Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
When I’m not writing, I’m learning about ancient civilizations or playing Dungeons and Dragons. I’ve only got my debut novel, Vessels, out but the sequel, Venomous, should be out early next year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Vessels was inspired by my love of ancient Egypt and various Dungeons and Dragons campaigns throughout the years. Fun fact: it was going to be a comic book, but I realized that my process wasn’t nearly fast enough to work.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I sit down and do the work.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Where do I start? Neil Gaiman, Ursula K. Le Guin, Octavia Butler, and Sir Terry Pratchett are just a few. Oh, and David Wong with his bizarre humor, disgusting imagery, and unique take on paracosmic horror.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently putting together an audiobook for Vessels and also a large-print edition.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still pretty new at this whole business, but I feel like my email list is the best way for me to promote my books. It’s direct, to the point, and is sent out to readers who already know me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take it slow and don’t get overwhelmed by all the information out there. Pick one or two authors whose advice you trust and pick out just a couple of social media platforms to get good at. Keep at it. You aren’t going to be successful overnight.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You’re doing too much. Do less.

What are you reading now?
The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty. It’s so immersive right off the get-go.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m just trying to finish the Dusk Eternal series, put out an audiobook, and move on to the next series.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett. It made me laugh and cry on the same page. Few can do that.

Author Websites and Profiles
Rachael Dunn Website
Rachael Dunn Amazon Profile

Rachael Dunn’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an Engineer with dreams of really making an impact in the world with my words.

I have written two books, a full length novel and a novella (the novella is almost finished, with the final refinements in progress).

I am most interested in what is really happening in the world, minus the illusions.

I am an Engineer in my day job, and a writer in my spare time. It’s good how the logic of my day job mixes with the emotional skills of writing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Too Much is inspired by the excesses of current society, and explores many of the left field topics usually dodged by the mainstream media (for fear of exposing the truth). Topics such as consumerism, porn, love, lust, grief and anxiety.
I expose the truth as much as possible through my writing, and aim to find the true root cause of the problem that lies underneath the daily symptoms.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to use strange metaphors sometimes.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jack Kerouac- On the Road
Hunter S. Thompson- Kingdom Of Fear
Emmett Grogan- Ringolevio

Any of the beat stuff works as it aims at the truth and nothing else.

What are you working on now?
Finishing off my novella on the underground British club culture

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am currently exploring the best ways to promote but I have an idea of where to head…explore the ideal outlets that match your passions. Don’t sell out to get sales. Always aim with your interests and your true dreams in mind.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. If you have a passion. Write. If you have things you want to say. Write.
Get some of those small Moleskines and keep them in your pocket with a pen at all times. Who knows when your latest inspiration will strike? Having the intention to write something is enough.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep going

What are you reading now?
Just finished the Tibetan Book Of The Dead (everyone should read this). Re-reading “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay- very enlightening.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue writing, with the aim of constantly delving deeper to figure out what this (life) is all about…too many people have become distracted, and I aim to provide a new perspective from which to view.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas; you can read and re-read this and it never gets boring.

Author Websites and Profiles
Mr Musk Website
Mr Musk Amazon Profile

Mr Musk’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m a new romance author. I have like 20 WIPs. So far I’ve published 2 novels and 3 novellas. Working on my 6th book. I love writing new adult, steamy romance. I wish my life was as hot as these books. When I’m no writing I like to relax watching a little Shoujo anime and maybe a superhero movie. I love karaoke and random dancing, funny memes and manga.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Haruki. It’s book 1 of a duet series. My inspiration for this series was my love for the name Haruki and steamy romance. I love quirky things and people, so I wanted to explore those dynamics. And who doesn’t love a cute kid and a great dad? So I did some character cards, and outlined the manuscript,. However, when I sat down to write the book, the characters did their own thing and that’s how nine little outline chapters turned into a two-book series.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if they are unusual, I don’t really know how other people write but, when I’m writing a scene I need to be the characters, I do a lot of dialogue aloud, making sure the tone is correct and even the body language. So for instance, if the character furrows their eyebrows, I furrow mine and no joke. if the character is appalled I’m legit appalled. sometimes I have to laugh at myself when I come out of a scene.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think my biggest influence is music, however. Sonya Jesus has inspired me so much. Her work is mostly thrillers, to which, I know nothing about writing, but it’s fun to read. She mostly inspires me to write what’s inside of me; to write what I feel. So if I can’t get into a story, if I can’t feel it all over me, I don’t write it, I don’t publish it. I publish my book babies, the ones it took me a while to recover from.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a new adult/sports series about a soccer player, and his best friend. It’s an intense love story, a coming of age story. I can’t wait to share it with the world.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think a newsletter is tried and true. It’s cool to promote on sites, I think trying new sites and seeing what works for you is a part of author evolution. The newsletter though, the best method.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I do. In my opinion, you should write what you feel and what inspires you. There is a niche for every writer, and you’ll just need to find your people. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. You’ll love your books and so will they.

