Awesome Author Interviews

Dr Linda Pajoel Amazon Profile

Interview With Author Dr Linda Pajoel

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a multi-award-winning stock investing expert and the CEO & Founder of Investornomy. I am a former Dentist.

I teach personal income or business revenue diversification through stock investing, without losing money. I specialize in stock picking.

So far, I have written 5 books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book title is ‘Stock Market Mama’. The book focuses on shining light on how motherhood-related income interruption can destroy an ambitious woman’s career or business, while teaching foundational stock investing as a tool for income or revenue diversification that is motherhood-proof.

When an unexpected health crisis and a complicated pregnancy interrupted my business for over 18 months, it was my stock investments that provided financial stability. This life-altering experience inspired me to write a stock investing book for women.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. When I face a challenging life experience, and overcome it, I write a book about it. Lol!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been influenced by the writings of Benjamin Graham and Philip Fisher.

What are you working on now?
Another book. I am keeping it hush hush for now.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love to engage with book clubs. I also like the Awesome Gang website because you feature authors, not just their books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you believe that your book contains information that will change the world, you have a moral obligation to promote your book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.

What are you reading now?
24 Assets By Daniel Priestly

What’s next for you as a writer?
Currently on book tour to get ‘Stock Market Mama’ in the hands of readers.

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?
Rich Dad Poor Dad
Richest Man in Babylon
The Bible

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Allen Ansel

Allen Ansel Amazon Profile

Interview With Author Allen Ansel

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As of Spring 2025, I just published my debut novel. I’m getting close to finishing it’s sequel!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Aquila Rising: Part 1 of the Draconis Series.

There’s a lot of tension right now in our society. Wealth is amassing in fewer and fewer hands, while everyone else is left to fight for the scraps. Aquila Rising delves the reader into a world full of tension with a rebellion fighting for freedom. World-wise, it was inspired by the grit of “The Expanse” and the constant fast-paced action of “Battlestar Galactica” and

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m busy! I have a toddler and a second kid on the way. I also work a 40 hours-per-week day job, so most days, I only write for 30-45 minutes, usually before bed.

It’s amazing what you can get done with a habit, as long as I write everyday, my progress feels really strong.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
More than anything, I really love the multi-point-of-view perspective from “The Expanse” and “Game of Thrones”. They’re some of my favorite series, but I think they have a flair for being too long winded, so I set out to write more concise books that keep the reader wondering what’s going to happen.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on Part 2 of the Draconis Series, it follows Lewis Falco and Obsidian as they continue their fight against Draconis. Part 3 is planned as the final in the series, but the characters have a fond place in my head, so I won’t rule out more sequels.

I have a couple, fun ideas for standalone books that I’m really itching to write as well.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m brand spanking new to this! Facebook has helped me the most, but I’m looking for more options!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write everyday, even if you don’t “have the time” set down your phone and write. It’s freeing and even 20 minutes EVERY day can add up to a book!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write every day!

What are you reading now?
Foundation by Isaac Asimov, A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin and To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a fun twist for a zombie thriller in a world that I haven’t seen used yet. It’s going to be fun!

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, especially when it’s all three books. It’s a masterpiece that I can read over and over. Project Hail Mary, easily my favorite Sci-Fi. If you haven’t read it, add it to the top of your list!

The practical side of me makes me think I’d need a book about survival on a desert island, boring!

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tammy ruggles

tammy ruggles Amazon Profile

Interview With Author tammy ruggles

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing since the age of 12, but chose social work as my profession. At age 40, I became legally blind with RP and had to retire, which left me wondering what to do, so I turned to writing as a second career, and thankfully it worked out for me. Over the years I’ve written many eBooks, articles, and short stories, from non-fiction to children’s books. The various genres include self-help, teen angst, horror, and fanfiction. I’ve been writing professionally for 25 years, so it’s hard to say how many books I’ve written, but one of my most successful is “The Incest Diaries 1 and 2”, a fiction novella about an 8-year-old girl who survives incest and the foster care system that let her down. The sequel catches up with her as an adult. All of my books can be found at Amazon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called “Savannah’s Salvation” and is a contemporary Christian Romance inspired by the true story of a Christian woman trying to find love again after her husband dies unexpectedly. She meets a guy on a Christian dating site and is instantly attracted to him, but he admits to her that he lied on his dating profile because he wanted to find a “good woman”. So the story is basically about what happens after she confronts him about it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I just write a lot, and I write fast.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Cormac McCarthy because of his lean style. I tend to get to the point, and prefer the short form.

What are you working on now?
I’m always writing Starsky and Hutch stories for Archive of Our Own. As for writing commercially, I don’t have anything else planned at the moment.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I mainly use Facebook, but try to put a link to the book in front of potential readers of that genre.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, write what you enjoy, and never stop learning more about the writing process.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write something you yourself would enjoy reading.

What are you reading now?
As a part-time book reviewer, I’m reading books in a variety of genres, from romance to crime drama to non-fiction.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I don’t have definite plans at the moment. If an idea demands to be written, like “Savannah’s Salvation”, I’ll most likely write it.

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 definitely take the King James Bible. Then something by Edgar Allan Poe. And then something by Peter Benchley. But they would all be audiobooks.

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Chadd Ciccarelli

Chadd Ciccarelli Amazon Profile

Interview With Author Chadd Ciccarelli

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first proper book—and I wrote it after my time at Amazon, during a stretch of travel where I finally had the space to block out the noise and get brutally honest. No meetings. No metrics. Just me, a blank page, and everything I’d been carrying.

The doc-writing culture at Amazon? That stuck with me. Structured thinking, clear narrative, no fluff—that was the baseline. But the real pull didn’t start there. It went further back. Back to my university days, buried in philosophy books, dissecting systems, power, and purpose. That mindset never left me.

You’ll see quotes throughout the book—not for decoration, but because those ideas shaped how I process the world. Writing this wasn’t just about unpacking Amazon from the inside—it was about reconnecting with the part of me that used to stay up wrestling with ideas, trying to find meaning behind the madness. This book is where all of that came together.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title It’s All Trash ‘til It’s Cash was inspired by an old coworker—this was before I ever got into tech. Anytime someone on the team would start bragging about how they were going to crush their sales numbers, he’d cut them off with a deadpan: “Whatever. It’s all trash ‘til it’s cash.” No hype, no promises—just close the deal. I always thought that phrase was perfect. Straight to the point. Brutal, but true.

Later, when I was managing sales teams myself, I heard it all the time—“This deal’s about to close,” “We’re just waiting on the paperwork,” “Verbal’s in.” And every time, I’d think back to that line. Because anyone who’s been in sales knows how many “sure things” fall through at the last second. Nothing counts until it lands.

That phrase stuck with me, and it became the perfect lens for this book. I wanted to show how Amazon’s way of working—structured, customer-obsessed, and scale-focused—can actually be applied far beyond big tech. Whether you’re running a small business, launching a startup, or just trying to build something real, Amazon’s frameworks like Working Backwards and their hiring methods can create serious results. That’s what It’s All Trash ‘til It’s Cash: Applying Amazon’s Blueprint for Builders is all about.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing routine? Let’s just say it’s not your typical sit-down-and-get-to-it approach. First rule—I don’t write at home. Ever. I need to break pattern, change the environment. Coffee shop, library, whatever gets me out of my own head and into a different rhythm.

