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Jasmine James

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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am originally from San Antonio Texas and through various moves I managed to make my way back home. I am a wife and a girlfriend and love to write about the women and men in my life. Currently I am up to 14 books, most of them short stories but I have been venturing into longer works.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is T.W.E.T. and it was inspired by a short period in my life when I was with a married couple. It is written from the mans point of view specifically because I always loved his side of the story when it came to how we all met. I am Poly in my real life so that first experience dating a couple really set my life on the path its on today.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write almost exclusively in seclusion. It seems like I just cant focus on getting the words out of my brain if someone is in the room. so lots of hideaways with my laptop.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am big on fantasy novels so I spend a lot of time lost in worlds built around aloof wizards, cranky dwarves, and whimsical elves.

What are you working on now?
I am working on my next novella that currently is untitled. I also release shorts pretty frequently so I am working on those as well. I know traditionally I am supposed to stick with a specific niche but I release what I feel like as long as it relates to black love.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That is an evolving process, I have had success with other newsletters and instagram but I am looking forward to finding the right mix of services that work best for me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Anytime you see this question the answer is the same “just write”, that’s because it is fundamentally the key to your success. Words can be turned into dollars, you will learn more by publishing a terrible book than you will bey sitting on a great idea wishing you wrote it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One of my mentors and a woman I have adopted as my mother told me something I quote almost everyday and will be in every book I ever write.

Be you, Love you.

What are you reading now?
I just plundered my local library today actually and I picked up “The Calculating Stars” by Mary Robinette Kowal and “Revolution no.9” by Niel McMahon.

But if you really want a good one I just finished “Legion” by Brandon Sanderson

What’s next for you as a writer?
Growth I hope. I am continuing to publish on my almost regular schedule and my newsletter gang is growing. I love interacting with my readers so they are helping me decide which of my many “works in progress” should be released next.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Oh my, I am going to casually skim the book shelf and pick a good one because favorite of all time does not exist for me. Certain books were great for the time in my life in which I enjoyed them. “The Warded Man” by Peter V Brett is one of the few series I continually come back to and find something new each time.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jasmine James Amazon Profile

Jasmine James’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Raina Ash

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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write romance about healing love. My novels have been described by readers as emotionally complex, inspiring, and full of characters you just want to hug one right after the other.

I’ve been creating stories since I was five, and only recently started publishing. I have a few short stories out, a few novellas, and a couple of full novels with plenty more in the works.

My cats are always my alpha readers (rather, listeners!).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Nonverbal. This is a story that forced it’s way out of me late one night. I’ve never seen a first-person romance with a non-speaking neurodiverse heroine, so I wanted to offer a new autistic perspective. Paige (our heroine) is bubbly, compassionate, and fiercely loyal, though she struggles with her living situation and learning to trust love. Brody, out hero, wears his heart on his sleeve and is protective, doing whatever he can so Paige feels safe and loved. And then there’s Amber, Brody’s sister and Paige’s BFF, who is dealing with demons of her own but is part of this new found family.

Writing has the power to open people to new experiences because it’s an intimate look at life through a character’s perspective. The autistic perspective is so misunderstood, so I wrote this story in first-person to give readers a peek into the autistic mind (at least, one version of it). It looks at relationships, acceptance, meltdowns, anxiety, and learning to find self-worth.

Warning: this book will make you cry happy tears (sorry, not sorry).

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Like standing on my head while typing? No 🙂 Writing is my joy and my happy place, so when I get tuned into a story, it will consume every waking hour (and often my dreams). But my habits are simply to write every day as much as I can.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Helen Hoang. Her book The Kiss Quotient inspired me to write more novels with neurodiverse characters.

What are you working on now?
Trying to edit my way through several books I wrote first drafts for and then set aside for various reasons.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Paid newsletter have worked well for me, specifically The Fussy Librarian and BookBub. And doing swaps with other authors through StoryOrigins has helped me find some awesome new subscribers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t obsess over your first book because it won’t be your best. Writing is odd compared to other artistic endeavors. We tend to obsess over that first novel, sometimes taking years to finish it, when it is our FIRST. The first few novels are really practice of everything you’ve learned.

Would you expect a painter to create a masterpiece the first time they paint on a canvas? Then why do we treat writing a novel differently? A painter practices and paints new artwork again and again. As writers, we also need to practice and write new books again and again.

So give yourself some compassion with that first novel. Do your best, practice, but don’t spend years writing it. You never want that first novel to be ALL you ever do.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When you first write a novel, it’s only for you. After you edit it and show it to others, it’s only for them.

What are you reading now?
Verity by Colleen Hoover

What’s next for you as a writer?
To write more books! Always.

Author Websites and Profiles
Raina Ash Website
Raina Ash Amazon Profile

Raina Ash’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Elias Barr

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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, I’m 14-years-old, and I just finished my first novel Games of Worth. I like basketball, love Jesus, and have a passion for the ’70’s TV show The Waltons (you should really check it out, it’s fantastic). I like eating too much pizza too often, I love Sweet Chili Heat Doritos, and I haven’t decided if I want to be a graphic designer or a front-end website developer when I grow up (along with being an author, of course).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest (and first) book is called Games of Worth, and it’s a YA Dystopian novel similar to the Hunger Games. What inspired it? Well, some of my favorite book series are the Hunger Games and the Divergent books, and I just really wanted to write something like. Mix a small bit of magic (or in my book, Mageic), and voila!, you have Games of Worth.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write my book down on paper first, and then I write the second draft down on the computer. It forces me to re-write the ENTIRE thing which is good for making my story a lot more refined and perfected.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite book of all time is probably Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline, and close runner-ups would probably be the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the Divergent series by Veronica Roth, and all of Stuart Gibb’s books. I’ve tried to learn from these authors, but I always make sure I maintain my own style of writing.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m starting book two of my Games of Worth series. Just brainstorming, spitballing, whatever.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think that Reedsy is a website that has been a lifesaver for me. It has the ability to connect you with any type of designer or editor you need, and also has a variety of priceless yet free tools and lists available to anyone.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I don’t really think I currently have the right to give advice to new authors, considering I’m barely a teenager myself and I’ve only written one book, but if I were going to give advice, I’d just tell new authors to not give up, and when people tell you that you won’t be able to write a good book or be successful by means of writing, use that and turn it into determination.