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

What are you reading now?
I’m reading a book called Man Candy by Melanie Harlow. I like it a lot.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m in writing mode now, so whatever my twisted little mind comes up with, I’ll follow.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Honestly, a tie between The Great Gatsby and this children’s book called The Lucky stone. Doesn’t make sense, I know, but alas, tis the true.

Author Websites and Profiles
Laine Watson Amazon Profile

Laine Watson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Paul Barthel, a native of Chicago, he grew up in Illinois and Wyoming. A Chef entrepreneur and restaurant owner who worked behind the scenes in kitchens for over thirty years in both large venues and small restaurants. A dedicated Animal Rights advocate who pushed to establish an Illinois law recognizing pets in domestic law. He is the founder of the animals rights organization, Voices for Pets and currently pursuing Michigan, Iowa, and Ohio further establish identical laws in addition to puppy mill legislation, and furthered anti-cruelty measures. Barthel is also a strong opponent and activist against the Yulin Dog Festival. He currently volunteers for a variety of welfare organizations. Mr. Barthel is currently working on his next publication.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Never Left Behind. My True story how I was separated from my dog. Never Left Behind is the compelling and incredible true story account of Chef entrepreneur, Paul Barthel, who refused to be separated from his Labrador Retriever while going through a highly contentious divorce, making headlines.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Waking at 3a.m. when for quiet time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Neil Peart, Anthony Bourdain.

What are you working on now?
Never Left Behind: Solutions
Restaurant Exposed

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. Editing comes later.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never doubt yourself.

What are you reading now?
Rescue Road

What’s next for you as a writer?
Saving animals

What is your favorite book of all time?
To hard to answer

Author Websites and Profiles
paul barthel Website
paul barthel Amazon Profile

paul barthel’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Utahn. I was born in Salt Lake City and raised in West Jordan, where I graduated at the top of my class from West Jordan High School, and served as editor-in-chief of the high school newspaper and twice as editor of the school literary/art magazine. After, I attended Westminster College of Salt Lake City, where I earned an Honors Program bachelor of arts degree, double majoring in communication (with a journalism emphasis) and philosophy (Western traditions emphasis). I graduated cum laude and served as editor of the college newspaper. After, I earned a master of professional communication (writing emphasis), also at Westminster. I was also an athlete, playing just about every sport you could imagine, although I wrestled for 12 years and qualified for international competition in Greco-Roman wrestling.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Crown Prince, book one of an eight-book series called New Blood. I had a dream that stuck with me for weeks. It would come back in my sleep and keep popping up in my thoughts, resurfacing over and over. I call dreams like this “adventure-film dreams.” I finally started working out a storyline around it. The thing is, the dream scene that most haunted me does not take place in book one. It took that much to build up to it later to create the same kind of emotional impact that it had on me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Everyone has his or her writing process but mine is a bit different. My wife, Alison, loves her bedtime stories. I write every day that, that night, I read to her. She tells me when she thinks I’ve gone too far or if she thinks a character wouldn’t say or do something. It also allows me to get a wave of editing in while reading it out loud.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My influences Homer, J.R.R. Tolkien, Terry Brooks, Stephen R. Donaldson, George R.R. Martin, Robert Jordan, David Eddings, Piers Anthony, Robert Holdstock, Robert Adams, John Norman, Melanie Rawn, Shakespeare, Aristotle, and Robert Frost. Those I find most inspirational are Homer, Tolkien, Martin and Aristotle.

What are you working on now?
A fantasy book series where the culture is based in Viking culture.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon, Facebook and GoodReads.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write. Every day, at least an hour. Get as many people to read your work as you can. Every piece of feedback, even if you disagree, has some value. Just write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I read an article in some in-flight magazine when I was 14. It was with Louis L’Amour. It was set up like a Q&A transcript of the interview. The first question was three inches long in a single column, citing all of his awards and accomplishments as a writer, TV and movies that resulted from his books, etc., then ended with “How did you do it?” His response was two words: “I started.” That was profound to me and shaped my work ethic in my education and professional life.

