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Tiana Pongs 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an actress living in Duesseldorf Germany and Los Angeles.
“Keep Smiling” is my first book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Keep Smiling” – it’s the English version of “Der kleine Modelguide”. I wrote about my life as a model and the business. What inspired me were the same questions. So, at some point, I thought I should just write everything down.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I generally work very structurally. I always make a precise plan, which I then work through.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In the end, everyone I read.

What are you working on now?
I always have multiple projects going on in different areas of life.
When I get stuck on one, I switch to another until I accidentally finish something.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I guess I’m about to find out especially in the United States. The best book site in Germany is LovelyBooks, but we don’t have that much choice in general. I also regret that my book’s coming out is during the COVID crisis, so bookstore appearances and such aren’t possible.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just get started and trust the process. And have fun!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Mindfulness strives for nothing; she sees what is already there.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading a great book called Presence by Patsy Rodenburg. It’s about how to use positive energy for success.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am an actor and not an author, but I can imagine writing a book again in a few years. But that would certainly be a guide again.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and Die Mathematik der Nina Gluckstein by Esther Vilar.
And How to Use the Laws of Mind by Dr. Joseph Murphy.

Author Websites and Profiles
Tiana Pongs Website
Tiana Pongs Amazon Profile

Tiana Pongs’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Arthur Hofn 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve always loved writing and have done so since I started school. When we were told to write a story, even at under ten years old, I was putting in chapters and prologues. I’d both love to re-read them and would be horrified.
Only last year did I work up the confidence to share my work and so I self published the two complete novels I had that I was quite proud of, Humanity – a Science Fiction group goes mad, and Framed Of Rathgar – three lads living in studios in Dublin trying to keep control of their lives and accidentally starting a gang war.
I’m from Buckinghamshire in England but moved to Dublin when I was in my early 20s. Sadly I’m not there anymore but Dublin is my default home in my head as I lived there for so long.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My new book, just out, is called Indoldrum. It’s about a chap called Johann who’s world has ended, mainly because his wife has died and he doesn’t know how to deal with that. But there is also something strange going on with the laws of physics.
It started as a very different book, more to do with the science and geography that is peppered throughout and a take on the idea of writing in the first person, as if they are fully aware this is a book. But as I developed the main character I discovered he had a more interesting story. When I decided he was a widower I realised this was more important than messing with science and focused on that as the drafts went by. I think it’s a far better book because of that.
Johann also suffers from Meniere’s disease, which is something I’ve recently been diagnosed with, although he has it worse than I do. I’d never come across it before I started to get the symptoms, so decided I wanted to promote awareness and I did it in the only way I know how – write a story. I’d done a lot of research on the subject to find out what was happening to me, I wanted to share that… I may have got carried away with researching things, but I find it interesting.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to have several drafts going on at the same time. I might still be at the end of the first draft but I’ve already on the second and maybe halfway through that and then be starting at the third. I find it keeps me over all the book at the same time. Being self published I have to edit it all by myself so get through various proof drafts as I’ve learnt I do a better job with a paper copy. I prefer real objects to digital versions of most things, call me a dinosaur, so I’m happier scribbling in a book than a Word Document. I’m constantly learning how to go about this writing thing in a better way all the time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Russian literature, although I’ll never be at those heights. Also John Steinbeck, Jerome K Jerome, Gerald Durrell, James Herriot, the list is so long I started a blog. I’m also a big Shakespeare fan, I’ve seen all his plays in one form or other (debates aside), I’m amazed how clever he was and how varied his work. If I could be just a tiny bit like him.
This might sound strange but I spent my teenage years reading a series of books by Virgin Publishing. The original series of Doctor Who had finished on TV and so Virgin started producing a more grown up, deeper and bolder version in book form. These were very varied but what was happening was fans, who were a few years older than me, started writing these and you could see them learning how to write as the books went along; as a reader, a few years behind, I was learning from them. These books really are not what you think when you say “Doctor Who book” the scope and imagination was vast and it was far deeper then what people saw, and to this day, see on TV. They sadly finished in 1996 just as I was becoming ready to be able to seriously submit. I’d tried a few times before but I was too young with a lot to learn. If it had gone one I would have had a proper go.

What are you working on now?
I’ve just finished my third novel, so although my mind is in writer’s mode and full of ideas for other things I’m trying to slow down a bit at the moment and percolate what I’ve already got going on up there. If I don’t I’ll start writing something before I’m ready and I’ll end up with lots of unfinished attempts.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodness knows. I love writing and I love reading, I’m not a business man this is where I fall down. I don’t want to have to worry about this, but I have to. I’m learning. My blog (https://arthurhofn.home.blog) is doing far better than I expected so I guess the answer is that. But I’m still at the start of this process and it’s not one I get excited about. I plan on taking some paper copies to independent book shops and libraries but what with COVID 19 all the libraries are closed and shops have a lot more on their mind than me at the moment, so I’ll wait.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I don’t know if I’m a position to give advice. But I’ve learnt that if something is bothering me with a plot point or a choice I’ve made to pay it attention. The amount of times I’ve let something go but then needed to come back to it later. Also I’ve learnt not to be too attached to ideas or lines or whatever. When I re-draft I’ve had to cut things I’ve really not wanted to but knew it needed to be done. Being determined to keep something that just isn’t working, even if it’s just a joke or a bit of nice description, to an entire plot point or character trait, stops my work being the best it can be. Years ago I saw something I’d written from long before that, there was no discipline I’d just kept everything even when it wasn’t good. I took the scissors to it and ruthlessly pulled it apart and rebuilt it dropping some nice ideas that I couldn’t make work on the page and it’s so much better for it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’m going to answer with regard advice as a writer as I’m not going to go too personal about life in general here. I’m sure it all bleeds subconsciously through my books. But as a writer, read Russell T Davies’ book The Writer’s Tale. I’d pass that on. You don’t have to be a Doctor Who fan to “get it”, what you get is the inner workings on the mind of a writer, one that you don’t always see or read about. I read that and realised that lots of my worries and doubts are still there in the heads of the professionals. It’s a very helpful book about what being a writer is, as opposed to “how to write” which can be subjective.

What are you reading now?
The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck. It’s a short book but I’ve had my head in my own stuff so much recently I wanted to move on to something else but also get some distance so I’m on short books at the moment and I’m really enjoying them.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve got an idea for two more novels unfolding in my head. I’m not a fan of sequels as I think forcing a second story out of a good scenario set up for the first doesn’t always work, unless it is planned in the creating of that concept. However as I finished Indoldrum I realised there was a lot I’d not said and there wasn’t space for and characters I wanted to know better so I have a lot to work with for a possible, not sequel, but follow up novel. Or I may just write the other one. I want to do something a bit lighter, fun and less emotional next. Either way it will be a little while before I start.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Going by Dessert Island rules I’m going to assume I get the Bible and the Complete Works of Shakespeare as standard so, I’d take The Corfu Trilogy by Gerald Durrell, A Short History Of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson, The Writer’s Tale by Russell T Davies and The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Author Websites and Profiles
Arthur Hofn Website
Arthur Hofn Amazon Profile

Arthur Hofn’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Alexander Schlafmann 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, it’s hard to include all important Information here, so I just mention some important points. Everything else is in my books and on my homepage and something on author central on Amazon. My Facebook has also some important Information about me.

