Please check out the authors below and share them if you like on social media and help them out.
Good karma goes a long way. If you belong to an Author group help spread the word about our free author interview series. We have started a new Facebook author group that focuses on author interviews and podcast interviews. Come Join us!

Nicholas Stewart 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve studied counselling and I’ve written three self-help books

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book “offended, offensive and consequences” was inspired by feeling offended by offensive talk, law and counselling.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t go into too much detail I’m more to the point

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m not going to be specific, but obviously a lot of authors and books have influenced me.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on spreading the word of my books it’s been difficult

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just go with the flow

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From the bible – no one reaches God unless through Jesus Christ

What are you reading now?
I honestly don’t read much apart from the news I’m busy writing

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me as a writer is more valuable insight

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

Author Websites and Profiles
Nicholas Stewart Website

PEARL . 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
~ Poet ~ Empath ~ Highly Sensitive ~ Psychic ~ Readings ~ Angelic Reiki Healing ~ Crystal ~ Enlightened Wisdom ~ Healer ~ Twin Flame ~ Manifestation ~ Mental Health ~ Eating Disorders ~ Body Image ~ Emotions ~ Sexuality ~ Erotica ~ Inner Child

I have currently only the one book published. However, I am in the process of writing two other books.

The one I’m writing about today is all about:-

Chapter 1 = My undying attempt to feel loved
Chapter 2 = Enlightened wisdom that keeps me alive…and fighting.
Chapter 3 = Mental Health Illnesses and how they are all fabricated illusions… yet so very pain-stakingly real.
Chapter 4 = How my shadow side actually saved me from an abusive relationship with a narcissist.
Chapter 5 = Sexual repressed desires/erotica

The second book I’m in the process of writing is all about:-
Chapter 1 = Being fearless and being the hero of my own life… being the hero of my own destiny
Chapter 2 = That hero (my Inner Child) being locked away and held captive…and me not knowing where she is or where she’s gone
Chapter 3 = Eating Disorder
Chapter 4 = Acknowledging my Shadow Side (and Traits), and also balancing Masculine and Feminine energies of whom I am.
Chapter 5 = Realising that I’m a Messenger/Spiritual Teacher who holds much Wisdom and Truth
Chapter 6 = Honing in on my emotions and being the sensitive soul and empath that I am
Chapter 7 = Worshipping both my Masculine and Feminine energies, and also my Shadow and Light sides
Chapter 8 = Getting justice for all who have wronged me
Chapter 9 = How my Soul leads my way now…

As you can see, my first two books are all centred on my journey.
I’ll leave the third book as a surprise for now!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Lady Of The Night: Enlightened Wisdom Comes From Pain, Emotions… And All Sorts Of Sane Devotions.

I’ve been through quite a lot of trauma over the years. All ranging from mental health issues, sexual harassment, emotional neglect, struggles with sexuality, losing my ‘known’ identity. The latest to add to the list is having my first relationship, with a narcissistic emotional and mental abuser.

When it comes to mental health issues, I’ve suffered from a range. Eating disorders, OCD, depression, self harm, suicidal tendencies. 15 years and still the same default setting comes through. Why? I guess I haven’t healed yet.

The thing with trauma is – you keep going through the same stuff until you learn the lessons embedded deep within it. Until you change the programme, the same frequency is going to keep being emitted. Trauma leads you to a place of self-love, and that’s what life is all about.

It’s not egotistical love. It’s not being selfish. It’s not viewing yourself as being superior to others. No. It’s about embracing all that you are, shadow side and all.

Self-love is about honouring yourself. Honouring your limits, your triggers, and honouring your energy. Where you place yourself, affects your energy. How much pressure you put on yourself, affects your energy. Who you spend time with, affects your energy.

This world is beautiful, and magical. Only the select view see it though. I’m one of those select view.

Exactly like my book description concludes: ‘Throw in the concoction of eating disorders, narcissistic relationships, a Divine Masculine Twin Flame that struggles with emotions, hidden sexual desires, struggles with sensuality and sexuality… and you’ve got a book that covers all areas of the psyche and mind.’

