Your Saturday Morning Awesomegang Authors Newsletter

Published: Sat, 11/16/19

AwesomeGang Authors

 

Good Morning!


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Thanks
Vinny

 
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Awesome Author - Rob Rando

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My Name is Rob Rando, I was born in Long Island, NY then transplanted here to Cleveland, Ohio when I was three years old. I’ve been a Clevelander for 27 years now and currently reside in a modest home with my beautiful Colombian Wife Gisela. Recently, we adopted two adorable 9-year-old Chiuahahs named Thelma and Louise. Life is good.

I’ve always called myself an approachable introvert as I like people and conversations, but really enjoy my alone time. Before I started writing books I would spend a lot of time journaling and trying to answer my own questions. That’s how I come up with some of my book ideas, I would see patterns in my writing and new they were problems that needed to be solved.

So far I’ve written 2 books, and working on a third one that’s going to be a bit more robust. I’m starting to see some momentum so I’m very excited to continue on this journey.

If that’s not impressive enough, I am currently as the 43,000 on Amazon’s Author Rank. Thanks, Amazon!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of the last book I wrote was called “What Should I Do Next? The 6 most important questions to find Career Clarity, Growth, and Fulfillment”.

I was inspired because of the challenges I was feeling at work. I was put into a new position with a lot more responsibility (pressure) and a quota that was 100x more than any of my previous roles.

With this new challenge I wanted to step up and exceed expectations, but I didn’t want to do it in a way where I was grinding myself to dust. I hate the mindset that we should grind until we can’t breathe. I believe that our careers are an important part of life, so I set out to uncover questions that could help people find clarity at work.

The idea is to be happy with what you do. If not, you should take a step back and figure out what makes you happy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Right now, I pretty much just try to hit it at the same time early in the morning. I like to journal a bit before I get into writing because I think it helps to clear the residue. Nothing that unusual though.

I wish I could say that I have some really unique writing habits, maybe if I become a more well-known author I’ll invent some interesting quirks.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are really so many books that have impacted me. The list of authors below is from authors of books I’ve read recently and just think “Wow, that’s a good writer”.

Robert Greene
George Orwell
Cal Newport
Neil Gaiman
Celeste NG
Dan Brown…

What are you working on now?
Right now I am on the research stage for my next book. I have a thesis that I am trying to prove or disprove before I get real serious on my draft. Other than that, I am continuing to build up my blog and website.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is an area that must be learned and cultivated. Being a new writer, I hate self-promotion but I will share my work with friends and family. The ones that get excited about it will share it which helps with velocity.

I don’t have the answers yet. I may be naive, but I also think that writing is a long game. You don’t just get found, you have to make the effort to connect and help people.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Repetition makes an impression. The more you practice writing, the better you will get at it. This is obvious advice.

Also, when you are writing learn to force yourself to remove distractions. This includes staying present with the moments of un-comfort within your writing sessions.

For example, when you have a word document opened and you are feeling bored/stuck its tempting to jump onto a website to distract yourself, instead stick with that feeling. That’s where the magic comes. When we are able to sit with the pain of writer’s block, we learn how to get through it with our own capabilities.

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

What are you reading now?
Mastery by Robert Greene

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on a 3rd book that is going to be my most ambitious project yet. It’s about a question that I’ve had for a long time and I think it’s going to help a lot of people.

My goal is to have a completed draft by Jan 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?
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
1984 by George Orwell
Harry Potter and the Prison of Askaban (Book 3) by JK Rowling

Also, a book on “How to survive and thrive on a Desert Island”…

Author Websites and Profiles
Rob Rando Website
Rob Rando Amazon Profile

 


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Awesome Author - Johnathan Cranford

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The Sugar Demons: An Addicts Guide to Conquering Sugar Addiction is my first full length book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled The Sugar Demons: An Addicts Guide to Conquering Sugar Addiction was inspired by my years long battle with, and eventual victory over my Sugar Demons. It took a long time for me to realize I was dealing with an addiction. The journey began with me staring into our kitchen waste bin. Out of embarrassment, I was attempting to pile trash atop two empty pints of ice cream so my wife wouldn’t find out I ate both of them in one sitting. Not my proudest moment. It was that day I realized that sugar was more than just an indulgence for me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I write best in the morning with a cup of coffee.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to list. I’ve been voraciously consuming books ever since I lost my bike in second grade. My step-dad refused to buy me a new bike until I’d read 50 books. He made me keep a list, but I kept losing it. Probably read over 200 books before I got that bike.

What are you working on now?
I’m in the middle of a fictional short story set in contemporary Houston, Texas. It’s a story about a local gang member who fights demons to save the neighborhood. Basically, a paranormal-fiction version of my last book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I can’t answer that yet since this is my first book launch. Hopefully I’ll stumble upon something that works.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do the work. There’s no such thing as writer’s block. You just have to sit down and do it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If it’s important, do it everyday.

What are you reading now?
Quichotte by Salman Rushdie

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully another book. I have some ideas bumping around in my head. I won’t know if any of them is a book until I start writing.

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?
War and Peace. The characters are so real they can keep me company.

Dress You Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris to remind me to find humor in everything.

Anything by Douglas Adams. Laughter is crucial.

Author Websites and Profiles
Johnathan Cranford Website
Johnathan Cranford Amazon Profile


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Awesome Author - suresh kundal

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My 1st book DARA BY SURESH KUNDAL was released on 30may 2019
My 2nd book DARA -2 is almost at final stage

By profession, I am a merchant exporter (since 2006) & have travelled extensively to Europe, UK, Russia, Africa, China & Hong Kong.

I have pursued cadetship from Rashtriya Military School there by completing post graduation in Geography and MBA from Narsee Monjee-Ville Parle. Log on to my websites www.sureshkundal.com

I have authored a book which was released on 31st May, 2019 at marketplaces and bookshops across the globe. It’s a soldier story depicting human traits viz. Loyalty ~ Camaraderie ~ Friendship ~ Faith ~ Love.

I wish to introduce my attached book titled DARA BY SURESH KUNDAL

Book Title: DARA BY SURESH KUNDAL
Bestseller Ranking: 105 {in the 1st week @bookdepository}
Genre: BILDUNGSROMAN (Contemporary Fiction)
ISBN: 9781528918558
Publisher: Austin Macauley-UK
Available on amazon, Walmart & several market places across
Author websites: http://sureshkundal.ampbk.com/
Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNpcE9jDlmE

 The book DARA BY SURESH KUNDAL was showcased in a 5star Luxury Hotel Metro, New Delhi {amidst families of Martyrs, high ranked officers in Defence Forces & foreign delegates
 I Was featured as showcased author by Austin Macauley Publishers-UK
 The author was interviewed by a leading newspaper The Indian Express and the article was published on the made page

The book received accolades from my school types:-
• Mr Ajit Doval {National Security Advisor -The James Bond of India}
• Lt Gen CP Cariappa {Defence Secty to the President}
• Maj Gen Yash Mor
• Dr Manny Gupta (USA)

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book DARA BY SURESH KUNDAL is inspired by struggling phase of my father who was a soldier in Indian Army

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am an Exporter by Day & a Writer by Night. I like to jot down my emotions on paper while travelling.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Far from the maddening crowd – Thomas Hardy

What are you working on now?
Dara- 2

I also wish to write stories for the children

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Listen to your heart & go with the flow. Writing should be your passion & not compulsion

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing, good or bad!

What are you reading now?
Nothing as such.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Listen to as many people i can

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

Author Websites and Profiles
suresh kundal Website
suresh kundal Amazon Profile


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Awesome Author - Jacob Lasher

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Jacob Lasher. I have two books of poetry published and one coming in January 2020.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Leaky Faucets is a book that I put my heart and soul into. It’s about the struggles of having anxiety and attempting to maintain relationships which proves to be a hard effort. I used my own experiences while putting together the puzzle pieces.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I either write for ten hours straight or not at all. I’m kind of an all or nothing guy.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jodi Picoult for sure. I love Cheryl Rainfield and Ellen Hopkins because they’re so raw and honest.

What are you working on now?
My first novel in years is titled First Train Home. I am so proud with how it’s coming together. It’s going into so many different directions and I didn’t picture it turning out this way, but I couldn’t be more happier!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook/Instagram. I have a website now, too! jacoblasher.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just write your dang book. Your first draft is not your final draft.

What are you reading now?
I’ve been rereading Cheryl Rainfield’s Scars. It’s my favorite book of all time and I’ve destroyed it because I have read it so much.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing to write and hopefully reach people in ways beyond my imagining.

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?
Scars by Cheryl Rainfield, Impulse by Ellen Hopkins, 19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult, and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Author Websites and Profiles
Jacob Lasher Website

Jacob Lasher’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile


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Awesome Author - Laura Pasternak

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Laura Pasternak. I’m a mother of two with a creative spirit. I started my DIY Blog (phar-ma.com) back in 2010 as a creative outlet where I taught myself the art of illustration and design.

Inspired by my children, I set out to write and illustrate a story to help ease the anxiety that comes with having two homes. My first book is a bedtime story (Sweet Dreams, Lima Beans) with a fun, modern take on bedtime that any child would enjoy. From the book’s inception, I knew I wanted my Lima Bean characters to tell more stories so I also created The Secret Life of Beans Children’s Book Series (thesecretlifeofbeans.com) as an inspirational platform for children and families alike. My hope is to continue spreading a positive message and bring families closer together by adding more to this series.

I live in beautiful Sarasota, Florida with my two amazing children and work in helping people with rare diseases.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Livin’ the Dream, Lima Beans and it takes readers on a whimsical journey about finding your passions and staying true to yourself. Live life to the fullest–this is something that I try to encourage my own children to do.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The ideas for the books usually hit me throughout the day and I’ll write them down on notes and piece them together for the final product.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always been a fan of Dr. Seuss. The unmistakeable rhyming patterns and bright illustrations always made me feel like anything was possible. More recently, Adam Rubin, Dav Pilkey, and “Ann Droid”–I love their modern approaches to children’s books.

What are you working on now?
I’ve already written the third book in The Secret Life of Beans Series to address the challenges of screen time for children these days. Now I just need to work on the illustrations!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome Gang of course! I’ve also had success is using Facebook groups, promoting on social media channels, and Pinterest.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice would be to do 1% more everyday. Writing can be overwhelming, but if you just do 1% it’s manageable. I work full time and I’m a single mom, so I always make it a priority of doing a little bit at a time and it eventually leads to a finished product.

Author Websites and Profiles
Laura Pasternak Website
Laura Pasternak Amazon Profile

Laura Pasternak’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account


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Awesome Author - Cully Mack

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi I’m Cully
What to say about me? I guess if I could some up what makes me tick in one phrase it would be – Follow your dreams!
It took me a while to learn this as life got in the way but I learned that who you are, your passions and desires, they call out in whispers and if you don’t listen they begin to roar. And roar they did, so here I am writing what I should have written years ago!

I have written A Voice That Thunders, the first epic fantasy novel in the Voice that Thunders series and A Scream That Shatters (soon to be published).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is A Voice That Thunders. I was inspired to write it because of my interest in ancient near east myths. I see a lot of books about Greek and Roman gods but I wanted to go back further and explore the myths in which these developed from.
I imagined a brother (Gabe) and what would happen if his sister (Mirah) was taken by immortal beings, gave him a destiny, added some magic, plenty of conflict and a tad of romance (a bit more than a tad as it happens) and here we are. I’m currently writing the 4th book!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not an outliner or plotter! I create my characters’ personalities, put them in an imagined world, add obstacles which they need to overcome and work out how they achieve it as I write. The characters often surprise me! Honestly, I still have no clue how this is all going to end!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I take inspiration from myths from the ANE such as The Book of Enoch, The Epic of Gilgamesh, or things like Milton’s Paradise Lost. I research a lot of Sumerian, Babylonian, and Semitic texts for my world building and mythological themes.