Here we go: So, I have written 11 books so far. For more I had no time yet, but I planned a lot of them! I write them myself in Russian and then I translate them myself in English. It means I’ve written 22 books in both languages. I started my Self-Development journey with 7 years without even knowing, that I did it. As kids, we realize not much of our actions, but I studied my past and that’s the conclusion I’ve made.

My main goal is “Human Development and Education”. I want to make the world a better place by helping people become their best version of themselves. I do it every day, so I have a lot of experience in this field. I transform myself every day. You can say: “I’m my own experiment”. My books are what will be left of me when I die. So I pay serious attention to their content. I have read each of my books between 4-13 times. The one I submitted to you, I have read 11 times if I am not mistaken. I say this because it shows how important they are to me. I understand their value, but now people need to understand it. With your help It will be a quite realistic dream. I can talk forever, but I need to submit my book to more platforms. I do everything myself. I get no help from nowhere yet. I also do work in my 9 to 6 job from Monday until Friday. I have to use my time wisely and I use it to become a financial independent book author.

Thank you friends for you helping hand and when I can I will also support you; but I can’t do 1000 things the same time

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I don’t want to spoil other book titles yet. I can tell you about 2 of my books that are live now. How to get rid of worries once and Forever; and Your Choice — My Choice.

All my books are inspired by my idea to make the World a better place and help people become happy for their entire live.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I don’t think so. But to be honest I don’t have time to analyze such things. It’s a waste of lifetime. I just set a goal for myself and then I make it happen. I don’t have problems writing books at all. I have endless amount of ideas — because I read other books and develop myself every day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The list of books that influenced me to write books you mean? There are none. I am inspired by my own vision of the future world.

What are you working on now?
Well so far I spent most of my time promoting my books; once the first book have success I can start market another one. When you are a one man team you set your priorities very wisely. I also have to create some free content on my social media every day. But the only thing I really wish to do is keep writing my books. Once I am a financially independent man I can do it full time.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t have any. I am a beginner in this, but I learn pretty quickly. Once I have success with your site I will write here: awesomegang.com is the best method to promote your books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advices are way too long to be honest. I hate giving half-truths. Someday I may give the full answer here.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I hear many of them. I don’t put one thing above the other because in life the thing that was not important may quickly become the most important one.

Anyway you need answer so here is one possible answer: Work on yourself harder than you do in your job.

What are you reading now?
Philosophical books, marketing books, books with important wisdom in them. All kinds of important books, not what others call important. What turns to be important in my opinion. You know trusting an opinion of 1000 sheep is not the same as asking one single wise man for his opinion. His opinion is worth more than 1000 random human opinions about the same subject. Excuse me my language I am in a hurry

What’s next for you as a writer?
You mean my goals as a writer? My writer-goal is as big as a humans’ life. I will achieve it probably few days before my death. Talking about your goals with strangers is not a smart thing to do anyways.

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 will take nothing with me except a lot of white paper sheets and many pencils. I will write the 3-4 books there while I have nothing else to do. Once I am back home I will start publishing them.

Author Websites and Profiles
Alexander Schlafmann Website
Alexander Schlafmann Amazon Profile

Alexander Schlafmann’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Aswathy Vadakel 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an Educator,Painter and now an Author.After a six years of teaching career(In India and abroad),I have penned my first book -“Mon Amour”(A Collection of Romantic Poems) in 2020.
I was born in Kerala,India and attended high school in Kerala.I have earned my degrees in Travel and Tourism Studies, PGDC, Diplomas and Certificates in Education too.Currently I am living with my father,mother, brother and my pet dog in Kerala.
I was a University Topper in Tourism Studies and I was appreciated for my volunteering work with UN and Government of India by UN, Government of India and Government of Andra Pradesh.Right now,I am an active volunteer of TGF India(www.tgfindia) founded by Afsal Ahammed(Instagram:captainafsalahammed).So far,I have published one book “Mon Amour”(A Collection of Romantic Poems).One novel titled “Yasin Mubarak” and an Academic(Early Childhood Education) book’s writing is in progress.And,I love to dance.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Mon Amour”-(A Collection of Romantic Poems).My own imagination and my life experiences inspired me to write this poems.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know my writing habits are usual or unusual.Whatever,I love my writing habits.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Vaikom Muhammad Basheer(Indian, Malayalam Writer) and William Shakespeare inspired me most.

What are you working on now?
I am in the workshop of my first novel “Yasin Mubarak” and an academic book in Early Childhood Education.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Now I am promoting my book through Social Media Platforms.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write whatever you feel to write.Get
in connect with other Writers.There are going to be many ups and downs in your journey.But,never-ever give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A simple advice by my mother,”Never-Ever give up”.

What are you reading now?
I am reading William Shakespeare’s great works now.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A Novel titled “Yasin Mubarak” and An academic(Early Childhood Education) book are in progress.A book Publishing Company is about to establish along seven other writers.

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.”Wings of Fire”(Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam)
2.”Balyakalasakhi”(Vaikom Muhammad Basheer)
3.Harry Potter (J.K Rowling)
4.”Mon Amour”(Aswathy Vadakel)

Author Websites and Profiles
Aswathy Vadakel Amazon Profile

Aswathy Vadakel’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Kent Thacker 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve tried to write both fiction and nonfiction before. Nothing ever seemed to be up to the standards that I expect of myself. I believe that I’ve found my home with writing recipes.
Plenty of people dream of making their recipes into a cookbook or blog. Dreaming turns to looking for a career. So, I did! I decided to write a cookbook to express my love for cooking via my exciting kitchen journeys. I consider cooking soothing; I enjoy thinking about food and sharing recipes with friends and followers.
I have grown to appreciate cooking. Home-cooked food is healthier, smarter, and tastier. It seems it has turned into a lifestyle that few can afford these days. Our lifestyle is too engaged, and in this crazy busy environment, ‘fast-food’ is a generic phrase.
When I started writing recipes, I did not really know enough; and I still have a lot more to learn. If I knew what further work a cookbook needed to be developed, I would presumably have deferred this; but I am glad that I did not.
I am a keen amateur chef, and I enjoy cooking. I have got a bevy of recipes. The recipes that will be in my book are not the traditional recipes or those handed down in my family. Instead, I have come up with these myself.
I am disabled, but I am fully empowered because I think impairment is just a matter of interpretation. My interpretation is one of motivation, dedication, and strength.
To sum up, culinary adventure is about the love I share for amazing flavors, freshly ground herbs, decadent desserts, and savory food. I want to present modern innovative cooking techniques to demonstrate how you can have a blast in the kitchen.
“Exquisite Crockpot Keto” is the first cookbook that I’ve had published.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Exquisite Crockpot Keto
I’m an enthusiastic advocate for the Keto diet, as it helped me to lose 50 pounds. I hope these recipes inspire both new and experienced Keto dieters to mix up their weekly menu and enjoy some new flavor combinations.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure what you would consider unusual. For me, I spend a lot of time researching and coming up with new recipes. I then have a wonderful time making sure that they taste yummy. I gather all of the information and put it together.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I watch a lot of cooking shows. However, I can’t say that any particular author or book influenced me to write a cookbook.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on another keto based cookbook. The main recipes will all use a crockpot like in my last cookbook.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m rather new to book promotion. So, I’m still trying to figure things out. At this time, I’m trying out different ideas to see what works.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep at it and don’t get discouraged.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It was pretty much the same advice I give to other authors. “Just keep at it and don’t get discouraged.”