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

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading Spy School Goes South, by Stuart Gibbs. I’m also reading Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer, by John Grisham.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully, I can get lots of people to find my book and download it. Right now, my dream is just to be able to sit back and think: “Somebody, somewhere, is reading MY book right now.”

What is your favorite book of all time?
Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline.

Author Websites and Profiles
Elias Barr Website

Satyra Kent

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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi All! Satyra is my pen name for my romance works. I have written 6 books (three for the new series Tales from the Magic Bean) and have published many short stories under my main pen name K.T. Seto. My romances are a bit racy so I created a second pen name to keep my mom from steering her 70-year-old besties to the works and thus being responsible for aggravating heart conditions in my local area Catholic Community.I am a mother, grandmother and lover of all things chocolate. Addicted to coffee (duh) and married to the love of my life. I like writing fun tales that take you away for a bit and hope you all enjoy it for years to come.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Bedeviled is the latest book and the third I have released in the Magic Bean Series. I actually started this story years ago after watching Rosemary’s Baby and wondering what a cult would look like in the modern day. I also hated that Rosemary was powerless to stop any of the awful that happened to her in the movie so I yearned to give her a backbone and a do over. Sans demon baby because eww.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I start all of my long writing sessions at home by listening to the song “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen. Yes, I know it was a song about his drug use but it gets my brain going and gets me in the right frame to write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a lot of Stephen King and Nora Roberts growing up. I also read pretty much everything fantasy I could get my hands on and am a serious star wars geek. So if Lucas, King and Roberts had a love child with a warped sense of humor it would be me.

What are you working on now?
In the works now are books 4,5, and 6 of the Bean series. Serials on Kindle Vella (One Voodoo, One Vampire, and One Werewolf) and a standalone romance set on the Eastern Shore. Only two of the works (book 4 and 5) have actual release dates, the rest are dependent on a lot of factors.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Don’t really have one, as I am just starting out. I am dipping my toe in right now, so once I find something that works, that will be my go to. For now, folks who care to follow or talk to me can hit me up on social media. I am on Instagram and Facebook daily and pretty responsive. I also put free short stories on the Vocal.media site every so often when I have an idea that doesn’t go anywhere else.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. The only difference between you and someone who is published is that they had the balls to say I am going to do this today.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My grandma told me, don’t try to be perfect. Perfection is boring. Strive to be memorable. That’s why now if I walk out a room and someone says- well, that was weird, I consider it a success.

What are you reading now?
When I am in the middle of a lot of projects like I am right now I tend to re-read things that I have read before. That way my brain isn’t working too hard. Thus, I am currently rereading Christine Feehan’s Ghostwalker series. It’s my guilty pleasure read.

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

What is your favorite book of all time?
Really don’t have one. seriously, my favorite changes daily. Now if you ask me about the book that changed my life that is easy. I have two. In childhood it was A Wrinkle in Time. That’s where I learned that a girl could be smart, weird and brave. Then as a teen I read Ishmael. That’s when I learned that humans have pretty much always sucked. But we try to do better and that makes us worthwhile.

Author Websites and Profiles
Satyra Kent Website
Satyra Kent Amazon Profile

Satyra Kent’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Romina Vinci

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

My name is Romina Vinci.

Yes, Vinci like Leonardo da Vinci (we are not related, though, even if I would have liked).

I am Italian, but I have been living in the UK for several years.

Since I was a child, writing has been one of my greatest passions. Over the years, I have written short stories, poems and songs in Italian, English and Spanish wrote a children’s book, Hope Has a Dream.

I wrote a children’s book, Hope Has a Dream.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hope Has a Dream is my first children’s book. It’s an empowering story against racism.

I put all my soul and heart in it.

Standing up against racism has always been the most important social cause to me.

Hope Has a Dream is my personal contribution for this social cause, since the book encourages young minds to say no to racism and discrimination.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I am quite boring from this point of view.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Talking about children’s book authors, I’d say that Julia Donaldson and Rachel Bright are the writers who most inspired me to start writing a picture book.

What are you working on now?
I am planning to write my second children’s book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I see a great potential in social media and in websites offering newsletters to readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be yourself, believe in your book, never give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If someone criticizes you, don’t worry: nobody can be liked by everyone.

What are you reading now?
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing more children’s books and, hopefully, a novel.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Lo que esconde tu nombre by Clara Sanchez.

Romina Vinci’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

John Graham

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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve loved telling stories since I was a kid. Forty years as an advertising copywriter/producer forced me to be succinct and clear in my writing. And, as that kid has never really grown up, my imagination is still uninhibited. I’ve had trouble getting published traditionally because I don’t follow genres. I write on subjects that mean something to me, and I make them page-turners you can’t put down. Characters first. Story second. Theme third. I always have a theme, usually something existential or environmental, but my characters lead the story. Even my action-packed books will give you something to contemplate.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Okay, here I go contradicting myself. I’m writing in the medieval fantasy genre now. I grew up reading Howard, Moorcock, and Zelazny, and have always wanted to bring my own spin to the genre. “Beware O Traveler The Blistering Gates,” is the second book in the Expeditions of the Six Fingers series. “The Bloody Awakening of the Anaxagorum” was the first. I combine the traditional (Lord of the Rings) and the gritty (Game of Thrones) with aspects of Dungeons & Dragons. There aren’t magic swords falling off of trees or Orcs living on the other side of the hill or dragons hoarding treasure under mountains. Every fantastic element feels fantastic as the characters discover it. Magic is exotic and feared. Enchanted weapons are few and hard-earned. Each novel will explore relevant themes. The setting reflects our own age and the attack by misinformation on known fact and reason. The fun comes when magic is introduced to the equation.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write every day but at different times. Some days I write an hour in the morning, an hour i the afternoon, and an hour at night. Sometimes I’ll write four hours into the early morning. I write freelance advertising/branding on the desktop PC in my office, but I write fiction in my living room on a laptop, feet on an Ottoman, glass of water at my side.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Other than the fantasy authors of my youth mentioned above, I’ve been very much influenced, not by authors, but by certain books. McMurtry’s “Lonesome Dove,” Frazier’s “Thirteen Moons” (far superior to “Cold Mountain,” and Clavell’s “Shogun,” lead the pack. Adam’s “Hitchhiker’s Guide” is also notable.

