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Gabrielle G. 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written 10 books now. It’s a milestone for me. Most are romantic fiction, what I mean is that they are really a mix of fiction and romance. There is a lot going on, lots of emotions, and some love to make you feel better about it all.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sweet is my latest book. I wanted a strong badass heroine who wasn’t pretty bc she self harmed when she was younger but was so strong, so much more than looks. I paired her with the most handsome rockstar I could describe… and then I let them play.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I need a playlist that I play over and over and over until I can’t hear it anymore…

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Contemporary romance authors such as LJ Shen, Emma Scott but also French classics.

What are you working on now?
A new rock star series. 5 brothers and a secret…

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media is a big one, of course. Give give give and sell is my motto. You can’t be always selling. But talk about you, your life, your other passion and you’ll get there eventually.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep going, listen to your voices, find what works for you!!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do not read your reviews on goodreads around release !!!

What are you reading now?
I’m reading a lot of poetry. My latest read is Awakend by Hydrus.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publish some poetry, maybe dab into another genre.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Pablo Neruda’s poems
Dracula
The Iliad and the odyssey

Author Websites and Profiles
Gabrielle G. Website
Gabrielle G. Amazon Profile

Gabrielle G.’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

H. S. Rivney 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing for maybe 40 years now, but until recently all my publications were non fiction. I’ve written technical journals, training manuals, magazine articles, but I keep returning to my love of story crafting.
I have five novels, two novellas, and a prequel published. All are what I call ‘scientific fiction’, an adherence to facts wherever possible, which I hope readers find interesting.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest work is the novel Timeless: Tomorrow is Yesterday. It’s the last in a series that have followed 20 years in the lives of people and aliens surrounding the main character, Captain Thomas Jackson, a seasoned space veteran with integrity, an aversion to blood, and an addiction to over-sweetened coffee.
In Timeless, Jackson finds himself facing a court martial, but winds up in 14th Century France during the Black Plague, quite by accident! He has to walk through fire to get home, but now that he’s stepped in the River of Time, nothing will be the same again.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Around the turn of this century, I resisted switching from a typewriter to a word processor. The main reason was the sound, and the pressure under my fingertips that communicated how I was working. Once I discovered the genuine power of a word processor, primarily the editing ability, the typewriter went to the boneyard.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like American classics, such as Mark Twain, John Steinbeck, Michael Crichton, Jack London, but mostly Isaac Asimov, a prolific science and science fiction author, and founder of the periodical Asimov.

What are you working on now?
I’m putting together the five novels as a set, but also adding more content, such as maps, illustrations, and links to subjects I’ve written about. More novellas will be forthcoming, and I’ll put those into a series set also.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m exclusive with Amazon because so many of my readers are in the Kindle Unlimited program. I try to get the word out there, but I also tell my Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and Fan Mail subscribers when something is on the horizon.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just start writing. Don’t worry about formatting, grammar, punctuation in the beginning. First, get the story written down. You should have the end in mind, then start from the middle, where the story will take it’s biggest turn from this to that.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write every day. Even if it’s 5 minutes or 5 hours. If you’re on a roll, keep going. If it’s not going well, at least you gave it the effort.

What are you reading now?
Congo, by Michael Crichton
I Am Spock, by Leonard Nimoy

What’s next for you as a writer?
A new series, and possibly collaborating with other sci fi authors.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d bring my book “The Self Sufficient Life and How to Live It”, “Black Beauty”, “Huck Finn”, and “Beowulf”. I’ve never been able to get into that last one, and I think it would be a good diversion.

Author Websites and Profiles
H. S. Rivney Website
H. S. Rivney Amazon Profile

Ari Reavis 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a reader of almost anything. Wife and mom to 6 kids. I’ve self-published 6 books, all romances. I have 12 more waiting to be published.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is It Was Always You. It’s an enemy to lover romance. The heroine popped into my head one day, a woman who was hell bent on never being in a committed relationship, let alone with the guy that she couldn’t stand to be around.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I need to have some type of sound when I write. I’ve tried to work in a silent room and cannot focus without the background noise.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Bethany-Kris definitely inspired me to just write what felt right, my story. Plus the couples in her books love each other with unflinching devotion, and I wanted to capture that in my stories as well.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m editing my next book for publication and plotting a paranormal romance.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use twitter, instagram, and facebook to promote my books. I usually see the most interaction with my books on instagram.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write your story, the one that comes to you at night when you’re trying to sleep. Write that one. Those words will come the easiest because they’re already there in your heart, waiting to be written.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You are enough.
Simple, I know, but I think knowing your value and that you, just as you are, is enough, makes all the difference.

What are you reading now?
I just started Illuminae. Jay Kristoff ripped my heart out with the Nevernight Chronicles, so I figured why not get some more of that heartbreak with another series of his.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing a fantasy book I’m really excited about.
Writing more books in different sub-genres of romance.

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?
First of all, how dare you?
1. Always by Bethany-Kris
2. Golden Dynasty by Kristen Ashley
3. Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
4. Red Rising Pierce Brown

Author Websites and Profiles
Ari Reavis Website
Ari Reavis Amazon Profile

Ari Reavis’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Zamil Akhtar 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a fantasy author based in Dubai, though I grew up living between Massachusetts and Saudi Arabia. My degree is in International Relations. I love traveling and horror movies, and I’ve written two books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
When I wrote Gunmetal Gods, I wanted to make a Middle Eastern Game of Thrones. So it’s inspired by Middle Eastern history — in particular the Ottoman Empire. Arabian Nights and the Shahnameh (Persian Book of Kings) are also big inspirations, as is A Song of Ice and Fire, of course.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I write entire scenes as dialog and then fill in all the descriptions later. I feel it helps me avoid writer’s block.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Aside from what I already mentioned, the Dune series is a huge influence. My goal is to create something as profound, vivid, and enchanting as Dune.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on Gunmetal Gods Book #2. It is still in the early stages, so I don’t have much to say about it, but it will be a challenge for me as I’ve never written a series before.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still looking for that best method, to be honest. Facebook seems like a winner, so far.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is going to be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do, so be ready for a ton of mental anguish. It helps to be disciplined, as inspiration can only take you so far.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always use your best ideas on your current work-in-progress, rather than saving them for the next project. You’ll always come up with more ideas when it’s time to write the next book.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan. About half-way through and really enjoying the cool mix of magic and gunpowder.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing, of course! But really, there’s going to be a fair bit of marketing too. I want to take Gunmetal Gods as deep as I can, so I’m going to push for its success with every method there is.

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 it be a tropical island instead?
Dune, Arabian Nights, Hyperion, The God of Small Things

Author Websites and Profiles
Zamil Akhtar Website
Zamil Akhtar Amazon Profile

Zamil Akhtar’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Nisha Mohan 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Am a new author and recently published my first book, ‘An Unforgettable Holiday,’ a contemporary romance and suspense fiction novel via Kindle Direct Publishing.
It’s been close to 3 months now and I have sold close to 250+ copies including sales during Free EBook promotions.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book and only book as of now is ‘An Unforgettable Holiday.’
What inspired me was the fact that reading is forever. Books like ‘Message In The Bottle, ‘The Notebook, The Alchemist’ etc inspired me to become an author and write a compelling story tha will enthrall readers.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think all authors are unusual. They do things differently and creatively which is what makes them so different from those who aren’t authors. I write late into night, thats really when the creative juices flow. (Ps- I M updating the info on your site right now at 12:20am , so you get the point:) )

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Erich Segal, John Grisham, Poulo Coelho.

What are you working on now?
My second book. Shhhh….

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, as an indie author, I think social media is my best bet. I love Amazon Kindle Unlimited as it permits Global presence of your book which is fantastic.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Market your book Nd listen to what your readers and critics are saying. Absorb and learn and incorporate.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do NOT skip professional editing.

What are you reading now?
John Green, The Fault In Our Stars.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A fiction (As of now). My mind is bubbling with ideas ..

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, Message in the e
Bottle and Man Woman Child.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nisha Mohan Amazon Profile

Nisha Mohan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Jim Sweet 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Cambridge, NY about 10 miles from the Vermont border. I grew up in Rhode Island and lived in New England for the first 32 years of my life until moving to the Cambridge area in 2004. I have worked in sales for the past 25 years and have had the opportunity to work and live in Boston, Portland, ME, New York City and Upstate NY during the course of that career. Back To The Front Porch is my first book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Back To The Front Porch is my first book. I tell people it is an advice column to myself. I started writing it to put down on paper the things I should be incorporating into a daily or weekly practice to help slow things down. These practices include yoga, meditation, a gratitude practice, self-compassion, and journaling. I work hard every day to follow my own advice.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I start each day by writing for 20 minutes straight in an online journal. I don’t worry about spelling, punctuation or sentence structure. When I go back to read some of these entries weeks or months later it can be fun to try and translate what I was writing about that morning.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
From about 9th grade to 12 grade I think I read every Stephen King novel that had been published up until then. Over the last couple of years I picked him up again and remembered why I enjoyed him so much in my teens. I have recently been reading poetry by Billy Collins. He has changed my mind about poetry and has inspired me to pick up more books of poems.