That’s what this book is about. My journey throughout it all.

The main character throughout, is myself. You’re reading the words as if you’re looking through my eyes. My writing does something miraculous though. You may be looking down on the paper through my eyes, but you’re creating your own story. You’re looking back over your lifetimes, and you’re picking out pieces of the puzzle. You’re acknowledging that these little gems that are found between my words, are actually the gems that you’ve been missing your whole life.

Of course, throughout, the differing stories focus and evolve around culprits or characters who played a huge part in the trauma that I endured. Again, there are characters who have helped me and who continue to help me forevermore.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to just go with the flow. Even if I think I’ve got nothing to write about, I’ll get my laptop out and I’ll literally just put down anything that comes to mind. It can be so wacky and metaphorical, but it all just seems to fit and come together so beautifully!

Other than that, I tend to just write from how I’m feeling. Feelings and emotions are such a great indicator for what you should write about!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
To be honest, I feel like I’m one in and on my own. Yes, there are numerous poetry books out there. Truth be told, I don’t particularly enjoy reading poetry. I can say that I’ve not read any books that are like mine, and therefore, they haven’t influenced me.

My own life experiences have shaped my writing, and I’m really proud of that. I’m proud of myself for having come through those experiences, and still be the strong beautiful soul that I am today. I haven’t changed, and what I mean by that is… I’ve not closed my heart… I’ve not turned nasty… I’ve not let the world turn me cold. If anything, I’m more loving, nurturing, protective, caring, loyal… because of the experiences I’ve been through. It’s a rarity in this world.

What are you working on now?
As previously mentioned, I’m working on two books. One that, again, is focused on my journey through life… but is definitely much more indepth… and it really scrutinises everything that I’ve been through, all whilst summarising it all really.

You’ll clearly be able to distinguish between the chapters, and you’ll follow the journey with ease. It’s very clear, yet as my writing does, it generates so many layers and so many stories that are buried deep within. You’ll find yourself swinging along many different turns and paths, and that’s what it’s all about. It’s about going deep within yourself, and honouring what comes up to the surface.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m fairly new to it all, and so I’ve put my trust in Amazon’s KDP. With my kindle books, I’ve enrolled in the Select programme. So, for me at this stage, it’s all about seeing what happens and trusting the process.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Being a new author myself, I have to say… just go with it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Love yourself truly, completely and unconditionally. You’re the only person who will never leave your side. Other people come and go. You have to be your own best friend, because when you’re dealing with the stuff inside, it’s only you who understands.

And that’s my own advice.

What are you reading now?
I was actually reading my own book. I think it’s a beautiful element to be able to put yourself in the reader’s shoes for a few moments, and really indulge in the writer’s stories. It’s almost endearing to be able to forget that you’re the writer, and generate even more stories in your mind that you didn’t have when you were actually writing the book!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to be a well-known Spiritual Teacher. Get me on all platforms. Let me spread the word… share the word… let me be a ripple that generates a magnetic wave across the entire race of humanity, to really start implementing and living from a place of truth, peace and love.

I want to help others who have been on similar paths to myself. I genuinely believe… know… that I heal through words.