As far as reading and inspiration goes, I have an eclectic mix, everything from classics like Virginia Woolf to fantasy authors such as Patrick Rothfuss, Jay Kristoff, Natalie Jaster, Raye Wagner and older favourites such as Robert Jordan and Raymond Feist.
I’m a huge fan of Sarah J Maas, preferring TOG.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently editing A Fire That Whispers and writing A Song That Clashes. These are books 3 & 4 in the Voice that Thunder series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t really begun promoting my books yet. It’s a scary avenue to take. This is one of my first ventures into promotion.
I do have a facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CullyMack/
and a group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2308034742648180/

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write! I know you’ve heard it before, so had I. It’s really the best way. Don’t self-edit just keep going and get that first draft down. You will develop as a writer and change most of your original in redrafts.

Also, read. Find authors who have keys strengths where you are lacking and see how they do it. Read outside your genre.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not only related to writing but the best advice I’ve heard is to follow your dreams and don’t let life’s stumbling blocks deter you from your path.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Darkdawn by Jay Kristoff and Wrath by John Gwynne.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m due to publish A Scream That Shatters in November 2019. A Fire That Whispers will be out in the new year and maybe A Song That Clashes will be finished also. The final book (still untitled) is lingering in my mind itching to come to life. After this, I think I will write something different, maybe or Fae or Dragons (or both)!

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?
Empire of Storms by S. J. Maas – I’m a sucker for Lorcan
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss – I love his prose
Something epic and very very long
A book I’ve never read and hope it’s a great one.

Author Websites and Profiles
Cully Mack Amazon Profile

Cully Mack’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile


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Awesome Author - M. York

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Texan living in Northern Alberta who has been steadily growing a spine over the last year.

I’ve written at least 9 books over the course of my life, three of which will never see the light of day (as I was a child when I wrote them). Two of them are no longer available, but all four that I’ve done as an indie author are fully available on Amazon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Of Reapers and Ravens and it’s a mix between dark fantasy and a private investigator mystery. I’ve always loved fantasy in general and have been building my fantasy world (that all four of my independently published books are set in) for years. However, since my husband and I live in a rural town 5 hours from the nearest city by car, we started downloading old 30s-50s radio programs from Archive.org to listen to while we drove.

After listening to a lot of Jack Diamond, Box 13, Johnny Dollar, The Adventures of Philip Marlowe, and Dragnet, I wanted to set this private investigator story in a fantasy setting. It’s been a difficult task, I think, but I really enjoyed it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try so hard to write during the day but it’s difficult for me. Once the clock strikes 6pm, though, I am able to write a thousand words every thirty minutes. I’m really unsure of why.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Raymond Chandler, J.R.R. Tolkein (the easy choice), Richard Byers’ The Haunted Lands series, Ray Bradbury, Ender’s Game, Dune, the Jack McKinney Robotech books, Dan Brereton’s The Nocturnals, the list will keep going if I don’t stop myself here.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on the sequel to Of Reapers and Ravens.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring that out. I’m fairly unknown at the moment and am attempting lots of different things to get my name out there.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Rely on perseverance and determination and keep writing. Fail as fast as you’re able so you can learn from that and turn it into a success.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Fail faster.

What are you reading now?
I’m having a bit of a rough time reading right now. It’s hard for me since I left school. I’m going to buy some Philip Marlowe books pretty soon to see if I can get interested in that.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I intend to write a few Gerhardt Detective Agency books, then take a break from the series to start up a sci-fi or science fantasy series. That will be in an entirely different universe from my fantasy universe, though, so I probably won’t be releasing those until midway through 2020. So a few Gerhardt books first.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well, here’s where I’m going to give you a bit of a downer. If I were going to be stranded on a desert island I would probably be dead in a few days as my multiple sclerosis reacts badly to heat (my reactions, speech, and thoughts slow and I lose control of most muscles). So, assuming this desert island doesn’t have air conditioning, I’d be dead before I got to enjoy any books.

If I were going to live, guaranteed, I’d probably take Something Wicked This Way Comes, my LOTR complete edition, then probably the Azumangadaio compendium.

Author Websites and Profiles
M. York Website
M. York Amazon Profile

M. York’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Chris Johnson

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a senior at the University of Dayton. I’m studying biology even though my real passion is for writing. I’m really just about over college and very ready to graduate, although being a real adult doesn’t seem too great yet. I started writing in my free time three years ago and haven’t stopped since. I’ve written three complete books, one of which is now published and available on Amazon – A Trip to Remember – a novella. The other two I thought were garbage so they’ll never see the light of day. I draw inspiration from Charles Bukowski and Hunter S. Thompson. Both speak the truth, both are straight forward, and both are concise with their words. I’m currently working on a fourth book as well as a book of poetry.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Trip to Remember is my most recent work. It was inspired by a few things. My personal interest in psychedelics played a role, along with the emerging societal views of shrooms and DMT. But the real credit goes to a girl who pushed me to stick with it and finish what I started.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Haha, yes. My friends and parents find my writing habits very unusual, but I don’t think they really get it. I don’t/can’t write before the sun goes down. I don’t know why, the words just don’t come as easy. I don’t ever sit down and say, okay – time to write, it has to come naturally. Typically, it comes naturally after a glass or two of bottom shelf whiskey.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first book I read that really stuck out to me was Chasing Redbird by Sharon Creech. I think I was around ten years old when I read it the first time. After that I stopped reading until I got to college. Then, I started writing some myself and discovered Hunter S. Thompson and Charles Bukowski. Bukowski is my main influence, but I think both of them are two of the best authors to have graced us with their words.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m going back and forth between a book of poetry and a realistic fictional novel that I hope to have done by March.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, Inkitt and Awesome Gang are the only two websites I’ve used for promoting. Other than that I’ve relied on my social media accounts and friends/family sharing a link to my book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Not everyone can write a book, not everyone can be an author. I have something published, but I still don’t think I’m a real writer. Let everyone tell you you can’t do something and then do it anyways. Who cares what other people say to you, if you want to write then write. Don’t go half way though, if you want to write go all the way.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You can never support yourself off of writing. You’d have to get lucky and I doubt it happens” – my adviser here at UD. He told me that and I walked out of his office. He’s probably right, but that’s just gonna fuel my passion even more.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Women by Charles Bukowski.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to continue to promote my first book and hope I get noticed somewhere. If not, I’ll finish the next one and try again.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Ham on Rye – Bukowski
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – Thompson
You get so Alone at Times that it just Makes Sense – Bukowski
Factotum – Bukowski

 


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Awesome Author - Holly Karlsson

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Holly. I’m a speculative fiction author who roams and writes in the Pacific Northwest. When I’m not writing, I’m usually chasing around my kids (two under 5!) and hoarding journals. I currently have three published books — two collections of flash fiction in a variety of genres, titled Unusual Diction Volume One and Two, and my new epic fantasy novel Daughters of Fire & Sea, book one in a new series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Daughters of Fire & Sea: Book One, an epic fantasy novel about sisters, magical adventures, betrayal, war, and dragons. My head is constantly churning with new worlds and characters inspired by my love for fantasy, mythology, magic, and the beautiful outdoors. Daughters of Fire & Sea started as a ghost story about twin sisters who lived in an in-between place where the barrier between the living world and the underworld was thin. It quickly became a different story than I’d originally imagined, but I love how the characters changed and where their adventures took them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My first draft is often peppered with italicized notes and probably reads a touch crazy. Some are helpful — actual questions or ideas I have about the characters, world or problems I need to solve — but some are complaints and admonitions from my harsh inner critic. We artists often like to torture ourselves.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love epic fantasy and some of my favorite authors who inspire me are Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, Steven Erikson, Neil Gaiman, and Melanie Rawn. My goal is to write epic and immersive stories filled with fantastic magic systems, compelling characters, and vivid, complicated worlds. Though fantasy is my favorite, I love to read sci-fi and murder mysteries as well.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the second book in my Daughters of Fire & Sea trilogy called The Dragon Flute. It continues the story from book one with more complications, dragons, and an important quest.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Though my first flash fiction collection was published in 2015, I’ve only just begun promoting my work with the release of my fantasy novel. So far I’ve had success with my Instagram account (I love sharing my weekly flash fiction stories and nature photos) and I’m currently experimenting with other platforms and advertisers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Hire a developmental editor to read your story. They’ll often spot issues you won’t notice (head-hopping might be a problem or your character motivations aren’t clear or you might have unnecessary scenes you can cut) and will help strengthen your story if you’re willing to listen to their suggestions.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That’s a hard one, but what comes to mind right now is to write the story you want to tell and worry about marketing it later. The best story you can write will be something that matters to you, that is authentic to your voice.

Also, just keep writing. Work through the doubts and keep writing. If you continue working on your craft and challenge yourself, you will continue to improve and tell better stories.

What are you reading now?
I just finished a fantasy romance novel by a fellow indie author, Miranda Honfleur, called Blade & Rose which I enjoyed (fascinating magic, excellent high fantasy, and a great, edge of your seat ending), and I’m about to start Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a long list of stories that I want to tell so my plan is to just keep writing and building new worlds. What I’ve released so far is just the beginning.

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, that’s a tough one… I’d definitely pick two of my favorites, The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. For my other two (since I’d go with the max I could bring haha) I would pick The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan because it’s thick and interesting, and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams to keep me laughing. I’d also have my Kindle stashed somewhere so that’s a few more books to keep me busy, and hopefully, there’s one with some survival tips on there.

Author Websites and Profiles
Holly Karlsson Website
Holly Karlsson Amazon Profile

Holly Karlsson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Kingpen and Kita Reign

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Kingpen has been writing music, poetry, and freelance social justice / human rights articles for various publications for over a decade. Years in the spotlight as a model and public figure have given Kita Reign a unique perspective through which she writes short stories, novellas, and screen plays. We have been close friends since college.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Our latest book is titled “The Check Game.” The idea for the plot actually came from a woman Kingpen knew who was incarcerated for committing bank fraud.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, we tend to place emphasis on a lot of words as if we’re verbally speaking them.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Our writing style is influenced by authors such as Eric Jerome Dickey, Noire, Zane, Omar Tyree, Sister Souljah, Suzanne Collins, Terry Goodkind, and James Patterson.

What are you working on now?
We’re currently finishing up our sophomore novel, which is a unique story of love, friendship, coming-of-age, and hip-hop.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
We are still learning promotion techniques.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Though your work may be fictional, draw from personal experience. That will make your story more “real.”

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The pen is mightier than the sword.”

What are you reading now?
“Blow” by Kwan

What’s next for you as a writer?
We’re planning a series that will tackle teenage social issues.

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 Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah and The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kingpen and Kita Reign Amazon Profile

Kingpen and Kita Reign’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile


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Awesome Author - Rex Bromfield

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written three novels. The first two were practice. But one of them turned out pretty well, so I went back to rewrite it. It’s very funny. I hope to have it out early in 2020. It’s called At Large. Subtitle: How Not To deal With The Obesity Epidemic. It’s based on a screenplay that everyone in Hollywood read and liked but nobody would make: Too controversial. I think that means it’s in poor taste. Some people will be offended, but it is a story about the way we really are. Also, when I make fun, I make fun of everyone.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I wanted to know how traditional belief systems are going to collide with technology, so I created a bunch of weird characters and as the story came to be, they told me. The book is called Visitor.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get up before 5:00 AM ever day and work til noon. I’m told that is unusual.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I admire the work of Yuval Noah Harari, Lisa Randall, and Nick Bostrom. I’ve read the Sci-Fi classics of Asimov, Heinlein, Vonnegut, Adams, and the others. I really liked Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and learned much recently from Fiona Barton’s The Widow.

What are you working on now?
I’m rewriting my second practice novel, At Large, because I think it’s pretty damn good.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Don’t know, only just got started in this. Ask me how to get a movie script made; that I know about.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up.
Also, when you can’t decide what to do, do them both and decide later.
Also, Never try to cut the hair out of your nose when you’ve had more than three beers.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Use the time of a total stranger in such a way that he or she will not feel the time was wasted.”
Kurt Vonnegut

What are you reading now?
I just finished Rachel Maddow’s book Blowout. It’s brilliant. She will be known as one of the great political documentarians of the twentieth century.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have to decide whether to make a sequel to Visitor, or would it be better to move on?