What are you working on now?
I am posting on my blog three days a week. I have put a couple of ideas on there for a new book and am waiting to see what kind of feedback I get there.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My book has been out for just over a months so I am flying blind right now. I am spending a lot of time online and in author groups to try and find the best ways to promote the book. I am learning a bunch about book promotion and it has been exciting. So far Facebook seems to be where I am getting most traction.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Being a new author myself, I think the best thing I have done so far is to keep to a daily writing practice in order to not lose sight of my main goal which is to write and challenge myself to be creative every day.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
So far the best advice has been to make sure to get out into the author community. Ask questions, be curious, support other authors. I have found people in the author community to be very supportive and willing to help a new author.

What are you reading now?
I am reading “Lives of The Stoics” by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman. I am also reading a book of poetry by Billy Collins called Aimless Love

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am going to continue to write for my website and promote my current book. I have some ideas for my next book and will work on that as well.

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- Stephen King
Memoirs of a Caddy- David Noonan
A son of the Game- James Dodson

Author Websites and Profiles
Jim Sweet Website
Jim Sweet Amazon Profile

Jim Sweet’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

William Mangieri 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I grew up in Massachusetts, but have spent all my adult life in Texas. My interests in my early days were playing musical instruments, then I shifted to acting, before I decided to go back to college and get a BS in Computer Science, which is the field I spent the last thirty years in. I’m also a karaoke junkie and a former wargamer.
Most everything I’ve written has been short fiction in the speculative fiction genres (sci-fi, fantasy and light horror), and I have around 90 stories out there in the ether, singly and in collections, including two series (Herc Tom, Champion of the Empire & Detective Jimmy Delaney.) I published my first novel last year (Swordsmaster.)

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Let’s go with Swordsmaster, which is my first novel. I actually started writing it in 1979 (did I mention that I’m old?) when I was just playing around. That was a long time ago, so any memory of what inspired it is gone. I stopped writing it after 80 hand-written pages (no PCs then, guys) because a character I really liked was heading to his death, and I didn’t know how to stop it, so I stopped writing. There are four main events in the story that anchored it (Sandrik’s exile, finding the sword, Svaerd’s escape, and the final ritual in Taernfeld), and so the story stayed in the back of my mind all these years.
I didn’t get serious about writing until 2008, and after spending a few years getting used to short fiction, I decided to return to Swordsmaster, and finished it last year (I like advertising it as “A story forty years in the making!”, which either sounds impressive or pathetic, depending on how you look at it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No unusual writing habits, except that I am quite often surprised by where my stories take me (I usually am pleasantly surprised.)

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tolkien, Orson Scott Card and the Twilight Zone (I often see my scenes in classic TV black and white.)

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

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promotion is something I’m not good at – I am just now focusing on learning the tricke of the trade. I publish directly to Amazon and to Smashwords, which then distributes everywhere else.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you want to be an author, you must write, and you must get the story down in rough draft as soon as it occurs to you. Don’t worry about finding the perfect word, or whether you put the comma in the right place until the rough draft is done – THEN you can let your internal editor (I call him my INFERNAL editor) loose to clean things up (but not too much.)

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Heinlein’s Rules:
1. You must write.
2. You must finish what you write.
3. You must refrain from rewriting, except to editorial order.
4. You must put the work on the market.
5. You must keep the work on the market until it is sold.

What are you reading now?
I just finished Patrick Rothfuss’ The Wise Man’s Fear (great fantasy series – if he ever writes the third book), and am reading Jim Butcher’s “Fool Moon” (the second of his Dresden Files.)

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish the rough draft for Swordsmaster’s sequel (working title Swordsmaster: Deception.)

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 going to cheat and pick series – Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, The Wheel of Time, and Ender’s Game.

Author Websites and Profiles
William Mangieri Website
William Mangieri Amazon Profile
William Mangieri Author Profile on Smashwords

William Mangieri’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

V. PAYSON 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
V. K is inspired by minimalism. He’s traveled to 30+ countries with just one bag and has funded his travel with passive income. Because of his success with this lifestyle, he felt qualified to write Side Hustle From Home, a book focused on exactly what it sounds like—making a passive income from anywhere.
V. K lives in France with his ten-year-old dog. He knows that many people are suffering from financial hardship and wish to help others by giving them a hand up in life. He hopes to inspire others to better their situation, consider minimalism, and remember that every day is a chance for a new start—what will you accomplish today?

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Top Side Hustles From Home: 7 Simple, Proven Ideas to Start Your Successful Lifestyle Business From Home Today

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The 4-hour workweek

What are you working on now?
Kindle publishing, Amazon FBA, Alibaba

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Provide as more value as possible as you can
2. Committed to the topic that you have passion on it
3. Do not be a perfectionist

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
less is more

 

Tom Wheeler 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Tom, I am an author of 6 books. I am also a musician, and I head my very own band the Frost. I write books mainly on music.
I Play all kinds of instruments starting with the harmonica, keyboard, drums, guitar, ukulele and so on.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Harmonica For Beginners”.
What inspired me to write this book was to educate those who were looking to learn to play the harmonica. Though there are lots of information online on how to play the harmonica but many of them don’t have value.
This inspired me to write a book on how to play the harmonica once and for all. You won’t have to read other books after reading the book

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really

What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of the book that influenced me was the book titled how to play ukulele in less than 14 days by Jason Clarke, the contents, the style of writing and the information in the book had an influence in me

What are you working on now?
I am working on creating a website where people can learn how to play all kinds of musical instruments

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For now I don’t have any website that promotes my book except awesomegang and so far the site is one the best book promotion site and I will recommend it to those who are looking to promote their books

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I have been an author for 3 years now and throughout that time, I learnt a couple of things;
Write books that adds value to your reader. Take your time to edit every single word in your book. Don’t rush in the writing business or your just going rust out in the end

Don’t focus your mind on the money you will earn after publishing your book. Focus on the value your book is going to give to people, this will help you grow loyal readers. One thing you should understand is that money will come after publishing, but the readers are worth more than every single cent you earn

Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t work well for in the first stage. the journey of a thousand mile begins with a step.
If your a new author and you don’t experience challenges in the first stage then your yet to become an author. Those challenges are what make, they are your testimonies, they are what you can teach to other authors coming after you.

Finally, let your books stand out in a crowd filled with books.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step

What are you reading now?
The complete 2020 origami kit for beg

What’s next for you as a writer?
The complete 2020 origami kit for beginners by blue wave publishing

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?
How to play ukulele like a pro in less than 14 days. By Jason Clarke

Love in the moonlight by Alex Connor

The complete 2020 origami kit for beginners by blue wave publishing

Fighting for love

Author Websites and Profiles
Tom Wheeler Amazon Profile

Susan Ewerdt-Joseph 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a rather new presence on the indie-author circuit. I primarily enjoy writing crime, romance and suspense books. Following retirement from the corporate life, I now find it a privilege to take my readers on excursions from my vivid imagination. I often draw on my over twenty-five years of experience working with incarcerated men inside prison walls, to spin my tales into realistic stories that will captivate and intrigue you. I have written a total of ten books in the past two years. My 2019 releases include four one-hour quick reads:

“Infidelity Forgiven, Once Upon a Rock Star” This is a romance tale aimed at the 20 something crowd. Sarah and Jason experience a heart-breaking split, largely the result of actions by careless friends. The devastation pushes this love-stricken couple into the arms of others. Surprisingly, Sarah’s experience leads her to a deeper understanding of what she really wants from love. While Jason needs a bit more help from his friend to develop the maturity to salvage the relationship he so desperately wants.

“The Scorpion Swindlers” Books one and two. This crime romance series begins in Toronto, with continued adventures in Montreal and Vancouver Canada. In 2020, it crosses the border along with the antagonist during the third and final installment. It encompasses a suspense-filled prison break and trek across the US to locate the young son abandoned by imprisonment. But perhaps it’s really greed and revenge that becomes the true tale here. You be the judge. If you prefer, in 2020 I combined all three of the series quick reads into one book entitled “The Scorpion Swindlers Trilogy”. This is a lively, sexually racy and exciting twist of a series that I’m sure you’ll enjoy. One that was a pure pleasure to write. The challenge for me in this series was traversing the different nuances in cultures and miles to bring it all to it’s shocking conclusion in a small Wisconsin resort town. This book resonates with the 20-60 something age groups.

