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Barbe Biloa -Many 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Dear Readers,
I’m Dr. Barbe Biloa – Many I was born in Cameroon, I grew up in France and I moved to US a couple of year ago, I taught French at the middle school level where I met students with disabilities. It was a huge eye opener to discover what those students and their families go through on a daily basis. I decided to earn a master degree in special education and I earned my Doctorate degree in educational and organizational leadership. I’m a special education teacher and a behavior specialist consultant. I live in Woodstock GA with my husband and our two sons. French is my first language. I love cooking, baking, going to the gym, to the movies. I always wanted to be a writer. Pascal A Journey with Autism is my first book. It’s a dream come through. At this time, I want to successfully promote Pascal.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Pascal A journey with Autism is my latest published last November. It Is based on a real life story of a family friend of mine who wanted to share their autism experience.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I sometimes woke up in the middle of the night, just to write down my thoughts and my ideas, then go back to sleep.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Could It Be Autism? A Parent’s Guide to the First Signs and First Steps, by Nancy D. Wiseman
Dr. Wilkinson and Colleen McCullough Les oiseaux se cachent pour mourir (The Thorn Birds).

What are you working on now?
To promote my first book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote on Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble, yawnspublishing.com, Goodreads and social media. However, I’m opened to different other book platforms.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn about marketing and advertising. Every writer should have these skills.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Consistency is the key to becoming a successful write.

What are you reading now?
Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Start my next book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My prayers book and Pascal A Journey With Autism

Author Websites and Profiles
Barbe Biloa -Many Amazon Profile

Barbe Biloa -Many’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Yael Shahar 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written one book under my own name. Throughout a long career in the security services, I authored several books on various issues in counter-terrorism that were published under my institute’s name. In fact, one of the reasons I took early retirement was in order to focus on writing under my own name. Even introverts can get tired of living in the shadows!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my most recent book is Returning. The title can be interpreted in a number of ways: returning to a painful memory, returning to oneself, returning to life… All of these themes play a role in the story.

The book was a response to a memory that had plagued me since I was a child. For most of my childhood, I couldn’t make heads or tails of what I was “remembering”. Was it something out of my own warped imagination? Something I’d seen on TV? A story someone had told me?

I had no answers. I only knew that there was something terrible in my past that haunted me, shamed me, and at times threatened to derail my life. Nightmares, phobias… And yet, I also knew that the things I remembered could not possibly have happened to me. Often the memory took the form of “waking dreams” during which I would disengage completely from what was going on around me. I had nightmares from which I woke in a panic, without being able to remember a thing. Completely innocuous stimuli could set off extreme reactions of fear. I did have some idea that it was all connected — that the fragments of memories, the fear, and the ever-present feeling of doom somehow told a story. I just wasn’t sure what story, or whose.

By the time I was a teenager, I had begun to have a vague idea of what sort of place I remembered. I had learned what subjects to avoid, which books not to take off the shelves in the library, which words I couldn’t bear to hear or say. We didn’t have a television, but if I was at a friend’s house, I learned when to change the channel and when to leave the room. Beyond the few fragments that I had seen, I knew what was in my memory only by what I couldn’t face.

Then, when I was 15, I got a job training a horse way up in the Texas hill country. Since I didn’t yet have a driver’s license, I found it prudent to drive the roads less traveled. One day, on my drive, while trying to find something interesting on the radio, I happened upon the most haunting song I’d ever heard. Suddenly, happier memories came flooding back — memories of the sound of the sea, of friendship and laughter, of walking home singing into the night through dark cobble-stone streets…a memory of home. Only these were not my memories, nor was this my home.

The song provided the key I needed to unlock the past. It also led me to the Jewish community, and eventually to conversion to Judaism. And so, at the age of 18, I started my life over again in Israel with $200 in my pocket and a Ladino song in my head.

I’ve spent most of the years since then working in counter-terrorism and intelligence, doing everything in my power to keep a remembered tragedy from recurring. After retiring from active service, I taught trends in terrorism, threat assessment, and asymmetric conflict. But when I was diagnosed with PTSD, I decided it was time to switch gears, to deal with life, rather than death. It was time to face the memory.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure how unusual this is, but one thing I find extremely helpful is to read back over my writing in a different place, and on different media. This puts me in “reader” mode, rather than “writer” mode. So once I type out an essay, a book chapter, or a blog post. I’ll take a break, leave the computer, and head over to my reading chair. There, perhaps with a cat on my lap, or a glass of wine at my side, I’ll read the piece I just wrote in a completely different mindset. Often, this will help me to see the flaws in the piece, or to shore up its stronger bits. The “reading” me is often creative in different ways than the “writing” me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, so very, very many authors and books! I think Ursala Le Quin is one who has been a very big influence from day one. Her ability to truly understand the cultures she created–to really get into the heads of her characters–is astounding. And her writing is beautiful, bordering on lyrical.

And while we’re on the topic of science fiction, David Brin is another writer whose works inspired me, in particular, his Uplift Series.

And then there is naturalist Loren Eisely. If often find that if I’m having trouble bringing a bit of description to life, just rereading one or two of his essays can open the floodgates of creativity and help me over the block.

In writing about Jewish philosophy, Avraham Yehoshua Heschel has been a profound influence, as have the Hebrew language works of Rav Kook. Both of them have a style that is allusive and quite beautiful, and both of them tackle difficult issue head-on. Their courage inspires me as much as their writing style.

What are you working on now?
I’m now working on my second book, a light-hearted romp through the Talmud with a cynical cat as a writing partner. The book is tentatively titled Havruta with a One-Eyed Cat, and will hopefully be volume one of a series. This first book will be a look at how Jewish source texts (the Bible and the Talmud) answer the question: What makes us human. Along the way, Pixel the One-Eyed Cat will bring up ideas from the secular world: the works of evolutionary biologist Steven J. Gould, Yuval Harari, and philosophers like Michael Wyschogrod. The idea is to tackle these weighty matters in a way that is light-hearted and enjoyable, while still giving the reader something to think about. You can find a few sample essays here: https://www.yaelshahar.com/category/feline-havruta/

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Good question! I’ve worked with a publicist (paid for by my publisher) to get a few critical reviews. However, in terms of actual sales, I’ve had the most success through posting my essays and opinion pieces on high-profile media sites. In addition, I’ve put together two study guides based on excerpts from Returning that can be used by book clubs, or by discussion groups, even without having read the book. I’ll usually see an uptick in sales when a book club uses one of these guides to run a discussion.

I having found a single “magic bullet” when it comes to book promotion. I often hear the advice: to promote your book, write another book! I think this advice is quite sound, even though my next book will be in a very different genre to my first book. But getting essays published elsewhere can also help a great deal to get your name out into the world.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write! Critique! Rewrite!

Yes, I know, this is not exactly new advice. But really, it’s the best way to hone your skills. Be ready to rewrite what you’ve written, to cut out scenes or chapters that don’t support the story. Be aware of the elements of story structure and open to the critiques of readers.

And, if you’re self-publishing, pay for an editor! Don’t try to do it yourself. A new pair of eyes will see issues that you, as the author, would miss, simply because you know the story too well. It pays to hire a good professional content / proofing editor, as well as a cover artist who can make your book the best it can be.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think the best advice I ever heard was to treat my writing as part of my “day job”. There was a time when I thought of writing as something I did after hours, after I’d taken care of making a living. But this meant that, if it got done at all, the writing got shunted over to my least productive hours. Once I realized that writing was part of my job description, I made sure to put aside the hours needed to do it, and to keep plugging away at it, even when I didn’t feel inspired. The result was that I was able to do both my writing and my “paid” work, without the one getting in the way of the other.

What are you reading now?
This will sound really nerdy, but I’m currently reading Yoram Hazony’s Philosophy of Hebrew Scripture, and Richard Wrangham’s superb book on human evolution, The Goodness Paradox. Both of these will provide themes for Havruta with a One-Eyed Cat.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Riches? Fame? A new chainsaw to replace the one that quit in the middle of tree pruning the other day? Who can say?

I hope that I’ll continue growing and learning new things, and that every new bit of learning and growing with be reflected in my writing. What more could one ask?