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I never understood that question. How about this: 100 Ways To Prepare Palm Fronds, How to Build a Boat, and Learn to Sail In Three Easy Lessons. I’m not particularly sociable, but I can’t stand being away from people. I can blast through three books in a week or so. After that I’m itching to get back downtown. How big is this island, anyway? Big enough to need a credit card? Big enough to need pants?

 

Rex Bromfield’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Tierra Montgomery

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My books take a focus on mental illness and how one is able to function in society. My name is Tierra Montgomery and I am currently a college student studying Information Technology at Middle Georgia State University.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Hearing Kaydance. The inspiration behind that book is my own family’s support when I had experienced a mental breakdown during college my junior year.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I could think of. I just implemented using an outline before I begin writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am influenced by Sarah Dessen, Mildred D. Taylor, and Audre Lorde.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a book called Misdiagnosed. It is about two lesbian characters looking at their mental illness as a superpower in a society that views mental illnesses as less than stellar. It bridges the gap between mental illness and one’s sexuality.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love using Facebook. I have a page called Tierra Montgomery Published Books where I promote my mental illness books or other books catering to sexuality.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Always start with an scene template/outline first. This helps in chronologically placing your storyline in order and helps in figuring out the climax, inciting incident, and resolution.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Create an outline first. Before creating an outline for my books, I would just write whatever went from my mind. Now, the outline helps me in seeing the climax in the story.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading My Mental Illness At Work. It is a book I created and it is going through the editing phase. I have not been reading much of other books lately since begin writing mental illness books and that has been since September 2019.

What’s next for you as a writer?
There is a mix between writing more books, editing, and book promoting.

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 survival books. It is not normally something I would read, but if I am going to be stranded on an island might as well be prepared.

Author Websites and Profiles
Tierra Montgomery Website
Tierra Montgomery Amazon Profile

Tierra Montgomery’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Angelia Ng

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was a tech guru who has turned passion into action by creating books which are uniquely designed for good purpose.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book I had created is titled “A Magical Christmas Wish Book”, . This book is inspired by watching “Frozen” the fairytale movie. I like my users to immerse in a fairy tale white Christmas and able to share memories of their photo and keeping wishes in the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No. My writing is independent of external influences

What authors, or books have influenced you?
No.

What are you working on now?
I am working on marketing and promoting my recent 2 releases. I will introduce other books describing local cultures or in the fitness topic for the upcoming months.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I welcome new authors to join other authors in the author network to find out more about writing better books or promotion.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I have not yet heard much advices.

What are you reading now?
I am reading on book promotion and advertising.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will have plans to boost sales of my books and gather more reviews or trends which help me to create my next book with the market demand.

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, Primitive Survival Guide, World Map, Book on yatching

Author Websites and Profiles
Angelia Ng Website
Angelia Ng Amazon Profile


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Awesome Author - Daniela R. Lovejoy

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Living near beautiful nature in the Northwest with both forest and coast with in walking distance, I like to wander in those surroundings when the weather allows it. I enjoy the fresh air, and it gives my mind space to let new ideas flow.
When not writing, I love to cuddle up with a book or watch a TV series or hang out with friends and family.
I have written short stories ever since my teenage years, but ever since the adult years I have had a sweet spot for gender swap and transformation stories focusing strongly on romance, adventure and the erotic. I started writing them for my own amusement and to please my writing urge, but now I have taken the leap and published a book and already working on my next.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut book, Transformed into a Hot Babe, is based on old ideas and some of my short stories, which I only wrote for myself. I then formed them into a more structured full story. I have a very imaginative mind, some would even say a little weird at times, which always give me plenty of ideas. The book is a romance story with a touch of a sci-fi tech. and a gender swap for the main character as the hot spice to the story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I do. When I feel the story, action or dialog flow I can write very fast, while other times it can move more slow or I even need to go for a walk to clear my mind and let the dialog or movement in the plot settle in my head so I find the right path in the story.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh that was a tough one. There is so many when think about it and even more I would forget probably so I think I better name none and not forget any either then.

What are you working on now?
Currently I’m working on my next book, which will be in the same genre as my first though also a lot different. While I was writing, Transformed into a Hot Babe, I got some ideas that did not fit in that story and which I noted down. That note I have returned to and work on form those ideas into a new engaging story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
On that subject, I’m probably still more a student than a teacher. But a place like this website is a good example together with social media.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you have a writer in your stomach and an idea for a book, then write and see what you can accomplish.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It is to believe in yourself. I know it have been said and written by so many that it have probably become almost a cliche, but that don’t mean it can’t be a true and good advice especially for an author where it is easy to have a doubt in yourself in the process of your writing.

What are you reading now?
Sadly nothing at the moment since too busy with promoting my current book while also writing on my next, but hopefully I’ll find the time soon for some reading too.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides writing and getting my next book published, it is to continue to grow and evolve as an author.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d look up and bring 1-2 books on how to survive alone on a desert island else I’d be completely lost there and not find any time or pleasure in reading the other books I’d bring. Then I’d bring Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, one of my all-time favorites which is written with wit and intelligence, and lastly Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, a genre book I never thought would interest me but the story really captivated me.

Author Websites and Profiles
Daniela R. Lovejoy Website
Daniela R. Lovejoy Amazon Profile

Daniela R. Lovejoy’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - T. R. Robinson

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in England, United Kingdom. It was never my intention to become an author but when I heard other people’s accounts I came to appreciate my life and those of my ancestors have been anything but normal or run-of-the-mill. It was then I realised our stories should not be lost to posterity. Nevertheless, I remained reluctant for many years: I am a private person and dislike public exposure. In addition I felt and still feel embarrassed by, and ashamed of, many of the events I have endured in my life. Another factor delaying publication was I needed to provide for my son and myself and consequently worked three jobs, round the clock, seven days a week. In the process I have undertaken varied employments including laboratory assistant, night hospital orderly, machinist, barmaid, waitress and many more.

To date (November 2019) I have published three abridged memoirs, two biographical fiction novels and five biographical fiction short stories. Another two short stories are to be published soon, hopefully by year’s end. By ‘biographical fiction’ I mean stories that are partly based upon real events but, to make them more entertaining and readable, I have added a few fictional elements though in the majority these tales are true.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Loving Maria’ my second novel is based upon some of my mother’s experiences. Many of the incidents really happened though I have also enhanced the read with some fictional elements. Even those reflect what my mama went through and how she, courteously and kindly, dealt with many difficult people and circumstances. I do not wish to spoil it for prospective readers by giving too much away here but suffice it to say some of the occurrences were quite frightening.

In the few, very few, years we had together, my mama and I were very close and I wish to ensure her genuine kindness, caring and all together loving nature are remembered. In addition I hope those who have experienced or are experiencing similar circumstances will find solace and help through, and in, this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I am aware of. I do use a mix of pen and paper and computer when drafting a book but I do no think that is in any way unusual these days.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I do not think I have actually been ‘influenced’ by any. From the start I decided to set words out as they arose or as they reflected events in my mind’s eye. Of course, we are all different and therefore some may take to my varied styles while others will not. It is possible my enjoyment of traditional classics may have had some unconscious impact.

What are you working on now?
A complete autobiography (as apposed to a series of memoirs) and the next two short stories in my ‘Bitches’ series. I am also considering a book based upon my own experiences of authoring.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Publicity and marketing are my weak points. I shy away from ‘putting myself out there’: it just feels so rude to push things into people’s faces. I do have my own website and blog (https://trrobinsonpublications.com) though those are primarily designed to share hopefully helpful articles for fellow authors and readers. Naturally, details of my books my be found though I do not actively promote them there. I use various social media sites but again try to use these more for sharing than active promotion though as you would expect I will occasionally mention a book. As a consequence of the above I have sold very few books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
There are so many things I could say here but will try an limit myself:

– Do not let anyone put you off: if you have a story to tell, tell it.
– Try and write everyday, it does not matter how much, one hundred words or one thousand five hundred a day will bring your book into existence. Another very important factor, especially when preparing a first draft, is just to write no matter how bad, silly or good it appears. You will make amendments and changes later in the process and will often be surprised by the quality of your writing when revisiting it.
– There is a lot more involved in authoring than just writing a manuscript but provided you take it slowly you will assimilate the information and skills.
– Do not expect your book to sell straight away. The truth is readers are not waiting for it. However, once they hear of its existence it may turn out to be a book they will be interested in.
– Perseverance is one of the most valuable tools to have in your toolkit. You will need it. There will be times when you become discouraged but push through. You will be surprised by what you can achieve.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write every day even if you do not feel like it and even if it seems to be nonsense. I am not going to discuss so called writer’s block here but if an author experiences a blockage of one sort or another, pushing through by writing something, anything, will usually overcome it. Those pieces of advice have helped me throughout my authoring career.

What are you reading now?
Normally I choose memoirs or autobiographies authored by independent authors however, at present I am reading a selection of books about the writing and publicity aspect of the authoring craft.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Good question. Of course, there are the books currently in preparation. After those, I am considering perhaps breaking into other genre because I have many story ideas from both life observations and my creative mind. I would also like to become more experienced in the publicity and marketing aspects though these will inevitably be limited due to lack of resources, but there is much an individual may undertake without making a substantial outlay.

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 handbook: I do not have one in mind yet but perhaps something like The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne. It contains many survival ideas.

– Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: This was the first English language book I read and have always enjoyed it. Would be nice to have something distracting with me.

– Mansfield Park by Jane Austen: I just love her insights, sense of humour and realistic observances on the society of her time.

– I know it is frequently seen as a forgone but I would also like a copy of the Bible with me.

[I would like to add a word regarding my author profile image. In my books I am utterly honest and truthful about all those involved. Consequently, I consider it only right, whether they deserve it or not, to protect their identity, not just for themselves but also for their relatives, friends, and descendants. Those in-the-know would be able to easily identify me, and those I have associated with, from any photograph. This is why I choose to use the logo.]

Author Websites and Profiles
T. R. Robinson Website
T. R. Robinson Amazon Profile
T. R. Robinson Author Profile on Smashwords

T. R. Robinson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account


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Awesome Author - SHASHANK MUTNEJA

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Civil Engineer, UAV Pilot, Operations Executive and Business Development Executive at Indshine. I am interested in technology, philosophy, psychology and History. I like travelling, meeting to new people and culture. I turned into spirituality, meditation and yoga. I travelled to Yoga City of the World which is Rishikesh and Haridwar in India.
This is my first book which I write by reading dozens of authors.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Shape Your Thinking which is a research book on various leaders like Bill gates, Warren Buffet about their Style of living and Character building. It all started a year ago when I was looking for source. I found that ebooks are the best source of sharing your knowledge and even you can link with thousands of people and earn royality. Then I started writing daily some lines and it took 6 months to complete my ebook content but it took 6 more months to publish it and making pictures, themes, name of chapters, redisgning and lot of work. The one person who inspired me for everystep is Mahatma Gandhi’s quote which is “Be the change you want to see in this world.”

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I usually spend time alone and I write my own thoughts in a diary. I don’t restrict my thoughts and keep writing thinking about nature, future and everything that comes. I write all good quotes, shayari, songs, financial and other things. I use to read books and write summary of every chapter which I read in my own way. I daily ask one thing from myself at night in writing that “What I did today which I shouldn’t do”

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first book that influence me was “How to influence friends” by Dale Carnegie. Then I read Hindi Books and the book that most influenced me was “Hind Swarajya” by Mahatma Gandhi. His other book Sarvodaya and his autobiography. Then I started reading The Intelligent Investor, My Gita, The greatest salesman in the world, “The Millionaire Real Estate Investor and many more.

What are you working on now?
I am working now on blogs and my new book which will be based on history of India. It will be containing mind blowing wars. I am currently researching for that and collecting content. It will be more interesting.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method which I prefer is social media including facebook, instagram and Youtube. The other best method is to reach more sites like awsomegang.com as it might help a lot of readers to reach new books for free.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
As I am also a new author but the advice I want to give is have patience after publishing your book and keep promoting by finding new ways.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard is of “Perennial Seller”. Don’t make anything for few payoffs. Make it for lifetime like the book of Dale Carnegie which was written in 1936 but it has value even today because it contain the common issue which was in 1936 as well as in 2019 and even after 100 years from now. So, promote it at lowest price as you can. Don’t become an instant earner. Be a long runner and thinker.

