Awesome Author Interviews

Interview With Author Lauren Hasbrouck

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name’s Lauren, but I also go by Lola or L. J. I’ve written eleven books and one short story. I tend to write across genres, skewing toward horror, thriller, speculative, and scifi, with a few fantasy detours. I also enjoy diversity in all manners of the word, so I include LBGTQ+ topics in most of my stories. Mainly, my focus is on psychology and character-driven stories that showcase characters moving their stories forward in wild worlds and situations!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Monster, May I? is a novel about a woman who wrestles with her sense of reality, and who commits an act so atrocious she is institutionalized and blacklisted by society. When she’s released, she struggles to start over–until an email arrives inviting her to housesit a farm in rural Vermont. When she arrives, she discovers her sense of reality might actually be more astute than most, and the act she committed was the right thing to do. But now she’s trapped in a town that won’t let her go.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I go between writing in my “office,” which is set up to look very vaporwave-influenced (neon lights, palm trees, flamingos) and just plopping on the couch with my laptop. Always a playlist and headphones for the vibes, and typically a drink to keep me powered up!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading SO MANY books. The Goosebumps series, Baby Sitter’s Club, Beverly Cleary’s novels, Piers Anthony’s Xanth series, Stephen King’s novels…

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on Until the Knife Breaks, a Belle Epoque-set piece about a witch, an assassin, and the immortal man they both love and must murder. I’m inspired by what’s around me and in my life, so I’ll say this one sparked from my playthrough of Oblivion and wanting to write a story about a witch and an assassin.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am TERRIBLE at this. Really. I try to use social media, but I’m an old fogey who doesn’t use TikTok. Instagram, usually. Go to local stores and talk to owners about carrying your work or doing signings. Submit to websites for review! Share with peers and exchange reviews.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just put it out there. Don’t be afraid. Keep writing, be receptive to criticism, and don’t give up. Timing is everything. Talent and perseverance make up the rest. There will be people who are YOUR audience. It’s just a matter of going until you find them. It can take years. But never give up on yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Positive manifestation goes a long way. Put good energy out there. It may sound a little woo-woo, but the universe will give it back. On days when you’re down, take a break, then get back to it. If you want to be whatever it is you want to be, that drive will never go away. So keep at it. It’s not your entire life, even if it feels like it, so find the things you love, like a candy, a TV show, an iced coffee, a walk in nature, a trip to the beach, and let those things inspire your art.

What are you reading now?
I’m rereading S.D. Perry’s RESIDENT EVIL series! I’m an avid gamer, so I enjoy adaptations. I’m also reading a batch of old horror novels from the 80s and 90s, and about to delve into THE VAMPIRE LESTAT before that series premieres. Sam Reid is phenomenal.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have my first novel, LAST RESORT–a novel about a mafia lieutenant’s son who infiltrates a mysterious island resort in search of his missing twin brother–on sub with my agent at Corvisiero Agency. I’m editing MONSTER, MAY I? to put out on sub next. And I’m writing UNTIL THE KNIFE BREAKS! Also, I’m exchanging novels with critique partners. This is important! You need eyes on your stories to see what you miss!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Oof. A CLOCKWORK ORANGE. The language never gets old. LOLITA. You can read it multiple times and arrive at different conclusions, and it’s lyrically beautiful even if the subject matter is controversial. ALICE IN WONDERLAND is one of the most baffling and fun kids’ stories, and I adore it. MAURICE is also a beautifully written, ahead-of-its-time story about forbidden love. And I am a sucker for YEARNING.

Author Websites and Profiles

Lauren Hasbrouck Amazon Profile

Lauren Hasbrouck’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Pinterest Account

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Author Interview Series

To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!

If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.

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Interview With Author Shraddha Handigi

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Shraddha Handigi — an author, co-author, book reviewer, motivational speaker, and founder. I hold an engineering degree in Electronics and Communication from Tontadarya College of Engineering, Gadag. I am the founder of Banashri Prakashana, a publishing house dedicated to promoting the Kannada language. Hailing from Navalgund in the Dharwad district of Karnataka, I have authored two books: Life – A World in English and Vihaara – Badukina Alegalalli in Kannada. I have also co-authored two English anthologies: 11:11 Writes and Trace My Words.

My name has been featured across major SEO platforms, including Google, AI tools, and ChatGPT.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Life – A World”, this book is specially dedicated to the young generation who lack the motivation. The main inspiration that for writing this book is, my life. I’ve shared my experiences and explored the real challenges today’s youth face in finding motivation.

Another major source of motivation that inspired me to write a book is my family. My grandfather, Dr. Sangamesh Handigi, was a renowned Kannada author who wrote over 100 books and received numerous awards for his contributions to literature. My father, Dr. Siddhalingesh Handigi, is a government employee and an author who earned his doctorate for his very first book. And my mother, Suma Handigi, also a government employee, is my constant strength and support. Their influence, encouragement, and dedication have played a vital role in shaping my journey as a writer.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I do have a few unusual writing habits. I often get my best ideas late at night, so I prefer writing when the world is quiet and calm. Sometimes, I write while listening to instrumental music or nature sounds — it helps me connect more deeply with my thoughts. I also tend to jot down random ideas or lines on paper, even during travel or casual walks, which later become part of my poems or chapters.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many authors and books have influenced me over the years, especially those that focus on motivation, self-reflection and emotional depth. I deeply admire authors who write from personal experience and touch the hearts of readers through simple yet powerful language. Books that explore life, human emotions and the challenges faced by today’s youth have had a strong impact on my writing. They inspired me to write in a way that can truly connect with people, especially the younger generation.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on writing crime thriller story both in Kannada and English language. And actively participating many of the Anthologies in English. And also busy in promoting other books like book reviewing, book marketing, creating author website, doing authors introduction in digital.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method for promoting books is through a mix of digital engagement and personal connection. I use social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp to reach readers directly. I also create content such as book reviews, author introductions, and digital posters to build interest. Platforms like Amazon Author Central, Goodreads, and Blogspot help build credibility. Alongside that, I actively support and promote other authors, which creates a strong literary network. I believe that genuine connection and consistent visibility are key to good promotion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Before you begin writing, take time to read books by other authors that relate to your topic. Have clarity about what you want to express—because your words will be read and felt by others. Don’t rush the process, take your time, and the best will eventually emerge.