“Intruder in my Boathouse, Eva’s Story” A crime romance personal favorite of mine, aimed at the 30-60 something age group. An author’s life is invaded by someone, but who and why? Its suspense will have you riveted to the tension-filled end.

My latest releases are lengthier reads, including:

“Dark Edges” Another personal favorite of mine that initiates around a simple weekend wedding. It all should have all been so wonderful, so blissful. Right? Surely not when I’m at the keyboard. The groom’s secrets were far too deep and destructive. But, most assuredly those secrets came bounding in to mess up the lives of those he loved most. Perhaps we’ll even throw his life in the mix of OMG!!! I honestly have to thank an old boyfriend for some of the unbelievable things at play here in this story. As they say, sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. The twists and turns will have you riveted to its unpredictable and unbelievable conclusion.

“Without You, A Reckoning from the Past Comes Calling” One of my husband’s personal favorites. A crime suspense page turner that he couldn’t put down. (And he’s by far been my toughest critic! What else might one expect from a Virgo!) This book is full of lies, deceit, and suspense. These all arise from the private life coverups of a Governor steeped in secrets, the unforgiveable kind of course.

But back to a cleaner, sweeter side of me… I know it’s hard to believe, after reading the majority of my offerings, but I actually have a sweeter side. Earlier I mentioned I primarily enjoy penning crime, romance and suspense books. However, given my background in social work, I would feel remiss without including some children’s and young adult books. My aim here is to deliver fun books that build character in our precious young population. Under my pen name S.E. Joseph, I have written two books. Beaubry’s Tales, The Complete Book is the first. It’s one of my treasured 2020 Young Adult releases. It’s a compilation I wish would have been available to me, when I was growing up. It delivers in an adorable and understanding manner just how the Universe works in terms of our lives and the twelve spiritual laws affecting us all. Each law is featured in a separate, easy to understand, everyday story, as experienced by the array of animals personified in the tale. The laws are principles that help our youth to both understand and change their lives into the kinds of lives we all wish for them. The second book is noted below.

My background includes cum laude graduation from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. I have resided in both the USA and Canada. I, along with my husband Ralph, now reside in Southeastern Wisconsin. Together we love traveling, gaming, reading, cooking, family, friends and somedays, when our games are good enough, even golf.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Most recently, I teamed up under the pen name of S.E. Joseph with my husband, Ralph R. Joseph, to write “The Magic Element, A Halloween Story”. It’s a 2020 release just in time for the holiday. The quick read depicts a family experiencing a rather unusual gift from the Universe. The book takes on a fun holiday theme to show that kindness really does matter in this world. The inspiration behind this book was a Halloween prop Ralph and I picked up at a local craft store one day as Halloween décor for a party. The holiday themed typewriter we bought actually became “The Element” depicted in the story. As we both looked at the strange thing, it just seemed right to make it into a story somehow. So, I began typing out the tale that popped into my head, and Ralph added to it until it became the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure it’s that unusual, but my imagination seems to soar when I walk into my office and open all of my blinds to the outside world. My office is comprised of three walls of windows, all looking out at nature. So, be it spring, summer fall or winter, you’ll get a vision of exactly what I see, as back drop to whatever I’m writing. Oh, and a cup of piping hot java with cream and monk fruit, or a cold bottle of pineapple Karma water doesn’t hurt either.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was charmed by Susan Trott’s books on “The Holy Man.” I love to laugh, so I’ve found books by the late Erma Bombeck to be thoroughly enjoyable. I simply can’t get enough of anything written by British author Jed Mercurio.

What are you working on now?
I’m in between works right now, but foresee starting a new crime-suspense book shortly.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m just a newbie here, so I’m really in the trial stages. We’ve run some things on Pinterest and on my husband’s LinkedIn accounts that have gotten some traction. Amazon.com and Goodreads have also been helpful in getting noticed.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Sure, don’t wait until retirement to pen your brilliant ideas. Almost every budding author has an extra hour or two a week to begin the journey. Do it now, and know you can’t neglect the marketing strategies that will get that brilliance noticed. My undying gratitude to Awesome Gang for its impact on getting us out there!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To me the best advice is certainly a dynamic experience, contingent on just where a person is at the moment. As I’m writing this, I can’t help but state the obvious. “Wear a mask, social distance and wash your hands often. These things really do save lives!” A general bit of advice I adore is, “Always be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle you know nothing about.”

What are you reading now?
I am re-enjoying an old NYT best-seller by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. entitled “Kitchen Table Wisdom”. I’ve forgotten just how much I LOVE this book. It reminds me so much of the many, many times my seven siblings and I sat around our dining room table on a Saturday morning, listening to my mother’s wise and hilarious stories about her highly unusual life.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My hope is for more inspirational and intriguing stories to pop into my imagination.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Oh no! Not the dreaded desert island scenario! Well okay if you’re going to Gilligan’s Island me, that would be easy! “The Boy Who Saw True” by Anonymous. This one’s to keep the pure joy alive in my heart long after I’ve done all of the swimming I probably want to do in a lifetime. “Journey through the Text of A Course in Miracles” by Kenneth Wapnick. This is the body of work I really need to try to understand and bring about in this lifetime of mine. The late author seems like one of only a very small number of souls that even appear to understand what the rest of us simply don’t. “How to Survive on a Desert Island” by Jim Pipe. I figure I need something to change the overwhelming odds to my favor, as I’m really kind of a girly-girl that wants no part of this! In truth, I’m hoping the book will keep me alive long enough for Tarzan to swoop down out of a tree on a rope and save me. “Oh S**t” I guess my chances are pretty slim here, since he and his descendants had to be FICTION! Non-fiction Bear Grylls is probably too busy in Hollywood to be of any use to me. (Sigh) And now, when the chips have all fallen, yes, it’s down to this, “Tyler’s Ultimate” by Chef Tyler Florence. This is so I can remember all of those wonderful meals I used to have, before the inevitable likely happens to me… “But wait! Look over there! I must have manifested a miracle!” It’s Bear Grylls landing a sea plane right here in the lagoon. He seems to be looking for his next location site! “Oh, Bear! Over here!!! I’ve been sitting here hoping you might pop by. I’m a real fan! (Not exactly, but I’ll sure be one after this). I don’t know how I did it, but somehow, I got myself stranded on this island. I think it was that “Gang” that did it to me! Anyway, do you think I can hitch a ride back with you? I have a long overdue appointment with my stylist to take care of this tragic hair. (You know the tropical humidity can be just wicked on hair.) Oh thanks so much and cheers! I’ve somehow seemed to have smuggled a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue along with the books. If my charm doesn’t get you, maybe the scotch will.”

Author Websites and Profiles
Susan Ewerdt-Joseph Website
Susan Ewerdt-Joseph Amazon Profile

Susan Ewerdt-Joseph’s Social Media Links
Pinterest Account

Ralph Joseph 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a brand-new indie author just beginning my exciting adventure in the role of writer and story teller.

In my early years I was a voracious reader. I would read just about anything I could get my hands on, particularly science fiction. I remember reading Isaac Asimov’s “Foundation” trilogy and being completely engrossed by the story telling. Then on to Ray Bradbury’s novel “Fahrenheit 451”, about a future dystopian society where firemen were dispatched to burn banned books. More recently I have had the pleasure to read the Harry Bosch series of Detective novels by Michael Connelly as well as the action-packed Mitch Rapp novels by the late Vince Flynn.

The art of good story-telling has always been an experience that has filled me with incredible joy and awe. This type of story-telling has given me the opportunity to enter into new worlds and experiences created by the author. I want to transport the reader from the “hum drum” of ordinary life to an elevated plane of existence. This type of desire is exactly what has made me want to pursue writing. And now, I have been given the opportunity.

As for my background, I am an Electrical Engineer by education and training. I hold both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in that engineering discipline. During my career I have worked for a number of Fortune 500 companies in various engineering and leadership capacities. Now I am looking forward to taking my engineering/technical knowledge coupled with my passion for writing science fiction and merging them into some exciting reads.

I have resided in both Canada and the U.S. I now make my home in Wisconsin with my beautiful wife.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a science fiction/crime novel called the “Rise of the Familia Umbra”.

The novel is set in a 2250 Los Angeles. But this Los Angeles is unlike any you would know. The Earth has been devastated by a cataclysmic global war. A number of the major cities have been able to escape the planet’s surface through the use of new technology. Los Angeles is now a city that is part of a Federation of Cities that employ anti-gravity technology to allow them to hover safely above the surface of the Earth.

Recently there has been an increased incidence of serious criminal activity within Los Angeles. A psychic assault. A murder. An abduction. Crimes that threaten to de-stabilize and overthrow the current government of Los Angeles. And even the Federation.

