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Jessica Highstreet 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Jessica Highstreet. I grew up in Florida and moved to Denver in 2015. Writing has always been my thing. I also love to teach and share and build community through writing. I self-published my first book, Rose Hips, in June 2020.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Rose Hips is my first book. I self-published it in June of 2020, when the pandemic left me with lots of time on my hands. I was calling my grandma a lot that spring since neither of us were getting out much, and she kept encouraging me to finally publish my poems. When I started to put the collection together, I realized that I had really recorded my process of finding my identity with my poetry. I think finding your authentic self is something everyone searches for at some point. I wanted to be really vulnerable and raw in my writing. Hopefully anyone who reads Rose Hips will feel a little less alone in their journey.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I didn’t used to think so, but recently I had someone say to me, “I assume, when something traumatic happens in your life, you don’t just pick up a pen and get to writing.” I was like, “actually, yeah I do.” It’s always been the most natural outlet for me. Primal even. When others might scream or punch a wall, I know I won’t feel better until I’ve written out everything I’m thinking. Everything I’m feeling.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh wow, I’m inspired by so many authors and poets. I could never name them all. But there’s a few that come to mind- Mary Oliver, Pablo Neruda, Andrea Gibson, William Shakespeare, Maya Angelou, Shel Silverstein, and possibly my first true love, Emily Dickinson.

What are you working on now?
I have been working on honing my style and voice for my next poetry book. There’s so many directions to take, so much I have written about. I’ve been reading Mary Oliver’s – A Poetry Handbook. I’ve been attending more writing workshops and open mics, virtually and in-person. And most importantly, just writing, writing, writing.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I have had great luck with running free eBook promotions through Amazon’s KDP select program. It gets me lots of new viewers and boosts my rank on Amazon, which then boosts my visibility and sales for a period after the promo. I also share whenever I run my free promos wherever I can, like with Awesome Gang. There are definitely pros and cons to using KDP select though, so that’s something each author needs to research and decide for themselves.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the quote from Suzy Kassem, “doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” The best thing you can do is give yourself permission to fail- to get rejected, to keep trying, to be vulnerable. Keep believing that what you’re doing is important. It is. The world needs your voice.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’d say the entirety of Dr.Seuss’s “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” is pretty solid life advice.

What are you reading now?
Pierce Brown- Dark Age, Mary Oliver- A Poetry Handbook, Andrea Gibson- Lord of the Butterflies

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m planning to be perpetually putting together my next poetry collection for the foreseeable future. It’s just a matter of deciding what tone and content and direction the next one will have and then building it. And when I hit “publish” on one, well, time to start working on the 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?
Awww, I was hoping you said “dessert island.” Either way though, I would bring World War Z, The Collected Works of Shakespeare, Webster’s dictionary, and finally, a book on How to Survive on a Desert Island.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jessica Highstreet Website
Jessica Highstreet Amazon Profile

Jessica Highstreet’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Roberta Bogany 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a native Houstonian that has had the blessing of living a few places other than Texas. I’m the youngest of 5 children, married, with 1 daughter and a cat. I’m a lover of all things DIY and spend more time collecting projects than finishing them! I’m also a crafter and I love old movies and musicals. I sing and feel that along with coaching and writing I use music as a part of my ministry to people.

Life Happens is my second book but it’s also a “two-fer”. I combined my essays and other writings in to the first half and a reboot of my first book, Relining the Empty Nest, into the second half.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Life Happens and it was inspired by a conversation with my daughter. It took her 5 years to read the first book and afterwards she called me and said that I needed to republish it because people needed the information. I shared with her my feelings of why the first book didn’t do as well as I would have thought and I said “Life Happens” and immediately felt in my spirit that I should revamp the book and use that as the title. Life does happen – over and over. It is my prayer that something in this book will bless the reader.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get inspired in my car so my voice recorder is my friend! Other than that, it’s whenever it hits me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many! Iyanla Vanzant and Brene Brown to name two. I’m influenced by not only what I read, but by what I hear. For fiction I love Beverly Jenkins and Janice Hanna Thompson.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on two online courses. One to partner with the book that would allow the reader to begin to take the steps themselves to do the cocoon work and break out as a beautiful butterfly! The second is actually the course I would recommend taking first, which is Forgiveness. Until you forgive the situations and people, including yourself, you’re not ready to get unstuck and really complete the work to move forward in your life.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still trying to figure that one out!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get out of your own way. Trust your instincts and write for the love of what you are writing, not for the “success” of it. You are successful when you put pen to paper and publish your heart.