What are you working on now?
“Beware O Traveler the Blistering Gates: The Second Expedition of the Six Fingers.” (See above.)

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m terrible at promoting my books. Readers often recommend my titles, but I have zero presence in social media. I currently have five novels available from Amazon, another ready to publish, and a seventh in the oven. I’m hoping Goodreads will help me find my readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do something else. Fry cook, ditch digger, gladiator, anything. Writing is an affliction, and it’s lonely.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Trust your characters. They will lead the way through your story.

What are you reading now?
Rebecca Makkai’s “Music for Wartime.” Effortlessly awesome short stories.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Gladiator school.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Larry McMurtry’s “Lonesome Dove.” A cast of unforgettable characters trying to live life in the present, as death is around every corner.

Author Websites and Profiles
John Graham Website
John Graham Amazon Profile

John Graham’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Jade Jamison

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m originally from Jamaica and have been in the healthcare field for over twenty years. This plus my short story, Elevated, are my first two books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Danse Erotica is a result of my interaction with clients whose issues centered around sex. Some of the stories told in their recitement of their sexual experiences prompted me to write a fictional account of the more erotic encounters.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write when I’m inspired. At any given time, a story might pop into my head. I will stop what I’m doing and write it down before I forget. My stories have been written under the influence of a good Cabernet Sauvignon.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors I most like vary from Octavia Butler and Tananarive Due to Robert Ludlum and Ken Follet. They are not erotic authors, but I enjoy their books.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a second book of erotic short stories. After that, who knows.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Being new at this, I haven’t created a website yet. I plan on obtaining social media accounts in the near future.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. There are editors that can help you structure your story. But definitely obtain and editor. And once they are finished, reread for any additional corrections. Editors are not infallible.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Put your manuscript down and let it marinade for a month before reading it for the last time. This is the time you read it out loud.

What are you reading now?
Snake Walkers by J.Everett Prewitt.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Not sure. I know I have one more book in me and maybe a memoir. After that, it’s up in the air.

What is your favorite book of all time?
My Soul to Keep by Tananarive Due.

 

JG Cully

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live and work in Northern Ireland. My healthy obsession with wargaming and table top role play games eventually led me to write my own stories. I have been writing fantasy books since 2012; i completed my first full novel as part of the November writing challenge ‘Nanowrimo’. I am husband to a very supportive wife, father to an energetic 5 year old and 2 year old and gaming enthusiast.

My series ‘Haldred Chronicles’ is set in a post-war world and follows the investigations of Victoria Haldred, a Council of Peace investigator, as she battles to maintain a fragile peace.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Haldred Chronicles: Anna is the latest in my book series. With this book I decided to mix inspiration from Viking and Samurai history, with the usual crime and politics thrown in.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I find myself both writing then reaching across and painting some miniatures. It’s not time efficient at all…but I enjoy it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Terry Pratchett, Aaron Dembski-Bowden,

What are you working on now?
The fifth book of the series “Haldred Chronicles: Mira”.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still very much trying to figure that out. But Pretty-hot.com seems to do a good job 😎

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be prepared to spend a lot of time doing marketing. Lay the ground work as you’re writing and then once your book is ready and out there, go for it with all you’ve got.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just write. You can’t edit an empty page. In all seriousness that is the best advice. If you don’t write well then, you’re not a writer are you?

What are you reading now?
The Siege of Terra sci fi series.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Fifth book and a LOT of promotion

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Bible. No, no hear me out. It has everything. History, poetry, songs, life advice, action, romance, mystery, politics. Really, this book has everything. Hence the title “The Good Book”

Author Websites and Profiles
JG Cully Website
JG Cully Amazon Profile

JG Cully’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Candy York

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello – I’m Candy York and I have written a lot of books, but to date I’ve only published two of them on Amazon KDp and also Amazon print books. They are the first two books in a series of probably 5 that are set in a fictional small town in Virginia.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The first book is called Finding Home and was inspired by my own search to “find” my own home, or the place I could call home. I’m still searching, but in my thoughts about where that place is for me, I came up with a fictional town called Lake Thomas. It’s the kind of town I’d love to live in with the kind of people I’d love to be friends with. It’s the story of a woman called Lorelei who is running from an abusive husband. She has a ten-year-old daughter and when their car crashes in a snowstorm just outside of Lake Thomas, they end up staying for a few days, which turns into forever when Lorelei falls for local bachelor, Jefferson Cooper.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write at weird times and/or in weird places. I write in the carpool line, I write at 3 am in the bathroom so I won’t disturb my family, I dictate ideas to my iPhone while I drive and I write on little pieces of paper that I collate at the synopsis stage. It gets messy!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love all kinds of books across all genres, but when I’m thinking about the genre I write in, I always think of Raeanne Thayne, Debbie Macomber, and Nora Roberts. They are my idols, and I wish I had their work ethic.

What are you working on now?
I am working on book 3 in the Lake Thomas romances series, which is the story of Coop (Lucas Cooper), Lake Thomas’ sheriff, and a mysterious newcomer to the town, Gigi. All of the stories are linked by the Cooper clan, and several are linked to the decades-long disappearance of Ruby King, the daughter of the town’s diner own, Toby King.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t know that I have decided on that yet, I’m hoping it will be this one.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write! Find a story, make a plan for how you want to write it and a plan for how long you plan to take to write it, then just do it. And if you’re going to publish yourself on Kindle or similar, then PAY someone to design a cover because if your book looks unprofessional, no one will buy it. You can get a cover for $99 or less and it’s worth it!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You’re only a writer if you actually write something, so stop saying you want to be a writer and do it.