On the way, there’s one non-negotiable: I have to laugh. That’s the reset. I throw on old Howard Stern clips—Sternthology—for about 30 minutes. It clears the static. Puts me in a looser, sharper mindset. You can’t write with tension in your grip.

Once I’m planted, I go analog. Yellow legal pad, pen in hand. No screens. No formatting. Just raw thoughts straight from the source. And when it’s time to lock in? I let the music take over. It’s either something completely new to jolt the system, or it’s instrumental—so the words don’t get in the way. Animals As Leaders, Pat Martino, Plini—those are my go-tos when I need that deep focus flow. No lyrics, no distractions, just movement.

That’s how I wrote this book. Honestly, it’s how I used to write PR/FAQs and OP1 docs at Amazon, too. Change the setting. Set the tone. Sketch the bones. Let the soundtrack carry the rhythm. It’s not conventional—but it works. Every time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When it comes to authors who’ve influenced me, it’s never been a straight line—it’s been a series of sharp turns and gut punches. Early on, I was pulled into the deep end with the existential heavyweights—Crime and Punishment, The Stranger. Dostoevsky and Camus didn’t just write stories—they made you sit with the discomfort, wrestle with the gray areas. That stuck.

Then came Carnegie Mellon. I studied History and Philosophy of Science, and that cracked the door wide open. Guys like Wesley Salmon and Clark Glymour weren’t just authors—they were down the hall, walking the same campus. Glymour’s breakdown of the Monty Hall problem? That wasn’t a theory, it was a weaponized way of thinking. Changed how I looked at probability, decision-making—hell, reality.

Fast-forward to Los Angeles. That’s when I found Bukowski. Then Hunter S. Thompson. Both unapologetic, messy, and brutally honest. No filters. No safety nets. Just truth, whether you liked it or not. That kind of writing demands your attention—and earns it.

These days, I still tear through biographies. One of my favorites? Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. It’s sharp, grounded, and unexpectedly tactical. That blend of story and strategy—that’s what I aim for in my own work. Make it real. Make it useful. And never waste a reader’s time.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’ve just closed the chapter on It’s All Trash ‘til It’s Cash: Applying Amazon’s Blueprint for Builders. That one’s done. Now I’m shifting gears—hard—into the next project.

This time, it’s about the new frontier: the creator economy. The next wave of entrepreneurs. The solopreneurs who don’t need headcount—they need leverage. People building real businesses off platforms, not payrolls. I’m still early in it, but here’s the plan: sharp insights, no fluff. Real interviews. Real breakdowns. Models that are actually working right now.

This book isn’t about theory. It’s a field manual for what’s coming next—and how to build something that lasts in a world where the rules have already changed.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://chadd.substack.com
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
https://amzn.to/42KAuVW

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You want advice? Here it is—writers write. Period. You don’t wait for the stars to align. You don’t wait for permission, a perfect outline, or that imaginary moment where everything feels “ready.” That moment doesn’t come. You either start, or you don’t.

Look at the guy who wrote The Godfather screenplay. He had no clue what he was doing. Didn’t matter. He sat down and made it happen. That’s the play. That’s the difference. The ones who win? They move before they feel ready. They build the parachute on the way down.

So if you’re thinking about writing a book—stop thinking. Start writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard? That’s easy—“It’s all trash ‘til it’s cash.” First time I heard it, it hit like a shot to the ribs. No fluff. No room for interpretation. Just a cold, hard line in the sand. I believed in it so much, I made it the title of my book.

Why? Because it’s the kind of truth most people run from. You can pitch the perfect story, build the slickest deck, hype the dream all you want—but if it doesn’t deliver real results, it’s worthless. Noise. Static. Trash.

That phrase? It’s not motivational. It’s confrontational. It strips away the ego, the excuses, the endless planning loops—and puts one thing on the table: execution.

In business, in writing, in life—intent means nothing. Outcome is everything. That line? It’s not just advice. It’s a demand: Prove it.

What are you reading now?
INNER EXCELLENCE: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible life – because AJ Brown read it on the sideline.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Travel to get sin pried and get ready for the next book.

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?
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
Mediations by Marcus Aurelius

Author Websites and Profiles

Chadd Ciccarelli Website

Chadd Ciccarelli’s Social Media Links

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Chadd Ciccarelli

Chadd Ciccarelli Amazon Profile

Interview With Author Chadd Ciccarelli

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
rote this after my time at Amazon, during a stretch of travel when I finally had the space to reflect and create without the usual noise. I’d always enjoyed the doc-writing culture at Amazon—structured, clear, brutally honest. That process stuck with me long after I left.

But the deeper pull came from way back—my university days, buried in stacks of philosophy books, trying to make sense of systems, power, and purpose. I wanted to bring that mindset back. That’s why you’ll find quotes woven throughout the book—not just for style, but because those texts shaped how I think. Writing this wasn’t just about sharing lessons from inside Amazon; it was also a way to reconnect with the part of me that used to wrestle with ideas late into the night, looking for meaning behind the mechanics.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book’s called It’s All Trash ‘til It’s Cash: Applying Amazon’s Blueprint for Builders. The title? That came from a guy I knew back in Orange County, way before my tech days. He had this phrase—“It’s all trash ‘til it’s cash”—and it was like a gut punch every time. No fluff. No excuses. Just a reminder that if it doesn’t deliver, it doesn’t matter. That stuck with me.

I wrote the book because most people get Amazon wrong. They see the size, the headlines—but miss the reality. At its core, it’s a startup. Ideas live or die by how well they serve the customer. Docs, experiments, pivots—every new program starts scrappy. I’ve lived it. And I wanted to show builders how it really works—not in theory, but in practice.

I come from a family of entrepreneurs. Rolling up your sleeves and building something from nothing isn’t just a career choice—it’s the air I grew up breathing. This book is for people like that. People who know talk is cheap… and execution is everything.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing routine’s a bit unconventional. First rule: I can’t write at home. I have to physically change environments—coffee shop, library, wherever—as long as it gets me out of my usual rhythm. On the way there, I need to laugh. That’s the reset. I’ll usually throw on old Howard Stern clips—Sternthology is my go-to—for about 30 minutes just to shake off the noise and get into a looser, more creative headspace.

Once I land, I sketch ideas on old-school yellow legal pads—no screens, no formatting, just thoughts straight from the tap. And when it’s time to lock in, it’s all about the music. I rotate between two modes: something completely new I’ve never heard before to jolt my brain a bit, or instrumental tracks so I don’t get distracted by lyrics. My go-tos when I’m deep in the zone are Animals As Leaders, Pat Martino, and Plini—they put me in that perfect flow state.