If you ever feel overwhelmed or in a hurry, pause. Meditate, spend time in nature, listen to music, and take a deep breath before continuing to write. Remember, every author was once a reader and a beginner. A strong belief in yourself and in a higher power can change everything.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard is: “Believe in yourself, even when no one else does.” This simple line taught me that self-belief is the foundation of everything. No matter how hard the journey is, if you trust your own voice and keep moving with faith and patience, success will eventually follow.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading books related to self-help, fantasy, crime thrillers, and horror. Among these, crime thrillers are my personal favorite, which is why I chose this genre for my upcoming book.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, I’m looking forward to completing my upcoming crime thriller in both Kannada and English. I also plan to continue participating in more anthologies and exploring new genres. Alongside writing, I want to support other authors through book reviews, promotions, and helping them build their digital presence. My goal is not only to grow as an author but also to uplift others in the literary community.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I were stranded on a desert island, I would take books that give me strength, imagination, and inner peace. First, I’d carry a self-help book to keep me mentally strong and motivated. Second, a crime thriller to keep my curiosity alive. Third, a fantasy novel to escape into a different world. And finally, a spiritual or inspirational book to stay connected with hope and faith. These books would help me survive not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too.

Author Websites and Profiles

Shraddha Handigi Website

Shraddha Handigi Amazon Profile

Shraddha Handigi’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

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Author Interview Series

To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!

If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.

If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.

Interview With Author PIOUS ENWEREONU

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Pious Nnamdi Enwereonu, a Minister of God, Author, Speaker, Detective, and Advocate for Intelligence and Mental Health. I have served in the Nigeria Police Force for over two decades, with experience spanning surveillance, operations, administration, and digital safety. My passion for human potential, mental wellness, and truth-seeking has shaped both my service and my writing.

I have authored four books so far:

1. The Intelligent Madman: How to Live a Healthy Life after Experiencing Mental Illness (Schizophrenia) – A reflective and empowering guide for people affected by schizophrenia.

2. Intelligence and Mental Health: Understanding the Connection for Schizophrenia Patients and Their Caregivers – A deeper look into how intelligence and neurocognition intersect with mental wellness.

3. Writer’s Dilemma: Overcoming Obstacles to Publication – A motivational and practical handbook for aspiring authors facing internal and external blocks.

4. The Law of Integrative Intelligence: Unlocking Human Potential Through Synthesis – A breakthrough work presenting a new theory on how individuals can leverage multiple forms of intelligence to navigate life and thrive.

I write not only from academic research but from lived experience, investigative insight, and divine understanding.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my latest book is The Law of Integrative Intelligence: Unlocking Human Potential Through Synthesis.

The inspiration for writing it came when I observed a growing number of online search engine queries around the term “Integrative Intelligence.” It became clear that people were seeking a deeper understanding of how different aspects of intelligence—such as emotional, analytical, spiritual, and cognitive—work together in solving life’s challenges.

That realization sparked something in me. I felt compelled to define and explore this concept not just theoretically, but neurocognitively, philosophically, and spiritually, drawing on both recent scientific findings and my own lived experience. This book offers a unique and expansive approach to understanding how human beings can synthesize their capacities to navigate complexity and live more meaningfully.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I do have some rather unconventional writing habits. One of them is that I often experience a state of deep mental immersion, where I become so focused on writing that time seems to disappear. In such moments, I can pour out chapters in one sitting, especially when the message feels spiritually or intellectually urgent.

Another unique habit of mine is that a single quote or aphorism can birth an entire article or even a book chapter. I often begin by writing short philosophical or spiritual reflections, and then expand them into deeper explorations with practical, psychological, or theological relevance.

I also tend to write in bursts of divine inspiration, often late at night or in the early hours of the morning when my mind is most attuned to both inner guidance and deep reflection.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The most profound influence on my life and writing has been the Bible. It has shaped my worldview, values, and understanding of the human mind, purpose, and spiritual intelligence.

Beyond the Bible, I’ve been inspired by a wide range of thought leaders whose works touch on personal growth, psychology, mental resilience, and strategic thinking. Notable among them are:

Tony Robbins – especially Awaken the Giant Within and Unlimited Power, which opened my mind to the power of decision and mental reprogramming.

Joe Dispenza – You Are the Placebo helped deepen my interest in neuroplasticity and the intersection between belief and biology.

Napoleon Hill – Think and Grow Rich laid the foundation for my understanding of goal-setting and the power of thought.

George S. Clason – The Richest Man in Babylon taught me timeless principles of financial wisdom and discipline.

Jehovah’s Witnesses’ publication Mankind’s Search for God helped broaden my appreciation for spiritual inquiry across cultures.

Daniel Goleman – Emotional Intelligence and Social Intelligence deeply influenced my exploration into how emotional and social skills relate to mental health.

Robert Greene – The 48 Laws of Power gave me critical insight into human behavior and influence.

Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret introduced me to the idea of the law of attraction, which I filtered through a more spiritually discerning lens.

Robert Kiyosaki – Cashflow Quadrant helped shift my mindset from employee-based thinking to entrepreneurial possibilities.

M.J. DeMarco – The Millionaire Fastlane challenged conventional ideas about wealth and time.

Brian Tracy – Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life reinforced the importance of mindset mastery.

Ben Carson – Take the Risk inspired courage and faith in the pursuit of purpose, especially from a medical and spiritual perspective.

Thomas Stanley – The Millionaire Mind expanded my understanding of the habits and thinking patterns of long-term wealth creators.

Each of these works added a different layer to my mental model—be it spiritual, psychological, financial, or strategic—and they all influence how I write, think, and teach today.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a new book titled Thought Intelligence: The 21 Pillars of Superior Thinking. This work delves into the architecture of thought itself—how individuals can refine their mental processes to achieve clarity, decisiveness, resilience, and purpose-driven results in an increasingly complex world.

The book aims to provide readers with 21 core principles that underpin what I call “thought intelligence,” integrating insights from neuroscience, philosophy, mental health, faith, and lived experience.

In addition to this, I’m also developing an academic paper focused on adaptive achievement and neurocognitive flexibility, a concept I’ve named the Pious Universal Law of Extrapolation (PULE). While the research is still in progress, it draws from both scientific inquiry and personal recovery experience to help people understand how adaptive action can lead to sustainable success.

These upcoming works are a continuation of my broader mission—to help individuals unlock their inner potential through integrated intelligence, spiritual clarity, and strategic thinking.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When it comes to promoting my books, I rely on a strategic blend of social and professional platforms that allow me to connect meaningfully with my audience.

I use my Facebook profile and Facebook author page to engage directly with readers through quotes, insights, and book updates. WhatsApp is also effective, especially for grassroots sharing, direct communication, and community engagement.