Author Websites and Profiles
PEARL . Amazon Profile

PEARL .’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Peter J. Foote 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a bestselling speculative fiction writer from Nova Scotia, Canada. Around my other responibilities I run FictionFirst Used Books, specializing in fantasy & sci-fi novels. I am a massive nerd we also cosplays with his wife, and alternates between red wine and coffee as the mood demands.
Having over two dozen short fiction credits to my name, “Boulders over the Bermuda Triangle” is my first published novella.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Boulders over the Bermuda Triangle” is a shared universe novella series from Engen Books of Newfoundland, Canada.
These episodic adventures all feature Cassidy Cane, archaeologist and explorer as she travels to different dimensions for adventure. Fans of Lara Croft, Doctor Who, and Sliders will enjoy these novellas.
My novella: When Cassidy enters a portal hovering over the fabled Bermuda Triangle, she finds herself on the strange alien world of Xik’en, located in the hub of an asteroid mine and where lizard-people reign supreme! Cassidy must team up with a spirited young Xik’en to save herself and recover the ARC crystals she needs… but can she escape? And what lies hidden below the station, in the Xik’en prison?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unlike many authors, I need complete silence in order to write, too many decades living on my own.
As such, I’ve had to resort to getting up at 5am to get some writing in before going to my day job.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My first love was fantasy, it was the world of Krynn (Dragonlance) that gripped a young boy with a learning disability and made reading fun!
Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman will always have a special place in my heart no matter where my writing career leads.

What are you working on now?
As primary a short fiction author, I have many irons in the fire. Several themed short story anthologies are on my radar, as well as I have two “invite only” anthologies that I’m currently working on.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still a novice when it comes to this, but I’ve made several excellent connections through my author page on Facebook, and well as the valuable assistance from publishers I have been luck to work with over the years.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You can’t edit a blank page. Get that first draft down even if you know there are plot holes big enough to drive a truck through, revisions and rewrites will fix that.
Use your personal experiences when writing dialogue, remember how you felt when you were hurt, in love, surprised, etc… and bring those emotions into your writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You’re allowed to write crap!
Not everything you write will see the light of day, but even the worse story has a nugget of gold in it that can shine in a future project.

What are you reading now?
I’m one of those terrible people who have several books on the go at once. I’m just finishing “The Eyes of Light and Darkness” by Ivan Cat, about half through “Old Man’s War” by John Scalzi (probably my 5th time reading it), and just started “Terra Nova” from Engen Books.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m continue writing and submitting to interesting short story anthologies that caught my eye. I’ve also started collecting my published works and exploring putting out my own short story collection, as well I’m slowly working on my 2017 NaNoWriMo novel to see if this short story author has a novel in him.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My reading habits are reflected by my mood, probably the reason I have several books on the go at once, but let’s see.
“Elfstones” by Terry Brooks, “A Thousand Words For Stranger” by Julie Czerneda, and “Old Man’s War” by John Scalzi.

Author Websites and Profiles
Peter J. Foote Website
Peter J. Foote Amazon Profile

Peter J. Foote’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Colette Thomas 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Cape Breton born author, television producer, and filmmaker based in Nova Scotia. “The Forgotten Son” is my debut novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Forgotten Son” was inspired by my grandfather who was a Gaelic singer and storyteller. He had a wealth of stories steeped in the Celtic mythology. I was raised by my grandparents and growing up I loved listening to all the stories he would tell about the water horses, the fairies, the talking animals. I was very much inspired by those stories.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say I have any unusual writing habits except as with many authors I keep a pen and paper handy at all times for any ideas that may pop into my head. I also write more at night than I do during the day. The quietness of the night helps erase the distractions. “The Forgotten Son” came to me as I was drifting off to sleep one night. Let’s say it was a sleepless night after that.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like a vast array of authors from Tolkien, Nicholas Sparks, Diana Gabaldon, J.K. Rowling, the Bronte Sisters, Ian McEwan, Lucy Maud Montgomery to name a few.

What are you working on now?
Currently I am working on a coming of age novel set during World War II in Newfoundland. I also have another fantasy novel in the early stages.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
With the launch of “The Forgotten Son”. I have been heavily focused on a social media campaign across Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it and do not talk yourself out of it. You can do it. Find what method works for you. I find putting pen to paper and writing it all out is what works for me. I only go to my computer once I have the story fully fleshed out on the page first.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Believe in yourself and do not let anyone tell you it can’t be done.

What are you reading now?
Currently I am reading “I Found You” by Lisa Jewell and “Every Breath” by Nicholas Sparks.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Currently I am enjoying the launch of “The Forgotten Son” and continuing to work on my next manuscript.

