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Christina Moss 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Winchester, Massachusetts and I’ll always be a New England girl at heart. I miss the towering trees of Maine, the mountains of New Hampshire, Cape Cod and the Boston skyline. I especially miss the four season of New England — especially the Fall. But I guess I’ve never had a problem making “home” whoever I happen to be living. And I visit New England as often as I can. I called Los Angeles home for twenty-five years but now I live in the high desert in southern Nevada.

I’ve written and published seven books and I’m working on three more.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’m write science fiction primarily, but my most recent publication was a short book of biographical poetry called, Nothing at All. It became a #1 best seller in its category on Amazon before it was released. It was inspired by the death of my mother who passed away a few years ago. She loved reading and when I took up writing ten years ago, she was proud to finally have a writer in the family. She always claimed to be my #1 fan. She would have enjoyed my poetry. I wrote it all for her, really.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I think I get too emotionally involved with my characters. For example, I’m wrapping up the fourth book in my science fiction series and there is one chapter in the second book that I still can not read without crying. And recently had to review my earlier books in the series, and there are conversations between characters that still make me laugh out loud. I guess that might sound weird to readers, but after talking to other author friends I discovered that I”m not the only one who reacts emotionally to my own writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve found inspiration from many authors and books. I admire the beauty and emotion of Hemingway, the eloquence and human insight of Shakespeare, the quintessential crime detective stories of the famous Bostonian, Robert B. Parker, the exquisitely vivid writings of Suzanne Collins and so many more.

What are you working on now?
I’m writing a four-part series called the INTWINE series. Interested readers should start with INTWINE: Star-Crossed DNA. In addition to wrapping up the last book in the series: INVIRAL: The Phage, I’m nearly done with a book for authors that contains publishing tips. It will be offered for free on my website. Also, a book of fairy tales based on my science fiction series is half done.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Mainly, I stay in touch with my readers via newsletters, emails and social media. When I’m ready to launch a new title review advertising avenues and re-assess the value of each. As any indy author knows, it’s an ever changing field in terms of marketing and sales potential.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would advise new authors to read Stephen King’s, On Writing and The Elements of Style by Strunk and White. I extend my sincere congratulations to new authors and I welcome them to the industry.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A wise person once said, art, including writing, is a blank canvas waiting for your creative voice. Otherwise, there are no rules.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading, POTSHOT by Robert B. Parker.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m having my series made into audiobooks while I continue writing.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The four books in my INTWINE series to refer back to, so I could keep writing more volumes to add to the science fiction universe I created.

Author Websites and Profiles
Christina Moss Website
Christina Moss Amazon Profile

Christina Moss’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Janine Vance 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Janine Vance and I’ve written twelve books. I was adopted from South Korea and have since been writing on the evolutionary journey many of us go through when adopted from overseas or internationally. My curiosity was triggered by my first trip to the “motherland” in 2004 and shared in the book called “The Search for Mother Missing: A Peek Inside International Adoption.” But, my first memoir was (now updated since its initial publishing in 2003, is retitled “Americanized ’72: A Generation-X Coming-of-Age (and Identity) Narrative.” Yes, I’m adopted, but the theme of that memoir had to do with who do we honor when parents disagree? And how my dad’s accident triggered exploration outside of the religious upbringing we had been brought up in. Although, many who’ve read it do say that there are adoption-related undertones to it.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Rise from the Dread: How to Escape from Stress, Worry, and Anxiety is the book I’ve always wanted to write, but didn’t get the chance to because of all the difficult work that went into my memoirs and then digging further into the realm of adoption after my first trip back to Korea. Finally, after digging up all I could muster on the topic, I was able to refocus my attention on something I love—which is just simple Eastern Philosophy. I wrote two ebooks: “Going Back to Zen” and “The Power of Isolation,” and recently packaged both books into a paperback book called “Rise from the Dread.” My twin works for Life Care’s sister building in Washington State. The book is inspired by all the frontline workers who were initially hit. My sister continues to believe that it’s her duty to work with the elders—especially during the most difficult times.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ve been writing nonstop since 1997 but this does not mean I’ve enjoyed the process. I wrote because I felt the need to get something out of my system and I have an insatiable curiosity. I typically get up very early and just write down my thoughts—any thought—whatever is on my mind at the moment. Then, I do a lot of research on the topic to compare my thoughts with whatever might be out there on the topic. After that, I’ll edit and refine, tone down, or up in certain areas, until a chapter forms.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first book that got me thinking outside of the box was Journey of Souls in 1998. From there, I read more books on Eastern Philosophy and it got me seeing from a different angle. I like learning about different people and different belief systems. I love the stories from self-published unconventional authors—just ordinary folk like myself.