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m working on my list of fiction books. I’m reading The Two Georges by Harry Turtledove. I’ve loved everything written by him!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m just going to keep on writing recipes. It’s what I’m good at.

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 Anubis Gates” by Tim Powers. I love to read that book over and over. “In Conquest Born” by C. S. Friedman. I love a good space opera. “Battlefield Earth” by L. Ron Hubbard. Please don’t let the horrible movie that they made, put you off from reading this!

Author Websites and Profiles
Kent Thacker Website
Kent Thacker Amazon Profile

Kent Thacker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Francie Farmer 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Francie Farmer is the pen name that my husband, David, and I use. We are David and Laura Kaiser. We have written four children’s books as of this date and are currently working on more. Our books deal with real life on a farm — something that David was raised with, and I learned to love after we were married.

Our daughter was raised with horses and cows and chickens and pigs and barn cats and farm dogs. It is a wonderful life, and our family feels privileged that we could raise our family on the farm. We love to share our experiences with children so they can see the magical place that is a farm.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Our latest book is entitled, DAVID OF THE BEES GATHERS HONEY. We are currently working on the artwork for this book. My husband kept bees for many years — since he was 13 years old — and he wanted others to see that bees are clever, amazing critters that we don’t need to fear!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I was educated as an English teacher, if you count that as an unusual writing habit! My husband is the “big picture” guy, so he develops ideas and I typically correct the grammar

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite book is TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Many years ago I heard an interview that the author, Harper Lee, gave, and she was asked, “Were you trying to make a statement about the relations between black and white people?” She answered, “No! I was telling a love story.”

Her answer inspired me to read the book with fresh eyes, and it’s true. There are actually many love stories found in the book — as well as the fun and youthful logic of a story told by a six year old (that actually still make me laugh out loud!)

What are you working on now?
We are working on our first chapter book, a compilation of stories that are more complicated than a children’s picture book could handle. For example, we are working on a chapter about the day we found that a mink had killed a dozen hens one winter morning, and the experience of our daughter buying her first pony at the sale barn when she was about 7.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
LinkedIn.com has been great because there are multiple parents as well as teachers who are looking for fun but realistic information for kids about what life is like on a farm.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to put your thoughts down in writing! You will probably cut out lots of text and add more — many times — before you are happy with the finished manuscript

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up! And do what you love, then you’ll always have joy

What are you reading now?
BLIND YOUR PONIES by Stanley Gordon West.

What’s next for you as a writer?
We want to finish the chapter 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?
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (Harper Lee)
A PIRATE LOOKS AT 50 (Jimmy Buffett)
THE LONE STAR RANGER (Zane Grey)

Author Websites and Profiles
Francie Farmer Amazon Profile

Brett Hetherington 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the author of “Slow Travels in Unsung Spain” and “The Remade Parent.”

I am a regular commentator on Spain’s social and cultural life for Australia’s ABC Radio and a columnist for Catalonia Today magazine.

I am also a freelance writer and teacher. Some of my work has appeared in The Guardian online, The Australian Journalism Review, Barcelona Metropolitan, Reportage magazine, OpEd News and the Costa Brava Resident.

I live with my partner/wife Paula and our teenage son Hugo in Catalonia’s Barcelona region.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Slow Travels in Unsung Spain. It was inspired by living in such a great place as Catalonia/Spain and the wish to remind myself (after many years) of why it’s so great. In this case, I wanted to share what it’s like to travel and simply be out and about in parts of the country that are not usually visited by tourists but genuinely deserve to be.

I’m always inspired too by the people I meet while travelling or just in everyday life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only that my two published non-fiction books have taken many years to write. I’m meticulous about what the final product is and I don’t have the opportunity to write full time. That explains why, I suppose.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The writers Paul Theroux and Antonio Munoz Molina were major influences on the style and content of my latest book.

I’ve always been a lover of reading and language(s) in general and there are so many other writers who inspire me. Currently, James Baldwin’s work is giving me real pleasure but in the past I’ve been especially touched by George Orwell, Siri Hustvedt, Primo Levi, Don Watson, Slavenka Drakulić, Rory Maclean, Joanna Bourke, Eduardo Galeano and of course Bob Dylan.

What are you working on now?
My first novel which has been with me in the first draft for four years now. It’s set in the city of Barcelona and is about a love-sick, ultra-sensitive office worker who is driven to the limits of what he can bear by his painful memories mixing with the anguish of the present.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Probably Facebook. My monthly opinion column in a magazine also helps.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read a lot. Try to write every day, even if you don’t think it’s exactly what you want to say. Write from your own experience whether it’s fiction or non-fiction. That makes for something authentic and improves the chances of it being interesting and worthwhile for readers.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
1. Read a lot because it will help you find your voice… or voices.
2. Only write because you have something to say: something you believe people need to hear.

What are you reading now?
James Baldwin’s “Tell Me How Long the Train’s Been Gone.” Published in the year of my birth (1968) it is a wonderful book. In turns gentle then brutal, meditative then full of fire. He’s an absolute genius and I can’t wait to read more of his writing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish my third book (first novel) and then try to get it out there with the help of my two agents on separate sides of the planet. After that I don’t have any other plans except to keep writing; on what, I have no idea at this moment.

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. Another James Baldwin
2. Another James Baldwin
3. The Collected Works of William Shakespeare
4. War and Peace. Never read it and it would keep me going for a long while.

Author Websites and Profiles
Brett Hetherington Website
Brett Hetherington Amazon Profile

Brett Hetherington’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Rachel Andersen 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Oh, boy. I never know what to write in these things. I’m a romance author still looking for Mr. Right. I am the oldest of nine kids. I studied vocal performance (opera specialty) in college and then got a Master’s in Elementary Education. Music, books, and education have been my passions for as long as I can remember. I’ve written five books with two more coming out in 2020, and a long list of projects I want to either get back to, or that I’m looking forward to starting in 2021 and beyond.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Sweethearts Old. It’s book one in a series that was inspired by the wedding rhyme, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” All four books will have that theme typing themselves together.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to listen to film scores as I write. It’s an easy way to get my mind motivated and relaxed enough to get a good number of words on the page.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many! As a kid, I loved the Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter series. I’ve read so many books by Debbie Macomber, Mary Higgins Clark, and Richard Paul Evans. I still enjoy YA and Middle Grade books, so I’ve loved Rick Riordan, Marissa Meyer, Kiera Cass, and Michael Buckley as well.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second book in the Lucky Sweethearts series, Sweethearts New. After that, I’ll be working on my Christmas release, A Little Christmas Conflict, which is the second book in the Need a Little Christmas series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still working this out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Ultimately, get your words down on paper. They can be polished at that point. More than that, find writing friends and mentors. There are a ton of people out there who are willing to help you out as you get your sea legs. If you can find a good writing community, you’ll be more successful than if you try to go it alone.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is “do something today that your future self will thank you for.” It’s done wonders for getting me to focus on one little thing at a time to help improve my life, including helping me finish these projects!