On the professional side, I utilize LinkedIn to reach an audience interested in my work on intelligence, mental health, and forensic investigation. I also publish thoughtful essays and excerpts from my books on Medium, which helps to reach readers who appreciate deeper reflections on life, mental resilience, and personal growth.

Rather than relying solely on one platform, I find that a multi-platform approach—each tailored to a specific audience—works best for both visibility and impact.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, absolutely. My advice to new authors is simple but profound: Start where you are, use what you have, and keep growing.

Many aspiring writers wait for the “perfect time,” the “perfect publisher,” or the “perfect manuscript.” But progress begins when you take action with what you already know. Perfection is not the starting point—commitment is.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of your unique voice. The world is saturated with content, but authenticity stands out. Your story, perspective, or insight could be exactly what someone needs to read to find healing, direction, or courage.

Understand that writing is as much a mental and emotional journey as it is a creative one. There will be obstacles—fear of rejection, self-doubt, or financial constraints—but keep going. Learn from feedback. Embrace criticism with humility. Celebrate progress, no matter how small.

Lastly, remember: Your words have power. Use them wisely. Use them to serve. Use them to uplift.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is found in the Bible book of Isaiah 30:15:

“Your strength will be in keeping calm and showing trust.”

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m immersing myself in a mix of transformative and strategic works that continue to expand my thinking:

The 50th Law by Robert Greene — a powerful fusion of fearlessness and strategy in life and business.

Money: Master the Game and Unshakeable by Tony Robbins — both offering profound financial insights and mental frameworks for lasting stability.

The Science of Money by Brian Tracy — a clear and practical guide to understanding financial behavior and wealth principles.

Limitless by Jim Kwik — an empowering manual on unlocking brain potential and cognitive freedom.

The Magic of Believing by Claude Bristol — a classic that reinforces the power of belief and subconscious influence.

Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher — a cornerstone in negotiation, teaching principled strategies for agreement and collaboration.

Each of these books aligns with my broader interests in personal mastery, mental flexibility, financial intelligence, and human potential.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve just completed the final chapter of my upcoming book, Thought Intelligence: The 21 Pillars of Superior Thinking, and I’m currently preparing it for publication. This marks a significant step in my journey as a writer, as the book brings together years of insight on mental refinement, personal transformation, and decision-making excellence.

Beyond that, I have several other books already in the pipeline—each building upon my core interests in intelligence, mental health, spiritual growth, and strategic thinking. I aim to keep writing impactful, practical, and empowering books that help people live healthier, wiser, and more purposeful lives.

Writing for me is not just an expression; it’s a calling. And I’m committed to answering it consistently with content that educates, elevates, and endures.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I were ever stranded on a desert island, I would take with me the following four books—each one a deep well of strength, insight, and transformation:

1. The Bible — My ultimate source of spiritual direction, comfort, and wisdom. It anchors me, reminds me of divine purpose, and connects me to the highest power beyond circumstances.

2. Unlimited Power by Tony Robbins — A masterwork on personal empowerment and human potential. It would keep me mentally sharp and remind me that I still have the power to choose how I respond to my situation.

3. You Are the Placebo by Dr. Joe Dispenza — This book shows how the mind and belief can influence the body and change one’s internal reality—vital knowledge for staying healthy and resilient in isolation.

4. Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life by Brian Tracy — A brilliant guide on reprogramming thought patterns and unlocking inner success. On a desert island, clarity of thought would be as crucial as food and shelter.

These four books, combined, would give me the spiritual depth, mental stamina, emotional resilience, and psychological tools to survive—and even thrive—in solitude.

Author Websites and Profiles

PIOUS ENWEREONU Website

PIOUS ENWEREONU Amazon Profile

PIOUS ENWEREONU’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

Pinterest Account

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Author Interview Series

To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!

If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.

If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.

Interview With Author Rex Flint

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The name’s Rex Flint. I don’t normally do these interviews. It’s best to keep a sort of low profile for people like me. There are too many eyes and ears out there watching for a mis-step. I was a cyber operator for the DoD and the intelligence community for 30 years in a past life. Even wore the Air Force uniform for part of that time. I’ve written a the odd short story or two. All “fiction” I can assure you (at least that’s what I tell the brass at the Pentagon when they come calling to make sure I don’t say the wrong thing). I just have the one book…for now.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Shadow Sentinel is my debut novel.

As to what inspired it, I think it’s best if I keep some of that Top Secret, if you catch my drift? Maybe I have an over-active imagination, and maybe I’m trying to get word out there to the general public with my “fiction.” You see things after 30 years with a Top Secret clearance walking the halls of the Pentagon. My life is full of four-letter words and three-letter agencies.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only one. I have to wrestle with the US government everytime I release something. They are fearful I’ll say the wrong thing, so I stick to “fiction.” They can’t deny my story about genetically mutated monsters if it’s fiction. Get it?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park is one of my all time favorites. I think I liked it better when it was 100% fiction though.

Stephen King is another favorite of mine. He’s the master of a slow burn thriller based on great storie and characters.

I have always admired Voltaire and Mark Twain, for the same reason: their voice and wit.

What are you working on now?
It’s classified…but it involves time travel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t do websites, and I don’t do “promotions.” There’s a cohort of readers out there who will always find my work, if they’re looking for it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write a lot.
Learn about writing.
Repeat.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You’ve got to jump off the cliff all the time and build your wings on the way down.” – Ray Bradbury

What are you reading now?
Time Travel Science Fiction short stories mostly.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Probably a visit from some uniforms from D.C. if this thing takes off and gets too big for its britches. But pending being hauled off to the Bradley Corridor at the Pentagon to get grilled by some 4-star general or another, I think the next thing will be this time travel piece. It’s going to blow the lid on a few things.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. Some kind of “how to survive a desert island for dummies” book definitely.
2. The Lost World by Michael Crichton
3. Candide by Voltaire
4. A Kindle Unlimited subscription on my Kindle (I know that’s like wishing for more wishes, but I’m a bit of a maverick and rules are meant to be broken).

Author Websites and Profiles

Rex Flint Amazon Profile

 

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Author Interview Series

To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!

If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.

If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.

Interview With Author KJ Backford

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up living in many places around the world. After graduate degrees and a rewarding career in Silicon Valley, I now focus on writing. I strive to combine real-world experience and knowledge to create inspiring characters within interesting, intricate thrillers and mysteries. I have written 3 espionage thrillers.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is named “Where Sunflowers Stand: A Traitor in Ukraine. A Spy in Russia. A CIA Man. And the Fight for Freedom.” I was inspired to write an espionage book against the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have many favorite books: Siddhartha, The Prophet, Brazil, The Spy who Came in from the Cold and a current book that I loved: Andy Weir’s “Project Hail Mary.”