What are you working on now?
I feel like I’m done with all my own stories and musings–the thoughts my soul needed to tell. Now I’d like to assist others with the process. So I’m creating a writing sabbatical for non-writers. I think everyone has a unique story to share and assisting with the process would give me joy. It’s also fun to design covers for self-published authors.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Once things get back to normal again, my sister and I would like to host writing sabbaticals for non-writers and busy people. We also have a special place in our hearts for people like our dad who was injured in a hang-gliding accident in 1984. In fact, I just published his diary called “Falling Out of Normal: How I Became Me.” He just turned 90 years old. We never thought he would survive and thrive after all these years.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If my dad can wait to be published at the age of 90, it’s never too late or too early to start your own writing journey. Don’t judge yourself too harshly. Don’t waste time disliking yourself or your writings of this or that. Most likely you’ve been trying your best and that’s enough. No one is perfect. You could write the most profound passage, but many times the public will rate your book according to their mood or their fiercely held beliefs. Try not to take too personally and if you get caught in a windstorm of negativity, just try to give yourself (and others) the benefit of the doubt.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As my husband has watched me research and write and struggle along the way, He would often tell me to enjoy the process and not think about the end result. Any potential success is just the icing on the top of the cake. In other words, don’t put yourself out there for the accolades, or you’ll be disappointed. “If you’re not enough without it. You’ll never be enough with it.” Don’t try to be “successful,” just enjoy the doing–the process. There are undertones of his work ethic in my writing, I think and I rarely give him the credit he deserves. And, while our raising two daughters, they would give me constant encouragement. My twin’s favorite saying is “Keep on Going, Never Stop Growing,” and her family would give constant support. All this together, I’ve come to the conclusion that sometimes it takes a village for the writer to emerge.

What are you reading now?
I’m actually editing my dad’s book. He has been a supporter throughout my exploration and the writing process overall. In 1984, he survived a 100-foot hang-gliding fall. Even though the book wouldn’t be considered a commercial megahit, I believe that all of us as human beings have unique and engaging stories to share, and even raw books by novice writers are of great value. As I mentioned before, I love true stories, and I have great regard for stories written by ordinary everyday people—people who might not seem so special are typically the most fascinating, in my honest opinion. In order to pull the story out, we just need to ask ourselves the right questions.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I think it would be fun to host writing sabbaticals for non-writers as soon as circumstances are back to normal. I actually wanted to be an interior designer when I was growing up. Designing covers and formatting books are two things that are probably as close as I can get to that feeling of excitement and accomplishment.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Probably “Journey of Souls” by Michael Newton, Ph.D. This book really puts life into perspective. I love the idea of the great after—and the great before. I believe we plan our life circumstances in the soul’s effort to evolve and grow –to be better (or the best) souls we can be. Whatever we dish out, we sometimes get back tenfold. When we look back at our lives and see how our attitudes and actions influenced others, I believe that we actually look forward to trying again until the lesson learned, whether that is in this life or the next, or the next. Who knows? And so, I continue to look, listen and learn.

Author Websites and Profiles
Janine Vance Website
Janine Vance Amazon Profile

Janine Vance’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Frank Zafiro 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written over thirty novels, most of them crime fiction. Of those, roughly half have been collaborations with other authors (true, 50/50 projects).

I was a linguist in military intelligence for five years. After that, I spent a twenty year career as a police officer in the Pacific Northwest, retiring as a captain. During that time, I worked in patrol, investigations, K-9, SWAT, volunteer services, and command staff.

Although I have several stand alone titles, the bulk of my work falls under one series or another.

River City: My flagship series of police procedurals, featuring an ensemble cast of officers and detectives.

Stefan Kopriva Mysteries: an ex-cop turned amateur PI.

SpoCompton: views from the “other” side – that is, the criminal element

Charlie-316: A procedural thriller series of 4 books that begins with a controversial officer-involved shooting.

Cam & Bricks Jobs: A trilogy featuring a pair of hit men (one is a woman) that is both action and, at times, dark comedy.

The Ania series: A trilogy (plus a prequel) with a femme-fatale as the through-thread, though the stories are told from the point of view of her victims.

Jack McCrae mysteries: A retired detective doing amateur investigations as favors.

Sandy Banks thrillers: Former soldier-turned-cop-turned vigilante.

In addition to my writing, I love hockey and am a tortured guitarist.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
CODE FOUR, the final book in the Charlie-316 series.

This entire series was inspired by the eroding relationships between police and the communities they serve, and how my co-author and I both felt that the issues surrounding this trend were far more complicated and gray than most people are willing to admit, much less tackle.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write in spurts, rather than in a disciplined, every day manner. I can EDIT that way, but the creative stage is different.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Early on, it was science fiction and fantasy authors such as Tolkien, Philip K. Dick, Piers Anthony, and the like. As I got into crime fiction while I was still working as a police officer, the obvious influence was Joseph Wambaugh. Also W.E.B. Griffin’s Badge of Honor series. After that, Lawrence Block, Donald Westlake, Dennis Lehane, and, of course, Stephen King.

What are you working on now?
A yet-untitled novella set in my SpoCompton universe, featuring a small female burglar as the protagonist.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think the best method is a concerted and coordinated effort of advertising sale prices, coupled with having a genuine ‘net presence. I believe readers fall in love with characters, and they come to trust authors. You can’t accomplish either unless you’re entirely genuine.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Believe in yourself
2. Read, read, read
3. Write, write, write
4. Revise, revise, revise
5. See rules 1-4

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To find another writer (or a few) to support and be supported by, because “sometimes another writer will understand what the rest of the world will not.” (Gary Provost, Make Every Word Count).

What are you reading now?
Jim Butcher’s First Law series.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Soon, I’ll be tackling a difficult police novel, but one I think needs to be written.

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 Get Off a Desert Island,” obviously.

Stephen King’s “On Writing,” to make use of any down time.

A Song of Ice and Fire, to read for escape once I realize the first book I listed was written by a hack.

Author Websites and Profiles
Frank Zafiro Website
Frank Zafiro Amazon Profile

Frank Zafiro’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account