getting questions about my poetry book — which didn’t exist. BUT I had saved all of my poems. I decided it was time to put my poems together in a collection and when thinking about an appropriate goal for publishing, I decided on my 75th birthday. I decided to self-publish because I had helped my mother self-publish a book and it seemed easier that seeking a publisher. So, here I am, and the response and feedback has been better than I could have imagined.

I am also an Iyanifa in the Yoruba religious tradition and some of my poems relate to my spirituality. Some of my poems reflect my African-American background as well.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Out of My Mind: A Quirky Look at Life Through Poetry”. I’ve always enjoyed word play and double entendres. The poems come out of my mind, but some of them are a little strange to people who have preconceptions of what poetry should be, hence the two meanings of “Out of My Mind”…

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I rarely decide the subject matter of my poetry. They come to me like dreams or visions, almost complete. I have learned to grab hold of them when they come, no matter what I am doing — its like a poem-attack. I keep little notebooks in my backpack and in the car so I can pull over and jot down whatever lines of poetry have wandered into my head.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite poets are Lucille Clifton and Nikki Giovanni. But I also love science fiction and Octavia Butler was one of my favorites in that genre.

What are you working on now?
I have a children’s book that I wrote after imagining the history of an old broken down house buried in weeds and a forest that had grown around it. Its told from the house’s perspective. I’m preparing it for editing right now.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I must confess I am old school when it comes to social media. My primary method is email to a large list of colleagues, friends and family that I have built over the years. I do use facebook but I haven’t really touched its potential — I’d rather spend my time writing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
No matter how much you doubt yourself and fear that its no good, you’ll find its better than you think and you have what it takes. Set yourself a goal and know that sometimes you’ll take strides and other times you’ll crawl but every step gets you closer. The journey is worth it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.” … from Winnie the Pooh.

What are you reading now?
The Rosewater Insurrection (the Wormwood Trilogy, book 2) by Tade Thompson

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish the audio book of “Out of My Mind”

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. I’d take a blank notebook to write down my thoughts and drawings
2. A survival book that would tell me how to find water or desalinate salt water and other useful tips
3. Xenogenisis by Octavia Butler
4. Alvin Maker by Orson Scott Card

Author Websites and Profiles
Miki Conn Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book. I have wanted to write a book for years, but I waited until I was 60 years old because I thought there would be more to say.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I wanted to let people know what things were like years ago, and to help bully victims.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. My first drafts are terrible. I try to say to many things, so I chisel things down. This book probably had 30 revisions.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ernst Hemmingway

What are you working on now?
I am working on a piece about the history of good times. Its been in the mill for years.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t know because I am new to promoting my book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Take your Title, Book Cover and book description very seriously. Do a google docs edit with a professional editor. Don’t stop until every little detail is ironed out. Get someone who is critical of your work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There is so many things I cant list them here.

What are you reading now?
Miscellaneous new articles.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A book about good times. It will be a seven year project.

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

Paul Davidson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile