Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Being an author is actually quite new to me. The Decline of Western Society is my first book. I am unfortunately not able to make a living of writing (not yet, at least!), but am still working in a manager position full time in the field of private security services.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called The Decline of Western Society – Striving for Survival and Success. My initial thought and motivation was to share my frustration about the state of things everywhere in the world, but soon my rather aggressive writing turned into a more serious project.

Fear not, the book is as objective and professional as possible. No clueless rambling there!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t know what most consider unusual. I love writing and do it whenever I have time and energy for it. I guess what most could find unusual is that I tend to try to write my initial text in as final format as possible. I avoid writing anything I intend to edit ten times over in the future anyway.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As for my writing style, it is impossible to name any, for it is probably the combination of everything I’ve ever read!

As for the content, I’d like to give a shout out to Robert Kiyosaki and Mr. Money Mustache.

What are you working on now?
Besides marketing my debut work, my second book. It will be a compilation of novellas. The plots will revolve around money and finance, and the themes will be both educational and occasionally gloomy as well.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
In all honesty, I wouldn’t know yet! This is something I am still working on and trying to get better at.

The number one project would be getting more exposure for my social media on Twitter and Instagram, as well as for my website https://www.thedeclineofwesternsociety.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just start. Avoid procrastinating. Being able to finish projects is what separates the ones who actually want to succeed from the ones not in it for the long term.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always survive, yet never feel satisfied by mere survival. Aim for true success!

What are you reading now?
Blog and forum posts about promoting and marketing books!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I aim to finish my second book quicker than my first one, which took almost one year. I started writing my second book today (July 1st), so I will be setting my goal for Christmas.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Dune.

Author Websites and Profiles
Teemu Lampovaara Website
Teemu Lampovaara Amazon Profile

Teemu Lampovaara’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I reside in Indiana with my husband and two sons. I have just recently started writing children’s books. I have 1 book that has been published but am working on others.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my latest book is I Am God Breathed. I was inspired to write this book as I saw a lot of children were really struggling with how to deal with feeling upset or angry. I wrote this book to help them learn how to work through these big emotions and show them the love of God.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to get up after I go to bed and start writing. My ideas tend to come when I should be sleeping but can’t. I find I then can’t sleep if I do not get up and put the ideas on paper.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lori Wick right now is my favorite author and has inspired the way in which I want to write. I want my books to be entertaining, but I want there to be a message about God.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a couple of other children’s books, along with starting to write an adult devotional series based on the Old Testament.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have done some local advertising by sending my books out to local preschools. I also have accounts on amazon author page, goodreads, and pinterest.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep going. It is hard work getting a book written and published, but it is such a great feeling seeing all of your hard work in a finished book in front of you.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading an Amish mystery series by Vannetta Chapman.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Pride and Prejudice.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer Penrose Website
Jennifer Penrose Amazon Profile

Jennifer Penrose’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Pinterest Account

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

My name is Matthew Johnson, and I am a poet, editor, and publisher. I am the author of two books, and I am working on/shopping around another full collection, as well as a chapbook collection. My second poetry collection, “Far from New York State,” was released in March of this year by New York Quarterly Press. I formerly worked in the field of sports journalism as a reporter and editor (The Daily Star in Oneonta, NY; The USA Today College). Besides my own work, I am also an editor at the literary magazine, The Twin Bill, and I am the managing editor of, Portrait of New England. My work has appeared in journals such as, The Maryland Literary Review, The Northern New England Review, and The Roanoke Review. I am a three-time Best of the Net nominee, and I have served as a Writing Fellow for Sundress Publications.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest collection, published in March of 2023, is titled, “Far from New York State.” This poetry collection was inspired by my personal experiences as a resident of my home state. I am originally from New Rochelle, NY, grew up in Stratford, CT, and have lived in North Carolina for about 13 years now, though these would be non-consecutive years, as I shortly worked in journalism in Upstate New York. My collection was also inspired by the writings, music, sports, and culture of New York. From the works of the Harlem Renaissance writers and Washington Irving, to hip-hop, jazz, and folk, and to teams like the Yankees and Giants, my collection was inspired by the art and culture which sprang out from that part of the country, from Upstate, to Downstate, and to the City.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual writing habits; Hmmm…I imagine one habit of mine that makes me unique is that I typically lie down on the floor to write and that I begin each day with either a run or a walk. If I am walking, I’ll typically listen to songs of Spirituals or Jazz Standards and Folk.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Harlem Renaissance writers have been the most significant influence in my career. From the jazz forms of Langston Hughes, to the British Romantic style of Countee Cullen, to the exploration of place and region in the works of Jean Toomer and Zora Neale Hurston, and many others in that era, those would be the writers who most influenced me. Additional influences would be the works of Mark Twain, Frederick Douglass, and Washington Irving, as well as the research and journalism of Ida B. Wells, the poetry of Emily Dickinson, and the stories of John Steinbeck. Modern influences would include Kevin Young, Sonia Sanchez, and Yusef Komunyakaa.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a baseball-themed poetry manuscript, which explores ideas of race, region, music, and art around the game, as well as a chapbook centered on similar themes about the sport of boxing.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have found that the best method for me has been social media, specifically Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. While I have my own personal website where my information and published poems are parked, interaction with others, I have found, to be the greatest way to promote my work and books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
One piece of advice I routinely tell new authors is to read the work of others. If an aspiring jazz musician never listened to jazz, or an aspiring baseball player never watched a baseball game, they would most likely not be successful in their craft. Writers need to be exposed to writing for a variety of reasons: to learn and see new ideas, to actually see the structure and development of a poem/fiction piece, it provides inspiration for your own work, and it also lets you see what the audience/market may enjoy and may not enjoy.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I am sure it’s a piece of advice that is well-known, but the idea of not letting the fear of failure stop you from pursuing your goals is something that has really stuck with me. Rarely do people strike gold on their first attempt, so it’s important to be resilient against the doubts that may come up during the trial-and-error period, and understand the importance of patience, practice and repetition.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading, “Making our Future: Visionary Folklore & Everyday Culture in Appalachia,” by Emily Hilliard.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am currently working on the next issues of the literary magazines I am a part of, which are both due out in the coming weeks. Following that, I hope to continue editing my own poems and submitting them to literary magazines.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Oh, that’s a tough one, and I feel like my answer varies by the day. Today, it’s Jean Toomer’s “Cane.” Tomorrow, it may be, Ellie Wiesel’s, “Night,” or Dante’s Divine Comedy, or The Autobiography of Malcolm X, or Macbeth by William Shakespeare or The Count of Monte Cristo,” by Alexander Dumas.

