Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Originally from Cheshire, England and long-time resident of Alberta, Canada I am an avid writer of both fiction and non-fiction stories. Over the years, I have written many stories, including personal memoirs and fiction, some of the fiction, in one way or another, relating to my own experiences. My favourite genres are Adventure/Romance, Modern Historical Fiction (Adventures in the ‘Sixties and ‘Seventies) Social Commentary and Space Opera… all with a humorous leaning.

Other than writing, my favourite pastimes are cycling, photography, sketching, driving my Classic British Sports Car and gathering with friends.
I also love going for coffee and a good read.
I have written a lot of books, two having been published recently.
The rest are all in manuscript form, but I am working on the formatting to get them into print.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘The Heiress and the Banker’.

The story of an ambitious young banker moving from his branch in London to a smaller branch Up North in the hopes of advancement. Compared to the hustle and bustle of London he fully expects his time there to be dull and boring. However, he soon meets a captivating but dissatisfied heiress, the daughter of the local Colonel and Her Ladyship. Added to this are the amorous advances of his newly assigned personal assistant.
The story begins in the spring of 1975.

I can’t really say what inspired this story as, even though it is newly published, I originally wrote the story many years ago.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if my writing habits are unusual. Mostly I write in the winter months… and the winters in this part of Canada tend to be quite long. Other than that, my best story ideas come to me when I am feeling stressed.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like a lot of authors, although I don’t know if any have influenced my writing style. Mind you, their works have all inspired me to continue with my endeavours.

What are you working on now?
At this time, I am updating and formatting for publication a science fiction story… a space opera with lots of action and drama.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon and Goodreads ads.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never doubt your work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Nil Illigitimi Carborundum… Amelia Earhart’s motto.

What are you reading now?
‘Camino Island’ by John Grisham

What’s next for you as a writer?
To publish my sci-fi space opera.

What is your favorite book of all time?
‘Brisingamen’ by Diana L. Paxton

Author Websites and Profiles
Lynne Preston Amazon Profile

Lynne Preston’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written several books across three genres, including urban fantasy, historical fiction and children’s motivational books. My background is actually in law. I worked for almost two decades in the industry before deciding to take the plunge into full time writing. I worked for several years as the coroner’s lawyer and in historic sex abuse litigation. Both these rolls called for me to exercises my investigative and storytelling/ building skills, which in turn strengthened my writing.

Working as the coroner’s lawyer, I saw first hand the ramifications of poor mental health. My father, an ex-serviceman, also suffered from mental ill health. Ultimately, he died as a result of his mental illness and this inspired me to write children’s books aimed at cultivating a positive and healthy mind-set.

Coming from a military family, and having enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force Reserves (RAAF) during my university days, I also have a long-standing passion for military history. I particularly enjoy delving into the contribution women have made during periods of conflict.

I am actually a screenwriter as opposed to a novelist. You will note that I write ten and 13 episode screenplays that I break down into books containing four to five episodes. My first degree was in Communication: Creative Writing. I loved the course until I started taking screenwriting classes. I HATED it! After my first term of screenwriting foundations, I promptly took myself to the university administration building, transferred to law and enlisted in the RAAF. I walked out swearing that I would never deal with scripts again… How wrong I was! After a decade and one very embarrassing debut novella later, I found my self exploring screenwriting again… and here we are…

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I am currently focused on promoting ‘Gumtree Gargoyles’, my urban fantasy action and adventure series, and ‘Her War’ my historical fiction series set in the Pacific Theatre. I wrote both these screenplays several years back. With every intention of hard-launching myself to a place of epic success, life happened, including COVID, the birth of my two children and my demanding legal career. I am finally in a place where I can dedicate myself to writing and promoting my work, and loving every minute of it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmmm… Not so sure my habits are unusual. I generally meditate before writing and do a significant amount of research for my historical pieces.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Is it cliched of me to say Charlaine Harris and Neil Gaiman? Probably… but hey, they’re both successful for a reason= talent! I’m a sucker for a good fantasy book. It’s the healthiest form of escapism and much cheaper than a good bottle of wine… although, I do like a couple of glasses of same from time to time.

I also have a list of amazing historical non-fiction books related to WWII that I adore. All of them have been penned by Australian writers/ historians.