Sometimes we don’t realize that the “no” or “not yet” that we encounter is really preparing you for something greater! What is TRULY for you won’t pass you by,

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You cannot heal what you will not face”

What are you reading now?
“You are your best thing” by Tarana Burke and Brene Brown.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Only God knows! I’m not sure if another book will be anytime soon, but definitely I will be doing work with workshops, group discussions, and continuing with my coaching clients.

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, Acts of Faith, and any Beverly Jenkins book. Maybe I would be lucky enough to be on an island with electricity and I can use my kindle! LOL!

Author Websites and Profiles
Roberta Bogany Website
Roberta Bogany Amazon Profile

Roberta Bogany’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Daniel Aaron 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Truthfully, I’ve written several books, though this new one–The Art of Spiritual Leadership: 40 Laws to Transform Your Life (and the World)–is the first that I’ve gotten published.

Here’s my official bio: Spiritual teacher, author, entrepreneur, yogi, investor, and father–Daniel Aaron has devoted his life to understanding the human patterns that create suffering and how to change them. Through trainings, transformational events, and private coaching, he has led thousands of people to live brighter, more fulfilled lives. He teaches at Omega and Esalen Institutes and founded the internationally recognized Radiantly Alive Center in Bali.
In 1995 Daniel experienced a spiritual awakening, which compelled his dedication to human potential. He became obsessed with learning, growth, and transformation; and committed to creating a new paradigm of vibrant living for all beings. He’s hardcore about awakening and helping all of us to greater freedom, love, and happiness.

His experience includes decades of training with the modern masters; ruthless personal and spiritual development; radical therapies, courses, and mentorships with enlightened teachers; his own constant self-inquiry, most commonly derived from the ordinary human challenges of his own commitment to kindness, authenticity, and masterful service; parenting; and founding, running and selling businesses.
His reputation­–that he gets powerful results for students and clients–comes from the depth of his own relentless evolution into his potential, uncanny perception into others, and a massive love for all beings. He teaches and shares in a way that brings people to feeling deeply understood, accepted, inspired, and transformed. His speeches, workshops, and events guarantee participants raucous fun and meaningful breakthroughs in multiple aspects of their lives according to their own definitions of success and happiness. Daniel creates environments where people shine.
In short, Daniel’s mission and obsession is helping people turn their lives into art–into the masterpiece that’s a shining reflection of the unique glory that is their essence. He resides in Maui, Hawaii.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Art of Spiritual Leadership: 40 Laws to Transform Your Life (and the World) started as my desire to reach and support more people. For years I lead world renowned transformational events on Bali where I lived. Repeatedly people pointed out to me that the participants drew much of their success, transformation and elevated consciousness from the stories I told on stage. So, increasingly it became obvious that attempting to translate that storytelling from the stage to a book format would be important. In doing so, I also realized that it’s a thin line between personal and spiritual development, between putting one’s own house in order, so to speak, and then one’s desire to influence others. In short, I was inspired to help more people live to their potential, to create more happiness, abundance and love according to their own definition of those things. Of course, the more people that live into greater and greater levels of joy, the. better off is our entire world.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Alas, I have nothing extraordinary to report here. That said, while so many writers talk about the importance of writing longhand, on paper, I love writing all drafts via the computer. My finger’s type better than they write and the closer I can get to original thoughts, the better.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Good golly, so many. I discovered reading from a young age and it was my best solace amidst a lot of chaos and violence around me. In high school one particular teacher helped draw writing from me and to my surprise it appeared I had something of a gift. So, years later when I finally gave in to that, started attempting to nurture it, I read a ton of books on writing. My teacher at the time, Pat Schneider, and her book Writing Alone and with Others, was important and influential for me. I loved Natalie Goldberg’s writing on writing and spirituality. Of course Bird by Bird by Annie Lamott was profound too. When I was studying writing at University and working with Pat, I took to heart something Hemingway said: “If you want to write, you must read the best.” I’ve always read fiction regularly with that advice in mind.