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?
Tolkien’s “The Fellowship of the Ring”
Nicholas Sparks’ “A Walk to Remember”
Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander”
Lucy Maud Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables”

 

Colette Thomas’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Nina Munteanu 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Canadian ecologist / limnologist and award-winning novelist, short story author and non-fiction writer. I co-edit Europa SF and currently teach writing courses at George Brown College and the University of Toronto.  I have coached writers to publication for several decades using my Alien Guidebook Series writing guides. My non-fiction book “Water Is…” by Pixl Press was selected by Margaret Atwood in the New York Times ‘Year in Reading’ and was chosen as the 2017 Summer Read by Water Canada. My thirteenth book published in 2020 by Innana Publications is an eco-novel entitled “A Diary in the Age of Water.”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“A Diary in the Age of Water” (Innana Publications, 2020) is essentially a journey of four generations of women who have a unique relationship with water, through a time of extreme change through climate change and water shortage. The book spans over forty years (from the 2020s to the 2060s) and into the far future, mostly through the diary of a limnologist, which is found by a future water-being. During the diarist’s lifetime, all things to do with water are overseen and controlled by the international giant water utility CanadaCorp—with powers to arrest and detain anyone. This is a world in which China owns America and America, in turn, owns Canada.

Part of the story is told through the diary of a limnologist (someone who studies freshwater) who witnesses and suffers through severe water taxes and imposed restrictions, dark intrigue through neighbourhood water betrayals, corporate spying and espionage, and repression of her scientific freedoms. Some people die. Others disappear…

The spark for my novel began with a short story I was invited to write in 2015 about water and politics in Canada. I had long been thinking of potential ironies in Canada’s water-rich heritage. The premise I wanted to explore was the irony of people in a water-rich nation experiencing water scarcity: living under a government-imposed daily water quota of 5 litres as water bottling and utility companies took it all. I named the story “The Way of Water.” It was about a young woman (Hilda) in near-future Toronto who has run out of water credits for the public wTap; by this time houses no longer have potable water and their water taps have been cemented shut; the only way to get water is through the public wTaps—at great cost. She’s standing two metres from water—in a line of people waiting to use the tap—and dying of thirst.

“The Way of Water” captures a vision that explores the nuances of corporate and government corruption and deceit together with global resource warfare. In this near-future, Canada is mined of all its water by thirsty Chinese and US multinationals—leaving nothing for the Canadians. Rain has not fallen on Canadian soil in years due to advances in geoengineering and weather manipulation that prevent rain clouds from going anywhere north of the Canada-US border. If you’re wondering if this is possible, it’s already happening in China and surrounding countries.

I had a lot of material; I had already been researching water issues and climate change in my activism as a science writer and reporter. I had recently published “Water Is… The Meaning of Water”, essentially a biography of water, written from the perspective of mother, environmentalist and scientist. I had practiced as a limnologist for over twenty-five years and could mine my various personal experiences in the field, lab and office with genuine realism.

Just as “Water Is…” served as a watershed for all my relevant experiences as mother, environmentalist and scientist, “A Diary in the Age of Water” would galvanize many of my personal experiences, doubts, challenges and victories into compelling story. Although parts of the story wrote themselves, the entire book was not easy to write. There were times when I had to walk away from the book to gain some perspective—and optimism—before continuing. When I found myself drowning in Lynna’s voice, I invoked Hilde’s to guide me to shore. I found a balance that worked and compelled. Ultimately this opened to some of the best internal conflict and tension I have experienced in my writing.

