Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a librarian who crochets more than is socially acceptable. I’m almost never found without a book, notebook, variety of pens, and/or cup of coffee within arms reach. I started writing when I was in second grade. After many years of scribbling in notebooks and on scrap paper tucked into said notebooks, I finally finished my first novel, A Tendency Dark and Dangerous. It’s a genre-bender, straddling literary and erotica. My work has been published by both print and online literary magazines though not extensively. This writing thing is hard, y’all. But it’s a best friend I can’t ever leave behind. Those notebooks won’t fill themselves, after all.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called A Tendency Dark and Dangerous and it’s a genre-bending story that straddles both literary and erotica. It’s written in free-verse poetry. It was inspired by a question I had floating in my mind: could I write something to make my old English teachers proud and blush feverishly at the same time. More than that, I wanted to know how these ingenues in romance novels might deal with someone far more experienced, far more uncaring than the usual sexy hero. When the “love interest” is dominating and destructive and the woman becomes hooked on him. This story was also a challenge for me because it stretched my writing to its limits. Which ended up being thrilling and freeing.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I will sit down to work on a scene or a chapter, write for a while, or check Twitter for an hour, then start the laundry, then write some more. Take a break for coffee or a snack. Write a bit, check Twitter again, switch out the laundry, then sit back down to write. I wish I could make myself sit for 12 hours straight and just write but honestly the breaks give the words a chance to bloom. It gives me a chance to look at my characters away from the page. I can ask them questions, dig into their psyches, and chat with them over fresh coffee. I think that’s pretty normal though, at least for most of my writing friends.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Shakespeare, Ernest Hemmingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Erica Jong, Jericho Brown, and too many more to list here.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on submitting poems and short stories to literary magazines and outlining a new novel set in the South in the 1920’s. It’s dark literary with strong romantic themes but not erotic like A Tendency Dark and Dangerous.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m actually still trying to figure that one out but pretty-hot.com has been fantastic!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write and join a writing group. You’ll need the feedback and support more than you know. A good group can help you bloom as a writer.

What are you reading now?
I’m listening to By Blood We Live by Glen Duncan.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Probably A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemmingway.

Author Websites and Profiles
Emmalyn Danvers Website

Emmalyn Danvers’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Taryn and I have a cheerful nature. I love reading and binge watching tv shows. I love to research topics like mental illness and archaeology. I have written six books

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Her First Everything. My bipolar disorder diagnosis inspired the storyline. The main character has bipolar. I’m studying nursing and my main character is a nursing student. So mental illness and the medical field inspired my book

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I either write in the morning or late at night. I can write really fast or take my time. it depends on my mood.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Danielle Steel has inspired me. I love her writing. Medical romance novels have inspired me because I love the genre. They inspired me to write medical romance. I love the drama and the themes of residents or doctors and nurses forming romantic relationships.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on fantasy – a book about modern witches and fairies. Still don’t know what I’m going to write but I have ideas.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Google, websites that promote books for free

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing and always believe in yourself!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always remain positive and life is a journey!

What are you reading now?
Julia Quinn the Bridgerton series. I’m hooked and can’t stop reading the series.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing and hopefully make sales.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Message from Nam by Danielle Steel. It has everything I love – journalism, history and romance.

Author Websites and Profiles
Taryn Feldmann Website
Taryn Feldmann Amazon Profile

Taryn Feldmann’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Athens (Greece). I studied Pharmacy science and worked for many years in a pharmacy. There, searching for permanent solutions to diverse health problems and the well-being of my customers, I began to specialize in a series of alternative methods of diagnosis and therapy.
Today Ι work as an Holistic Life Coach and a presenter of webinars on Holistic Therapy to health professionals.
I liked writing since my childhood. I start writing poetry (I have published a poetry book at the age of 23 self-published) and fiction novels, but I never published anything of fiction.
My first non-fiction book is about health and wellness secrets of all three parts of ourselves (Ευεξία: Το βαρόμετρο της υγείας-Wellness: The health’s barometer”). After that, I wrote a book about the secrets of preventing and curing cancer, based on my personal experience and knowledge of alternative healing methods (Καρκίνος: Όσα δε σας λένε μυστικά-“Cancer: The hidden secrets”).
My last book is a self-helping guide for helping people to get unstuck when they need to (Ξεκόλλα – “GETTING UNSTUCK”).
All three books have been published in Greek by Lefko Melani publications.
Only my last book: “GETTING UNSTUCK: 11 Tools to stop being bogged down and change your life” has been translated into English and published on Amazon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last book: “GETTING UNSTUCK: 11 Tools to stop being bogged down and change your life”, is a short self-helping guide of 11 tools for everybody to help his/herself to get unstuck when he/she needs to.
My inspiration was my experience and observation of some things and actions that helped me to move forward in a very bogged down phase in my personal life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My best ideas came up during householding, usually on ironing, but I use to write mostly outdoors, walking, and stopping wherever. I like writing on napkins.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
“Unstoppable: 45 Powerful Stories of Perseverance and Triumph from People Just Like You”, by Cynthia Kersey

“Chicken soup for the soul”
Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen

“God on a Harley”, by Joan Brady

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a collection of stories that offer basic health and wellness knowledge for children

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m very new to it. I can’t decide yet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write. All ideas and inspirations must be placed on paper. You can choose later, which of them are nice or useful enough to share with your audience.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Keep walking”

What are you reading now?
“Reminiscences of a Stock Operator”, by Edwin Lefevre

What’s next for you as a writer?
To translate my two other non-fiction books into English.
I also work to place my knowledge and experience about Holistic health and wellness prevention in books for all, but mostly for children and teenagers.

What is your favorite book of all time?
“Unstoppable: 45 Powerful Stories of Perseverance and Triumph from People Just Like You”, by Cynthia Kersey

Author Websites and Profiles
GIANNOULA ROUSODIMOU Website
GIANNOULA ROUSODIMOU Amazon Profile

GIANNOULA ROUSODIMOU’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m Julian. My early years amounted to one giant, protracted game of transatlantic ping pong in which my family served as the ball. We lived in many different places, and I learned a lot about people—their differences, similarities, commonalities. As a kid, I could never imagine how profoundly that exposure to multiple languages and cultures would inform who I am as a person and my perspective as a writer.