What are you reading now?
I’m re-reading my favorite Nora Roberts, The Winning Hand.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing as much and as often as possible. I’d also like to develop an app to keep track of the amount of writing I do, to keep me motivated.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Yikes, that’s a hard one because there are so many books that I love. My favorite romance is The Winning Hand by Nora Roberts, but I really couldn’t tell you why that Nora Roberts book above all her multitude of other books. I also love Twilight, Divergent, The 5th Wave, and Ready Player One. I’m eclectic!

Author Websites and Profiles
Candy York Website
Candy York Amazon Profile

Jamila Coleman

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! My name is Jamila, and “Surviving Seventeen” is my first book, outside of a few successful Wattpad stories. I enjoy writing so I didn’t mind putting in the dedication to write this story, really. I plan to write some young adult/romance stories in the future as I further my writing career, especially since I’m studying Mass Communications in college.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Surviving Seventeen” was simply inspired by my life. I had gone years going through bad incident after bad incident. I was drowning in horrid experiences, and then faced some gruesome family issues, finance issues, and an eating disorder after having turned 17. Through the help of therapy, I realized that instead of feeling bad for myself, I should use my life to inspire others, and that’s exactly what I did. I want my story to double as a survival guide, because many of the issues I faced are universal.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can write half a book in a day, haha. Once I start writing and I get into it, I can’t stop. I’ll literally have to force myself to sleep or eat. I’ll pace back and forth for hours, typing and editing. Because of that, I try to only write when I have a couple free days in a row.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest influence would have to be the late Naya Rivera. Naya’s book, “Sorry Not Sorry,” was very honest and talked about some of her toughest battles in life. Seeing Naya not be afraid to tell her story, not holding back, all while inspiring others, made me want to do the same. I found myself constantly going back and reading her book as I was writing mine.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m kind of just working on smaller projects. I have a sequel to a wattpad book, and I’m like, a third through writing it, so hopefully I’ll be done by the end of Summer. Along with that, I’m also doing small writing competitions just to sharpen my skill. I’m a senior in high school so my biggest focus is graduating, then I can get back to writing after.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method so far has been discounts. My lowered my book to 5.99 for the first two weeks of it being out, and my sales SKYROCKETED.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Well, I’m a new author myself, but I’d tell other authors in my position to not fear promoting. I constantly worry that I’m “annoying” people, and I mean, I might be, but it is what it is. If you want your book out there, you’ve gotta put it out there.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is that nothing worth it comes easy. It’s advice that can really be used in every aspect, but in terms of writing, I think about it a lot. Writing a book is not easy, but the pride and joy you feel after, is SO worth it.

What are you reading now?
Actually, I’m not reading anything right now. I’m a very picky reader, and I’m really only intrigued by Biographies or eye catching romance novels. I’m hoping to read Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s books in the near future however.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I’m out of high school, I’m going to start brewing up a romance novel hopefully. In the meantime, I’m sticking with Wattpad and writing contests.

What is your favorite book of all time?
My favorite book would really have to be “Sorry Not Sorry” by Naya Rivera, “Off Balance” by Dominique Moceanu, or “UnSweetined” by Jodie Sweetin. They’re all memoirs, which is like, the key to my heart.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jamila Coleman Amazon Profile

Jamila Coleman’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Sherry Scott

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Paris, Texas with my husband; all four kids have moved while the youngest is a freshmen in college. I have practiced general and palliative care/hospice pediatrics and general medicine. I am passionately involved with a non-profit in Dallas, Texas- the Gendercide Awareness Project @Gendap – I write the social media articles pertaining to the girls we sponsor abroad. I have written three books and self-published a juried anthology of poetry and photography.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
PLAYHOUSES was written in response to the presidential election of 2016. I wanted to spotlight the role of fundamentalist extremism in institutionalized discrimination against the LGBTQ community. I hoped the book would resonate with those who feel they have been targeted and with mainstream religious organizations who are struggling to understand the current debate within their own traditions.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not as consistent as I would like to be. But I do try to do the “Morning Pages” that Julia Cameron recommends in her book, The Artist’s Way – most mornings. If I leave my writing to the afternoon, it’s usually a matter of procrastination. I seem to know when I’m done, so I don’t write to a set time or amount, not now anyway.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well, obviously Julia Cameron, and words from Natalie Goldberg stick. Haven Kimmel’s A Girl Named Zippy and Maria Bauer’s book Beyond the Chestnut Trees showed me memoirs of unknown people could be just as fascinating as books about the famous. Frank McCourt writes the way I think. Poets I love and admire include Naomi Shihab Nye, Roger Reeves, Martin Espada, Virginia Chase Sutton, and Ted Kooser- to name a few. I love Ted Kooser’s book of prose, Lights on a Ground of Darkness.

What are you working on now?
I’m always working on poetry I hope to someday leave in a collection for my children. I have started and abruptly stopped on another memoir regarding my father’s death, sort of a companion to my first book, The Year My Mother Died.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like to engage with people, so I’m still working on my author FB page and Instagram followers. I would like more interaction with my website, sherryshieldscott.com- so, I do promote it. I love in person events, but since Covid, that has not opened up as before. I like reaching out to independent book stores and mailing signed books to contacts abroad. And taking advantage of e-book promotion sites.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
With my own experience, it always changes, so, follow what is comfortable to your individuality. Of course, believe in yourself and if something keeps popping in your head and won’t leave you alone, pay attention- it wants to be written.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Synchronicity- paying attention and often the words will come. “As I create and listen, I will be led.” Julia Cameron. She also said, “easy does it.”- small steps.
Monica Wood of The Pocket Muse 2 says, “A single task won’t crush your spirit. Give yourself a break.”
“Stay with your original mind and write from it.” Natalie Goldberg

What are you reading now?
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts and Bury Me Standing by Isabel Fonseca.
I just finished Allie Brosh’s books, Hyperbole and a Half and Solutions and other Problems- and I’m craving more! Brilliant illustrated read.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue writing social media articles for my non-profit, highlighting the plot of girls and women around the world. I hope to continue the work I started after my father died, whether it’s professionally published or not. A children’s lullaby book I hope to coordinate with friends for the written music and illustrations. And always poetry.