What are you working on now?
I’m in between projects.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is very difficult. I have tried many promotions but they elevate the sales for a period and then they die down. I advertise on Amazon and that is the best for now.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Think about your market before you write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Churchill: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

What are you reading now?
David Ignatius’ espionage books.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Coming up with the next idea.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Siddhartha, The Prophet, Brazil, Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

Author Websites and Profiles

KJ Backford Website

KJ Backford’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

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Author Interview Series

To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!

If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.

If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.

Interview With Author Mohamed Nabil

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
A middle child in a middle class family, grew up to become a workaholic Marketing Consultant, the best friend of my own laptop, and a highly social extrovert in a previous life.

I write about business, politics, philosophy, human behavior, and a few other relevant/irrelevant fields.

One’s imagination can only be based on one’s reality, so as a bachelor from Egypt, I published my first Amazon book/novel about “The Bachelors of Egypt”.

I published another book back in 2021 titled “Enlightened Populism: Reflections on the News Cycle of a Pandemic”. Enlightened Populism is presented as a healthy alternative to the two dominant behavioral patterns of communication in today’s world, “Blind Elitism” and “Ignorant Populism”.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Enlightened Populism: Reflections on the News Cycle of a Pandemic.
Pandemics, global warming and other existential threats to humanity invite questions on the currently dominant sociopolitical constructs and the fundamental flaws within established systems, which may help us reevaluate the means by which human beings and the planet’s resources are grouped and classified from nation states to localities.
The book is primarily based on comments on News posts on Facebook and a selection from some of the most interesting replies that followed.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Just coffee, music, walking around a lot in the middle of writing… the regular I guess.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Dialogues of Plato and Beyond Good and Evil.

What are you working on now?
Multiple ideas that I am trying to turn into books, only of them is fiction.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My first book was a novel, so after I published it I released a series of articles discussing its content in a factual/opinionated manner.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do what you love, the way yo love it, and try to enjoy the process to the max.

What are you reading now?
Bad Science, and Thinking, Fast and Slow.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Reading your awesome reviews on one of my books.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’ll take my own books, plus one or two of the books I’ve never read, probably on philosophy.

Author Websites and Profiles

Mohamed Nabil Website

Mohamed Nabil Amazon Profile

Mohamed Nabil’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Twitter Account

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Author Interview Series

To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!

If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.

If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.

Interview With Author Kriss King

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Writer/Mother/Animal Lover/Total Softie based in the Vail, CO area. A former corporate executive, small business owner, and IT consultant, Kriss really enjoys faith-based activities amid Colorado’s breathtaking scenery, outdoor sports, and wildlife. Although she has lifelong hearing loss, she Just Keeps Zippin’ by reading lips and using technology amid her likely future need for a cochlear implant. She loves to smile and her joyous hobby is winning smiles or slobbers from humans and fur babies alike.

Illustrator/Daughter/Paleontologist Angel is the youthful illustrator with talent that eclipses the author’s throughout the Just Keep Zippin’ books. Her illustrations are only a small glimpse of the imaginative art she cranks out every day for the sheer joy of it. Gifted with natural talent, Angel enjoys creating graphics for the dinosaur museum where she volunteers, and provides whimsical illustrations for numerous sites, games and freelance efforts.

Two books out of a planned 12 series about our real-life therapy horse, Zippy. His legacy lives on as we crank out books about anxiety, fitting in, getting glasses, braces, and so much more. The real talent here is Angel, the illustrator.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Just Keep Zippin’ (Just Keep Zipping) book series was born from the inspiration of our real-life horse Zippy whose last year and a half of his 23 years was spent serving clients as a therapy horse. We called him a Paint/Labrador cross because of his endless need to be close to humans and cuddle. We Just Kept Zipping after a fire devastated our home/ranch in August of 2020. In rebuilding our lives and relocating, we decided to write the books. The first books are Hair We Go, about Harry, the Hairless Cat who is bummed about not having fur. The second is Ears to Hear, about Boom Boom the Elephant who is tested at school and is scared to learn he needs hearing aids. Angel, the illustrator, is working on writing AND illustrating our next book. Trax the TRex train conductor needs glasses. That book features real-life characters from Angel’s beloved dinosaur museum, where she volunteers. Our website JustKeepZippin.com shows our spokestherapy kitty who is featured in another upcoming title!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The Just Keep Zippin’ books are so much fun to create, we call them our new “Life’s Energy” vs. work. We are blessed to have a simplified life after the fire to allow us to crank these out. Angel does artwork for the sheer joy of it, and often these titles start to finish are developed in an afternoon. Crazy, right?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a total softie, and have a background in veterinary medicine. Animal and horse books were my voracious habits growing up. Debbie Macomber’s fabulous and clean books are a hands-down leisure reading favorite, and I even won her personally-knitted scarf at her reader’s retreat. Unfortunately, it was lost in the fire in 2020. I’ll have to reach out to her team one day. Angel’s got a Marvel youtube channel for fun under Cossie, and she adores all fantasy, dragons, gaming, and more genre’s. She even wrote a comic book at 13 and built a matching video game. Her magnets/stickers created for her beloved dinosaur museum are here: CossieCreations.redbubble.com

What are you working on now?
Back on Track (Doc Zippy sees Trax, the T-Rex train conductor who needs to get glasses.)
Sonic Overload (Doc Zippy sees Sonia, a dolphin struggling with being overwhelmed with relationships, expectations, noise, and crowds in light of her autism.)
Nuts are Notzo Fun (Doc Zippy sees Notzo, a squirrel that has nut allergies and is tired of being singled out, sitting at the “special allergy table” , carrying his EPI Pen, and being teased for being so careful.)
Smiles All the While (Doc Zippy sees Chomper, a beaver that needs to wear braces.)
Color Crazy – What Am I So Afraid Of? (Doc Zippy sees Random, a chameleon who keeps changing colors in order to blend in and struggles with anxiety/panic attacks.)

When Will I Get Picked? (Doc Zippy sees Diggity, a low to the ground dachshund struggling with food, fitness, and being picked last at gym class.)
I Feel So Small (Doc Zippy sees Roary, the smallest cub of a lion pride who is struggling with being bullied.)
Too Slow-Mo (Doc Zippy sees Stuckey the sloth who is struggling with depression and lack of energy.)
Bouncy House Blues (Doc Zippy sees Boingo, a Jack Russell Terrier who struggles with focus and distractions due to high energy and ADHD.)
Cast All Your Cares (Doc Zippy sees Shimmer Chérie a plush Scottish Fold cat who gets a cast right before her summer break. Based on the real-life story of Shimmer Chérie, our cat who had 7 casts in 6 weeks and her real life owner’s childhood story!)