Funny enough, that’s more or less how I approached writing PR/FAQs and OP1 docs at Amazon too. Change the setting, set the tone, sketch the story, score it with the right soundtrack. It’s a rhythm that’s stuck with me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When it comes to authors who’ve influenced me, it’s been a bit of a winding road. As a kid, I was drawn to the existential heavyweights—Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and Camus’ The Stranger hit me hard. There was something about those internal struggles and moral gray zones that stuck with me.

Later, at Carnegie Mellon, I got deep into the local intellectual scene. I studied History and Philosophy of Science, so I was reading people like Wesley Salmon and Clark Glymour—especially Glymour’s work on the Monty Hall problem. It was wild realizing these weren’t just names in a book; they were literally down the hall.

When I moved to Los Angeles, my tastes shifted. That’s where I got into Bukowski—raw, messy, unfiltered—and eventually Hunter S. Thompson. Both had this reckless honesty that I couldn’t get enough of.

These days, I still read a ton of biographies. One of my all-time favorites is Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. It’s reflective, sharp, and surprisingly tactical. That mix of storytelling and self-awareness is something I try to bring into my own writing.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’ve just wrapped It’s All Trash ‘til It’s Cash: Applying Amazon’s Blueprint for Builders, and I’m shifting gears into my next book. This one’s going to dive into the creator economy and the next generation of entrepreneurs—the solopreneurs, the builders leveraging platforms instead of payrolls. I’m still in the early stages, but the plan is to combine sharp insights with real interviews and breakdowns of these new models. It’s about mapping where entrepreneurship is headed next—and making it practical for anyone looking to build something of their own.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best way to reach me is through my website or LinkedIn:
chaddciccarelli.com
linkedin.com/in/chaddc

https://chadd.substack.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You want advice? Here it is—writers write. That’s it. You don’t wait for permission. You don’t wait for clarity. You don’t wait for the perfect outline, the right desk, or the magical burst of inspiration. You start.

The guy who wrote The Godfather screenplay? He had no idea how to do it. He just sat down and figured it out. That’s the move. That’s the difference. The people who win are the ones who start before they’re ready.

So if you’re thinking about writing a book—don’t. Start writing it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard? Easy—“It’s all trash ‘til it’s cash.” That phrase hit me like a punch in the gut the first time I heard it. And it stuck with me so hard, I made it the title of my book.

Why? Because it’s a brutal truth most people avoid. You can have the best idea, the perfect pitch, the cleanest deck—doesn’t matter. Until it delivers real value, it’s just noise. Just trash. That line cuts through the ego, the posturing, the excuses. It forces focus. It demands execution.

In business, in writing, in life—no one cares what you meant to do. They care what actually happened. That phrase? It’s not just advice. It’s a challenge. Prove it.

What are you reading now?
INNER EXCELLENCE: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible life – because AJ Brown was reading it on the sideline

What’s next for you as a writer?
Traveling to write my next book and get inspired.

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?
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain,
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn

Author Websites and Profiles

Chadd Ciccarelli Website

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Angela Joann Mitchell

Angela Joann Mitchell Website

Interview With Author Angela Joann Mitchell

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Angela Joann Mitchell, I’m a woman of faith, a mother, a survivor, and now- an author. I’m someone who believes in healing, purpose, and healing others through my story. I have written one book, I’m a new author as of January 29, 2025.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Escaping: How I Broke Out of an Abusive Marriage. I was inspired to write this book because of my marriage, I was in an abusive marriage for 2 years.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t have any unusual writing habits, I just need to shut myself off in an quiet place, and things will come in my spirit.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Emily Dickinson had influenced me to put my emotions into my writing. Her poems addressed emotional and psychological states such as loneliness, pain, happiness, death, and love, her poems explore the full spectrum of human emotions.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a new book called Battle Tested Faith.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t know exactly, I am new to this, I have a lot to learn. I’m thinking social media.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to New authors, don’t be afraid to start. You don’t have to have it all figured out- just begin. Write from your heart, and trust your voice. Your story matters, even if it’s painful. Someone needs to hear it. And most of all, pray through the process. God will give you the strength, the words, and the courage to finish what he started in you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The advice I have ever heard was to stay focus and consistent.

What are you reading now?
I’m writing the Bible, because my next book is about faith.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m currently working on Battle ,Tested Faith: The power of trusting God, and understanding who Jesus is, which explores the names, nature and character of Jesus.

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?
Emily Dickinson, Book of Poems
Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn
The Holy Bible

Author Websites and Profiles

Angela Joann Mitchell Amazon Profile

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Caroline L Thornton Website

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Caroline L Thornton

Interview With Author Caroline L Thornton

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Scottish children’s author. I have just released my sixth book By the Sycamore Tree and am currently working on a new one.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My new book is called By the Sycamore Tree. I wanted to do a simple story about the changing seasons and the effects they have on nature and people.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I mainly write in notebooks and I write in an informal environment rather than at a desk. My notebooks range from very neat to scribbles and writing that reads diagonally across the page!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Because I write books in rhyme I think I’m most influenced by songwriters such as John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a new fairy tale with a twist!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I look for lists of the best sites to use and use a few in tandem with each other.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t get too disheartened by perceived set backs. Focus on what you’re good at and what’s right for you and take advice on how you can improve.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I was told to study the technicalities of poetry such as rhythm and metre.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables and Celebrating All Creatures Great and Small: For the Love of the Yorkshire Dales.

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’m a Stranger Here Myself by Deric Longden, One For the Money by Janet Evanovich and Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw.

Author Websites and Profiles

Caroline L Thornton Amazon Profile

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Miloš Nikolić Amazon Profile

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Miloš Nikolić

Interview With Author Miloš Nikolić

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Miloš Nikolić, a young man and author of the work Javier and I, was born on July 11, 2002. Since birth, he has lived in the village of Stubline, near the town of Obrenovac. His interest in writing and literary interpretation is a legacy from his mother, Branka, who, throughout most of his elementary education, wrote his essays and homework assignments in Serbian language and literature.

Alongside her, credit is also due to his sister Milica, a passionate reader who shares her love of books with her brother, inspiring him to read a great number of books each year. His writing style has been shaped primarily by short novels that leave an indelible mark on the minds of young people. His literary role models include Ernest Hemingway and Dragoslav Mihailović, whose works he first encountered during high school.

It was during that same period—his high school years—that he set out on his literary journey, beginning with the writing of poetry.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Javier and I, inspired by personal feelings about my life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I often write poems and lyrics for songs.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway.

What are you working on now?
I work on my new novel – How to kill death-.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t have best website for promotion, but I usually share my book on personal social network profiles and groups.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do not think about word count, finish the book when your idea is fully realized and there is no more to add to it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Life is marathon and not the sprint.

What are you reading now?
I will find you, by Harlan Coben.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will try to write two more novels in next two years.