What are you reading now?
Book three of the original Han Solo series: Han Solo and the Lost Legacy.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just keep working to make my life passion also take on more of the financial burdens of real life.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Homer’s Odyssey.

Author Websites and Profiles
W.D. Kilpack III Website
W.D. Kilpack III Amazon Profile

W.D. Kilpack III’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an author in my thirties who is living out her days in a small countryside town in England. I have always loved writing and started when I was in my earlier teens. However, getting married, moving continents and four children (two humans and two canines) later meant writing took a backseat.

Thankfully, due to much encouragement, I picked up the reigns again and back to writing.

To date, I have published one book and have another three lined up to be published in the next six months.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Amelia (Book One), it was a culmination of different scenarios that either myself or friends had experienced in our lives so far.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to listen to something when writing. I prefer to watch television or listen to podcasts about True Crime or Cold Cases.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, there are a ton that have influenced me through the years. Starting with Kirk Douglas (The Gift) which I read when I was 13 to all of Jilly Cooper, Jackie Collins, Sylvia Day and Tilly Bradshaw’s work.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a short series of erotic books that flits through many common day settings and scenarios.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It would have to be twitter although I am still wadding my way through all the different social media platforms out there.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Being that I am still a new author myself, the only word of advice I can give is to just keep on moving. Don’t stop with one negative review, keep your chin up and persevere.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There are going to be bad reviews, plenty of them. But when that one good review comes through celebrate it like there is no tomorrow, you deserve it.

What are you reading now?
Tabloid Princess by Anna Bloom.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Write. Drinks a cup of coffee. Write. Eat some chocolate. Write some more.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Riders by Jilly Cooper.

Author Websites and Profiles
Layla Powers Website
Layla Powers Amazon Profile

Layla Powers’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
What do you get when you mix Spartacus with Spaceballs? We’re not sure either, but somewhere in there is Lawrence Hall. A man of few words until he begins speaking, you can often find him with a smile on his face, until he takes a picture. Then he tries to put on his best 1990s hardcore hip hop persona, which would be a mix of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls. Unless MC Hammer is on the radio.

Hailing from the capital city of the USA, he has over 10 years of teaching experience. This means Lawrence has mastered the art of daydreaming and not listening, but pretending he hears and sees everything. He’s the perfect chameleon.

An avid film buff, and lover of HEA, he’s too much of an optimist to want anything else. His motto: I may fall like Autumn but I’ll rise a new season.

Making his debut in May 2019 as a bona fide romance author with two books written so far, with two more coming before the end of 2019, you can find him all over your favorite social media. Lawrence loves to engage and invites you to come stalk…I mean…follow him!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is book two in my paranormal romance series called The Vigilante’s Choice (available 10-22-19) and it is the conclusion to the arc that began in book one “Vigilante.”

I’m a big comic book fan, grew up reading them and watching cartoons like most What inspired me was just to try to bring something different to the genre. So, I think with my love of comics, cartoons and storytelling, I think I’ve accomplished that.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I’m aware of. I write whenever I get a moment to be able to. I write at my office space in my home on my computer.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Big fan of Mark Twain, Charles Shultz, Jerry B Jenkins, and Tim LaHaye. I’m just now getting into the genre so I can’t say there are any romance authors that have influenced me. Which I think is a good thing because I can bring something new and fresh to the genre.

What are you working on now?
My romantic comedy. It’s my first and it’s titled “The Frog” and it’s coming November 19th, 2019.

Synopsis –

From the writer of some stuff that’s been written before, comes the following:

Men are supposed to be strong. Fearless. Alpha.

But what happens when a frog stops all of that? Not a paranormal frog that changes shape into a human, or a fantastical frog that needs a team to complete an epic quest. A normal, regular frog.

Brace yourself for an epic love triangle of sorts between a man, a woman, and a…frog?

The Frog. A romantic comedy that exists somewhere on the plane between life and love. And the zombie apocalypse.

(No zombies were harmed in the writing of this book. No frogs either. The author may have stubbed his toe. We’re not sure.).

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Instagram. I’m always on it. @lawrencehallauthor

Facebook is a close second for me. https://www.facebook.com/lhall5819/

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Be satisfied with your story. No matter what you put out, some people will love it, some will like it, some will tolerate it, some will hate it, and some won’t care either way. Everything is subjective, so be satisfied and happy with what you put out. Those that love it and like it are similar to you and will enjoy it. The others can go kick rocks because they weren’t going to like it no matter what you did.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write the story for yourself.