Currently, I’ve written around 30 books, of which I’ve published 20. I started with fantasy, but since then I’ve expanded my repertoire to include horror & paranormal, action & adventure, historical fiction, poetry, and post-apocalyptic fiction.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a young adult futuristic urban fantasy entitled *The Rave,* the first in The Aelfraver Trilogy. I drew from a lot of different yarns to tie this particular tapestry together: *His Dark Materials* by Phillip Pullman, *A Wizard of Earthsea* by Ursula K. LeGuin, Andrzej Sapkowski’s *The Witcher* series, and more. Generally, I tore through a lot of young adult books featuring strong female leads, like *Children of Blood and Bone* by Tomi Adeyemi. And, of course, if you’re going to write young adult dystopia, *The Hunger Games* by Suzanne Collins is inevitably going to end up on your to-read list. As I read, I was (consciously or unconsciously) taking notes for my own main character, Alina K’vich. As much as possible, I wanted to tell a story in a fantasy setting that moved away from the traditional Medieval European-inspired backdrops, themes, and symbols. I suppose that I built my world of El out of the mashed bones of everything I like.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, can’t think of anything particularly unusual. I write whenever I have time, always keeping a notebook handy, using any scrap of paper I can grab if needed. I listen to music – mostly chillstep and other melodic ambient stuff – which acts as a kind of tuning fork for my brain to get me in the zone.
I also, whenever possible, toss my phone into a different room to limit distractions. Other than that, I block out time to write whenever I can. My favorite time to work would be Friday mornings, in front of my PC, all my chores and other responsibilities out of the way. A little bit of music thrumming in the background. My dog and cats napping quietly beside me. Maybe a cup of coffee, if I’m feeling greedy.
And, of course, I routinely summon my eldritch familiar Melchiezer the Baleful to dance the flamenco on my head while I type. Helps me think. So, no, nothing especially out of the ordinary.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to name, but I’ll hit the big ones that shaped me from childhood, and send my apologies to the countless others I’ll fail to mention here: my favorite author of all time, Terry Pratchett, and the dozens of books by him that I’ve read; Neil Gaiman’s *Sandman* graphic novel series, *The Graveyard Book*, *Coraline*, and my personal favorite short story *The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountains*, which I highly recommend; Ursula K. LeGuin’s *Earthsea Cycle*; Susan Cooper’s *The Dark is Rising*; J.R.R. Tolkien’s *The Lord of the Rings*; Phillip Pullman’s *His Dark Materials*; Steven Brust’s *Vlad Taltos* series; Andrzej Sapkowski’s *The Witcher* series; China Mieville’s *Perdido Street Station*; Diana Wynne Jones’s *Howl’s Moving Castle*; and, I could and should keep going, but I’ll leave it there before you burst into tears, begging me to please just please enough already quit while I’m ahead.

What are you working on now?
I’ve got a few projects going right now, some farther along than others. First, I’m working on the second installment in *The Aelfraver Trilogy* — *The Rebel*. I’m putting as much thought, energy, and oomph as I can into making it a great standalone novel in addition to the necessary middle step of a three-part epic. I’m very excited but shall mysteriously say no more on that topic for now.

My frequent co-author and lifelong friend Silas Jackson and I are also collaborating on a trilogy of comedic fantasy books following a young goatherd on his foolhardy quest to become the plaything of Amazon-like pirates. He’s very lonely, and not particularly thoughtful, so he believes this to be an excellent idea that definitely won’t present him with a plethora of opportunities to die. Along the way, he meets equally colorful buffoons. Think high fantasy *Three Stooges* meets *Norsemen* (the show on Netflix).

With two of my friends, I’m also writing a script for a comedy podcast set in an extremely silly fantasy universe. When we get to the recording part of the production, I’ll be voice-acting a 7-foot-tall, muscular dog man chef. I’m having a fantastic time developing these characters in such good company.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still experimenting with paid advertising and all those avenues – my first time jumping into that pool. However, so far, my best success has come from connecting with people on Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and similar social media sites. Connecting with people gets them invested in your work, and helping each other while showing that you care generates word-of-mouth in the digital arena. And, word-of-mouth (whether in-person or remotely) has been the main source of all my sales and downloads. It’s a cliché for a reason.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be afraid. Be very af—No, really, I would say it’s both harder and easier than you might think to be a writer. My grandfather, a lifelong art teacher, used to say, “If you can write your name, you can draw,” and that sentiment applies here as well. Any story you put on paper, using whatever medium you prefer, makes you a writer. I’m not someone who wastes time questioning people’s credentials: if you write, you’re a writer. So, *becoming* a writer is easy.
*Remaining* a writer is the hard part. There will be times when you’ll doubt yourself so thoroughly and convincingly that you’ll want to quit. My first piece of advice is “sleep on it.” Don’t trust your late-night, staring-at-the-ceiling-in-the-dark-doubtful-self: that’s not really you. The occasional doubt can help you grow, but too much will stifle. Do something to take your mind off things, go to sleep, wake up in the morning, and then examine your thoughts and feelings. If you still find any joy in creating through writing, keep writing. Write what you love, and the rest will follow.
My second piece of advice is, “what others think matters only as much as you need it to.” Sure, if you want to make money writing, you’ll need to have good reviews and other forms of external validation. But, more important than any of that is the sense of enjoyment you derive from the creative process. Do you like what you write? Do you like to write? Well, then that’s it. Take the criticism that is useful, the critiques that will help you grow in the direction you wish to; listen to, and then forget, everything else.
My third piece of advice is “live your life.” Filling your mental tank with words and ideas requires life experiences. Whether you write epic fantasy or non-fiction, the observable world is the greatest and most varied source of inspiration you’ll ever find or need. Read a lot, be interested in as many different aspects of our world as you possibly can be; watch people, and then write about what you’ve seen—literally or figuratively.
My fourth piece of advice is to learn to accept failure. Invite him into your home with open arms. Bake him a fresh loaf of bread. Slice it, and slather it with garlic goat butter. Put up your feet and brew some tea or crack open a beer (or whatever beverage you prefer). As with anything you do in life, as a writer, failure will be a frequent visitor in your home. I’ve gone so far as to install a doggy door for him—he is, after all, small and sneaky enough to get in whether I like it or not. By anticipating his arrival, by making him welcome, I prepare myself to better hear and internalize the lessons his presence imparts. Ultimately, his purpose isn’t to hold us down, but to remind us of the worthiness of our work. Few tasks worth doing are easy. We don’t need to love failure, necessarily, but we do need to save a space for him at the table and roll out a cot for him when he needs it.
Lastly, and most importantly, take all advice with a grain of salt.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Everything in moderation, even moderation.”

What are you reading now?
*The Magician King* by Lev Grossman. I enjoyed *The Magicians* years ago, so I have high hopes.
I just finished Brandon Sanderson’s *Mistborn* trilogy, which were real page-turners, so I may try more from him soon.
I’ve also been hearing great things about *The Sword of Kaigen*, which I’ll be getting my hands on shortly.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish the podcast, publish the comedic high fantasy trilogy, begin the first draft of *The Rebel*, and continue to get my name out there when I can. (Thank you for the interview, by the way. Very kind.)