Detective Vince O’Neill of the LAPD has been assigned to investigate these crimes, but is this more than the young detective can handle? The investigation leads Vince to uncover the sheer darkness of an ancient criminal organization. An organization that has been lurking in the underworld since the cataclysmic world war which devastated Earth.

Ultimately the trail leads to the supposedly lifeless surface of the planet. No Federation citizen has set foot on the surface in nearly a century. Vince and his team must get to the surface before it is too late.

The inspiration for this novel came from reading the many Harry Bosch novels by Michael Connelly. I wanted to carry aspects of an action-packed, suspense filled detective novel into a futuristic science fiction setting.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My preference in writing is to set aside time in which I will be uninterrupted and able to focus.

I like to pop in my earbuds and listen to my favorite music from my smart phone. I find this helpful in getting me in the mood to write. It also helps in reducing distractions.

The other thing I like to do is to rough out the outline of my story. To date I have been using a Composition Book to write down ideas and thoughts for how I want the story to flow. I do this before I begin writing anything. Now that’s not to say that I have the story completely outlined. Many times I will outline the story in incremental chunks.

I also like to carry out research on certain aspects of the story using the Internet and in particular Wikipedia.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In the science fiction genre, I have been influenced by Isaac Asimov with his “Foundation” trilogy and his Robot series of novels. Arthur C. Clarke and Robert Heinlein have also been great influences with “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Starship Troopers” respectively.

I have very much enjoyed reading Harry Turtledove’s alternate history novels. His World War series details an alien invasion of Earth during the 2nd World War which significantly alters its trajectory and mankind’s future.

I was also influenced by the writings of Michael Connelly and the Harry Bosch Detective novels. These novels are set in LA and follow the tough and gritty LAPD Detective Harry Bosch.

What are you working on now?
I am working on my next installment of the Detective O’Neill series, picking up where my last book the Rise of the Familia Umbra concluded.

I am hoping to have this next release out in the spring of 2021.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have to confess, that as a new author I am still in the early phases of promoting my books.

During my career as an Engineer I have had a presence on the LinkedIn social media site. I have posted the release of my new book on some Author and Literary Writing groups that I joined. This promotion on LinkedIn has provided some good feedback and sales. I also have a presence on Pinterest that I am trying to further develop.

Additionally, I have been following Dave Chesson – The Kindlepreneur, on his site and on YouTube. He provides a lot of free information to new indie authors on writing and promoting their books. In fact, it was the Kindlepreneur that directed me to the AwesomeGang.com book promotion site. He gave it high marks as a great book promotion site.

I very much appreciate the opportunity to have my new book promoted on AwesomeGang.com.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start writing early. Try to set aside some time each day to do some writing.

Establish your presence early on 2-3 key social media sites to promote yourself and your books.

Also, take time to research and develop a plan for how you will promote and market your books.

Consider creating an LLC for your writing business. This will help you protect your personal assets and allow you to take some tax deductions for your business. It is pretty easy and inexpensive to form an LLC in most states.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I am a big fan of Stephen Covey’s – “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. One of those habits states that you should “Always start with the end in mind.” What that means is that you should understand where you are going and what that end destination looks like. So, what I am saying is, that you need to define your end goal and then begin putting plans in place to achieve that goal.

The other advice I have is that you should always be reading a new book or novel. Reading other people’s works will provide inspiration and stir your imagination. It will help you become a better writer.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading a science fiction novel by Isaac Asimov entitled “The Gods Themselves”

I have also had the opportunity to re-read the original Foundation trilogy that Isaac Asimov wrote. I am looking forward to reading some of the prequel and sequel Foundation novels that Isaac Asimov wrote later in his life.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My immediate priority is the completion of my Detective Vince O’Neill science fiction/crime series of novels.

Further, once this COVID-19 pandemic is under control, I am hoping to do some travelling. I would very much like to attend some conventions/conferences for science fiction writers. Love to meet other authors of the genre and exchange ideas.

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?
Taking only 3 to 4 books would force me to make some really tough decisions. So, I am going to have to cheat a little.

I would have to take the entire “Federation” series by Isaac Asimov, treating that as one entire book. As for something more recent, I would take “The Martian” by Andy Weir.

Then I would definitely have to take some Harry Bosch Detective novels by Michael Connelly, perhaps “The Black Echo” or “The Concrete Blonde”.

And finally, something to keep me laughing and in high spirits until rescue occurs from this desert island, would be the book “The Ultimate Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ralph Joseph Amazon Profile

Ralph Joseph’s Social Media Links
Pinterest Account

J B Glazer 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve always been an avid reader and love nothing more than getting lost in a good book. Romance is my favorite genre because I like a guaranteed happily ever after. Real life is filled with plenty of challenges, so for me it’s a brief escape. That’s my goal when I write: to take readers along a journey and away from the stresses of daily life. I hope after they read one of my books they’ll feel a newfound sense of optimism.

I believe in writing books about real characters who are aspirational but attainable. And I’m a big fan of dramatic happy endings. I won’t write a book that doesn’t have one. I’ve written five books so far with many more planned. I have lots of ideas in my head, now I just need to get them down on paper!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Into the Fire, part of The Elements series. I started with the idea that Fire, Light and Water are three of Earth’s key elements. They are beautiful and powerful forces of nature, each with their own unique properties. Just like love, when they come together, there is no stopping them. In the Lost & Found series, Lucy Chalmers plans the dream wedding of Veronica Clayton and Rob Ashford. I thought it would be interesting to give them a backstory, so they provided the inspiration for Into the Fire.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say there’s anything particularly unusual. I do most of my writing at night. There’s just something about the atmosphere I find more inspiring. And I always have a notebook on hand to jot down thoughts as they come to me. Often times I use old school notebooks from my kids. I’m an avid recycler and I hate that they come home at the end of the year with so many pages unfilled. Rather than throw them away I reuse them.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of my favorite authors is Colleen Hoover. I love that her stories are relatable and full of heart, which is what I strive for. I’ve enjoyed every single one of her novels. She never fails to deliver and serves as a reminder to never settle and only put out books I love and would want to read. I’m also a big fan of J Kenner’s romances. The Stark series in particular was hot and very addictive. My books do include some heat, so I try to channel her when I need to get into that mindset.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the next book in The Elements series. This is a three part series of which I’ve completed one book. I always debate if I should hold off and release them all at once, but I get too excited once I finish a manuscript that I can’t wait. Into the Fire is available and I’ve completed about 8,000 words for Into the Light. So I still have a ways to go. Readers will be glad to hear there are no cliffhangers, so I figured it’s OK to leave a bit of time in between.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like reaching out to my readers first and foremost. I have an email list where I provide exclusive deals or updates and I also leverage my Facebook page. Facebook is my favorite because it gives me an opportunity to interact with people and respond to questions or comments. I do have a blog on my website, but that often feels like a one-sided conversation.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Remember why you started writing in the first place. Sometimes I think writing is the easiest part. It can get overwhelming having to then market your book. Many writers are introverts by nature, so the thought of having to go out and sell is very unappealing. It’s also terrifying putting your words out into the world to be judged and can be discouraging at times. But if you love writing, it’s all worth it in the end. I think publishing a novel is an accomplishment to be celebrated, whether you’ve written 1 or 10.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep reading while you’re writing. It sounds simple enough, but as an author I often find inspiration from other books. In many industries you constantly need to study your craft, so as an author I try to absorb as many books as I can.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading Regretting You by Colleen Hoover. As I said, she’s one of my faves and a go to author when I’m not sure what to read.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My hope is to complete books 2 and 3 in The Elements series by the end of 2021. Next up I have two standalone books in mind. My standalones have featured characters from the same friend group, so I try to highlight each one. For those of you familiar with Lexi’s inner circle, Emily and Sydney are next.

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, that’s a tough one.

1. Jemima J by Jane Green. I read the book so long ago, but it’s one that still stands out to me and has a place in my heart as one of my all time favorites.
2. Twilight by Stephanie Meyers. I loved this series and the movies. I have the books on my shelf ready and waiting for when my daughter is old enough to read them.
3. Confess by Colleen Hoover. I don’t often give books 5 stars. I hold out for the ones I really love. This is among them.
4. Out in the Open, my first book. It made the list because it’s a reminder that when you put your mind to something you can accomplish your dreams.