What are you reading now?
Reclaiming Psyche by K.O. Newman

What’s next for you as a writer?
The Vigilante’s Assassin is book three in my series and comes out in December of 2019. So, once I get past the release of book two, then my romcom in November, that’s next.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Good question. I don’t have one. I’m an avid reader in many different genres, so to say I have one favorite of all time is something I can’t answer. I could give you a top 5.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lawrence Hall Amazon Profile

Lawrence Hall’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I published my first fiction book in 2019, before that I published two non-fiction books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
White Hat Black Heart. I wanted to teach young adults cybersecurity concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write every day, it is not always at the same time of day but I make the effort.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Robert Jordan were early influencers.

What are you working on now?
The sequel for White Hat Black Heart. It will continue the Cyber Teen Project. It will introduce additional Cybersecurity, and social issues that kids should really know about.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find that e-mail list and my Facebook group for the Cyber Teen Project helped a lot.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be consistent with your writing and be true to yourself. My method is writing books that I would want to read.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write things you know something about, if you know about cars but want to write fiction you can write about killer cars, race car drivers, etc.

What are you reading now?
Permanent Record by Edward Snowden

What’s next for you as a writer?
Interaction fiction is something I’m eager to try out. I’m setting up games related to Cybersecurity on my website which I plan to launch sometime in 2020.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Stand by Stephen King because of the sheer complexity and deep connections between all of the characters, even the bad ones.

Author Websites and Profiles
D. B. Goodin Website
D. B. Goodin Amazon Profile

D. B. Goodin’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Shadelle Amarante. I love life and enjoy improving my situation as best as I can daily. I self published a poetry book in 2005 called “Crying Leaves” and “Green Pastures” in 2007 under a different last name. I changed my last name to Amarante in 2008. Reason being my ex didn’t want to marry me. So I stole his name.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Green Pastures”, is the name of my re released book through amazon. Since sending out press release and promotion didn’t work back then. I’m praying it works now.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I just get inspired for a few hours. Write down what it was and create.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Katrina steffans “Confessions of a video vixen.” In addition Carmen Bryan “It’s no secret.”

What are you working on now?
A story about a princess.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m playing the field. I’m really not sure. But if this is a trick question? I have to say your website.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Love yourself and what you do. No idea is bad. Follow your heart.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read a legal document entirely. The fine print is always overlooked. Don’t miss it.

What are you reading now?
Donald Trump “Art of the Deal.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully more exposure and sales. Learning my niche and sticking with it.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Karrine Steffans “Confessions of a video vixen.”

Author Websites and Profiles
Shadelle Amarante Website
Shadelle Amarante Amazon Profile

Shadelle Amarante’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a leadership coach, author, and adjunct professor. I live in the town I grew up in but did live on the East Coast for a little bit. I am a wife and mom of 3 kids. I enjoy being out in nature and drinking savory wine. This is my first book and I am excited to share it with the world.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called So Your Boss Can’t Lead? A Practical Guide to Be the Leader You Want. It started out as simply my graduate school project but was based on my own leadership and seeing the lack of leadership in the workplace. Whether that was my own bosses or my friends sharing about their bosses, there was a disconnect between what a leader should be and what they actually were.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write throughout the night. I have the least amount of distractions that way.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoy a lot of non-fiction reading. John Maxwell, Michael Hyatt, Jon Acuff, and Andy Stanley have been some of those that have had influence over me.

What are you working on now?
I will continue to write for my website and begin research for my next book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Utilizing marketing services to get the word out there about my book. It is important to have a good book launch plan in place.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make sure to hire professionals for editing and book cover! You want to deliver a great product.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Make sure to only compare yourself to who you were yesterday. You don’t know what others have been through so comparing yourself to them does you no good.

What are you reading now?
You are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Author Websites and Profiles
Stephanie German Website
Stephanie German Amazon Profile

Stephanie German’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Happiness Coach, I have written 2 books, You Choose Your Path and 50 Ways to Strengthen Family in 50 Days (an unpublished ebook). I am starting my 3rd book, Happier Connected because I have lost 4 family members to suicide and I feel strongly about sharing tools and resources to positively change lives. I have been married 30+ years, we have 5 children and 15 grandchildren.

As a professional speaker and trainer, I teach people how to elevate their happiness, strengthen their relationships, increase their positive interactions and find a sense of greater purpose and meaning in every day life.

The Workplace Power Hour is one of five programs that I’ve developed and is coupled with The Family Power Hour. Books I have written include, You Choose Your Path, 50 Ways to Strengthen Family in 50 Days, and coming soon, Happier Connected.