What is your favorite book of all time?
Easy: *Night Watch* by Terry Pratchett. So funny, heartfelt, clever, exciting, philosophically interesting, and fabulous. I love it. I mostly focus on reading new things, always new things, but this is the only book I’ve read 4 times. And, so help me, I’ll do it again! And every time, I’ll absolutely love it.
So many great Vimes.
That’s an in-joke, and a really bad one at that. Go read the book now so you can tell me exactly how pointless and bad my joke just now was.
Such a great book, though!

Author Websites and Profiles
J.R. Traas Website
J.R. Traas Amazon Profile
J.R. Traas Author Profile Other Bookseller

J.R. Traas’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Carol M Mottershead and I Joan: Put on a happy face is my first book. Although I am new to authorship, I feel I have brought my life experiences into the writing of my book.
I have been an Entertainment Agent since 1998 and worked with a variety of interesting people along the way. Before that, in the early 80s, I was a Hypnotherapist for nearly seven years trained by Dr Peter L Goodwin of the Institute of Hypnosis and Parapsychology and reached Fellowship level within this organisation. Whilst with the Institute of Hypnosis and Parapsychology I, my mother and sister founded the Psychic Research and Investigation into Sensitive Medium, which became known as P.R.I.S.M. We set about studying all the different tools used by clairvoyant / psychics such as tarot cards, psi cards, numerology, hand analysis and so much more as well as investigating paranormal phenomena such as telepathy, mediumship, spirit et cetera.

I suppose like the female protagonist in my story I have the same pioneering attitude to life. If someone tells me ‘You can’t do it’ – I will do my utmost to find a way, haha! An example of that was when working as a hypnotherapist in the North East of England with my mother… Hypnotists were frowned upon by locals. It took quite some time to overcome the cynicism in the North East, but we did it. Later on I married a musician and we became founding members of the Stockton Music and Arts Collective and the Stockton Fringe Festival, which continues today, although S.M.A.C. has changed it’s name, to move in its new direction.

I turned to being an Entertainment Agent when my children were little, but I wanted to understand more of the entertainments I was becoming involved with. I’d already experienced being a Stage Hypnotist and a vocalist in a band and even a stand up comedian so decided to have-a-go at other skills performed by the acts I was to represent; as a result I’ve tried all sorts – circus skills, magic, balloon modelling, I’ve even been a clown… I’ve tried them all, although I did draw the line at stilt walking and fire performing!

I hope you enjoy reading my book – Happy Reading!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is Joan – Put on a happy face. This is my first book, but after much research it is turning out not to be my last, for many of the characters in my book seem to want their own stories told!
What inspired my book is a strange question to answer for I don’t know why, but it was like Joan came alive..!

First off, my main job is that of an Entertainment Agent since 1998. In 2018 one branch of entertainment was being censored, namely, puppeteers known as Punch and Judy. One or two of my acts had received quite a number of cancellations and on one occasion had been asked to change the content of their show completely! Punch and Judy without Punch? It’s ridiculous!

The Punch & Judy Professor in question was none other than Professor Brian Llewellyn. He was invited onto a morning TV show ‘Good Morning Britain’ 28th July 2018 and it seemed the show had it’s own agenda – that of ‘domestic violence’. They introduced another guest to the show, Tricia Goddard who claimed that the puppet show condoned violence – not true at all!

Anyone who has ever listened to Judy’s words will tell you that she dislikes any form of violence or naughtiness… Judy always tells the audience to call her if Mr Punch is being naughty – everybody knows that!

‘It’s slapstick comedy’ the Professor replied, adding that ‘they’re only bits of wood after all!’

Only bits of wood?! The idea that Judy could be based on a real person started to brew in my brain. How would Judy otherwise known as Joan, Dame Joan to be precise, feel if she heard people talking about her puppets as just bits of wood?

Video of Interview courtesy of Professor Brian Llewellyn and BBC can be seen at https://youtu.be/1FNbzyDEDgs
– Happy Viewing!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I’ve really been writing long enough to get into any unusual writing habits, unless you call sitting at your keyboard in front of the PC intending to write the story in your head, only to find that something else comes out once you’re sitting at the keyboard lol! I’ve often wondered who’s written this story to be honest lol!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a child I loved to read Heidi and Black Beauty, as a got older I started to enjoy Mills & Boon stories (I know… a bit mushy! But they’re the sort of romance that most women hope to experience so they must have got something right!) Later on I loved reading books like Harry Potter, The Immortal Nicholas Flamel and Da Vinci Code, quite a variety really, but not so keen on dystopian writings… I like to believe in the future.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on books two and three of this trilogy that I find myself writing as a continuation from Joan, I’ve got the basic stories in my head but need to research some data for the book, but have been slightly side-tracked into finding ways to market the first book first, and found myself blogging for the first time ever haha! I could find myself with a series for more books if I carry on like this!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I always say ‘If it’s free it’s for me!’ So for me websites like pretty-hot.com are a great help – thank you guys and thank you to Dave Chesson of Publisher Rocket for introducing me to them. Publisher I’m hoping will help me find the right keywords and categories to market my book, but it’s a lot to learn. A new way of thinking and a bit distracting.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
DON’T DO IT! haha! No – I don’t mean that . If you have something you feel you just have to write, you just have to get out of your system, then write it! I wanted to go down the traditional route myself, find a literary agent who believes in my story as much as I do, someone who could see it’s potential for the TV series I kept seeing in my minds’ eye as I was writing, but they never came along. Then someone told me about KDP, and although I was a bit sceptical at first, I have found them to be really helpful, from learning how to upload my manuscript to answering any questions… they’re prompt to reply and have even been known to telephone me from US to UK to resolve a question… Marketing gets a bit sketchy, because there’s a LOT of self-promoting you have to do, which doesn’t suit everybody, but it’s upto you as a writer how much you want people to read your book or is it all about the money? Only you can decide.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Believe in yourself. Stay strong, Be positive and Put on your happy face haha!

What are you reading now?
The Necromancer by Michael Scott, it’s one of the series of books about the Immortal Nicholas Flamel and there’s lots in it! I’m also reading the new Cliff Richard book ‘The Dreamer’ that I was bought for Christmas, and another by Noddy Holder. I pretty much have a book in every room haha!

What’s next for you as a writer?
To set Joan Put on a happy face on her journey into the bookshops and get on with my second book, but learning how to use Rocket is my immediate challenge. haha!

What is your favorite book of all time?
My favourite book of all time… would have to be a book that I don’t mind reading time and time again, and I’m torn between Dr Dolittle, Heidi and The Golden Compass series I can read them over and over and enjoy them all each time .