Author Websites and Profiles
J B Glazer Website
J B Glazer Amazon Profile
J B Glazer Author Profile on Smashwords

J B Glazer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Christopher Manske 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The Prepared Investor is my first book. I’m a finance professional with a military background that began at the United States Military Academy at West Point. My firm, Manske Wealth Management, is responsible for almost half a billion dollars for individuals and institutions all over the world. I have been praised, published, or quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, Financial Advisor Magazine, and more. Outside finance, I enjoy history and recently completed an award-winning restoration of a downtown building originally built in 1910. I’m also a big fan of the works of Thomas Cole, particularly The Course Of Empire

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I wanted to offer worried investors, finance professionals, members of the FIRE movement, and entrepreneurs some specific strategies to stop patterns of avoidance, passivity, and wait-and-see behavior that is normal in the investing world during crisis. My book outlines how to protect and grow an investment portfolio in the face of major crisis and I explore why some crises affect the stock market more than others. I ask, “Does it make sense that Wall Street reacts to every single crisis in exactly the same way,” because the true story of crisis investing is more proactive –and a lot more optimistic –than it seems on the surface. We can protect and grow our net worth in the face of calamity by understanding how different types of crises affect the markets. Like the book, Outliers showed a different way to look at success and Nine Lies About Work turned the establishment upside down on leadership and teams, I really wanted to offer new perspective and decisively demonstrate that society’s reaction to crisis is surprisingly predictable. In making this pattern clear, I hope my book offers a compelling approach to maximizing investment portfolios despite tomorrow’s uncertainty. Wall Street has the same response to every type of major crisis: stay the course, don’t make changes, we’ll get through this together. The Prepared Investor asks readers if that all-or-nothing approach might serve Wall Street more than Main Street.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am at my best in the early hours, fresh, ready to go!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve drawn inspiration from Peggy Noonan, Malcolm Gladwell, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Jordan B. Peterson, Oprah Winfrey, and Warren Buffet.

What are you working on now?
My book launch – The Prepared Investor is available online wherever books are sold!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like Amazon but I’ve also got my own website which is easy to find if you Google “christopher manske” or “the prepared investor.”

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I strongly urge new authors to attend at least two major writer’s conferences. I’ve gone to a number of them and, each time, I’ve always learned something new.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t let what you want right this minute keep you from what you really want.

What are you reading now?
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d really like to attend writer’s conferences again, but this time as a speaker so that I can share my journey and help 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?
Besides survival guides? I’d enjoy escaping with as many Mistborn books as possible from Brandon Sanderson.

Author Websites and Profiles
Christopher Manske Website
Christopher Manske Amazon Profile

Christopher Manske’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Denise Major-Dodge 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written one book so far of what I plan to be a 5 book series. Currently published and ready for purchase is “The Conduit: Healing.” I just finished the first draft of book two which is being reviewed by my beta readers at the moment. I expect to have it published and ready for purchase by the end of November 2020.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Conduit: Healing” is about a Filipina-American woman who meets her spirit guide during a meditation. She finds out she comes from a long line of Babaylan (Filipino Shamans). I was inspired to write this book from my own decolonization process. I started trying to decolonize my emotional mind when the COVID-19 Pandemic started. I had nothing but time on my hands and I wanted to use it to do some deep emotional work.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure what is usual and unusual in the writing world. My writing habits consist of joining my writing sprints group and trying to maintain consistent practices. I always have a drink and a snack nearby, so I won’t be tempted to leave my desk and look for food. My writing sprints group writes for 20 minutes and breaks for 10 minutes. I use those 10 minutes to stretch, drink, eat, and chat with the other writers.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest influence comes from Paulo Coehlo. He is also a Visionary/Metaphysical author and while our writing style is drastically different, it was his books that inspired me to go for it.

What are you working on now?
I am prepping for NaNoWriMo where I’ll be writing Book three of my “The Conduit” series during the month of November. I am a “plantser” so I am getting my plot written and constructed so that November 1st I can hit the ground running and just write.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am such a new writer at this moment that I am still trying to figure that out. At the moment, I get a lot of response on Instagram.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write it. It’s good to plot and plan, but eventually you need to just sit down and do it. Surrender to the process. If you are the type of person who needs a community, I recommend finding a sprint-writing group. There are many on Facebook, YouTube, and Discord. There is a story in you that only you can tell; get it out there!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Be disciplined.” Everything else can be learned. There are endless classes, books, and blog articles on writing, publishing, and plotting, but the only way to learn discipline is to enforce it on yourself.

What are you reading now?
“The One Hour Content Plan” by Meera Kothand. I write fiction but read more non-fiction. I am always reading books that will teach me new skills and give me new perspectives.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to finish my “The Conduit” five book series by the middle of 2021. That is really where all my focus is. I have a few ideas about the next series I want to write, but I haven’t fully outlined it yet. I like to focus on one idea at a time, so right now my focus is seeing this series to the end.

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?
Bush Craft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival, Primitive Technology, The Trappers Bible, and Survival Hacks.
I’m the type of person if I know I’m going to be stranded on a deserted island, then I’m going to bring books that will give me information I need to survive. The act of surviving will be enough to keep me preoccupied.

Author Websites and Profiles
Denise Major-Dodge Website
Denise Major-Dodge Amazon Profile

Denise Major-Dodge’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Victor Ehighaleh 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Victor Ehighaleh is a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He is also a biochemist, business coach and a multi-talented writer who is interested in global peace. He has written sixteen (16) books in the following genres:
Motivational & Inspirational
Short Stories
Novel (Debut: The Creeping Palms)
Poetry
Christian/Religion.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Get Rid Of Wickedness.
The need to help all those who are daily afflicted by the kingdom of darkness inspired the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No. My writings are inspired.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Joel Austin, Prof. Niyi Osundare, etc.
Purple Hibiscus, Purpose Driven Life, The Bible, etc.

What are you working on now?
Christian Book.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is a long distance race. You need to keep working at it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Success does not come easy. You’ll need to keep working at it.

What are you reading now?
A Novel.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Constantly updating my knowledge.

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, The Salt Value in You, The Creeping Palms, Open Heavens Devotional.

Author Websites and Profiles
Victor Ehighaleh Website
Victor Ehighaleh Amazon Profile
Victor Ehighaleh Author Profile on Smashwords

Victor Ehighaleh’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Victor Ehighaleh 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Victor Ehighaleh is a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He is also a biochemist, business coach and a multi-talented writer who is interested in global peace. He has written sixteen (16) books in the following genres:
Motivational & Inspirational
Short Stories
Novel (Debut: The Creeping Palms)
Poetry
Christian/Religion.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Get Rid Of Wickedness.
The need to help all those who are daily afflicted by the kingdom of darkness inspired the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No. My writings are inspired.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Joel Austin, Prof. Niyi Osundare, etc.
Purple Hibiscus, Purpose Driven Life, The Bible, etc.

What are you working on now?
Christian Book.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is a long distance race. You need to keep working at it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Success does not come easy. You’ll need to keep working at it.

What are you reading now?
A Novel.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Constantly updating my knowledge.

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, The Salt Value in You, The Creeping Palms, Open Heavens Devotional.

Author Websites and Profiles
Victor Ehighaleh Website
Victor Ehighaleh Amazon Profile
Victor Ehighaleh Author Profile on Smashwords

Victor Ehighaleh’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Justin ` Dew 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Justin Dew, and I’m a graphic designer. I have two cats, and I enjoy cosplay and photography.
The Voice in His Head is my Debut Novel. I’m currently writing the sequel. I have three books that I’ve written before, but those are old shame, and will likely never see the light of day.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Voice in His Head was inspired by a few things. The first was my love of fantasy like the Dresden Files and the Magicians. I was always interested in World War II, and the Aether Cycle is a way to let me explore that setting.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really? I typically don’t write entire chapters at once. Usually they’re written scene by scene on my phone. I have ADD and sometimes its hard to focus while I’m just sitting on my laptop and then I compile the chapter in Google Docs and go from there.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, gosh. This is a *loaded question* My first forays into Fantasy were The Lord of The Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia, but I’m a huge fan of the Magicians by Lev Grossman. He writes about how magic *is* pain, and I can see that. I’m also influenced by urban fantasy writers like Jim Butcher, Kim Harrison, and Carrie Vaughn. But I’ve read hundreds, if not thousands of novels, and each one has influenced me a certain way.

What are you working on now?
When I’m not working, I’m marketing The Voice in His Head, and I’m working on it’s sequel, The Three Queens.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Reddit has really helped my sales, and I’m extensively advertised through Facebook. Facebook is my social media platform of choice.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write! Even when you think it’s garbage, write. Journal. Express yourself. You’re writing a novel, but you’re also painting a picture. You can always fix mistakes.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Butt in Chair, Hands on Keyboard, and show don’t tell.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m working through Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully the New York Times Bestseller list, followed by an Amazon adaptation. All jokes aside, I’m working on the sequel to the Voice in His Head.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
This would be a tough one, but I’d bring books that dealt with survival. Outdoorsy I am not.