What are you reading now?
Now a days I am reading some business development books and real estate investment from the book “The Millionaire Real Estate Investor.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, our goal should be to spread knowledge more and more and bring new things and topics which should not only enhance few but should be on a global issue which can be solve by us. It should bring a life in someone and make him/her motivated.

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 not prefer books at that time actually, haha. But if you insist than I would take the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and Satyarth Prakash.

Author Websites and Profiles
SHASHANK MUTNEJA Website
SHASHANK MUTNEJA Amazon Profile

SHASHANK MUTNEJA’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Margaret G. Hanna

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a farm girl — I grew up on my paternal grandfather’s farm in southwestern Saskatchewan. In my working life, I was a professional archaeologist and museum curator at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Regina, SK, so I have written several journal articles and book chapters in that capacity. “Our Bull’s Loose in Town!” is my first, and so far my only, adventure into popular writing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is called “Our Bull’s Loose in Town!” Tales from the Homestead, and is based on my grandfather’s diaries and other documents and photographs. I probably wouldn’t have written the book if it hadn’t been for an entry one Sunday morning: “Had to round up the bull from the village in am” I thought, there’s a story there. The title also comes from that one event.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a sporadic writer — some days I go at it for hours; other days, I can’t seem to put three words together that make sense so I just give up and find something else to do, usually trying to find some esoteric bit of trivia to work into the story. I keep at it, though.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love historical fiction; two in particular inspired me to write my grandparents’ story: “These is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine 1881–1901” and “A Place of Her Own: The Legacy of Oregon Pioneer Martha Poindexter Maupin.”

What are you working on now?
I am working on my maternal grandparents’ story. My grandmother was born in New Zealand, grew up in England and immigrated to Canada in 1912. My grandfather was born in England and immigrated to Canada in 1913. This family history is a greater challenge because I have no diaries, only a few letters and photographs. However, I have two surviving uncles (both in their 90s) who have been very helpful in providing information and critical feedback.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m rather new at this. So far, I’ve felt more comfortable doing presentations and book tours — I like the face-to-face approach more. I’ve also posted many stories about Abe and Addie (my grandparents) on my blog.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Don’t give up. Put yourself out there, as scary as that may be. Find a writing group. Take a class. And keep writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing. Don’t give up. Put yourself out there, as scary as that may be. Find a writing group. Take a class. And keep writing. (Am I repeating myself?)

What are you reading now?
Lee Child “The Affair.” Jon Krakauer “Into the Wild.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting bolder at promoting my 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?
Anything by Shakespeare and/or e e cummings; The Canterbury Tales (translated into modern English); and for laughs — Ogden Nash

Author Websites and Profiles
Margaret G. Hanna Website
Margaret G. Hanna Amazon Profile

 


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Awesome Author - Merve Yazicioglu

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Istanbul, Turkey but I currently live in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. I have been always fond of studying and doing multiple art studies. I studied Ballet at Istanbul University State Conservatory and Piano at ABRSM. For a year, I lived in Roskilde, Denmark, where I studied at Roskilde University before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Groningen. Writing poetry was not always in my mind when I thought about being a writer. However, during the first year of my education. I realised poetry was the most expressive art form for me. Additionally, I have a blog where I write articles, book and film reviews. So far, I have written only one poetry book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
During my literature studies, I focussed on the topics of exile and gender. This increased my interest in discovering more about outsiders in society. That was the decision behind my first poetry novel. There are four chapters in my book and each one of them focus on my personal experience and a historical period. I was mostly inspired by unjust witch trials and the migrations which resulted in sufferings. My idea was to connect these tormented souls to my personal experience. Even though they are anonymous and buried deep down into the earth, one day their voice can be heard by the future generation. My attention was caught by the events happening after 2015 (migration and governmental issues). Literature is always evolving and a reflection of whatever is happening in the society at the time. What I represent is there are reoccurring problems in society that we will never recover from. The best way for me was to capture these moments on photographs and drawings companying my poems which were inspired by Middle English scrolls and experimental poetry.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Writing is a complex process as it just flows from your mind to the paper. Personally, I love to write when it is quite dark or rainy because that is the time I am most inspired. Perhaps, other writers do that as well but I always keep the first draft on either my laptop or notebook. Then, I just delete the sections that are too wordy. I try to be economical and concise with how I express myself because I can be too wordy at times.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many inspirational poets and writers from different centuries that have inspired me to write in the way I am expressing myself. Certainly, Emily Dickinson and Marie de France, and James Baldwin (they are all very opposite writers) have provided me with the most argued topics of their time.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on finishing my paperback and hardcover formats which will be out very soon. Besides that, I have some painting and photography projects going on in the future.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Instagram and my blog as we are more active on social media accounts. I figured asking book reviewers is the best way to promote. For self-published authors, the best way is to ask around and contact book bloggers/bookstagrammers to give you an honest review.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice would be just searching and go for it. Of course, there are mistakes to be made but no one is going to tell you the best way to do any of them because there is not just one way to self publish or contact agents. Because we have better access to each other and have the internet, it takes more time to get a response from each other. Publishers take years to give you a response and sometimes you do not even get a rejection email. But go for whatever your heart desires and learn from your mistakes.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t sit and wait for just one thing. Do multiple and do your best. My family taught me to be multitasking and that is how I grew up. I studied multiple things since I was a little kid but I learned that was the best way for me. Otherwise, you will waste your time waiting for a response/chance that will never come to you.

What are you reading now?
I have just finished Notes from the Underground by Dostoyevsky and reading Mythos from Stephen Fry.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing will never stop for me since I have discovered my passion for letting my stream of thoughts breathe forever in other people’s minds.

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?
That is a very hard question because I am a bookaholic and have so many books to choose from. I would unquestionably pick Frankenstein, All the Light We Cannot See, The Complete Sherlock Holmes.

Author Websites and Profiles
Merve Yazicioglu Website
Merve Yazicioglu Amazon Profile

Merve Yazicioglu’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account


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Awesome Author - Nita Kulkarni

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I used to be a journalist and am now an author.
I started my writing career with the newspaper Deccan Herald, Bangalore, India, and later worked for major national newspapers like The Times of India, Sunday Express and The Telegraph. I also worked full-time for the Economic Times and Business Today magazine and as a stringer for A&M magazine and the Kolkata newspaper, The Telegraph. I have also written for The International Indian, a Dubai based magazine.

I wrote on a wide variety of topics ranging from Health and Lifestyle to Crime, Education and Business. I also wrote short stories.

I wrote a very successful blog (nitawriter.wordpress.com) called “A Wide Angle View of India” for several years, with thousands of page views per day. I stopped writing on it some years ago, but have now decided to concentrate on building up my personal website.

The Educational Department of H. Aschehoug & Co-publishing house in Oslo, bought a story of mine titled A Real Lady, to publish in a textbook and related digital components called Global Visions for use in the foreign language subject. (International English in Upper Secondary schools in Norway.)
My debut novel titled “The Hawa Mahal Murders” was launched on the 20th of September 2019 at PILF (Pune International Literary Festival) by Javed Akhtar, the famous lyricist. It was a contest winner at the PILF.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My crime thriller is titled “The Hawa Mahal Murders” and I started writing it while living in a building in Mumbai. The building was out of place in the plush neighbourhood and that set my creative juices flowing. Despite this, it’s difficult to say that the place inspired me. I have always wanted to write a novel and have always been a writer of stories and novellas. I keep writing all the time and this one just worked out into a full-length novel.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write all the time, as soon as I get up and any time in-between, to the detriment of other activities like sleeping, eating, housekeeping, socialising and exercising! Not that I don’t do latter. Just that my mind is not on it that much.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Very difficult to say. I read thrillers and cosy mysteries, non-fiction and biographies as well as classics, Sci-Fi and literary novels. But if it’s authors whom I admire I guess it’s Stephen King, Kiran Nagarkar and Margaret Atwood, at the moment. But next year the list might be different. There used to be a time when I was obsessed with Minette Walters and Asimov.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a sequel to my current novel. A thread of the sub-plot in The Hawa Mahal Murders was left open and this is explored in the sequel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am not so good at promotion. I recently started an Instagram account and have hardly any followers. I have a facebook author page which is not so bad. My personal website is new. I have twitter but always forget the hashtags! Hopefully, I will get better at it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s important to attend literary festivals and connect with editors and other authors. Join writing groups and book clubs. It’s important to write short stories and enter competitions. I didn’t do any of this stuff but now I have learnt the hard away. The truth is that getting attention from an agent or a publisher is very difficult if you are a nobody.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write as if your life depends on it.

What are you reading now?
I am reading the book “Story” by Robert Mckee.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish writing a sequel to “The Hawa Mahal Murders” I plan to write a book on hand reading. I am a hand-reader as well as a writer.

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?
Cuckold by Kiran Nagarkar, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, Tess of the D’Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy and Emotional Resilience by David Viscott.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nita Kulkarni Website
Nita Kulkarni Amazon Profile

Nita Kulkarni’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Judith Pratt

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started out as an actor/director/teacher. Then I started writing plays–I’m now at 4 full-lengths, 5 one-acts, and lots of short stuff. The first play I wrote, Chimera, had a character named Sam. She had more of her story to tell–but if I’d tried to put it onstage, it would have cost a billion dollars for the set. So I wrote my first book, The Dry Country. And self-published it, because I got tired of trying to get an agent. Like plays, you gotta write a bunch before you really know what you’re doing. So now I’ve gotten Siljeea Magic published! and am on to writing Novel Number Three, currently called The Skill.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I was inspired to write Siljeea Magic because I often drive from Ithaca NY to Wayland MA, where I grew up, where my mom still lives. Lots of big highways, especially the Massachusetts Turnpike. Who lives in the woods that line the Massachusetts Turnpike, I asked myself. The answer: small brown people called the Bokaaj. Who can see them? Andrea showed up, saying she could see them. But how would a 12-year-old girl deal with that? And I had my story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Random. I volunteer, I market my stuff, time gets away from me. Then a story shows up and I have to follow it, even if that’s in holes or corners of my life. Also, if I’m not writing, including writing this interview, I get even more grumpy!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robin McKinley. Ursula Le Guin. Neil Gaiman. Peter Beagle. Caroline Stevermer. Erin Morgenstern. Whatever I’m reading now (The Bone People,Keri Hulme; The Beautiful Struggle, Ta-Nehsi Coates.) It’s not that we’re out of bookcases, we’re out of walls to put them on!

What are you working on now?
The Skill, a novel about two women with magical skills who don’t believe in them or don’t want them. Set in the woods and oceans of Maine. Chronic, a play about chronic invisible illness.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I knew! Your website looks, um, awesome 😉 I’m going for wide coverage–indie reviewers, websites like this, facebook pages, blog posts, you name it. Not fun. I can market anyone easily…except myself!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read. Write. Read to see how other writers do it. And, as Anne LaMott says, write a lot of shitty first drafts! Also, if it’s hard to make yourself write, maybe that isn’t your art.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
What I said above, about writing lousy first drafts.
And the more people who say “Don’t Give Up,’ the better!

What are you reading now?
Like I said above, The Bone People,Keri Hulme, and The Beautiful Struggle, Ta-Nehsi Coates. But I also re-read often–Neil Gaiman this morning, Anne of Green Gables yesterday when my brain gave out!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Figuring out how to write short stories and poetry. I am not any kind of poet, but writing it helps improve my plays and 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?
Oh, that’s just mean!
Gaiman, The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
Ursula Le Guin, The Books of Earthsea: The Complete Illustrated Edition (Earthsea Cycle)
Jane Austen’s Collected Works.