What are you reading now?
I’m in between books right now, but I will likely read Blue Midnight by Tess Thompson since that was on my list for my retreat a couple of weeks ago.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to finish the Lucky Sweethearts series by the end of 2021, then I hope to start a spin-off series called Stubborn Hearts which will delve into some of the other characters who didn’t fit in the wedding rhyme mold, some prequels, some sequels, and a whole lot of love. At some point, I’m looking forward to working on a YA project which is on hold in my brain until I finish this series.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My scriptures, Our Town by Tennessee Williams, Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained by John Milton

Author Websites and Profiles
Rachel Andersen Amazon Profile

Rachel Andersen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Hezekiah morris 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Hezekiah Morris, author of Restoring Hezekiah: Me and Only Me, The Player in Me, Remember Them Days and Changing a Generation. I was born and raised in Appomattox, Virginia. I later moved to Philadelphia, PA to fulfill my goals. I didn’t come from a privileged family but that didn’t stop me from becoming a motivational speaker so I can enlighten and empower troubled youth. In my past life, I struggled with drug abuse. During my journey, my faith in Christ has blessed me with the ability to help and encourage others who have dealt with some of the same issues. Writing gave me hope and another chance at life to walk in my purpose. I didn’t want to use my former addiction as a crutch. Instead I took my life lessons and turned them into determination and hard work. After writing my first two books I decided I wanted to be an entrepreneur. Traveling to many states attending Universities, Colleges and ample book signings pushed me to want more.
My goal doesn’t stop at me being an author.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Player In Me!! I wanted to write about my past mischievous ways, but to also give a lesson as well

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes 2am to 4am

What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Grisham and Eric Jerome Dickey

What are you working on now?
The Player in Me 2

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Your story will always be different from someone else’s so don’t measure your work to there’s but what is in your heart!!!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I Am Somebody

What are you reading now?
Michael Vick

What’s next for you as a writer?
Production of film

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?
Malcolm X, A Time To Kill, Waiting To Exhale

Author Websites and Profiles
Hezekiah morris Amazon Profile

Hezekiah morris’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Adrian Ibarra 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I just completed my first book! I am in my early thirties, and although I used to write a lot when I was in elementary or middle school, I hadn’t done much (outside of school) since then.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is “KEYBOARD CASANOVA: Embracing Internet Culture Electrified My Love Life, It Can Do The Same For You!” I was inspired by two things. One, a podcast host I listened to described writing his latest book not because he necessarily loves the process, but he did so because he has a story or information that he felt like he had to get out of his head. This is how I felt on this topic. Two, the pandemic lockdown ruined all my normal evening activities, so I had more free time than normal.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
For my latest book I worked on it everyday until I had completed it, about 3.5 months. No excuses, I had to work on it everyday no matter what. This forced me to make consistent progress. It got easier as it went on, because if I didn’t feel like working on it a certain day, I knew that I had worked on it so many other days previously when I hadn’t felt like it either. No excuses, just do it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was particularly influenced for my current work by an ebook on dating that I read during college in 2009, called Conquer Your Campus, by Mark Redman.

What are you working on now?
Promoting my book

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Volume. As many places as possible, eventually something will stick.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t procrastinate or wait for a better time to work on something. The time is now.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be boring.

What are you reading now?
News articles. It’s a crazy time we’re living in.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Taking a break for the time being, maybe writing another book at some point if a topic catches my eye.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Four massive phone books, more paper to burn

Author Websites and Profiles
Adrian Ibarra Amazon Profile

Jay Aston 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Sheffield, UK. I am the son of a coal-miner and was brought up in a working-class coal mining village. ‘Orphans of an Angel’ is my debut novel, a tragic but true story.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Innocence, personal memories

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write early morning and around midnight.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Sally Wainwright (UK)

What are you working on now?
A trilogy

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
www.authorjayaston.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t listen to others who don’t have the ability

What are you reading now?
Innocent

What’s next for you as a writer?
A triiogy

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?
Cathy Glass books

Author Websites and Profiles
Jay Aston Website
Jay Aston Amazon Profile

Jay Aston’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Terry Ravenscroft 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The day after Terry Ravenscroft threw in his mundane factory job to become a television comedy scriptwriter he was involved in a car accident which left him unable to turn his head. Since then he has never looked back.
Before they took him away he wrote scripts for Les Dawson, The Two Ronnies, Morecambe and Wise, Alas Smith and Jones, Not the Nine O’Clock News, Ken Dodd, Roy Hudd, and several others. He also wrote the award-winning BBC radio series Star Terk Two. He now writes humorous books, 20 thus far with no signs of letting up. Three of them, Stairlift to Heaven, Dear Coca-Cola and Dear Air 2000 were in the top ten of the Kindle Best Sellers list at the same time. His latest novel is Jerry’s; his latest non-fiction book is the autobiographical Stairlift to Heaven 4- Still Hanging On.
Born in New Mills, Derbyshire, England in 1938, he still lives there with his girlfriend, Divine Bottom (in his dreams).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Jerry’s. The magnificence of the Taj Mahal and an interest in public conveniences

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

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tome Sharpe, David Lodge.

What are you working on now?
I’m between books.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stick at it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stick at it.

What are you reading now?
Madame Bovary

What’s next for you as a writer?
Anither bookI hope.

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 GRapes of Wrath, Wilt, Nice Work/

Author Websites and Profiles
Terry Ravenscroft Amazon Profile

Terry Ravenscroft’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Michael Wormald 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write mainly historical fictional, but cannot help my sense of humour and lack of tact from taking over. Writing with the Character Falstaff Wild is incredibly good fun and then there is the fascinating history. When I start a journey with Falstaff I rarely know exactly where I am going, the history just invites exploration!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Call of the Thunder Dragon is the first published Falstaff adventure. It was inspired after I decide to write a full ‘short’ story for publication. The ‘short’ blossomed into a full length novel! The first incarnation of Falstaff was a novella ‘Falstaff gets into Hot Water’ part of which is the prologue to the Thunder Dragon.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a terrible procrastinator, but have recently started writing full time again. The history as I find it used to form the basis of the novel, that and the travel. I spend an inordinate about of time checking facts, including listening to era music which winds up being part of the novel. Falstaff fancies himself a good singer and inflicts his companions with his recitals of those jazz era tunes.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Bar far the biggest in influence is Flashman, have also read Bond, also novels of the 1930s & 1940s from the likes of Peter Cheyney. Biggles after Flashman left me thinking how little we know of his character, in contrast Falstaff is a fully fleshed out rogue, bully and wit.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the original Falstaff story, the ‘Orange Dragon of Old Hanoi’ which starts off in Singapore in May 1940. The Thunder Dragon is set immediately before this. I am also working on Falstaff’s school days 1925, which leads to his first adventures in Japan and China.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There are numerous ways for promotion for Authors. I have used Facebook and Twitter in the past. It is always advisable to target promotion with keywords for your genre.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you enjoy writing and are happy to lose yourself in your work for days, then stick with it!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It doesn’t matter many proofs you produce, do it until you’re happy with it.

What are you reading now?
I am reading many books for research, a 1920s novel about Shanghai and the White Slave trade, a book about Japanese aviation, and a book about ancient China. For pleasure I’m re-reading Dr. Slump by Akira Toriyama

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep at it, much as I enjoy it, I have to do it support myself, so I’m setting targets and avoiding procrastination!