Author Websites and Profiles
Justin ` Dew Website
Justin ` Dew Amazon Profile

Justin ` Dew’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Jane Stoller 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I self-published in 2016 Organizing For Your Lifestyle: Adaptable Inspirations from Socks to Suitcases and in November 2019 released Decluttering for Dummies (Wiley Publishing).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a part of the well-known Dummies brand, therefore the title had to include this. Since I am a decluttering expert, the title, Decluttering for Dummies, is very fitting.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing too unusual but I get my best writing done between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to list! Mostly self-help authors that have the ability to help you believe in yourself. Jen Sincero’s, ‘You are a Bad Ass’ was a game changer. I also started writing my book after reading Nicole Lapin’s ‘Ritch Bitch,’ as I wanted to be just like her.

What are you working on now?
I am working on my next book! The proposal is currently being pitched to publishers and it is a slightly more professional tone in keeping with my main impact which is my 6-week accelerator course to help entrepreneurs organize the back end of their business.

The book will revolve around a solution to a glaring gap at the intersection of industries: a simple, approachable how-to formula that breaks down research, time-tested processes and experience- backed insight into one clear core method proven to help my audience do more in less time by decreasing their clutter while increasing your bottom line.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Email lists are key, and of course social media. For me, Instagram and YouTube receive the most traction.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing a book is hard work. I remember after my first one I said I would never do it again, and here I am, writing for my third!

I always stress that you don’t need to quit your full-time job, as the more time you have to write the less you actually write…
My schedule is slightly hectic. Needless to say, I am busy! And amongst all of these projects, I still managed to write a book.
Clearing your schedule is not a requisite for writing a book—being efficient, however, is.

It’s all about time management. Learn how to effectively manage your calendar, batch your tasks, and prioritize your to-dos.

-Dedicate time daily:
This one is straightforward. To write a book, you need to write. Simply schedule one hour a day to write—no need to set aside an entire day or week.

When I was writing my book, I had very tight deadlines so I dedicated two hours daily to writing, six days a week. I would always write between 9-11 p.m. For some reason, my writing flowed at this time, and it’s also when I have fewer distractions. Find a time that works for you.

-Use a timecube:
This is a little hack that I have found so helpful. Seriously, this cube keeps me on track. I don’t know what it is – something about the number staring at me keeps me focused on the task at hand until it beeps. https://www.organizedjane.com/shop-2/time-cube

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Progress vs. perfection

What are you reading now?
The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing to help women entrepreneurs get their business organized by sharing my advice in my books, courses, one-on-one consulting, keynote speeches, and on my online platforms.

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?
Hardest question ever!
-Some sort of cookbook for the wilderness so I could learn how to survive
-Skin Cleanse: The Simple, All-Natural Program for Clear, Calm, Happy skin by Adina Grigore… so I could make my own skincare on the island.
-Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers by Tim Ferriss …this book is so big but filled with great stories of brilliant people.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jane Stoller Website
Jane Stoller Amazon Profile

Jane Stoller’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

James Rudd 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written four other books about personal finance. I love to help people understand money especially during these times of economic hardship. It brings me joy to see the (a-ha) moment when someone finally gets it about the money question that has been in in their mind for a while.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is called Unlocking The Secrets of Debt, Saving, and Investing Money: Your Ultimate Guide To Money Strategies. This book inspired me because in this book I share some of my personal journeys and experiences which I hope will motivate the reader to take make their own action plan and stick with it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I get writers block and I have noticed the way to get over that is to let your mind be creative and then let your keyboard do the rest of the typing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Some authors that have inspired me is Robert Kiyosaki, Dave Ramsey, and Mike Maloney.

What are you working on now?
I am working on marketing my new book Unlocking The Secrets of Debt, Saving, and Investing Money: Your Ultimate Guide To Money Strategies.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Look at Fiverr for help promoting your book. Get the word out there, you have a product that will help people and it is up to you to share it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Sometimes writing and then editing a book can time consuming or you just do not have the time to write where you left off. It is very important to set aside a certain amount of time to finish what you completed. Never give up and keep moving forward. Stay Motivated.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never lose your Faith in God form my Dad.

What are you reading now?
I am going to start the book Wild at Heart by John Elderidge.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am going to be writing another book about entrepreneurship that I believe will help people understand more about business.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A survival guide/book. A book on how to hunt. A book on how to make shelter’s. A book on what plants are edible.

Author Websites and Profiles
James Rudd Amazon Profile

C. L. Hoang 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an immigrant from Vietnam and an electronic engineer by training, with eleven patents to my name. I write about the Vietnam War and the long-lasting impact it had on people, both Vietnamese and American.
I’ve written three books: “Once upon a Mulberry Field,” an award-winning story of love, loss, and redemption, from the Vietnam War; “Rain Falling on Tamarind Trees,” an illustrated travelogue of my 2016 trip to Vietnam and a former Amazon #1 New Release in Vietnam travel guides; and “In the Shadow of Green Bamboos,” a collection of short stories about survivors of the war.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest publication is a collection of remarkable tales of love and hope, resilience and survival, from the Vietnam War, titled “In the Shadow of Green Bamboos.”
It is a series of snapshots in the lives of a cross-section of people, Vietnamese and American, whose worlds were torn asunder by the Vietnam War. These captured moments, ordinary though they may seem, reveal the blessings of love and hope in the course of everyday life. The stories they tell also stand as testaments to the resilience and courage of survivors struggling to rebuild from the ashes of war.
The book will be out on Friday October 23, 2020, and will be available on all online bookstores, in paperback, eBook (mobi and epub), and audiobook.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I’m writing a new book, my mind is completely absorbed in the task at hand. Sometimes a thought would occur to me in the middle of the night, and I would get up to jot it down lest I forget it by the time the morning comes. That’s the reason I always keep a notebook and a pen by my bedside.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many great writers out there, both from past and current years. But I’ve always been a great fan of such Old Masters as Ernest Hemingway, Somerset W. Maugham, John Cheever, James A. Michener.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently 100% focused on launching my new book “In the Shadow of Green Bamboos,” which will be released on Friday October 23, 2020.
Also, this is the first time I’ve been involved with the production of an audiobook, so it’s been great fun and really exciting. Always something new to learn.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to get the word out to potential readers through websites such as Awesome Gang, which by the way renders invaluable service to relatively new authors like myself. You all provide a wonderful platform where readers and authors can discover each other.
I also do a blog about writing/publishing as well as history and travel on my website http://mulberryfieldsforever.com. Goodreads and social media also serve as great venues to reach my readers and keep them abreast about new development with my books (new releases, discount sales, contests etc.).

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find joy and purpose in your writing, and keep your nose to the grindstone!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you want to read.

What are you reading now?
An old cozy mystery by Martha Grimes, called “The Old Contemptibles.” This is after I’ve just finished “Prince of Tides” by Pat Conroy and “Midwives” by Chris Bohjalian.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve done a novel, a travelogue, and short stories, so I think I’d like to explore another format. Perhaps a memoir of my early days as a newly arrived immigrant in America?
But first thing first. I just need to get “In the Shadow of Green Bamboos” into the hands of readers first. That effort alone will keep me fully occupied for the next several months.

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?
“Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell;
“All Creatures Great and Small” by James Herriot;
“The Eight Wilderness-Discovery Books” By John Muir.

Author Websites and Profiles
C. L. Hoang Website
C. L. Hoang Amazon Profile
C. L. Hoang Author Profile on Smashwords

C. L. Hoang’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

T W Smith 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am fascinated with what scares people. I equate it with comfort food. Some people crave potato chips. Others seek solace in a bowl of ice cream. Give me a comfortable couch and a classic movie like John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN, or a well-worn Stephen King paperback, and I am in heaven. It’s my CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL.
After the publication of my short story NOT FAR FROM HERE (in Peter Straub’s GHOSTS anthology, 1995), I was sidelined into the workforce by familial and financial obligations—resulting in various jobs including a five-year tenure with (the sorely missed) Borders bookstore chain.
I live in northern Georgia, with my husband, my mother-in-law, and our pets.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
THE DEAD NEXT DOOR, is an homage to my favorite novel, I AM LEGEND, by Richard Matheson. Instead of vampires, it’s zombies—but the motif is still there… what would an average guy do alone in a world of the dead?
Will is not the gun-toting military type. He’s an ordinary man trapped in the most extraordinary of situations: a zombie apocalypse. His lakeside neighborhood has become one gigantic haunted house, the many doors of which he must enter to get the tools he needs to survive. Can Will adapt in this world where the rules have changed… permanently?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I suspect many do this, but when re-writing and polishing, I read the novel aloud so I can hear the cadence and flow.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
A lot. Joe Lansdale immediately comes to mind. Armistead Maupin’s TALES OF THE CITY books sing to me. Stephen King is an immense talent and I am jealous of Anne Rice’s prose. Also David Sedaris, Robert McCammon, Richard Matheson, Clive Barker, Flanner O’ Connor, James Baldwin, Truman Capote, and Harlan Ellison. Really, it’s countless… this is just the top layer.

