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Josephine Strand 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a wife, mother and young grandmother, like I like to say. I was born in Italy, grew up in South Africa, and have been a long-time resident of the United States. I discovered my love of books when I was introduced to my town’s public library at the age of eight. At nine, I wrote my first fiction piece, gaining my teacher’s praise with my short story The Library at Midnight. I haven’t stopped writing since, though Misty Dreams is my first published novel. My travels between the three continents have strengthened my love for the sea and the outdoors. It’s no surprise that Misty Dreams is set on a small tropical island. When not writing or absorbed in the latest gripping page-turner, I love to cook and enjoy long nature walks.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My novel Misty Dreams is sweet contemporary romance. When people ask me what inspired me to write it my response is always: my characters. The main characters in Misty Dreams came to life long before the plot was even conceived. The story evolved around them as I wrote it. It was my first attempt at a full-sized novel, and I had no concept of how to plot a story. The writing process was one long exercise in perseverance, as well as a learning experience.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it can be considered unusual as I’m sure a lot of writers do this, but I tend to edit as I go, going back to revise what I’ve already written every so often. You could say I’m a perfectionist, and if something didn’t sound right the first time I can’t move forward unless I go back and fix it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Certainly two of my earlier influences were Nora Roberts and Sandra Brown, but Nicholas Sparks is the one author I have drawn the most inspiration from more recently.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a prequel of Misty Dreams. My first draft of the novel was an obscene number of words, around 350,000, and I had to cut off a lot of the backstory to bring it down to a more marketable size. I hated the idea that that part of the story would never be known, so I decided to put it in a prequel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my book primarily on Goodreads, but also on Instragram and Facebook, as well as on my website.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read a lot, and of course, write. Never stop writing and believing in yourself, even when your goal seems beyond your reach.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I received was from the great Nora Roberts herself at a book signing, when I told her I wanted to become a writer but had a demanding full-time job. The advice was a peremptory “Make time!” I’m so glad I listened.

What are you reading now?
I just finished The four Winds by Kristin Hannah, a historical novel that blew me away it was so deep and emotional and raw. Currently I have a series of new releases lined up by indie authors I support.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As I mentioned, I’m working on a prequel of Misty Dreams, trying to divide my time between writing and figuring out that complicated beast called marketing. After that I have an idea for another standalone novel.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
It would probably be my two favorite books of my youth, Little Women (Louisa May Alcott) and Anne of Green Gables (Lucy Maud Montgomery), and then my own Misty Dreams, of course.

Author Websites and Profiles
Josephine Strand Website
Josephine Strand Amazon Profile

Josephine Strand’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

JR Weaver 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The Addiction Manifesto has been uniquely designed to provide you with a new perspective on recovery and will show you that anything is possible.

In this deeply personal book, JR Weaver has crafted a raw insight into his life and how he’s been affected by substance abuse over the past 20 years. He details his recovery process and how he’s dealt with loss. With this book he wishes to help people on their journey to recovery. His realistic approach details his journey to try to have a normal life again.
This book allows you to fain a greater understanding of substance abuse and its many challenges.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Addiction Manifesto
Wish I could say that I had a magical vision about writing this amazing book but the real truth is that I was locked up in Dorchester County Detention Center on 4 felony charges, which wasn’t good since I was already on bond from a felony charge in Charleston County and Berkeley County and currently pleaded into Charleston County Drug Court. I had a problem with drugs, at the time I would have denied being a Addict but the ugly truth was that I was a Addict. I did Addict things to keep the drugs flowing and here I found myself paying the consequences of those poor life choices. I had tried to sober up but I always ended right back out there running the streets. I had to think ‘outside’ the box so I started writing about my addiction, how it controlled me, used me and forgot about me as soon as I couldn’t do anything for it. I realized that addiction doesn’t care about us, it fools us into believing that we can’t live without it, it tells us that it will make all our problems disappear but it doesn’t mention the price that we have to pay or that it will make everything that is good in our life also disappear. Our life spirals out of control and we either OD or we end up in prison, well I was looking at a long prison sentence so I had to find a way to change. The Addiction Manifesto is what opened my eyes to the power of addiction, but thats not what intimidated me about sobering up, it was facing the consequences of all those destroyed relationships, my family and friends that I had disappointed, it was about rejoining a society that had me labeled as a ‘Addict’ and rightfully so. It was about moving forward each day no matter what, well I’m happy to say that writing has saved me from my addiction demons, my new charges were rolled up into my current drug court plea and I was returned to drug court. I graduated drug court with no sanctions, I even volunteered to become the 1st mentor for the new Veteran’s Treatment Court. Somehow the hospital even gave me a chance at a job and I’m happy to say that 2 years later I’m still working there lol. I’ll be 4 years sober this November 10th and I still continue writing about addiction. If I can help someone believe in themselves and in the power of recovery then I’d call that a dam good day Hope you enjoyed the book and please leave a review.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, unless you count being locked up in jail when I wrote the blue print for The Addiction Manifesto. Today I just write whenever something reminds me about my past, and one of my goals is to write something that somebody, somewhere needs to hear.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Most of my collection is made up of James Patterson (love his early stuff), Brad Thor, Vince Flynn and Matthew Reilly. Being a military guy I guess I relate to the characters in a weird way lol