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well, if I’m feeling nerdy, I would probably say 3 volumes of Talmud and an Aramaic dictionary! That would keep me happily occupied for months.

But then, in a more literary mood, I would probably settle on The Lord of the Rings, plus one volume of Talmud. Food for the soul on all levels!

Author Websites and Profiles
Yael Shahar Website
Yael Shahar Amazon Profile

Yael Shahar’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Neil Rucker 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Neil Rucker I am a retired Law Enforcement man with thirty years of service. At the present time, I am a Polygraph Examiner with over 40 years of experience. I have written two books. My first book is Secrets of the Truth Trade is a collection of stories from my Polygraph career. I expose the horrific experiences of my clients who have been falsely accused of horrible crimes. My second book Two Men from Dead Fall is the story of my great grandfather and his best friend who grew up together in the pre-civil war rural wilds of Alabama. Both enlisted in the Confederate Army and I follow their careers as soldiers as written in the journal kept by great grandfather. I tell of their return home my great grandfather was minus one leg. I take them through the Reconstruction years and into political careers. My great grandfather was the Tax Collector and his friend Sheriff. My great grandfather was robbed and murdered while on his rounds in his horse and buggy collecting taxes. His friend the Sheriff relentlessly pursued the infamous outlaws who committed several other murders that are described in my book. The Sheriff and his posse captured the murderers brought them to Greenville, Alabama to jail. An enraged group of citizens took them from the jail and summarily hung them from the second-floor portico of the Butler County Alabama Courthouse.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Two Men From Dead Fall is the name of my book. The inspiration for my book came from my father. My father had told me the story on numerous occasions. However, when he was on his death bed, and the last time he ever spoke to me; he asked me if he had given me the picture of the outlaws dangling on the Courthouse wall. Along with with the newspaper account of the murder of my great grandfather, and subsequent lynching of the perpetrators.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to just sit down at my computer and begin typing the story as it flows into my mind. I doubt my method is unusual in that particular sense. However, on nights that I have problems going to sleep, I begin going through whatever I’m working on in my mind. At some point during this process, I will invariably think of something that will help a character or the story.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love William Falkner and also John Grisham. Maybe because they are both southern writers and I relate to many of the places they include in their writing. I particularly like Grisham’s stories. Of Course, I loved Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. During my law enforcement career, I had many occasions to co to Monroeville Alabama, the city that was Harper lee’s hometown and where she lived until she died. Truman Capote another Monroeville product is another favorite.

What are you working on now?
I am currently nearing completion of a book about my law enforcement career. A large part of my new story takes place during the Civil Rights Struggle. I grew up in Montgomery Alabama and I was an eye witness to Dr. Martin Luther King’s beginning of the bus boycott and many other events. By virtue of my father being Assistant Chief of Police and later Police Commissioner, I had an inside glimpse of so many events of the era. In 1964 I became an Alabama State Trooper in 1964 and witnessed so many events of the Civil rights era. No one has ever written the story of this period from my point of view.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I believe Awesome Gang is going to be a great site for me. I am just beginning my promotion and I suppose I will have to see what does best for me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t ever give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
An author friend told me while writing my first book,” just sit down and let it flow don’t worry about what it looks like that first time”.

What are you reading now?
I haven’t been reading lately just writing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to do something special with my next book entitled A Purpose for Aaron. I wrote this book for my childhood friend Aaron Lowery. Aaron who was an African American child was my best friend from almost birth until he was accidentally killed in a traffic accident at age nine. Having Aaron as my first best friend influenced me greatly especially being a man who was born and raised in the segregated south. A Purpose for Aaron is my book that tells many of the stories of the Civil Rights Struggle.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I think I would try to find some John Grisham books I haven’t read.

Author Websites and Profiles
Neil Rucker Website
Neil Rucker Amazon Profile

Neil Rucker’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

FUDGEWILLI Williams 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey, i’m FUDGEWILLI and I’ve published 9 books as of January 2020.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is titled “The Happy Bubble” and it was inspired by me feeling depressed around last spring. I needed to write something upbeat and chipper, something that would provoke happiness and encourage a positive attitude.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Besides procrastinating? No

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dav Pilkey, Tucker Max, Shel Silverstein, and Dr. Seuss.

What are you working on now?
Right now im working on a few projects. I don’t want to name them specifically because I tend to have bad luck in the sense that every time I speak on what I’m working on, something ends up happening that prevents the completion of the project. So i’ll just keep the specifics under wraps until I actually publish.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth and Youtube.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write about what you want and stay true to yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You cant force creativity.

What are you reading now?
Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Playboy magazine
Hustler Magazine
Penthouse Magazine (i think thats the right one lol)

 

FUDGEWILLI Williams’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Kelly Peck 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have published five books, and have about 20 more, just in the Secret Origins series.
Some of the five, were produced for corporate training; for employees, managers and executives. They worked well, as production increased by 200%.

In addition to the Secret Origins series, I also have other children’s books, such as Parrot Power, which introduces biochar and food forests.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Lines, Curves and Sounds — first book in the ABC Secret Origins series — was part of an enormous tome produced in 2018, that would have retailed for over $100. I split that book into a trilogy. The second book is over 40% complete, and should launch in May 2020.

What inspired it? My church group tutored inside a prison. We discovered that the most literate inmate knew 17 letters of the alphabet. That prison swilled up our handmade flashcards.
Flash cards became a pamphlet used in tutoring. One first grader was about to be held back. Somewhere in the middle of the pamphlet he brightened up, and in four weeks he rocketed from the fourth level to 24th level reading. He passed, and made honor roll the next semester.

Education is an odd subject. So many opinions. Nevertheless, the technologies in this book have worked for everyone: pre-K to PhD, ESL, inner city, and many more.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night to write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Golden Bough, Genesis, EE Doc Smith, Rubaiyat, Autobiography of a Yogi, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Isaac Asimov, Ron Hubbard, Madeleine d’Engle, Jonah, Art of Dramatic Writing, Hero’s Journey, George Fox, leo Tolstoy, rachel carson, carl jung, Melville, Emerson, will durant, Thoreau, dale carnegie, niccolo machiavelli, charles darwin, carl von clausewitz, stephen hawking, napoleon hill, herman hesse, sun tzu,
Popul Vu, the Vedas, Epic of Gilgamesh,

What are you working on now?
The Secret Life of Letters, the second book in the Secret Origins trilogy.
Did you know that the letter “X” has about six (6) different pronunciations?

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Don’t know yet. Just getting rolling.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read the Art of Dramatic Writing, by Lagos Egri.
Practice each factor (Premise, Character, Conflict), using short stories.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read Hemingway’s Movable Feast.

What are you reading now?
Two Years Before the Mast
how to market books
The I Ching
Nature, by Ralph Waldo Emerson
P. G. Wodehouse (Jeeves)
What’s the Future by Tim O’Reilly

What’s next for you as a writer?
More children’s books.
Maybe more graphic 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?
The Iliad, by Homer
Self Analysis
Nature, by Emerson

 

Hetza E. 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first self published book on Amazon. I have been writing since I could pick up a crayola crayon. Short stories, small children’s books when I was a child. I loved writing poetry & lyrics as I got older during my teen years. I now currently still write lyrics, love to sing, write poetry, fantasy ect. I like to dip my pen in all different frequencies! I have 4 beautiful daughters on the autism spectrum, one about to graduate high school. The other 3 I am homeschooling, they are incredibly talented, beautiful and most of all intelligent. I am so blessed!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called, Aligned Thoughts remembering your connection within. I went through a really rough time with my grandmother slipping away from Dementia, she basically raised me half the time when I was growing up. She was my constant my rock! It made me question everything I ever knew, after she transitioned last year! I really went within my self to find the answers prayed for wisdom & meditated healed alot of old wounds left from my childhood & my young adult hood!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
This book was written on my garden swing. In a beautiful peacock journal always with a pencil. I prefer good old pencil & paper for a first draft and let the creative juices flow, from my heart, to my mind through the pencil as the over flow of emotions glide across the paper!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love to read, I can’t always remember the author. I am a book worm, especially biographies I am fascinated by peoples lives & how they grew up & what they became. I can say my 4th grade teacher introduced me to Robert Frost his poetry was inspiring! I also love C.S Lewis Alice & Wonderland, Lion, the witch & the wardrobe all classics I love! Mark Twain of course Shakespeare who doesn’t love his works.