What are you working on now?
I am working on UNTITLED (Will to Live Book 2)… the further adventures of Will Rutledge in the Zombie Apocalypse.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is all relatively new to me. But I have been overwhelmed with the positive support of several folks I have met via Facebook zombie/apocalyptic fiction groups. So, I will probably promote on Facebook for sure.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what YOU like… what YOU want to read. You will find that there are many others out there who will want to read it too. Fall in love with your characters and others will too. The story will develop from your characters, you can plot a little… but once your characters come to life, they’re going to tell you where to go.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write with the door closed. Rewrite with the door open. –Stephen King

What are you reading now?
The Reddening by Adam Nevill

What’s next for you as a writer?
I write under 2 pen names, Timothy Warren (m/m romance) and T.W. Smith (horror). I have published the 1 novel as TW, and 2 as Timothy Warren. I am currently hard at work on future entries in BOTH series.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
THE STAND by Stephen King. I AM LEGEND by Richard Matheson. TALES OF THE CITY by Armistead Maupin. INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE by Anne Rice. GIOVANNI’S ROOM by James Baldwin. If I could take a series of books, I would take TALES OF THE CITY (Maupin) and THE DARK TOWER (King). Wait! What about OTHER VOICES, OTHER ROOMS (Capote) and A GOOD MAN IS HARD TO FIND (O’Connor)? This is impossible!

Author Websites and Profiles
T W Smith Website
T W Smith Amazon Profile

T W Smith’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Manasi Singh 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a lawyer by profession, and an author by passion. I write fiction primarily. I have written 1 book so far, and am in the process of writing 3 more.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is titled “As Fates Would Have It”. It is a story about Death, and how each one of us has a subconscious desire to remain immortal, but we often forget that mortality is what makes us human. The concept of the book revolves around how one would think if they already knew their date of death. Would they use it for closure, or to cheat their way out of it?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a habit of writing only at night. I cannot write during the day. Oh, and also, I usually reward myself with a chocolate brownie once I have achieved a milestone in my writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Since my first one is semi-dystopian, I think I can say that Suzanne Collins, Veronica Roth, even Rick Riordan, have been an inspiration to me. From their style of narration to their techniques, it has all been a pleasure to observe.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on one more supernatural thriller, and one romance. I hope to release both of them within 6 months.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I believe organic growth is important. Genuine websites like awesomegang, who have genuine readers, is a great way to widen the reach of your book. I also put it up on my social media accounts, all of which are under the name “The Vanilla Writer”, which helps people who like my work keep track of it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just start. The biggest hurdle is when you think “What if nobody likes it? What would I write about? How do I end it?”
No. Don’t let these thoughts weigh you down. Just start, and the story will come to you. You will make it, at the end of the day.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Everything that walks into your life either comes in as a source of happiness, or a lesson. Either way, you are growing.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading “Green River Blend” by Armand Rosamilia. It is another book by an indie author, and has been really interesting so far.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to continue writing, and publishing, and hopefully having an audience that loves my work and waits for my releases the way I wait for some of my favorite 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?
That is a tough one! I would probably say Merchant of Venice for my love for some old-school writing, Harry Potter for some comfort read, Palace of Illusions for my origin, and some Dan Brown for the thrill.

 

Manasi Singh’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

C. D. Kester 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The Bunker is my first published work. It is made up of a short story series that I wrote and compiled for self-publishing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest is my first and only. It is titled The Bunker and it was inspired by a writing prompt in a discord channel called the Author’s Cafe. The prompt was “I saw the sun for the first time in my life”. One of the stories was also written as a submission for Chilling Tales for Dark Nights and was originally a prequel to the series. So after compiling enough stories in the series to have a novella sized story, I decided to make it my first self-publishing project.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Naming cities in my stories after streets that I have lived on seems like a pretty unusual one. Not sure of many other strange ones, though. I love to have nice hot cup of tea or coffee, and usually have to push my dog or cat out of the way over and over.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King and H. P. Lovecraft are definitely two big influences. I also love John Grisham, H. G. Wells, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

What are you working on now?
Submissions, submissions, submissions. I have been gathering as many places to submit short stories as possible and knocking them out one by one.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, I have not had any experience with this yet. So I guess that means that this one is!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a new author, so don’t listen to anything I say! Just kidding, but I really do have much more to learn than I do to teach at this point. The best advice I have heard so far is to do your best to read and write something every day.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Well darn, looks like I just burned this answer on my last answer. If I had to pick another piece of advice that I’ve heard I would go with someone who said just start writing, you can always fix bad writing later. What you can’t go back and fix is no writing.

What are you reading now?
I am beta reading If Hell is What You Want (vol. 1) by H. G. Gravy, which is fantastic so far. Before I got the opportunity to do that I was reading Halloween Season by Lucy A. Snyder, and I can’t wait to go back and finish that one as soon as I am done with the other.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to continue self-publishing more of my own work while also getting some short stories accepted into anthologies and other publications.

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?
Goblet of Fire, ‘Salem’s Lot, Frankenstein: Prodigal Son, & The Hobbit. Gotta have some nostalgia if you are stuck on an island.

Author Websites and Profiles
C. D. Kester Website
C. D. Kester Amazon Profile

C. D. Kester’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Diane Scott 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have published two books, Scorned, 2018 and Saving Luke, 2020. I have written two others, currently in various stages of editing.
I am a retired registered nurse. Besides writing, I love hiking, traveling, sightseeing, wine, bar-trivia nights with my sister, and now have the time to do all these things.
I have been happily married for forty years and am the mother of two and grandmother of four. My chocolate Lab, Fudge, is my big baby.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel Saving Luke, was inspired by the children I have worked with, over the years, in my pediatric nursing career.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m an insomniac who does her best writing at 0300 hours.
I also carry a notebook with me at all times. It makes it easy to later recall a great word that had popped into my head, a good line and any idea that, at my age, will be quickly forgotten if I don’t immediately write it down.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nora Roberts has most influenced my writing style. But LaVyrle Spencer is my favorite author, though she retired from writing several years ago. It was her retirement that I most admired. She knew when to call it a day. As an avid reader, I am discovering that many GREAT authors don’t know when to leave gracefully, preferring to keep writing, ignoring the quality of their work.
Lisa Gardner I am currently enjoying. I’ve read everything James Patterson, Michael Connelly and Janet Evanovich have ever written. But Kristin Hannah’s “Home Again” is probably my favorite book. Judith McNaught’s “Perfect” (1993) comes a close second.

What are you working on now?
My third novel, like my first and second, is set in a small Newfoundland town. The only genre I write in is contemporary romance.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Author pages on Goodreads and Facebook.
Awesome Gang is great.
Amazon advertising works.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Think about marketing and promoting with the first word you write. I think selling yourself and your work requires twice as much time as writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t sweat the small stuff!”

What are you reading now?
Elin Hilderbrand’s “A Summer Affair”

What’s next for you as a writer?
Marketing and promoting my novels, and finishing my third and fourth. My fifth and sixth books are currently only outlines, which I add to daily.

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
“Bittersweet” (LaVyrle Spencer). I’ve already read it but loved it, so I’d have the time to reread.
“Lord of the Flies” would seem appropriate under the circumstances, and I haven’t read it.
And probably something by Alessandra Torre just for pure entertainment.

Author Websites and Profiles
Diane Scott Amazon Profile

Diane Scott’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

J. Tyler 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an artilleryman in the United States Army. I wrote my first book, No One’s Hero, in 2019 while deployed to Afghanistan. Writing helped me to separate myself from some of the darker parts of my life during that time.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book, No One’s Hero, was inspired by a lot of tropes in modern media. For better or worse I see a lot of the same concepts and situations being rehashed over and over with small changes between them. I wanted to write something that poked fun at all of that, while still having a story of it’s own to tell.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I suppose. People ask me “how do you come up with this stuff?” and frankly I have no idea. I play music, get my camo snuggie, and spend hours just writing whatever comes to mind. I don’t really plan anything out (other than writing down ideas I have while singing in the shower.)

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Eoin Colfer, author of the Artemis Fowl series. The voice and style he employs really influenced my own writing. There are plenty of differences, but I got my sense of voice from him, and how Artemis narrates the story to the reader.