Author Websites and Profiles
Carol M Mottershead Website
Carol M Mottershead Amazon Profile

Carol M Mottershead’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Greek visual poet and I have been illustrating my poems since forever. The only difference is that since 1997, while living in Manhattan and working with Stillpoint Press, I switched from oil painted illustrations to graphic designs. This was just as well as all my work was saved on google drive when a huge house fire burnt all my possessions. I live outside Athens by the sea with my family and publish my graphic poems on Amazon and “try” to promote them. I am also a dancer so I often dance while listening to music and writing my poem. I have found it very difficult to find a category or niche for my work and only recently has graphic poetry begun to appear a lot next to graphic novel as a blooming category. I believe this sort of illustrated poem makes poetry far more appealing and approachable by a wider and younger audience so I would say it is a pioneering form of multi-media poetry.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
THE FLYING SERIES

The Flying series, consists of 8 books, each one long poem with designs, all starting from one main theme, which creates its own harmonic ripples as it unravels. The initial theme, melodic and rhythmic, verse and visual, contains the sprouting buds of the entire work. Hence, the opening pages of each poem set forth a hypnotising, escalating momentum. The way in which the poetess’ message expands in each book is similar to a harmonious musical synthesis with vibrant hues. The poem and graphics are amplified in an intensifying pattern and each crescendo culminates in an “inner flight”. Her poetic and illustrative patterns have many personal and universal values, which create the basic source of vibrations from which more vibrations are set in motion, like the butterfly effect in the theory of chaos. Graphic poetry, innovative, inspirational, like you have never seen before in a dynamic, leading edge, visionary series: This is the poetry of the future, making it accessible and appealing to a wide audience of all spectrums.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I write my long poem over a one year period, usually while dancing and listening to music. Is that wierd?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nikos Kazandzakis and everything he’s written, Heraclitus and other Ancient Greek philosophers, certain songs on youtube, and certain Korean dramas believe it or not.(not a book, though)

What are you working on now?
I’m continuing to work on Flying 9 to add to The Flying series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
To be honest I don’t really know yet but as I’m paying for 5 book campaigns on Amazon I can’t afford to pay for any other sort of promotion. (I only just started)

Do you have any advice for new authors?
To write upon inspiration and not upon demand, even if the book market is clamouring for it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Probably from Esther Hicks in Abraham to ignore the present reality and perceive and create the life that I want to live. (Gaining control of my own vibration is another matter in practice)

What are you reading now?
Kazandzakis and the Theatre

What’s next for you as a writer?
Flying 10? Who knows what inspiration will bring. It isn’t planned.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Jane Eyre and “The Rock Garden” and “Report to El Greco” by N.Kazandzakis (Can’t choose)

Author Websites and Profiles
Alexandra Psaropoulou Website
Alexandra Psaropoulou Amazon Profile

Alexandra Psaropoulou’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a mom and guardian to a large brood of teens. I’ve had eight book published, with more on the way. I like coffee with cream and sugar. 😉

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book. An Unlikely Duchess, releases in December 2021. I don’t remember what inspired it, but I think I’ve always wanted to write a hero who is a bit of a beast, and a lady who is not cowed by him.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No. It’s feast or famine, but if I have a deadline, I manage to write consistently.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many! I love, love Francine Rivers’ older books. I cut my teeth on Julie Garwood and as I got older, Linda Howard.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a regency historical romance about a stubborn lady who hires a Bow Street Runner to find fault with suitors. I’m also working on the fourth book in my Manatee Bay Series. Sharon from the first book had quite a traumatic past. When she has to come home, she starts to fall in love with a local martial arts instructor.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still on Facebook, though I’m trying to use IG more.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing! Be flexible and never stop learning. Trust your own voice.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The greatest commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul. And then, the second. Love your neighbor the way you love yourself.

What are you reading now?
The Woman Left Behind by Linda Howard

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to keep creating fun regency romances and I hope they are picked up by a publisher.

What is your favorite book of all time?
A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers. But I also love, love The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jessica Nelson Website
Jessica Nelson Amazon Profile

Jessica Nelson’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a junior Business Management major at the University of Florida, and in addition to reading and writing, I absolutely love cooking, singing, and playing video games! So far, I’ve written eleven manuscripts, am working on my twelfth one, and I don’t plan on ever stopping. Red Blood is the fourth manuscript I’ve published, and its sequel is currently in editing!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Red Blood, and it’s the first book of the Card Holders series, which is six books long. The world and power system of the book was heavily inspired by the standard deck of cards. At the time, I really loved card games, and that got heavily integrated into the world-building. Also, I just got finished writing a more traditional fantasy trilogy, and I really wanted to try and write something in a more modern, potentially futuristic world, and that’s when I started writing Red blood.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t have any unusual writing habits; however, I find that recently, the words flow out better when I’m writing on the document app on my phone.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Harry Potter and Percy Jackson series have definitely influenced me along with the Artemis Fowl series. Those three are my absolute favorite book series. In addition to books, I find that the cartoons and anime I’ve watched also influence me and my writing, especially when it comes to world-building. I usually don’t realize these influences until after the fact, so it’s really fun to see what aspects of my favorite shows make it into my books.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I am working on editing the sequel to Red Blood, and I’m also writing the first draft of a new YA romance novel. I’m really having fun with both!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do almost all of my big promotions on my Instagram page, but people can find book summaries and sneak-peeks on my website kaitlynblegaspi.home.blog.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to write! On social media, I see posts or stories that say that they’re scared to start or that they really hate writing their first draft because it’s so bad, but that’s part of the process. It’s better to have something than to have nothing, because you can’t improve something that doesn’t exist.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is not everybody will like what I write. It’s something I’ve heard for a long time, and I didn’t truly know it until I received my first bad review. Obsessing over the bad reviews brings nothing good, but taking them into consideration and applying any constructive criticisms to bettering your future writing is definitely a better course of action.

What are you reading now?
I just started reading a romance novel called Paris for One & Other Stories by Jojo Moyes, and I’m really enjoying it so far! I don’t read romance often, and I’m trying to get into it more, so I’m really happy I chose this one.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I don’t know what’s next for me as a writer. For now, I’m going to do my best to make Red Blood as successful as it can be.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Ooh, the first book that always comes to mind is Artemis Fowl, because I just love that series to death. Still, another one of my favorites has got to be Inkheart.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kaitlyn Legaspi Website