What are you working on now?
Book Marketing, who would have thought it would be harder than the actual writing.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I just got the author website up and running so hopefully that’ll help me get my message across, I have also reached out to a bunch of libraries, nonprofits, treatment centers. I really don’t mind sending them a copy for their evaluation because I do believe in my book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write, even on the rough days, just write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Drink plenty of water

What are you reading now?
The Kindle Publishing Bible

What’s next for you as a writer?
I think as a new writer I’m still hoping to find out if I do have talent because I would love to write a follow up book about addiction/recovery

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?
Ice Station – Matthew Reilly
American Fix – Ryan Hampton
Enemy at the Gates – Vince Flynn
Anything by Brad Thor

Author Websites and Profiles
JR Weaver Website
JR Weaver Amazon Profile
JR Weaver Author Profile on Smashwords

JR Weaver’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Carol Styron 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am new at novel writing. I wrote my first book, Marrying For Fame, eight years ago and my second book was done about 6 years ago. I work full-time and it’s very difficult to come home and write every night. I also completely stopped writing because I lost my confidence in my ability to do so. I received a review of my book that I took to heart, but I finally decided that I loved writing too much to give it up. I knew I had to toughen if I wanted my work to shine. I realized that some of the world’s greatest artist are not loved by everyone.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Black And White Are More Than Just Colors In A Crayon Box.
What inspired this book was I wanted to try something different than my first effort, which was lighter. Black and White is more like a spiritual home coming for one of the main characters. I am a spiritual person and I wanted to share that aspect of my being.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know what is consider unusual so I will just tell you how I write a story. I write on index cards, newspaper, napkins, whatever is near. If I have an idea, I jot it down. I also hear voices from my character and I silently repeat the phrase or sentence to myself. Later on, I write down the phrase or sentence and incorporate it in my story.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am an avid reader so I read over 100 authors throughout the years. I am going to give you the one author that I just discovered a couple of months ago.

1) Kierstein Modglin-She is a mystery writer. I love her twist and turns and her writing style. Her books are so much fun. I think I read three in about a month. She has so many more and I can’t wait to dive in.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a story called Breakfast in Bed. It’s a mystery/romance. It’s a little tricky for me because I’ve never written a mystery before even though I love watching and reading them. I am on the first draft and having some difficulty trying to fill in the holes. I am having a blast though and I am not going to rush it. I am going to give myself all the time I need because this is my first stab at this genre.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t know that’s why I am here. I haven’t had much success because I haven’t been pursuing anything because of my work schedule and my lack of self-confidence. I am on the ball now and nothing going to stop me from pursuing my dream.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would tell them to write, write, and write. If writing is something that you love, pursue it with all your heart. Don’t let naysayers discourage you. If you have something to say, say it! If writing makes your heart sing, then write. People always say you only have one life to live. Whether that is true or not is up for debate, but at least you can feel good about doing something you love. If you live again, and you have that desire to write than do it again.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard is: life is short, live!

What are you reading now?
I am reading a couple of books now.

Iyanla Vanzant-Get Over It!
The Liar’s Wife-Kierstein Modglin
Everything You Wanted to Know about the Afterlife

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue working on my latest novel, as I continue to promote my other two novels.

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 bring any uplifting spiritual book
I would bring a romance novel.
I would bring two mystery novels.