“Evoking Ursula LeGuin’s unflinching humane and moral authority, Nina Munteanu takes us into the lives of four generations of women and their battles against a global giant that controls and manipulates Earth’s water.” — LYNN HUTCHINSON LEE, multimedia artist, author, and playwright

“A book of genuine power, A Diary in the Age of Water, is simply and beautifully told.” — LUCIA MONICA GOREA, author of Journey Through My Soul

“A Diary in the Age of Water is an insightful novel… a cautionary tale rummaging through the forgotten drawers of time in the lives of four generations.” —DRAGONFLY.ECO

“Lyrical and dystopian, ‘A Diary in the Age of Water’ is as much an ode to water as it is a cautionary tale about the dire implications of climate change.” —FOREWORD CLARION 5-STAR REVIEW

“In poetic prose with sober factual basis, Munteanu transmutes a harrowing dystopia into a transcendentalist origin myth. An original cautionary tale that combines a family drama with an environmental treatise.” —KIRKUS REVIEWS

“An exceptional and thought-provoking dystopian fiction.”—LITERARY TITAN

“The story like water itself fills you, moves you, hypnotizes you, and eventually, totally engulfs you.”—GOODREADS REVIEW

“Thoroughly researched and cleverly executed, A Diary in the Age of Water is a must-read, especially for those who are longing for nature, and touch, while fearing both.”
—CARA MOYNES, Amazon Review

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Absolutely none… (wink)…

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Several favourite classics influenced my early writing. Works by Thomas Hardy, George Elliot, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky. Then there were the science fiction and dystopian classics like Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Aldous Huxley, George Orwell, Frank Herbert and later Margaret Atwood then the cli-fi, climate fiction and eco-fiction of Octavia Butler, Jeff Vandermeer, Annie Proulx (Barkskins) and Richard Powers (The Overstory), among so many others. All these and many others have provided a grand tapestry of art, great metaphor and challenging idea.

What are you working on now?
The sequel to “A Diary in the Age of Water”, an eco-thriller that takes place all over Canada, from Halifax to Vancouver and the Arctic Circle. The story covers the Halifax Explosion of 1917, a newly envisioned NAWAPA, and features several ghosts…

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own sites: www.NinaMunteanu.me; www.NinaMunteanu.ca; www.TheMeaningOfWater.com; “The Alien Next Door;” and my various social media: Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In, Instagram

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let your impatience to be heard and recognized interfere with the heart and soul of your art. Writing is work. But enjoyable work. If you don’t enjoy it, it’s not for you. You must enjoy it on some level. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. It isn’t. But it is extremely rewarding. It’s like Truth; it isn’t always nice, but it feels right. Write from the heart; if your writing doesn’t scare you a little, you aren’t writing from the heart and readers will feel it. It will seem fake, a shadow of your real story, the one you’re hiding from. Persist. Take courses. Learn the craft. Then write and send your material out. That’s how you learn to be a better writer.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read. Read. Read. Write. Write. Write. Read. Write. Read. Write. Read. Write.

What are you reading now?
Non-fiction: “Gathering Moss” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Fiction: “Rogue Harvest” by Danita Maslan

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish my sequel and market my current book around my teaching gigs

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?
3 books by Thomas Hardy

Author Websites and Profiles
Nina Munteanu Website
Nina Munteanu Amazon Profile

Nina Munteanu’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Frederick Donatone 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
5, but just 1 is already published

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
White Psychology

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write Travelling. I’ve written White Psychology in Kenya.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Daniel Goleman, Nietzsche, Lacan, Kwik,…

What are you working on now?
A book about emotions.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Spread the love.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Publish many books.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Reborn. Everyday

What are you reading now?
Heidegger, Sein und Zeit

What’s next for you as a writer?
i’m creating my 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?
Italo Calvino , Le città invisibili ; As a man Thinketh; Plato, The Republic; Don’t ever forget.