Author Websites and Profiles
Matthew Johnson Website
Matthew Johnson Amazon Profile
Matthew Johnson Author Profile Other Bookseller

Matthew Johnson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Angela Thomas Smith is an accomplished author, speaker, publisher, and entrepreneur. She has written 60+ books on Amazon and Blurb, and is renowned for her collaborations with other authors and entrepreneurs. She has been featured in many publications and has delivered speeches on stages around the world. Her work has been recognized by the National Speaker’s Association and the International Association of Professional Speakers. Smith is the visionary behind the Da Crew Podcast, Aspiring Authors Magazine, and the L3movement (learn|love|lead).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
God’s Joy: Joy Speaks

God’s Joy; Joy Speaks is a collection of 15- uplifting poems that help readers to find joy in their lives. Through the book readers learn to trust God and to recognize the joy that He brings into our lives, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. The book encourages readers to find joy in the small moments of life and to recognize that God is the source of all joy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I just write

What authors, or books have influenced you?
my top 10
1. Toni Morrison – Beloved, Song of Solomon, The Bluest Eye
2. James Baldwin – Notes of a Native Son, Go Tell It on the Mountain
3. Maya Angelou – I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
4. Alice Walker – The Color Purple
5. Zora Neale Hurston – Their Eyes Were Watching God
6. W.E.B. Du Bois – The Souls of Black Folk
7. Octavia Butler – Kindred
8. Ralph Ellison – Invisible Man
9. Richard Wright – Native Son
10. Ta-Nehisi Coates – Between the World and Me

What are you working on now?
Currently working on book 2 of a 3 book series called “Silently Hurting Inside; Hurt no more” 3 books of poems bring awareness to trauma, mental health, and abuse; those things that we allow to ourselves to hurt silently inside. I am also working a book 3 of our 3 book series P.O.W.E.R. of prayer.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use all some media platforms available (www.linktr.ee/queenofcollaborations)

https://aspiringauthorsmagazine.godaddysites.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write and share your story someone is waiting to hear your message.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If I really want change, I have to be the change.

What are you reading now?
Textbooks have me consumed right now, haven’t been able to really dive into any new books lately but after I walk across this stage I’ll be back at it! Even interested in starting a ALL POETRY BOOK CLUB.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am on a journey to publish 100 books before I turn 50( I am 48 and I am on book # 63 that drops July 31st).

What is your favorite book of all time?
color purple

Author Websites and Profiles
Angela Thomas(smith) Amazon Profile

Angela Thomas(smith)’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! My (pen name) is C.D. Britt and I am a fantasy author who likes to sprinkle mythology into my novels. I have four novels published, and by the end of this year, should have another novel and novella out.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Prophecy of Gods and Crows was my most recent release (June 6th). This story started as an epic fantasy and ended as something else entirely. I wanted to do Celtic Mythology since this was something I grew up learning about with Irish and Scottish grandparents. Somehow, when walking through my hometown, I ran across an area once called Hell’s Half Acre and the idea of a post global warming world with the gods and goddesses of nature springing back to life formed.
That was when it became a whole other beast. Haha

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am sure all authors have some odd habit. It is difficult for me to work without music, or acting out my story, and my cup of coffee slowly cooling from forgetfulness. I guess what someone might think odd is my eighty post its notes of nonsense (to anyone but me) spread around me like rays of sunshine. My desk is an absolute mess, and it has to be or I cannot work.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lindsay Buroker has been a huge influence on me as far as my love of fantasy goes, and V.E. Schwab’s writing can get my creative juices flowing like no other.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on my fifth book (first in my third series) about Thanatos from my first series (Reign of Goddesses Series). He was one of my most popular secondary characters and several people asked that he get his own story. Who am I to say no?

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love to chat with my street team on Facebook. They are amazing at getting the word out on new books for me. Other than that, my website, authorcdbritt.com, is where I usually send people by word of mouth or through my ads.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You will hit moments in the beginning where you wonder if it is at all worth it. Whether you are an indie, footing the bill, or another publisher rejected your manuscript, keep pushing through! You haven’t found your footing yet, but you will and every other author, (including me!) is cheering you on!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your readers are out there. As an author, not everyone will love your work. It’s based on their preference and taste, but once you find your group, it will be worth the wait!