Author Websites and Profiles
Judith Pratt Website

Judith Pratt’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account


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Awesome Author - Tonia Root

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Tonia Root, Autor of Gage My Beautiful Boy. I am a new writer, as this is the first book I have written this far. I am a home health care provider, and what inspired me to write my book, is that at the age of 3, my little boy was being pulled in a wagon and hit by a drunk driver. What inspired me to write the story, was the unbeatable odds that were given to us by doctors. They told me he would never walk, talk, or feed himself, or even know who I am.
It has been a lot of medical procedures, surgeries, therapy, along with many other things including family inspiring him and his determination and he has over came
the prognosis we were given. I just had to tell the world about our long journey, as he is now 14 years old and doing a lot.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Gage my beautiful boy, our journey, and having such a force of a family and a tough as nails and determined little boy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really unusual, I just like to write to vent when things bother me, it helps to get it out there.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve not really read any books like mine, what influenced me was I believe our story will truly inspire all who read it, and will let them know to never give up on anything, or anyone you love. A book I love to read are from Stephanie Meyers twilight books, Cody Cross Narnia books, and George RR Martin Game of thrones books.

What are you working on now?
Currently, my mine focus is just on getting my story out there, to inspire those in simular situations, or those who may need hope when there dont seem to be any.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you love, or maybe even what excites you, Don’t leave anything out.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you have a dream chase it. If things get to be to much, put it on a shelf and don’t take it down till you feel you can handle it. One thing at
a time.

What are you reading now?
Right now I am totally reading cook books! I want to make some amazing dishes for thanksgiving for my family.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I feel my son is here for a reason, beating all the odds he has, he is here for a reason, as a writer maybe the next book I write will be with him to tell what he became, and
what kind of difference he made in the world. As I believe it will be huge.

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, something with action, as a desert island seems very boring. And for sure a book on how to survive on a desert island!

Author Websites and Profiles
Tonia Root Website
Tonia Root Amazon Profile


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Awesome Author - T.A. Campbell

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
l started my spiritual journey over 20 years ago while studying holistic practices focusing on Massage Therapy specifically an ancient technique called Amma Therapy, which is a classical form of Asian bodywork that predates acupuncture. Where the acupuncturist would use needles, the Amma Therapist uses their fingers to manipulate these points.
As my studies progressed I became more and more focused on the nutrition aspect of the therapy which led me to switch gears to become a culinary arts specialist with a focus on organic and local cuisine and how proper nutrition not only effects the body but the brain. I travelled the world and in doing so have met and studied with some of the greatest practitioners of spiritual and energy healing.
This is my first book with several to follow will dive deep into these practices breaking them down in an approachable and easy to understand guide so that anyone will be able to benefit from my experience and all that I have learned in the last 2 decades.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Energy Healing and Chakras: A Complete Guide to Self- Healing and Unblocking, Clearing and Balancing Your Chakras

The inspiration for this book was my travels and seeing the amazing benefits on people and myself.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, I tend to write when the mood strikes.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Eckhart Tolle is a huge influence alone with anything about the Law Of Attraction. Deepak Chopra, Brenee Brown, etc

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on vol. 2 which will focus on the power and benefits or Reiki.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up! Write when the mood strikes you, try not to force the process you will only get discouraged.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
At the end of the day, you are solely responsible for your success and your failure. And the sooner you realize that, you accept that, and integrate that into your work ethic, you will start being successful. As long as you blame others for the reason you aren’t where you want to be, you will always be a failure.

Erin Cummings

What are you reading now?
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
By: Carol S. Dweck

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep experiencing life and all that it has to offer.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Secret
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
Eckhart Tolle The Power of Now

 


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Awesome Author - Markus Matthews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I spent 25 years doing IT before deciding to pursue a writing career. I got into IT due to a passion for technology, but time caused that same passion to fade. Life is too short to do something you don’t enjoy. Writing has rekindled that spark for me and I’m loving every moment of this new adventure. Also being in a career where I can have conversations with imaginary characters and not be committed is a big plus. I currently have two books, A Bounty with Strings and A Bounty of Evil published.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is A Personal Bounty (Dec. 2019 release). The Bounty series is a mix of Urban Fantasy and Superhero Fantasy. The first two books I wrote leaned much harder to the Urban Fantasy side whereas this book is more Superhero Fantasy. Exploring the Superhero side of my world was my main motivation for this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I recently got a kitten, who is a lap fiend but tends to fall off if not supported, so I’m getting really good at typing one handed.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jim Butcher, Simon Hawke, Laurell K. Hamilton, Lee Child, David Weber, Jennifer Estep, Larry Correia, Vince Flynn and probably a dozen or so more than I’m forgetting to mention.

What are you working on now?
The first draft for book six of the Bounty series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon Marketing Services and Facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t keep re-writing the first chapter or two — keep going until you finish the book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything.

What are you reading now?
Druid’s Due by MD Massey

What’s next for you as a writer?
Fame, fortune and a world tour… or more likely getting dinner on before my wife gets home from work 🙂

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Game of Thrones, Monster Hunter International, the SAS Survival Handbook and Raft building for Dummies.

Author Websites and Profiles
Markus Matthews Website
Markus Matthews Amazon Profile

Markus Matthews’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile


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Awesome Author - Zachary Montgomery

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a US Army Veteran from Southern California. My world revolves around my two wonderful boys. Creatively my writings always gravitate to the post apocalypse. Currently I have written several books but only successfully published one; Shelter.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is Shelter which is divided into two parts, the first of which is out now. It actually started as a short story, but as I further developed the main character the scope of the project grew. The 2016 presidential election inspired me the most which is highlighted by the book’s overall theme – social and economic division. Witnessing people attacking one another just over who they are going to vote for made me wonder how divided we would become if the world ended. Shelter’s cause to the end of the world is the complete devaluation of money.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Music and darkness mostly. My current “office” is in my walk in closet which isn’t as bad as it sounds. For me, comfort is king. If I am not 100% sitting in a comfortable position, have just the right amount of ambient lighting, or feel too hot or too cold I can’t focus. So, basically, I need a real office asap.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Neal Stephenson, Joe Abercrombie, Noah Caldwell-Gervias, and Joesph Anderson.

What are you working on now?
Currently working on finishing up Shelter Part Two For release.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Most of my readers are my fan base from YouTube and Twitch. Having already established my online persona I am now trying to establish my brand as an author.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. If its one word for ten-thousand, just write. Whenever the words come to mind, get them out and write/type them down.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In anything you do be consistent. Consistency turns to habit becoming second nature.

What are you reading now?
A Little Hatred, the newest novel by Joe Abercombie.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Part two of Shelter is currently in the editing phase. As for my next project… well… I just hope the characters of Shelter can find their Refuge.

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?
Seveneves because it is hands down the greatest story ever written. The Lord of The Rings Trilogy (there are copies with all three books) to lose myself in an epic fantasy world. A most importantly a bush-craft survivalist guide to get the hell off the island.

Author Websites and Profiles
Zachary Montgomery Website

Zachary Montgomery’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Itayi Garande

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an author, lawyer, newspaper editor and businessman based in the United Kingdom. I have edited over 10 books, mostly on domestic violence and written by women authors and have written many newspaper reviews on other books. My interest is in self-help books and I have written a new book on the topic.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is ‘Reconditioning: Change Your Life In One Minute’. This book was inspired by my experience as an immigrant in the United Kingdom. I arrived at Heathrow Airport, London, 1995 with only $20 to my name and in a space of twenty four years I have managed to become a property owner, open several businesses and achieve seven academic degrees including a PhD. My story is true testament that any person, regardless of their ethnicity, gender or any other characteristic can achieve their goals. It may seem impossible, but if you recondition your mind to think positively, you can achieve anything that you put your mind to.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write on the go. I keep a notebook with me all the time where I write everything that comes to my mind, then I expand on it when I sit down in my office. Everyone has great ideas, but most of them get lost as they are not recorded, so keeping a notebook or writing things in a journal is always a great idea. That way you don’t lose some valuable ideas.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The last book I read that inspired and influenced my work was by Viktor Frankl called ‘Man’s Search For Meaning’. It is about a man that survived the Holocaust and how he used the power of visualisation about the future to maintain hope. I also keep Dale Carnegie’s book, ‘How To Win Friends And Influence Others’ on the table all the time as a reference. This book was published in 1936 and I still relevant today. I also enjoy fictional writing, especially by Wilbur Smith, Terry Pratchet, and Jeffrey Archer, among others. ‘Kane and Abel’ is my favorite. I hope to write a fictional book soon.

What are you working on now?
At the moment I am working on my first fictional book called ‘Caged Intellect’. It is a book about an immigrant who comes to England, well-learned and with vast work experience, but finds it very difficult to get settled in the country because of the difficult immigration policies. He is a lawyer and is able to contribute positively to the country. He gets caught up in the drug trade where he nearly loses his life. He, however, manages to escape the life of crime, but after he has lost many friends along the way. It is a story of triumph in an environment that is hostile to immigrants.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think awesomegang.com is great. Amazon is also a great resource as it allows authors to publish without the hassle of applying for ISBNs, cover designs and restrictive printing costs. It also has great algorithms that allow one to make it to the bestseller list and has great marketing opportunities.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write from the heart and be fearless in telling your story. Do not give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?

What are you reading now?
At the moment I am reading Margaret Attwood’s ‘The Testaments’ and Jokha Alharthi’s ‘Celestial Bodies’. These are two outstanding novels and I feel like I don’t want to finish reading them. Chigozie Obioma’s ‘An Orchestra of Minorities’ is also on the list to be read next.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am publishing legal self-help texts for women who have suffered domestic abuse and violence. They find it difficult to navigate the difficult legal terrain sometimes and do not have resources at had to deal with abuse. I aim to write pocket-size texts that they can refer to all the time.

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 Hundred Years of Solitude’ by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee
‘Animal Farm’ by George Orwell

Author Websites and Profiles
Itayi Garande Amazon Profile
Itayi Garande Author Profile on Smashwords

Itayi Garande’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account


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Awesome Author - Jyoti Arora

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a novelist and blogger from India. I’ve authored 4 books so far. My first three books are novels revolving around social issues. My first novel Dream’s Sake has a heart-wrenching love story showing doubts and insecurities of people with disabilities. My second novel Lemon Girl and third novel You Came Like Hope talk about opposite sides of gender crime. My latest book #JustRomance is lighter in tone and carries 7 delightful and happy short romances.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is #JustRomance. It is a collection of 7 short romances. My previous books are all serious in nature. When I was to start work on my fourth book, I felt emotionally exhausted. So, I decided to write something full of happiness. That’s what resulted in #JustRomance. All the stories in it are happy and cheerful and make the readers smile.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I studied English Literature for my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree courses. Then I worked as a freelance writer for several years. My task was to abridge English classics to make them suitable for pre-teens. All this has imbibed a love of classics in my heart. And I believe that all the great master’s I’ve read have left their mark on my writing. It is too hard to name one or two.

What are you working on now?
I’m planning a sequel to #JustRomance.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Blogger outreach. Also, I’m trying to build my mailing list and working hard to make my newsletters interesting and regular. I believe that helps a lot. I also advertise on Facebook

Do you have any advice for new authors?
When you chase a big dream, you have to overcome many nightmares. Be ready, be prepared. Work hard.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Concentrate on your own page.”
Whether as a writer or generally, it is very easy to become dejected seeing other people more successful than you. At such a time, it is important to concentrate on your own work and try to get better and better.

What are you reading now?
White Fang by Jack London

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to write a fantasy-romance series one day.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jyoti Arora Website
Jyoti Arora Amazon Profile
Jyoti Arora Author Profile on Smashwords

Jyoti Arora’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account


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Awesome Author - Arthur Doweyko

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a scientist, writer and artist. I’ve co-authored about 120 scientific papers, invented novel drug design software and was a co-recipient of the Thomas A. Edison Patent Award for the discovery of a new anticancer drug. I write science fiction and fantasy, with a bent toward realistic stories aimed at understanding our existence. To date I published three books, each of which was honored with an RPLA award (Royal Palm Literary Award) and numerous short stories many of which garnered awards as well (Honorable Mentions in the Writers of the Future contest).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Inspiration is tough to define, and even tougher to pin point an origin for. My best guess is that the idea came from the melding of at least two experiences. In parochial school I had My most recently published book is call As Wings Unfurl (Winner of first prize, best scifi novel of 2014 at the Annual Florida Writers Conference). The Vietnam War produced thousands of altered lives, men broken in body and spirit. When they returned home, they were generally despised. We’ve forgotten how bad that was. So there you have it. A dejected amputee veteran, addicted to morphine encounters an angel who needs his help to save humanity. Of course, she’s not really an angel.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a pantser, which means even I don’t what will happen next. I write in spurts, right up to the moment when I’m not sure what the characters will do. When I come back the next day, they tell me what they’re up to.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Asimov, Heinlein, Koontz, Serling, and Clarke served well to inspire my wandering eye for stories that are at once unusual and familiar.

