Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Holyhead, Anglesey, Wales, with my wife Judy and our pets – two Dachshunds named Bella and Benny, and our cat Patch. I’m a big music fan, especially classic and progressive rock. My collection of vinyl and CDs reflects that, with a lot of German bands like Novalis, Anyone’s Daughter, Neu, Cluster, Kraftwerk, and Peter Maffay.

But my real passion is The Bee Gees. I’ve been collecting their stuff for over 45 years and contributed to projects about them, like tour programs and DVD sleeve notes. I’ve been part of TV documentaries, using my collection for visual material. I’ve also written a book about them called “The Ultimate Biography of The Bee Gees: Tales of the Brothers Gibb.”

It’s been through a few editions, the last one in 2012 after Robin passed away, and it’s available as an e-book. Right now, I’m working on a series of books about The Bee Gees’ career, split by decades. The first one covered the 1960s, and you can probably guess what the next ones will be called!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, “DECADES: The Bee Gees in the 1970s,” is a collaboration with my friends Grant Walters and Mark Crohan, just like our previous volume, “DECADES: The Bee Gees in the 1960s.” We’ve got contracts for two more volumes covering the 1980s and 1990s. Still, we’re hoping to persuade the publisher to let us delve into the 21st Century to wrap up the story.

Each book in the series clocks in at around 125,000 words. By the time we finish, we’ll have surpassed 600,000 words. It’s a significant jump from my first co-authored book, “The Ultimate Biography of The Bee Gees: Tales of the Brothers Gibb,” which was about 360,000 words. It shows the increased depth of research and detail in the “DECADES” series.

The idea of writing struck me during the COVID lockdown. A couple of friends had authored a book about a different group, so I reached out to Sonicbond Publishing and secured the deal. Bringing Grant and Mark on board made sense; they’re Bee Gees aficionados too, each with their unique skills and expertise.

We’re a global team—I’m in Anglesey, Wales; Grant is in Ohio, USA; and Mark is in Melbourne, Australia. Our Zoom sessions are a hoot—Grant sips his morning coffee, I munch on lunch, and Mark winds down with a nightcap!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing habits might not be uncommon among writers. When it comes to crafting factual material—though I detest calling it “non-fiction”—it’s a different ball game compared to writing fiction.
Researching is my favorite part. I relish diving into old music magazines, not just for relevant information but also for other intriguing stories. It’s enjoyable, but sometimes, I stumble upon incomplete bits that demand further investigation, leading to restless nights. The fix? I’ll rise at ridiculous hours and keep digging until it feels resolved.

When I’m in the writing phase, I can’t simply stop mid-flow. I have to finish what I’m working on before I can call it a night.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Reading isn’t a big hobby of mine – I mainly buy books for reference. Fiction isn’t my cup of tea. However, occasionally, I stumble upon books with intriguing concepts or layouts that I envision using for future writing projects. The latest one that caught my eye was “From Me to You: Songs the Beatles Covered and Songs They Gave Away” by Brian Southall.

If I were to craft a book along similar lines, it would focus on the songs The Bee Gees gave away. Their catalog is vast, with over 200 songs recorded by others. I’ve already got a title in mind, and much of the groundwork is done from previous projects. Bringing it to life simply requires finding a publisher and presenting it well.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m getting everything ready for the upcoming “DECADES” series volume covering the 1980s. Once it’s all set, I’ll upload the files to Dropbox for Mark and Grant to access. We’ll collaborate to shape the narrative over time. Considering the writing, editing, printing, and distribution process, I’m aiming for a publication date in the final quarter of 2024.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Our website proved invaluable for facilitating online sales during the pre-order phase of the 1960s book. Vince Melouney, an actual Bee Gee during 1967-68, penned one of the forewords for that book. His offer to sign copies for pre-orders gave us an incredible sales boost. It’s worth noting that Robin Gibb’s son, Spencer, is generously contributing forewords for all the books in the series. His support means a lot to us.

While social media is crucial these days, we hit a setback in July when Facebook suspended our page. Despite appealing the decision and their promise of a review within 45 days, several months have passed with no resolution. I’ve resorted to sending a physical letter in hopes of prompting action.