What are you reading now?
Vengeful by V.E. Schwab and I am absolutely loving it so far.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the Clan of Shadows and Blood of Saviors series (hopefully) within the next two years.

What is your favorite book of all time?
I honestly cannot answer that. I have no idea. There are so many that I love and find comfort in that it would be impossible to list out.

Author Websites and Profiles
C.D. Britt Website
C.D. Britt Amazon Profile
C.D. Britt Author Profile Other Bookseller

C.D. Britt’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Oscar J. Frye, of Dutch origin, is a writer, a business owner, and holds degrees in psychology (B.A.), International Studies (B.A.), International Business (M.A.), and psychotherapy (Gestalt Therapy).

He is the father of four and works and lives with his family in Monaco and Southern France for almost 30 years, dividing his time between hectic city life and the tranquility of a more natural setting.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Please All Rise!
The current state of the world has made me wonder we’re were headed.
While on earth, man has higher objectives to pursue than all the material things this world can offer. As children of God, of the creator, of the universe, or whatever you want to call it, we must ‘spiritualize’ our lives. We are all loving and caring beings at our core, but we can’t help wondering when looking at our world today: How far have we gone astray as mankind?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
It is often easier to get into a ‘train of thought’ after midnight when the world and my kids too, are vast asleep.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The list is too long to mention here, but if I were to mention one great spiritual book it is ‘autobiography of a yogi’ by Paramahansa Yogananda (Self-Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles).

What are you working on now?
Always thinking, always working, but yet unsure of the exact nature of my next book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I found that TCK Publishing had very helpful information on their site.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Today’s world begs people that think they have something to say, to think twice until they’re inspired by higher values and higher thought to bring understanding, acceptance and gentleness into this world, as opposed to stories about crime, violence and the like.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be true to your own style.

What are you reading now?
Not committed to anything in particular right now.

What’s next for you as a writer?
It is yet to take form.

What is your favorite book of all time?
At every age there are books that suit you, that cater to what you need to work on, to learn, to master to build your own personal ‘world map’.

Author Websites and Profiles
Oscar FRYE Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a teacher, writer, and artist who spends her days wandering the halls of adolescents trying to convince the warry souls to create magic through art. When Kristain isn’t painting she dreams at a keyboard of adventures that stir the soul. Kristain lives in Georgia with her husband where they spend their time gazing up at the galaxy or chasing their baby astronaut, Aldrin, in the back yard. Kristain has written multiple novels and is currently working on The Creation of Death series.

With a Bachelor in Fine Arts, an artist, and writer, I won the literary competition at the University of West Georgia in 2010 for an essay on the effects of modern love in a romantically broken society. I also received in house notice for an article on self-love and mental health promotions through meditation and artistic avenues in 2009.

She can be found on Instagram at The Stardust Writer. or at www.authorkrisbranham.com

Awakening was written as a literary thriller for women who have felt the cold isolation of loneliness, for artists who hope to save a warry soul with every brushstroke across the canvas, and for the lonely perfectionist that struggles with losing control of their surroundings. This story is geared to awaken even the most broken souls into finding their place in this cosmic universe. Lastly, this story is written for everyone tired of the same old angels versus demons trope.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Breaking is the second book in the Creation of Death Series. I wanted to create a series that questioned what extremes would God go through to correct a mistake that he made before humans were created. I wanted to create a series with tension that discusses humans trapped in a supernatural world and how they are often used as pawns in a larger game.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually don’t plot out my books like most authors. when the mood strikes i chase the dopamine and just throw it all out there. once the book is written then i like to go back and polish off the details, plot points, and underlining foreshadowing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
oh goodness, im a MASSIVE Brandon Sanderson fan. I think his work is brilliant and he is a machine of a writer. I love his complex stories and his visionary inclusions. I am also a Rothfuss, Gamen, and Maas fan as well. I think in some ways they have all influenced me and my writing.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a romance novel with a little spice. It is meant to be a Halloween Romance which I find to be a small field of entertainment in the book community.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I usually do most of my promoting and communication via instagram.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it. there is nothing more discouraging than starting out. you have an incredible idea and now you have to learn a new industry, marketing, and get followers. it can be heartbreaking but chasing your dreams because a satisfide soul is worth the work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
if it doesnt feed your soul then its not worth your time

What are you reading now?
Morgan Elliot! she is absolutely amazing and has a new release out this July that i just got done Arc reading. its increasable

What’s next for you as a writer?
honestly the new book im writing has become my obsession. I have hopes that it will be a good find for a Halloween Romance that I can turn into a Holiday series.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Stormlight Archives was life changing in so many ways. I appreciated the in depth characters, the heart break, fear, anxiety, and love in each page. Its utterly perfection.

Author Websites and Profiles
kristain Branham Website
kristain Branham Amazon Profile
kristain Branham Author Profile Other Bookseller

kristain Branham’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! I was born in Tucson, Arizona, where I went on to study Classics and Italian at the University of Arizona. After seven years in Italy, I am now back in the Sonoran Desert, where I live with my Italian study abroad sweetheart, our two kids, and a few bilingual pets. My idea of a happily ever after includes a solid serving of food, wine, and adorable animals. I’ve published two books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Road of Stars and Flame is my most recent release. The novel, a YA historical fantasy, was inspired by the lesser-known history and mythology of the Oracle of Delphi in Greece.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Maybe not unusual, but I definitely enjoy snacking while writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the way Madeline Miller brought history and mythology to life in both Circe and The Song of Achilles. In romance, I’m drawn to the humor of Emily Henry and the heart of Abby Jiminez, as well as novels that incorporate a little something more (The Love Hypothesis) or adventure.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a romantic thriller alla Verity meets The Paris Apartment that takes place in the Umbrian hills of Italy.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I mostly rely on Instagram for promotion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Not every book is for every person, and your worth and the quality of your writing are not determined by reviews. Keep writing what makes you happy.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be kind.

