Awesome Author Interviews

Hannah Cabrera Amazon Profile

Interview With Author Hannah Cabrera

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Hannah, and I have written a ton of books, but I have only published four, almost five. I’m a mom of four who usually stays at home, except when I’m taking kids to school, or the doctor, or extracurricular activities.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled Roses in December. It is based off of a weird idea I had throughout my childhood that if I just remembered moments well enough, I’d be able to return to them. I still haven’t figure out exactly how to do that, so I wrote a book about it instead. The name Roses in December comes from a poem about memory by Geoffrey Anketell Studdert-Kennedy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really? I usually have to right after I put my kids to bed or early in the morning before they wake up, but I don’t think that’s very unusual for a mom-author.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My two favorite authors are Gail Carson Levine and Shannon Hale. I love fantasy, magic, and fairy tales. Ella Enchanted is one of my all-time favorite books.

What are you working on now?
At this very moment I am working on launching my YA novel, Roses in December. I’m spending lots of late nights making sure it is just right and ready for amazing readers to enjoy.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I used to think it was Facebook, but apparently, that is the site of old people now. I have most recently started using TikTok and posting more on Instagram.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Your story is important!! It needs to be told. And there is enough room in the world for all the stories.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
What doesn’t challenge us doesn’t change us.

What are you reading now?
I’m beta reading a romantasy manuscript that my incredible sister wrote.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Once Roses in December is published, I’m going to take a little bit of a break. Then I’m going to finish writing my middle grade novel series, Open Me For Adventure. My kids will kill me if I don’t finish the story.

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?
Squirrel Girl by Shannon Hale (because it is hilarious)
Fairest by Gail Carson Levine
Grounded by Megan Morrison
And I’d probably have to take at least one Harry Potter book, maybe the third, since it is my favorite.

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Vivian Cline

Vivian Cline Amazon Profile

Interview With Author Vivian Cline

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Consumed is my debut novel. I enjoy traveling with my family. On weekends, you’ll find me curled up with a good book, sipping my favorite beverage as the sun falls behind the beautiful snowcapped mountains surrounding my home. I love dogs, watercolor painting, and spending time with my loved ones.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have always loved reading romance novels and watching suspenseful movies. I was walking along a beautiful trail ahead of my family when I saw this flash of an image in my mind of a dead woman covered in blood and matted leaves. I began to question myself about what happened to her and came up with the gripping suspense novel, Consumed.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love to write in complete silence.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Brenda Novak has inspired me to write creepy, romantic books about serial killers.

What are you working on now?
I am writing a young adult paranormal novel about a siren who must kill someone to save herself.

I write paranormal young adult novels under the name Sara Fitzgerald

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love Awesome Gang. I also find Facebook and Instagram to be helpful.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find joy in the process.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writers write.

What are you reading now?
Just finished a romantic book by Kristin Higgins

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have been writing a few horror stories. Recently, I won first place in a horror contest. So maybe that will be my next book.

I also write under Sara Fitzgerald, young adult paranormal and sweet romance novels.

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?
Excellent question, I would simply take my Kindle

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Jean Hoefling

Jean Hoefling Amazon Profile

Interview With Author Jean Hoefling

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing biblical fantasy since 2013, crafting the religious magical realism stories I’d always wanted to read. As Toni Morrison says, “If there’s a book you want to read and it hasn’t been written yet, you must write it.” Good advice! My first novel is Gold in Havilah, speculating about that age-old question, “Who was Cain’s wife?” After Gold, I started a series called Chronicles of Genesis. Ashes Like Bread