What are you working on now?
More lyrics, & poetry they just come so easy it’s like they flow through my vains! Also a novel esoteric, fantasy, mystic adventure type book. It’s a work in progress, it’s so much fun to write though.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
New to Marketing my own book, still trying to figure the business part out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write, be joyful, enjoy the process most of all be authentically you!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My meme always said Live, Laugh & Love oh and just breathe best advice, breathe intentionally!

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?
Blank note books so I could write my own! Otherwise I get bored.

Author Websites and Profiles
Hetza E. Amazon Profile

Hetza E.’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Sarah Neofield 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an Australian writer of literary satire, a linguist, and world traveler. I write books that make you laugh – and then think.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel is called Number Eight Crispy Chicken. It follows the misadventures of an immigration minister, Peter, who has made a career out of detaining asylum seekers, but who finds himself detained in a foreign airport. It was inspired by my own experience of being stranded in an airport, and my dismay at the treatment of those who seek asylum in my own country.
The title itself was inspired by the name of the only food I had to eat during my time in the airport – and the only food Peter has access to as well – number eight crispy chicken burgers.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I first got back into writing thanks to a delayed flight! Although the resultant book was terrible, it rekindled my love of writing.
The next time I was stranded in an airport, I had a number of surreal experiences that I just had to start writing about. And when I thought about a character that could learn from being in a similar situation, the character of Peter Ruddick, Minister for Asylum Deterrence and Foreign Investment came to mind.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robert Tressell and George Orwell are major inspirations for my work. I also love Terry Pratchett, Margret Atwood, Douglas Adams, and countless other authors who manage to make me laugh, make me think, or both.

What are you working on now?
My work-in-progress novel focuses on propaganda and advertising – and the blurred line between them.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I knew! I’ve been truly honoured by the readers who have purchased Number Eight Crispy Chicken so far, but this is something I’m still figuring out. I’m new to indie publishing, so it’s all a big adventure – but one I’m trying to collect data on so I can learn as I go. My hope is that I can figure out what works and, in the future, devote my attention to only those activities I know will help the most, so that I have more time for writing!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you want. Not what you think a publisher or even a reader might like. But what you want to write. The ultimate goal is to be happy with what you produce.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think it was probably a variation on what I wrote above. The Courage to be Disliked is a fantastic book that challenges us not to be held back by worrying about other people’s opinions.

What are you reading now?
I’ve just finished reading The Testaments, and have started reading Timeless on the Silk Road. This year, I’ll be starting an indie reading challenge – my goal is to read 20 independently published books in 2020 which all feature numbers in the title!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Since Number Eight Crispy Chicken is an in-depth study of a single character, I’m looking forward to trying something new, in the form of two main protagonists in my second 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?
Such a difficult question! I think I’d have to have something by PG Wodehouse, since his books are always my go-to literature when I’m feeling down, and if I were stranded on a desert island, I might need that! A Confederacy of Dunces and The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists are two books I don’t think I could ever read too many times. And for that bonus fourth book – well, I just might take Number Eight Crispy Chicken with me, and see what I can learn from Peter’s experience of being stranded!

Author Websites and Profiles
Sarah Neofield Website
Sarah Neofield Amazon Profile
Sarah Neofield Author Profile on Smashwords

Sarah Neofield’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Gary Blackwood 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing seriously in my teens and sold my first story at age 19. After many, many failed efforts, I sold my first novel, Wild Timothy, at age 40 and have been going fairly strong ever since, writing novels and nonfiction for young readers, magazine pieces, and stage plays. I recently moved into the arena of adult novels.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent is Bucket’s Brigade, a sequel to Bucket’s List, a Victorian mystery featuring Charley Field, the real life model for Inspector Bucket in Dickens’ novel Bleak House–which of course was my inspiration.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Judging from other writers I’ve talked with (including my daughter), the fact that I sit down at the same time every morning and don’t get up until I’ve written at least 500 words is pretty unusual in itself. Actually, I probably should get up more often and do some stretching.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was writing mainly books for young readers, I was continually coming upon some adult book I really liked and then trying to do something similar for middle grades or young adults. My bestselling novel, The Shakespeare Stealer, was inspired by–no, duh–Shakespeare.

What are you working on now?
I try not to get stuck in one particular medium or genre, so in between novels, I turn my efforts to stage plays and screenplays. Right now, I’m well along with script about the early days of the FBI. Lots of research required, which is fine with me; that’s my favorite part of the process.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Frankly, I suck at self-promotion. For most of my career, I didn’t have to worry about it, because the publisher did most of that, but the times they are a’changin’.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My best advice–which many novices don’t really care to hear–is to spend plenty of time up front exploring the conflict and the characters and getting a handle on the structure before you start writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The same advice I pass on to my students, when I have them: Give a lot of thought to the dramatic structure of the work, whether it’s a novel or a screenplay or a stage play (or even a nonfiction book or memoir). Not necessarily an outline per se, and you don’t have to stick to it slavishly, but it gives you a road map to follow, so you don’t get lost halfway through the journey.

What are you reading now?
Lonelyhearst; the screwball world of Nathanael West and Eileen McKenny. Pretty fascinating and tragic.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have more projects in the pipeline than I can shake a stick at. Which one I tackle next remains to be seen.

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?
Something by P. G. Wodehouse, for laughs; the collected works of Anthony Trollope, for sheer bulk; and perhaps some Dickens or Hardy, whom I consider old friends.

Author Websites and Profiles
Gary Blackwood Website
Gary Blackwood Amazon Profile

Gary Blackwood’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Chris Karlsen 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a retired police detective. I worked for two major agencies. After retiring, I decided to write the book that had been in my head for years. Not a cop story but a love story I wanted to tell. I sat down and just started to tell the story. But, I also knew I needed to learn the craft and began attending various writer’s workshops, seminars and conferences. As I learned I would edit my manuscript to apply the new info. After several years, I finally felt the book ready. A friend of mine had started her own small publishing agency and asked if I’d consider publishing with her. I did and haven’t looked back. I now have books in publication: 5 are historical romance, 3 are historical suspense (book 3 will be released 2/28/20) 2 contemporary thrillers, and 2 novellas-a holiday story that is part of my Bloodstone series and a WW2 romance.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest which is coming Feb. 28, 2020 but up for pre-order on Feb. 14, called A Venomous Love. It is part of my Bloodstone series, which is set in Victorian London. My protagonist is Detective Rudyard Bloodstone. I love writing him. I never wanted to write a modern cop story but enjoy setting my detective in the Victorian era.
In this story the killer uses a very deadly cobra as a weapon. This idea came from a story a London Metropolitan police officer told me years ago. She was vacationing in Morocco when a British couple came dashing into the lobby distressed and loudly announcing they’d just been robbed at snake-point. I locked the idea away and thought one day I might use that in a book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None that I can think of. I set aside 3-4 hours a day, six days a week to write. I write in the afternoon. I am not a morning person and try to take care of personal business in the morning to free up writing time in the afternoons. I stop around 4 or 5 and spend the rest of the evening with my husband relaxing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Bernard Cornwell is my favorite historical writer. I love his Saxon Tales and when I wrote my historical romance series (Knights in Time) there was a major battle, Poitiers (1356) that connected the heroes of the books. They were time travels. I used Cornwell’s intense and extreme visual description of battles as a guide for mine.
I think Joe Wambaugh is the best cop writer around but then he was a cop with LAPD. I especially love the Hollywood Station series and use his combo of humor and pathos for my Bloodstone series.
My favorite romance writer is Julie Anne Long. She writes the most interesting love scenes and interaction between her heroes and heroines. I try to incorporate the beauty of her love scenes when I write them in romances (that include those scenes, not all my romances do).