I have worked with Microsoft, Fathers and Families Coalition of America, written for International Focus Magazine and been endorsed by leaders from JetBlue, BlueZones, and Child and Protective Services.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
You Choose Your Path, was inspired from a journey overcoming adversity with my family living in a 1 room rustic cabin with an outhouse in Alaska. We knew we needed to get ahead and bought a used limousine and grew a ground transportation company into national award winning limousine company. My book shows a transparent and humorous and intimate view of the inside world
of an entrepreneur which may have you laughing and crying. Be careful WHAT you wish for. Sometimes we think if we achieve this or that, THEN we will be happy, but you might miss the boat on what brings us the greatest joy!

See short video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV9tXBrHYxY

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Lol, not really.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jack Canfield, Zig Zigglar, Napolean Hill, Norman Vincent Peale,

What are you working on now?
Growing my training company and packaging my tools and resources for those seeking help to elevate their happienss, strengthen their relationships, and discover greater purpose in everyday life.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I hired an expert publishing company to do the marketing to launch my book, You Choose Your Path to become an international best seller.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you are a non-fiction writer, share with confidence, your expertise to make the world a better place! The world needs your light, Shine BRIGHT!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Love God, Love People

What are you reading now?
Ransomed by Barb Marshall

What’s next for you as a writer?
My next book, Happier Connected simple strategies to overcome doubt, depression, and discouragement.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Bible

Author Websites and Profiles
Crissy Butts Website
Crissy Butts Amazon Profile

Crissy Butts’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I published my first book, “The Rings of Faolan-Emeralds,” October 31, 2018. Since then I’ve released six more books. I’m considered a hybrid author since two of my books are self-releases. Those two books are free to KU subscribers! I also write all different lengths. My mother was an avid romance reader, so I developed a love for romance books in my late teens. My favorite genres are historical, paranormal, and erotic.

I was born in Ohio and still live in Ohio with my husband. I have two children. I’ve been writing for a very long time. I finished an Accounting Tech degree from Miami University, but quickly realized I love words more than numbers. My writing started with small poems, which turned into songs, and eventually books.

In 1999, I developed an autoimmune disorder called Guillain-Barre Syndrome. I do wear drop-foot braces on both feet to help me walk. I’m a survivor and encourage anyone with a disability to follow their dreams!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Red Snowflakes is my latest book. It is a paranormal, Christmas romance featuring a vampire. Stained-glass is something I adore, so when I started seeing stain-glass snowflakes on several sites, the idea developed for my vampire artist. LOL No one can ever say I don’t have a healthy imagination! You’ll have to read the book to find out more!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
People seem to find it odd I don’t use a dedicated office space to write. I drag my laptop from room to room and sometimes outside.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a huge Christine Feehan fan. I have no idea how that author keeps the Carpathian series going, but I anxiously await each new release!

What are you working on now?
I just started a shifter (dragon) romance. I have always loved dragons, so figured I might as well give it a try. I also just submitted my first contemporary romance to my editor/publisher which should release in the late Spring. Sometimes I need a break from paranormal, so I wrote a contemporary novella called, “Three Propositions.” It’s a billionaire romance….another genre I enjoy!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There is not just one website, although Facebook seems to generate the most interest.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
A new author needs to develop a social media presence very early. The more people who know you and know you have a book releasing, the better. The new author should also use social media wisely. No one wants to be hammered with book ads constantly. Readers want to know you!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write because you love to write, and write every day if only for five minutes!

What are you reading now?
I just finished “Who Knew His Friend Would Do,” by Cadence Vonn. I love a short read, especially as we move into the busy holiday season.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Wow…what a question! I take things day by day, but I would like to attend a few romance author events in the future.

What is your favorite book of all time?
“Dark Prince,” by Christine Feehan is my all-time, favorite book. Something about the first chapter touches my soul!

Author Websites and Profiles
Kristal Dawn Harris Website
Kristal Dawn Harris Amazon Profile
Kristal Dawn Harris Author Profile Other Bookseller

Kristal Dawn Harris’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I fell in love with science fiction after seeing the original Star Wars in the theaters when I was seven years old. It stirred a love of the genre within me that continues to this day. I began crafting my own space adventures when I was around twelve years old, and haven’t stopped since.