What are you working on now?
When I started with The Art of Spiritual Leadership: 40 Laws to Transform Your Life (and the World), I didn’t realize it was going to end up as part manifesto, part manual, nor that it would really be about Spiritual Leadership. My whole adult life has been with one foot in the world of business and entrepreneurship while the other was squarely planted in spiritual studies and practices. As I’m now beginning a podcast for Spiritual Entrepreneurs and Leaders, I’m developing a book that goes deeper into these two worlds and how they integrate, including wisdom from some of the other leaders and thinkers in this space today. As well I’ll soon release a book that’s the story of my own unexpected, spontaneous and challenging “spiritual awakening.”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far it seems to be word of mouth, including and especially the people that I’ve worked with or whom have studied with me in the past. That said, I’m a fan of optimalism… that we do anything and everything in our power (so long as it’s not hurting anyone) to get what we want in life. So, I am exploring and testing many methods.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Shocking as it is, the best advice I know is write. It seems stupid, I know, yet so many times every day I hear from people “I want to write.” Well, the truth of the words “I want” is “I don’t have”. The thing is, writing IS something that we have control over. You can do it. You can have it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ironically it was in a book about writing, though the author also stipulated that not only were these two rules essential for a good writing, they were also likely keys to living a good life.
1. Only do what you really want to do
2. Be honest

Of course, if you think about it, if we’re really honest, we are always only doing what we want to do. So, better we’re honest about that!

What are you reading now?
I always have a novel underway and five or so non-fiction books.
Novel: Hawaii by Michener (I moved full time to Hawaii 3 years ago and there’s so much to learn about this amazing place and its history).
Non Fiction: Ikigai, Thick Face, Black Heart, On Writing, Eloquence, Effortless

What’s next for you as a writer?
Service. It’s all about service. Everyday I pray that I may find how I can be of most service in the world and that I may have the courage to act upon that. For me at the present that means writing, broadcasting (Podcast, emails, blog) and through serving my clients in the Six Figure Spiritual Entrepreneur Program.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
One by John Irving (maybe Twisted River)
As a Man Thinketh, by James Allen
A Rumi or Hafiz collection

Author Websites and Profiles
Daniel Aaron Website
Daniel Aaron Amazon Profile

Daniel Aaron’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Denise Svajlenko 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a published non-fiction writer whose articles have appears in various newspapers, magazines, and online. I am a new author of my first book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is titled Evolving: My Lessons of Self-Discovery. My book is about my spiritual journey of self-discovery and all the lessons learned along my path. I certainly am a work in progress and haven’t yet become my best self, but I work everyday at evolving and becoming my better self. I believe life lessons reveal themselves to us everyday and I hope to learn something new everyday and continue to evolve.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have an idea folder where I keep all my thoughts and those aha moments when something clever comes to me and I regularly review that file when writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I predominantly read and write non-fiction and love really well written memoirs. Some of my favorite authors are Dani Shapiro, Glennon Doyle, Elizabeth Gilbert, Joyce Maynard, Anne Lamott to name a few. I thought Michelle Obama’s memoir was brilliantly written.

What are you working on now?
I am deep in the process of marketing and promoting my book, Evolving, and have completed the outline for my second book that I can’t wait to start writing.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love to participate in podcasts/interviews to share my stories and experiences with readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
There are really three parts to being an author. The first is writing the book which is creative part and requires deep soul searching. The second is publishing your book and all the business associated with that end of it. The third is promoting and marketing your book, which takes time and patience. To be successful, you have to work long and hard at all three.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My authors I have talked to have told me it takes a really long time to build your platform to sell your book.

What are you reading now?
I always have two or three books I read at the same time and I am reading Adventures in Opting Out, Sensitive is the New Strong, and Claire Tomalin: A Life of my Own.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will spend the next few months promoting and marketing Evolving and then will start writing my second book hopefully in the Fall.

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?
Untamed
Becoming
Help, Thanks, Wow
Eat, Pray, Love

Author Websites and Profiles
Denise Svajlenko Website
Denise Svajlenko Amazon Profile

Denise Svajlenko’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Astrid V.J. 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in South Africa. I started writing Fantasy when I was twelve and chose to study English Literature and Social Anthropology. Recently, I have also become a certified transformational life coach and this change in career has further boosted my writing. I write what I term, transformational fiction, examining our human potential for transformation and our capacity to achieve success in the face of adversity. I have published five novels and a host of shorter works and am currently working on three series concurrently. Each is in a different sub-genre of Fantasy. I have retellings of lesser-known fairytales, a fantasy/space-opera cross-over series and a series of invented tales that read a lot like historical fantasy although they are set in an entirely fictional universe. I’m also collaborating on two group projects at the moment. The first is a young adult Academy Fantasy series of four anthologies where each author writes from the perspective of a different species attending the school, and the second is a charity set of short stories about magical water creatures. This last aims to raise funds towards marine conservation by donating all proceeds to the ocean protection charity, Oceana.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Artist and His Muse is one of the novellas in my Historical Fantasy series, The Wordmage’s Tales.