Author Websites and Profiles
Frederick Donatone Website
Frederick Donatone Amazon Profile

Frederick Donatone’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Donald Churchill 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a health practitioner in the United States of America. Happily married with 3 kids. i have written 7 books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Covid19-Vaccine: Issues and Way Forward. i was inspired to write this to help stem the tide of ravaging novel covid-19 virus humanity is being threatened with.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I start writing any where i am once i am inspired and illuminated with any idea

What authors, or books have influenced you?
i read alot of motivational and holy books

What are you working on now?
minding my medical practice for now

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
None for now. still trying to figure it out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
New authors should be steadfast and persevering if they really want to make success of writing career

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t make efforts to please everybody

What are you reading now?
Bible

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

Author Websites and Profiles
Donald Churchill Amazon Profile

Mia Michele 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I began professionally writing in 2000 and switched from nonfiction to fiction in 2013. Thus far, I’ve written a sweetheart romance series that is on book 3 of 8, as well as the first book in a light-BDSM trilogy, a speculative romance trilogy that is now available in a single volume, and a dystopian romance novel. My most recent book, an epic erotic Mafia romance just went to beta readers and is in draft stage with a Spring 2021 publication estimate.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Vale is a dystopian novel that follows the titular character on a journey of self-discovery that ultimately ends with a choice between ego and self. In our current world, it’s apropos and is a look at what happens when we gloss over our faults (and the faults of those we love) in order to hold ourselves in esteem. At some point, we are all forced to truly see ourselves and decide what we will do with the reflection in the mirror. Alex Vale is an “every man” character and, as such, his journey appeals to all people across the board.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it is unusual, but I’m a coffee addict! I get up by 5am every day to spend several hours in my writing chair with a hot cup of coffee and my computer! I also do my edits with a tablet displaying the file while I listen to TTS software reading the book to me. It’s made a huge difference in my work product.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was a librarian and, quite honestly, will read anything! My favorite book is The Source by Michener (although I’m not a huge fan of his other pieces!). A book that has stayed with me is Anita Shreve’s The Last Time They Met.

I don’t know that “who” inspires me is the question in as much as it is “what” inspires me. I feel like life makes the best art and, even in my paranormal and dystopian work, I draw from real life to create the situations and characters.

What are you working on now?
I just finished the first draft of Faultline, a 280k word erotic Mafia romance. It’s currently with beta readers for comments and the editor for the first review. Hopefully, it will be in final edits by early 2021 for a spring release.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Although I’m new to it, I have to confess that I love Instagram. It’s been a great way to connect with readers and reviewers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for you. It doesn’t matter if anyone ever reads it- write for you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up. You can do this. (Thanks, Mom.)

What are you reading now?
Several poetry books by Atticus.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have several pieces in the WIP file, including book 3 in the Aegean Affairs series, a retelling of the Persephone myth, and two paranormal pieces. The next few years are sure to be busy!

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 trade in one book for a package of pens and make my 3 books empty journals?

I would bring a book of Pablo Neruda’s poetry (and it would have to include “The Onion” in it because that’s one of my favorites), as well as a copy of The Source and a copy of The Last Time They Met. For a fourth book… That’s hard. I think I’d bring my current book, Faultline, with me. Hopefully, it will be finished before I get sent to an island all alone!

Author Websites and Profiles
Mia Michele Website
Mia Michele Amazon Profile

Mia Michele’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Brian Jung 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am just starting out. This book is the first Kindle book on Amazon that I have published, and I plan on publishing a lot more.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Mastering Self-Discipline: How to Develop Good Daily Habits and Curb Procrastination. It was inspired by my struggles to get through college. I had a hard time focusing and not procrastinating and after I completed my degree, I wanted to share some tips that helped me get through it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I get writer’s block ever now and then, but I don’t think that’s unusual.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Sam Harris “The Moral Landscape”
John Perkins “Confessions of an Economic Hitman”
Anik Singal “eSCAPE: The 4 Stages of Becoming A Successful Entrepreneur”

What are you working on now?
A Green Juice/Smoothie Recipe Book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now, I use facebook groups and email automations, but I plan on making a website in the near future.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The beginning is really the toughest part, because you don’t know what you’re doing. But as you gain experience and make mistakes, you’ll learn more and it will become easier along the way. Keep going at it. Think long term, you won’t become successful overnight .

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Life is a marathon. Don’t feel anxious about every misstep and roadblock. You will eventually overcome them.

What are you reading now?
Peter Joseph “The New Human Rights Movement”

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing more books to where I can make enough income to do it full time and establish my own brand.