 

Siofan Davies 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
An avid reader, I finally took the plunge and tried writing one myself. For my first book, I didn’t focus too much on following tropes and found my own balance between romance and women’s fiction. I feel like life never allows you to focus on just romance or your own personal growth, they’re all tied up together.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Resting Beach Face was inspired by how when you’re in your twenties you can have some things really figured out (your career and friendships, as is the case with my MC Olivia) and other things seem like they’re totally out of reach or endlessly confusing and frustrating (romantic partnerships and family for Olivia). When we’re thrown out of our comfortable routine it often leads us to confront these things. For Olivia, it’s when she has to attend her sister’s destination wedding in Cancun.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do a lot of my thinking and scene crafting when I am walking my dog, Bodie. So when I come in from a walk I often go running to my laptop to get something down that I’ve thought of.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many! I love reading and especially try to read debut authors.

What are you working on now?
I am working on my next manuscript. Again it involves an MC having to confront some hard truths while on a trip. This one is more close to home for me as it picks up details from a trip I took in my late twenties.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth has really helped me. I have some amazing friends who’ve championed the book and encouraged others to read it. I think Instagram has really been helpful for that.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The temptation is there to share your in-progress manuscript with friends, and for sure do it to get encouragement. But, and this is an important “but,” don’t ask your friends to critique or give advice. That’s not fair to them. Lean on Beta readers who are not invested in you or your feelings. And make sure your Beta readers know and love your genre. Even give them the name of a few books you think yours is similar to and ask what they thought of those so you know whether they’ll be into your style of writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Finish the book.

What are you reading now?
The Layover by Lacie Waldon.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A lot more writing (I hope).

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Night Film by Marisha Pessl
How I Became a Famous Novelist by Steve Hely
And then whatever book I was reading at the time because I’d want to finish it!

 

Siofan Davies’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

John Ortega 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello,

My name is John Ortega, fantasy lover, avid reader and author of the Rune Caster Chronicles which has two installments.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Death’s Edge is the second installment in the Rune Caster Chronicles Urban Fantasy book series. We picked up a couple of months after the ending of Storm’s Child and follow Innkeeper Nathan Mercer as he squares off against the newest danger threatening the citizens of Portland.

Death’s Edge was inspired by my love of mythology and listening to the bad Celtic Woman in repeat. This books blends several elements from different mythologies into the rich world that Nathan lives in.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m an early bird through and through. I get up every day at 5am and write until 7am from Monday to Friday before getting ready for my day job.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow, so many but the biggest influence has to be Ilona Andrews. Her work is amazing and no matter how many times I read it, I find new inspiration every time.

There’s also Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne and Patricia Briggs.

They’re all wonderful and amazing

What are you working on now?
Coincidentally I’m currently working on the first draft of book 3 of the Rune Caster Chronicles

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
To me social media, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Feel it, love it, write it, have fun.

Writing is an intense personal experience but the most important thing is to have fun with it. We get swept up with the grind of writing, plotting and editing that we sometimes forget that we write because it’s fun.

The reader can tell when the author was having writing their work and they enjoyed the book even more.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be kind to yourself, one of my best friends told me this and it’s so true. Life, work, family no one would push and be harder on you than yourself.

So take a step back, breathe and be kind to yourself. Everything will be okay.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently re-reading the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews.

I also started the Lazarus Codex by E.A. Copen and The League by Sherrilyn McQueen.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finished writing book 3, then I’m going to work on a new Urban Fantasy 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?
Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews. I can’t tell how much I love these books.