What are you working on now?
I am currently writing the second novel in a planned trilogy – Wind-In-Trees. The central character is a Lakota Sioux cyborg, one of the last humans left alive after an alien invasion. I chose this character based on the sad history of the American Indian, which served well as the backdrop for this story of retribution and salvation as Henry Wind-In-Trees faces a cruel and ruthless enemy in pursuit of his kidnapped wife.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing and reading. Don’t stop and wait for good news on your latest submission. Just keep writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My scientific mentor, Dr. Charles Heidelberger, once told me that no matter the job, do the best you can, and success will follow.

What are you reading now?
Richard Feynman’s Six Easy Pieces. Such an incredible mind, so overlooked, acutely intelligent with a great sense of life and humor.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing the Wind-In-Trees 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?
I’d bring a laptop with photocells and a satellite connection.

Author Websites and Profiles
Arthur Doweyko Website
Arthur Doweyko Amazon Profile

Arthur Doweyko’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile


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Awesome Author - Chris Ledgerwood

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written two books, The Redemption of James Wilcox and The Expedition. I’m also a musician and songwriter with several albums under my belt.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Redemption of James Wilcox. The inspiration came from personal and family struggles with alcoholism and depression.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I only write when I’m inspired to do so.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I usually read theological and historical books, so I don’t have any particular authors I’m following at the moment

What are you working on now?
At the moment I’m starting to write some songs for my next album.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook ads, Amazon ads, and Awesome Gang

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t do it for the money because that is never guaranteed. Do it only if you love the chase.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My dad told me to chase my dreams, so I have.

What are you reading now?
Jesus for the non-religous by John Shelby Spong

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m currently writing new songs for my next album.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
On Walden pond, Ragamuffin Gospel, If Grace is True

Author Websites and Profiles
Chris Ledgerwood Amazon Profile

Chris Ledgerwood’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile


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Awesome Author - Nita Bajoria

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! Hailing from a city where literature thrives, I consider myself a budding writer. I have written many short stories and one novel so far. My short stories have been published in various magazines. I am excited as my graphic short story collection will get published by this year-end.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book will be a graphic short story collection on Urban life. It’s going to be a series called “Urban Chronicles” . I love writing short stories and graphic comics are trending.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I dont know if it’s unusual or not, but I write two- three stories at a time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many. I love reading Paulo Coelho, Richard Bach, Jefferey Archer, Sharadchandra Chattopadhyay, Premchand, Dan Brown and Chitra Bannerjee Divakaruni. I grew up reading Enid Blyton, Ruskin Bond and Roald Dahl and they inspired me a lot to write.

What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on the second book of the series “Urban Chronicles”. Also, I am planning to translate Urban Chronicles 1 into regional languages of India.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Haven’t yet found any. But I keep my readers posted on fb.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is rewarding in itself, but getting published and reaching out to readers is a difficult game. You need to be persistent and optimistic and should have faith in your work. One day it will definitely pay.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ruskin Bond’s advice “If you lose interest in something that you’re writing put it aside and do something else, write something else. Then come back to it later with a fresh mind” is one of the best advice I got.

What are you reading now?
The Most Beautiful Woman in Town & Other Stories by American author Charles Bukowski.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am trying my hand on children stories. Hope I will be able to amuse them.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Books that I have not read by any of my favourite writers I told you about.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nita Bajoria Website
Nita Bajoria Amazon Profile

Nita Bajoria’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Lorelle Taylor

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Just like the character in my book, my experiences with spiritual beings started late in life. These experiences, and the love they introduced me to, took some getting used to.

Getting Used to Weird: A very different sort of Love Story is my first book, but certainly not the last. Look out for the next book, We Are One, which will be released in early 2020.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Getting Used to Weird: A very different sort of Love Story was inspired by experiences in my own life. These included conversations with angels and spirit guides, Jesus and God. These conversations were influenced by the books I read and the experiences I had.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I would say it is quite unusual to have conversations with spiritual beings before and whilst the writing is occurring. Even though not a lot of people do it, I am not special in this regard. It is something that anyone can learn to do.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been influenced by many spiritual authors and teachers. Neale Donald Walsch’s Conversations with God books have had the greatest influence on the books, but there have been many others who helped me get to where I am today: Doreen Virtue, Eckhart Tolle, Dr Wayne Dyer, Sonia Choquette, to name just a few.

What are you working on now?
I am currently editing We Are One, a book which carries on from Getting Used to Weird: A very different sort of Love Story. We Are One presents a positive view of humanity’s future, and looks at religions from God’s perspective.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, my mailing list and Facebook page have been my main areas of promotion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Not yet. I am one.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Lighten up!

What are you reading now?
Something light – a Christmas romance novel. There’s nothing like a good love story.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Breathe.
Finish editing We Are One.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Of course I would take my kindle, so I would always have a lot more than 3 or 4. However, if I had to only take 3 or 4 books, I would probably take my book, Getting Used to Weird: A very different sort of Love Story, because it provides all the tools for leading a happy life, even on a desert island. Also, Neale Donald Walsch’s Conversations with God, Book 1, and his Tomorrow’s God.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lorelle Taylor Website
Lorelle Taylor Amazon Profile

Lorelle Taylor’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile


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Awesome Author - Ava Lee Mosley

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m Ava. 🙂 I have written a variety of short erotic science fiction stories that I am currently in the process of publishing. I am passionate about experimenting with different genre combinations and using humor and horror in equal measures.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Human Trials is my first published story! I thought it would be funny if a girl found a weird flyer and subsequently found herself in a growingly awkward situation. Anyway, my ideas come to me from the ether, and they come faster than I can even write them!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I used to be a plotter, but recently I have mostly pantsed my way through stories, even though my old habit keeps popping up. I guess with short stories it’s easier, and I’m a little chuffed to say that I HAD TO start writing stories instead of novels because the novels never got finished! My brain is such a jumble of messy thoughts and I can never know where something goes, and if it’s not perfect, out it goes. Haha.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a Potterhead, so I grew up with Harry. I also loved Divergent and The Hunger Games, like most everybody. I hated 50 Shades, though, so you won’t find any of that in my writing… mostly because I’m a sucker for anything speculative and alternative worlds and situations. If your stories are not original, then why write them?

What are you working on now?
I am working on an intergalactic pet store where humans are basically untameable pets, also on a chaste girl who ends up working in a sex club, a science fantasy story, and a bunch of other stories that are almost finished and ready to go!!! I try to publish every week, so you’ll see plenty of me before the year ends.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, most erotica authors will tell you to just churn books every other day and let that be your promotion, but I actually used twitter for my first promotion and it shot me up to #5 in the top free best sellers list and #33 in the top 100 paid! People on twitter are so supportive and helpful, especially the #writingcommunity because there are tons of indie authors there, who know how hard it is. Also, I can’t wait to try some other ways like submitting to promotion sites and group bundles and newsletter swaps!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Try everything, keep persisting, and make sure everything is top quality – your book, your book cover, your book description, your title, your keywords, your categories, and your marketing strategy will all bring more sales, so don’t overlook anything.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That you can email Kindle Direct Publishing, asking them to add your book in additional categories. The other best advice was – find a niche that sells and is not too competitive and carve a little place for yourself there.

What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading His Human Slave by Renee Rose because that is the most popular book in erotic science fiction and it’s amazing! It’s well written, it’s funny, and I see now why people went nuts for it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next would be to see whether the niche I have chosen will pay off… truthfully I could have chosen paranormal erotica as well, but I felt it was so crowded. In any case, I’ll keep publishing and experimenting and see what works and doesn’t work. In the end, this is a great learning opportunity! I’m not in it for the money, but for the long game, and whatever “niche” I end up embracing, I’ll just keep churning out those weird, wonderful stories that perch inside my brain.

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 would probably just take one book from my favorite authors… the problem is, they are so many! My taste tends to run dark, so Dean Koontz, Chuck Palahniuk, and Stephen King have always been inspirations. As for any specific books, I just love too many to choose.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ava Lee Mosley Amazon Profile

Ava Lee Mosley’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Jasmin Reyes

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Jasmin Uson Reyes. I’m primarily a loving and supportive (at least I try to be!) wife and mama of three kids age 2, 7 and 11. I’m also an educator, entrepreneur and advertising consultant. Aside from being with my family, what really sparks joy for me is traveling. My husband and I, usually with our kids in tow, have travelled all over Europe, the United States, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. We are currently based in Manila, Philippines.

In between fulfilling all of these roles and traveling, I decided to follow the strong leading and desire to write a book about motherhood. I felt that my experiences can help empower other mothers and help them overcome the same struggles that I’ve been through.

In between traveling and fulfilling all of these roles, I felt a strong leading and desire to write a book about motherhood. I felt that my experiences can help empower other mothers and help them overcome the same struggles that I’ve been through.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my first and latest book is “Mama, You Have Power Beyond Measure.” This is borne out of my life experiences where I found myself running on empty, with my life in disarray and my marriage in shambles. Outside my role as a mother, I no longer knew who I really was. There was nothing left of me. I had given away all my power. I realised that most mothers find themselves in this sorry situation, but they don’t even realise it. So I felt that I needed to share what I went through and how I was able to reclaim all my power and live the life that I have always dreamt of.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When you’re a mom of three kids, you barely have time to comb your hair, let alone write a book! Can you imagine having an energetic toddler and two grade schoolers in the house, managing two businesses, and doing advertising consultancy, while writing a book? That’s my daily reality. I didn’t escape to a remote island for weeks to write a book. I was writing this book while fulfilling all my other roles. So I had to take the tiny scraps of time that presented itself to me during the day, like when my toddler is napping and the older kids are in school. I just kept typing on my laptop (or even on my phone when my laptop wasn’t readily available), when I had the opportunity. My first book got written this way.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love fiction and have always been a fan of J.K. Rowling. I read all her books while I was on bed rest for three months while pregnant with my firstborn. I wept buckets of tears while reading Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner” and “A Thousand Splendid Suns.” I also enjoyed books by female authors like “Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen and “Gone with the Wind” by Scarlett O’Hara which I read in High School.

But I also read a lot of personal growth books. I remember reading “The Diary of Anne Frank” as a grade schooler. She inspired me to start documenting my thoughts and feelings in a journal. I also love books about Psychology like Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” and M. Scott Peck’s “The Road Less Travelled.” Lately, I have been reading books about spirituality like “Anatomy of the Spirit” by Carolyn Myss.

What are you working on now?
I recently just published my first book so we’re trying to figure out how to market it effectively. I realized that writing the book is just half the job. The next challenge is trying to make people aware that the book exists and making them see its value so they would want to read it.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still new at this so I’m still learning the ropes. So far, what has worked for me is launching the book to my personal network first. We’ve sold quite a lot of books just from my Facebook and Instagram network. It’s also very effective when people who read it recommend to their friends. But the bigger challenge for me is making the book known to a bigger audience so I can expand the readership.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t wait until you’re in the mood to write. Don’t wait for the right time. Squeeze writing into your daily schedule and routine. Don’t overthink things. Just keep typing when inspiration strikes. You can always edit later.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t ever be afraid to start again. I was given this advice by a very good friend when I was 23. At that time, I was afraid of moving to another advertising agency because I felt that I already had a good team and a good relationship with my boss and clients. But she told me not to be afraid because I can always start again. And I’ve followed her advice since. At 30, I semi-retired from my advertising career to put up my own business. At 40, I wrote and published a book. I’m starting over again because I will be walking away from the business that I set up at 30 because I feel that though it has served me well, it’s no longer what I am called to do. So whether you’re 20, 30, 40 and even at 50 or 60, it’s never too late. You can always start over. You can always choose and create a new life for yourself. Live your life with courage.