Aside from Facebook, we’re active on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Threads, and we maintain a YouTube channel.
We’ve garnered substantial promotion and reviews across various platforms—websites, magazines, newspapers, podcasts, radio, and television. All these are accessible on the “Media” page of our website, and our radio and TV appearances can also be found on our YouTube channel.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My journey as a writer might not match the typical experience. Fortunately, I’ve been fortunate to find publishers willing to take on all my books, so I’ve never had to venture into self-publishing.
When it comes to writing, factual books diverge significantly from fiction. I work with established facts, crafting narratives around real characters and their experiences. Rather than conjuring characters and scenarios from imagination, I report on the past activities of existing figures. It might not sound thrilling, but I find it endlessly fascinating.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get your hair cut!

What are you reading now?
It’s interesting how many TV news pundits display packed bookshelves behind them, isn’t it? I wonder if it’s a deliberate attempt to come off as knowledgeable. Personally, I’m not an avid reader despite having shelves full of books.
When I do buy books, it’s for a purpose—to acquire specific knowledge. I hardly sit down and read cover to cover; I use them as reference materials, focusing on the particular topics I want to explore further. I’m currently delving into several bookazines—three about The Who, two about Kraftwerk, and one each about The Eagles and Abba. They’re perfect for getting in-depth insights without committing to a full book.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing the next two volumes of The Bee Gees’ “DECADES” books is my primary focus under contract. However, I’m open to the possibility of smaller, related projects popping up in between. These could serve as welcome breaks from the larger undertaking.

What is your favorite book of all time?
“The Railway Children” by E. Nesbitt

Author Websites and Profiles
Andrew Môn Hughes Website
Andrew Môn Hughes Amazon Profile

Andrew Môn Hughes’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up a Navy brat and for the first twenty years of my life, I was moving every two to three years. I’ve lived everywhere from Maine to South Carolina to Washington State. Because of this, I didn’t have many friends growing up, so I found my solace in reading fantasy novels. By the time I was thirteen, I was already working on writing my own stories. They weren’t very good. When I was twenty-two, I joined the Navy, got married and moved to Washington State to operate a nuclear reactor on a submarine. Six years later, and I was out and moved back to North Carolina where I currently reside with my wife, two daughters, two dogs and two cats. I finished my Bachelors in Nuclear Engineering Technology in 2016 and quickly realized I no longer wanted anything to do with nuclear power and power plants. I began writing again, and by 2020 I had completed two books and started a third. But like my attempts when I was thirteen, they weren’t very good. I decided to pursue a MA in English and Creative Writing to hone my craft and finished it in 2022. One year later, and I’ve published my first book, Heirs of the Promise!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Heirs of the Promise, Book 1 of The Immortal Arbiter Saga is my first book I have published. It was inspired by a few things. Brandon Sanderson’s three laws of magic was the foundation for my magic system. Ever since picking up the Mistborn series a decade ago, I’ve been hooked on hard magic systems. The Witcher series played a large role in my development of Arbiters. Like Witchers, Arbiters were created to combat enemies of the human race. But what happens when those enemies are considered by the populace, to no longer be a threat? What do the Arbiters, whose very existence was defined by a need to defend their land, do when they no longer need to defend it? The final thing that really inspired this series, and in particular, my creation of Kilal, the Immortal Arbiter, was a deepdive into mental health. As someone who has struggled with depression my whole life, I wanted to explore what the psyche of a 200-year-old man with similar issues, experiencing extreme trauma and loss, would look like.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Besides the floor or my couch being the place I write the most, I wouldn’t say I have any unusual writing habits.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Brandon Sanderson and Will Wight have encompassed the majority of my reading over the last decade. I rarely read anything other than fantasy. But if it’s not fantasy, it’s cosmic horror. Sanderson was a HUGE influence in my writing. Everything from the 3rd person limited point-of-view of only a few characters, to his unique magic systems and overarching story stretching across his Cosmere. Over the last few years, I have fallen in love with H.P. Lovecraft and his Cthulhu Mythos which have ignited a desire to write cosmic horror sometime in the future.