I currently have three books available, the first two books of The Starhawk Chronicles, my own love letter to the science fiction genre in general and Star Wars in particular. In addition I have a collection of short science fiction and fantasy tales called Other Worlds.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Starhawk Chronicles, Book II, Rest and Wreck-reation is my latest. My characters had a pretty tough time of it in the first novel, so I wanted to have some fun with them for their second time out. They vacation on a pleasure planet highly inspired by Las Vegas and Walt Disney World. Once there, they find that there is a very dark side to all the glitz and glamour and become embroiled in a planetary revolution.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up loving the works of Mark Twain . Dean Koontz, Clive Cussler, Louis L’amour and John Jakes are present-day favorites. For non-fiction, Stephen Ambrose.

What are you working on now?
I have several projects going on at once. Book III of the Starhawk Chronicles and a spin-off novel from that series are well into production I’m also working on an epic fantasy in the vein of JRR Tolkien, but with a much more humorous take on the genre.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I cover the rounds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram continually, but I find that word of mouth is sometimes the best way to promote.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing and don’t let naysayers get you down. Hone your craft and don’t let rejections deter you. Also, if you do get published, do anything you can to maintain as much creative control as possible.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When you believe a thing, believe in it all the way. Have confidence in your ability to do it right. And work hard to do the best possible job. -Walt Disney

What are you reading now?
Charleston by John Jakes. Jakes is the absolute master of historical fiction.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just keep writing.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas. I’ve read many biographies about Walt Disney. This one leaves them all behind.

Author Websites and Profiles
Joseph Madden Website
Joseph Madden Amazon Profile
Joseph Madden Author Profile Other Bookseller

Joseph Madden’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Andrea Wilson Woods, and I am an author, writer, patient advocate, and entrepreneur. I am president and founder of the nonprofit Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association. I am also the CEO and co-founder of Cancer University, a for-profit, social-benefit, digital health company. My debut book Better Off Bald: A Life in 147 Days is a medical memoir about raising my younger sister Adrienne from the age of eight until she died from liver cancer at age 15.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is titled Better Off Bald: A Life in 147 Days. The subtitle reflects my sister’s 147-day battle with liver cancer. The title reflects how when she became bald, she realized how beautiful she was.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I don’t write when I’m drunk, and I always edit when I’m sober, which is 99% of the time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many. I admire any author who can make nonfiction read like fiction and fiction seem like nonfiction.

What are you working on now?
I have four more books in me (at least). I am trying to decide which one should come next. Both are nonfiction but have very different topics.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Be shameless. Seriously. As the author, you know your work better than anyone and it’s up to you to get it out in the world. While I work with marketing professionals, I do a lot of the work myself. If you look, opportunities are everywhere.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Read, read, read especially in the genre you write.
2. Write an amazing story.
3. Hire professional editors and proofreaders.
4. Learn how to sell because it is the author’s responsibility to sell her books.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t treat people the way you want to be treated; treat them the way they want to be treated.

What are you reading now?
I just finished listening to The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides on Audible. On my Kindle, I finished Rich Dad, Poor Day by Robert Kiyosaki. On my nightstand I have Unaccountable and The Price We Pay, two nonfiction books by Dr. Marty Makary.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue to promote my current book for at least a year if not longer.

What is your favorite book of all time?
My favorite fiction book is The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. I read it many years ago in college and I have re-read it many times. As for nonfiction, I cannot choose. Too many books to love.

Author Websites and Profiles
Andrea Wilson Woods Website
Andrea Wilson Woods Amazon Profile
Andrea Wilson Woods Author Profile Other Bookseller