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Stones of Fire was published in June 2025 and focuses on the biblical prophet Enoch, from Genesis 5. Genesis 5:24 states, “And Enoch walked with God and he was not, for God took him.” Like many people, I’ve wondered over the years what kind of person could be so close to God that he walked toward him and ended up in heaven. I’ve portrayed Enoch as an action-oriented, independent guy who initially didn’t really care about God because of his many talents and great bravery. Who needs God when you’re already Mr. Perfect? Like many of us, Enoch had to lose a lot to gain a lot more.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m pretty cut and dried when it comes to getting it done. It’s butt-in-chair in the morning or I’ll get too tired and distracted by everything else. Looking at my mom’s newly dead body on a winter day in 2006, I saw what I would be in thirty years and determined to be as disciplined and productive in writing as I could from then on. We think we have so much time, but we don’t. We only have today.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like Charles Williams (a member of the writing group The Inklings, made famous by members J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis) because of the total weirdness of the worlds he creates, very much magical realism or spiritual thriller. Descent Into Hell is a classic. Williams portrays well the parallel realities of the invisible spiritual world with the everyday, material world we inhabit. For beautiful, literary stories of descriptive genius and subtle faith messages, I’ve always liked British author Elizabeth Goudge. So many great books, so little time.

What are you working on now?
I’m outlining the fourth book in my Chronicles of Genesis series, about the biblical patriarch Noah. Like my other characters, Noah doesn’t start out as a man of profound faith. He must grow into faith in and love for God, just like the rest of us. I plan to portray the year aboard the famous ark as a pretty wild and interesting ride. “Sleeping With Giraffes” might make an interesting chapter title.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is https//www.jeanhoefling.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Count the cost. It’s often lonely, and you have to really want it to be able to sustain the periods of self-doubt and fatigue. You have to sacrifice to make it work. There really aren’t any shortcuts to learning to write well, but if you love what you’re doing, the hours fly by and you’re able to celebrate your progress.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A formidable English teacher in high school told me during a moment of adolescent irresponsibility: “Do what you must before you do what you will.” She talked with an archaic bent, being an English teacher. What I believe she meant was, Do the hard thing first, the thing that will set you apart as a reliable, mature person. After that, the fun stuff is all yours.

What are you reading now?
The Language of Creation: Cosmic Symbolism in Genesis, by a really smart Canadian guy named Mattieu Pageau. It’s a commentary on the book of Genesis explained through the ancient biblical model of the universe. Here’s an intriguing chapter title I can’t wait to dig into, as long as I have some guacamole and chips to help me through: “Adam as Microcosm: Naked or Dressed.”

I think I’ll also re-read Descent Into Hell.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish the Noah story, I’d like to write some contemporary fiction. I’ve always liked stories about small towns and the complexities of living in these communities as opposed to urban settings. Developing a cast of characters readers will fall in love with forever sounds like 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?
The Bible, by God
The Scent of Water, by Elizabeth Goudge
Wounded by Love, by St. Porphyrios
Confessions, by St. Augustine

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Jean Hoefling Website

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Rhoda De-Diadem

Rhoda De-Diadem Amazon Profile

Interview With Author Rhoda De-Diadem

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
RHODA DE-DIADEM is an internationally celebrated author and literary strategist whose transformative work redefines the boundaries of storytelling and empowerment.

Renowned for her masterful ability to blend profound wisdom with compelling narratives, Rhoda crafts and books are more than literature, they are catalysts for self-discovery, innovation, societal and business impact.

Her words resonate globally, earning prestigious accolades and a devoted readership inspired by her unique fusion of creativity, emotional depth, and actionable insights.

Beyond her groundbreaking authorship, Rhoda is a visionary in nonprofit and literary CONSULTING, empowering organizations and individuals to realize their highest potential.

With unparalleled expertise in GRANT WRITING, she secures transformative funding for nonprofits and businesses through meticulously crafted proposals and strategic fundraising plans.

Her workshops on GRANT PROPOSAL development equip aspiring changemakers with the tools to turn vision into reality.

As a trusted partner SELF-PUBLISHING and MANUSCRIPT DEVELOPMENT, Rhoda’s editing and proofreading prowess transforms raw ideas into polished, publication-ready works, guiding authors to success in the competitive literary world.