What are you working on now?
The Tower of Eyes, Book 2 of The Immortal Arbiter Saga! I’m about half-way through and hope to have it to my editor by July 2024 with an anticipated release date of December 2024.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m pretty active on Twitter. My handle is @LFranzAuthor. My author website is langdonfranzauthor.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write because you want to share your story with the world, not because you want to make money. Write because you’re passionate about it! Also, if it’s possible, seek out an education in creative writing, whatever that looks like for you. I completed my MA in English and Creative Writing in 2022 and it has transformed me into a different writer. Not only that, but throughout the program I was able to work on Heirs of the Promise and get dozens of eyes on it which helped tremendously in its creation.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Pretty much the same as I would give. Write because you have a story to share, not because you want to make money.

What are you reading now?
The Melody of Three by Stephen Reeves and the graphic novel of The Shadow Over Innsmouth.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll be working on The Immortal Arbiter Saga for a while. It will consist of four books, and I’m only halfway through book 2. Besides that, I have begun the process of notetaking and brainstorming my next series.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Probably Oathbreaker by Brandon Sanderson.

Author Websites and Profiles
Langdon Franz Website
Langdon Franz Amazon Profile

Langdon Franz’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I wanted to be a writer since I was little, but university, travel, starting my first job as a teacher, and then being a single mother got in the way. Once I reached my 40s I figured I was too old to start. I was working as a teacher-librarian at the time and one of my colleagues invited me in to hear the author Sylvia Olsen speak. Sylvia is a well-known and prolific Canadian YA author. When she was talking to the class she said that she had published her first book at age 50. When I heard that, I thought to myself, well if she can do it, so can I. When I was 48, I entered the 3-Day Novel contest and wrote a book called Greenwich List. I didn’t win anything so I sent it off to a publisher who accepted it, published it as an ebook, and released it on my 50th birthday. It seemed very appropriate. In the meantime, my husband (also a writer) and I bought an old stone house in a tiny Sicilian village way up in the mountains. That started my blogging experience with My Sicilian Home (mysicilianhome.wordpress.com) which eventually turned into my second book, Mancia di Sanu: A Canadian Expat’s Take on Sicilian Life and Cuisine. We spent (and still spend) a lot of time driving around and exploring Sicily. As we explored all the little towns and villages, I noticed that every city, town, and village had at least one and more often multiple patron saints. Our GPS talked to us as we drove along and it got me thinking. What if one of the patron saints talked to someone through their GPS? That led me to my third book, The Bastard of Saint Genevra. This book was well received and in 2017 I was invited to do an international launch and reading in Sicily of both The Bastard of Saint Genevra and Mancia di Sanu. The reading took place at the height of summer in the courtyard of an old stone convent/museum. Even though the temperature was in the very high 30s that evening, I still had a full house. It was very exciting for me. A couple of years later, I collected a lot of my poetry into a small book, Gratitude & Betrayal | Betrayal & Gratitude and published it on Kindle. In 2022, my daughter’s guinea pig died. It was traumatic for the entire family and I wrote my first children’s book for my daughter – Moo Moo Saves the Day. While I have several other books that I’m working on (six in various stages of being written and six others outlined), I released my latest book on Halloween.
Apart from writing, I teach a year-long writing program at Cherry Hill Seminary out of South Carolina called a Certificate in Writing as a Spiritual Practice. I am an ordained Druid priest, and I write articles on various aspects of Paganism.
I love to travel. I spent three years living in Japan and I have travelled to China, South Korea, Mexico, Tunisia, Morocco, Greece, Spain, Gibraltar, France, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. I’ve also travelled across Canada and to many parts of the US. My husband and I plan to keep travelling and visit other parts of Europe.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book, the one that was released on Halloween, is called A Curse of Magick. It is a young adult fantasy romance. It is based on the Irish myth of Gráinne and Diarmuid, a tale that not only caught my fancy but my heart as well. My family came from Donegal in the Republic of Ireland, and Ireland has been special in our family for many generations. It felt important to me to share a Celtic myth with teens who may never have heard of it. This is book one in a series that I’m calling Ancient Women of Celtic Magick. The next book will be about the Welsh goddess, Rhiannon followed by the story of Boudica, the woman warrior who very nearly drove the Romans out of Britain.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a writing partner. We have written one short story together and we often do writing sprints together. I have also done the 3-Day Novel contest three times. One of the novellas is already published – Greenwich List – and the two others will be published in the next couple of years. I also finished the first draft of a horror novel while doing Nanowrimo.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was quite young, I loved books by Robert Louis Stevenson. My father introduced them to me by first buying me a copy of A Child’s Garden of Verses, and then later Treasure Island. When I was a young woman, books by Margaret Atwood and Erica Jong taught me what it meant to be an independent woman and what feminism meant. Fantasy writers that I have found influential have been Ursula Le Guin, Edith Nesbit, Joan Aiken, JRR Tolkien, and (controversy aside) JK Rowling. I also love Stephen King, and Andrea Camilleri.