What are you reading now?
Then She was Gone by Lisa Jewell

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m hoping to finish the thriller this fall and then begin work on a follow-up novel to my romcom, Remy vs. Rome, that will take place in Naples.

What is your favorite book of all time?
This is an impossible question!

Author Websites and Profiles
Bonnie Callahan Website
Bonnie Callahan Amazon Profile

Bonnie Callahan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, my name is Carol Staff. I am an adoptee who self-published September’s Child. That was my debut title. I published it in 2014. While writing September’s Child, I needed to escape the pain of writing about my adoption. So, I created The Dark Mountain Saga. I turned the villains in The Dark Mountain Saga into characters in my book. I also turned the heroes in my life into heroes in The Dark Mountain Saga.

Since the beginning of my writing career, I have written 12 books. I have rewritten 4 of those 12 books. I will continue rewriting the other 8, but I now care for my murdered daughter’s children.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my latest book is, The Other Side: “The Only Way Out Is To Die!”
My youngest daughter Amber’s body was discovered alongside a pull-out in Pecos, New Mexico on May 21, 2021. The media dehumanized my baby girl by calling her The Slain Woman. The police turned Amber into someone worth less than the criminal who killed her. Amber’s story was far too important not to tell.

The purpose of this book was to help other families. Grief is difficult, but grief from murder is multiplied by other people not understanding the pain children and families go through because their loved one was murdered.
Therefore, our family has discovered there is a need for us to start a foundation. It may take time, and that is alright, but 50% of the royalties from this book will be saved to begin, The Carol and Amber Foundation. Why 50%? Because Amber’s children need to go to college. They need help to grow up. They still need help in understanding that their mother can never come back. Amber’s death was not just some elaborate scheme. Her death was real! The effects that followed are real!
Spirit Bond Publishing along with Hugh Murphy (Author of Memories and Observations.) wants to help those who need Legal help, counseling, or a way to begin again. When I brought my grandchildren home, they had one bag of clothes each. The clothes are expensive. That is what our foundation will do. It will help those forced to start over!
What can readers do? You can help us help others by leaving a kind review. The purchase of this book helped! Sharing our story helps us get the word out. We don’t want anyone to feel alone. Please, let’s help each other by bringing awareness. This is what Amber wants!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to write around having to care for my traumatized granddaughter. I don’t think of that as unusual. Aside from working around having children, I think I am pretty normal.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many of the books I write are about some aspect of my life that I think could help others. No other books influence my writing.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on two books. The second book of The Dark Mountain Saga, titled Journey To The Hidden Gate, and a supernatural fiction title named Working From The Other Side.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t stick with any one website to promote my books. Much of my promotion comes from word of mouth. People who read my books share them well. So, word of mouth is my best method of promoting my books. I am here to get Amber’s books out faster than word of mouth.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is this; Write about the things you know. Write well. If you plan to self-publish, purchase your own ISBN numbers. If you use the free ISBN numbers from publishing platforms, the platform owner owns the ISBN numbers. You can save yourself a ton of money by formatting your book yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Your desire to succeed should be greater than your fear of failure!”
I am quoting myself!

What are you reading now?
At the moment, I do not have time to read. I am working on two titles. My most recent read book was Memories and Observations by Hugh Murphy.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Book two of The Dark Mountain Saga is next, as I have worked on book two since 2014 and my fans are getting impatient.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Lord Of The Rings trilogy is my favorite!

Author Websites and Profiles
D. R. Meyers Amazon Profile

D. R. Meyers’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I think my story is quite classic: I have been wanting to write a book since child, but it took me years to actually do it. I have written the start of many, many novels, but then abandoned it.

When I was expecting my first child (born August 2020), I started taking writing more seriously. I knew that I would one day have to tell my daughter to go for her dreams and I didn’t want to seem like an hypocrite, because I had not gone after my owns. Since I have published four novels and three novellas so far.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My lastest book, published June 1, 2023, is called A Portrait of Love. It is the third book in my series Lust and Longing, hence I knew the characters beforehand.

The story is about Lucy, a noblewoman dreaming of being an artist. She sees marriage as a hindrance to her dream and has decided never to marry. This is made more difficult by her best friend Edmund having feelings for her and very subtly trying to win her heart.

With the novel I wanted to explore how love could change the mind of a character as stubborn as Lucy. Besides this I was interested in writing about a female character whose focus was not solely on finding love and marrying but also about achieving something for herself.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I work as a freelancer and is able to write for one or two hours in the morning before I start work. One funny thing though is that last I checked I have three chapter eleven in the manuscript that I am currently working on (this will obviously be checked before I publish).

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I write steamy regency romance and other authors in my genres that have inspired me is Sasha Cottman, Sofi Laporte, Eloisa James, Sabrina Jeffries and of course Julia Quinn.