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?
No One Writes to the Colonel, The Alchemist, Kad su cvetale tikve

Author Websites and Profiles

Miloš Nikolić’s Social Media Links

Steph McKenzie Amazon Profile

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Steph McKenzie

Interview With Author Steph McKenzie

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Steph McKenzie is the published author of more than 30 books, and freelance contributor with expertise in writing, content creation, and photography. With a background in research and editing, she crafts compelling, high-quality content tailored to diverse audiences. A member of Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Chi, and Sigma Beta Delta, she brings dedication and creativity to every project she undertakes.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A bold and accessible journey through the big questions—Threads of Thought explores consciousness, reality, ethics, and meaning with clarity and heart. Perfect for readers seeking wisdom, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of life’s complexities. Think deeply, feel fully—this book is your guide.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write almost exclusively on an old Android in the middle of the night and wee hours of the morning…

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So so many, like most authors, I’m a voracious reader…

What are you working on now?
Ten more nonfiction books, ranging from world history to Christianity to technology…

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m self published and utilize a ton of sites:
D2D
Smashwords
Barnes and Noble
Amazon Books
Apple Books
Kobo
Book Monkey
Everand
Fable
AllAuthor
BookBub
Library-Thing
Crave-Books and so much more…

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up!
If you don’t feel good about what you’re writing, stop and start over.
Don’t waste your time and effort on something you’re not really into and excited by.
Love your work.
When you get burnt out, and you will (it happens to the best of us), take a break. Take all the break that you need and then get back at it, but not before you’re ready. And only you’ll know when.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Repeating the same behavior and expecting different results is the definition of insanity…

What are you reading now?
JR Ward and I’m addicted! ❤️‍🔥

What’s next for you as a writer?
72 more 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?
Thompson Chain-Reference Bible in the King James Version Large Print
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance with Hebrew and Greek Lexicon
The Republic by Plato
The Story of Civilization, by Will and Ariel Durant??
Of course, I need a good dictionary, thesaurus and encyclopedias!!

Author Websites and Profiles

Steph McKenzie Website

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Carol Ann DeSimine Website

Author Interview Series

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Carol Ann DeSimine

Interview With Author Carol Ann DeSimine

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have published 4 books so far. The first was a branding book on December 31, 2019, that I had a good deal of success selling on my own. But I did not want to be known as a branding coach any longer so I figured I’d upload to Amazon so the world could now buy it! I sold 2 copies! When I decided to become a serious author I used that as a measure of what NOT to do! Even though I had been in publishing for 30+ years I never really wanted to become an author. But, in 2024 I retired from business coaching. I had created so many resources and processes that turning them into books seemed like the best way to get my work out into the world. So, I rebranded as an author and self-publishing specialist. I published two books in 2024 about my STAGES Life Purpose Formula – one geared toward women 50+ that includes my story. I did not feel complete after that, so I published an expanded workbook version for entrepreneurs to create a purpose-based business. I take a practical-spiritual approach to business and to writing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Write Your Soul’s Calling Story: The Healing Power of Sharing Your Life Legacy is my most recent book. It is based on a process I developed as a branding coach to help clients create a signature talk. I revised it with more of a focus on using stories to accelerate the healing process. It’s based on a workshop I used to offer called, Your Mess is Your Medicine. While my book is not just for entrepreneurs, it does provide a structure to craft a powerful story along with guided journal prompts. If the reader follows the prompts at the end of each chapter, s/he should have their story basically written.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wrote Soul’s Calling Story, 24,060 words, in 27 days, including editing and formatting. I think that’s pretty unusual in itself, and I have an unusual skill set in that I am adept at all aspects of the publishing process! I also manage my time well, set goals for each week, and if I fall behind, I play catch up on weekends.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I drew on inspiration from Brene Brown, Kelly Notaras and Tracy Reid of Hay House, and also from Human Design and my Richard Rudd’s Gene Keys.

What are you working on now?
Now, I am working on a companion journal for Write Your Soul’s Calling Story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s a good question. My last two books were best sellers in several categories. One even beat out a NYT best seller in Women & Business, which I am very proud of! I am still experimenting with finding the best promoters, but one of the sites I used is Robin Reads, which got me pretty good results. I have an email list of about 3,100 so that helps.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If I had to choose just one thing, I would tell them that self-publishing does not mean DIY. Writing a good book is not enough, and if you’re not a professional editor/designer, plan to invest in those services. You do not want to compromise on quality, but also make sure to choose the right keywords/categories, and then promote, promote, promote!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep it short (er). Even in this last book, I knew I could have included so much more. What I see with most authors is what I call “kitchen sink” writing. They feel they need to include everything they know in their book. In non-fiction, shorter is better and it’s better to write 2 books than try to cram everything they know into one book.

What are you reading now?
Dale Roberts’ books on launching and publishing wide.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To publish a journal to accompany Soul’s Calling Story. I also have 3 other books in the works. One is about my own Soul’s Calling Story – a spiritual awakening that lasted about 3 years. It’s a tough one to write because it’s so personal, and even painful, but without having have gone through it, I would not have come up with the Soul’s Calling Story process or my STAGES Life Purpose Formula. I would probably still be helping others publish their books, while I remain invisible in the background…

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?
That’s a hard one to answer… I have not read fiction in a long time, and if I were on a desert island, I would have no use for learning anything from non-fiction! I would find the biggest books of crossword puzzles to bring along and make sure I have enough pens!

Author Websites and Profiles

Carol Ann DeSimine Amazon Profile

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Jamilette Cintron Website

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Jamilette Cintron

Interview With Author Jamilette Cintron

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Jamilette Cintron, and I’m an award-winning author with a passion for myth, gothic horror, and stories that explore the sacred power of transformation. I’m a nurse by profession and a storyteller by soul, weaving together tales that shine a light into the darker corners of emotion, identity, and legacy.

To date, I’ve written 5 physical books and 7 ebooks—each one an extension of my heart and a tribute to those who have ever felt silenced, broken, or forgotten. My work blends mythology with modern struggles, often told from the perspective of powerful women, divine forces, or beings caught between worlds. I believe stories can heal, challenge, and ignite something deep within the reader—and that’s exactly what I aim to do with every page.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Dark Mother: When FATES Collide – Collector’s Edition. It’s a mythic anthology that explores the divine, the broken, and the beautifully vengeful.
This book was inspired by the real and often silenced pain of women throughout time. Mothers, daughters, and sisters who were made to carry grief in silence or survive in the shadows. I wanted to create a world where those voices didn’t just echo, they roared. The Dark Mother represents a sacred force within all of us: the one that rises after ruin, protects fiercely, and refuses to be forgotten.
It’s a collection born of emotion, legacy, and a desire to show that even in darkness, there is power; and sometimes, fate needs rewriting.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if it’s unusual, but I always carry a notebook and pen with me—no matter where I go. Inspiration tends to strike in the most unexpected places, and I’ve learned to treat every moment like a potential spark for a story.

Unlike most writers who map their ideas digitally or in neat outlines, my version of “plotting” looks more like one of those detective walls you see in crime thrillers—strings, arrows, sticky notes everywhere. My wall becomes a living, breathing web of ideas, connections, and chaos until I find the thread that feels right.
And then there’s my fiancé, who’s basically my emergency memory bank. I send him random bursts of word vomit throughout the day—half-formed ideas, dialogue, or mythological twists—just so I don’t lose them. I’m sure his phone is a treasure trove of strange messages, but he’s learned to roll with it. It’s all part of the magic.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Some of the authors who’ve had the deepest impact on my writing are Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe, and William Blake. Each of them, in their own way, taught me that darkness isn’t just frightening it’s poetic, powerful, and sometimes even healing.