First and foremost, this story was inspired by a vivid dream and several scenes in the book have stayed absolutely true to the images in the dream and what it invoked in me. Additionally, I was inspired by my love of art. My best friend in school and my paternal grandfather are artists and they instilled in me a love of paintings and the art of creating them, which I hope to have done justice in this novella.

The Artist and His Muse is also inspired by fairytales and my dissatisfaction with the most commonly known ones. Why do all relationships in fairytales have to lead to marriage? Why can people not love in different ways? This novella explores the kind of love that does not involve sexual attraction and the desire to be together in that way. Instead, it looks at the way two souls can come together and offer each other support and solace with intimacies other than the sexual ones.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a mother of two children and have a full-time day job. I write whenever I can and I don’t have any rituals at this point in time. When I have a moment, I sit down and write.

When I first started writing, I used to have to write by hand–in ink, to be precise. I’ve grown up from those environmentally unfriendly and impractical fancies. I type everything, even my notes and ideas.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I had the good fortune of being raised in a family that reads. My mother was the fantasy nut in the family and she definitely passed that on. We read Tolkien and Rowling when I was younger, and in my teens, I devoured Pullman, Jones, LeGuin and Martin, among others.

My father and paternal grandmother added to this with their German heritage and I grew up on the collected works of the Grimm Brothers, as well as the complete works of Ottfried Preussler and Michael Ende. Later I also discovered Cornelia Funke. The German style of Fantasy has also heavily influenced my writing.

Another love came when my mother introduced me to Jane Eyre. I devoured everything by the Brontë sisters and Jane Austen. This appreciation for English Literature also pushed me towards studying a BA in literature, where I was introduced to some of the amazing American authors of the 19th century and also George Elliot, whose writings inspire me.

What are you working on now?
I am currently finalizing The Last Warrior which will publish very soon. This is another novella in The Wordmage’s Tales series. Each book in this series is a stand-alone and it’s been fun writing this one which is a tale of true love and our capacity to overcome our own self-imposed limitations and self-sabotaging behaviours.

I’m also working on The Naiad’s Curse, my short story contribution to Enchanted Waters, a collection of short stories about magical water creatures aiming to raise money for the ocean protection charity, Oceana. The Naiad’s Curse is a short retelling of The Nixie of the Mill-pond, a lesser-known Grimm fairytale about a miller who makes a deal with a naiad without being certain what he’s getting himself into. This short story accompanies my novel, Naiya’s Wish, which recounts the same tale from the perspective of the naiad, the miller’s wife and his son’s wife. It’s been a lot of fun getting into the heads of all these different characters and experiencing the events of the fairytale from these different points of view.

Enchanted Waters releases on July 16th 2021. It is a fully illustrated anthology of short stories including stories by fantasy authors I really admire very much. It has been an immeasurably rewarding project to work on and I look forward to continue collaborating with these incredible authors in the future.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love Instagram. I find it is a great platform to share my love of books and my followers enjoy finding out what I’m working on and all the themes behind my works in process.

I also use Facebook a lot and have expanded into using YouTube as well, sharing my interviews and playlists for my stories.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in yourself. Only you can write the story you’re working on. From my background in Social Anthropology, I’ve learned to understand that one of the key things that makes us human is our ability to tell stories. For generations we did that around a campfire, but now the scope of storytelling has changed. I personally believe every one of us has at least one story in us that we need to tell. Others, are a fountain of tales, and it would be a loss for all these stories to vanish because they were never told. So, please, whatever you do, write down the story that’s taken shape in your head!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It will never be perfect. There is such a thing as good enough. Write. Edit properly with three rounds, and get feedback from readers in-between those rounds to help fine tune the story so there are absolutely no loose ends. That is all. That said, even if perfection is impossible, do not skimp on the editing. That is a very important phase in the process.

What are you reading now?
I’ve just finished Necessary Sins by Elizabeth Bell, which is an incredible historical novel set in 18th century Charleston. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it!

On my tbr are several books, but two I’m most looking forward to are The Fair Queen by Lyndsey Hall and Wings of Insurgence by Skye Horn.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have so many books in my head, it’s always a struggle to know what’s next. One that’s taking shape nicely is the next book in the Wishmaster series, Finding the Way. This one is the next novel I think I’ll write.