What are you working on now?
I am currently researching Australian war brides. Without giving away too much, some 15,000 Australian women migrated to America to be with the serviceman they had met during WWII.

For those who do not know, Australia was the home base for the conflict in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. Thousands upon thousands of American soldiers flooded Australia’s shores during this period. Away from home and loved ones, these men pursued Australian women and many formed loving and long-lasting relationships, which resulted in the women migrating to America. It was Australia’s largest female migration movement, and the stories of these women assimilating into American life are amazing.

I am following Joyce once again (Her War), as she follows Chuck back to his homeland to build a future.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring this one out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it! There is a path you are meant to tread, and the Universe will show it to you step by step. You cannot see the top of the staircase in this game. It’s one step at a time, with every small success being worthy of celebration.

When I first started, I thought I would sky-rocket to success. That has not been my story. I started this game over a decade ago with mediocre talent and monumental ego. It’s been a slow tread up the mountain (which I am still climbing). What I can say, is that each set-back has forced me to reorientate and refine my skill set. I am a much better writer and business person now than what I was ten years ago. I also like to think I am a lot more humble. Specifically, I no longer view others as competition. There is enough success for everyone and we should champion each other along the road to ‘best selling author’.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not to get biblical on everyone, but ‘walk by faith, not by sight’. While there are instant overnight success stories, for the majority of people, this game is a journey. Along your journey, you will grow as a writer. There will be times of immense frustration, and it is in these times that you need to have faith. Faith in YOU and faith that you are walking the right path. Persistence is key.

What are you reading now?
A non-fiction book on war brides.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I actually just had Gumtree Gargoyles translated into Italian. My husband is Italian, so I would love to break into the Italian market. Outside of writing, I am focused on tackling the marketing game in Italy. Any tips?

What is your favorite book of all time?
Oooohhhh… I can’t commit to just one, sorry.

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m Lily. It’s most definitely a pen name.

I’ve loved writing paranormal stories since childhood, but I’ve always been super critical of my work. This year, my one New Year’s resolution was to self-publish, and I refused to let myself down.

From my junior high years to adulthood, I was more of a vampire lover. But recently, werewolves have taken over my bookshelf.

“The Alpha’s Hunter” is my debut.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Alpha’s Hunter” has made me a proud book mama.

In 2008, I began writing a novel about a vampire and his werewolf best friend. Then, writer’s block kicked in and lasted 16 years. Thankfully, I was working on a television show about vampires at the time, so I never lost my love for the paranormal.

Fast-forward to 2024, and my rekindled love of reading sparked my determination to finish my passion project. But after a decade, that was a pretty overwhelming dream, especially when I basically had to rewrite everything!

I realized I needed to try something new — to cleanse my palate, if you will. And so, I began writing a story opposite the one I was struggling with, and that’s how “The Alpha’s Hunter” was born! My passion project’s MMC was a vampire? Then write about a werewolf MMC. My passion project was YA? Then write tons of spicy scenes!

It was a lot of fun!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
It drives my husband crazy, but I love writing in front of a heater — even in the dead of summer. For that reason alone, I think I wouldn’t mind if my husband were a werewolf and ran a couple of degrees warmer; snuggle sessions would be amazing!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
If I had to choose one author, it would have to be Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. I devoured her books when I was young. Her debut novel was published when she was fourteen years old!

She was truly an inspiration. I remember thinking, “I can do that too!”

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the sequel to “The Alpha’s Hunter,” as well as trying to finish my passion project. I just need to let go of my desire to make it perfect.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning! That’s why I’m here 🙂

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take a deep breath, and try to daydream as much as you can.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’ve heard, “Perfect is the enemy of good,” but my favorite is, “Perfect is the enemy of done.”

What are you reading now?
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross. Ross’s words are so poetic. It’s as if her characters are singing in every scene.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I love and collect picture books! My husband is an artist, and I’m trying to convince him to collaborate with me!

What is your favorite book of all time?
This is a tough one… but if I HAD to choose, I’d probably say it’s currently A Court of Mist and Fury… because of Rhysand.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lily Redd Amazon Profile

Lily Redd’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Tracy Toccara is an author known for her heartfelt and inspiring works that explore themes of resilience, self-discovery, and personal growth. She has written three books:

Pink Elephant Pink Cloud – A poetic journey through addiction, recovery, and self-reflection.