Stephen King was my first real literary obsession. Carrie was the book that pulled me in, its raw emotion, the pain of isolation, and the explosive power of repressed rage completely captivated me. Later, Doctor Sleep added another layer to my appreciation for his work, showing how horror can also hold space for redemption and grief. His son, Joe Hill, also made a lasting impression on me, especially with his story NOS4A2, which was turned into a haunting and beautiful short series. There’s something inherited and electric in his writing style that really speaks to me.

Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart and The Raven taught me the rhythm of horror, how to make fear feel like a heartbeat. But it’s A Dream Within a Dream that truly stayed with me it’s haunting in a quieter way, lingering like a question you can’t answer.

And then there’s William Blake. His poem A Poison Tree is simple, yet so profound. It captures the emotional cost of suppressed anger in a way that feels timeless and that theme often finds its way into my own work.

These writers didn’t just influence me,they helped shape the lens through which I see storytelling: one where beauty and pain coexist, where monsters are often misunderstood, and where truth echoes in the silence between the lines.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on my next book titled In the Realm of Shadows. It’s a mythic love story rooted in darkness, loyalty, and cosmic fate. The story follows Nyx, the goddess of night, and Erebus, the god of primordial darkness, as they navigate the fragile space between devotion and destruction.

This book is deeply atmospheric, rich with Gothic undertones, and explores what it means to be eternal yet still feel alone. At its core, it’s about the loyalty we give to those we love and the price we sometimes pay for it. Like all my work, it blurs the line between myth and humanity, diving into emotional truths that transcend time.

It’s still in the works, but I’m pouring my heart into every page. I want readers to feel like they’ve stepped into a celestial realm full of secrets, shadows, and the kind of love that could either heal the universe or bring it to its knees.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring out what “best” looks like when it comes to book promotion—it’s definitely a journey. Right now, I’m focusing on building an authentic presence across a few platforms that allow me to connect directly with readers. I use Facebook and Instagram to share updates, visuals, and snippets of my writing, and I recently launched my author website to create a space that’s fully my own.

I also just started a Substack, where I plan to share behind-the-scenes content, early access to my stories, and deeper reflections on the mythic themes I explore in my work. I’m learning that book promotion isn’t one-size-fits-all it’s about finding your people, building trust, and showing up as yourself.

So while I may not have a single “best” method yet, I’m in the process of creating a strategy that’s aligned with my voice, my stories, and my readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Absolutely: make sure you love what you do. Writing isn’t always easy, but if you’re passionate about your words, that passion will carry you through the hard days. Write every chance you get on napkins, in notebooks, in your notes app at 2AM, just keep writing.

And most importantly, remember: Your voice has power. What you say matters, and once it’s out there, it echoes. So be intentional. Be honest. Be brave. Don’t write to be trendy, write to be timeless. Your words have the potential to change someone’s world… even if that someone is you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I didn’t hear it, I read it. I was in 9th grade when I came across the quote: “Those who mind won’t matter, and those who matter won’t mind.” That line has stayed with me through so many seasons of my life.

As a creative, and just as a human being, it’s easy to feel like being unique or different makes you “too much” for the world. But this quote reminds me that being true to myself is the mission, the right people will see me, accept me, and support me exactly as I am. Sometimes, the strongest anchor we have is a simple truth that brings us back to our voice when the world tries to quiet it.

What are you reading now?
I just finished Frankenstein, a reread from when I was younger. While it still carries powerful themes of creation, abandonment, and identity, I found that it didn’t move me the same way it once did. This time around, I felt Mary Shelley made Doctor Frankenstein feel emotionally cold and distant. There were moments where she could’ve made him more relatable, more human, and I really missed that depth. It reminded me how important emotional connection is in storytelling, even when you’re writing about monsters.

Now, I’ve moved on to The Phantom of the Opera and Other Gothic Tales. I love Gothic literature for its haunting atmosphere, its emotional weight, and the way it explores longing, fear, and the parts of ourselves we hide. Even when I disagree with a story’s choices, I still appreciate how these classic works paved the way for the genre I love to write in.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Truthfully? I’m still figuring that out. As a storyteller, I don’t always know the exact path but I do know the feeling that guides me. I want to keep creating worlds that speak to the soul, characters who challenge the norm, and stories that make readers feel seen, haunted, and empowered all at once.

Right now, I’m focused on finishing In the Realm of Shadows, and after that, I’m giving myself space to explore where inspiration takes me next whether it’s mythic love stories, Gothic horror, or something entirely new.

Outside of writing, I’ll be doing some craft show appearances, author readings, and meet-and-greets. I want to connect with the people who are stepping into my worlds, readers who are giving their time, energy, and imagination to my stories. That means everything to me. Writing may start alone, but it becomes something magical when it’s shared.

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’d bring Fairy Tale by Stephen King for when I need a sense of escape and adventure. It’s a masterful reminder that even in the darkest places, there’s magic waiting to be found.

Then I’d have The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe because let’s be honest, if I’m questioning my sanity out there, I might as well lean into it with some beautifully dark prose. Poe always knows how to articulate the chaos of the mind in the most poetic way.

And finally, I’d bring The Dark Mother: Collector’s Edition. Not just because I wrote it, but because it would remind me of everything I’ve survived, everything I’ve created, and everything I still have left to say. It would be my reminder that even in isolation, I carry strength and stories within me.

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J D Savage

Interview With Author J D Savage

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write horror in the subgenre’s of splatterpunk, supernatural, and psychological but all have a splatterpunk element to it. I have 4 cats who think they own everything. I have written 3 books so far.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Bone Thief. I’m having back surgery soon and thought what if an orthopedic surgeon was a serial killer.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to have music.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Brian Keene and John Skipp

What are you working on now?
We Drink Your Blood. A vampire group called the Sanguin Saints invade a dying isolated town in the appelachin mountains in West Virginia. It will be a blood soaked gore fest. ti was inspired by the song We Drink Your Blood by Powerwolf check it out.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://jdsavagehorror.mystrikingly.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
simply write. do not edit your first draft just get it down yes it will be crap but that is what revising is for. Everyone’s first draft is crap, mine, yours, even Stephen King’s.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You only fail if you stop writing-Ray Bradbury

What are you reading now?
nothing at the moment

What’s next for you as a writer?
finishing We Drink Your Blood

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 have no idea

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J D Savage Website

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Sandra Nomoto Amazon Profile

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Sandra Nomoto

Interview With Author Sandra Nomoto

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a book whisperer who helps authors with impact create books. I also help vegan entrepreneurs with administrative, marketing, and publicity services. I’ve self-published two books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Vegan Marketing Success Stories was inspired by a lack of books about vegan businesses. When I realized there was only one book published in 2015 that talked about running a vegan business, I saw a gap in the marketing and knew I had to publish the world’s first vegan marketing book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite genre is memoir, but I also like business books and comedic fiction. I absolutely love Elizabeth Gilbert’s writing and recently discovered Indigenous Canadian author Richard Wagamese who is also a master of memoir. My favorite book of all time is L’etranger (The Stranger/Outsider), which I read in English class in high school.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on my first memoir about my mother.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I believe most people bought my book because they heard me on a vegan podcast. However, nothing beats meeting your readers in person and signing a hard copy.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
While you are writing your book, you should also think about your target reader(s) and how you’re going to reach them. Marketing your book is where all the real work begins!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I listen to a lot of podcasts so I hear a lot of good advice. However, Mel Robbins recently released her newest book, The Let Them Theory, which is about letting others be who they are or do what they want to do, even if you feel like changing their behavior. It’s a great reminder that we only have control over our actions and how we react to people or situations.