Her academic EDITING SERVICES elevate scholarly papers, theses, and dissertations, while her content creation for nonprofits, spanning annual reports to donor communications, amplifies their missions with clarity and impact.

A beacon of enlightenment, Rhoda’s multifaceted expertise transcends conventional boundaries, sparking personal and professional revolutions for dreamers and doers alike.

Her legacy lies not only in her words but in the lives and organizations she inspires to soar.

Join the global community transformed by Rhoda De-Diadem’s extraordinary vision and discover a world of growth, inspiration, and limitless possibility.

To the present, more than 50 books have been written.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hmm,of course. The title is: “Defiant Horizons:A Saga of Resilience, Romance, and Social Justice in a Timeless Ambition and Identity

My Inspiration: Equity to Showcasing Talents, Balancing One’s Totality.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I’m placed on my toes on any distress call to adding value to corporations and individuals.

What are you working on now?
To making corporations, and individuals pools of stable solutions in challenging moments.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
When wearied,…Quit not. It’s just a moment to blast of victory.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Discouragements from allies is not force to my breakdown,…but opening to strike better for new ideas.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading the wide world,…yes!

What’s next for you as a writer?
To be in leading and top 100

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 got broken all possible discouragements over the years, my mind is the book I ever need.

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Jeff Kikel

Jeff Kikel Amazon Profile

Interview With Author Jeff Kikel

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been in the financial services industry for over 30 years and began writing almost 10 years ago, then went nearly 9 years before publishing another book. In 2024, I decided that I wanted writing to become my main career. I have over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, and began writing nearly 10 years ago. After a nearly 9-year hiatus, I published another book in 2024. That year, I decided to make writing my primary career and ended up writing 8 books. So far this year, I have published another 4, with a goal of reaching 12 by the end of the year. Most of my books fall into the non-fiction category, focusing on entrepreneurship and finance, and I ended up writing eight books during the year. I have published four so far this year, with a goal of 12 by year’s end. Most of my books have been in the nonfiction space (entrepreneurship and finance).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Overcoming the Retirement Trap. This book tells the story of how I transitioned from a 20-year corporate career in Finance to becoming an entrepreneur. It tells both the good and bad times, as well as what it took for me to reach my “Freedom Day”, the first day I had a work-optional lifestyle.

The book outlines an 8-step strategy that readers can follow to achieve their own Freedom Day and beyond.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have integrated AI into my writing strategy. Specifically Claude and ChatGPT. I typically use ChatGPT to help me get my head around the research on my topic specifically what others are saying about competitive books on Amazon, then using Chat to help me draft my outline.

Once I have a rough outline, I will run that through Claude and use it as a writing partner to help me flesh out the chapters to get to a final polished outline. I am not a fast typist so I typically write by recording the book into a recording device, most often while I am taking a morning walk. Then I take those recordings and run them through Descript for transcription.

Once I have a transcribed draft of the book, I edit it in Grammarly for copy editing, and then store the book in Scrivener until I can read through it and do a final edit of the book before running it past my editor or now in some cases running it through Claude (who has been asked to act as a Senior Copy Editor). I have been amazed at the quality of the advice from the Claude AI. It is insightful and often works with me in much the same way as a human editor.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
From the Entrepreneurial side, Russell Brunson has helped me to understand the best way to structure books. On the Fiction side, my writing is very similar to James Patterson and Ernest Hemingway. I prefer short, punchy sentences and paragraphs with rapid dialogue, so the reader is not bogged down in the reading. It is the type of writing that I enjoy reading.

What are you working on now?
After 10 years of writing nonfiction and 14 books to my name, I have decided to begin writing fiction, specifically Mysteries and Thrillers. If you had asked me when I was getting out of college, that would have been what I would have told you I wanted to write; it has just taken me 35 years to achieve that goal.