Kaitlyn Legaspi’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well I am Nico Pengin. I am a Dominican, from Dominican Republic and I write as much as I talk, too much. I love writing because I almost never shut up talking and I have a crazy and vivid and weird, different, [insert adjectives], here kind of imagination. And I want to share my kind of ideas and stories with others. That’s why I write. I love storytelling but I can’t story tell to everyone at the same time, at the current moment. So, I just write so others can read the stories I’m telling. I have currently written two ebooks and two audiobook productions of those ebooks.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book name is Batey Ascending. Batey is the sport of my people, the Dominican Tainos. I decided to write about my Dominican heritage in a futuristic manner. In an alternate world, that if we didn’t forget our past, we can move towards a brighter future. If we could simply take what somebody has done before and make slight improvements to it, I feel like that’s the best thing to do. I decided to write a book about my ancestors’ heritage / sport in a futuristic manner. And Batey Ascending is simply the start of the series. If you didn’t know, my next ebook name is Batey Descending. There’s some sort of a scheme and play with the words as you’ll soon know what the four book series I have planned with this story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I mean other than my whole life being an unusual writing habit? Just kidding. Yes I tend to only write when I feel the motivation for it. So I write when I want, how I want and if I want. Most of the time I don’t. Simply because I’m so busy doing the back end of the business aspect of the entrepreneurship of being an author and trying to get my friends involved in my success. Which is why I love my style of writing because I can crank out a lot in a focused 5 to 30 minute timeframe. When I know others can’t do much even in a four-hour period, it makes that writing much more worth it to me. And that’s simply because I know how to make the best use of my time. Endlessly throughout my life, all my mentors and teachers and supervisors have been teaching me. I’m just simply applying what they taught me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As an avid reader I never thought I could become an author, so I always placed this sacred plateau upon authorship. With that said,my favorite author is Brian Jacques. I could go at great lengths about this individual’s writing style and his way of depicting an amazing world free of colors for blind kids, free of all things human within a personified manner of animals and such. I’ve also been influenced by Rich Dad Poor Dad and the Millionaire Fastlane, which is why I think I got all my entrepreneurship mindset because I was not thinking about any of this before I read those books in the past two to three years. So very enlightening books and pieces of information that contain true wisdom and knowledge within the words.

What are you working on now?
I am currently in the process of translating my books and currently setting up effective pre-order dates like I mentioned before, I want to have a book launch a month. There’s going to be a lot of work to be done in a cramped amount of time. Not only do I want to translate my books but I also want to make them available in audiobook format as well, using my own voice if I am able. Whether it’s simply a short story or longer piece of written art, I want them all available in English and in Spanish and ebook form, and paperback form, if I meet the length requirements. As well as audiobook form, and looking to expand if the opportunity arises.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Start now.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a ton of different ideas and concepts and stuff lined up though for the next few months. And I’m also planning on dropping a book a month. I’ve decided to take my skills and put them to use and put them to the test.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Redwall by Brian Jaques. This book has expanded the mind that I currently have. It’s about protecting innocent beings within a castle that has red walls and how others want to enter the redwall’s. But because of this author’s amazing descriptive manner and imagery that required a vivid imagination. I was able to get lost in and out of those walls. It was almost like my mind was able to travel beyond the walls of my current human’s imaginative possibilities. A very, very cool book. I’ve made my sister and all three of my closest friends read it. I don’t know if they agree or not but that’s how much I love that book.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nico Pengin Website
Nico Pengin Amazon Profile
Nico Pengin Author Profile Other Bookseller

Nico Pengin’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a special education teacher that has a passion for writing. I’m a total book/movie nerd and can discuss comic-superheros and hockey greats with the best. I write romance/suspense novels because I believe in true romances… beauty from pain… and write compelling angst driven characters that show strength through the storm. As a self-published author, I’ve published 2 books that are part of a series, A Heart’s Salvation & A Heart’s Revenge. The final and 3rd part, A Heart’s Redemption is coming soon. Currently, I have 2 other manuscripts written and working hard on rewrites and edits.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I titled my next upcoming book Southern Hell. I was inspired to write this painfully beautiful romance, remembering a childhood of having everything. As young adults, we face choices that can change our lives drastically. This story pays tribute to anyone that chooses love and happiness over keeping the status quo. All of my books come out of my need to show the strength and power of women.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing I find unusual, but I do often dream of my characters and hurry to write down the scenes as soon as I wake. I wouldn’t consider this unusual though, don’t all writers dream of their characters?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Don’t be alarmed… my list of authors may seem all over the place, but I love so many genres. My first and absolute influence is Stephen King. From Carrie to King on writing, he’s just the best!
Then of course there’s Dean Koontz, Clive Barker, John Grisham, Tom Clancy, and Colleen Hoover.
I like a lot of less known authors too, but this group should give you an idea of why I love to write Romance/Suspense filled with conspiracy and evils that build my heroines into the amazing, powerful women they need to be.

What are you working on now?
Well, I have a few things to finish. I’m working on a cover design for the 3rd and final part of my Heart’s trilogy (A Heart’s Redemption). I have my Southern Hell manuscript being beta read and edited, and I’m writing a great conspiracy romance that leaves a young woman surviving a vicious attempt on her life from the company she was loyal to.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, I try what most self-published authors try. I have my own website. I am on Goodreads and amazon, but promoting myself is probably my biggest roadblock.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
As most people say, the only way to improve your writing is to write. Don’t worry so much about the critics. Some of the most popular books and best sellers have some rough reviews. Write what you know. Write what’s inside you and write cause you can’t breathe without it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Any writer worth their salt, writes to please themselves.” Harper Lee And for us fiction writers: “Fiction is the truth inside the lie.” Stephen King

What are you reading now?
Stephen King – The Bazaar Stories of Bad Dreams.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next, I push aside my fears and send query letters to publishing houses. If it doesn’t workout, I’ll keep writing and self-publishing, hoping to build a strong following. I dream of the days my characters and stories are portrayed on TV.

What is your favorite book of all time?
This is a hard one!
Stephen King Carrie was my favorite scary book of all time! (movie doesn’t do it justice) Then I’d have to say Intensity by Dean Koontz. Absolute amazing thriller I read in one night. And Finally I’d have to add Hopeless by Colleen Hoover. Also read this in one night and it broke my heart and gave me hope at the same time.

Author Websites and Profiles
Dana Christy Website
Dana Christy Amazon Profile

Dana Christy’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! Born in Sweden to Irish parents and raised in Montreal, I’ve always had a lust for new adventures. I lived in Australia, New Zealand and Norway (where my hubby is from) for several years and am currently living out my latest adventure (along with my family) in Golden, British Columbia. Along with being a mum and a special needs support worker, I’m a creative writer who has self-published two novels (YA/Contemporary fiction), a children’s book, some short stories, and opinion pieces. My passion for creative writing started as soon as I could read. I’ve always been fascinated with books that tell stories about life, society, and people. I model my writing off authors such as Bryce Courtenay, Miriam Toews, Paulo Coelho, and Audrey Niffenegger.

For me, life is a riveting research project. Possibilities for learning are everywhere, in every interaction and experience (whether good or not so good). My “life toolbox” includes living and working in several countries, degrees in Anthropology, World Religions, and Education, as well as surviving the youth protection system (of which inspired my second novel “Butterflies in the System”), becoming a teen parent, and overcoming trauma associated with sexual assault (which inspired my first novel “Sky-bound Misfit”).

I am currently working on my third novel.