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
We are JUST getting going! Please share and buy our books so we can Just Keep Crankin’ and publish these everywhere.

Our Website has several links to purchase books on Amazon but also to Angel’s other sites and Doc Zippy’s full story. We really hope you enjoy our “work” as much as we enjoy creating them. Just Keep Zipping!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you are inspired to write or create, it is NEVER a stranded investment! Keep your chin up and know that you are making a contribution that matters!

Look into tools available to do things yourself (we did) but stay open to coaching, feedback, and professionals that will take you to success doing what you love!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
We must simply Have Courage & Be Kind (Cinderella, 2015)

One I’m still trying to adopt! “Ruthlessly eradicate hurry from your life!” (Lance Witt)

What are you reading now?
Imagine Heaven (John Burke)
Kindlepreneur guides of all kinds (Dave Chesson)

What’s next for you as a writer?
The next 10 books in the series, maybe some fun celebrity endorsements/animation. (A girl can dream, thinking Kevin Costner (Bobby his labrador), Keanu Reeves (Keep Calm/Kindness) and the Owen brothers (Doc Zippy needs to be voiced by Owen!)

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Your One Life (Lance Witt)
The Left Behind series first 3 books

Author Websites and Profiles

Kriss King Amazon Profile

Kriss King’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

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Interview With Author E.F. Nordmed

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Two; this book is my first foray into science fiction. The first book I wrote was a technical when I was working for IBM on the Domino e-mail servers. My manager rejected the submitted draft as being “too informal and entertaining” for what was supposed to be a reference manual. I made it far more stodgy, and that version was accepted.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Market of the Never Setting Sun is heavily influenced by a trip I took to Marrakesh, Morocco. The town’s infrastructure within the Medina (walled city) was deliberately kept as a traditional open-air souk for a tourist attraction, and while visiting I learned that the citizens of that country require government approval to travel. I used that as the seed for the story of my book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual to me? No, but my wife tends to be a bit irritated at the fact that I find my most productive writing hours to be between 10 PM and 1 AM.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow – that’s like trying to pick my favorite child. I’d best not start or else Bujold is going to tell all the other authors, “See, I TOLD you I was his favorite!”

What are you working on now?
The second book in the Never Setting Sun series. The working title is the “Glaciers of Sunset.” Stout gets kidnapped by the criminal underground and Yasmeen has to rescue him and prevent the crime from happening without getting her boyfriend arrested as an accessory. It’s about 80% done.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Your website, of course! This is the best, most amazing, most popular… eh, sorry, I can’t read your hand written script for the next words? Let’s skip them… and that’s why I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Given that I’m a new author myself, that would be a bit presumptuous.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It takes a long time to get a good reputation, and twice as long to get rid of a bad one.

What are you reading now?
Malka Ann Older’s “The Mimicking of Known Successes” novellas.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep working the day job, and my plan is to turn full-time writer within 5 to 7 years. Wish me luck!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I plead the fifth for the titles, but would smuggle my kindle and a solar charger so I could bring my entire library.

Author Websites and Profiles

E.F. Nordmed Website

E.F. Nordmed Amazon Profile

E.F. Nordmed’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

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Interview With Author Paulo Guinter

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Brazilian historical fiction author who uses significant events in human history to develop intricate plots filled with adventure, romance, and action.
My literary debut was in 2008, when I published The House of the East with a local publisher.

Other books by me available on Amazon/Kindle:

The Treasure of Dias Velho (Portuguese edition);
Tales That History Doesn’t Tell: 4 Fantastic Tales (Portuguese edition);
The Third Cross: A Tale of the Christ (English edition coming soon);
When the South Wind Blows (Coming in 2026).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Third Cross: A Tale of the Christ (English edition coming soon).
My inspiration was to write a historical novel set in the time of Christ.
Blurb:
Jerusalem, 30 Anno Domini.
On that sunny Easter Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the dead, another man also returned to life—the most unlikely of all: Gestas, the thief who had been crucified to the left of our Lord on the third cross.
Why was such a blessing granted?
What divine plan was being revealed?
Embark on this story of redemption and faith, where a sinful man discovers the passionate love of a woman and the vibrant fellowship of those who follow the Man of Nazareth. His journey will take him through the most pivotal moments of early Christianity, leading to a dramatic climax: the fulfillment of Christ’s prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem, where not one stone would be left upon another.
This is the story of Gestas of Gilgal—from thief to missionary, from missionary to hero.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Various authors.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the translation of the book The Third Cross.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m using free book promotion sites such as Awesomegang.com.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. I tell them: just write — the rest comes naturally.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My wife said: don’t stop writing.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading the Quran and the history of Islam, as I’m outlining a historical fiction set in that period.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope Americans enjoy the book The House of the East. It means a lot to me.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would take books about the history of humankind.

Author Websites and Profiles

Paulo Guinter Amazon Profile

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Interview With Author David Cylex

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a lifelong fantasy lover and storyteller, and Arcbeasts: The Arcane Bond is my debut novel. I’ve always been fascinated by worlds where magic mirrors emotion and where the battles we fight on the outside reflect the ones inside us. This book is the culmination of years of imagining, building, and rewriting—and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with readers. It’s the first in a planned series that blends elemental power, deep character arcs, and high-stakes adventure.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Arcbeasts: The Arcane Bond.

It was inspired by my love for stories where magic is deeply personal—where the power a character wields reveals who they truly are. I wanted to explore a world where humans bond with elemental creatures not just for strength, but for connection, identity, and survival. The idea of a forbidden bond—something beautiful, dangerous, and misunderstood—sparked everything. From there came the Arcbeasts, the Spiral, and Kael Emberling’s journey to defy the world that fears her.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes—I tend to write cinematically, almost like I’m watching the story unfold as a movie in my head. I build scenes around sound, lighting, and movement first, then layer in emotion and dialogue afterward. Also, I write in bursts—long, immersive sessions where I lose track of time completely. Some of the best chapters came out at 2AM with the world turned off.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by authors who blend high-stakes fantasy with emotional resonance. Leigh Bardugo (Shadow and Bone, Six of Crows) showed me how to write morally complex characters in sprawling worlds. Brandon Sanderson inspired me with his inventive magic systems and the weight he gives to leadership and sacrifice. And growing up, series like His Dark Materials and Eragon sparked my obsession with creature bonds, hidden truths, and worlds layered in mystery.