At the same time, I’m also continuing with the novellas in The Wordmage’s Tales. Warring Lions and The Destitute Countess are two tales that I’ll be publishing in early 2022.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Tolkien omnibus, Lewis omnibus, the collected works of Jane Austen and the Asterix omnibus in french. That should do for about six months

Author Websites and Profiles
Astrid V.J. Website
Astrid V.J. Amazon Profile
Astrid V.J. Author Profile on Smashwords

Astrid V.J.’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Denise Svajlenko 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a non-fiction writer whose articles have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online and I have recently had my first book published.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my book is Evolving: My Lessons of Self-Discovery. It is about my long and windy spiritual journey of awakening and all the paths I have taken and lessons learned along those paths.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I keep an idea folder and put notes, etc. in it every time something inspires me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My preferred genre is memoir and the authors I love are Dani Shapiro, Glennon Doyle, Elizabeth Gilbert, and Anne Lamott to name a few.

What are you working on now?
I have just completed the outline for my second book and look forward to digging into the writing process.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like to share stories about myself and my life so enjoy interviews and podcasts.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Determination and Patience is required for all facets of becoming an author. The first step is writing, the second step is publishing, and the third step is marketing and promoting. All steps take a long time to accomplish.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You must build your platform of followers and it takes time.

What are you reading now?
I am enjoying several of Anne Lamott’s books. Dusk, Dawn, Light resonated with me during these difficult times.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will be working on marketing/promoting Evolving in the next several months and then am anxious to start writing my second book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would likely bring several self-help books.

Author Websites and Profiles
Denise Svajlenko Website
Denise Svajlenko Amazon Profile

Denise Svajlenko’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Victoria Stevens 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Victoria Stevens, originally a geologist from the UK but now based in Cape Town where I’m researching earthquakes at the university. I’ve written one book so far based on my travels around South Africa, but I hope to also write up my travels around Botswana soon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Chasing Ostriches: A Two-Month Road Trip through South Africa. I have a travel blog called ostrichtrails.com and I wanted to include ostriches in my book title somehow. As I was brainstorming, Chasing Pavements by Adele came on the radio so I thought, ‘Chasing Ostriches’, why not? On my travels I did end up chasing ostriches a few times – they can run really fast! So this title seemed perfect.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My book is a travel journal so I write for a few hours every few days while on the trip. When I write I write fast, 2000 words per hour. I don’t stop and think too much but try and record what has happened in the most interesting way possible. I don’t like taking notes because it confuses me – I can never remember if I have written up an experience or only made a note about so more often than not, if I write a note then it doesn’t end up in the final book!

What are you working on now?
I’m currently editing my second book, No Footprints in the Night, in which I travel around Botswana for a couple of months, escaping lions and puff-adders and elephants.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela. Since living in South Africa I love learning about its history and politics. I’m surprised at myself for not having already read this, it’s way better and more interesting than I thought it would be.

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 Famished Road, by Ben Okri
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert M. Pirsig
Earthsea Quartet, by Ursula Le Guin

Author Websites and Profiles
Victoria Stevens Website
Victoria Stevens Amazon Profile

Alok Kumar Gupta 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Alok Kumar Gupta and I love reading and writing. I run multiple blogs named “Alok – An Illumination”, “Books and Novels” and “Learn World geography”.

I have written two books so far.

1. Forty Five Days’ Love Story
2. In Search of Happiness (Hindi Version titled “Kushiyon Ki khoj Me”)

To know more about me, read “In Search of Happiness” as it is an autobiography.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“In Search of Happiness – An Autobiography”, as the name suggests, is an autobiography. I live my life with problem-solving attitude, and after attaining happiness, I decided to share the tricks and habits, to have a happy life, with everyone and that’s what became an inspiration to write this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t have any unusual writing habit. I write, sometimes, lying on a bed and, sometimes, sitting on a chair. However, most of the ideas come in my mind while travelling, walking and lying. I continuously talk to myself and that’s where from my book ideas come into existence.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been writing since I was in school but after reading “Choose Yourself”, I decided to write books because James has shown a way to self-publish a book in his book “Choose Yourself”.

What are you working on now?
I am working on around four projects, however my next release will, probably, be a play based on Indian Politics. Other three projects are based on Stock Market, Corporate life, and Love-relationships respectively.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s where I feel challenged, but I am currently promoting my book on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Goodreads. I am exploring other options to promote my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Nothing specific, I just want to suggest new writers to focus on quality work and continuous improvement. Don’t worry much about sales.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Books are your best friends. Nothing else required to be added in this sentence.