I have a series of Novella’s in the works right now, that are a bit Noir and a bit high tech. The series follows Marcus Vale, a former NYPD Detective, that was forced to resign and ends up becoming a Private Investigator. Two unique aspects of Marcus’s work are that he began experimenting with AI in early 2024 and has been utilizing it to assist him in solving cases ever since. He has built a reputation for solving cases no one else wants, quickly, and typically during the evening hours, largely because he sleeps for only 3-4 hours a day. The series is called Night Falls. The first book, titled Shadows over Bourbon Street, is scheduled to be released in late June 2025.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I refer people to my website, www.JeffKikel.com, where you can find and link to my books. I also promote my book through my mailing list, social media, and sites like Awesome Gang, so that I can get a big rush of sales at the beginning of my book launch. This strategy has given me 10 out of 14 #1 New Releases over the last year.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a new author, you need to set goals for yourself on how much you will write every day. My unique strategy of combining AI with dictation allows me to write upwards of 10,000 words per day. That means I can theoretically complete a first draft (after 2-3 days of developing a detailed outline) in 3-4 days. Then it is just editing. I can do that because I am essentially a full-time writer now, but if you are not, you need to set goals for yourself and persist until you reach them.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The greatest advice I have ever heard, and I can’t remember who said it (he was an older writer that is long gone at this point) was “Writing is the art of attaching one’s butt to a seat and writing”.

What are you reading now?
I just started James Patterson and Bill Clinton’s The First Gentleman. I have really enjoyed this series as a look behind the curtains of Washington DC.

What’s next for you as a writer?
For now it is Mysteries and Thrillers. My first long form thriller novel “Shadows over Montmartre” is about half finished and that will begin a new series of books called the Brotherhood of the Star, which is set in post-WW1 Paris will be out in early fall.

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 is a difficult one, since I have about a 2000-volume library. Here we go. First and foremost, Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole. Although you need a dictionary to read it, it has some of the most interesting character development. Russell Brunson’s Expert Secrets, I learned more about storytelling from that book than anywhere else (and one that I have read at least 20 times). The Four Hour Work Week, by Tim Ferriss. This is another book that I have read at least twice a year for the last 10 years. Every time I read it I find something new that I was not ready to receive at the time. Finally Letters from a Stoic by Seneca. This book is 2000 years old and has more in it on how to live a life worth living (and you are going to need this on a desert island) than any book I have ever read.

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Ephraim Clark

Ephraim Clark Amazon Profile

Interview With Author Ephraim Clark

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was raised in the United States. After I obtained my undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame, the lure of travel and adventure trumped the pressure to settle down and put my nose to the grindstone. This wanderlust itinerary took me from Latin America to the UK and Europe, earning my way as a karate instructor, night club bouncer, pop singer, and recording artist. I have post graduate degrees from the University of Madrid and the University of Paris, where I obtained my PhD in Financial Economics Summa cum Laude. After a few years as a financial forecaster and country risk analyst, I turned to academia in France as a full professor in Finance. During my academic career, I authored or co-authored nine books and over one hundred papers in top academic and professional journals. Now I’m writing spy thrillers and, between consulting contracts, spend my time with my wife traveling around Europe. Some things never change. I started writing spy thrillers four years ago. Two have been published and the other three are scheduled for publication over the next year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Agents Scorned scheduled for release on July 8 is for readers who love the high-stakes action of Jack Mars, the relentless thrill of Lee Child, and the espionage intrigue of Tom Clancy, Agents Scorned is a pulse-pounding 1970s spy thriller packed with betrayal, revenge, subterfuge, and edge-of-your-seat suspense.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m unproductive until after 4 pm.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jack Reacher is my favorite hero along with James Bond. Jo Nesbo is probably my favorite author at the moment.

What are you working on now?
Currently working on a story where CIA troubleshooter Brad James seeks answers when he narrowly escapes a mortal ambush by a government hit team. He finds himself in the middle of plot by an egomaniac psychopath to overthrow the government and an internecine struggle between two powerful factions of the deep state bureaucracy. They all want something they think he has. Will he be able to overcome the crushing complicity of the deep-state to stay alive and defeat the traitors?