What is your favorite book of all time?
I couldn’t say- the collections I have previously mentioned contain many of my favorites, but I would be remiss not to mention Angela’s Ashes.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sherry Scott Website
Sherry Scott Amazon Profile
Sherry Scott Author Profile Other Bookseller

Sherry Scott’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tera Lyn Cortez

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I am a life-long lover of books and reading. I currently have 8 nooks out and hope to release many more. I love coffee, travel and being near the ocean.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Spirit Marked is my most recent book, releasing on 5/23/22 and it is the second book in the StarHaven Sanctuary trilogy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I, myself, am unusual, so probably.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love books by Shannon Mayer, KF Breene, Jim Butcher and Terry Goodkind to name a few.

What are you working on now?
I am currently finishing up a novella to be released in the Booktober anthology this October and then I will finish up the StarHaven Sanctuary series with book 3, Blood Marked.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m learning more with each release, but I really enjoy connecting with my readers on social media to let the know the next book is on it’s way!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write! You can do it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I can’t remember who to attribute it to, but I read somewhere the following quote (or close to this):

“You can always edit bad writing, but you can’t edit a blank page.”

What are you reading now?
I am reading The Extraordinary Fixer by Sarah Noffke and Michael Anderle.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have three signings scheduled for this year July 22-24 in Seattle, September 8-11 in Florida and November 18 in Las Vegas. Aside from those I have two conferences and a bunch of words to write!

What is your favorite book of all time?
There is no way I could pick just one.

Author Websites and Profiles
Tera Lyn Cortez Website
Tera Lyn Cortez Amazon Profile

Tera Lyn Cortez’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Lauryn Dyan

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an indie author, journalist, and freelance copywriter. I have one novel published, and another I am dragging through the trenches of editing to prep for publication. I have lots of articles and album reviews out for a Las Vegas music magazine as a way of sharing my unsolicited music advice with others.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is Hollow Stars, a music-based thriller. It is my love letter to all the bands that influenced me during the latter half of my formative years. The majority of the characters in the book are inspired by or named after an artist, band, or song title from that time, which was the 2000s emo scene. It is my way of paying homage to their art and influence. I also gave a few nods to some 90s icons who I rocked out to when I was probably too young to know what they were really singing about.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing too out of the ordinary. I must have the right vibe to write, which includes the perfect playlist. I’ve got my go-to soundtrack on Spotify that I’ve been curating and swap songs on and off of for years.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Veronica Roth’s world building abilities, and Liana Moriarty’s talent for weaving a mystery in a non-traditional way.

What are you working on now?
My next book is an urban fantasy. It is completely different in setting, plot, and tone than my last novel, but will still keep you guessing till the very end. I suppose that’s kind of my niche.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to figure that out! I’m constantly trying out new channels for promotion and seeing if they make an impact. It’s a constant hustle.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You are your own worst enemy. It is easy to be too critical or too confident in this industry. Take constructive feedback and use it, but know when to fight for your vision.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get yourself out there! You can edit something a thousand times and still find an error post-launch. There comes a point where you need to see if your work can stand on its own and start producing more content to back it up if it can.

What are you reading now?
I just started reading the first Bridgerton book after binging the series. I find I enjoy a show or movie based on a book more if I read it after so I’m not saying ‘the book was better’ a thousand times a minute while it’s on.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Another novel and more work as a journalist, I hope. I love to balance fiction with opinion pieces on the real world, particularly the music industry.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Author Websites and Profiles
Lauryn Dyan Website
Lauryn Dyan Amazon Profile

Lauryn Dyan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Nathan Gewondjan

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a serial business owner, an investor, podcaster, and best-selling author. I was born and raised in California and have been studying and applying principles of entrepreneurship and investing since my early teens. I am extremely passionate about setting the human mind free and allowing people to do what they love. I believe that anything you do can produce massive wealth. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends whether we’re playing sports or watching the Great British Baking Show.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is: Open-Minded Education: How to Do What You Love and Make Millions. The inspiration for this book has been developing my whole life but particularly when I began studying financial, personal development, and self-help books. My passion came to a white-hot heat when I discovered the path to financial freedom. I was and still am eager to share it with anyone and everyone I can. This truly inspired and continues to inspire me on a regular basis.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My unusual writing habits consist of listening to movie soundtrack and baroque period music, eating while I write, and being relentless.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors that have had the biggest impact on me have been: The writers of the Bible and other scriptures, Bob Proctor, Napoleon Hill, Stephen Covey, Doug Andrew, Robert Kiyosaki, Bob Burg, C.S. Lewis, Grant Cardone, and Wallace Wattles.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working with my friend and fellow author, Fiona Mckeon of Ireland, to write a pair of books to help parents and teens/adult children learn the skills necessary to unleash their creativity and live out their passions fearlessly.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method for promoting my work is through social media, blog posts, podcasts, and networking with my friends.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors is to always be learning. Look for ways to improve and become better. As you become better, you will be moving toward your goal. Find your passion and be relentless. Never, never, never give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Desire backed by faith knows no such word as impossible. This sentence is found in Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich. This changed my life as well as Dr. Joe Dispenza’s insight: The way you think and feel determine your state of being. Your state of being determines your personal reality.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading: How to Read a Book by Mortimer J Adler & Charles Van Doren. I have a list of other non-fiction books written by my friends that I am excited to read.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My brother and I will be launching our podcast: Open-Minded Education this summer and we could not be more stoked!

What is your favorite book of all time?
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Author Websites and Profiles
Nathan Gewondjan Website
Nathan Gewondjan Amazon Profile

Nathan Gewondjan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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Teresa Reasor

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a military brat and grew up on Marine Corps bases for the first fourteen years of my life, which helped me when I started writing military romance. But I started my career writing historical romance and had two books published in 2007 in that genre. Highland Moonlight and Captive Hearts. Another historical romance, actually a trilogy with a short story, a novella, and a full-length book, came later. To Capture a Highlander’s Heart: the trilogy.

At that time, I had a full-time job as an art teacher for a public primary school. I taught there for twenty-one and a half years and picked up a part-time position as a college instructor with Eastern Kentucky University teaching night classes that lasted ten years.