Author Websites and Profiles
John Ortega Amazon Profile

John Ortega’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Devon Loftus 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! My name is Devon Loftus; I’m a writer, author and the founder of Moon Cycle Bakery. I’m also the co-author of The Moon Cycle Cookbook and my second book, Dwell, which is due to release Fall 2022 through Tarcher Perigee.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Moon Cycle Cookbook is inspired by Moon Cycle Bakery — a wellness based business that focuses on the menstrual cycle and creates sweet treats and food related products to help support women hormonally, spiritually and emotionally. Overall, the cookbook is inspired by reconnecting to our inner rhythms, destigmatizing the menstrual cycle and helping educate women when it comes to their bodies so they can make personalized, empowered choices.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Gosh, I guess every writer has a different process than the next! I wrote my first book, the cookbook, while pregnant with our first baby, which was a fun and happy part of the process. I also find a lot of inspiration comes to me while I’m most present — in nature, on a walk, in deep conversation with someone. Sometimes, I have to run for a pen and paper or my phone to write down everything that’s coming to me or I’ll lose it. I also stare out the window a lot while worlds and words come together in my head; I think that’s common for writers. When I write from an inspired space, it definitely feels guided by the muses or like I’m co-creating with something beyond myself.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anything and everything Yrsa Daley-Ward writes — you can feel each word, each punctuation mark, each image. I live there and I’m grateful for visceral, honest writing like hers. Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke has always been my go-to for poetic wisdom and deep soul journeying. Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes feels like home to me; her words are gorgeous and alive, rich in story, and her soul is centuries old. I also love Liz Gilbert for her playfulness, her vulnerability and her frankness.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing the manuscript for my second book, Dwell, where I personify different emotions and guide readers through journal prompts and creative exercises in doing the same. The goal is to give ourselves a space to process our emotions instead of ridicule, shame or deny them altogether. When you first step into the world of Dwell, one may assume they’d feel overwhelmed greeting a variety of very personal, very real emotions. But Dwell hits the sweet spot between conjuring up those messengers we all know and sometimes fear with a poetic softness that leaves you feeling like you’ve just had tea with a close friend. This message of further exploring and accepting our emotions comes at a time in our world when people are feeling ever more isolated and at war with the emotions they meet and greet on a daily basis. Dwell has the capability to help mend the notion that feelings are shaming or isolating through poetic beauty and journal and creative writing prompts focusing on our emotional intelligence and mindfulness. Through these essays and workbook pages, the reader will feel re-connected with others, themselves and the place inside that these complex, beautifully human emotions dwell.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my books through Instagram and TikTok at @devonloftuswrites and on my website at www.devonloftuswrites.com. You can also learn more about The Moon Cycle Cookbook at www.mooncyclebakery.com.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. I’m a new author myself, so I’m sure I’ll have more insight to add to this next year (and forevermore), but for me believing in myself is fundamental. You have a voice and a way with words that nobody else has simply because they aren’t you. They don’t have your experience, your wisdom, your heart or your soul. There is a place here for you and people are waiting for you. Believe in that and each step of the way becomes a little easier.

2. Stay flexible while also being honest with what feels important to you. Publishing a book is a true collaboration. Learning what to stand your ground on, what to be open to and how to help problem solve is going to ensure a supportive, kind and respectful relationship between you and your editing/publishing team. And that makes the process so much more enjoyable and successful.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In life, work, love and beyond, the best advice I’ve gathered is to stay true to who you are and move from there first and foremost. Confirming our worth through outside validation is tempting and a quick hit, but it leaves many of us feeling empty, anxious and ashamed. “See yourself first and you will feel infinite worth.” Oh, and be loving and compassionate whenever and however you can. Including and especially towards yourself.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett for research for my second book. It’s fascinating and so deeply relatable — I’m loving it and I’m inspired by all the emotional and mental health work he’s done and is doing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Oh, what a fun question!! I hope so much, but for the foreseeable future I’ll be excitedly promoting the publication of The Moon Cycle Cookbook this September, turning in my second manuscript early 2022 and promoting Dwell throughout the next year. And celebrating!! Lots and lots of celebrations including creating time to reflect and write some more.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
2. Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke
3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
4. Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
5. (And I’d sneak one of Yrsa Daley-Ward’s books into my bag, because a desert island is a lonely place and her writing makes me feel less lonely.)

Author Websites and Profiles
Devon Loftus Website
Devon Loftus Amazon Profile

Devon Loftus’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Andrea White 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Andrea Evans White, (Born on June the 3rd, 2006) who is more commonly referred to online as “Infinitewolfgamer” or”Miss infinite” is the UK based Writer, Social Media personality, and musical artist who started out in the entertainment industry making videos from around the age of 12 years old. First appearing in public at the age of 13 on the social media platform, YouTube, which was then followed by Social Media.

She is the author of the “Ellowyn Acers” book series

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Ellowyn Acers, the one to unite them. My very first published book! It was inspired by lockdown, and other books I’ve read.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I know of! Haha

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Harry Potter series definitely, though I want to make It clear that this is a very different story!

What are you working on now?
Getting the final chapters of Ellowyn finished and published for everyone to read

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find that my own websites and social media work best for me, but i’s different for everyone

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You’re in for a bumpy ride! But don’t give up, because if you truly love your idea it deserves to be out in the world for others to read.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That someone else’s success isn’t your failure. I just love that phrase.

What are you reading now?
Loads of Books! Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many books I’ve read this year!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Definitely the next book of Ellowyn Acers, I can’t wait to continue her adventure!

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?
Hmmm, A Harry Potter book (Can’t decide which)
My secret youtube life
Girl online
The start of me and You

Author Websites and Profiles
Andrea White Website
Andrea White Amazon Profile
Andrea White Author Profile on Smashwords

Andrea White’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account