The Littlest Cheerleader – A heartwarming children’s book about Charlie, a lovable dog, and the special bond she shares with her family.

Whispers of Introspection – A collection of poetry that delves into self-discovery, emotional healing, and inner strength.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Whispers of Introspection is Tracy Toccara’s most recent book, a deeply personal and thought-provoking collection of poetry. This book takes readers on a poetic journey of self-discovery, emotional healing, and resilience. Through raw and reflective verses, Tracy explores themes of inner strength, personal growth, and the emotions that shape our lives.

Each poem serves as a whisper from the soul, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences, struggles, and triumphs. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, comfort, or a moment of quiet reflection, Whispers of Introspection offers a heartfelt connection through the power of words.

Author Websites and Profiles
Tracy Toccara Website
Tracy Toccara Amazon Profile

Tracy Toccara’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Penelope-Ann Ashbourne, and I write atmospheric fiction with a strong sense of place, mystery, and that quiet kind of tension that sneaks up on you. I’m fascinated by what we don’t say out loud—those unspoken histories, odd silences, and the shadows that seem to stretch just a little too far. So far, I’ve written three books: The Bones Beneath Blackwood, The Guest Who Never Left, and most recently, Dark Lullabies: Twisted Bedtime Stories for Adults.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest is Dark Lullabies, which is a collection of unsettling short stories meant to be read at night—ideally when you’re just a little too tired to convince yourself there’s nothing under the bed. The idea came from my own love of bedtime stories, but I wanted to twist the concept. Instead of soothing tales, these are ones that unsettle you just enough to make you think twice before turning out the light. Each story is a little different—some are psychological, some folkloric, some quietly supernatural—but all of them sit in that eerie space between waking and dreaming.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write best when it’s quiet—but not silent. I often have storm sounds or ambient noises playing in the background. And I tend to write in bursts, usually late at night, which is probably when I feel most connected to the eerie energy I try to channel into my work. I also scribble ideas on anything within reach—envelopes, receipts, margins of books—so my writing desk always looks like a soft paper explosion.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Shirley Jackson is a big one—her ability to build dread with such subtlety is something I always go back to. Sarah Waters, for how richly she builds character and setting. And I’ll never stop loving the quiet unease in Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black. I also find inspiration in folklore and old ghost stories, especially those that leave more questions than answers.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a novel that leans a bit more into gothic suspense—still mysterious, still atmospheric, but with an even deeper exploration of isolation, memory, and the question of whether we ever really leave the past behind. It takes place in a crumbling coastal estate that may—or may not—be haunted. (Spoiler: something’s definitely not right.)

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, connecting directly with readers has been the most rewarding and effective thing for me. That said, I’ve also found niche communities—especially those focused on gothic fiction or atmospheric horror—to be incredibly supportive. And a good-looking website helps as a central hub where everything lives.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the book you’d want to read, even if you’re not sure anyone else will “get it.” Also: finish the draft. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to exist. You can’t revise what isn’t written. Oh, and give yourself permission to write badly sometimes. That’s how good writing begins.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Trust the reader.” You don’t need to explain everything. In fact, a little ambiguity often sticks with people longer than a fully spelled-out answer. Let them fill in the blanks—and they will, often in more interesting ways than you imagined.

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield. It’s gorgeously strange—quiet, sad, and eerie in all the right ways. I love books that blur the line between genres and leave space for interpretation.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d love to explore more cross-genre work—stories that mix mystery, folklore, psychological suspense, maybe even a little speculative fiction. I’m also thinking about a second collection of short stories, this time centered around urban legends and modern myths.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Author Websites and Profiles
Penelope-Ann Ashbourne Website
Penelope-Ann Ashbourne Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Being a writer was never something I thought I could accomplish. My whole life I tried different things, from studying criminal justice to childhood education, and none of it was for me. The only constant was my love for reading and writing.

I published my first book in September 2024, called Sedna’s Anchor, it’s the first book in a series of urban legend romances. Right after, I started writing Chasing Souls, a paranormal dark fantasy romance. I wrote the first ten chapters so quickly; I hit a writer’s block and took a few months off from the book. During my break from Chasing Souls, I wrote two short stories. Spirits of the Night is a short Halloween romance and Ride to Redemption is a Christian romance novella.