What are you working on now?
I have three horror novels that are ready for editing, as well as an historical romance set in the time of the Vikings. I have several other books outlined and I am researching the mythology around the goddess Rhiannon and the life of Boudica.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is where I struggle. So far I have used Facebook, Twitter, and my own website. I have also sold books at markets, in bookstores, and through family and friends. My hope is that awesomegang will help me be better at marketing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The following quote is attributed to Hemingway: “The first draft of anything is shit”. What I love about this quote is that it releases us from feeling like what we write must be perfect. Writer’s block is not a lack of ideas, it’s a lack of confidence in oneself. The most important thing is just to write. When you are on your first draft, ignore the mistakes. They can be fixed later when it’s time to edit.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t worry about what other people think about your writing, just write your own truth.

What are you reading now?
I have two books on the go at the moment, both by Stephen King – On Writing, and Dance Macabre.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I probably should finish all the books I have as first drafts, and then write the books I have outlined before starting something new. My problem is I am constantly thinking of new ideas for books.

What is your favorite book of all time?
I have sooooo many books that I love, and which is my favourite depends on when you ask me. If you go by the books I have re-read the most, they would be The Stand by Stephen King, and Tisha by Robert Sprecht.

Author Websites and Profiles
Diane Gallagher Website
Diane Gallagher Amazon Profile

Diane Gallagher’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written 13 published books. Eleven are in the genre of epic fantasy. One was a horror novel. The third was nonfiction.

I grew up on the shores of western Florida and spent much of my childhood swimming in shark-infested waters long before the movie “Jaws” put a scare into everyone. At the time, I was too skinny to attract a bull shark’s attention. About ten other boys my age lived on my same street, and we hung out morning, noon and night playing the usual sports that young boys love — football, baseball, “kill the carrier,” etc. — but as a group we also played fantastical games that contained magic, monsters and superheroes. It was in this setting that my imagination was born and nurtured.

I lived in western Florida until about 20 years ago. My wife and I now live in the mountains in Upstate South Carolina.

I have owned many dogs and cats during my life, but I currently have just one gray cat who rules our 15 acres with an iron paw.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Do You Believe in Monsters? is book 2 of my teen fantasy adventure series titled Dark Circles.

Do You Believe in Monsters” is a full-blown launch into a fantasy realm loaded with magic, monsters, courageous acts, and a dash of sweet romance. When Charlie Magus enters a fantastical world hidden deep in the forest, his life is turned upside down.

The timid 13-year-old transforms into a powerful wizard wielding formidable magic.

In the real world, life goes on as usual. But in the fantasy world, a war is brewing that will dwarf all others. Charlie’s newfound powers stand between victory and defeat.

But in which world does he truly belong?

Dark Circles is an adventure of epic scope. Only those with a hero’s heart will dare to stand at Charlie’s side as he battles an army of monsters led by an evil being of immense power.