What are you reading now?
And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini and Silver Spoon Kids by Eileen and Jon Gallo.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to write, publish and market at least one book every year. So after I’m done marketing my first book, I will attempt to write another 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?
Wow this is a difficult one. I wouldn’t mind reading J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series again so that’s already more than 4 books LOL.

I’m Catholic so I would have to add the Holy Bible to the list. I’m not trying to be pretentious but if I’m going to be stranded, I’ll probably be in danger of losing my sanity if I don’t cling to God and my faith.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jasmin Reyes Website
Jasmin Reyes Amazon Profile

Jasmin Reyes’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile


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Awesome Author - Janet Butler Male

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello. I was born in Liverpool and moved to the Wirral when I was eight. After a failed marriage, I fled to London when I was twenty-five. That was in the dark ages of the 1980s, and I had great fun there until the bright lights dimmed and I moved to The Isle of Skye twenty years ago.

What a contrast! From a cafe on every corner to a sheep on every corner.

Nowadays I’m in Dunoon, near Glasgow. Two years ago I put my life-long love of writing into action and wrote my first novel — The Last of the Family Diamonds. It’s first in the Izzie Firecracker series about a London self-help guru and is, in a teeny-weensy way, based on my life and my escapades as a stress consultant and personal stylist.

Then came three more Izzie Firecracker books. I followed those with two time-travel romance/adventure novels — the first to 1976 (one of my favourite years) and the second to the 1940s and early 1950s.

What else? Hmm. Oh, ye. I adored Bewitched as a child and recently watched every episode on DVD. So I just had to write the Witches of London series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is third in the romantic comedy/suspense Witches of London series and was (in part) inspired an amalgam of ex-clients (I was a stress consultant for many years) who wanted to escape domineering partners.
I added a lot of magic and romance into the cauldron in Broomstruck, and you’ll have fun discovering if Hattie can escape the husband who stole her magic many years ago and has since treated her like a slave.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, but I am spontaneous and hate set routines. My only rule is to write every day. But, of course, rules are for breaking, so I succeed about five days a week.
I run on tea!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too numerous to mention. I am an eclectic reader and have been a bookworm since I was six.
But let’s see, the first authors or books which pop into my head:
PG Wodehouse
The Thorn Birds
Polyanna
The Rich Are Different
Elizabeth Jane Howard
Elinor M Brent-Dyer
MC Beaton
Anthony Buckeridge
Penny Vincenzi
Molly Weir
The Firm
The Killing Floor
All Quiet on the Western Front
Sophie Kinsella
Elizabeth Jane Howard
Rachel’s Holiday

What are you working on now?
I’m tapping out a humorous find-yourself saga which begins in the 1970s and probably travels to the present day. I’m about 15,000 words in, and I’m enjoying it. As yet, unnamed. But it begins at the altar as the bride is having doubts before the vows!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ll tell you a secret; I love to write but I’m not great at promotions. But I’m guessing Awesome Gang will be awesome, and I’ve already heard lots of good things about their fabulous awesomeness.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it, too much advice can weigh you down, and all will become clearer along the path. What works for me may not be right for you and vice versa.
The most important thing is to enjoy your writing.
Take it one step, or one word, at a time and, above all, have fun.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself — everyone else is taken!

What are you reading now?
The MC Beaton Poor Relation series. What a hoot!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I don’t know; I go with the flow.

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 chunky classics to befit a slower pace of life. I haven’t chosen them yet.

Author Websites and Profiles
Janet Butler Male Website
Janet Butler Male Amazon Profile

Janet Butler Male’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - David Lowe

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my debut book. It took me about a year to write and is about my experience of moving to the US from the UK and launching my first startup business. I have always blogged but finally took the next step and turned all of my experience into a book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Blow It Up: 21 Ways Your Startup Can Shake Up An Industry And Change The World

Inspired by me launching a custom ping pong paddle company to change the face of the game of table tennis. I wanted to show entrepreneurs that if I can do it, anyone can do it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write more magazine style. I also want to change the face of business books which are typically very boring. Entrepreneurship is an adventure and should be fun. If it is not fun, why are we doing it?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Richard Branson, Philip K Dick, Elon Musk

What are you working on now?
A book about how successful people became successful. There is a lot of mystery surrounding these people. This needs to change so we can find ways to replicate their success.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, so far it is has been really tough. As a first time author, you are a nobody so getting traction is an uphill struggle. Using my own website and creating social media channels that point to this has helped. Also, getting some support from Facebook Group and Page owners.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You will probably not have a smash hit with your first book but if you believe in yourself and keep going, the momentum and quality content will mean that eventually you are noticed. Then the success will come. As the old proverb says, “It took me 10 years to become an overnight sensation.”

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never ever give up if you believe in your cause.

What are you reading now?
Wolf Boys: Two American Teenagers and Mexico’s Most Dangerous Drug Cartel

What’s next for you as a writer?
A book about success. It will feature entrepreneurs, digital nomads and influencers. It will also explore the idea of success and how it means different things to different people.

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?
Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson

I, Phoolan Devi: The Autobiography of India’s Bandit Queen by Phoolan Devi

The Dice Man by Luke Rhinehart

American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

Author Websites and Profiles
David Lowe Website
David Lowe Amazon Profile

David Lowe’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account


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Awesome Author - Tara Wine-Queen

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Tara Wine-Queen. I’m a wife and mother, wildly in love with my husband and children.

I’ve always loved writing. When I was a little girl, we had an old computer my parents let me keep in the recreation room of our house, and I wrote a little book on it. Probably the most significant moment to me wanting to be a writer, though, came in high school when I was in Charles Jeffries’ AP class. Mr. Jeffries was a magnificent teacher, brilliant and wry with such a commanding presence, and he was a tough grader. You had to work hard and well, and even if you did, you still might not get an A; he was a perfectionist. He had us write each week, and one week we were supposed to write a story on something not being like it seemed. I wrote a story about a charismatic fireman who heroically saves a family and is getting lauded on the news for his bravery, but when we see the news playing at his house, we see that his own family actually lives in terror of him because he is a violent alcoholic. I’ve always been interested in the relationship between good and evil, how they exist within us alongside each other. When I got the story back, I could see where Mr. Jeffries had originally written “100%” and had later whited it out, replaced with a slightly lesser A. Below that he had written that he did not feel like he should give perfect grades because he was my teacher and nothing is perfect, but “Tara, this is devastatingly effective.” That Charles Jeffries thought a piece I had written was “devastatingly effective” really sparked something inside of me and I felt for the first time that I might be able to become a truly excellent writer.

The first one which The Write Launch published is what is called creative nonfiction, which is basically a story that is the truth but is open to bits of fictionalizing or styling. That story is called “One More Thing to Make You Proud” and was written about the loss of the man I considered my grandfather while I was struggling to be a young mother.
The next one that got picked up was a fiction piece called “Pretend Conversations a Regretful Father Has with His Deceased Lesbian Daughter” – an exceedingly self-explanatory title – which I felt compelled to write because of my experiences witnessing loved ones who are LGBTQ struggling to come out to their parents and families. There often seems to be a cycle of denial and distress on the part of the parent, and there can be many months or sometimes years of this kind of tense negative coexistence with the information, but eventually I think most parents settle into an acceptance of their child and if not a return to normal, then at least a new normal is formed where families can exist without too much conflict over it. But if an LGBTQ child is tragically lost before that acceptance can come – and LGBTQ individuals are far more likely to be the victim of self-harm or violence, far more likely to die at a young age – then that parent is left with this kind of particularly horrible lack of closure. There’s no regret like that which death takes away the possibility to ever make right, and there’s no one you want to do more right by than your child. So I wanted to explore that from that parent’s perspective, and the voice of this big, tough, no-nonsense father just came to me and I knew it was right.
“An Appalachian Story” was published by Literally Stories and is written from the perspective of a little boy listening to his mama kind of doing this monologue about her life and what she wants for her children. This piece was written from my experience living in West Virginia the whole of my life and witnessing its beautiful and proud people suffering through any number of inescapable circles, including poverty and addiction. Some cycles just don’t want to be broken.
“The Door” is my most recently published piece; Fiction on the Web put it out earlier this month. The story follows a rehabilitated drug addict as she tries to save her terminally ill child through otherworldly paths. The protagonist, Joy, feels a lot of guilt and pain, and the piece is ultimately about realizing that although we can’t change the past, we also can’t let ourselves drown in it. Forgiving ourselves can be so much more difficult than forgiving others.
One story that I wrote was too long – nearly a novella at around twenty pages – for the literary magazines and websites which I had been submitting my work to, so I went a different route and published it on Amazon. It’s called “Prisons” and actually made it all the way to #2 on the Amazon US Short Stories Bestsellers list, which was pretty cool. In it, friendship blooms between two prisoners over books, breakfast, and bullshit. One of them develops dementia and the younger one becomes his caretaker in a post-WWIII Appalachian prison. I was inspired to write this story after I listened to a TED Talks podcast on Gold Coats, a prison program wherein prisoners can learn to care for other prisoners who are suffering from Alzheimer’s, dementia, and the like. The thought of how difficult it is to take care of any person in that situation is sobering, and prisons aren’t naturally equipped to deal with the profound needs of that distinct population. I loved the idea of using other prisoners to take care of them because it allowed them to be responsible for another human being, to exhibit and experience empathy, which I think is a vital part of what it is to be human, one that is sorely lacking for opportunities in incarceration.
I have also had a few flash fiction pieces – very short stories – published on Maudlin House.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is “Tenderness and Troubling Times: A Collection of Stories,” and what I wanted with this book was two-fold:

To create a permanent home for a number of my stories, easily accessible for those who desired it, and
To give a space over to The Baby Loser’s Club, a very important group of characters and experiences to me which I believed deserved to see the light of day, to be shared with others who might recognize themselves and their own experiences within them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write whenever I can, wherever I can.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Countless over a lifetime, but in the last year I’ve loved A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, Patrick Rothfuss’s Kingkiller Chronicles books, E.M. Forster’s Howard’s End, and Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series (though to be fair, I have read those before and will again – they’re kind of on a permanent loop in the background of my life).

What are you working on now?
I am knee-deep in a fantasy story which I hope to grow into epic proportions.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep improving.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Put your desk in the corner, and every time you sit down there to write, remind yourself why it isn’t in the middle of the room. Life isn’t a support system for art. It’s the other way around.” – Stephen King

Author Websites and Profiles
Tara Wine-Queen Website
Tara Wine-Queen Amazon Profile

Tara Wine-Queen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile


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Awesome Author - Chogan Swan

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As of this date (11/11/2019) I’ve written 8 books in the Science Fiction genre and 3 in Epic Fantasy that usually sells as a trilogy in one volume.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Abandonment of Stars is the title of the last book I released. It is part of the Symbiont Wars Saga (currently 8 stories long—though one of those is a novellette).

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmmm. I don’t know what usual is. 🙂
I tend to do the creative stuff first thing in the morning if possible.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many authors. Octavia E. Butler is one of my favorite though.

What are you working on now?
I’ve started another story in the Symbiont Wars Saga with a tentative title of — We The Enemy. I’m also starting a “humorous” Sci-Fi novel. The working title for that is Escapists from Imagined Nations.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m hoping for great things from Awesome Gang! Mostly I use AMS ads after flogging Facebook and toying with BookBub.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in your vision.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Look both ways before crossing the street!

What are you reading now?
The Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The books mentioned above that I’m working on now. I tend to focus on what’s in front of 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?
El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha (Spanish/English version) War and Peace, Anna Karenina, and the next book in the King Killer series (stolen from Patrick Rothfuss’ writing desk, since he may never finish it at this rate)
In short, the books I’d like to have read but keep getting distracted from and one that is still only a dream.

Author Websites and Profiles
Chogan Swan Amazon Profile

Chogan Swan’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile


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Awesome Author - Therese Tucker

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Therese Tucker is an intuitive artist, psychic medium, teacher of intuition, and a mentor. Although Confidence Is Magic is Therese’s first book, she has been sharing her knowledge and connection with the Divine for over thirteen years. She is the creator of the Spirit Circles Membership and the online courses School 4 Spirit and Modern Mystic Society.