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?
Oxford English Dictionary (all twenty volumes) for firelighters, A journey to the West, Flashman by George MacDonald Fraser and the 1976 Battle annual.

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Wormald Amazon Profile

Michael Wormald’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Noel Wellington 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a technical writer, with decades of IT experience, turned fiction writer.

Born in the Soviet Union, during the Cold War, and now living in Canada, I have been producing volumes of high-quality technical documentation throughout my 25-year long software developer career. Writing technical stuff seemed mighty boring, and I started writing fiction on the side. Now, I have completely switched over to fiction.

In total, over the last four years, I have written four novels, a novella, and several short stories, times two, since I translate all of them to Russian.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is Evil, 100%. I started working on it as soon as I had heard vague rumors about COVID-19, although I must confess that I had initially dismissed them as “another bird flu scare”.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Perhaps the fact that I just type away most of the time, since ideas just appear at the tips of my fingers, may be considered unusual? I do, however, at times, plan ahead and jot the points for a future chapter that I fill out later.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury’s Martian Chronicles come to mind.

What are you working on now?
I split my writing time 50/50 between completing the 2nd book of The God’s Bracelet trilogy, Double Hazard, and my latest novel Evil, 100%. Also, I work with an editor on the 1st book, Finding Ishtar, and with a graphic artist on the chapter illustrations for all three of them.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Being a new author, I have just discovered Awesome Gang for the first time in my life, after reading a blog post on Kindlepreneur. So far, I have only really published two books. They are collections of poems from The God’s Bracelet trilogy, on Smashwords and Inkitt.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be original! Nothing inspires a reader more than original ideas, and nothing turns them off more than cliches, plagiarism, or excessive pathos.

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

What are you reading now?
Nothing, unfortunately. My time is totally spent on writing, editing, and cooperating with the editor and graphic artist.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am planning a novel about the feelings of love and hate towards mundane things and actions, experienced by a person with very vague idea of who they are.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
It will be everything written by Lovecraft. I always wanted but never had time to sit down and read his books.

Author Websites and Profiles
Noel Wellington Website
Noel Wellington Author Profile on Smashwords

 

Amanda Kai 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m from Leander, TX, where my main job is caring for my three small children. I’ve published three stories so far: two variations on Jane Austen’s works, and a short story about Marie Antoinette.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Marriage and Ministry” is based on Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”. It stars two of the minor characters, Charlotte Lucas and William Collins, who marry for convenience. I wanted to explore their characters and relationship, give them the happy ending they deserve.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
People ask me “how do you get any writing done with three kids?” I tell them “naptimes and early bedtimes.” When the kids go to sleep, that’s when I write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jane Austen, and other authors who have written works based on hers, such as Sharon Lathan and Maria Grace. Christian historical fiction authors like Francine Rivers and Elaine Schulte have also influenced my writing.

What are you working on now?
A prequel to Pride and Prejudice that gives a backstory to the antagonist Lady Catherine de Bourgh. It is set in the 1770’s when she is a young debutante, and tells her follies on the way to finding love.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook groups and my newsletter. I’ve used group promos and swaps through StoryOrigin to build my list and share my books with a wider audience.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do whatever it takes to keep writing! I used fanfiction.net to get my first book written by posting one chapter a week. The feedback I got from readers shaped the final version of the story that I published three years later. Fictionpress.net is a similar site for original works if you want to try my method.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write every day, even if it’s just 10 minutes, even if the work is not your best, even if it’s not related to your current project. Keep your skills sharp.

What are you reading now?
“Enso”, a philosophical tale by Dushica Lavobich. She’s an amazing author I discovered earlier this year. Her work, “Pride and Intentions”, which is based on Pride and Prejudice but set in the 1950’s-60’s, was absolutely incredible. Her style uses a lot of philosophical statements to drive the plot.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m also writing a contemporary romance set in my hometown of Austin.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, which is my guidebook for life, Pride and Prejudice, and the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Author Websites and Profiles
Amanda Kai Website
Amanda Kai Amazon Profile

Amanda Kai’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Jenay Sherman 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a married mother of four boys in Dallas, TX. I’ve written many books, but only published two–one featuring my children as the SuperBrother Squad (vs. the Aquatic Carrots of Doom), and the other is the first in a young adult fantasy series, The Chosen. I’ve already finished book number two (it will be available on Amazon later this year), and book number three is well underway!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, The Chosen, was actually started almost 10 YEARS ago (embarrassing, I know) but I just recently decided to make my dream come true and publish it. I’ve always been too afraid to put my writing out there–it makes you feel so vulnerable when other people have the ability to tear apart something you hold so dear! But, that’s part of the game, I guess. I’ve been a blogger for many large outlets for years, so I have grown a tough skin–it was finally time to take the leap.

My book is really about girls of different backgrounds and races coming together to do something great (and hopefully save the world!) but the book is NOT about race. I think it is important for people of different backgrounds to see themselves represented in the pages of a book without having the book be centered around race or things that divide us. Instead, we can celebrate the universal truths we all share–in this case, like staying alive in the face of a genie bent on world domination!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I know most writers like total silence when they write, but I need a little background noise sometimes. It is too distracting to sing along while writing, so I listen to Korean R&B and KHipHop instead–so I can’t sing the lyrics!

My writing is so influenced by music. I hear songs that feel like the soundtrack to my chapters. That’s why my books (both print and ebook) come with a Spotify tracklist in the back. That way, readers can play the music that helped influence the writing, and “hear” the book come to life!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was first influence by Bill Wallace, the author of Snot Stew. In third grade, he came to my school as a speaker and had everyone write a story intro. After reading them, he selected mine as the example for the class. I remember riding home that afternoon thinking, “I could really be an author!” I’ve loved to read FOREVER, so that moment was very important to me. I’ve been writing ever since–I have notepads with story starts and outlines everywhere.

Later, I was really influenced by Toni Morrison. Her writing has this sumptuous quality like no one else. Just, really layered and full of depth. I’ve read Beloved and The Bluest Eye countless times.

Finally, I read Twilight and knew it was time. I was like, other people are making their dreams come true–why not me??

What are you working on now?
I am in the process of publishing book two in my Into the Chambers series, titled, The Channel. It is already through the editing stage–just putting on the final touches before it goes up for pre-order and launches later this year. I’m also outlining book three in the series, The Chaos, and I’ve even begun an entirely different second series featuring an entire family of superheroes (do you see a theme here that is outlined to be a six-book series. I hope to publish the first in that series early next year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I really like free promotion sites like Awesome Gang, but if you want to go the paid route, I love BookBub. That’s where I get most of my books, when I’m not reading and reviewing for my author friends.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it already. Every time you read a book that has even the slightest similarity to the story in your heart–you kick yourself for not putting it out there first. So put it out there. You can do it. And if you fail, just write something else and do it again. It seems like a waste of all that time and effort, but it is not. Not many people can say they wrote a whole book. Do it for you. Prove them wrong.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Every failure just makes you better. This is especially true with writing. Knowing what an audience doesn’t want is just as good as knowing what they do want. As long as you don’t give up, you’ll get there eventually.