When I wrote my first military Romance, I was working two jobs and writing on the weekends. I released Breaking Free, my first military romance, and the first book of the SEAL Team Heartbreakers series, in 2011. That series now has twelve books in it and hopefully another sometime this year.

I write for the SEALs In Paradise series with a wonderful group of authors. We’re supposed to write novellas, but I’ve never learned to write short and mine usually end up being full-length novels. I’ve released four books in that series, and another will be out soon.

I also write paranormal romantic suspense and have eight books in that genre. Three in The Superstition Series, which is based in the fictional mountain community of Superstition, Kentucky, three in a series titled Have Wand Will Travel, which are more humorous, and two stand alones. Whisper in my Ear is a mermaid story and Timeless is set in the Loch Maree area of Northern Scotland. I went to Scotland while I was writing it to do research for the book and to fulfill my dream of going.

To finish out my publishing history, I have two short stories and a children’s book, which I wrote and illustrated, in print. Twenty-nine romantic suspense books, two short stories and a children’s book later, I’m still just as enthused about writing as I’ve always been. Best job ever!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a release in the Superstition Series. I chose the kind of gifted character I wanted to focus on for each book in the series and went from there.

The first book, Deep Within the Shadows, is about twin sisters who are powerful witches. They have suppressed their powers because of a traumatic event in their lives but must embrace them if they are to fight off the shadow creatures someone has sent to kill them.

Deep Within the Stone, the second book, is about a Gargoyle and the sculptor who rescues him. They fall in love and know if they ever hope to be together, they must break the curse that has kept him in gargoyle form since the 1300s.

My latest book, Deep Within the Mind, is about veterinarian Harper Montgomery who hides her psychic abilities behind her professional persona until her visions lead her to rescue an abducted child. Detective Miles Barrett is searching for a monster who’s already killed four women. Miles and Harper’s attraction is immediate, but he doesn’t believe in psychic ability until the next woman goes missing. They find themselves searching for a sadistic killer who leaves no evidence behind and whose attacks start deep within the minds of his victims.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
With each book, I build a story bible that contains character interviews, character charts, research, plotting sheets, and a copy of the book as it progresses. I also storyboard because I’m able to track the changes in character point of view, and the suspense and romance in the book. By doing that I can be certain I’ve packed every chapter with elements that will drive the plot forward and keep the reader’s attention.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors who have influenced me most during my writing career… Kathleen Woodwiss with her wonderful historical romances. Kay Hooper with her suspenseful paranormals. Steven King with his ability to write horror but also depict humans in all their many physical, emotional, and mental guises. Michael Connelly with his wonderful Harry Bosche detective series. Sandra Brown with her fantastic romantic suspense novels. Dick Couch for his books on Navy SEALs and their training. Suzanne Brockman’s fantastic SEAL series. Phyllis Whitney who I read as a teenager and who wrote the very first craft of writing book I ever bought. And there are a million others but I think these will suffice.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on my next SEALs In Paradise book, Hot SEAL, Open arms.
Navy SEAL Wyatt Taylor is facing the hardest decision of his life—what the hell to do now he can no longer be a SEAL. Besides his bum arm, he also has a bad attitude, because in his opinion nothing he’ll ever do again will live up to his life as a SEAL. But now his savings are dwindling and his team has deployed without him, he knows he has to move on.

Kinley Green is living her dream. She’s worked with horses for years, training them, caring for them, and riding them. And now with a grant in hand, she’s finally able to put her horses and her expertise with disabled children to use on a working ranch.

When Wyatt Taylor walks in with his killer smile asking for a job, she sees trouble… But he knows horses and has intimate knowledge of what disability is all about. And she does need the help.

But when trouble strikes, threatening her business, her horses and her life… Will he prove to be the right man for the job?

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method is sites like Pretty-Hot.com. They help to get the word out when the books become available and keep that information flowing afterward. I tweet every day. And I have a blog that I use to share excerpts, news about my books and other authors. I also use it to promote on twitter and facebook. I have a newsletter I send out to subscribers. All of that information is on my website. www.teresareasor.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Study the writing craft even after you’ve gotten published. The learning experiences in writing are infinite. And write every day.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In order to be a writer you have to keep your butt in the seat and your fingers on the keyboard because you can’t publish what you haven’t written. And you can’t fix a blank page.

What are you reading now?
It’s Not About the Horse by Wyatt Webb with Cindy Pearlman – I’m doing research for the book I’m writing now.
I just finished Million Dollar Demon by Kim Harrison and I just started
the next book on my reading list Lisa Unger’s Last Girl Ghosted.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As soon as I have finished Hot SEAL, Open Arms I’ll be starting my next SEAL Team Heartbreaker book Building Courage which will be Petty Officer Tucker Giles aka Gilly’s book.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Kathleen Woodiwiss’s Flame and the Flower because it inspired me to write romance.

Author Websites and Profiles
Teresa Reasor Website
Teresa Reasor Amazon Profile
Teresa Reasor Author Profile Other Bookseller

Teresa Reasor’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Dominic Sciulli

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have completed one book, but I am working on the first sequel of Forgotten Past Our Way Home called Forgotten Past Her Secret Powers

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Forgotten Past Our Way Home and I combined some aspects from Harry Potter, Re: Zero, and aspects for Alyssa’s band from the band Queen. I also put my own spin onto the themes to make it unique and have its own story to tell.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sometimes write like 3000 to 4000 words some days while sometimes I stop writing for a week or two and then carry on like I never even took a break.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.K Rowling because she knew how many books she would make at the start of writing her series Harry Potter. I don’t agree with most of her personal ideals and stances, but I also decided on the number of books I wanted to make in the beginning. I will give you a hint there will be at least five books!

What are you working on now?
Forgotten Past Her Secret Powers. It is like Forgotten Past 1 but it is more romantic, and even has a lesbian romantic relationship blossoming. These days I can barely name a book series with an lgbtq relationship so I hope this encourages more writers to add more lgbtq relationships into books to make the readers apart of the community feel special.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find promising websites to promote my book on, and I also have a Wattpad to talk one on one with fans. @ForgottenPast2022

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up and just keep writing no matter who reads your book. If you like your book that is all that counts in the end.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just keep writing and don’t stop if you like to do it.