What are you reading now?
Don’t Forget the Soap (And Other Reminders from My Fabulous Filipina Mother) by Marie Claire Lim Moore

What’s next for you as a writer?
I write a lot for clients and love ghostwriting and editing other authors’ books. However, I’m reading books for research on my memoir.

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?
L’etranger, Born a Crime, The Alchemist, Atomic Habits

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Sandra Nomoto Website

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H.L. Sage

Interview With Author H.L. Sage

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m H.L. Sage, a writer and parent passionate about supporting families raising neurodivergent children. My journey as a parent to a child on the autism spectrum has shaped not only my day-to-day life but also my creative work. I’ve recently published my first book, and I’m excited to share it with a community that understands the beauty and challenges of parenting differently wired kids.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Autism Parenting Journal: Track Progress, Reflect on Challenges, and Practice Self-Care. It was inspired by my own experience feeling overwhelmed, under-supported, and constantly juggling the needs of my child while forgetting my own. I wanted to create something practical yet comforting — a journal that gives parents space to reflect, track growth, and process both the hard and heartwarming moments of parenting an autistic child. This journal is as much about the parent’s well-being as it is about the child’s progress.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write in short bursts, usually late at night or early in the morning — whenever the house is quiet and my mind has space to breathe. My writing often starts as scattered thoughts in the Notes app or on scraps of paper, especially after emotional parenting moments. I don’t follow a strict process; I let emotion guide me, then go back later to shape those thoughts into something useful and supportive for others. It’s messy, but it’s real — just like parenting.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been most influenced by authors who write with honesty, vulnerability, and heart. Brené Brown’s work on empathy and resilience has been a constant reminder that it’s okay to be vulnerable — and that strength often looks different for each of us. I’ve also found comfort and guidance in books by Dr. Temple Grandin and other voices within the autism community. Their insights have helped shape not only how I parent, but how I write — with compassion, clarity, and a focus on connection.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m focused on sharing Autism Parenting Journal with the families who need it most and gathering feedback from parents using it in their daily lives. I’m also exploring the idea of creating a follow-up journal — one that offers themed prompts around emotional regulation, communication, and celebrating small wins. It’s early days, but I’m excited about creating more resources that speak to the real experiences of parents navigating autism with love and resilience.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found that a mix of small, meaningful efforts works best. So far, Amazon ads combined with a free book promotion through KDP Select has helped me get my book in front of new readers. Sites like Awesome Gang are incredibly helpful for visibility, especially for first-time authors. I’m also experimenting with social media, particularly Instagram and parenting-focused Facebook groups, where personal stories and authenticity really resonate.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what feels honest and needed — even if it’s quiet, niche, or deeply personal. The right people will find it. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you put your work out into the world. Progress matters more than perfection, and your words might be exactly what someone else needs. Also, be kind to yourself during the process. Publishing is both vulnerable and empowering — give yourself space for both.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Start before you’re ready.” That advice changed everything for me. As a parent and a writer, it’s easy to wait for the perfect time, the perfect words, or the perfect mindset. But sometimes, just starting — imperfectly and honestly — is the most powerful thing you can do. Growth, clarity, and connection often come after the leap, not before it.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading Range by David Epstein. It’s a fascinating look at how generalists — people who explore many paths — often thrive in a world that celebrates specialization. As a parent and creative, it’s been incredibly validating. It reminds me that it’s okay to take a nonlinear path and that diverse experiences can be a real strength, especially when supporting others through complex journeys like parenting.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m focused on connecting with more readers and hearing how the Autism Parenting Journal is helping in their day-to-day lives. That feedback is what will shape what I create next. I’m exploring companion journals and additional tools for parents — something that continues the journey and offers gentle support along the way. My hope is to keep writing resources that feel like a steady hand on the shoulder during both the hard and the hopeful moments.

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’d bring The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown — it’s one of those books that feels like a friend when you need one. Range by David Epstein would definitely come with me; it reminds me that a winding path has its own kind of power. I’d also bring a blank journal, because even on a desert island, I’d need to write things down. And maybe something by Mary Oliver — her poetry always brings me back to presence and wonder.

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Behzad Ramezani Farkhani

Interview With Author Behzad Ramezani Farkhani

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m physician, writer, and translator with a diverse range of interests and accomplishments. Having studied medicine and internal medicine, I’m authored numerous books in Persian, English, and Spanish on topics including medicine (Hypnosis), language, and literature (Poem). As a dedicated educator, I’ve taught at the university level for many years and have been the creative force behind educational television programs. I’m also an avid athlete, enjoying tennis, cycling, and paragliding, alongside my ongoing medical practice and literary pursuits.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Mastering Hypnosis, A Practical and Real Guide to Unlocking the Power of Your Mind: Including the Author’s Personal Methods in Hypnosis

What’s next for you as a writer?
Botox

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Marcylle Combs

Interview With Author Marcylle Combs

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Marcylle Combs, MS, RN is an Entrepreneur, Leadership Expert, Speaker, Author, and Podcast Host committed to leveraging her extensive experience in empowering individuals to realize their highest potential. With over three decades in the healthcare industry, Marcylle’s journey has shaped her understanding of organizational challenges and opportunities within the business realm.
In her debut book “Never Hire Your Friends”, she details real-life scenarios and actionable advice on building thriving business while nurturing meaningful connections. She believes that leadership is not a position, but a choice, and that everyone can be a leader in their own sphere of influence.
Marcylle is a Certified John Maxwell Leadership Speaker, Trainer, Coach, as well as a Maxwell Leadership DiSC Behavioral Analysis Trainer. She cherishes spending time with her family and friends, traveling, reading, and engaging in lifelong learning. She aspires to grow and lead others until her last breath on this earth.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
This book is warmly dedicated to my incredible team, especially to those dubbed the FUNMEISTERS, who have enlightened me immensely on the art of nurturing friendships within the workplace and beyond. You have shown me that work can be more than just a source of income, but also a place of joy, support, and growth.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not extrovert, but no one would ever call me an introvert. To sit in a room alone and write is my version of torture.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Maxwell
Stephen Covey

What are you working on now?
I own a leadership expert, speaker, and a podcast host and have other business ventures – plus my family to keep me plenty busy!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://www.askmaclegacy.com/ is the website for my home health and hospice consulting business. They have a large following in the health care industry.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to get a good editor/ collaborative writer — They will nit pick a lot of things that you can be willing to let go of, but stand up for the points that you really believe in.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From Winston Churchill, “Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

What are you reading now?
John Maxwell’s High Road Leadership

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to publish a few more books. I have some ideas that will go along with my current book: Perhaps a workbook for business leaders, and a devotional for community leaders.