I began writing book 1 (Do You Believe in Magic?) in February 2023 and published it in May 2023. I finished book 2 in early October and published it at the end of that month. Book 3 will debut in February 2024.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to write every single day regardless of what else is going on. I do most of my writing in the evening after dinner, and I do most of my editing in the afternoon after lunch.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m sure that most authors would say that there are too many to mention, and the same is true for me. But I have always been a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien and Stephen King.

One of the best novels I’ve read more recently is The Overstory by Richard Powers.

What are you working on now?
I am now writing the third book of my trilogy titled Dark Circles. Book 3 is titled Do You Believe in Miracles?. I am about 60,000 words into the first draft and hope to publish it no later than March 2024.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a self-published author, you need to have a solid platform: updated website, newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. But promotional sites such as Book Barbarian have produced my best sales. These can get pricey, though, so you have to create a balance between what you spend and what you make in return.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t wait for the muse to strike. Keep a calendar of when and where you’re going to write and update the calendar at the start of each week. Or at least establish a daily writing time: 5-7 a.m. or 8-10 p.m., etc. And then STICK TO IT, no matter what is happening or how you’re feeling, which means some days you’ll need to permit yourself to write crap that can later be cleaned up in the revision process.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Learn everything you can about the nuances of point of view. Nothing will scream “amateur” more quickly than someone who misuses point of view.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. It’s a clever little book and highly entertaining.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I complete my Dark Circles trilogy, I’m going to take a month off from writing and then either write something new or revisit some past projects that are in various stages of development.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Rabbit, Run by John Updike. The quality of the writing is beyond superb.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jim Melvin Website
Jim Melvin Amazon Profile
Jim Melvin Author Profile Other Bookseller

Jim Melvin’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m excited to be able to make book three of my SF/ Medical Thriller space adventure series available in the new year. Meanwhile, I’ve added another entry to a different kind of Christmas poems book, and am slowly editing a fantasy novel I completed before I got busy raising children. The first novel I drafted was in the original Star Trek universe. It reportedly had some intriguing features, but ultimately, I wanted to go my own way and be free to work in my own setting. Since I love medical thrillers by Robin Cook, and enjoyed studying biology and hearing information from my mother who was a nurse, and my own heath care work environments in my younger days, I was eager to combine medical thrillers with spaceship exploration.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest (second) book I’ve published is called Ripped Genes. I find genetics and microbiology fascinating, so it was a natural direction to go. The title is a play on the term ripping, as used in reference to copying CD’s. The novel involved some cloned individuals (with “ripped genes,”) and what they have to go through because of their situations.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sometimes work late into the night, or all night. It calls to me, as there are no phone calls, outings, or other distractions. I can truly get absorbed in the imaginary worlds I’m creating. I prefer to work on a fold-out lap table on the couch or bed in winter. In summer, I often take the laptop to the gazebo surrounded by garden. Before sitting down to work, I surround myself with all the drinks, references, and other items I might want for the session, so I can just stay settled and work. For one thing, I know it’s likely the cat will come onto my lap and I won’t be able to get up.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Besides the aforementioned Robin Cook, the science fiction writers I admire are Gene Roddenberry, and James Blish, who wrote the Trek episode adaptations I read before ever seeing the show on snowy tv. I started out with The City of Gold and lead, for young readers, then moved into some Heinlein such as Star Beast.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on “Shoot for Earth; MedSci Missions 3.” The title is symbolic of Earth’s need for a vaccine. This third installment will complete the alien pandemic crisis set up in the origin story, “Earth and Beyond.” The second novel, “Ripped Genes,” can be read first, as it re-caps the set-up before the mission in space really gets underway. The origin story, Shoot for Earth, starts with the characters as teens who rapidly mature into the adults who run the spaceship. The MedSci Missions science fiction series was inspired by Robin Cook medical thrillers and space adventure fiction such as Star Trek, Stargate, Firefly, Babylon V, Battlestar Galactica, and others.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ll get back to you when I find something cost effective. I find readers will buy in person, and it’s great to meet fans, but travel is expensive.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write because you love it. Live it because you love it. That doesn’t mean you’ll sit at your desk having fun all the time. It means excitement when the magic happens, and satisfaction for plugging on when it doesn’t.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Show, don’t tell. Make the characters and setting come alive through progression of the story, not telling the reader what the character is like. Show what the character is like through their actions and dialogue.