What are you working on now?
I am currently (june 2023) working on the fourth book in my Lust and Longing series, The Marquis Who Ruined Me. It is about Edwina who is found alone in an anteroom with Henry at a ball. The two then have to marry because of the scandal. That is only made worse by the fact, that Edwina’s mother is Henry’s father former mistress. The odds are obviously against them, yet both are hoping to find love.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Building a newsletter seems to be a great way.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Finish the book. I started so many books, but then didn’t finish them, becaue it got tough and I started doubting myself when I reached the middle. I still do, but now I know that I have to keep going.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Despite finishing the book, I have been very inspired by the universal fantasies, that T. Taylor writes about in 7 Figure Author.

What are you reading now?
I am reading A Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish my Lust and Longing series. I am planning on a total of seven books.

Then I would also like to rewrite some of my first books. I took down the first three books that I published because I felt I had developed so much as a writer that I could do better. I still like the stories though and have plans for another three or four books in the series, so I would like to rewrite them when I have the time.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Difficult question. As a child it was Harry Potter, as a teenager it was Tomorrow when the War began by John Marsden and as an adult… well, there is too many good books to choose.

Author Websites and Profiles
Emilie Jacobsen Website
Emilie Jacobsen Amazon Profile
Emilie Jacobsen Author Profile Other Bookseller

Emilie Jacobsen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
For about a decade, I waded through the swamp of PR and marketing, mingling with brilliant minds yet feeling perpetually stuck. Life had become a monotonous echo, each day a repetition of the last. The pandemic was the final blow, shattering any lingering belief I had in the security of a 9-to-5 existence.

Facing the apocalyptic dance of the world, I swore to seize this dreadful crisis and squeeze from it whatever I could. If the world was to end, I would at least pursue my dream. Life is fleeting. I chained myself to a chair and wrote. It was an uphill battle, to say the least.

So far, I’ve penned two novels.

The first, Last Chance California, is a darkly comedic contemporary fiction piece. It paints a raw, unfiltered portrait of a cynical millennial navigating the cusp of the COVID-19 pandemic, wrestling with his family’s cycle of abuse. Or, to put it bluntly, it’s about a depressed and wayward man who becomes a full-blown alcoholic after fleeing to California to escape his violent childhood.

My second novel, Once Upon A Subway is a romantic drama, where the past and present blur as Harper and Wyatt relive their passionate, yet stormy, love story after the estranged lovers unexpectedly cross paths on the subway. Once Upon A Subway is a heart-wrenching exploration of love, loss, and the power of healing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
If you think public transit is bad, imagine running into your ex while commuting home on the subway from work.

Once Upon A Subway is much more than a poignant romantic saga. The tragic romance is an exploration of the profound human capacity to heal and love, despite deep personal wounds. The characters’ stories echo the arduous journey of loving a damaged soul, a theme that resonates with many who have faced similar struggles.

Once Upon A Subway might be fiction, but it carries echoes of my own past. While everyone’s healing journey is as unique as their fingerprints, my hope is that Once Upon A Subway resonates with readers and inspires them to embark on their own quest for understanding, forgiveness, and healing.

The journey of writing the book was a marathon, not a sprint. I wanted to finish this thing, but didn’t have the writing experience or emotional ability to get it done. Thankfully, I refused to rush the process, acknowledging that a narrative of such gravity deserved time to mature and develop. And I received tons of support from a lot of people who helped me chase this writing dream.

Now, let’s hope Once Upon A Subway is good.

At least for my sake.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get dressed up in a suit and tie before shining my shoes. After that I demand absolute silence, block all light from entering my office, silence my phone, and strangle words until I cry.

Just kidding.

First, I summon the ghosts of my childhood with an Ecto Cooler candle. It smells just like the old Hi-C juice boxes from the 90s I used to guzzle down. Nothing like a shot of nostalgia to get the creative juices flowing. It’s either an inspiring trip down memory lane or a sign that I’ve lost touch with reality.

Jury’s still out on that one.

Then, to really set the mood, I get a fix of literary wisdom, either by reading the works of my favorite writers or listening to their voices, spilling the secrets of their craft. It’s like being in a secret writer’s club, except I can do it in my underwear and I don’t have to talk to anyone. It’s perfect.

Next? Cranking up the tunes and sucking down a pot of coffee. Whether it’s big-haired rockers from the 80s or country singers with broken hearts and pickup trucks, I blast the music. My ear drums may be sixty years old from the assault of loudness, but hey, it’s all part of the creative process.

Once the music is doing its thing, I boogie around the house. Picture a solitary dance party in a room filled with books and the sweet smell of nostalgic Hi-C juice boxes. Except instead of dancing, I’m usually pacing and plotting what I’m working on that day. Dance moves definitely do come out though, especially when I have a creative breakthrough.

Once I’m all pumped up and have probably freaked out my dog with my questionable dance moves, I plop down and let the words flow.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Charles Bukowski, Neil Strauss, John Fante, Chuck Palahniuk, Hunter S. Thompson, and Ernest Hemingway.

Besides Neil Strauss, I didn’t read any of those writers listed until the pandemic. Reading those writers flipped a switch in my mind and really made me want to chase my writing dreams.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently knee-deep in crafting my third novel, which I’ve affectionately dubbed Surviving America As A Millennial.

It’s about a man who goes after his relentless pursuit of the elusive American Dream… a wife, kids, and to earn a living at a job that he doesn’t despise. But it’s not all apple pies and white picket fences. Our protagonist is wading through the swampy depths of corporate America, zipping across the country faster than a Greyhound bus, hopping from job to job and woman to woman, as his American Dream begins to fade away. As his disillusionment grows, so does the absurdity. It’s a dark comedy that would make even the most steadfast millennial question their life choices.