What are you working on now?
I’m working on preparing for a couple upcoming blog tours for A Venomous Love. While I do that I have also started book 2 in my WW2 romance series of novellas. The first is called Moonlight Serenade. It’s about an American Marine on leave in Australia in 1945. He falls in love with an Aussie big-band singer. The current work is set in England during the war and is called The Ack-Ack Girl. It’s the story of a anti-aircraft spotter (one of the women who did this in the war) and how she falls in love with an RAF pilot.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to book several blog tours. I use Buoni Amici as my publicists and they set up multi-stop tours for me. I’m also booked on Partners in Crime Tours, and looking into TRS. My books are available on Booksprout for reviewers and I will send ARC copies to anyone who is interested in doing a review.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’d use the Nike refrain: Just Do It! Making time to write is one of the most difficult things to do, I believe. We have such busy lives but I’d suggest trying to set time to write, even if it is only 15 minutes a day. Just sit and type and tell the story in your head. I’d also suggest joining a critique group. Other eyes have to see your work, other than your family who might not be totally honest with you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t start with long passages of what happened to bring the characters to this point. Introductions to a story are always passive and the reader can be informed through dialogue and action.

What are you reading now?
The Flame Bearer by Bernard Cornwell for pleasure
Reach For the Sky by Paul Brickwell about England’s greatest RAF pilot, which I’m reading for research.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Beside promoting A Venomous Love. I hope to complete my WW2 novella, The Ack-Ack- Girl by the holidays. Then I hope to write the fourth Bloodstone book but this one will have Rudyard’s brother, Will Bloodstone as the protagonist. He has a lot of page time in A Venomous Love and was well liked by my critique group and me:)

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Legend of Lyon Redmond by Julie Anne Long
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell (but it’s tough b/c all the books are so good)
The Lions of Al-Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay
The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice but I’d be equally happy with Interview with the Vampire

Author Websites and Profiles
Chris Karlsen Website
Chris Karlsen Amazon Profile
Chris Karlsen Author Profile on Smashwords

Chris Karlsen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Ivan Shaman 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Russian author. I write books in the D&D and real RPG genres. 26 books

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I started the long-planned East Valor series. My first book in the framework of the general inter-author franchise is the Web of Worlds. And also the first project in a mix of real RPG / xianxia / wuxia genres.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, actually

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Tolkien

What are you working on now?
East Valor series

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not sure this is the first book in this series that I have translated and plan to sell on Amazon.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
the author needs to work hard and be open to new genres

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
open your mind to the variability of the world

What are you reading now?
nothing special

What’s next for you as a writer?
a wuxia genre

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 take books on agriculture, a botanical atlas, and a medical guide

Author Websites and Profiles
Ivan Shaman Amazon Profile

Ivan Shaman’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

J. M. Blum 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m very excited to announce the release of my debut novel The Forbidden Dæmon, which is the first in a series of fantasy books I’ve been working on for quite a while. The series is called The Entwined Spirits Saga. Outside of writing these novels, I’m a computer and data scientist, family man, and avid fan of ideas, as well as strategy and role playing games.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I started writing The Forbidden Dæmon after I left academia. It provides me with a wonderful creative outlet, and this way I can explore ideas and interesting areas of fantasy literature.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I really enjoy writing on trains and buses.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of the books that had an impact on me is How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler. It taught me the difference between reading widely and reading well. However, I have read somewhat widely, and I keep partial list of books that have influenced me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/108400004?shelf=read

What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m in the process of getting The Forbidden Dæmon ready for paperback and audio book publication, preparing to release the second book in the series, editing the third, drafting the fourth, and learning the ropes of the self-publishing industry.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s a question best left for after I’ve better learned the ropes of the self-publishing industry

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Step zero, choose a genre that you want to write in for a long time and that there is a proven market for. Step one, get feedback on your writing. Step two, improve it. Step three, go back to step one. Eventually break the loop and get yourself an ebook reader if you don’t already have one. Half a year before you are ready to go public with your book, read as much as you can about your publication form (traditional route or self-publication) then apply the best advice.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You get what you pay for.

What are you reading now?
Currently, I read as much as I can on being successful at self-publishing and marketing. I’m also reading classic literature.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Building up a readership for The Entwined Spirits Saga, and publishing the series.

 

Author Websites and Profiles
J. M. Blum Website
J. M. Blum Amazon Profile

J. M. Blum’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Felicia Johnson 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have always had a fascination with working and making money from home. I have spent years researching legitimate opportunities and decided to share my knowledge with others. I love helping others and sharing information so I decided to write books.
In my spare time, I love crafting, reading, writing, sewing and spending time with family.

Currently, I have written two books with more on the way!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“201 Work-From-Home Companies Revealed!!” Decided to write this book to help others find legitimate jobs working from home.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No pretty traditional

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Gabrielle Gundi

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a second edition to my title “Top Sellers Dropshipping Suppliers Revealed!!” which is also available on Amazon.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never Give Up On Your Dreams! Rome wasn’t built overnight.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Failure is not trying at all!

What are you reading now?
Think and Grow Rich

What’s next for you as a writer?
The sky’s the limit!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Think and Grow Rich, Rich Dad Poor Dad,

Author Websites and Profiles
Felicia Johnson Website
Felicia Johnson Amazon Profile

Felicia Johnson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Val Silver 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have a passion for learning and reading about holistic health, spirituality, right living as member of the Earth family, and personal evolution. I enjoy writing, riding my bicycle, and taking walks with my dog and husband. I’ve written two books, Rescue Me, a fundraiser for animal shelters and rescues, and One Creation Under God.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
One Creation Under God is my latest book. I was inspired to write it while researching world religions, ancient cultures, and science to discover how humans are intended to interact with our Earth home and all the beings with whom we share it. Another reason I wanted to write the book is to offer a resource to animal advocates and spiritual teachers to use when speaking on animal welfare and the oneness of all.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I usually write on the computer. I tend to get down the facts and items of interest for an article or chapter and then organize it. I can research and write for hours if something is of interest to me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Henry David Thoreau, the Bible, Andrew Harvey – a lot of different authors.

What are you working on now?
After four years of working on One Creation Under God, I am taking a break. I don’t know that I will write any other books, but I have been writing articles for my two websites and newsletter.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best website for promoting my books has been amazon.com. I have promoted them through my newsletter and social media. I have sold the most paperbacks at live events.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write about what you love and what you know. Stick with it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read your writing out loud when you are editing.

What are you reading now?
Light fiction.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will probably stick with writing articles for a while. I’d also like to speak on the material in One Creation Under God and share it with others.

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 Creation Under God, the Gita, the Bible, a book on identifying local medicinal and culinary plants

Author Websites and Profiles
Val Silver Website
Val Silver Amazon Profile

Val Silver’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

David Petersen 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Thanks for asking. I am originally from Canada, but have lived most of my life abroad. In terms of education, I have degrees in psychology and theater studies, and certificates in language teaching and Japanese proficiency.

Over the last twenty years, I’ve written more than a dozen books, all nonfiction. They include textbooks for English and Japanese language learners; guidebooks to Hiroshima and Nagasaki; translations of the Tao Te Ching with commentary and artwork; and works on European and Asian theater.

More recently, I have devoted myself to the creation of a set of lavish, full-color coffee table fine art books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest is the fifth in the coffee table art book series. It’s called “Sights in Mind: A Fifth Stroll Through the Davmandy Collection”.

The series has evolved over the years as my portfolio of artwork has grown and diversified. Fans of the previous books will note a more playful tone, and a greater interest in experimenting with the tools available to the digital artist.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Compared to what (lol)? There are a myriad of approaches to creativity, especially when it comes to writing.

As far as the coffee table books are concerned, I concentrate mainly on building up my art portfolio. Once I have far more pieces than I’d require for a single book, I review them as whole, and begin to identify common themes that might serve as chapter headings.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In my early twenties, I decided to ‘improve myself’ (whatever that means), and as part of that project I spent a year reading the classics. “Moby Dick” was the first substantial work that I tackled, and when I finally finished it, I remember being floored by Melville’s ability to weave that much storytelling into an organic whole.