What are you reading now?
A gardening catalogue. I love researching the different varieties and planning companion plantings. I find I read more non fiction that fiction since I started writing fiction seriously. I read the literary novels my library book club picks out, and if I have time, a fun thriller, fantasy, SF, mystery, maybe a romance for a break. I have eclectic tastes.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish the third book in the Medsci Missions “opening trilogy” about spaceship Chiron’s adventures as they strive to cure Earth, I’ll finish editing a fantasy novel that’s been on my hard drive for years. When I had my children, it got put on the back burner, then I got exciting about the science fiction series, so it got done before the more tedious work of publishing and marketing the first original work. I like what I’m reading in it from my more youthful self, so it shouldn’t take a really long time to get it out there after Shoot for Earth. Then I might go back into the MedSci Missions universe to pick up on threads opened up in the trilogy. The continuation of the series will probably move to more general adventures instead of focusing on a medical mission. New works will be re-branded as Chiron’s Adventures, or Spaceship Chiron or another suitable headings.

What is your favorite book of all time?
There are so many! The Black Stallion books by Walter Farley, and other animal stories have a special place in my heart for how they enraptured me in my youth and gave me a love of reading. The City of Gold and Lead was my introduction to science fiction, which was a revelation. Star Beast by Heinlein was my first thicker science fiction, so it sticks in my memory. The James Blish adaptations of Star Trek: TOS (original, classic Star Trek) brought me into a bit of an obsessive love of the series. Eventually, after reading all the stories, i watched the episodes on snowy TV.; it was an exciting new way to enjoy the characters and adventures, but with the books being my first Trek experience, the Blish interpretations felt like the real thing, and somewhat still do. I was, well, thrilled, by the Robin Cook Medical thriller Coma. I sought out the rest of his novels as they became available, and still do. The Lord of the Rings trilogy has to be mentioned, as a gripping summer read that set me up for being an avid D&D player in my teens and at university. The gaming went by the wayside when I started writing fiction seriously, as I needed to channel my imagination towards completing a project.

Author Websites and Profiles
Wendy Gamble Website
Wendy Gamble Amazon Profile
Wendy Gamble Author Profile Other Bookseller

Wendy Gamble’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 an outdoor leader turned leadership futurist, with a penchant and passion for writing. I have written four leadership books. The fourth one, People Stuff – Beyond Personality Problems, won multiple awards, including Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards.

I started my fiction career in 2022, and have published two sci-fi novels so far. My debut, The Olympus Project, won a GOLD MEDAL at the Readers’ Favorites Awards 2023.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Terra Blanca: Insurrection is the latest one out in the world. It’s the prequel to the main Gaia book series, of which my first novel, The Olympus Project, is the first full length novel.

I wanted to tell the story of how things can go terribly wrong. The seed of the story came from some research that turned out to be manipulated that showcased how people can become depraved abusers when they are given power in a prison. I wanted to explore how good intentions for a collective society – based on horizontal leadership/flat hierarchies – can go wrong if we’re not careful.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure what’s usual! I leverage technology: I often dictate chapters (so much faster than typing) and I use chat GPT to outline, brainstorm, and problem solve.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read so widely it’s hard to say. I love a good sentence and will wallow in the rhythms and beauty of a well-crafted paragraph. Ursula K. LeGuin has good sentences. Frank Herbert mesmerised me for the scope of his story and expanse of his world. Then there’s Kate Quinn and her eye for detail is incredible. Diamond Eye has my favourite first line of a book.

What are you working on now?
The sequel to the Olympus Project, Olympus Bound, is down to line edits now and will be out in early 2024. While that’s happening, I’ve started digging away at the third full length novel, with the working title, Olympus Rising. And the musings for a fifth non-fiction leadership book on power.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Method: street team and a legion of raging fans! I ask the various communities to which I belong (running, outdoors, writers, book facebook groups, past organisations) to spread the word.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Work with others! My books are so much better having worked with an editor. Also, marketing will be hard, but like anything, just keep learning. See authoring as a new career, that will take ten years to master. Less pressure to hit it out of the park on the first book that way!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read like a writer. Pay attention to where language transports and where it grinds to a halt, what you loved or hated about a story. I learned a lot about writing this way.