I finally finished Chasing Souls this month and it was released on March 14th, 2025. I felt victorious because it was by far the hardest book I wrote, even though I loved the story.
I have also published two Children’s books under the pen name Kori Knight. It’s a series inspired by my three sons and their crazy antics.
Three’s Wild and The Case of the Missing Chocolate Cake
Three’s Wild and The Fitness Test
And there’s more to come!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Chasing Souls was released this month on March 14, 2025 – and it was my goliath! I’m not sure why it was so difficult to write, I loved the story and characters so much, I just wanted to bring them to life.

I was originally inspired by an episode of The Twilight Zone! It was about a man that could jump from one person’s body to another and assume their identity and get away with crimes. So, I said to myself, let’s turn this into a romance. The main characters are Rory, a lost soul who is trapped between life and death. She lives her life through other people’s eyes, people she considers to be her only friends. Then there’s Koji, a soul eater with a killer appetite. And now, he has his sights set on Rory. It’s an intriguing romance novel, perfect for fans of fantasy and paranormal genres with a little Japanese mythology thrown into the mix!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a process! First off, I write down every single idea that pops into my head. When I choose one to write about, I create all of my character profiles. What’s their personality like? Are they a villain or a hero? Should they be a morally grey character? What should they look like? Do they have special qualities?

Then I outline ALL of my chapters. I focus on big parts mostly, if there’s something specific I want a character to say or do, I write it down. I construct how I want each chapter to play out and sometimes they change and that’s okay, I just need a guide. Then using my guide, I write each chapter by hand, filling out notebooks upon notebooks. Then when that’s done, I type everything and then edit. It’s a process, but it works for me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There is only one, and this author doesn’t even know it – but she’s what started it all for me.
Her name is Lydia Hope, and her first book was a full-length novel called Homebound. It’s a sci-fi fantasy romance and it truly touched my heart. The love story was truly epic. The characters were so likeable, and the villains were so easy to hate. And her world-building really immersed me into the story. When I found out that it was her first novel and her family had no idea that she was even interested in writing, I became so inspired. That’s when I really started to play with the idea of becoming an author.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a Sci-fi adventure romance, but I don’t want to give too much away. You’ll have to wait and see!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m going to be honest; I’m not on any social media sites except Goodreads and Pinterest. I have given away my books for reviews, sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t- but it’s all about exposure right now since I am a new author. I’m planning on visiting libraries in my area and giving them free copies of my books as well. If I had to choose, I’d say Goodreads has really boosted my visibility to readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never compare yourself to any other author. You have your own writing style that is uniquely you and someone is going to love it. Never give up – I don’t care if you hit rock bottom. Pick yourself up and keep writing! And lastly, it’s okay to take a break from a book. If you’re not in the right headspace when you write, your words are not going to have the same impact.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write like no one will read it.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to continue writing. I never want to stop learning how to improve my stories. Hopefully I can do more interviews like this in the future.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Right now, my favorite book of all time is Homebound by Lydia Hope. I just can’t get away from it. I can read it anytime, anywhere. Lydia does such a wonderful job making you feel like you’re in that world, that you never want to leave. At least, that’s how it is for me.

Author Websites and Profiles
Narcissus Blue Amazon Profile

Narcissus Blue’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an Canadian author. Born and raised in Toronto. I am a wife and a mother. In my elementary school years, I would enrolled myself in all kinds of sports and events. In my high school years, I was a 5 pin pro bowler. I won trophies and metals. I love fantasy, romance, anime and the supernatural.

I have recently published my first novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“My Fate, My Heart You See” was based on a dream I had in my early twenties that remained with me throughout the years.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I start my writing process by imagining my plot, then I outline the events of each chapter in bullet points so that I can concentrate on the chapter at hand as I write, and then I start writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Suzanne Collins- The Hunger Games series

Lucy Maud Montgomery- Annie of Green Gables

Cassandra Clare- Mortal Instruments

What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing my second romance novel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and hiring Chick Lit Book Café to help me promote my novel.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up on your writing. Follow your instincts.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Trust yourself and be optimistic

What are you reading now?
Currently not reading because I am working on my second romance novel.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing until I run out of stories to tell.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Suzanne Collins- The Hunger Games series

Author Websites and Profiles
Elisa Hawa Website
Elisa Hawa Author Profile Other Bookseller

Elisa Hawa’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Dorothy Wehunt believes that each of us has the right to be successful and has within us what we need to do so. Dorothy has a MS in psychology and has helped others to achieve their goals through her training programs and coaching for more than fifteen years.