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?
The Bible
The Women
Tattooist of Auschwitz

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Marcylle Combs Website

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Gabriel Van Arneman Amazon Profile

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Gabriel Van Arneman

Interview With Author Gabriel Van Arneman

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have a background in biology, applied psychology, and coaching, which gives me a unique lens through which I explore human behavior. I’ve spent many years coaching both individuals and couples in the emotional intricacies of love and identity. I’ve been happily married for over 30 years, father of three daughters, and proud grandfather of two beautiful grandsons. Infatuation Doesn’t Happen to You; You Choose It! is my first published book, but it’s the result of decades of life experience, research, and real human connection.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled Infatuation doesn’t happen to you; you choose it! The inspiration came through my coaching practice, where I often witnessed people feeling powerless in the face of infatuation. I saw a pattern—people believed they were victims of their emotions, but in reality, many of those emotions were decisions shaped by unconscious beliefs, needs, and narratives. I wanted to shift that mindset and help people understand how much power they actually have in matters of the heart.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Definitely. I tend to write much more than intended. One chapter can easily spill over into three, because I often dive into related themes that are rich enough to fill other books. I’ve learned to hold myself back—just a little!—to keep the focus clear. Also, I write best when I imagine I’m speaking directly to someone I’ve coached, which helps me keep the tone authentic and relatable.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Without question, the Bible has had the greatest influence on both my personal life and professional thinking. In addition, I draw from scientific and management literature—especially works in social psychology. I’m also inspired by authors like Stephen M.R. Covey, John C. Maxwell, and Tony Evans, who combine leadership, wisdom, and faith in a grounded and practical way.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a book about pastoral care—particularly focusing on the ethical, emotional, and psychological weight many people carry today. In a time where genuine care and community are often lacking, I want to explore how we can rebuild that support structure and bring healing through presence, understanding, and spiritual insight.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I’ve had good experiences combining free promotion periods via Amazon KDP with community-driven platforms like Awesomegang and Book Goodies. But honestly, nothing beats the power of authentic recommendations and thoughtful reviews. Word-of-mouth from early readers, especially those who truly connected with the message, has been my most powerful promotional tool.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write from the heart, but don’t forget to listen. The world doesn’t need more perfect books—it needs more honest voices. Be open to feedback, stay humble, and trust that even if your book reaches just one person deeply, it’s worth it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
What you’re most afraid to write is exactly what someone needs to hear.” That advice has stayed with me. It reminds me that vulnerability is often the door to impact.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading the Bible—especially the book of Ecclesiastes, which is full of timeless wisdom from Solomon. It’s a rich, reflective text that speaks deeply to life’s biggest questions.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Beyond finishing my pastoral care book, I plan to develop coaching materials and perhaps an online course. Writing is just one part of my calling—I also want to create tools that help people grow emotionally, spiritually, and relationally in everyday life.

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’d definitely bring my Bible—it’s a source of endless wisdom, comfort, and motivation. I’d also pack a good puzzle book, like one filled with Sudoku, to keep my mind sharp and occupied. As for novels or non-fiction, I might resist bringing them because I’d finish them too fast :)!

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Skyler Woods

Interview With Author Skyler Woods

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Skyler Woods, sometimes known by his pen name Skye Woods, is a self-published science fiction and fantasy author, digital artist, DJ experimenter and YouTuber. A graduate of a performing arts school, he pursued assistant nursing in college while building his fiction writing portfolio. Skyler’s love for science fiction stems from his mother, while his father inspired his passion for poetry. A born-again Christian, he enjoys giving back to others. In his writing, he incorporates elements of hip-hop and video games to appeal to a young audience. A devoted fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Skye’s favorite hero is Spider-Man. He admires how Spidey saves lives without seeking recognition, proving that wearing a mask doesn’t make him any less heroic. For Skye, his stories are his superhero mask. They’re his way of bringing joy to readers without the need for fame. Writing isn’t about being seen; it’s about creating, connecting, and expressing something meaningful. He strives to craft relatable, three-dimensional characters, viewing storytelling as a selfless act dedicated to entertaining and inspiring his audience.

Skyler has been an author on Reedsy Prompts for 5 years. He’s written 26 short stories since 2020, generating positive attention from his followers.

Find his creative writing prompts at – blog.reedsy dot com (Forward Slash) creative-writing-prompts (Forward Slash) author ( Forward Slash) skyler-woods.

To get the correct link, just replace ‘dot com’ with ‘.com’ and ‘Forward Slash’ with ‘/’. That will give you the proper web address.

Skyler has written and self-published two poetry books titled Poems For Aphrodite Vol. 1 and 2. These books along with his first novel were published on Amazon KDP back in 2014. He later decided that writing short stories is more fun when it comes to science-fiction and fantasy, and he’s been showcasing his short stories on Reedsy which is an author blog and online literary marketplace. He first started self-publishing his short stories through an Amazon publishing webnovel platform called Kindle Vella. Kindle Vella discontinued their services for authors in February. So all authors were told to resubmit their work through Amazon’s traditional self-publishing platform, KDP. This is how Skyler is introducing his collection, Nightbeast Godfather, to his reading audience who he likes to call his bookworm darlings.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Nightbeast Godfather: A Collection of Brutal and Beastly Fairy Tales. It’s a collection of stories that I wrote over the years. Years of watching Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, Black Mirror and AHS, has given me inspiration.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to make most of my heroes in my stories moms for some reason. I guess it’s because there’s a lot of strength in being a mother. And I also write little by little. Sometimes I’ll write a sentence or two and then step away for a bit and then go back. I noticed that I write more relaxed this way instead of trying to write a whole seen or page in one sitting.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Anne Rice, H.G. Wells, and Richard Matheson are the list of authors who have inspired me to delve into scifi, fantasy and horror.

What are you working on now?
I’m not really working on it because I’ve already written it. But it’s part 2 and 3 of Nightbeast Godfather. I’m planning to publish part 2 and 3 through Amazon KDP. These are more of my short stories which will be formed into another collection.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve been using Facebook and Meta Ads. Meta Ads helps with reaching a wide audience. But I’m taking a break from Meta and using other methods.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never write like it’s a job. Write a little and then take a step back. Take a break. It will help you write more relaxed. Even if you write one or two words or one sentence, at least you’re writing. Always write relaxed. Don’t think about it. Just be calm, and let the story come to you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.” – Stephen King

What are you reading now?
I’ve recently read A Stir of Echoes by Richard Matheson. Since the story is based in 1958 suburbia, it has different customs and a different way of thinking, with a slow-paced, old-fashioned, Father Knows Best atmosphere compared to the urban gritty 1999 film starring Kevin Bacon.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to keep creating stories that my audience will enjoy.