What are you working on now?
The focus at the moment is on my artwork. Another six months perhaps and I will have enough material to consider putting together another compilation.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I know that Instagram is all the rage, but I prefer Twitter. Some might find the length limit a problem, but it helps me to focus on what I want to say, and let the art speak for itself.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The three W’s: Write, write and write. If it’s lousy, accept that. You can always fix it up another day. If you don’t feel like writing, accept that too, but write something anyway. And never use writer’s block as an excuse. I’ve never met anyone who was so blocked that they couldn’t write at least one sentence.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In your writing and your life, lead with your strengths, not your weaknesses.

What are you reading now?
I’m not.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Another art compilation when the portfolio has grown.

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 two favorite treatises on what it means to be alive: “War and Peace” and “Tao Te Ching”.
Number 3 would be a book on how to survive on a desert island.

Author Websites and Profiles
David Petersen Website
David Petersen Amazon Profile

David Petersen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Sakshi Chawla 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
So I have just recently got my first book published and I’m working on two more, soon to be published as well.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“When the World Flips” is the the title of my latest book. Basically I have been really keen about science fiction combined with romantic fiction and my book is totally based on it. I have tried to depict the protagonist of my book as a college student who finds her way into her parallel universe and how she deals with it and what all things she learns.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not yet, but I’m definitely trying to get on one!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Books have played a major role in my life and few of my favourite authors are Shakespeare, John green, Jane Eyre and Carolyn Keene.

What are you working on now?
So currently I’m working on the sequence of my latest book when the world flips and besides that I’m also working on one of my other novel which is going to be in the genre romantic fiction.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think social media helps you a lot and besides that what I feel is that till the time you don’t have a personal meet and greet with the readers they don’t connect to you much!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I know it is difficult being a new author as I’m one myself but keeping the hopes up and writing good stuff will make you reach heights someday.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Best advice that I have heard so far would be -write for yourself, don’t write to impress others. Until and unless you’re not satisfied and happy with your work no one else can be.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading lot of old literature books like -things fall apart, Mrs. Dalloway and the mill on the floss.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I just hope someday any of my books get turned into a series or a short movie.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I think the books I’ll carry with me would be – Romeo and Juliet, pride and prejudice, the mill on the floss and let it snow.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sakshi Chawla Amazon Profile

Sakshi Chawla’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Donald Marino 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Donald Marino. I was Donald L Murray Jr. until I married my husband and took his last name. I have three books published right now, they are a series, Return of the Shadows. They are getting reviews where I live and I am working on the next three book series that takes place about 70 years after this series ends.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The next series I am working on is called the Thinning of the Vale. It takes place about 70 years after Return of the Shadows ends. I enjoy writing so it was great to start writing again, and I have a fan base here that wants more books.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sit at the kitchen table and write while we have company usually. My husband laughs at me because I can write and keep up with the conversation.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Terry Brooks.

What are you working on now?
The next series the Thinning of the Vale

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That I am still trying to figure out. Promoting is not easy and I am still learning, but I hear great things about this site.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. It get frustrating because you have to do a lot more than just write, but keep plugging away.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
your never to old to succeed

What are you reading now?
I am reading some local authors. Stacy Shaffer and Kristalyn A Vetovich. Both have great books

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to keep this series going. I am enjoying writing it very much

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 how to book on building a boat. and two Terry Brooks books.

 

Liela Fuller 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Liela Marie Fuller. I was born and raised in Camden, New Jersey. I started writing at my Great-Grandmothers kitchen table. Back then my stories were simple ones, fairy tales mostly but I found my true voice in high school. What was once short fairy tales, became poetic words that allowed me to express love, fear, joy, and sadness. Writing helped me through one of the hardest times in my life – losing my first love. After processing that loss, I realized that I had found my voice through writing and I’ve been writing ever since.

I have written six books and created six journals all of which can be found on my website – www.ThoughtsofaThankfulHeart.com.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Bag Lady. It’s a short story that I wrote after prayer several years ago. I was thinking about all the baggage we tend to carry around with us and how if we are not careful that baggage can affect other areas of our lives. Bag Lady is my first short story and I originally intended for it to be a play, but after sitting on it for a while, I released it as a short story and the readers love it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not sure if these are unusual writing habits, but I prefer to write either near water or windows. I can write anywhere, but water and good views help my creative juices flow. I do write at home, but I often find that I get distracted by household chores, so when writing at home, I try to make sure everything is done so my focus is not broken.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors who’ve influenced me are Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes, Alex Haley, Edgar Allen Poe, C.S. Lewis, and Walter Mosley.

The books that have influenced me are The Bible, The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley, Disappearing Acts by Terry McMillan, Macbeth by William Shakespeare, The Color Purple by Alice Walker, and The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I’ve been a reader since high school so this list is not exhaustive, but these are the books that have touched me in some way.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a book called The Journey of Faith. In 2016, I moved in faith to Minneapolis, Minnesota with almost nothing and God provided for my son and me every step of the way. It was a tremendous journey, so I decided to share it with others to remind them that with God all things are possible, if we just believe.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
While I am still exploring market strategies, I find that my website and mailing list have been the best tools for me. I use social media too, but it’s not as effective for me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never stop writing. I think most new writers have the misconception that their first book will be a hit and when it’s not they get frustrated, but I will tell you don’t stop writing because someone needs to read your story.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard is to be true to yourself first. You can’t help anyone else if you’re down and defeated.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Driven by Robert Herjavec and Wealthy Women Think Differently by Kervin J. Smith.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a long list of books I plan to write and release over the next few years. I would also like to host workshops to help aspiring writers finally write their first book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. A Parallel Bible (NKJV and Message or Amplified)
2. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
3. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
4. The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela

Author Websites and Profiles
Liela Fuller Website
Liela Fuller Amazon Profile

Liela Fuller’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Nancy Roe 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Midwest farm girl at heart, currently living in Memphis, Tennessee. Plan to start building my dream house in Midway, Utah in the spring of 2020. I self-published my seventh book in January 2020 (fourth mystery novel). Working on the outline for book eight. I love flamingos (have a flamingo tattoo on my ankle), giraffes, and owls. Favorite movies include the Wizard of Oz, Blast from the Past, and My Blue Heaven. I enjoy crocheting, knitting, crafting, scrapbooking, and organizing. I can tell you everything I’ve received for my birthday or Christmas since 1972 (I have a list). The one thing most people don’t know about me is that I performed at two halftime shows of the Tennessee Titans preseason games (Jazzercise routines).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book went through several title changes before ending with The Accident. My main character, Darnell Dixon, came first, followed by a small-town setting. I loved figuring out who would die, who did the killings, and why.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a morning person, so I get up at five-thirty and write for at least two hours everyday. Some days I write for four or even six hours. It all depends on if my characters want to talk to me that day. Some days they like long naps.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a kid I loved Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. I also like Lilian Jackson Braun’s books and any mystery novel.

What are you working on now?
I’m about to go through my “idea” folder for an idea for my next mystery. I collect names, snippets of conversations, plot lines, etc. throughout the year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do an email blast, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Goodreads, and Pinterest initially. I’m terrible at marketing and am always learning from others. I’m trying a few new things with this book. If they work, I’ll share with you.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to share your writing with others. Get involved in writing groups and critique groups. Go to a writing conference or two. The people you meet and the interactions with other writers is invaluable.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just because twelve people don’t like your work, if you don’t try for number thirteen, you may miss out on a big opportunity. Never give up!