I’m also writing up a sequel to Last Chance California. This one’s an homage to Hunter S. Thompson’s legendary Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
If you’ve got the magic formula for book marketing, then by all means, enlighten me. Send an email my way. I’d love to hear it. There’s so much information out there and ways to do things, the last thing I want to do is spew out more unquantified advice.

All you have to do is write. And keep writing. Write books you’re proud of. Throw them into the wild and cross your fingers that they find their way to the right people. Because at the end of the day, all we can do is our best.

Good luck out there, fellow writers. May the literary odds be ever in your favor.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Brace yourself for failure and embrace it when it comes. Rejection letters? Collect them. Bad reviews? Frame them.

And never stop learning. Writing is like any other craft. It takes time, practice, and a whole lot of patience. So read a lot, write a lot, and then write some more. Seek feedback and listen, whether you agree with the critique or not. The goal is to write good stories, and all writers need help to do that. That’s where hearing things you don’t want comes into play. Don’t take negative assessments to heart.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Charles Bukowski said, “Find what you love and let it kill you.”

What are you reading now?
I can’t put down The Great Shark Hunt by Hunter S. Thompson. It’s a wild ride from start to finish, as you might expect from the father of Gonzo journalism. His perspective of America in the sixties and seventies is fascinating.

What’s next for you as a writer?
In between bouts of crippling writer’s block and inexplicable urges to move to Hawaii and become an ice cream man, I’m mulling over a few ideas. One of them involves a screenplay about a legion of mutant guinea pigs taking over the world. Let’s cross our fingers and hope the muse hasn’t abandoned me for a less chaotic writer.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Some books slap you across the face at the perfect moment in your life, making you question everything you thought you knew. Others might initially leave a bitter taste in your mouth, only to become a favorite over time.

But I’d have to go with Ask the Dust by John Fante.

Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Price Website
Brian Price Amazon Profile

Brian Price’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Canadian Indie Author, I have one Novel, and a collection of short stories published.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Guilty Deceptions. It was inspired and loosely based on a true crime event which took place in Saint John New Brunswick, in the year 1869.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a bit of a Plantser writer. That means that while I attempt to write plots and outlines first I tend to go way off course from where I started. This is usually caused by me allowing the characters to take charge and tell me exactly how it happened.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read many different genres. Some of my influences are Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, and Stephanie Meyer. However, I tend to read a lot of Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes.

What are you working on now?
I’ currently working on my second novel in the Sheriff Dawson series. It’s going to be called Dark Jealousy, and takes place a year after Guilty Deceptions ends.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still experimenting with this, but since most of my readers use Facebook, I tend to try to use that the most.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s a rough road, with many road blocks. Keep trying and never ever give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That not everyone is going to like my books, and to take their opinions with a grain of salt.

What are you reading now?
Currently, I’m about to start Agatha Christie’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I release Dark Jealousy this fall, I’m taking a break from the Sheriff Dawson Series. (I have three books planned) and I’ll be working on another Victorian Mystery, this one also based on another true crime that happened here in New Brunswick, Canada.

What is your favorite book of all time?
There are way too many to choose. But, I think my favourite all time book is To Kill a Mockingbird.

Author Websites and Profiles
D.C. Malcolm Website

D.C. Malcolm’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Brett Wallach, and I’m a father of two daughters from the Philadelphia area. The protagonist in my Phil Allman, P.I. series of mysteries is a misanthropic, sentimental, bitter, funny, romantic, lustful, tough, sometimes amoral, slightly (?) insane divorced father of two daughters from Philadelphia. Any resemblance to myself is highly coincidental. I’ve tried to create a character who often says and does the wrong things, after reading so many books in this genre where the main character, despite quirks, is usually unrealistically virtuous. Think Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver, only funnier. My favorite authors are John Steinbeck, Graham Greene, Raymond Chandler, Elmore Leonard, Dennis Lehane, Walter Mosley, Gillian Flynn, and many others. I have no delusions that my novels are on their level, but as my reviews (please see them as well on Goodreads) show, most people seem to find them entertaining. After my former publisher recently went out of business, I decided to self-publish, and my nine books (so far) in the series (Jesse Garon, And I Love Her, Young Blood, Freeze Out, Susceptible,Torment, Man Out Of Time, The One You Never Seen Before, The Last Shot) are all available on Amazon, and candid, objective reviews are always welcome. My most recent noir novel, The Last Shot, has been published by The Wild Rose Press. My tenth book, and the only one not in the Phil Allman series is The Last MAN On Earth, a sci-fi/social and sexual satire, and I hope that you like that as well. My email address is brettswallach1@gmail.com, and feedback is welcome.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
THE LAST SHOT is about Phil trying to achieve his dream of being a world-renowned mystery author. It was inspired in part by the Martin Scorsese classic movie The King of Comedy.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Raymond Chandler, James M. Cain, Graham Greene, John Steinbeck, Gilliam Flynn, Walter Mosley and other great mystery writers not afraid to make their audiences uncomfortable.

What are you working on now?
The tenth book in the series, which is more erotic than the rest.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stop writing, I don’t want the competition.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never take rejection personally.

What are you reading now?
I just reread The Big Sleep, the classic noir novel by Raymond Chandler.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully more sales and recognition.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Sometimes A Great Notion by Ken Kesey explores all sides of the American dream brilliantly, compassionately, and hilariously.