What are you reading now?
I have a fat pile of books I’m reviewing for other indie authors. Mostly YA fantasy like mine. But I’m going to have to take a break from those to read the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I’m also looking forward to Midnight Sun coming out soon!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m so excited for my upcoming six-book series. Because it follows a family of black superheroes (again, where race is not a part of the plot), I hope my own sons would see themselves reflected in the story. That’s my goal–to make characters that readers fall in love with.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Ooh, great question! I still love The Hunger Games, and I would have to bring Beloved as my classic fave. I’d also bring a non-fiction book by Malcolm Gladwell (probably Outliers), because I love all of his work.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jenay Sherman Website
Jenay Sherman Amazon Profile

Jenay Sherman’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Steve Hudgins 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Steve Hudgins. I’m known for my unique style of writing that is screenplay/novel hybrid. It tends to make for quick reads.

I specialize in, horror, thrillers, suspense, serial killers, escaped mental patients, things that go bump in the night, ghosts, spirits, zombies, vampires, , blood, guts, maniacs, monsters, murder and mayhem!

I’m the founder of Big Biting Pig Productions, a movie production company known for unpredictable story telling & for producing multiple award winning, feature length horror films with no budget.

I currently have over 60 books published.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hell is Full.
It’s a zombie movie. It’s the book version of a movie I wrote and directed back in 2010. I wanted to tell a zombie story from a different perspective.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, other than my screenplay/novel hybrid style.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There’s been a lot of different authors whose works I’ve enjoyed. I tend to focus on individual works as opposed to bodies of work by one person.

What are you working on now?
Just finished my zombie book “Hell is Full” and haven’t announced what my next one will be yet. Anyone who joins my mailing list at my website will be the first to know! And they get a free book and movie just for signing up at bigbitingpigproductions.com

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a newsletter that I use more than anything else. But have a website, facebook & twitter accounts as well.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write! Write! And write some more. And spend some time learning how to market your work. There’s lots of good resources out there.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t worry, be happy.

What are you reading now?
Currently in between books!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing, writing and more writing! I’ve got a lot more in the pipeline!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’m not so sure I’d want to bring something I’ve already read. I’d want something new to keep me entertained, so I’d just grab 3 or 4 books that were pretty long!

Author Websites and Profiles
Steve Hudgins Website
Steve Hudgins Amazon Profile

Steve Hudgins’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Callan Mulligan 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Callan J. Mulligan, I’ve been writing as long as I can remember, as my mother puts it, “you were born with a pen in your hand”. I have followed several careers in Marketing, Music and Film & Television, but writing and publication has always been my ultimate goal. I have now officially published my first work of fiction, a novella titled, A Mind of His Own.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Mind of His Own, written in the style of Hemingway with a major story influence from Stephen King’s work, is my first published work of fiction. It’s about a man struggling in the face of a traumatic past, coping with addiction, all the while experiencing a waking nightmare…

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I try to force myself to write everyday, but it comes when it comes. (Classic writer excuse for procrastination).

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Ernest Hemingway, Ben Bova, too many to list.

What are you working on now?
My next book, a Science Fiction set on a starship. A murder happens and the ship starts experiencing problems… That’s all I can say.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to promote across the board, but amazon is the go to place for purchases and I do enjoy Goodreads.com for reviews and listings!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. And take harsh criticism wisely, it will improve your craft if you let it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do you write? Yes? Then you’re not an aspiring writer, you’re just unpublished.

What are you reading now?
Actually reading a non-fiction book by Neil DeGrasse Tyson (Getting into the cosmology mindset for my next book).

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing, Publishing, and spending time with my wife. The end game is to support myself from writing, and no longer need a day job to pay the bills!

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?
Stephen King’s “On Writing”, Ben Bova’s “Saturn”, James Frey’s “A Million Little Pieces”, Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea”. So many that I would honestly have a panic attack trying to choose.

Author Websites and Profiles
Callan Mulligan Amazon Profile

Callan Mulligan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Jangam Sai Nithin 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book and I had written it in a form of screenplay so that all the audience would understand it even with the little knowledge about the language

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
BIO TECH is my latest book and I felt that this story would be perfect for my first book publishing.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
This is my first book and I am very interested in writing

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Chetan bhagat , Stephen king.

What are you working on now?
I am next writing a murder mystery story which includes mind blowing twists and it’s a science fiction murder thriller.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think awesome gang is best for promoting the books

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just concentrate on your view and never listen to negative comments even if you consider them then take it in a positive way to improve your writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The same I give

What are you reading now?
The perfect wife.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Nothing much

 

 

Andy Picton 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been married for over 30 years and raised 3 children, all of whom we adopted. I am an entrepreneur with a love for starting and growing businesses. My current career is developing websites for a print company. On the side, I also run a website business providing online ordering for restaurants and liquor stores.

For the last few years, my wife and I have been running a small business selling Bigfoot products. Though 2020 has been a crazy year due to COVID19, we just published our first book about a young Sasquatch named Sammie and we are working on the next one in the series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Our first book is titled “Sammie Squatch – When I Grow Up”.

While running a business creating and selling Bigfoot products, we hired a couple of artists to draw Bigfoot pictures that we could use on our products. After we had a few pictures of Sasquatches dressed as various career professionals, my wife said “Hey – we should make a children’s book about all of the things kids can be when they grow up.”

I thought that was a great idea to help kids think about all of the things they can do with their life and inspire them from a young age. Kids need to know that they can truly be anything they want to be, if they put their mind to it.

So we immediately started having more pictures designed and put them together for our first book, just published in June 2020.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think it’s too early to tell what my writing habits are, as I’ve only written one simple children’s book so far and I think the process has been fairly typical for new writers. The kids go to bed, my wife and I sit down to relax in front of the TV and I pull out my laptop to do a little work before bedtime. We all have day jobs and just fit in writing where we can.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My wife grew up with David LaRochelle, a locally known children’s book author and illustrator. He is well respected and has many books that he has released over the last several years. I like the idea of having some influence on shaping young minds.

What are you working on now?
My wife and I are working on story lines for the next 4-5 Sammie Squatch books and we expect to release book number two, “Sammie Squatch Gets A Pet”, before the end of the year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t know that we have the promotion down to an art yet. It definitely requires as much promotion as possible, but the best promotion takes time and money. As new authors, we’ll have to find out more as we go.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s important not to think that you are going to publish one book and become wealthy off of it. While that may happen, it is not the norm. Write books because you enjoy it or because you have a story to tell. Only a small percentage of writers become famous or wealthy, so writing for those reasons is only setting yourself up for failure.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is a very well known slogan. “Just Do It”

I have thought about doing so many things in my life and the only time I get anything done is when I stop thinking about it and just do it.

What are you reading now?
I’m not currently reading any books, but I am actively researching book promotion. There is a vast library of knowledge on the internet and it is a lot to get through.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to keep putting in time to release the next few Sammie Squatch books and continue trying to find the best ways to promote them. It’s awesome to have one book done, but there is a lot more to do to build brand awareness.

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?
As a kid, I was really fond of the Alfred Hitchcock series, The Three Investigators. While not really adult level books, I have always wanted to find the time to read them again and remember all of the stories I loved as a kid.