What are you reading now?
The Other Woman by Sandi Jones.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Enter a few contests and start writing my next book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Bibliomysteries edited by Otto Penzler, 100 Dastardly Little Detective Stories, and a Bible.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nancy Roe Website
Nancy Roe Amazon Profile

Nancy Roe’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Bowie Rockwell 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written three books under my real name and even though that was cool and all, I started getting people coming up to me that didn’t really know me and started talking to me all the time about my work. Some of these people were a little off, but they were fans and that scared me some. So after a guy from North Dakota, I live in Tennessee mind you, found out where I worked and approached me and talked to me about how good my book, my first one was, I got a little paranoid about writing under my real name. So, after some consideration on a good alt name, I went with Bowie Rockwell. Now people don’t know me and that makes things easier.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is, Into the Mystic. The inspiration of it was simply this: most of the problems we have in our lives are pretty much brought about by what we do. In other words, we create our demons. And I wanted to explore how this character in my book finally realizes that all the problems he has with his career, his family, are all his doing. We create, sometimes, the thing we dread the most.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do, too many to count. I listen to music while I write. Growing up in the 1980’s I listen to a lot of music from that era and I always pick a song that would fit into the scene that I’m writing at the time. Music, at least for me, seems to enhance the creativity and what you’re going for say for a particular scene in the book. I also pick out a cast of actors and actresses that I’d want to see in a film version of this book and I write with that in mind. So it’s kinda like I’m directing them in the book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’d say Stephen King influenced me a lot. His book, The Shining, was a big influence not because of the scary parts, but because of the family dynamic that he had. It appealed to me at how close the family was but how far away from each other emotionally they were at times. It was a great character study of a nuclear family and I think there’s faint traces of that in my new novel.

What are you working on now?
I’ve got a 8 book series called, The Color Book Series, that I’m underway on. Into the Mystic is the first of these books. Each cover is a solid color and represents a theme that’s going on inside. Each book will be a different color. The next book that is coming up, which I had written under my real name some time back, American Masquerade Party, is a collection of shorts and one novella with a bonus story that wasn’t in the original run. It will be solid blue in color and the second of the Color Book Series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m old school. I use word of mouth. I hate social media and I don’t use it. I do have a website that gets visited quite often and that where the bulk of my promotions come from. I know people my age (41) use social media all the time, and that’s not to say that one day that someone might represent me and my work on those platforms, but as far as me actually doing it, no. I write for the fans that I have and the pure enjoyment of the process. I’m in every sense of the word underground. And I like that. I think that if fans find me without any promotions then that is the ultimate compliment, especially if they stay with me. Discovering something that you didn’t know existed is pretty cool, don’t you think? Then it becomes sort of yours in a way.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing over time is becoming a lost art and most people that do it are trying to hit it big money wise or whatever. If you’re going to be a writer, then you have to enjoy it first off. It should never be about the money. It should be about the work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always listen to the critics, especially if all of them are saying the same thing.

What are you reading now?
Nothing now, too busy on my own work! (Laughs) But I’ve got a pile of books waiting on me to read this summer when I take a break.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing. Writing. Writing. Maybe some blogging here and there on my blog. I don’t know. But def more work ahead.

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?
Def a book on how to survive being stranded on a desert island for sure, the bible and my first book that way I could read and remember and marvel at how young the writer’s voice used to be.

Author Websites and Profiles
Bowie Rockwell Website

Shuvadip Ganguli 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, My name is Shuvadip Ganguli. I was born and raised in West Bengal, India. I’m an author of science-related books and a YouTuber. I have a B.Sc. degree in Physics from the University of Burdwan and an M.Sc. degree in Physics from Vidyasagar University. I always trying to explain the wonders of science easily through my writings. ‘PHYSICS My love’ is my debut book for which I have selected as Author of the year awardee at NE8x Online Literature Festival 2019. Now I’m working on my second book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is PHYSICS My Love: Story of Physics for Everyone. This is an elementary introduction to the fascinating world of Physics. The chief aim of this book is to increase the interest of school students and others (without science background) about Physics. The subject matter is presented in a very simple way without mathematical calculations, so that, everyone can understand easily.
I am always interested in writing books. Books in which I can put my scientific thoughts that keeps my mind buzzing. I try to keep my books as lucid as possible to all my readers. This book was my first attempt.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nope. I have not.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I mostly like nonfiction science books, mystery-thriller novel.
Books of Stephen Hawking, Carl Sagan, Fritjof Capra, Moni Bhoumik, Surjendubikash Karmohapatro have greatly influenced me.
I like novels and stories written by Satyajit Ray, Bankimchandra, Saratchandra.

What are you working on now?
I’m writing my second book now. Almost complete. It’s about astronomy, more specifically the deep mysterious unseen part of the Universe.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not good at marketing, Initially, I use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tumblr for promoting my book. I’ve my own website where one can get all the updates about my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be creative. Write if you know that it is important for you and help others to know something new. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts with others. Always learn from other successful authors. Always appreciate valuable suggestions for the improvement of your book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One of my teachers once told me that always try to spread science to others. Encourage people to love it.
I think I can do it by my writings. When I decided to write this book there was a thought always in my mind, to explain everything in an easy way for all types of readers (not only for students with a science background).

What are you reading now?
As a student, I have not much time at this moment. I’m Preparing for my PhD. But, I am currently reading THE TAO OF PHYSICS by Fritjof Capra at my leisure time.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a plan and also a list of topics that I can cover in my next books. But these books are full of researches. So I need more time.
I’m sure people will like these books if they love science.

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?
Cosmos by Carl Sagan
My two favourite novels
Feluda Samagra by Satyajit Ray
Arjun Samagra by Samaresh Majumdar
and a book on Quantum Physics.

Author Websites and Profiles
Shuvadip Ganguli Website
Shuvadip Ganguli Amazon Profile

Shuvadip Ganguli’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

e.j sneed 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am from North Carolina and currently in college, pursuing a degree in English Literature. I have self-published two poetry books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In The Arms of Weakness, my own pain inspired this book. I have always fallen in love too fast and I don’t know how to let go of someone so I started writing poems indirectly at the people who hurt me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, I can only write at night though.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King is one of the authors that made me want to start writing. I am a huge horror movie fan so watching his movies and reading his books made me want to do the same. Unfortunately, I don’t have the story-telling abilities he has so I started writing poetry.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I am not working on anything.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Instagram mostly, that’s where I post my poetry.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stop promoting. Also, don’t compare your work to others and don’t think you’re any less of an author because you’re not a best-seller yet.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Somethings take time”, I think a lot of people assume just working hard will get them where they want when it’s also allowing the universe to do what it needs to do.

What are you reading now?
I am re-reading a book I read in high school, “Hush Hush” by Becca Fitzpatrick.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to get more readers and continue putting my work out into the world.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Can I bring the entire series of “Vampire Kisses” by Ellen Schreiber?

Author Websites and Profiles
e.j sneed Amazon Profile

 

Katie Licavoli 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Katie Licavoli is an aspiring writer who split her time growing up between the DFW metroplex and a small town in the “thumb” of Michigan. She has since lived in various states. I guess you could call her a bit of a vagabond.

When not typing away on her latest writing projects she enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, practicing improving her yoga moves, or diving into her latest read (… preferably alongside a good cup of tea.)

Katie currently works as a part-time librarian, part-time freelance writer in Kansas with her husband and 20-pound orange rescue cat named M.G. She has a small collection of published short fiction and creative nonfiction, and in April 2019 she released her debut New Adult Novelette Vengeful Hearts with BTGN out of Washington.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut short new adult book, Vengeful Hearts, tells a story about a young girl who gets wrapped up in a bad situation while she’s living on her own for the first time. I think many of us go through a phase in our lives where we may not know exactly who we are. We’re young, naïve, maybe a bit wild, and stumbling our way through life. Vengeful Hearts was inspired by throwing a big “what if” into that confusing time of unruly emotions, independence, and new encounters with people who come from all different walks of life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I’ll read my sentences out loud while I’m typing them… but I don’t know if this is really all that unusual? I didn’t do that when I first began writing, and it doesn’t happen all the time. But over the last year, I’ve begun to. I think since I do a lot of reading out loud when I go back to edit a section of my writing, my mind might have sneakily started doing this as a “first round, subconscious editing kind of thing?” … Huh. When I just read that back, I suppose it does seem a bit unusual.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was a kid, I really got involved in C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia. My friends and I even used to create our own “Narnia” world in the woods out back my grandparent’s house. Letting my imagination run free like that was the most wonderful feeling growing up, and I think that’s maybe even what helped push me toward a more creative profession. I loved the world he created and the adventures the characters would go on. When I opened those books and read those stories, I felt like anything was possible. It was like I was right there alongside the characters losing myself in a different world for a while.