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

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write both fiction and nonfiction and have several thriller series, the most recent I call my Cain’Harper series. The first installment just came out and is titled SKIN IN THE GAME. I also have a podcast series as well as a blog and I consult with many writers and screenwriters about medical and forensic science issues in their stories. For 3 1/2 years I cohosted with Jan Burke a radio show called Crime and Science Radio where we interviewed experts in the forensic science in criminal justice fields. This recent release is my 19th book and the 20th will be out in May.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
As I said above, my latest book is titled SKIN IN THE GAME. It features Bobby Cain and Harper McCoy, nonbiological brother and sister who were raised by an itinerant gypsy family that trained them in all sorts of criminal activities ranging from breaking and entering, to pick-pocketing, to scams of all types. Bobby also became an expert with knives. The idea for these characters was many years in the making but it reflects back to my childhood in Alabama where gypsies actually did come through town. In the 1950s they did so in horse-drawn wagons. I was always fascinated by them. Though Bobby and Harper were not part of a true gypsy family, they lived and grew up that way.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure any of my habits are all that unusual except that I refuse to have a schedule. I write when I feel like it, and I don’t when I don’t. Earlier in my career, I outlined extensively but I no longer do that. I simply have a scene or two that I feel will lead in the direction of a good story and I begin writing. I really like that as it gives me great freedom.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Easily the two authors that have influenced me the most are James Lee Burke and Elmore Leonard. Each is a master storytellier but they do it very differently. James Lee Burke writes poetic fiction that is also gritty while Elmore Leonard spins yarns that are dark and humorous and sparsely crafted. Much can be learned from each of them.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the next Cain/Harper thriller as well as the next in my Jake Longly comedic thriller series. Both are going exceptionally well.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think that’s a multi-headed animal. I have a website, a blog, and a podcast series which I call Criminal Mischief: The Art And Science Of Crime Fiction. My writing is of course promoted on each of these platforms as well as on Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, and other sites.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read, read, read, write, write, write, repeat. In order to write, you must read. Writing is an apprenticeship and you learn by seeing what other people do and picking up those parts that work for you and pressing forward. The second, and perhaps most important advice, is to get out of your own way and write the story in your own voice. Voice is the one thing that sells a story more than anything else.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think it was Hemingway that said something on the order of, “Write drunk, edit sober.” I think that’s excellent advice. I believe what he was saying is that you need to get out of your way and tell the story in your own voice. Get it on the page rapidly, and slippily, and then go back with clear eyes and edit the heck out of it.

What are you reading now?
I have an advanced copy of The Deserter by Nelson DeMille and am reading it right now. Fantastic, as is all his stuff.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More of the same, keep writing and keep podcasting and keep blogging and keep moving forward. As long as it’s fun, I’ll continue doing it.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Boy that’s a tough one since there have been so many. I always have to give a nod to Jules Verne because the first “real novel” I read was Journey to the Center of the Earth. I was 14 at the time and it launched me into a lifelong passion for reading. Others would be The Godfather, The Day of the Jackal, California Girl by T Jefferson Parker, Black Cherry Blues by James Lee Burke, and Riding The Rap by Elmore Leonard. There are so many others but these stand out right now.

Author Websites and Profiles
DP Lyle Website
DP Lyle Amazon Profile

DP Lyle’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written nonfiction for decades, from white papers and strategic analyses in the the health care world – later, including four instructional books on portrait painting. Collateral Carnage is my first work of fiction.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Collateral Carnage. Money. Politics. Big Pharma. What could go wrong? Set int he near future, it was inspired by current day scandals involving the VA , its treatment of vets with PTSD, dark money in politics and Congressional malaise.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Most likely not, unless you consider Diet Cokes and blue corn chips unusual companions.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen Konkoly, Brett Battles, Jonathan Maberry, Hugh Howey,Stephen King, the Jason Bourne tales, Jon Krakauer

What are you working on now?
Two things: the sequel, plus another near future American dystopia.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Too soon to know:)

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do not give up. Read, study, take classes. Get professional editing and book cover design.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do not give up:)

What are you reading now?
Harry Potter reread:). Becoming, and an ARC for a new author

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing to explore themes of contemporary dysfunction, injustice and finding heroes who have the courage to what is right.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Stand

Author Websites and Profiles
Chris Saper Website
Chris Saper Amazon Profile

Chris Saper’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi everyone! I’m Kat Addams! I write steamy romantic comedies, share inappropriate memes, and indulge in one too many cocktails on the regular!
I’ve written four books. Three are full-length novels, and one is a freebie novella to introduce readers into the series. All can be read as stand-alones in my Dirty South series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Nashvegas Nights. It was inspired by a girl’s trip to Nashville which was full of shenanigans!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I set up my writing mood like I set up my sexy mood—lots of candles and ambient sounds. Throw in some snacks and it’s a party!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been sticking to indie authors over the last several months, because not only are their stories amazing, but the indie author community is so supportive of one another. I love the camaraderie.

My inspirational authors are queens of the rom-com world. Pippa Grant, Donna Alam, and Lauren Blakely.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a four-book series featuring four badass women who are best friends. They all work in a quirky food industry. They follow each other through their love lives, mistakes, shenanigans, and bad decisions.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Instagram! I love Instagram. I create a lot of video highlights, highlighting my books and giving tours of the cities they are based in. I also have an inflatable scandalous man-helper named Terrance who helps me promote. He is also featured in my highlights. Be sure to check him out for laughs before I deflate his ego. Seriously. Such a playboy!
You can find me on Instagram @authorkataddams

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes! Don’t get overwhelmed. Easier said than done, I know! It’s almost impossible to keep up with the big-name authors who are able to put out a book a month. If that is your goal, you can get there one day. But first, focus on your craft and start slow.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading a book called The Truce from my author friend Becca Steele. It is full of steamy, sexy suited men! If you love enemies to lovers, you’ll love this one!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll be releasing the last book in my Dirty South series in February 2020, and then starting in April 2020, my new four-book series with the badass heroines will launch.