Arcbeasts is my own take on all of that—rooted in elemental power, intense character arcs, and the belief that magic is never just about spells… it’s about who we are when everything else is stripped away.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on Arcbeasts: The Storm Before The Flame—a prequel novel that follows Valen Drayke before he ever meets Kael. It tells the story of his early days at Stormforge Academy, his bond with Zephra, and the battles—both personal and political—that shaped him into the haunted, tactical fighter we meet in The Arcane Bond. Readers will get to explore the rise of the Stormrider class, Valen’s legendary Unit Ten, and the early rifts with the Council that helped ignite the war to come. It’s a story of storms, loyalty, and sacrifice—and it’s one I can’t wait to share.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For now, I rely on word of mouth through friends and personal connections to promote my writing. It’s been a great way to get early feedback and build interest naturally. As I continue to grow as an author, I’m looking forward to expanding my reach and exploring new ways to connect with readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to be patient with yourself and the process. Focus on finishing your first draft without worrying too much about perfection—editing can come later. Read often, write regularly, and don’t be afraid to share your work with others, even if it’s just a small circle at first. Most importantly, trust your voice and enjoy the journey—it’s where the real growth happens.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is, “Write the story only you can tell.” It reminded me that my voice, perspective, and experiences matter—and that authenticity resonates more than trying to chase trends or fit into a mold. That mindset has helped me stay focused and true to my creative goals.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson, the latest book in the Mistborn series. It’s full of complex world-building, intense magic systems, and epic battles—perfect if you love the grand scale of Lord of the Rings and the dark, layered storytelling of Shadow and Bone. Sanderson’s work focuses more on adventure and intrigue than romance, which really suits my style.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next for me as a writer is to keep honing my craft by writing regularly and experimenting with new ideas. I’m focused on completing my current project and exploring ways to connect with readers, whether through building personal connections or eventually expanding into broader platforms. Growth and consistency are my priorities as I move forward.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I were stranded on a desert island, I’d bring books that offer deep world-building and timeless stories to keep me company. First, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien for its epic adventure and rich mythology. Then, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, because I love its storytelling and intricate magic system. I’d also bring The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson for its complex characters and expansive world. Finally, maybe a classic like The Hobbit—a lighter, comforting read to revisit whenever I need a break from the heavier stuff.

 

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Author Interview Series

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Interview With Author P.Murali Trayambak

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m P. Murali Trayambak, a writer focused on inspiring personal growth, self-motivation, and purposeful living. My goal is to help readers make meaningful changes in their daily lives through practical, down-to-earth guidance. I believe that even small habits—done consistently—can lead to powerful transformation.

So far, I’ve written four motivational books, each centered around helping people build better habits, develop a positive mindset, and live with greater clarity and intention. My work is deeply influenced by personal experience and a lifelong passion for understanding human behavior and inner strength. Through my books, I aim to guide readers toward greater focus, confidence, and lasting change.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Art of Self-Learning: Learn Anything. Grow Every Day. Master Your Life. It was inspired by the idea that lifelong learning is the key to personal freedom and success. In today’s world, it’s not enough to wait for change—we must create it ourselves through intentional learning and action.

I wrote this book to show readers how to become active learners, develop a mindset for growth, and take control of their personal development. It’s a guide for those who want to make learning a daily habit and use it to fuel their confidence and direction in life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I often write during early morning hours when the world is still quiet. I also like to speak parts of my writing out loud to ensure it flows naturally. Sometimes, I write the conclusion first—it helps me visualize the message I want to leave readers with and work backward with intention.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been deeply influenced by the works of Robin Sharma, James Clear, and Eckhart Tolle. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and Atomic Habits helped shape my understanding of habit-building and personal growth. I also draw inspiration from spiritual and philosophical texts that encourage self-reflection.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a book that focuses on overcoming self-doubt and building inner resilience. It’s about embracing challenges as growth opportunities and developing the confidence to keep moving forward—even when life feels uncertain.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve used a combination of free promotion sites like AwesomeGang and BookGoodies, along with social media outreach and daily motivational posts. WhatsApp groups and Facebook communities have also helped me reach new readers. I believe consistency in promotion is as important as consistency in writing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start writing before you feel ready. Don’t worry about being perfect—worry about being real. Write from your experiences and speak to one person who needs to hear your message. The more you write, the clearer your voice becomes.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Success is found in your daily routine.” That one line has stayed with me—it reminds me that consistent, small actions matter more than occasional big efforts.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Deep Work by Cal Newport and revisiting The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle for clarity and focus.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to launch a daily motivational journal and begin working on a series of short guides focused on building a better mindset. I also hope to explore audio content and possibly start a podcast to share practical wisdom more widely.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If you were stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you, what books would you bring?

The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle

Atomic Habits – James Clear

The Bhagavad Gita

The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

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Author Interview Series

To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!

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Interview With Author Ellie Lerum

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! I’m Ellie Lerum, a mother of two beautiful girls, a wife to an amazingly talented artist, and an author.
My family, both immediate and found, have been incredibly supportive through this journey and provide a lot of feedback; I’m grateful to each of them, as this road can be rather lonely at times. My husband, for instance, completes all of the artwork within my books as well as the covers themselves while my found sister is the first person I trust with the written works as a beta reader.
Currently, I’ve written two full-length novels, three novellas, and a handful of short stories that were featured in various anthologies. All of my works focus on some aspect of life that people shy away from; grief, death, pregnancy loss, disability, mental health, trauma… all topics that we really do need to discuss more and remove the stigma around.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’m releasing Phantom in the Dark on October 21, a gritty fantasy that becomes allegorical. Phantom, as my husband and I call it for shorthand, was originally written in 2022 after we lost our first pregnancy. I found that I was incredibly alone during that period, especially when no one around me could identify with that grief. I was also diagnosed with generalized anxiety and depression during that period, offering new insights to my own mental health but a severe lack of individuals willing to discuss the matter. With that in mind, I decided to fight against the silence and give myself, and others who experianced similar situations, a voice.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say I do, outside of setting up a canopy tent most days and doing all I can to remain outside. I’ve come to associate my desktop computer as the social media and planning center while my laptop, which I take most everywhere, is my writing device; using my laptop outside has become a staple during the summer months.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.R.R. Tolkein has always fascinated me, but I think one of the books that really influenced me was ‘Love, Ruby Lavender’ by Deborah Wiles; when I was younger, this book was the first introduction I had to prolonged grieving as the main character worked through the loss of her grandfather and her grandmother’s eventual vacation.
I’m also a huge fan of Rick Yancey’s Monstrumologist series. It’s a gothic horror set in 1886 New England that follows the young apprentice of a monstrumologist (monster hunter, for lack of better explaination). It truly was a glimpse into writing horror without gratuitus gore, minimal violence, and envocative descriptions that made me unsettled at night.