What are you reading now?
I usually don’t read I usually write but I recently read 13 Little Blue Letters.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing my series and hopefully finding my fans out there!

What is your favorite book of all time?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Author Websites and Profiles
Dominic Sciulli Website
Dominic Sciulli Amazon Profile

Dominic Sciulli’s Social Media Links
Pinterest Account

Dawn Lockhart

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in the UK with my boyfriend and my black labrador, Willow. (She’s my fave but don’t tell my bf 😀 ) I’ve written four books as it stands. Hoping to release my fifth by the end of 2022.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called Finding Beauty – Actually it was a picture on Pinterest, but it’s part of a series of interconnected standalones so the characters have been forming for a while.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to make a playlist for my current project and listen to it over and over to completely immerse myself in the characters and story. All of my playlists are available on Spotify.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh so many. I first started writing because of Stephanie Meyer. I was waiting for Breaking Dawn to come out and I just couldn’t stand the suspense, so I started writing my own “alternate ending” for Eclipse. That morphed into writing my own Vampire/Werewolf hybrid series (which thankfully never saw the light of day) but as I grew up and my writing did too, I found that smutty romantic suspense was much more up my alley.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the fifth and final book in my series. It will be called Finding Forever, and I’m hoping to have it ready by the end of the year. I also have a few other projects on the side for a Royal Romance series… I’m obsessed with The Royals (I think I should have been Princess Eleanor in another life)

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It always has been Instagram but I think TikTok has swiftly taken over.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write a couple of books before you publish and have a plan before you do. I had no idea what I was doing when I started and I just hit publish without any real clue what it was to be in the indie business. If I could go back, I would have finished a few books and rapid released to get started.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can be the sweetest peach on the tree, but someone will always come along who doesn’t like peaches!
Write the stories you want to tell, and your audience will find you.

What are you reading now?
Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series… although who can really beat Kanthony?

What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing, a whole load of procrastination and hopefully another book by the end of the year!

What is your favorite book of all time?
It’s got to be Twilight. I know people have their issues with it but I’ve read it so many times. It’s like a warm blanket.

Author Websites and Profiles
Dawn Lockhart Amazon Profile

Dawn Lockhart’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Fil Reid

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live on a canal boat in the south of England with my husband and our Romanian rescue dog, Bella, and our elderly cat. We’ve been on the boat for ten years now and before that we lived in France where I learnt to speak fluent French pretty quickly.
I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (High Functioning Autism) after two of my now grownup sons were, and that explained a lot to me, especially my life long love of horses and my obsession with all things Arthurian.
I began writing at age 5 when my parents gave me a Petite Children’s Typewriter, and with a few breaks for children and working, I’ve written ever since. My third book is about to come out, published by Dragonblade Publishing, and I have some children’s and YA books with my agent at the moment.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have a series out at the moment with the main title being Guinevere. Books one and two, The Dragon Ring and The Bear’s Heart are already out, and book three, The Sword, is out on May 31st. They’re set in the Arthurian Dark Ages, with a Time Travel twist.
The inspiration for these books came to me about 20 years ago.
My husband and I had gone to visit Glastonbury Tor (thought by some to be the entrance to Avalon) and at the foot he took four photos on motordrive using infrared film (he didn’t have digital back then). Back home he developed the film and had a look at the negatives. In the first photo the ruined church tower on top of the Tor is visible clearly, in the second photo it’s fading, in the third it’s vanished, in the fourth it’s back.
No explanation. has been found, even though specialists have looked at the negatives. I was left wondering if we’d had a momentary vision of what the Tor looked back in the past before the church tower was built, which led to me wondering what would have happened if we’d been inside the tower when that happened.
I’d wanted to write the story of King Arthur as seen through the eyes of his wife for a long time. And so Guinevere: The Dragon Ring was born.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I’m a total pantser. I never plot out my stories but just sit down and write and they unfold before me as I go. Of course, I often have a vague idea in my head where I would like them to end up, but that doesn’t always work out.
I shut out the world with noise cancelling headphones while I write, but I’d think a lot of writers might do that.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think when I first began writing in earnest with the idea of being published, and began my MG novels that I’d like to get published now, my biggest influence was probably Alan Garner and his wonderful children’s stories about Alderley Edge in Cheshire.
As an adult I suppose it might be Philippa Gregory and her well-researched historical novels.

What are you working on now?
I’ve got all six books finished for my Guinevere series, so have time to think about something else right now.
At the moment I’m in the research stage for a historical romance based on a true story set in medieval Wales. It began as a one off, but the more I’ve researched it the more I’ve found and I think it might end up as several books, as my research has led me to discover someone I didn’t even know existed who would make at least one other book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is something I’m not that good at!
I belong to a lot of facebook groups and I think that helps, and I’ve advertised on amazon, but you’re asking a total novice here. I’m hoping this will help!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s really hard to get anyone to take any notice of your books even if they’re good. I must have submitted to about a hundred or more agents and publishers and entered quite a few competitions. It’s worth it in the end. Keep at it. Never give up. One day it will happen for you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get your book professionally edited by a reputable editor not just someone who thinks they can edit. It’s worth every penny.

What are you reading now?
I’m part way through Terra Incognita by Ruth Downie – it’s about a Roman army doctor posted to Britannia in the early second century, during the reign of Hadrian. It’s a detective story with a difference and she’s an excellent writer whose attention to detail is amazing. I’m very much enjoying it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I’d like to get my children’s and YA books published if I can. And I’m working on a new historical novel set in medieval Wales. Just at the research stage with this one right now.

What is your favorite book of all time?
My favourite book would have to be one I could read over and over again, and that would have to be a Nevil Shute novel. It would be hard to choose which one though. I think I’d go for The Chequer Board, a novel of redemption that’s full of kindness but also of adventure.

Author Websites and Profiles
Fil Reid Website
Fil Reid Amazon Profile

Fil Reid’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Selena Robins

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a voracious reader since I graduated from picture books to chapter books.