What is your favorite book of all time?
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.

That is the book that turned me into a reader!

Author Websites and Profiles
Kat Addams Website
Kat Addams Amazon Profile

Kat Addams’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written seven whole books and three half books, so I guess if you squish them all together, 8 1/2 — which I just have to mention, I kind of like as a shoutout to Fellini’s wildly creative movie, ‘8 1/2.’

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Between Wild And Ruin

On its face at least, Between Wild and Ruin is a bit of a Beauty and the Beast story. I initially gave the book a title that played with that idea, but my editor and manager worried the title was too obscure. So I winnowed down a list to four other titles and then threw it out to the masses, who essentially chose one of them for me. Between Wild and Ruin fits well, because the book is as much about wild spaces, feelings, and people, as it is plot-driven. Plus the plot involves an old pueblo ruin. Ruby and Ezra are also caught between choices about their lives and each other that could literally lead to ruin. Ultimately, I got to keep the word ‘Wild,’ which sums up the kind of world the book’s characters live in, and still play with words AND sport a more telling title.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Maybe the fact that I don’t have any? I’m not particularly structured and don’t have any methods or special writing places or spaces. I write when I feel like it, anywhere from about 10 am to 3 am and in different places. As long as it’s not too loud, I can write anywhere; I just get lost in myself and go to town. I’ve literally sat down to write over breakfast and looked up to find a darkening sky (which I totally acknowledge is terrible health-wise!).

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My writing influences vary. I read A LOT, especially in the genre I most often write in, which is Young Adult fiction. But I’ve been in love with Albert Camus since college. His work inspires me (especially ‘The Plague’); his writing, both his prose and the subjects he writes about, challenge me to examine meaning, to dig deeper when I write and when I interact with people. Vladimir Nabokov, Brett Easton Ellis, Heidi Julavits, Phillip Roth, and Chuck Palahniuk are also big writing influences, for many diverse, weird, and divergent reasons. Deeply flawed characters that still manage to capture and hold a reader’s interest, and stories that challenge notions of identity particularly interest me.

What are you working on now?
I’m working with a midline publisher on a young adult contemporary sci-fi mashup I pitched as ‘Pump up the Volume’ meets ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ called ‘True North.’ Not sure if it’ll go anywhere with this particular publisher, mostly because I’m learning we have slightly different visions for the book, but I’m so in love with it I’m dedicated to bringing it to the masses one way or another.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m hard pressed to pick just one. Sites like this are great and worth their weight in gold (thank you thank you thank you), but paid sites like Bookbub and Net Galley can also be worth it. I find that plain old Instagram seem to work well too; especially if you can hook yourself up with Influencers. Also, be sure to have your own streamlined author website that you attend to regularly!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up! I went to a publishing conference recently, and was relieved to hear the panel say that on average, most writers write and query publishers for about 14 years before either traditionally publishing or self-publishing their work, and that the average age for newly published authors in all areas of publishing is just over 50!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do what you love but don’t expect it to be easy just because you love it. Writing is hard work; get comfortable with the word ‘no’ and expect a whole lot of tooth grinding, stomach turning perseverance.

What are you reading now?
I’ll be honest, I’ve got a pile of books I’m waiting to read, and I’m gunning for V.E. Schwab’s ‘Vicious’ next. But as we just launched my new YA paranormal romance ‘Between Wild and Ruin’ a week ago, I haven’t had time to anything but complain, sleep, and cry for the last few weeks.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Aside from the YA project ‘True North’ I mentioned earlier, I’ve got another two books outlined and lined up to write, and a ton of promotional work to get ahead of. The surprising thing about publishing that a lot of new writers don’t get, is that publishing is really hard work. Writing your book is only a 1/3 of the equation. Publishing and promoting are entirely different and messy beasts!

What is your favorite book of all time?
‘The Plague’ by Albert Camus. And pretty much anything by Christina Lauren.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer Edelson Website
Jennifer Edelson Amazon Profile
Jennifer Edelson Author Profile Other Bookseller

Jennifer Edelson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account