What are you working on now?
Outside of working on book launches, I’m writing the third book in the Cassy series. Specter in the Shadows focuses on the idea of marriage, childrearing, and leadership amid the uncertainty of the world. Characters met previously in the Cassy series are rejoined in Fort Haven, an old outpost, and discover that the world around them has erupted into sieges and war; not only must they navigate that stress, the main character, Jean, is faced with having to either choose magic that serves her purpose, or turning away from magic to follow a god she doesn’t fully trust… but who can save her.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook is a huge one for me, but I also do in-person sales at craft fairs and markets. Facebook allows for digital connections, and reaches a larger network, but the in-person sales are my favorite as they let me meet people and hear stories from others. I’ve heard many testimonies, many stories of heartbreak, and tales of triumph since starting this journey, some of which shared in confidence after reading my works. It’s a huge blessing, and I’m so grateful for it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I highly recommend that new authors ‘swallow the frog first’, a term that Mark Twain is said to have coined. Whatever the hardest task is that day, finishing it first means that you don’t have to dread doing it later in the day. There’s more motivation to get it done in the morning, and you suddenly have more desire to do other things afterwards.
I also believe new authors have to have community. An acquaintance of mine said there are three things people shouldn’t do themselves; cut their own hair, touch scissors after a breakup, and edit their own work. Others in their circles can read their work and point out issues, and they can do the same for those around them.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The local pastor once said that the inability to celebrate other peoples’ blessings cummulates in the inability of receiving blessings joyously yourself. I hold tightly to that, especially as a self-published author. It’s so easy to look at achievements and be envious, which isn’t where I want my heart to be.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Courageous, by Randy Alcorn, as well as The Neverending Story by Michael Ende.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I believe my writing journey is to continue until God tells me otherwise, and so I’m going to follow characters in my books until their stories are done. After Specter in the Shadow, I’ll be doing a novella with my husband, another childrens book, and then Wraith in the Light (the fourth and final book in the Cassy series).

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
This is a hard one, as it’s such a good question! I’d likely take The Hobbit, The Monstromologist, and the Bible.

Author Websites and Profiles

Ellie Lerum Website

Ellie Lerum Amazon Profile

Ellie Lerum’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

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Author Interview Series

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Interview With Author Joe Tarantino

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My formal bio: I have cycled through all 50 U.S. states, crisscrossing a vast network of roads and trails. With 25 marathons and other endurance events under my belt, I retired from a successful career in the aerospace industry as a chemist, engineer, and operations manager, responding to God’s call to a different direction in an otherwise comfortable life. While pursuing my cycling goals, I seek to inspire others to chase their dreams through my writing.
I grew up in Canfield, Ohio, and now live in Louisville, Ohio, with my wife, Barbara, a former Spanish teacher and high school guidance counselor. I graduated from Greenville College (now University) with a double major in chemistry and English, hold a Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry from Youngstown State University, and have an MBA from Walsh University. We married in 1979, have two sons, and are active in the Nazarene church at the local, district, and denominational levels.
I have written two books: Bicycling Across America’s Great Northwest: When Fear and Faith Collide (2018) and Pale Pink Roads: A Journey of Faith, Pedals, and American Byways (2025). There’s some overlap in the two books, and I recommend reading the second book first, as it provides more background, and like most other authors, is better written than our first book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
As mentioned, my latest book is Pale Pink Roads: A Journey of Faith, Pedals, and American Byways (2025). I wanted to provide a better understanding of how I got to the point of setting a goal to ride through all fifty states, including the role my family and faith played, starting with my first 100-mile ride as a teenager. The name of the book was inspired by the color of the pavement I encountered after crossing the border from Iowa to South Dakota. The strange color reinforced the feeling that I was a long way from home, and I had arrived there on a bicycle.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I began keeping detailed notes of all my long bike rides, even when I was a teenager. As technology evolved and spreadsheets became ubiquitous, I now “fill in the blanks” at the end of each daily ride with mileage, temperatures, elevation, wind speed, and other data. For trips that take a week or more, I convert that data, my notes, and pictures into an extended description of each day’s ride as soon as possible, hoping that I accurately capture my feelings before the memories fade. Later, I edit the entire trip document, using only the sections that others would find interesting.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I loved the way John Green’s, The Anthropocene Reviewed, and Primo Levi’s, The Periodic Table, presented their material, as separate but connected stories from their lives. I tried to incorporate their style into the 17 adventures I documented in Pale Pink Roads. I was a double major in chemistry and English as an undergrad, and my love of the classics, medieval English, and science fiction still prompts me toward an occasional rereading of Beowulf, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and my favorite sci-fi short stories. Moby Dick, The Odyssey, and other epic tales have also been influential.

What are you working on now?
I’ve cycled through all fifty states, but my last book only took me through the first 17. I’m hoping to follow up with another book that covers the last 33, but there’s so much material that it might turn into two books. I plan to solicit input from a few developmental editors to develop an approach before I begin to edit and condense my existing first drafts.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media seems to work best for me, especially Facebook. It’s easy to promote, and many of my friends respond positively or share my posts, so I know it’s working.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
First – don’t expect to get rich. Second, be prepared to make marketing part of your author journey. No one knocks on your door, asking if you wrote a book. But in the end, holding your published book in your hands for the first time is an incredibly rewarding experience. The key for me is to maintain consistency; I try to write something for at least an hour every day. There is no doubt you’ll feel frustrated and overwhelmed at times with all the options that exist. Just have a belief in yourself and your publishing vision!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be consistent in what you do. Just as I mentioned before, try to write something each day, but also set boundaries. Unless you want to make being an author a full-time position, be honest with yourself about how much time you want (and should) commit. Also, I read that beginning writers should not try to be active on every social media platform. Pick two or three at the most and stay consistent with those.

What are you reading now?
I recently joined a local writer’s group and purchased some of their books. The Forgotten Decade by Roger Gordon is a great segue to another expected disappointing Cleveland Browns season.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I definitely want to finish writing about the remaining 33 states that I have bicycled through before starting something else. After that, I’d like to pursue a sci-fi version that includes cycling. I’ve tried to clarify all the time jumps that I’ve thought about in a two-page summary, but I’m not sure I understand it yet. Maybe someday!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring the Bible, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and my two books. I don’t want to forget the experiences and emotions I felt while riding.