Author Websites and Profiles
Andy Picton Website
Andy Picton Amazon Profile

Andy Picton’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Joan J. Bell 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Joan and I am currently working, attending school and writing. I have written five poetry collections with several more on the way and have been working on several different fantasy, science fiction and genre fiction stories.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is set to release August 30, 2020 and is called “Wild Hearts.” The book title was inspired by the fierce and wild nature of human hearts.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t have any particularly unusual habits, I try to write everyday, but often fail at that. From time to time I get big bouts of inspiration and can put a ton of words down at a time but more often than not it is slow but steady progress.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors like Rupi Kaur, Amanda Lovelace and Nikita Gill have certainly influenced my poetry writing, and on the fantasy and science fiction side I have been influenced by writers like Brent Weeks, Brandon Sanderson, and Orson Scott Card.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently finishing up preparing for the launch of “Wild Hearts” and am also working on my sixth poetry collection set to come out some time later this year or next year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use all kinds of different sites, but I have quite a few people on Facebook and Instagram that I interact with and this is particularly helpful in boom promotion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My best advice I could give would probably be to just keep working hard and making progress, because little things add up to big ones very quickly.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard would probably be to write everyday because it truly does add up faster than you would think.

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading Swallowtail by antenna Twohy.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not sure what’s next for me as a writer. Hopefully a consistent production of new books that people will enjoy!

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 probably bring Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy as I have been meaning to give it another read through and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Author Websites and Profiles
Joan J. Bell Website
Joan J. Bell Amazon Profile

Joan J. Bell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Jay Aston 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Jay Aston. I am the son of a Yorkshire coal miner. I was brought up in a typical mining village close to Sheffield, UK.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is called ‘Orphans of an Angel’. It is the tragic, but true story of my mother’s plight of destitution. It was a story ‘crying out’ to be written. She was atrue Angel, an unsung hero who struggled to bring up four very young boys alone. She had a constant battle to provide food and a home (eviction through destitution) and a fight to keep us all out of a Children’s Home.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I awake by daylight and I cannot wait to start writing. I have a break late morning, then start writing again by 11.0 pm for 2 hours

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Because I an ibn my Autumn years, The Thirty Nine Steps by Joghn Buchan has always been a perennial favourite. There has been at least 3 remakes of the film. Being from northern England the UK author, playwright and director is awesome (One of my awesome gang). She has written awesome scripts such as ‘Last Tango in Halifax’, ‘Gentleman Jack’ a true story of a lesbian relationship 200 years ago, Happy Valley. These may not have been shown outside the UK.

What are you working on now?
I am now working on a Trilogy of ‘Orphans of. an Angel’. I have enjoyed writing the book so much and unearthed so much material, there will be a Prequel and a Sequel

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook mainly. Instagram will be added soon/

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I could write a book. Inspiration for authors can be seen on my authorwebsite. I have four pages of Quotations@ There is a Quotations Page of quotes from my book, quotations from famous people and a page of humorous quotations. Please take a look at my author website at https;//www.authorjayaston.com

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t listen to others that don’t have the skill or craft to do what you can do. Too many people criticise others, even when they can’t do it themselves.! Don’t give up.

What are you reading now?
Innocent by Cathy Glass

What’s next for you as a writer?
A short rest, then began the Trilogy

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Thirty Nine Steps, Winston Churchill Memoirs, Admiral Lord Nelson biographies

Author Websites and Profiles
Jay Aston Website
Jay Aston Amazon Profile
Jay Aston Author Profile on Smashwords

Jay Aston’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Alison G. Bailey 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Charleston, SC which is where most of my eight books are set. I have two Shih tzu puppies named Charlie and Baxter who are the joys of my life. When I’m not writing I’m reading, or binge watching something.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my last book is, Lip Smacker. It’s an enemies-lovers rom-com. It actually was supposed to be a short story for an anthology. Since I had a problem sticking to the word limit, I decided to turn it into a full length.

It was inspired by my love for my hometown, Charleston, and cupcakes.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think they’re unusual.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to name. A lot of the indie authors have been a great help and influence for me.

What are you working on now?
My current work in progress is a women’s fiction novel titled Evie Interrupted. It’s the story of a young woman torn between the love she has for her mother and the love she’s falling into with a new guy.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you know and what you don’t know research. Although my stories are fiction there are parts that reflect real life events. It might just be one little element that I took from real life, but it helps me connect with the story/characters. If I feel the story then my readers usually do.

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

What are you reading now?
A Girl Like Her by Talia Hibbert.

What’s next for you as a writer?
First, finishing up Evie Interrupted and releasing it. I had been writing another novel. I got up to 30K words, and the characters in Evie started talking to me. So, that will be the next book after Evie Interrupted. I think.

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

Author Websites and Profiles
Alison G. Bailey Website
Alison G. Bailey Amazon Profile

Alison G. Bailey’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Wai Onn Hong 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Hong Wai Onn. Hong is my surname, by the way. I’m a chemical engineer by training and profession. I was born and grew up in a small family in Ipoh, Malaysia. Ipoh is the city famous for its surrounding mountains, limestone caves and food. I am also proud that Ipoh was listed as one of the best Asian destinations to visit in 2016 by Lonely Planet, a travel portal in the world. After my secondary school, I attended Universiti Malaysia Sabah, where I studied chemical engineering. I started my career in palm oil industry and this exploration eventually formed the basis of my new book, “A Chemical Engineer in the Palm Oil Milling Industry”. This is the first book, and only one so far, that I have published.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“A Chemical Engineer in the Palm Oil Milling Industry” is the first and also the latest book that I have published (in August 2020). Palm oil is a big business. Palm oil has been widely used in food and non-food industries. More than half the products on sale in supermarkets are made with palm oil—yet many people hardly know anything about this industry. They don’t even know chemical engineers have a significant role to play in this industry. Hence, I am motivated to write a book to provide a series of episodes for readers to discover the opportunities chemical engineers have in the palm oil milling industry. I hope this nonfiction memoir book could bring readers closer to the most enigmatic profession of all time. The title “A Chemical Engineer in the Palm Oil Milling Industry” might sound daunting, but it’s an eminently user-friendly read! Well, I am also excited to share that my book has received Literary Titan Gold Award and a 5-star review rating from Readers’ Favorite. The book is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and other major retailers.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Being a part-time writer, I tend to write late at night and on weekends, but many writers do that, so I am not sure whether that would be classified as unusual. While many writers like to work on outlines for stories, specific parts of chapters, and so on at cafes, I prefer to do this in my home office. I must confess I am coffee lover. I need at least a cup of black coffee before I could sit down to work, regardless of how late it is.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been influenced by every single book I have ever read. However, to keep this section a reasonable length, I’m counting Mahbob Abdullah and John C. Maxwell. Mahbob Abdullah wrote few books that made me want to write and publish my work. He shared his life as a plantation manager from a view of a very experienced Malaysian planter, rather than a European one. There are almost perfect stories in “Planter’s Tales” and “Planter Upriver”. His book “Now You Too Can Write!” has influenced me greatly too. John C. Maxwell wrote many books. He has influenced me the way I receive and participate in leadership along with public speaking.