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Bookbub featured.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up your day job.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In a new environment, don’t befriend the first person who’s nice to you.

What are you reading now?
The Edge by David Baldacci

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m planning another five books for my Brad James thriller 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?
Desert Survival Manual, Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer

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Ephraim Clark Website

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Carol Gerges

Interview With Author Carol Gerges

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Gerges has had a lifelong dream of writing stories that satisfy a wide variety of genres, and her recent journey around the world inspired her to make her dream become a reality. Her first publication of a children’s book is a testament that she hopes inspires others to pursue their “alternative universes.”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Buzz-Buzz: the bumblebee,” is a children’s book about a bumblebee that wants to be the best member of the hive, which is a dream that is possible with the help of family and friends. This book was inspired by Gerges’ lifelong commitment to becoming the best version of herself, but realizing that a person can only get so far on their own– it is their family and friends who can help carry them so much further than they can ever dream for themselves.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Gerges enjoys writing a story and “shelving” it for a minimum of a year, returning to it every so often to see whether the story still resonates with her.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon KDP publishing is a wonderful resource to publish books, and book-promoting sites are a great opportunity to help increase awareness for these stories.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Gerges encourages authors to write stories that resonate with them, stories that readers can feel a connection with because their authors’ passion is evident between the lines.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Everyone has two lives, the second begins when we realize we only have one.” -Confucius

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SK Hinkley

SK Hinkley Amazon Profile

Interview With Author SK Hinkley

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I wrote the Darlington Circus Series. I have one book out now, two more coming out july 30th and I am writing the 4th book

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Darlington circus: Immortal Greed, this book has all the characters from Velvet Deceit and Eternal Act. This was inspired by the characters in my head.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love listening to music to help me get into the writing mood. I love indie music

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a huge Sarah J Maas fan. She has inspired me to write and get lost in my magical world.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the fourth book to the series as well as a stand alone book, I am not sure which will come out first.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Got to love my BookTokers. I get al my reviews and recommendations from them.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start Writing! – Even if you know its not good, write it down and change it later.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Best advice I received was to just start writing!

What are you reading now?
I am reading Does it Hurt by HD Carlton.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To promote the Darlington Circus Series and get it selling in stores, but I also just want to write my next two 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?
OMG Great question! Of course I need ACOTAR AND ACOMAF (Rhys) Credence by Penelope Douglas and Flock by Kate Stewart

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SK Hinkley Website

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Alice B. Sullivan

Alice B. Sullivan Website

Interview With Author Alice B. Sullivan

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in upstate New York and have loved the zombie genre since I was a kid. I have 8 zombie books available, as well as couple of zombie short stories, on Amazon with more to come. I’m currently working on Book 2 (the third book in one of my zombie apocalypse series). Books 0 and 1 are currently available, as well as a couple of companion books for more of the universe. I devour zombie media like it sustains life.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The World That Came After. I love pondering how kids would react in the zombie apocalypse. It’s a concept often ignored, overshadowed, or considered taboo. I don’t avoid taboo. The World That Came After is a universe where a pathogenic pollen from a yellow floower turns adults into zombies, leaving kids orphaned and fending for themselves. This book specifically is post-apocalyptic and follows Jay, a reluctant hero with a choice: face his fears or let them consume him. The point is to showcase how bravery doesn’t mean fearless. It’s doing something IN SPITE OF that fear. Bravery isn’t something you’re born with. It’s messy and gray and is often diluted to doing things fearlessly. These are children, forced to survive against horrible monsters. They aren’t fearless. They’re terrified. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be brave.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I work on multiple projects at one time. It helps keep my creative juices flowing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Seanan McGuire (pen name Mira Grant). I read her Newsflesh series and was smitten. I always loved to write and loved zombies. I even had more own universe at the time I picked her series up; however, once I finished her books, I felt the fire lit under my butt to finish MINE. Seanan is an inspiration. She’s also a great person. I follow her on social media. I love her cat posts!