What are you reading now?
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. Incredible.

Audiobook: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. Also incredible. Both are HUGE.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish my Gaia series and play with new stories.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Childhood – King Arthur. That book sucked me in and I never wanted to leave that world.
Adult – Dune by Frank Herbert. As above. For months I added cinnamon and nutmeg to my tea hoping I’d be transformed like in Dune.

Author Websites and Profiles
Zoë Routh Website
Zoë Routh Amazon Profile

Zoë Routh’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up on the tiny Mediterranean island of Cyprus and have always been passionate about travel and culture. By the time I was seventeen, I had extensively explored the Middle East and Europe. My studies in the UK and a year at the University of Bordeaux, France, deepened my appreciation for diverse styles and cultures, exposing me to a world of eclectic, edgy fashion and timeless, chic elegance.

After university, I started a career in London that allowed me to travel globally, visit cities like New York, Paris, and Milan, and manage a travel blog. This hobby soon grew into a platform for collaborations and exclusive experiences worldwide.

In 2017, I left the corporate world for a creative life, beginning with a transformative three-month stay in Mozambique, an experience that transformed my life values and relationship with fashion.

I then returned to Cyprus, using it as a base for continued travel and launching several travel-focused businesses. A notable venture during the pandemic was Globetrotter VR, a virtual travel platform that gained international attention and was accepted into a Dubai-based incubator.

Now settled in the United Arab Emirates with my husband and our adopted pet, Bono, I’ve written my first published book, “Travel with Style,” which embodies my lifelong passion for travel, style, and cultural immersion.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, “Travel with Style,” was sparked by my dismay to the current trend in travel attire, where comfort has become synonymous with wearing sports clothes or jeans and t-shirts. I grew up travelling, and from my first flight at five years old, I remember my mother’s elegance on our trips. She always dressed with care, instilling in me the sense that travel was an occasion.

As someone who has travelled extensively, living in nine countries and visiting over forty, I’ve seen firsthand how travel is a profound expansion of self and worldview. It’s about connection, discovery, and opening ourselves to new ways of thinking and being. The book is a call to embrace this experience fully, including how we present ourselves, reflect our identities and interact with the cultures we visit.

Fashion has always been a profound expression of culture and identity, from India’s saris to Japan’s kimonos. “Travel with Style” challenges the status quo of the current travel fashion, encouraging travellers to become conscious of their attire. It’s an invitation to engage deeply with the places we visit, respecting local customs and enriching our interactions. Through this book, I aim to inspire travellers to dress in a way that honours the beauty and diversity of our world.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Indeed, I have a unique writing ritual that some might find unusual—I find my inspiration in transit. Something about the rhythmic hum of a plane’s engine or the steady clack of train wheels focuses my mind and spurs my creativity. I’ve written some of my best passages while nestled in the backseat of a car on a long drive. It’s as if the shifting landscapes invite new ideas and perspectives to flow onto the page.

Part of my writing process involves what I like to call ‘creative fermentation’. I’ll draft a piece, then step away from it to let it breathe. This pause allows me to revisit and refine my work with fresh eyes. “Travel with Style” underwent this process about four times, each iteration bringing it closer to the version that eventually made its way to the editor.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Growing up, I was completely absorbed in fantasy novels. The Harry Potter series was my go-to. I also had a soft spot for poetry. I’m a big fan of T.S. Eliot and Seamus Heaney.

As I entered the working world, my reading tastes shifted towards non-fiction. I dove into books on psychology, self-development, and esoteric subjects, finding in them a source of knowledge and empowerment.

Elizabeth Gilbert has been a monumental influence in my life. Her book “Big Magic” was a game-changer, inspiring me to launch my travel blog and ultimately leave a career in finance for a life of creativity.