What are you working on now?
Although I am a part-time writer, I have a plan to write a couple of new books that focus on roles of chemical engineers in business and project management. I will also continue to write articles on palm oil processing. As always, I will provide links to my published articles, and you can check out at my author website.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, since this is my first publication with the official launch on August 19, 2020, I don’t know what my best method will turn out to be yet. However, I think we need to get out there on as many platforms as possible. I have my author website up and running: https://hongwaionn.com/ alongside Facebook and Twitter. I also market my book at speaking engagements as part of my book marketing activities.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I don’t think I can advise. However, I believe many people say they want to write but wish they have the time, and perhaps they will do it after they retire. Mainly this can be an excuse. The best way is to have a piece of paper, and a pen on you, and when there is an idea, put it down. There is no reason any more not to write these days because even if you do not have a paper with you, the mobile phone can do the same. So, try to get the book out that you have always had in your mind.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Many books on writing emphasize the importance of correct grammar and spelling to the point that you are frightened to try. They are indeed trying to put you off. But Mahbob Abdullah once said that the most important thing in the book is the story, and your flow of thought as you tell it and build it up. If you have to struggle with grammar or spelling, there are others who can help you, but few can tell a story.

What are you reading now?
The Leader’s Greatest Return: Attracting, Developing, and Multiplying Leaders by John C. Maxwell. Meanwhile, I am also thinking about my next book.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will keep writing and put my stories out there. I will also continue advancing development of the palm oil processing industry by ensuring greater participation by young people and marketing my book through speaking engagements.

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?
Good question! I will bring along a few how-to books. They might not be my favorite books of all time, but I am hoping these books can save my life!

Author Websites and Profiles
Wai Onn Hong Website
Wai Onn Hong Amazon Profile

Wai Onn Hong’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Heather Burrbridge 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have just written my first book I Teach Middle School. I have written other books in my head that have not made it to the computer yet. I am a full time teacher at my local middle school. I love teaching, reading, painting, all things Disney and Tae Kwon Do.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I Teach Middle School is my first published title. I wrote it because I am discouraged by how many great teachers leave the classroom when they feel unsupported or overwhelmed with the demands of the classroom. I have a strong conviction that teachers can be great and make lifelong differences if they have support and make small changes. I hope to help those teachers who are struggling to have hope and stay in the classroom. Students need great teachers!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love writing “old school” where I sit down and free write in cursive in a spiral journey. Something about the cursive frees my mind. Later I type it into my computer.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the Tools for Teaching by Fred Jones. It was one of the first professional development books that helped me realize some of the secrets of great teacher. I also love the author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. She is a local author from MD (my home state). She wrote so many books that I just loved as an early reader. I met her as an adult and she was even greater in person.

What are you working on now?
I was told once that you should write about topics people always ask you about. I have decided to work with my husband to co-write a book called Start RVing with Kids. We love to travel and people have so many questions we decided to answer all those questions in a book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am brand new at this, so I looking to find how to promote books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it! Okay I stole that from Nike, but I think people get stuck on what they can’t do. Sit down and just start typing. Make a decent outline and then write the book in order without editing. If you constantly edit your work you will start to feel like it’s not good and lose confidence. Edit once the draft is done.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Anything worth doing is worth doing right.” This is my Dad’s mantra, he used it with us about everything from doing dishes, playing a sport, grades and now our jobs. I think this has developed my work ethic and doing things that make me proud of myself.

What are you reading now?
I am usually reading three things at one time. A young adult fiction, an adult fiction and a non-fiction. That way I read what I am in the mood for. This week I am reading Frank McCourt’s Teacher Man, One Last Thing by Rebecca St. James, and Lupe Wong won’t Dance by Donna Higuera.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I really want to promote this book and then start on my travel book with my husband.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. The Bible
2. Hating Game
3. Milk Glass Moon

 

Bruce Mills 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Bruce Mills is a Husband to a wonderful woman, Dad to four great kids,
Business Consultant, Financial Coach, Author, and Entrepreneur. He
founded MillsWay.com after his dad passed away. Mills Way was inspired
by the life his dad lived. He has authored eight books and created
numerous hypnosis and audio CD’s. He is currently writing a new book.

Bruce has been in management roles since 1981. In 2011 he received the
Ronald D. Pearson Citizenship Award for his volunteer work in the
community. He lives to help others with their dreams, goals, stress, debt
and Financial Freedom goals. He hopes to help millions of people all
around the world Financial Freedom.

Please check out his website, www.millsway.com and podcast at
www.Live4.Club. If you have ideas or thoughts that could help others with
this subject or any of Bruce’s other books or future videos. Check out his
videos on youtube.com at “TheMillsway” channel.

E-mail bruce@millsway.com to be a guest on his Podcast.

Visit Bruce Mills at: www.MillsWay.com Podcast at www.Live4.Club

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is calle4d “MONEY $ECRET$ TO MAKE YOU RICH”. When I started this book, it was originally meant to teach our kids how to create Wealth and become RICH someday. RICH can be different amounts of Wealth to different people and different meanings. For us it is achieving Financial Freedom and having choices that we can make ourselves.

Don’t you feel that our kids need to know about personal finance and how to create wealth? The more people I meet over the years that are still working in their later stage of life because of poor choices they made with their finances when they were younger. Some just never had the education or training on the subject to know how to live Financially Free.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to write ten pages a day and I write fast. Then I go back and fix spelling and grammer issues before I end for the day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have always read many different books over the years. We have lots of books around the house. I mostly like to only read self-help books and books on personal finance. Rich Dad Poor Dad was one of my early favorites.

What are you working on now?
Currently working on my coaching business and a new book about why do people have Kids. LOL

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I had a good one to tell you. I have tried many over the years and no luck.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t get caught up by all the editors out there. I have hired so many over the years and they all seem to disagree with other editors. If you aren’t careful they will take the message and mess it up. I am not a fan of editors and believe in writing a book in the words as I would be talking to you in person.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t wait for the book to be perfect before publishing because if you do it will never get published. Also don’t have too high of expectations since most books don’t sell over 100 copies.

What are you reading now?
Srtay Alive All Your Life

What’s next for you as a writer?
Doing more Blog and Podcast Episodes. My podcast is called “Live4”

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 Treasury of Courage and Confidence.
2. The Bible.
3. Success of the Millionaire Mind.
4. Your Best Life.

Author Websites and Profiles
Bruce Mills Website
Bruce Mills Amazon Profile

Bruce Mills’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Niklas Alparós-Lilah 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a new author trying my hand at writing collections of short horror stories. I have written a collection of short stories (connected via a framing story), and I’m currently working on a continuation for it.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of the book is “Purgatory Diaries: My Soul To Take”. I’ve written various short horror stories, all different including different themes and characters, and I wanted to make a spooky framing story to include them all. I did not want just a list of unlinked stories, I wanted to “glue them together” in such a way that was interesting for the reader and leave them wanting for more.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m of Romanian origin and I grew up in Spain, so I tend to include various expressions from these two cultures.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ss far as the horror genre is concerned, I’m a huge fan of Stephen King’s work, especially his many short stories, since they inspired me to write some of my own. As for other genres, I really enjoy the work of Andrzej Sapkowski and Jeff Lindsay.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a couple of short stories and the second entry in the “Purgatory Diaries” series.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just go for it!

I always wanted to write, but it’s easy to find excuses and delay. So, the best way to start is by simply sitting in front of your computer or notepad and let your imagination loose.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently halfway through “The Witcher” saga by Andrzej Sapkowski.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I’m done with my short story collections, I’m looking forward to working on a full-length horror novel.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“The Last Wish” by Andrzej Sapkowski, “Dexter Is Delicious” by Jeff Lindsay and “Nightmares & Dreamscapes” by Stephen King.

Author Websites and Profiles
Niklas Alparós-Lilah Amazon Profile