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on Book 2 in a zombie apocalypse series, AFTERMATH. Books 0 and 2 are available, as well as two companion books. AFTERMATH will be 4 books in total for the main story; however, I have more companion stories planned.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Reddit mainly. The zombies subreddit is a great community. I feel at home there. Quality content with quality company.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Imposter syndrome is inevitable. Seeing concepts similar to yours is inevitable. Neither mean you’re a fraud or not worthy or not good enough. You could be working on someone’s favorite book without realizing it, and it won’t be realized unless you finish it. So, finish it. You might see other media with similar concepts, but nobody can write it the way you can.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you want to read.

What are you reading now?
I’m rereading Rust-Colored Rain by Otto Schafer. Super fun, interesting concept.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just to continue writing. Continue putting out books I love and connecting with the readers that keep me motivated. I wouldn’t be able to do this without them.

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?
Feed by Mira Grant
The Day the Dead Came to Show and Tell by Mira Grant
The Enemy by Charlie Higson
Everything Dies by TW Malpass

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Alice B. Sullivan Amazon Profile

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Greta Rose West

Greta Rose West Amazon Profile

Interview With Author Greta Rose West

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
To date, I have written twelve full-length novels, three short novellas, and three stories that are nowhere near finished or fully realized yet.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My next release (7/31/25) is Roads Behind Us. It’s a single-dad romance and it explores love after loss. I was raised by a single dad, so that’s where a lot of the funny moments in the book come from.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Must have coffee and music!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tim Sandlin, Barbara Kingsolver, and oddly (considering I write western romance), JR Ward. JR writes paranormal romance, and her Black Dagger Brotherhood series is one of my absolute faves.

What are you working on now?
At the moment, I’m working on two books. Forever Finds Us is the 7th book in my Wisper Dreams series. It’s a steamy billionaire romance set in my fictional town of Wisper, Wyoming. And then I’ve just started the 8th book in that same series. It doesn’t have a title yet.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m a “wide” author, meaning my books are not in Kindle Unlimited and are available on many ebook retailers, so to reach those readers I use several newsletter advertisers, like Awesome Book Promotion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. Even if you think what you’re writing sucks, even if you didn’t plot your idea out. Sometimes, I find the best ideas come if I just put my dang fingers on my keyboard. Also, start social media accounts now!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Fake it till you make it.

What are you reading now?
I just downloaded Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. I’ve been looking forward to reading it for a long time.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will be in my writing cave. Don’t bother me unless you have cookies. Or pizza. Pizza is always welcome. 😉

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 Bean Trees, Barbara Kingsolver
Skipped Parts, Tim Sandlin
And probably one of my own books just so I could hug it.

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Greta Rose West Website

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Gonda Kapika

Gonda Kapika Amazon Profile

Interview With Author Gonda Kapika

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in the Netherlands in a village called ‘de Lier’ and I later moved to a city named ‘Delft’. Since I’ve had always loved writing I started to practice writing (with some ups and downs). After I’ve completed my photography studies, I decided to write my first book!
It’s called ‘Dragon Egg Hunters’ and it’s my first and only book! (So far)

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name is Dragon Egg Hunters.
It’s inspired by the fantasy series ‘Lord of the Rings’ and my love for fantasy and dragons. Oh and I watched a few ‘Jurassic Park’ movies when I was young, so that might have influenced it as well.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I write without describing the scene, as if people can read my mind, haha.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
‘Lord of the Rings’, ‘Jurassic Park”…perhaps also the movie ‘Battle Royal’….but I’ve never read the books of the ‘Hunger Games’, which would people expect to be a source of inspiration. (I mean, I do know the story, but it hasn’t particularly influenced my mind.)

What are you working on now?
The sequel of Dragon Egg Hunters!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Instagram definitely. Also youtube and facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make the story cohesive and don’t jump from one point to another, it will confuse the reader. And make sure to save up, publishing a book costs money!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t think about what isn’t possible, just do what is possible.