What are you reading now?
I am reading a book named “How to See a Breakout, before it really happens” by SUDHIR DIXIT as I am an active participant of financial markets.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing is the only way and destination for me as a writer.

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’s an Interesting Question. Here is the list of Books, I would want to bring:

1. Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta
2. Shiv Puran
2. The Bible
3. Quran

I did not read any of them, and I keenly want time to read them.

Author Websites and Profiles
Alok Kumar Gupta Website
Alok Kumar Gupta Amazon Profile
Alok Kumar Gupta Author Profile on Smashwords

Alok Kumar Gupta’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Paolo Cuciniello 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I don’t think is possible to tell something about ourself.
It would limit who we really are.
That’s why I will tell that my name is Paolo Cuciniello, I come from Italy and I am everything and I am nothing.

I have published two books so far. A collection of poems and a short novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my last book is “Under Quarantine”.
I have written it while I was in the South of China, almost near Wuhan, during the beginning of what then became a pandemia.
It’s a window from which you can see where it all began.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not particularly.
But when the words come, they come from another planet. I don’t even recognize I’m writing them.
Only at the end, when I come back conscious, I’m able to read them.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I believe my only influence is the life itself.
That’s our true only influence if you think about it.
Because sometimes, while reading some kind of books, we already know those things.
They are already within us.
But of course read them it helps… to refresh ourself.

So a “refreshing” book I would say it’s Siddharta by Hermann Hesse. for me at least.

What are you working on now?
On a book completely different from the previous one. Because while “Under Quarantine” talks about “a journey” within four walls, the new one will talk about a journey under the sky. And I will introduce it with a 40-days trip that I will make from China to Italy by train. Passing by Russia and Europe.
When it will be possible to travel again obviously.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The interaction with people. I always traveled around the world and I always been between people.
But from this pandemic I learned to use social networks for the first time.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Whatever give you peace and a sense of balance, write it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best handjob you will ever receive, it’s the one you will give to yourself.

The best things are those you do by yourself. So don’t be afraid.
Or, even if you are afraid, “feel the fear and do it anyway”, as my dear Susan Jeffers always says.

What are you reading now?
Under Quarantine by Paolo Cuciniello

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to push a bit more this my book: “Under Quarantine” and when it will be possible I will start to promote the new one, as I said above.

Meanwhile I’m always 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 Bible, for the peace of the soul.

Under Quarantine by Paolo Cuciniello, for the peace of the mind.

Siddharta by Hermann Hesse, for the peace of the body.

Author Websites and Profiles
Paolo Cuciniello Website
Paolo Cuciniello Amazon Profile

Paolo Cuciniello’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Roberta Bogany 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a native Houstonian that has had the blessing of living a few places other than Texas. I’m the youngest of 5 children, married, with 1 daughter and a cat. I’m a lover of all things DIY and spend more time collecting projects than finishing them! I’m also a crafter and I love old movies and musicals. I sing and feel that along with coaching and writing I use music as a part of my ministry to people.

Life Happens is my second book but it’s also a “two-fer”. I combined my essays and other writings in to the first half and a reboot of my first book, Relining the Empty Nest, into the second half.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Life Happens and it was inspired by a conversation with my daughter. It took her 5 years to read the first book and afterwards she called me and said that I needed to republish it because people needed the information. I shared with her my feelings of why the first book didn’t do as well as I would have thought and I said “Life Happens” and immediately felt in my spirit that I should revamp the book and use that as the title. Life does happen – over and over. It is my prayer that something in this book will bless the reader.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get inspired in my car so my voice recorder is my friend! Other than that, it’s whenever it hits me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many! Iyanla Vanzant and Brene Brown to name two. I’m influenced by not only what I read, but by what I hear. For fiction I love Beverly Jenkins and Janice Hanna Thompson.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on two online courses. One to partner with the book that would allow the reader to begin to take the steps themselves to do the cocoon work and break out as a beautiful butterfly! The second is actually the course I would recommend taking first, which is Forgiveness. Until you forgive the situations and people, including yourself, you’re not ready to get unstuck and really complete the work to move forward in your life.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still trying to figure that one out!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get out of your own way. Trust your instincts and write for the love of what you are writing, not for the “success” of it. You are successful when you put pen to paper and publish your heart.