What are you working on now?
I’m about 20,000 words into writing the sequel to Vengeful Hearts. I thought the story was over… but turns out my characters have a lot more to say.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Truthfully? I’m still learning the best way to promote books. Along with myself. Yikes. I’m a new writer and as with any profession there’s definitely a learning curve involved. What I am finding out is that the world really is my (and your) oyster. Especially for writers. There’s a lot of opportunities out there. We just have to have the drive and passion to chase after them.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Research, write and read. That’s the best advice I can give. There’s so much to learn as a writer but boy is it exciting to do so. We have abundant amounts of information available at our fingertips, and there’s A LOT to learn. Since I decided to dive full-blown into the wonderful world of writing I’ve been doing my best to devour as much information as I can. Sometimes I feel like I still know nothing, but when I look back at where I started two years ago I can see how much I’ve already learned and it’s a great feeling. Also… make sure you still make time to actually write during all that research, reading and learning. It’s easy to get caught up in “promote, promote, promote!” But if you have nothing to promote, then what’s the point?

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I don’t mean to sound morbid… but what I’m about to tell you really is some of the best advice I ever heard. I had someone once say to me: “In the end, everyone dies. People will be sad, but there’re a lot of parts of your life they won’t care about. Like, for instance, you working at a job you hated for years. Why not do what you really want to do while you’re here?”
Hearing this bitter and harsh truth oddly enough made me feel at ease. When I first decided to switch into a writing career the responsible side of my brain was having a tough time with it. I felt like I’d be disappointing a lot of people, and for me, that was hard. But hearing this advice given by somebody very close to me helped to take the pressure off.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading two books at once… last week I was reading three. This is the problem with working at a library! As soon as I see a book I’ve been wanting to read come in I’m like a kid in a candy shop. I must have it. So right now I’m balancing some dark fiction with an inspiring non-fiction. I’m reading The Stand by Stephen King along with Just Kids by Patti Smith. They are both wonderful.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My focus right now is to continue growing as a writer. I want to read more, write better, write faster (don’t we all?), and learn as much as I can about the writing industry. I’ve been working as a part-time freelance writer for a little over a year now and that has been such an invaluable learning experience. I’ll keep working towards developing further there, and within the next year I’m planning to release the sequel to Vengeful Hearts… fingers crossed.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson: For bravery, because it’s an adventure book. Also, it seems fitting.

2. Outdoor Survival Skills by Larry Dean Olsen: For practicality, because I’ll likely want to up my survival skills while on a deserted island.

3. Bossypants by Tina Fey: For a good laugh in case I get a little disheartened while I’m all by my lonesome. This book really had me laughing out loud at a few parts.

4. Middlemarch by George Eliot: For killing time. I’ve never read this book although it’s been on my “want to read” list for a while, and from what I hear it’s a real thinker. I’m guessing I’d have plenty of time to read, think and thoroughly contemplate this book while stranded.

Author Websites and Profiles
Katie Licavoli Website
Katie Licavoli Amazon Profile

Katie Licavoli’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Glynnis Campbell 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a USA Today bestselling author of swashbuckling “medieval action-adventure romances,” mostly set in Scotland, with 24 books published in six languages. But before I was a medieval matchmaker, I rocked in an all-girl band called The Pinups on CBS Records, did voiceovers for the MTV animated series, “The Maxx,” Diablo and Starcraft videogames, and Star Wars audio adventures, and married a rock star. These days I love to transport readers to a place where the bold heroes have endearing flaws, the women are stronger than they look, the land is lush and untamed, and chivalry is alive and well!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest full-length novel is “Bride of Fire.” My most popular historical romance series is The Warrior Maids of Rivenloch, and readers had been pestering me for a sequel. So this is the first book in the sequel series, The Warrior Daughters of Rivenloch. After a long absence from the world of Rivenloch, I was delighted to dive back in and share the exciting stories of these three cousins, who prove the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write first thing in the morning, before I shower, before I get dressed, before I eat. I grab a cup of coffee and my laptop and write for a few hours every day. I think that’s unusual, because most authors I know write into the wee hours and hit the internet as soon as their feet touch the floor in the morning.

I also occasionally tag along on my rock star husband’s tour bus, and I write while the band is on long drives. I don’t get carsick, and it gives me a nice chunk of writing time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like a wide variety of authors. I grew up on the historical romances of Jude Deveraux, Julie Garwood, and Tanya Anne Crosby, and I’m currently eating up Erica Ridley’s stories. But I also love Dean Koontz’s horror, Malcolm Gladwell’s essays, and classic Ray Bradbury.

What are you working on now?
I’m writing “Bride of Ice,” Book 2 in The Warrior Daughters of Rivenloch historical romance series. Set in medieval Scotland, it’s the story of the daughter of Deirdre and Pagan from “Lady Danger.” Hallie is a heroine who is more comfortable with killing than kissing, and Colban an Curaidh is the champion who thaws her heart.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Readers rely on my newsletter to hear about new releases and to get the behind-the-scenes stories, promotions, and giveaways. But when it comes to deals, I rely on email blast advertisers like BookBub and Awesome Gang to do the heavy lifting for me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
First, read everything you can–especially in your genre. You can’t develop your own voice if you don’t know what’s already out there and what readers are picking up. Second, try to ignore that critic on your shoulder until you finish your first book. Writing needs to start with an open heart and mind, and too much criticism can shut everything down. There will be time later to polish and work on craft. Just get the words down on the page.

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

I tend to over-analyze things… What will happen if I do this wrong? What will people think? What if nobody likes this?

Unless there’s a life-and-death consequence or a big chunk of money involved, I’ve learned it’s sometimes best to be a little audacious. Just go for things, full speed ahead, without overthinking them.

What are you reading now?
My tastes are so eclectic, you never know what I’ll be reading. I’m currently about halfway through a biography from Walter Isaacson, “Leonardo da Vinci.” But I have tons of historical romances and a few thrillers on my TBR pile.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m interested in pursuing audiobooks, because I’m a voiceover actor as well as an author. I’m also looking at Portuguese and French editions, since I’ve already done Italian and German. As far as writing, since my Rivenloch series is so well-liked, I’ll probably continue with that.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1) Getting Off a Desert Island for Dummies, 2) Lord of the Rings, 3) William Shakespeare’s Complete Works, and 4) Stories from Ray Bradbury

Author Websites and Profiles
Glynnis Campbell Website
Glynnis Campbell Amazon Profile
Glynnis Campbell Author Profile on Smashwords

Glynnis Campbell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

John Lander 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
John Lander is a freelance photographer based near Kamakura, Japan with a passion forJapanese gardens, hot springs, and colorful festivals. Credits include photos published byNational Geographic, Travel+Leisure, Conde Naste Traveler, Lonely Planet, Rough Guides,TIME Magazine, Architectural Digest, Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Forbes, Camping Life andtravel sections of newspapers in the US and Canada. In recent years, John has devoted histime and travels to three photo book essays with extended captions, Hidden Gardens of Japan, Offbeat Japan and the newest project: World Heritage Japan.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
World Heritage Japan was inspired by my frequent and exhausting trips around Japan, shooting photography for a yearly calendar project called “Gardens of the Spirit” (my speciality: Japanese gardens). When traveling around Japan, I do homework in advance of departure and if there is a UNESCO site nearly I always try to fit it into my schedule.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am more of a photographer than a writer.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Art Wolfe: The Art of the Photograph

What are you working on now?
Henro: The Shiokuku Pilgrimage

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Hang in there and keep on keeping on. It is never easy but the end rewards will make all the effort worthwhile in the end.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When choosing a career, select what you would do even if you were not paid to do it, in that way it doesn’t feel like “work”.