For more details about me and my work, be sure to check out my website and blog!
https://www.janepowell.org
https://www.janepowell.org/blog

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Butterflies in the System” is a story inspired by my experience as a ward in Montreal’s youth protection system. The story brings readers on a journey through a year in the life of five teens (as well as a childcare worker and social worker) as they navigate their way through group-homes, detention centres, and street life. Full of both adventure and sorrow, I wrote this book to highlight ethical violations in Montreal’s youth protection system and to help bring awareness to the importance of mental health resources for youth and the need for systemic change in the system. For details, see my blog post “The Story that Inspired Butterflies in the System”: https://www.janepowell.org/post/the-story-that-inspired-butterflies-in-the-system

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do most of the creative part of my writing while I’m on the go, skiing, biking, or hiking – where I imagine my characters and story, then write it all down when I get home again. I highly recommend this process!!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Bryce Courtenay, Miriam Toews, Paulo Coelho, and Audrey Niffenegger, and (well of course) Douglas Adams!

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on my third novel – a bit of a secret, but do stay tuned!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Giving talks and writing workshops at high schools.
Goodreads – connecting with other authors.
And my website and blog:
https://www.janepowell.org
https://www.janepowell.org/blog

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The hardest part in writing a book is starting. I find the best way to get over this initial block is to put aside your pride and worries about being perfect, and just start writing. Even if it’s just a big messy brainstorm on a little pad of paper, it will help to get the juices flowing. Also, first drafts are always far from perfect – you can change things later. The first draft is just about getting your juices flowing. For help in developing great characters and story-telling, be sure to check out my online writing workshops (see my blog for details: https://www.janepowell.org/blog). Happy writing 🙂

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful” -Malala Yousafzai

What are you reading now?
Livsfilosofi, by Arne Naess

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have found my passion in creative writing and story-telling – I plan to continue writing novels about life.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jane Powell Website

Jane Powell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, I live in Hastings, England. The place where Norman the Conquer came ashore in 1066. And about two and a half years ago I was sitting in bed in ill, feeling sorry for myself, and I started typing a story on my phone. I have always been a keen reader but cannot quite believe that I am now releasing my first novel. I always wondered where stories came from – and now I know.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘A Stormful of Pickles’ is the title. And what inspired me? Well I am a recovered alcoholic ( 15 years) and it was my battle with alcoholism and addiction and dealing with those experiences that gave me the ideas and the fuel to write this story. I came to realize the absurdity of the human condition. The fact that we think that by changing an external in our life, move somewhere else or get a new partner etc… that it will fill the gaping hole within ourselves. An unbearable pain. But humans have been believing this illusion for thousands of years, and still do. So out of this understanding I wrote a quirky, dark comedic novel about loneliness and the search for spiritual meaning. The search for wholeness. My protagonist, Mrs Francesca Dobbs, is very lonely and dissatisfied and this leads her down a number of very unhealthy roads. And she finds to her cost that actions, often taken in a split second, have serious consequences.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing unusual. But a daily walk along the sea front is a must for me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to mention. But I love anything that is do with the dynamic of relationships. I have been useless at relationships myself and I suppose that is why they fascinate me. I’ve just read ‘Couples’ by John Updike and I thought it was amazing.

What are you working on now?
I have an idea for a new novel, but I am still at the flexing my fingers above the keyboard stage.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still fumbling around trying to find my way in the marketing jungle. It can be so overwhelming.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just stick at it. Take advice on board but don’t be afraid to against it. Trust yourself. Write the best book you can.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read a lot. It gets the creative juices flowing.

What are you reading now?
‘ The Road to Wigan Pier’ by George Orwell

What’s next for you as a writer?
Not sure. Just want to concentrate on get this book launched.

What is your favorite book of all time?
‘ Birdsong’ by Sebastien Faulks

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book, but the graphic novel prequel is also out now, and the sequel is on its way!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Under the Shadow of the Plateau is all about marginalized communities in a society and culture totally consumed by technology and multimedia. I think all the issues I see and deal with every day manifest themselves in this story in a really engaging and exciting way, even though it’s fairly pessimistic.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t sleep a lot but I’m not sure if that’s unusual.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Frank Herbert is my literary role model. His ability to weave social issues into compelling characters and situations is what I try to emulate in this series.

What are you working on now?
The Frontier Forever series is my baby. Aside from an unrelated children’s book I’m writing with my sister, it’s all I can see myself working on for the next few years.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, I’m floundering with the book promotion end of things. Thus far I’ve relied on word of mouth, and my Instagram fans all love the art from the comics, but I’m not sure how many of them will read the books!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write it. Hopefully you don’t have to give up as much sleep as I did, but you have the idea, so sit down and write it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Drink more water.

What are you reading now?
I REALLY loved Murderbot. Stylistically its completely different than what I’m used to reading, but the rich personal characterization is extremely compelling.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m editing book two of the Frontier Forever series, Blood Beneath Water, right now, and there are 6 more issues of Regenesis that are written and being illustrated.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Dune 1-4. Easy.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ben Krieger Website
Ben Krieger Amazon Profile

Ben Krieger’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Mike Scantlebury, living in North West England. I live across the river from the Regional Centre, Manchester, but this neighbourhood is in Salford, where a certain TV soap comes from – ‘Coronation Street’. (If I walk out my door, and turn right, the T-junction at the top of the road is Coronation Street. If I turn left I can walk to the home ground of Manchester United Football Club. You may have heard of them too.)
I’ve written dozens of novels, most in the category ‘Crime Fiction Mystery Thriller’. I have two series. One is called ‘Mickey from Manchester’ and the other is ‘The Amelia Hartliss Mysteries’. What often confuses people is that these two characters are sometimes in each other’s books too, sometimes fighting together, sometimes fighting each other. It’s an on-off romance. (Also confusing is that ‘Mickey’ isn’t his real name; he isn’t FROM Manchester; and he’s not even living there anymore. Melia lives in a flat in the middle of Manchester and works for a government agency that doesn’t exist.)

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s complicated. The latest book finished is called ‘CO-VID2020’. It’s Part Four in a trilogy that I started last summer and finished off in November during ‘National Novel Writing Month’. I took advice from a blog that said readers these days want short novels and shorter chapters. The whole of the ‘CO-VID2020’ story might have been squashed into one large doorstop, but I decided to spread it out – and see what readers thought of the new structure.
As far as inspiration is concerned, well, there’s the virus –
Still, my books operate on several different levels. The novels mention the pandemic, of course they do, but in my Amelia Hartliss story ‘Co-vid’ actually stands for ‘Co-operative Videographers’ and starts in 2013, (in a previous novel called ‘The Golden Chip’, published then.)

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My novels are very plot-heavy, which means I have to get the details right, about who goes where, does what and with whom. That usually means starting on the kitchen table with a several sets of ripped up pieces of paper, spreading them out, arranging and re-arranging them into an order that makes sense. This process can take weeks or months, but since I’m already in the kitchen, food and drink is readily available.
When I’m satisfied wih my charts and graphs, I usually grab a keyboard and retire to bed to actually get the story down.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I started with Private Eyes and authors like Ross MacDonald, Raymond Chandler and Norman Eddington. The usual. Then I discovered Mickey Spillane and got a lot more tough. Mr Spillane is called Mickey and has a hero called ‘Mike’. One of my series features a protagonist called ‘Mickey’ and my name is Mike. Coincidence?