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?
David D. Burns, M.D. “Feeling Good”
Stephen Covey “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”
Jack Ma “Never Give Up”
The Harry Potter Series

 

Brian Jung’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Brett Wiens 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve just written the one book so far, On Swift Wings. I am working on a second, a spin-off from the first, currently titled, “The Immortals.”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book is titled, “On Swift Wings.” It is so titled because it was inspired by the classic work by Jonathan Swift, Gulliver’s Travels.

I read that story to my son when he was an infant and while acknowledging that it is certainly a marvellous piece of work, it is three hundred years old. The dominant culture has shifted, technology has changed, and much of the satirical content doesn’t really apply in today’s world. I tried to respect the style and substance of the original in writing On Swift Wings. Things which would be immutable, I did not change. The style is intentionally formal and dry, I hope that readers will see that with the sense of humour I intended. Also, there are some extremely racist (by today’s standards) passages in the book, and I felt an update was merited.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A couple. Apart from the extreme formal style, that some have called archaic. Perhaps the most interesting writing habit is due to the way I wedged writing the book into my spare time. I have a full time job as a data scientist and two young children. Spare time comes at an extreme premium. I bought a bluetooth keyboard and actually wrote the majority of the book on my phone. I would write on the train to and from work, at lunch, or whenever I had a minute or two free.

An unfortunate consequence of writing a 384-page novel on the phone is that my eyes suffered for it and now I have to wear glasses. Small price to pay, I suppose.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Obviously Jonathan Swift. The entire book is based off a world he created three hundred years ago, and I really liked writing in his style. I’m also a big fan of classic writing. I’ve enjoyed Tolstoy, Dickens, Orwell, Dumas, Twain… Getting lost in great works from long ago satisfies literary, geographic, and historical curiosities.

R.A.Salvatore is an author I credit with influencing me a great deal. I bought The Legacy at a school book sale in Junior High and read dozens of Forgotten Realms books as a result. I also really like reading Dr. Seuss to my kids, and if you’re paying attention in the second part of the book in Loogenage, you’ll notice that I dropped a nod in to one of our favourites.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the audio book version of On Swift Wings as well as a second book that spins off of the first called “The Immortals.” I write very slowly and methodically, so one shouldn’t hope to see it out anytime soon, but I’m hoping to get it done eventually.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve tried a lot. I’ve entered and won a bunch of competitions, I’m trying to get my book in front of as many reviewers as possible, and I’ve set up my own website as well. Promotion is tough, and I’m learning something new every day. The book gets great reviews in general, so I’m confident that the right kinds of readers will enjoy it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do your research and follow through. I started out just writing for myself. As I got deeper into the book, I realized that I had something. There are a number of costs involved that I didn’t see up front. Editing, formatting, cover design, promotion. Brace yourself and develop a marketing plan before you publish.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t let a good thing be your handcuffs.

Some background. I was taking engineering in my first year of university and I hated it. It was consuming my life and I wasn’t enjoying any part of it except for playing foosball. I felt trapped though. I had to prove how smart I was, I had to live up to my potential, and I was miserable. It wasn’t until I talked to my dad about it and he told me that he loves me whether I was an engineer or not, and he sort of opened to the door for me to drop engineering and try something different.

I don’t have to prove that I’m smart to anybody, and I can be happier if I don’t let intelligence bind me to do something I don’t enjoy.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading a Dumas novel called “Twenty Years Later.” and a LOT of children’s books.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep plugging away at The Immortals, and try to get the Audio Book finished as soon as possible. I’ve narrated the book now, but editing takes a long time.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A book of matches, a really big notebook (and pencils), and probably a couple big survival books.

If I’m answering the question in the spirit intended. I’d certainly take some classics. Twain and Dumas would be high. I also like to know everything about everything, so I might take an encyclopaedia (if that counts.)

Author Websites and Profiles
Brett Wiens Website
Brett Wiens Amazon Profile

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