What are you reading now?
Fiction, as usual.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Henro: the Shikoku Pilgrimage

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?
Paul Theroux, Anthony Burgess, Gore Vidal

Author Websites and Profiles
John Lander Website
John Lander Amazon Profile

John Lander’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Michael H. Forde 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Michael H. Forde and I am an author, motivational speaker, and public health professional. I have written one book, “Success Begins From Where You Are!”.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is, “Success Begins From Where You Are!”. What inspired me to write this book was the drive to help others who may feel hindered on their journey to success – some of the same emotions I felt before I wrote the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I know of! But I sure do love to read my writings over and over and over again.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dale Carnegie’s, “How To Win Friends and Influence People”, has been one of my greatest influences. The book speaks to me on a deeper level, providing me the guidance needed to elevate others to the next level.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on something big; I can’t wait to share!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When it comes to promoting my book, my best method is via word of mouth. It is great to have friends and family help you get started on sharing your book!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors would be to just do it. Don’t wait until a perfect time to write your book – there is no such thing. Get started with your dreams today, not tomorrow.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard was from Kobe Bryant – success is simple mathematics. The more time you put into your craft, the more results you will see.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading, “Think and Grow Rich”, by Napoleon Hill.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, I aim to become more involved in projects that will motivate and inspire people to be the very best versions of themselves.

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 3 books I would bring with me are as follows:

1) The Power of Positive Thinking – Norman Vincent Peale
2) Awaken the Giant Within – Tony Robbins
3) How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael H. Forde Website
Michael H. Forde Amazon Profile

Michael H. Forde’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Melanie Tays 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! My name is Melanie Tays. I am an author of young adult speculative fiction. I have been writing for as long as I can remember, but I am just now publishing my first novel. It is a young adult dystopian novel called Wall of Fire. It is the first of a trilogy, all of which will be released over the two three months.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Wall of Fire is a dystopian novel about a post-apocalyptic world where everyone has fled to protected dome cities and a new societal structure has been developed with to allow the inhabitants to survive. It was originally inspired by the idea of a game that determines the course of your life, however it has evolved quite a bit since the original concept.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a lot of fiction and non-fiction books, but my favorite genre is definitely young adult dystopian novels such as The Declaration by Gemma Malley, The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, and Delirium by Lauren Oliver, to name just a few.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I am completing the final book in the Wall of fire trilogy. I also recently completed a companion novella to the series which is the story of another of the dome societies. That book is called Sanctuary, and can be downloaded for free on www.MelanieTays.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best book I ever read on the topic of storytelling is Wired For Story by Lisa Cron, and I HIGHLY recommend that to any writer (fiction especially, but non-fiction, as well). I also recommend writing consistently, even when you don’t “feel like it”. Just pushing through the challenging times and writing is usually where inspiration strikes. You can always improve things in editing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I complete the Wall of Fire Series, I’m going to keep writing. I will likely rewrite some of the unpublished novels I wrote in the past that I’ve had years to think about and am excited to revisit and bring to life. I am currently deciding between a couple of different options, all are young adult with science fiction elements.

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… Well, the smart answer would be books about survival, but what fun is that? Does a box set count as one book, or is that cheating? My answer would probably change depending on the day you ask, but I suppose I would bring Delirium, Harry Potter, Ender’s Game, and the Bible.

Author Websites and Profiles
Melanie Tays Website
Melanie Tays Amazon Profile

Melanie Tays’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Daniel Paulson 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an Englishman – for all my sins – though I enjoy conjuring new lands and realms to escape the rain. I also like cats.

I have only written one book thus far which I will elaborate upon in the next section.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Super 0 (zero) be the name, it is a collection of short narratives about random everyday losers who gain random not-so-everyday abilities.

It was inspired by the over saturation of the superhero market these days and my general dislike for people.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write in an energy drink fueled haze.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.R.R. Tolkien – Lord of the Rings/ The Hobbit
Terry Pratchett – All of his works, in particular the City Watch series

What are you working on now?
I am working on a new lighthearted fantasy series from the Kingdom of Elddib, a bizarre kingdom with bizarre inhabitants and their bizarre lives.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Very new to all of this malarkey so experimenting with new ways all the time.
Currently testing out the book promotion sites (such as AwesomeGang) and by enrolling in KDP Select, though I am hesitant about the latter.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write whatever you feel like, it doesn’t matter if it’s random and nonsensical, be the unique, lovely weirdo you are!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just DO IT – Shia Labeouf

What are you reading now?
The Three Body Problem – Liu CiXin
Three Kingdoms – Luo Guangzhong

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep on writing, maybe try writing a book every month for a year and see how that goes.

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 Lord of the Rings
Any Terry Pratchett book – love his work!
A Dictionary

 

Charles Harvey 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello. I have been writing since the mid-80s. I had plays produced locally in Houston in the late 80s. I started out writing poetry. I guess for many writers, that voice leads one to express themselves poetically before they tackle the task of writing books. From poetry, a writer usually tries short stories. So far I’ve written several hundred poems, three dozen stories, two novellas, and three book-length novels.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, which I’m in the middle of editing, is tentatively titled The Holey Swets Underwear Manufacturing Company. It was kind of inspired by my desire to produce a line of men’s underwear, which I never pursued. The idea stayed in my head, so I decided to write a book about what happens when a manufacturer of men and ladies undies, move from New York to a small town in Texas. It’s a dark comedy so far.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No. I’m coming back from a long period of distraction. I hope to very soon be the guy who rises at midnight or is so moved to write, I have to stop then and there and write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My first writing teacher influenced me tremendously. I took a creative writing course under Rosellen Brown, and she was very very encouraging. I’m influenced by many African-American authors such as Baldwin, Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston. I also love the prose of E. Annie Proulx. She captures settings whether, they be mountains or dessert, or a New England town like no other. I love the poetry of Ginsberg and a little known poet named Ai,

What are you working on now?
The Holey Sweets Underwear Manufacturing Company

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Believe it or not, I’m just discovering ways to promote outside of random postings on Twitter or Facebook. I feel like I’ve been under a rock. I’ve got lots of work, long and short on the major retailers, but simply have been lax in promoting. I thought it was too costly, or simply wasn’t for me because I don’t write in specific genres. However, websites and book promo services are great tools. Bargain Booksy seems to be a great promo site. I can’t wait to see how I do with the sites on Awesome Book Promo.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. Never throw away or burn anything. It’s your work. Ten years later you might look at something with fresh eyes and go, “I can make this work.” If you’re growing and studying your craft you will have fresh eyes. Stay current on trends in tech and promotion. I didn’t get on the kindle bandwagon until almost two years after it was introduced. I got in on the tail end of a publisher who was actually giving a platform to self-published authors. A month after I got all of my books on the site, they discontinued. Please write your own stories. Don’t be influenced by trends or try to shape your work to fit a current trend. And just write, write write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be afraid to kill off your darlings. In other words, don’t try to make a character, scene or one of your great paragraphs, or witty dialog fit just because you love it. Save it for another book or story.

What are you reading now?
Not a lot. I’m just being honest. But I am picking up a poem, or short story here and there. It’s a bad habit not to read.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Get back into writing, hot and heavy. I want to write a memoir about growing up between the ages of nine and twelve in a neighborhood that was transitioning from white to black. Plus I want to touch on my sexuality and my relationship with my mother.

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?
Confederacy of Dunces, something by E. Anne Proulx, The Bluest Eye, and Giovanni’s Room

Author Websites and Profiles
Charles Harvey Website
Charles Harvey Amazon Profile
Charles Harvey Author Profile on Smashwords

Charles Harvey’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Bongeka Zungu 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Bongeka Zungu. I was born and grew up in a place called Nkandla that is located in Kwazulu Natal. I started writing when I was ten years old. In 2016, I moved to Gauteng province to find a better education. Then in 2018, I enrolled at Tswane University of Technology to study ‘Food Technology.’

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is called ‘Terrors of Romance.” It was inspired by the things that I’ve seen people do because of love.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I don’t.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was influenced by Sibusiso Nyembezi, Fred Khumalo, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second series of ‘Terrors of Romance.”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I really don’t have any method of promoting a book. I’m still trying to find some ways as I haven’t published any books before.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. I’d say, never doubt your self and keep on writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Change your thinking, change your life.

What are you reading now?
Dream a little dream by Kerstin Gier

What’s next for you as a writer?
I wanna tern ‘Terrors of Romance’ into a movie.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d bring the Great Gatsby, Inkinsela Yasemgungundlovu, and The Neighbor.

Author Websites and Profiles
Bongeka Zungu Amazon Profile