What are you working on now?
My latest trilogy is called ‘Korruption Kills’. I know, it’s spelt wrong, but that’s my starting point. I read a book about corruption in the Third World, places like Afghanistan and Nigeria and what the author made clear is that people in the West have absolutely no idea of the extent and impact of corruption. Then she started talking about the UK and the USA – wow, that was a bit confrontational.
My story features Mickey, and he becomes involved in his local property development company and he is shocked and horrified by the amount of corruption at even this low level!
Of course, being a thriller, that is only the beginning, and things then start to go from bad to worse before Mickey can solve the problems, at least where he is. Wish him luck!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When it comes to promotion, just look at my results. Nothing.
I’m a total failure at promoting my books, it seems. I have started getting in touch with Book Promotion websites, bloggers and reviewers in this year 2021, but mainly because my efforts on Social Media haven’t worked at all. I joined Twitter in 2009 and Facebook even earlier. I’ve had a website (or two) since 2007. I’ve got a blog on Blogger; one on Goodreads; and one on WordPress. Have you read them? The fact is I go completely unnoticed. (And please don’t say you’ve simply passed me by. I’ve looked my own name up on Google and all those sites are mentioned, one after the other. There are literally hundreds of links, to the sites and to individual books.)
Anyway, that’s all in the past. I’ve been to ‘Book Marketing Tools’ website and downloaded a list of over a hundred Book Promotion sites. I reckon it will take the rest of the year to get through them all, and to stick within a manageable budget, but that’s my future. I’m looking for reviewers, bloggers and blog tours. Watch out! I’m coming your way.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is ‘Start by writing what you know’, but then use that as the launchpad and let your imagination soar. For me, I always say, ‘Yes, I set my books in Salford and Manchester, but all that means is the geography’s right. The people and plots are my own invention.’

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best adviice I’ve ever heard for authors is ‘Write the book that you’d really love to read’, because that’s the one you can probably do, and will enjoy writing. But be careful: there’s lots of misleading advice too. One example is ‘Write what you know’. Follow that route and we’d have a million books about people in attics writing novels!

What are you reading now?
I tend to read non-fiction a lot and my latest challenge is ‘Natural Cures’ by Alan Inglis. It’s fascinating. as well as a book called ‘The Biggest Bluff’ by Maria Konnikova.
As far as fiction is concerned, I’ve just about finished ‘History is a lie’ by Morton R Leader – really challenging – and I’m just about to start ‘Storm’s Fury’ by Mary Stone.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My son-in-law has given me a book called ‘Write, Publish, Repeat’ by Johnny B. Truant, and it’s a handy guide for all would-be writers. But, of course, what I’ve realised is that ‘WPR’ is not the whole story. If you focus on just those three things, then you can go on writing and publishing but never sell a single book!
My recommendation is ‘WPPSRR’ – and that stands for ‘Write, Publish, Promote, Sell, Receive, Repeat’. One day I’m going to write the book that explains that – and make a fortune. Meantime, it’s just my mantra. I think it will work for me.

What is your favorite book of all time?
My favourite book ever is called ‘The Mansion’ by William Faulkner, a man who won the Nobel Prize for Literature. The novel is stunning, launching a saga in the very first page, then hurtling along at breakneck speed with a cast of many different characters at all levels of society, and Yes, it has mystery, crime, romance and pity in it. It’s a real thriller.

Author Websites and Profiles
Mike Scantlebury Website
Mike Scantlebury Amazon Profile

Mike Scantlebury’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I am an indie author from Edmonton Alberta Canada. I’ve written several books under my real name but have one book as of Feb15th 2021 published so far. Rural. my first book in a three-part Y.A. series called the moving lives.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Rural

It’s a story about the themes and setting of rural Newbrunswick where I grew up and focuses on a boy named Chris Weeks. He moves to the country from Toronto and has to come to terms with what friendship, family, and falling in love look like when nothing around you is the same anymore.

It was inspired but not based on my time spent in Newbrunswick as a teen.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am an early bird. I get up at 5:00 am every day and write for the first few hours of the morning while my family still sleeps, then I make them breakfast and coffee after getting my word count in.

I also keep a fairly detailed commonplace book/notecard index like Ryan Holiday and Robert Greene.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading classic fantasy books like the lord of the rings and Chronicles of Narnia, along with Dragonlance authors like Richard A Knaak and Forgotten Realms authors like R.A. Salvatore

Once I started writing books I found John Green, whose book Looking for Alaska has become somewhat of an annual NaNoWriMo tradition to read during the month of November.

What are you working on now?
The third book in the Moving Lives trilogy. I also have a five-part steampunk adventure series that is almost done the first draft. Haven’t settled on a name yet but the covers are in the background of my website.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, I’ve seen the best response through Instagram. I don’t have a big following but the fans are really great.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It can feel really discouraging to get your first book on amazon and sell nothing. Especially for indies like me. Just remember, the best thing to help sell your first book is the next book. Keep writing, every word, paragraph and page makes you better.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The impediment to actions advances Action, what stands in the way becomes the way”.

It’s a quote from stoic philosopher and Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It’s helped keep me grounded and focused on my craft through a lot of rough patches, 2020 notwithstanding.

What are you reading now?
I just finished E. Lockhart’s “We Were Liars”, which was devastating, but I am 3 chapters into Christopher Paolini’s “To Sleep in a Sea of Stars”.

Funny story about Paolini, my three kids were all born while reading the last three books of his Inheritance Cycle. I had seen the movie of the first book which is, of course, nothing like the first book and thought why not when I saw the second and needed a book before joining my wife at the hospital when our first child was born, it became a weird coincidence/tradition after that.

We often joke it took us having our last child for Chris to finally release Inheritance the fourth book.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m really looking forward to finishing the “Moving Lives” series and starting a new project. I have a bunch of ideas in various stages of completion and love to start new things.

But I have to finish this series, it’s been waaaaay too long in the making.

What is your favorite book of all time?
It’s a toss-up between Looking for Alaska by John Green and an old adventure book called Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Richard A Knaak’s “War of the Ancients” trilogy gets an honourable mention as well.