Sometimes we don’t realize that the “no” or “not yet” that we encounter is really preparing you for something greater! What is TRULY for you won’t pass you by,

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You cannot heal what you will not face”

What are you reading now?
“You are your best thing” by Tarana Burke and Brene Brown.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Only God knows! I’m not sure if another book will be anytime soon, but definitely I will be doing work with workshops, group discussions, and continuing with my coaching clients.

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, Acts of Faith, and any Beverly Jenkins book. Maybe I would be lucky enough to be on an island with electricity and I can use my kindle! LOL!

Author Websites and Profiles
Roberta Bogany Website
Roberta Bogany Amazon Profile

Roberta Bogany’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

John Owen 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the only version of myself, a writer and a poet. I am currently a student in the University.
I have published one book, my debut poetry collection, You Will Die When You Read This Poem but have written a handful of novels that I’ll publish soon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
You Will Die When You Read This Poem, it was inspired by feelings- love to be precise.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes! Killing most characters if not all and making them go through hell. I love it when characters suffer.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Matthew Tysz, Christopher Okemwa and J K Rawlings

What are you working on now?
A fantasy novel called “Arthmata.”

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, never give up and uplift others too, for as you do so, you’re also uplifted.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You live only once, make this life count.

What are you reading now?
The Turn, a novel by Matthew Tysz

What’s next for you as a writer?
Seeing my novel transform into a movie.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Harry Potter, Star Wars, Shackles of Pain and Reflections.

Author Websites and Profiles
John Owen Website
John Owen Amazon Profile

John Owen’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Edward Swing 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write fantasy and science fiction novels, with four books published so far. Awakenings (New Pantheon book 1, YA modern fantasy) and Conundrums (New Pantheon book 2), Dance of the Gozen (sci-fi military mecha story) and The Wondrous Wayfarer (a MG fantasy with sci-fi elements).

Aside from writing, I am a retired software engineer. I also love gaming of all types, anime & manga (I’m a fervent otaku), and fandom in general. I’ve traveled both domestically and internationally, participated in the Society for Creative Anachronism (even the fighting), and studied a wide variety of topics from history to astrophysics. And I try to draw from my experiences while crafting stories.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Wondrous Wayfarer was published in April 2021. It is the (first) story in the Adventures of Gavin Greene, and it tells about the Wayfarer, a mysterious vehicle which travels between worlds both fantastic and futuristic.

The story all started from a scene – perhaps a vision – of a modern kid discovering an ogre stealing his bicycle because it didn’t understand what a bike was. I was fortunate enough to find a great artist who brought the scene to life on the cover.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Aside from working around the demands of three teenage kids and four pampered cats, not really.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I can’t begin to count the authors I love. Classic science fiction authors like Asimov, Clarke, Niven, and Bradbury are on the list – I devoured their books when I was a kid. James P. Hogan, David Eddings, and S.M. Stirling showed me how paying attention to details, both in setting and plot, can create fascinating stories in fantastic worlds.

What are you working on now?
Pride of the Gozen, the sequel to Dance of the Gozen. More military mecha fun!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to get a handle on marketing and promotion, to be honest!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to write – jump in and explore your imagination. Exercise your creativity!

At the same time, finding a good circle of fellow writers helps a lot. Get feedback early and often – it’s easier to adapt your story in the early stages.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t take criticism the wrong way. Develop a thick skin, and stick with it. You’re going to get rejections, you’ll encounter beta readers who don’t like your book or don’t understand it. But don’t get discouraged.

What are you reading now?
I’m in the middle of several books – Grunts by Mary Gentle and The Rules of Supervillainy by C.T. Phipps, as well as several manga series – My Hero Academia Vigilantes among them

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have plenty of books to write. I have three more books for the New Pantheon series (five in all), a third Gozen novel and maybe a short story collection set in the same universe, and the Adventures of Gavin Greene has at least five stories in it. After those, I also have a standalone superhero novel in mind, and a lot more ideas in my head waiting to get out.

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’s a tough question. Perhaps something from the Well of Souls series by Jack Chalker, Spellsinger by Alan Dean Foster, The Gentle Giants of Ganymede by Hogan, and of course whatever I’m currently in the middle of reading.

Author Websites and Profiles
Edward Swing Website
Edward Swing Amazon Profile

Edward Swing’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Jessica Baxter 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, I’m Jessica. The Missing Piece is my debut novel and I’m so excited to share it with the world. I love writing and hope to share many more books in years to come.