Dorothy has published five self-help books- Build Self-Esteem, Rise Up to Yourself: Greater Success Awaits, Achieve Success with Self-Esteem, Worth the Effort: Living a Fulfilling Life by Taking Charge of Your Well-Being, and Roadmap to Success: Practical Steps to Reaching Your Dreams. Through her writing of self-help books, she hopes to help others believe in their abilities and themselves and their goals and dreams. And thus, take positive and needed action with confidence to achieve them and become the person they really want to be.

And she has four true short story books published – Unknown Treasures, Unexpected Memories, Memorable Choices, and Memories Valued. She hopes her books of true short stories of inspiration, motivation, and lessons learned encourage and inspire others. And give insight into situations to find solutions to challenges. Thus, motivate others to act to achieve in life and to find happiness.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Memories Valued! The true stories inspired me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do not know if it is unusual, but I write nonfiction self-help based on my master’s in psychology supported or verified by observation, experiences, and life lessons or lessons learned. And true short stories of inspiration, motivation, and life lessons or lessons learned.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Bible to give me faith, determination, and motivation, although my books are not religious. And nonfiction books.

What are you working on now?
Marketing my books

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is amazon.com/author/dorothywehunt.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Let your writing be in line with your values and what you feel comfortable writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Matthew Chapter 17 verse 20, King James Version
“And Jesus unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

What are you reading now?
The Bible

What’s next for you as a writer?
Possibly about an illness that has been in remission for over fifteen years and how this happened hoping to give other with this or another painful illness hope in healing

What is your favorite book of all time?
Gone with the Wind

Author Websites and Profiles
Dorothy Wehunt Website
Dorothy Wehunt Amazon Profile

Dorothy Wehunt’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I day dreamed of being a writer starting in high school. I dabbled in writing off and on through college but never did anything seriously. After college, I wrote one half of a rough draft of a romantic seafaring adventure story set in the year 2007. From 1991 to 1993, I wrote a rough draft novel on the First Gulf War and a rough draft novel on a U.S./Israeli spy scandal of the mid 1980s. After much thought, I completed the novels on the U.S./Israeli spy scandal (2018) and the First Gulf War (2020).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my latest book is Journeys from Interlaken and Prague. The story deals with child trafficking and is written with a literary fiction slant. Two themes came to mind in developing the plot. Most people living in western society are completely unaware of conflict in other areas. In fact, conflict is widespread at different levels everywhere. Second, children pay the biggest price when men invent a reason to go to war. My latest novel highlights the contrast between a family that lives in a tranquil society and a young man who is trapped in a violent existence.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing habits are probably similar to the habits of other authors. I thoroughly research the background to my fictional works. What added to the quality of my first two books was that the internet was not invented when I wrote the rough drafts. With the advent of the internet, I was able to add much more detail to each novel. I think of lines and concepts while falling asleep at night, while driving the car, while watching people. It all adds up to a good story.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Early on I was influenced by a British writer named Eric Ambler who wrote suspense novels from the 1930s to the 1970s. His style was slow and deliberate rather than fast paced. Robert Ludlum set the tone for thrillers in later years. I read John Fowles for a literary experience.

What are you working on now?
I am working on my romantic seafaring adventure story set in the year 2007. And yes, it will take place in 2007 just as I imagined when I started writing it on January 1, 1978.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now I am building up a promotional program. I publish my books on my own imprint and do outreach via email and writer and book review blogs.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
A writer can have an idea but the overall writing canvas will be blank. Write a few pages every day and it will add up to a completed book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up.

What are you reading now?
A book on communist Chinese politics from 1920 to 1972 and Edward Rutherfurd’s novel Russka.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on my romantic seafaring adventure story set in the year 2007.

What is your favorite book of all time?
A tie: John Fowles, The Magus and Anton Myer’s, Once an Eagle.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lincoln Phillips Amazon Profile