Author Websites and Profiles
BRETT WALLACH Website
BRETT WALLACH Amazon Profile

BRETT WALLACH’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have a rich background in the film and television industry, specializing in animation and visual effects. In addition to my professional work, I’ve had the opportunity to share my expertise by teaching these disciplines. As an author, I’ve recently made my debut with a collection of five short stories, marking my first venture into published literature.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut collection of short stories is titled “Funhouse of Nightmares.” The inspiration for the initial story came from an unexpected place. I enrolled in an intensive three-month screenwriting course at the New York Film Academy, only to discover that scriptwriting wasn’t quite my cup of tea. However, one bright spot emerged from this experience – a piece I wrote during the course was reborn as a short story entitled “Static.” From there, the ideas kept flowing, ultimately culminating in this anthology.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
While I’m unsure whether my writing habits are truly unusual, they do seem to deviate from common advice. I often read that one should thoroughly plan a story in advance. However, I find myself incapable of adhering to this practice. Instead, I dive deeply into writing chapters to grasp the motives of my characters and the trajectory of the plot. This approach means that much of my initial writing gets discarded for the current story. Nevertheless, many initial ideas find their way into other narratives.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Carlos Castaneda, particularly his book “The Art of Dreaming,” has been a primary influence on my ideas. Additionally, I’ve found inspiration in the works of Edward St. Aubyn, Daphne du Maurier, Evelyn Waugh, and Raymond Chandler, among others.

What are you working on now?
Currently, alongside promoting my latest book, I’m working on a narrative with the provisional title, “Espiègle Sifflet–Pratique.” It’s an offbeat tale centered around a puppet show and the intriguingly eerie characters associated with the puppet theater.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Loads of social media.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
That critical voice in your head is your mum, dad and ancestors, and they need to be ignored!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never look someone in the eye when eating a banana

What are you reading now?
My own writing

What’s next for you as a writer?
Another book of stories

What is your favorite book of all time?
Dunno

Author Websites and Profiles
Robert Appleton Website
Robert Appleton Amazon Profile

Robert Appleton’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a true believer in people’s potential of becoming amazing versions of themselves, so I’m constantly crafting new ways and tools for helping people to trust themselves, as I consider this the first step of embarking on a wonderful journey of enjoying life while achieving personal objectives.
I worked for twenty years in multinational technology companies, leading large global teams, transformation programs, and setting up business units. In August 2022, I took my boldest professional decision: to take a career break and dedicate my time to writing about what I learned, practiced, succeeded and failed as a person, professional, leader, female: leadership, continuous learning, resilience, authenticity, creativity, curiosity, storytelling, public speaking, trends and futurism, cognitive biases, diversity and inclusion.
I started this amazing writing journey by publishing several workbooks for adult development addressing creativity, resilience and active learning, in English and Romanian.
In March 2023, “Storytelling Fuel. From Quarry to Jewel” – my first book, has been released.
In May 2023, I started publishing a short reads series – “The Zen of Office Politics: How to Stay Calm, Confident, and Sane in a Jungle of Drama, Competition, and Emojis”, currently including three books: “Office Politics is PERCEPTION of Office Politics”, “Understanding How Personalities and Power Dynamics Shape Office Politics”, “Virtual Office Politics and Cultural Differences”. The series will have seven short books. Later, I might transform it into a full-flavored single business book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Zen of Office Politics: How to Stay Calm, Confident, and Sane in a Jungle of Drama, Competition, and Emojis” is my latest book and it is inspired by real events I’ve witnessed, participated or triggered during my career.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
From time to time, I write by hand, on my Remarkable.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am an avid reader and I believe everything I ever read has influenced me in one way or another. Some of the authors I love and I am consciously aware they’ve influenced me are Brene Brown, Susan Cain, Michio Kaku, Max Tegmark, Nicholas Nassim Taleb, Malcolm Gladwell, Susanna Clarke, Alix E. Harrow, Celeste Ng, Brandon Sanderson, Arthur C. Clarke, Emile Zola. I apologize to all the others for not mentioning their names.

What are you working on now?
I prefer some diversity in my work so I have more ongoing projects.
I am implementing the editor’s feedback for the remaining books in the “The Zen of Office Politics” series (“Types of Power. How to Network Effectively in a Virtual Workplace”, “Conflict Management and Virtual Office Politics”, “Impostor Syndrome and Virtual Office Politics”, “Career Advancement in Virtual Environments”).
Secondly, I am close to finalizing the research phase of a new book looking into the impostor phenomenon.
And third, I flip through my hundreds of pages of notes looking for the next book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use LinkedIn to share my blog posts on topics covered by my books, my Facebook author page for a less subtle promotion, and Amazon ads. But I believe that’s far from enough and I explore additional options (GoodReads, Pretty-Hot, BookBub, etc.)

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never forget why you started writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The most important step is the next step” (thank you, Brandon Sanderson and Dalinar!)

What are you reading now?
As part of the research for my next project, I am reading lots of scientific research papers on the impostor phenomenon and complementary subjects.
When it comes to books I currently read “The Beginning of Infinity: Explanations That Transform the World” by David Deutsch and Brandon Sanderson’s “Warbreaker”.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides more books, it’s also embedding more of the concepts I write about in my soon-to-be-launched Management Consulting business.
And, a longer-term plan is an epic fantasy.

What is your favorite book of all time?
I have three 🙂
– “Life 3.0” by Max Tegmark,
-“The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry,
– “Skin in the Game” by Nicholas Nassim Taleb.