In my late twenties, as I ventured into entrepreneurship, I gravitated towards self-development and business books. Audiobooks became my new best friends. Titles like “Creativity Inc.,” “The Design of Everyday Things,” “Start with Why,” “Lean In,” “Never Split the Difference,” and “Atomic Habits” have been instrumental in shaping my approach as a leader and entrepreneur.

I’m also deeply fascinated by human potential and the power of the mind. Authors like Joe Dispenza and Deepak Chopra are favourites of mine. Their insights and practical tools have been invaluable in harnessing my own potential and understanding the incredible capabilities of the human mind.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on my book “Travel With Style”. We just published it on Amazon as Paperback and Kindle, and now I’m focused on getting the word out about it to the world!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I recently discovered Booksirens, which offers you the opportunity to get your book read and reviewed by avid readers interested in your field. I firmly believe that robust reviews are essential for a book’s success. They provide social proof, which is incredibly important in our digital age, where many readers rely on the recommendations and opinions of others before making a purchase. Building up a collection of honest reviews can really make a difference in how a book is perceived and, ultimately, how well it sells.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
First, be aware of the timelines involved in publishing a book. The editing process can be lengthy; for “Travel With Style,” we went through two rounds of edits that took about two months. This extended the timeline, shifting my initial publication date from October to December.

One of the things I’d do differently was launch the book website earlier. I wanted a website with sections for previews and reviews, but waiting for these elements delayed the launch significantly. As a result, I only had the website up a week before the book was published. I advise starting with a simple landing page where interested readers can leave their contact details. This way, you have a reference point for everyone interested in your book long before it’s published.

Another vital aspect is PR and media coverage. I waited until the book was finished before contacting publicists and arranging media reviews. In hindsight, I recommend starting this process earlier. For my next book, I plan to have an advanced copy review team in place well ahead of the publication date. This approach can create buzz and anticipation, which is crucial for a successful launch.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t wait for anyone’s permission to follow your dreams.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading a bunch of non-fiction books:

Cosmogenisis by H.P. Blavatsky
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza

The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) by Philippa Perry

What’s next for you as a writer?
As I’m navigating the realm of self-publishing with my debut book, my next steps as a writer are already taking shape in my mind. “Travel with Style” provides a comprehensive style guide and packing lists for 20 top destinations, including Bali, London, Paris, Dubai, and Tokyo. It also dives into the specific gear and style recommendations for skiing and safari adventures.

Building on the foundation of this book, if it resonates with readers, I plan to expand upon these insights with a sequel. While “Travel with Style” currently showcases twenty of the most popular destinations, initially, I wanted to cover fifty. But to balance depth and breadth and avoid overwhelming readers, I decided against creating an encyclopedia. Instead, I focused on fewer destinations, giving each the attention it deserves. Looking forward, I plan to explore the remaining thirty destinations from my initial list in a subsequent book.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Choosing a favorite book is tough, but a few have earned a permanent spot on my re-read list across different genres. “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert always reigns as a source of inspiration, “Reality Transurfing” by Vadim Zeland has been a mind-opener, and I can’t leave out the Harry Potter series, which has been a magical escape time and time again.

Author Websites and Profiles
Anastasia Pash Website
Anastasia Pash Amazon Profile

Anastasia Pash’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Chikashi Miyamoto is from Yokohama, Japan and spent his formative years in Tokyo where he sliced and diced at a local restaurant during weekends and summer vacations. After studying at Brown University where he gained notoriety for his Thursday dinner parties, he has lived in the US and Europe whilst eating and drinking his way through 2 dozen countries across 4 continents. Kyoto remains his favourite gastronomic destination. Because he repeatedly gets asked about where to eat in Kyoto, he finally stopped eating long enough to write about it, which is his first book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called An Insider’s Guide to Authentic Kyoto for Foodies. I kept getting requests for advice on where to eat in Kyoto so I decided to put all the information in an orderly manner and publish it.

Author Websites and Profiles
Chikashi Miyamoto Website
Chikashi Miyamoto Amazon Profile

Chikashi Miyamoto’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account