I love all things Disney or Harry Potter. I enjoy crafting and making fun things with my circuit for my house or for my four daughters. I currently live in Idaho with my little family. We enjoy hiking, geocaching and spending time outdoors as a family.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The last book I’ve written is called The Missing Piece. It’s a sweet, fun. Disney-obsessed YA romance.

I would say a lot of inspiration from this book came from my interactions during high school and my early college years. I think the biggest similarity to my book and my life is that just like Emily I was discovering who I was at the time and trying to find my place in the world. While Mason isn’t based off of anyone particular, he was inspired by some of the boys I dated during high school and college. Ian on the other hand, is sweet, kind and thoughtful. The inspiration for Ian comes from my sweet husband (although the only things they have in common are the accent and the total nerdiness).

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think it’s super unusual, but I do enjoy listening to music while I write. I know a lot of my writing friends can’t stand having music on while writing because it can be too distracting, but I find it inspires me and keeps my motivation going. I like to switch up what I listen to depending on how I’m feeling or based off the scene I am writing. Recently, I’ve been listening to a lot of Taylor Swift.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Harry Potter has to be at the top of the list since this series is what really developed my love for reading and writing. I also really love anything by Sarah Dessen. Her books are pure gold; I could read them over and over again. John Green is also another favorite.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a mini series called Shut Up & Write, which I plan to post to my wattpad (https://www.wattpad.com/user/Whachareading) and inkitt (https://www.inkitt.com/JBaxter10).

I have also been working on book two in The Missing Piece series. Ian and Emily’s story isn’t over quite just yet. I plan on introducing new characters and hopefully writing a trilogy.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, I am still working on figuring this out. I’ve done lots of free ebook giveaways through Kindle Direct Publishing. I’ve also found this website (https://kindlepreneur.com/list-sites-promote-free-amazon-books/) that has lots of really great resources to promote books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Absolutely! Don’t give up on chasing your dream. Writing a book isn’t easy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it. Surround yourself with good writing buddies who support you and help keep you motivated. Don’t be afraid to share your work and get it peer-reviewed. I know this can be scary, but if we don’t put ourselves out there we won’t be able to grow.

When those moments of doubt consume you and you think you’re not good enough, take a break. There is nothing wrong with not writing every single day. If you’re stuck, frustrated step away from your writing for a few days and pick up a book in the genre you’re trying to write.

If you like challenging yourself or are looking for good writing friends, join your local Nanowrimo group. They’ll push you to write a book in a month and motivate you. Even if you don’t finish writing a book in a month, you’ll make some good friends and feel a lot more confident in your writing.

When your inner critic is nagging you and telling you the story, scene or whatever you’re writing isn’t good enough: Dim your screen. Try not to think about what you’re writing or if it makes sense and just write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One of my college professors told us about a post-it he had sitting next to his computer that said, “Shut up & Write.” While he didn’t directly tell this to our class, I took it to heart and have tried to apply it while writing.

What are you reading now?
Like most avid readers, I tend to read a lot all at once. Currently I’m listening to the audible version of the Sherlock Homes stories read by Stephen Fry (hands down my favorite narrator. He also reads Harry Potter and the Ickabog!) I’m also reading the Icakbog by J.K. Rowling, Part of Your World by Liz Braswell, Duel at Broken Furniture in by JF Lee and with finishing up Midnight on the Moon (Magic Treehouse Series) by Mary Pope Osborne with my daughters.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My next goal as a writer is to get back into a habit of writing; I don’t follow a strict schedule, but after my youngest was born last year and with homeschooling due to COVID, it’s been hard to get into the habit of writing, so I really want to focus on that.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Wow, only three or four books . . . that sounds so difficult.

The first book I’d bring would be the Book of Mormon. I know religion isn’t for everyone and that’s okay; I’m proud of who I am because of my religion and grateful for the comfort and peace the gospel brings me. The Book of Mormon has shaped me into the person I am today; it has made me a better wife, mother, daughter and friend and has got me through countless difficult times. I know that if I got stranded on a desert island this book would help give me hope and peace.

For my second book, I’d choose something light and fun to read like the complete works of Jane Austen. I love Pride and Prejudice and it would give me something fun to do while passing the time.

My last two books would be more practical. Maybe a book that talks about which wild plants are safe to eat/use for medicine purposes. Then a book all about survival skills, so hopefully I could make it off the island at some point.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jessica Baxter Website
Jessica Baxter Amazon Profile

Jessica Baxter’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account