Author Websites and Profiles
R. G. Michaels Website
R. G. Michaels Amazon Profile

R. G. Michaels’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a USA Today bestselling author of paranormal, urban and historical fantasy with romance. Witch of the Wild Beasts won a second prize in the Romance Writers of America’s Sheila Contest. Other novels have earned Indie Notable awards and New York Public Library Best Books for Teens. I live in New York State and grew up in Philadelphia. Before writing novels, I was a painter and fabric designer. I’m a visual author when it comes to scenes, and I see writing as painting with words. I loves edgy thrills, probably because my dad read Edgar Allen Poe tales to me as a child. I love spending time with my beagle Benny, writing about supernatural creatures, gardening and meeting readers at book fests. Learn more at catherinestine.com

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Secrets of the Mermaid is Indigo Rain and Bay Finley’s tale. They are both merfolk, and I was inspired to write their story because I love fantasy set in or near the ocean. There are supernatural twists and thrills, devious villains, witches and romance galore between a Royal and a commoner. Bay is the rebellious Royal merman, Indigo, a brilliant and beautiful mermaid and challenging thorn in his side. Take a plunge beneath the sea where magic and terror abound.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My best writing time is right after lunch. I cannot have music on. I have a studio with tons of photos and images on the wall. Finding images of my characters helps me tune into them.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, many! I do love historical fantasy for mood, setting and tone, but I read all kinds of fiction. I teach a course in Fantasy Lit, and some authors on my list are Ray Bradbury, Paolo Bacigalupi, Neil Gaiman, Cat Sparks and Paula Brackston. Honestly, I was influenced way back with Alice in Wonderland by Carroll and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.

What are you working on now?
The ink is barely dry on Secrets of the Mermaid, so I’m taking a couple of weeks off between books. But I have another witch book outlined, and a fun idea that combines a character from the Mermaid book with one from Alpha’s Revenge. Stay tuned!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promo stacking is a good idea. I also do newsletter swaps. I’ve gotten into Bookstagram tours via Instagram. And now I’m experimenting with Tik Tok. There’s always something new to learn!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get in a writing group and workshop your stories. Go to author/editor/agent seminars. Write every day or at least frequently, with a set routine.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t rush into publication. Learn the craft. Write a lot! Read a lot. Figure out your passion and your lane.

What are you reading now?
The Castle of Kings by Oliver Poetsch.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to tackle an urban fantasy series.

What is your favorite book of all time?
That is really impossible to say. One that had a huge impact on me was Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. “Curious and curiouser!”

Author Websites and Profiles
Catherine Stine Website
Catherine Stine Amazon Profile
Catherine Stine Author Profile Other Bookseller

Catherine Stine’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a stay-at-home mom to six kids. Life can get a bit overwhelming and repetitive, so I turned to writing for my creative outlet. I first began writing stories on those tiny spiral flip notebooks when I was a young child, and haven’t stopped since. I didn’t try publishing until I was married, but after many rejections, I decided to look into self-publishing. I hired an amazing editor, and luckily I did, because I grew so much as a writer. I currently have four books published, all young adult.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Lucky in Love.” I wanted to try my hand at sweet YA romance because it’s my favorite genre to read. Nothing beats the humor of young relationships, and the excitement that comes from new ones!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not the type of person who writes every day. I squeeze in some time randomly when I’m in the mood, and usually have several documents open at the same time: my current work, a brainstorm page, cut lines and scenes, and character sketches. I also love making my book covers before the book is even written because they inspire me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite book as a child was “The Chocolate Touch.” I loved the little bit of magic in that, then found another I loved several years ago called “The Truth Cookie” by Fiona Dunbar. I love sweet romances and have really enjoyed books by Michelle Pennington, Jewel Allen and Jessica Marie Holt.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a fun Valentine’s sweet romance called, “Happy Single’s Awareness Day.”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I frequently have sales on my books because I want everyone to be able to enjoy them.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is an art that gets better and better with the help from others. Being able to accept critique is such an important stepping stone. Also, everyone writes in a different style, so never feel discouraged if your stories feel different that others’.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Embrace your bad reviews. Sometimes there’s good advice in there that can help you improve your writing.

What are you reading now?
I’m always doing beta reads for other indie authors but am currently in-between books. I’ve got dozens of books on my TBR list, most of which include sweet romance.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll be adding to my Magical Troubles series with a Princess and the Frog retelling which I’m super excited about, as well as a Jack and the Beanstalk retelling.

What is your favorite book of all time?
I’ve got so many I love! I love “Pride and Prejudice,” “The Girl who Loved Tom Gordon” by Stephen King, and tons of others I can’t list.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kimberly King Website
Kimberly King Amazon Profile

Kimberly King’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a dreamer and always saw things beyond what was happened to people in their lives. From the very beginning, I used to weave tales about incidents and would scribble here and there on papers. My official journey with words began with poems. Later I switched to prose and began writing stories and scripts. I began to participate in online short story competitions and had won a few prizes. But this book – When Goodbye Begins – is my first short story collection and these stories have been written over a period of five-six years. Prior to this, I have translated a novel from Hindi to English, published by HarperCollins, one short story included in an international anthology and four-five non-fiction books published by Niyogi Books, Pustak Mahal and S Chand & Co. I write fiction, non-fiction, film scripts and make films, too. My latest film – I Remember is presently streaming on Disney-Hotstar.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Well, the title of my latest book is WHEN GOODBYE BEGINS. There are five stories in it and all five stories are in a way issue-based. These five stories are about failed aspirations, bipolar disorder, malfunctioned relationships, infidelity, hopelessness, child sexual abuse and its ramifications on a character, etc. and about the enveloping dark lanes of memories. There is pathos, feelings, inner conflict and stoic acceptance.
I have been working in the area of mental for the last 20 years. Mind, memories and the intricacies of the mental health arrest my thinking. I personally believe that a healthy mind is the most important part of our beings. If a wire gets snapped in our brain, our lives go for a toss. Working as a mental health activist, in my own little way, I have met so many persons with mental illness and caregivers that I couldn’t restrain myself from highlighting various mental health issues through writing and films. People with mental health issues live in shame and shame gives rise to stigma and neglect. That is why most of my work is concentrated around psychology, mental health and memories.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing, except that I need complete isolation. Nobody around me. And I work at night.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Any good writing. In recent times Khaled Hosseini, Shashi Deshpande, Chitra Bannerjee Divakaruni, Manju Kapur and many others.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a film script. Once that is complete I’ll begin working on my next collection of short stories.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
To be honest, I’m very shy about promoting my own work. I’m horrible at marketing and promotions. I would rather give it to a promotion agency and invest my time in writing only.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep reading a lot and writing, irrespective of the fact that it sees the sunshine or not. Perseverance is the key.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Have patience and believe in yourself and in your writing. Someday your voice will reach to the people who have a similar emotional trajectory and you never know your writing may open a new door to them.

What are you reading now?
Am reading the translation of Tamil short stories – The Curse, written by Salma and translated by N Kalyan Raman.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep on writing and writing and writing.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Gone with Wind by Margaret Mitchell and Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder.

Author Websites and Profiles
Geeta (Lal) Sahai Website
Geeta (Lal) Sahai Amazon Profile

Geeta (Lal) Sahai’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account