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?
A Stir Of Echoes by Richard Matheson
Christine by Stephen King
The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells

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Skyler Woods Website

Skyler Woods Amazon Profile

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Sharon Kay

Interview With Author Sharon Kay

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Ohio and earned a degree in photojournalism from Bowling Green State University. My time as a college student in the 1970s—living at home, working part-time, commuting, and having a wonderful group of friends—loosely inspired The Michelle Kilpatrick Mysteries.
I started writing the series after watching way too many murder mysteries on T.V. during the Pandemic and have been at it ever since.
When I’m not plotting fictional murders (strictly on paper, of course), I enjoy organic gardening—I’m adding (fingers crossed) a French-Country flower garden this year—devouring mysteries and historical fiction (especially Regency-themed) and indulging in cheesecake—my absolute favorite.

I have written three books in the Michelle Kilpatrick Mysteries—a YA cozy mystery series, and I have at least six more planned for the series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Icy Secrets, Scandalous Lies (Book Three in the series) is scheduled for release on April 21, 2025.

For many years, my kids were competitive figure skaters and trained with several Olympians and their coaches. All those years of shivering inside an arena while they practiced inspired me to write a mystery about a skating coach and his team. Of course, we never had any murders at our rink, but, hey, that’s the fun in writing, right?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My first cozy mystery influencers were Joanne Fluke with her Hannah Swensen series and Lauren Elliott—Beyond the Page Bookstore Mysteries. Other mystery authors who have influenced me are Jenna Bennett, Ellery Adams, and Lillian Jackson Braun. And I can’t forget to add Daphne DuMaurier—nothing like a good gothic romance to get the creative wheels spinning.

What are you working on now?
I’m writing the next book in the Michelle Kilpatrick Mystery series, which will take place in the late summer/early fall of 1975. I have only just started it, but I can tell you it includes a prince, an evil mastermind, and, of course, a murder.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t really found a “best” method for promoting my books yet, although I have found several that I wouldn’t try again lolz. The fact is, I am still experimenting with marketing and learning how it works. It is one thing to write a book, but it is totally another to learn how to promote it. I was excited to learn about Awesome Gang. I love their philosophy of helping authors.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read. Study. Write.

Read works in your genre and outside your genre and make note of descriptions, dialogue, and pacing.
Study the craft of writing. While writing comes easily to some people, it is still a skill that needs to be developed—to be pushed to be the best it can be. Writing is not just about putting words on a piece of paper. It is about telling a story, conveying an idea, and eliciting an emotion. It is about creating something that will be enjoyed and remembered like a great pianist or a dancer or a painter.
Write…write every day if you can. Good writing requires practice.
Something new I’ve been doing as a warmup is to find a book with great writing and write one page of the book each day. It’s amazing how transcribing the text, word by word, makes you focus on the word choices and how they are used. It doesn’t take long, and, in addition to being an exercise in writing, it has significantly improved my typing skills.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up —keep writing, keep learning, keep striving to do better.

What are you reading now?
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes —what a fun book!!!!!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m crafting a new mystery series…so, stay tuned to see in what direction that one goes.

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?
The Madwoman Upstairs by Catherine Lowell
Peril in Piccadilly, Book 7 of the Pippa Darling Mysteries, by Jenna Bennett (Book 7—I absolutely must read it)
Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier
Desiree by Annemarie Selinko

Author Websites and Profiles

Sharon Kay Website

Sharon Kay Amazon Profile

Sharon Kay’s Social Media Links

Julie Ann Sipos Amazon Profile

Author Interview Series

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Julie Ann Sipos

Interview With Author Julie Ann Sipos

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As a longtime producer and entertainment executive bringing a generation of iconic screen stories to life, I’ve marked my Spring 2025 debut into literary fiction with the creation of an immersive story world. “Horrible Women, Wonderful Girls: A Jaycee Grayson Novel” is the centerpiece of an “all girl adventure series for somewhat grown women,” set in the fictional Village of Littleburgh, WI. Featuring a character-voiced cookbook, tear-and-share postcards book, and online interactive catalogue, the Jaycee Grayson Series launched a #1 Amazon Bestseller in both Humor/Satire and Amish Cooking, of all things!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Horrible Women, Wonderful Girls: A Jaycee Grayson Novel tracks a newly unemployed kids’ entertainment executive from #MeToo Hollywood into the supposedly warm arms of Wonderful Girls, a famous Midwest doll company. Confronted instead by an angry army of Prairie Karens, Jaycee collects a colorful following of fellow misfits to stage a rebellion that could become her greatest production yet. Either that or the ultimate career killer that sullies her spirit, breaks her sobriety and stops her meaningful search for belonging dead in its tracks. Imbued with the adventure, romance and resilience of countless empowering girlhood tales, its shines a light on the failings of adult women in a post-contemporary sisterhood, where we are often our own worst enemies when we think men aren’t really looking. Thankfully, they usually aren’t.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Aren’t they all?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dickens and Twain are pretty obvious choices. They not only subverted social norms of their respective eras (slavery in the American south, child abuse in post-industrial England) into popular contemporary fiction, but also left us laugh-out-loud family classics that stand the test of time. Jaycee Grayson has her flaws, but her razor-sharp wit mostly results from an insufficient internal editor, creating highly teachable moments on her perilous journey toward reinvention. If readers ready to laugh at our own foibles find her a fraction as compelling a character as Huck Finn or Ebeneezer Scrooge, my work here is done, folks.

What are you working on now?
I’m about to make a turkey sandwich. Lettuce, tomatoes, the works.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This could change once I figure out what I’m doing on Amazon and Facebook, but Bookbub (both ads and promos) yield insane numbers for me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never wait for a call. Not from any one, not about any thing.

Should you ever wish to do this, pause first and read Dorothy Parker’s famous essay, “A Telephone Call.”

“Please, God, let him telephone me now,” it begins. “Dear God, let him call me now. I won’t ask anything else of You, truly I won’t. It isn’t very much to ask. It would be so little to You, God, such a little, little thing. Only let him telephone now. Please, God. Please, please, please.”

It ends pretty much the same way. Today we have KDP and Tinder. Pull yourself together, girl.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up. Never, never, never, never, never. I think that’s a Winston Churchill misquote, but don’t do it anyway.

What are you reading now?
I’m scrambling to finish a mordantly funny novel, “Deadpan,” by Richard Walter, for a Livestream he and I are giving this afternoon on humor and satire in chaotic times. I really don’t want him to sound smarter than me, although he is, by a lot.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Again, there’s that sandwich. Oh, I’m also working on the second Jaycee Grayson novel in the series, a prequel set in Y2K Hollywood.

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 3 or 4 of my own books in various stages of completion, abandoned somewhere along the way for reasons unknown, probably because they were deemed unworkable or I just lost interest. A Sisyphean venture, to be sure, but I’m not nuts about islands and don’t really get why people save all year to vacation on them, unless they are Manhattan or Île Saint-Louis.

Author Websites and Profiles

Julie Ann Sipos Website

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