Therese’s passion is helping people to activate their intuition and develop deep self-trust.

From the age of fifteen, Therese has been studying the intuitive mystic arts and metaphysics. However, due to the fear of not being accepted, Therese kept her gifts hidden. She had lived a ‘secret life’ up until 6-years ago when she finally stepped into her own her unusual gifts and her magical nature.

Now she helps others trust themselves and embrace their gifts and personal magic so they can genuinely be HAPPY!

Through her work, Therese guides us to connect to the sphere of Destiny within ourselves and to create self-compassion for deeper self-trust. Therese’s work is inspired by her years of studying A Course In Miracles as well as The Law of One. These are the works she returns to again and again in her devotional studies. Her work is activating and empowering.

Currently, Therese is working on developing her Tarot deck, as the Tarot is one of the most powerful tools for learning about the journey of spiritual growth and ascension.

Originally from the Seattle area, Therese followed her destiny and dreams, which led her to New York, where she met the love of her life and started building a family. She, her husband, daughter and son now live in Tacoma, Washington, along with their three magical kitties. www.blythestarlight.com

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book, Confidence Is Magic, is inspired by helping people get in touch with their Destiny by connecting with their inherent self-worth. So often, we keep ourselves separated from our dream life because of old thought patterns, and self-limiting beliefs. This book is meant to be both inspirational as well as a resource for breaking those limits through both practical and magical means.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t consider myself a “writer” as I have never really felt comfortable expressing myself in writing. My quirk is that I call forward my “Team In Spirit” before I sit down to write. I ask for spiritual guides in writing and creative expression to come forward and work through me, as well as asking to be connected to the material that wants to be expressed through me. Everything I do has a touch of the mystical to it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I am not creating courses, art or jewelry I am constantly reading material on spiritual growth, personal development, and metaphysics. I would say that the author/ teacher who has inspired me the most is Marianne Williamson. Her work as served as a touchstone for me throughout my life. The works of Dr. Joe Dispenza have had a profound impact on me of late, as well as Rebecca Campbell.

What are you working on now?
As far as another book goes, I feel one is coming, although I do not know the topic it will take. Perhaps about the Tarot? My next major project will be developing my own Tarot deck. This is a lifelong goal of mine as fine art was always my first love. The most exciting part about this project is that it will be linked to Patreon where people will be able to help me develop this project and support it all the way through completion while getting some extra spoiling from me. If you’d like to check it out visit https://patreon.com/blythestarlight

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not sure how to answer this question as I am pretty much a newbie.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be brave. You don’t have to be Hemingway to write. If you feel called to share your words with the world then do it. You are being called by something Higher- to be of service to the world. If only one person reads your book and finds value in it, you have just been of great service to the Universe.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.”
– Marianne Williamson

What are you reading now?
“Becoming Supernatural” by Dr. Joe Dispenza. This book is freakin’ amazing!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am continuing my teaching on how to develop your intuition and take it from awakened to activated. You can also hear more about intuition development on my podcast “Modern Mystic Soul” https://anchor.fm/blythestarlight

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 Law of One” by L/L Research
“The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron
“Steering by Starlight” by Martha Beck
“Numerology and the Divine Triangle” by Faith Javane & Dusty Bunker

Author Websites and Profiles
Therese Tucker Website
Therese Tucker Amazon Profile

Therese Tucker’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account


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Awesome Author - Colin Rochford

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Colin Rochford that’s me. I’m a traveller, writer, speaker, teacher/trainer, theatre producer, community radio presenter, arts patron and music impresario.
After many years working in the corporate sphere as a writer, training coordinator, training course writer and presenter, working in change management and process management areas, I left to become a life coach.
As an entrepreneur, I worked building several successful businesses.
Braving Change is my first full book. I have a chapter which I wrote some years ago in a compilation book edited by Nkwocha, Kizzi. (2015), Success Unlimited, Mithra Publishing: UK. My chapter was called: “Beliefs, Rules, Values & Language – Their Role In Your Success”.
Retirement finds me in country Victoria Australia enjoying a much simpler life with time to smell the roses and write on topics about which I feel passionate.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Braving Change: 5 Steps to Overcoming Your Fear of Change and Facing Life with Joy” was written because I have been disturbed for some time now by the number of people railing against change in almost all its forms, and the vehemence with which they are waging these campaigns. Usually with no real reason for this. We need change. We are supposed to change, and so is the world. Imagine if we grew older, and everything was just the same as it was when we were 16? Apart from the fact that it cannot happen, if we really think about it we wouldn’t cope. It all comes down to FEAR. This book addresses this fear. Head on.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Almost every morning I free-write 500 or so words by hand and most mornings my pen never leaves the page. I just keep on keeping on. Writing is a muscle, it needs to be exercised every day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to choose. I love mystery and adventure series. My passion is the self-help genre. My kindle and my bookshelves stagger under the weight of personal development books.

What are you working on now?
The second book in the change series in which we discuss changes that have been made personally and globally that needed to be driven with great fortitude, and in many cases civil/social disobedience. When change is absolutely necessary, how do we go about it?

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Gundi Gabrielle’s SassyZenGirl Networking Group and Emee Vida Estacio’s facebook group. I could not have achieved anything without both of these. They give me all the promotional ides and resources I need.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Follow a process. The actual writing of a book, any book is easy. It’s the process from the original idea to the final published and promoted product that is hard. But there are a few very fantastic places to get help.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
ACT. Nothing changes if you sit on your hands. And Positive THINKING does not work without positive ACTION.

What are you reading now?
A number of books by indie authors as part of their launch teams. It is very rewarding.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A short story about Sherlock Holmes meeting his match – a woman!

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 read a book or more per day. I couldn’t LIVE with only 3 or 4 books, but luckily I only need my trusty iPad mini with thousands of books on the Kindle App.

Author Websites and Profiles
Colin Rochford Website
Colin Rochford Amazon Profile

Colin Rochford’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account


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Awesome Author - Kacie Clement

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired non profit executive who has been a grant writer for many years. I told the organization story. After retirement I became bored and found Pinterest. I started painting rocks. One day on my deck while I was painting a rock, I was considering my life’s journey as a retired woman. The light bulb went off, and I said, I will become an author. I have two books published, one of which is the first of a trilogy series. I also have a non fiction book that works as personal journal.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Shadow of Secrets. I spent four years as an Executive Director of a National non profit who’s focus was on renewable energy. As important as the change the world has to make to move away from fossil fuels into clean energy, there is still cases of fraud out there especially when you have developers working with indigenous tribes.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really I am an early riser, so most mornings I can be found with a cup of coffee writing. I start with my journaling to get the creative juices flowing and then move into my writing for the day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite author of all time is Nelson DeMille. I love mysteries and suspenseful novels that keep me guessing.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the second draft of my book High Secrets. This book is the second of the Ignited Secrets Trilogy I am working on.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am new at this so I am just testing my method of promotion. I have my website, and social media pages and finding different places on line to list it. I also have a couple events lined up for book signings and author talks.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Write. Write. Be sure to get Grammarly, I have found it very useful. Create a unique promotional plan.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have heard for writing, is if you have a story tell it in your own words, just write it. Don’t worry about anything else like spelling, punctuation, just write. After you have written your first draft, then spell check, run through Grammarly, take a long walk or a few days to relax, and start your second draft.

What are you reading now?
I am reading a book by TJ Jones, My Sisters Fear.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am considering writing a few novellas and short stories.

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?
Up Country by Nelson DeMille, a journal and a pen or two, the whole Vince Flynn collection.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kacie Clement Website
Kacie Clement Amazon Profile

Kacie Clement’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Carlos Aleman

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I divide my time between fine art and writing. I was the senior product designer for a technology company until I started writing and painting full time. I’ve written four novels, although I have several other unfinished stories. The first novel was As Happy As Ling. The story has several artists in it, so it’s a subject I know well. There’s a little bit of me in most of the characters.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I recently (November 2019) released my first novel, As Happy As Ling. It was inspired by love for art and family experiences. I highlight human struggles and the light at the end of the tunnel that offers hope.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I hum the words to myself as I write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
A Thousand Splendid Suns [Khaled Hosseini, Anything by Haruki Murakami,

What are you working on now?
I’m painting and slowly developing several manuscripts.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to self promotion

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Being an insecure perfectionist is sometimes a good thing when it come to writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t take yourself seriously.

What are you reading now?
Men without Women by Haruki Murakami

What’s next for you as a writer?
Not sure, maybe coping strategies for anxiety and depression.

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?
An anthology of poetry, The Poetry of Pablo Neruda, The New Testament, Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Author Websites and Profiles
Carlos Aleman Website
Carlos Aleman Amazon Profile

Carlos Aleman’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Carol Smith

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a grandmother of eight grandchildren ranging from ages 8 to 27. They have all brought great joy into my life. Currently, I am writing a children’s historical fiction.

My first book “Tales of Wonder Woods” was released in September by Covenant Books, Inc. The book began as a story I told to my grandson at age five. He was so enthralled, he added his own ideas. I began writing it in 2009 and published it in 2019.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My grandson inspired me to write this book. Through the years, I could not let go of the story and when I began to write it, everything was brought together.

The synopsis reads:
Val is a young boy living with his mother; his father is gone. In the woods near his home, he meets a giant spruce tree. Spruce, the giant Sitka spruce tree is steadfast; his roots are planted deep in the earth just as his values are planted deep in his spirit. Their friendship matures and endures until the time of Spruce’s death. The story combines real life intertwining with the fantasy world that takes place in Wonder Woods. In the fantasy world, a near-fatal rafting trip happens when Val and his cousins are rescued by an Indian chief. Big Chief Yellow Bird is like an angel unaware who appears when Val and his cousins are in danger or in need of guidance in Wonder Woods. Adventure, danger, death, grief, disappointment,
Victory, and heroism are portrayed in this tale. There are real-life explanations for the fantasies that occur in the woods. Throughout the story, signs of Val’s father slowly returning home are emerging.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I don’t think so. With my first book, I almost had to go away before I could write. My favorite “hang-out” for writing was a mountain resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

With my current book, a historical fiction for children, I have been able to write at home. I am enjoying creating the characters and the activities of their daily lives. Yes, I am leading up to a climax, but before I do, I want the reader to enjoy the rich lives of these people.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
For many years I read biographies and autobrigraphies of presidents and important leaders in America. Brian Stephenson’s book “Just Mercy” has impacted me in a tremendous way because it has updated me on the wonderful people in our nation who are making great sacrifices to work hard at correcting injustices in our criminal justice system.

For fun, Rick Reardon’s “The Lightening Thief” was fascinating to read. Most recently, Lisa Wingate’s historical fiction “When We Were Yours” was intriguing

What are you working on now?
I am currently writing a children’s historical fiction,

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Because I am a new author and recently published, I am exploring what is available and using those resources to the best of my ability. I have chosen to use some old fashion methods, such as writing to my audiences and sharing the synopsis to those people. It is time consuming, but I feel good about what I am doing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be persistent at promoting your book. It is important to make connections with authors and people who are in the publishing business. I am currently exploring Goodreads Authors.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Perseverance for sure. Nothing is ever accomplished when we feel defeated and give up. Keep an open mind through the process, be patient and kind with people even when it is not reciprocated. Communicate with people in the business, respect their knowledge and their experience.

What are you reading now?
John Grisham’s “The Guardian”. So far, it is easy reading and meaningful.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to continue promoting my book “Tales of Wonder Woods” and complete my current historical fiction for children. Once completed, I intend to publish.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My bible because I find the words of my heavenly Father inspiring and it will give me hope. My next choice would be a Bear Grylls, “To My Sons: Lessons for the Wild Adventure Called Life”, because I am going to need some knowledge in survival skills. A book for fun such as “The Lightening Thief”. And I would try to find a way to write.

Author Websites and Profiles
Carol Smith Website
Carol Smith Amazon Profile

Carol Smith’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile


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