Author Websites and Profiles

Joe Tarantino Website

Joe Tarantino Amazon Profile

Joe Tarantino’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

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Interview With Author Maeve Kim

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing since I was eleven. My first “novel” was a few pages on wide-lined paper, in pencil, about the mysterious disappearance of peanut butter from the family kitchen. Years later, I had a few short pieces of erotica published in a small magazine. I raised my two daughters alone and had two jobs, so I had to write little bits and pieces whenever I could find the time. I finally self-published a novel in the early 2000s, set in a busy restaurant and titled “There’s Nothing 86 Tonight”. I had several articles published in birding magazines and local newspapers. Then I started writing literary romance novels that combined by love of nature and birds with my passion for happy endings. The Wild Rose Press has published two of a series, with a third coming out this fall, and has accepted my first historical romance.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The two books now with The Wild Rose Press are “Just a Simple Love Affair” and an as-yet-untitled historical romance set in Montana in 1890. The first is part of a series, Love Stories of the Burlington Bird Club, and came about when I realized I’d come to love one of the lesser characters and wanted to share his story. The historical romance was inspired by two wonderful visits to central Montana, one to go hiking with my daughter and the other to go birding with a group of naturalists.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I doubt this is unusual, but I keep a notepad and pencil next to the bed so I can jot down ideas that come in the middle of the night. At the computer, sometimes writing pours out, pages and even chapters at a time. More often I have to work at it. The book I’m working on now has been rewritten, rethought, edited and revised dozens of times as I seek to “listen” to what the two main characters are telling me about themselves.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
For many years, I read mostly murder mysteries and plays. But then my older daughter left a big box of romances and I got hooked. I’ve read and reread many books by Elizabeth Lowell, Anne McAllister, and others.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the fourth in the series Love Stories of the Burlington Bird Club. The club is fictitious, as are the characters, but the birds and nature scenes are accurate and realistic. I lived with Ivy and Hugh, from the first book, for years and I still see them as real people I have known and enjoyed. The current book features the mother of the youngest birder, a solitary woman made more solitary by traumatic events from before her son was born. I’m enjoying developing her energetic 12-year-old son and revisiting her father, who features in books one and two.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Oh dear – I have no good method. I love, love, love writing and have learned to hate promoting. I don’t have a “social media presence” because I won’t support sites run by supporters of the current president. (My beloved daughters are Asian-American, and both have been threatened by men who told them there’s no place for them in Trump’s America. I fear for them every day.) I have done readings in local libraries and museums, and I e-mailed more than 200 birding clubs across the nation. I’m going to host a release party at the local community center when “Just A Simple Love Affair” comes out. All of these are, of course, small stuff compared to real advertising.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Fall in love with your characters. Get to know them. Think of them as neighbors. As you write, constantly ask yourself, “Is this in keeping with this character’s personality? History? Likes and dislikes?” Make them real!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I have a huge file of quotes that spoke to me when I first came across them, and still speak to me every time I reread them. Here are two: sing like the birds sing, not worrying about who hears or what they think (from a thirteenth century writer named Jalalud’din Rumi). And something like this (I can’t find the whole quote): This is the secret of life – to be completely engaged in what you are doing, here and now.

What are you reading now?
I just finished “Where the Crawdads Sing” and am now rereading an old P.D. James mystery.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish the book I’ve been working on, and then polish another novel I wrote several years ago and submit it also to Wild Rose Press.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Wow! Hard question! Maybe one of my favorite Elizabeth Lowell books, one of the early romances like “Outlaw” so I can have old friends with me and relive their learning to love. And a big fat book of short stories. And the first one of my Love Stories of the Burlington Bird Club, so I can bask in the pleasure of living with those characters.

Author Websites and Profiles

Maeve Kim Website

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Interview With Author Troy Ford

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a later in life author with my debut book “Lamb” just out in June 2025, though I wrote one previously and am still deciding how to bring that one out – I tried querying lit agents with that one back in 2022 with no luck, but my author platform has grown quite a bit so I may try again.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Lamb: A novel in snapshots” was inspired by the death of a high school friend. I received a letter from our school in 2003, and it took me almost 20 years to discover his cause of death. In the meantime, I often thought of him and the “missed connection” of our friendship since we were both gay and in the closet at the time. This story grew out of those musings.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I trick myself into writing by saying that I’m only going to sit down for 10 minutes – you can do anything for 10 minutes, I tell myself, and it’s how I get over my bad procrastination habit. It usually turns into an hour of writing; do that enough times and, voila! You’ve got a novel!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Margaret Atwood’s “The Blind Assassin” was my first introduction to a story within a story, which I employed heavily in “Lamb” with several short stories and writing by the main character. I like to think that I absorb some of the mojo of every author I read.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a follow-up to “Lamb” based on the narrator, his best friend “D” who is unnamed throughout the first book but will get a fuller treatment in the second in which we discover his own journey after Lamb’s disappearance and death.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m heavily involved with Substack – I write two newsletters, Ford Knows Books and Qstack. FKB is geared toward writing and publishing books, and Qstack is a platform for queer creators. I’ve written about building my author platform on Substack in Writer’s Digest. I call it a “writer incubator” because it allows for building a great network, and experimenting with different writing styles – “Lamb” was first serialized there, and it’s helped connect with other writers, opportunities, and ideas I would never had found elsewhere.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start building your author platform early. Start a newsletter, find a social media platform you enjoy and really master it – start as soon as you can, even before writing your book. Nowadays, the old agent/publisher pipeline is experiencing some upheaval, and it may even be easier to attract agents with a robust platform than to chase after them with querying. Writers still get discovered through querying, but it’s harder than ever. Make your own success.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Meditating is like money in the bank. – David Lynch

What are you reading now?
“Masculine Protest” a book of short stories by Irish writer Frank O’Connor that I found in a Little Free Book Library. Enjoying it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing more books. A new media project – I’ve just finished a short film called “Unsung: Queer Portraits of Authenticity and the Cost of Its Absence” with Kimberly Warner of Unfixed Media, and I’m looking for a new project.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien
“Little, Big” by John Crowley
“Orlando” by Virginia Woolf
“O Caledonia” by Elspeth Barker

Author Websites and Profiles

Troy Ford Website

Troy Ford Amazon Profile

Troy Ford’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

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Author Interview Series

To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!

If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.

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