Author Websites and Profiles
Carmen Kolcsár Website
Carmen Kolcsár Amazon Profile

Carmen Kolcsár’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am originally from Bedford in England but I grew up in Middlesbrough. When I was four years old, in the mid-1950s, my parents took me to Jamaica to live which must have planted in me the seed to travel, as I have been traveling ever since. I have lived in ten different countries and worked in five-star hotels and restaurants around the world as a chef. I have also worked on cruise ships, Antarctic supply ships, a gold mine in Papua New Guinea and the Falkland Islands after the war with Argentina.
I have written ten books in total, five of them are travel books aimed at retirees and baby boomers and I have also written my biography, “You will never amount to anything”.
I have now retired to Thailand where I live on the beautiful island of Koh Samui and travel extensively throughout South East Asia researching my travel books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Ten Best Countries in The World to Retire on Your Pension.
Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali, Spain, Portugal, Costa Rica, Belize and Panama
You may be retiring soon or maybe you have already retired after working hard all of your life and you will have the time and money to live your life to the fullest. Well, you hope that you will have enough money to live your life to the fullest. Many people that have retired or are retiring had well paying jobs, a healthy superannuation account, invested wisely and saved enough money to live out their retirement years in comparative luxury. Unfortunately, many more retirees have not been so lucky or so foresighted and only have their government retirement pension and whatever savings and investments they have managed to accumulate over their working lives, and for them, the thought of living in retirement can sometimes be quite scary. For those retirees, retiring to an overseas country has become a real consideration, because they can spend a lot less money, and have a better lifestyle due to the lower cost of living than they would be able to by staying in their home countries. Add to this the tempting incentives of tropical climates and exciting new experiences to spice up your life and you can see why more and more retirees from all over the world are looking for alternative retirement options abroad.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Being of a certain age I didn’t grow up with computers but I have certainly adapted to them since I started writing books. I do most of my writing thanks to the wonders of Wifi sitting on a beach or around a swimming pool in Thailand or some other Southeast Asian country. Quite often when the sun is going down my inspiration is helped along with a cocktail or two.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first books I remember reading were the Just William series of books by Richmal Crompton. As I matured I read everything Charles Dickens wrote and all of The Hobbit series of books by J. R. R. Tolkien, I also loved Catch 22 by Joseph Heller. My daughter was born in 1974, and as she grew older I would read Watership Down by Richard Adams to her at bedtime. Looking back now it was probably a little scary for a little girl, but she loved the book as much as I did. Being at sea for much of my life, books were an important source of entertainment in the few leisure hours that you get working on a ship. I would read everything that I could get my hands on, from Agatha Christie to Ernest Hemingway, from Nevil Shute to Leslie Thomas. My favorite authors of today are James Lee Burke, Elmore Leonard, Dennis Lehane, Kate Atkinson, and Khaled Hosseini. I also like to read any travel-related books especially anything by Michael Palin and Bill Bryson. I don’t think any author actually influenced me, I just loved losing myself in a good book.

What are you working on now?
I have a YouTube channel on living in Thailand so I will be traveling around the country looking for inspiration for my new book

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have recently published a website as it seems a necessity in this day and age. Apart from that, being a retiree and of that certain age I am not very knowledgeable about computers and social media, so I rely on word of mouth and hopefully, my publisher getting my name out there. I know I must be missing out on many selling opportunities but I find the whole social media thing rather boring and time-consuming.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
As I am a relatively new author myself there is not much advice that I can offer. Just keep doing what you’re doing; even if you don’t get published you’re still improving your mind, enjoying what you’re doing and fulfilling an ambition. My brother John, who was a much better writer than I will ever be, tried most of his life to get his books published and never succeeded. I wrote my second book in 2017 (the first book I wrote was never meant for publication) and I was offered a publishing contract for it within a few months of releasing it on Amazon. What I discovered since becoming an author is that getting a book published is quite often down to luck, being in the right place at the right time and of course writing a great book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Travel whenever you can. The greatest experiences are seeing other cultures and getting a real perspective on life and the lives that other people lead”. Which is the way I have always tried to live my life.
When I was in Cambodia recently researching my book, I spoke with a lady who was just forty-two years old the same age as my daughter. Her father was arrested, imprisoned and later killed by Pol Pot’s henchmen for the crime of being a teacher. When she was one year old, with her mother, older brother, and sister, they were forced to march 330 kilometres from their home in Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville to work on a communal farm. Her mother died along the way of sickness and malnutrition and she was separated from her brother and sister, and she would never see them again. She was taken in and raised in impoverished conditions by another family who had befriended her mother on the long march south. Being born in Cambodia during those murderous days she had not had the opportunities in her life that my children or grandchildren have had. She had no education, no real family, and had been working as a prostitute since she was fourteen years old to survive. It certainly put everything in perspective for me. You don’t see the real world by watching it on the television.

What are you reading now?
During one of my recent trips around Thailand for my YouTube channel, I visited Kanchanaburi which is where the movie The Bridge on The River Kwai was based on. It was quite a moving experience so I bought the book The Railway Man by Eric Lomax, one of the survivors of the death railroad.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Probably book three in the Lieutenant Chai Son Sinuan of the Royal Thailand Police Force, an incorruptible police officer in a police force engrained in corruption.

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

Author Websites and Profiles
Gerald Hogg Website
Gerald Hogg Amazon Profile

Gerald Hogg’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account