What are you working on now?
Well, I’ve got ADD, so I tend to get writers block a lot. Instead of not writing, though, I just start writing something else.
As it stands I’m working on four other stories.
One is called ‘Grim,’ and it’s about a college student who finds himself working part time as a Grim Reaper. Neat, right?
Another is, of course, the sequel to No One’s Hero.
Following that is ‘The Lotus, The Orphan, and The Beast in Between.’ My largest story so far, following five characters during their time in a modern day fantasy world as they make their way through a college of magic.
And lastly, my most out there story, ‘The Haunting of Quinten York.’ I don’t even know how to adequately describe it. It’s a story that takes place in a post apocalyptic, cowboy western, magic fantasy world. Yeah, you read that right. Magic cowboy apocalypse. It’s pretty wild.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well I’m pretty new to this, so maybe it will be awesomegang.com! Hah, but jokes aside I would have to say facebook ads have given me the most consistent engagement so far.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Short answer? Stop rewriting the same five chapters over and over again hoping one day they’ll be good enough for you to move on to chapter six.
Long answer? See above.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Maybe I just haven’t received a lot of positive advice in my life, but nothing writing related comes to mind. A saying that sticks with me though would be “The same boiling water that softens the potato, hardens the egg. It’s not about the circumstances around you that define who you are, but rather what you’re made of.”

What are you reading now?
Bloody Rose, by Nicholas Eames.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I suppose I’ll grab a bite to eat, and then get back to it. Maybe I make a boat load of money off No One’s Hero and I can retire to a yacht somewhere.
Or, more realistically, maybe I spend a few more years in the Army, chasing my dreams when I can, and believing that one day it will get better.
Who’s to say?

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?
“Deserted Island Survival for dummies.”
“How to make a life raft out of human hair and turtles.”
“Dangerous Island Wildlife And Where To Find Them.”
“The Hobbit.”

Author Websites and Profiles
J. Tyler Website
J. Tyler Amazon Profile

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

GO Turner 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a television producer/director in Honolulu, HI. I see everyone else is having great success in self-publishing, why not give it a go! So, this is my breakout novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Book of Ruein” is actually inspired by a character I role played in a d20 game system. So many of the other players griped about her nature, that I was taken aback how they couldn’t imagine her working out.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
It’s all new and unusual to me. So, I’m giving many ways a go. I usually do my writing from 6AM until 9AM (I’m learning that’s par for the course though). I am finding nice strolls to do my dictation around my tropical island.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Piers Anthony, Robert Asprin, Stephen R. Donaldson, and the classic fantasy authors.

What are you working on now?
Book Two: Fires of Haraden
I plan on releasing every 6-months.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Will let ya know once I’ve figured that out!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn by doing. Also, by following what others have tried, but mostly by doing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Chris Fox’s “Write to Market” would probably be an excellent starting point. If you’re just beginning it’d be better to narrow in on an underserved niche. I launched myself into a highly competitive market, but I accept that.

What are you reading now?
Starting in on Jim Butcher.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Nine more books in 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?
How to build an Airplane from island resources?

Author Websites and Profiles
GO Turner Website
GO Turner Amazon Profile

GO Turner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Kelly Morgan 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been a story-teller for as long as I can remember. Even as a child, I was always making up short stories, plays, and even soap operas. However, life has a way of crashing in, and my writing career was put on hold as I juggle kids, work full time, and go to school at night.

I have written many things: short stories, poems, etc, but not until 2020 did I have the courage to let others read & critique my writing. I have come to the realization that life is short, very short.

To date, I have written 3 books, with one of them being published. The 2nd book is coming soon and the third is still in the early stages.

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

What are you working on now?
I am currently in the editing process of my 2nd novel “Weight For It and writing my 3rd, Trafficking Joy

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am with a small publishing company – Bright Headed Publishing. We are both new in this industry and learning together, which makes it more intimate and exciting.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a new author, so I tell myself to keep going. Don’t let the “no’s” stop you. Don’t let the fear of rejection stop you. Don’t be afraid of criticism. Don’t be afraid. You are a writer…..write!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Faith first, results later

What are you reading now?
I’m writing, so really no time to read

What’s next for you as a writer?
Not sure. Hopefully, my stuff will find an audience and I could do this as my career and not a side gig. Maybe turn a book into a 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?

Author Websites and Profiles
Kelly Morgan Amazon Profile

Kelly Morgan’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Sophia Love 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I love to write books that expand consciousness, stretch belief systems and inspire. So far, there have been 6.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Words of One. Volume II. You could say it was inspired “because… 2020”.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Favorite time to write is 3:33 AM. Favorite place to write is in a notebook that was purchased for less than $1.00.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Neale Donald Walsch is one.

What are you working on now?
Words of One. Volume III.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now it is my own; https://www.sophialove.org/

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Hold nothing back. Put it away. Read it again on a new day. Don’t be afraid to toss it. There’s always more where that came from.

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

What are you reading now?
Beautiful Justice by Brooke Axtell

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

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Little Women. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. The Harry Potter series.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sophia Love Website
Sophia Love Amazon Profile

Sophia Love’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Anna Finch 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an Australian-Uruguayan, teacher of English and Humanities from Melbourne, Australia. I love writing in the fantasy, sci-fi and coming of age genres in both YA and Adult categories. ‘Voiceless: A Mermaid’s Tale’ is my debut novel in the YA, urban fantasy and coming of age genres. Prior to my debut novel I worked mainly on poetry and short stories in both English and Spanish, which I plan on eventually publishing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Voiceless: A Mermaid’s Tale’ is currently my only novel. The initial idea for the story came to me as I watched writing videos by my favourite authors on YouTube and listened to Poor Unfortunate Souls on repeat.

I always loved The Little Mermaid growing up. She was different, an outsider who sacrificed everything for love. She struggled with her identity and finding her place in a world that eventually silenced her. But there were things in both the original fairytale and the Disney version that made me uncomfortable as I grew older.

As I wrote Voiceless, I thought about the choices the little mermaid made in the original tale and knew that I wanted her to make different choices, to grow as a person rather than a damsel in distress. There were moments in both versions where the little mermaid stood up for herself and made choices of her own. I wanted my little mermaid to be more than a mermaid who fell in love with a human at first sight.

While that was what inspired me to write that story, not many people know the reason why I wrote my debut novel. ‘Voiceless: A Mermaid’s Tale’ was actually my NANOWRIMO 2019 project but I decided to participate in NANOWRIMO, and actually write the novel, last year because my Year 9 English students were writing their own coming of age/dystopian stories for an assessment so I decided to plan, write and edit the my own story alongside them so they could have an example for when they wrote theirs. That, and I hoped it would get them interested in writing their stories. I actually promised my students that I’d publish my subverted little mermaid novel. Adding additional character development and editing in general was like pulling teeth but I got there eventually.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure. But I have noticed that in every story I write, for nearly every single character, I try to give them a name that has meaning connected personality trait or quality or to the themes of the story. Moriah, means ‘the lord is my teacher’ or ‘chosen by the lord’ (depending on the spelling), which I chose mainly for the irony.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Neil Gaiman and Sarah Henning are definitely two big influences. I also love Suzann Collin’s ‘The Hunger Games’, Kalinda Ashton’s ‘The Danger Game’ and Louis Lowry’s ‘The Giver’.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the first draft of my sequel to ‘Voiceless: A Mermaid’s Tale’ as I plan on making my debut novel the first in the series. At the moment it will most likely be a series of stand-alone companion novels (stories written from the perspectives of different characters). I plan on writing the first draft for ‘Unspoken’ for NANOWRIMO 2020 and hopefully doing developmental editing by mid-December, with a mid-October 2021 publishing date.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, I don’t really have any experience with this yet but I have tried Facebook and Amazon ads to increase visibility and traffic to my Amazon and Kobo product pages.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Well, I’m a new author myself so I have plenty to learn but one of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard was to set aside time specifically for writing, it didn’t have to be every day, but if you set aside specific time for writing it makes it easier to get into a routine of writing consistently.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If I had to pick another piece of writing advice, it would be to focus on writing your story. Your first draft is for you to get all your ideas down whether those ideas work well together or there are gaps or plot holes in the story doesn’t matter at that stage. You can always go back and fill in those gaps and fix those plot holes later, that is what developmental editing is for. If you don’t write anything, you can’t fix it.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading ‘The Deathless Girls’ by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, which I’m liking so far. I plan on reading ‘American Dirt’ by Jeanine Cummins next.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to continue self-publishing more of my own work, particularly my dark fairy tale retellings set within the same mermaid universe.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d bring ‘Good Omens’, ‘The Giver’, ‘Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows’ and Sherlock Holmes Collection of short stories. I’ve got to have a mix of comedy, murder and bloody or bloodless revolutions.

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