I love all genres, but romance holds a special place in my heart, because is universal, ageless, limitless in its possibility for people from all walks of life.

I’ve written to books: WHAT A GIRL WANTS, ONCE UPON A KISS, and a Short Rom Com, TEMPTED BY AN ANGEL.

I also have written children’s books, under a different pen name.

I had to put my writing on hold for a few years to take care of my beloved husband after he was diagnosed with cancer. It was a labor of love and privileged to be able to spend every moment with him during his last 14 months of his life.

I lost the love of my life in 2018, but he made me promise to get back to writing. Although, it was a challenge, I am proud to say I did get back to it, and finished another book, and look forward to continuing my writing journey.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
ONCE UPON A KISS.

My love story with my husband inspired the couple’s friendship, romance and love story.

I was also inspired by a snow globe my husband bought me years ago. It didn’t have a musical crank at the bottom, and never played music, it was a Christmas tree snow globe for decoration.

After his brother died, the snow globe would play a soft tune. We could not figure out where the music was coming from. My parents in law took comfort in believing it was a sign from their son that he was saying hello.

From that, I thought, what if a snow globe did give out subtle messages, in a magical but realistic manner, and that’s where the snow globe that makes an appearance in ONCE UPON A KISS came into play.

By the way, we did discover there was a music box inside my snow globe, and it was triggered by sunlight…that’s the only explanation we came up with. 🙂

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if these are unusual, but they are my habits.

Music playing in the background, I can’t write when it is quiet in the house.

I act out the dialogue, using hand gestures (I’m Italian, it is part of my rite of passage to talk with my hands 🙂 ).

I need to wear cozy socks.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lucy M. Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables. I devoured her books as a youngster.

Mario Puzo. I remember reading The Godfather when I was about 12 years old (under the covers so my parents didn’t see what I was reading), and thought, what a great story teller, and absorbed the twists and turns in his novel.

Joy Fielding writes suspense with some romantic elements, but she is another author I admire for her brilliant plotting and multi-dimensional characters.

I have read so many romance authors who have helped with my passion for the romance genre, that it’s hard to name them.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on another Romantic Comedy but this one is a mystery. The heroine runs a honey-trap agency, catching adulterers, however, she unknowingly gets herself in a lot of trouble and now has the Russian mob after her.

She has no choice but to partner up with her childhood nemesis (and teenage crush) Detective Smoke Show.

They both come from large Italian families, and that is the most fun to write, how they interact with their families and with each other.

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

HOME

I’m also on social media platforms, Twitter, Facebook

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read a lot, the more you see words, the more your own creativity will kick in.

Develop your own voice. You don’t have to emulate any other writers, be yourself.

Try not to read how-to write books, articles, etc. This can stunt your own creativity, and cause unnecessary anxiety.

Writing a book is a process, it can be frustrating at times, but it is also rewarding. You’ll find your own rhythm with time and what works best for you.

Most importantly, write. Write and then write some more. All the advice and how-to manuals will not produce a novel. Only you will do that, by writing.

I was fortunate to connect with strong critique partners, and that is invaluable to be able to get honest review (leave ego outside, as you really want honest feedback), so join a writing group and connect with someone who will support and help with critiquing.

Most of all, enjoy it. Love it. If you love it, and you enjoy your story, your readers will as well.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t write what you know.”

Most advice is to write what you know, but I have never been a cop, or an innkeeper, or investigative reporter, so I limited myself to only writing what I know, I wouldn’t have a variety of occupations for my characters.

One thing that I do know—emotions. I’ve been happy, sad, anxious, nervous, in love, frustrated, etc. All those things are things we do know, so that we can develop characters.

Things like occupations, shooting a gun for example, research is my best friend.

What are you reading now?
When I’m writing romance for example, I stay away from reading what I’m writing, and since my work in progress is a romance, I’m reading outside the genre.

I’m reading two books right now.

Harlan Coben’s, THE MATCH
Stanley Tucci’s, TASTE, my life through food

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will keep writing stories that I myself want to read in the romance genre. My next book as I mentioned is another RomCom mystery, and the other after that (which is half written) is a suspense. It is different from my other books, but it is a fascinating look into the Mafia, their families and the police and their families.

What is your favorite book of all time?
To Kill A Mockingbird.

A timeless classic that deals with issues that are still relevant today, unfortunately (although getting better), with the addition of humor to create a multi-dimensional, thought provoking novel.

Author Websites and Profiles
Selena Robins Website
Selena Robins Amazon Profile

Selena Robins’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Karam Pal

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a software engineer by profession and potentialpreneur by heart. I have influenced more than 2000 students and professionals with my keynote speeches in schools, colleges, and corporations. I love to read, ride and watch movies.

I have written two books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Unlock Your Dream Potential” is my latest book. I failed multiple times in multiples areas of life. I failed in business, family, and job. I did not know why I was failing.

I decided to figure it out. I went on to read books, take mentorship, and whatever I could, I started doing.

It took me three to fours years to figure out the problems and fix them.

I thought of helping others to achieve their dreams and live purposeful lives.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, when I started writing, I used to go to the office for an hour or so. I used to write for some time and start the office work.

Also, whenever I got time in between I used to write and learn the process of writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like many authors, but Tim Ferriss and Ryan Holiday are my favorites. I love many books, but my favorites are “Tribe of mentors,” “The obstacle is the way,” “As the man thinketh,” etc.

What are you working on now?
I am working on my next book, “Reprogram Your Mindset for Success.” Unless you change your mindset and attitude, you will not achieve your dreams and transform your life.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am promoting my book with the webinar. I am also, learning about the sales and marketing of the book in different ways.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It is important to keep consistent. Consistency brings the results. It may take time but results will come.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t try to be perfect”. It is important to complete something instead of looking for perfection. So many people are not able to complete their work because of perfection.

What are you reading now?
I am reading “The storyteller’s secret”.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on my next book.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The 4-hour workweek is my favorite book of all time.

Author Websites and Profiles
Karam Pal Website
Karam Pal Amazon Profile

Karam Pal’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

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