What are you reading now?
“A Poet to His Beloved” by WB Yeats.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The sequel, and perhaps after that another story in a different genre.

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?
“Remember Me?” from Sophia Kinsella (It’s a really funny and interesting story.)
“Lord of the Rings” from Tolkien, the first one, obviously.
“Dairy of a wimpy kid” from Jeff Kinney. (Again, funny book.)
“The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook” from David Borgenicht and Joshua Piven (I have to survive somehow).

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Trinity Sierra Sesay

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Interview With Author Trinity Sierra Sesay

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer who explores the messy, beautiful, and unpredictable nature of relationships—whether in love, identity, or personal growth. My stories center emotionally honest characters navigating complex choices, often set against real-world backdrops.When Goodbye Is All You Have is my debut novel and the first book I’ve written. It reflects my passion for creating characters who feel real and relationships that linger long after the final page.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is When Goodbye Is All You Have. It was inspired by the kind of heartbreak that doesn’t come with clean endings—the moments when love and loss exist side by side. I wanted to write a story that didn’t rush past grief, but instead sat with it, explored it, and honored the complexity of letting go when you still care deeply.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t call them unusual, but I do have a few habits that work for me. I tend to write either early in the morning or late at night—those quiet hours when everything feels still. I also refer to my characters by their personalities before I give them names, almost like I’m getting to know them first. And I rarely write in order. I jump between scenes and moments until the full story takes shape.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by authors who know how to bring depth, vulnerability, and real-life complexity to the page. Writers like E. Lynn Harris, Michael Baisden, Tananarive Due, Francis Ray, and Pearl Cleage have all shaped how I think about character, voice, and the emotional layers of a story. Their work made space for honesty—and that’s something I try to carry into my own writing.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the next story for one of the characters from When Goodbye Is All You Have. It’s still early in the process, but I’m excited to explore their journey more deeply and see where their story leads. There’s more to uncover, and I think readers will enjoy seeing a different side of the world I began building in the first book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That remains to be seen—I’m still learning what works best. But one thing I’ve found to be essential is finding the right community. Connecting with readers who genuinely engage with your work, and with other writers who understand the journey, makes all the difference. Promotion is important, but authentic connection is what really carries a story forward.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would tell new authors the same thing I remind myself every day: stay authentic. Don’t chase trends or try to fit into someone else’s mold. Write the story that’s true to you—the one that only you can tell. That’s where the real magic is.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is: don’t make comparisons. Ten people can write the exact same paragraph, and it will land differently for each reader. That taught me an important lesson—stay uniquely you. Your voice matters, and trying to sound like someone else only dims what makes your work stand out.

What are you reading now?
Honestly, I’m not reading anything at the moment. Sometimes, I need space between writing and reading to stay fully present with my own characters and creative voice.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Right now, my focus is on getting this debut book out into the universe and into the hands and hearts of readers. That’s the priority. Later this summer or fall, I’ll start working on the next book—but for now, I just want to give When Goodbye Is All You Have the space to breathe and be discovered.

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—there are so many good books out there. But if I had to choose, I’d want a mix of comfort, depth, and inspiration. I’d probably bring something by Pearl Cleage for her beautiful storytelling, a novel by Tananarive Due for her powerful world-building, and maybe a book of poetry or essays that grounds me when I need reflection. And if I could sneak in a fourth, something funny—because even on a desert island, a good laugh matters.

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Chris Kauzlarich

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Interview With Author Chris Kauzlarich

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an indie author who has written for my entire life, but I have really focused on pursuing my craft over the last several years. As many writers will attest, you feel a bit lost when you aren’t writing, and that describes me to the letter. I have written two books, with my second titled “Menagerie in the Dark,” debuting on August 26, 2025. Besides writing, I am a huge reader and have been for as long as I can remember. No matter where I went, whether in the car or at a friend’s house, I always had a book packed that I could escape to in a moment of need.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, “Menagerie in the Dark,” is a collection of fourteen short stories, each inspired by experiences from my life or observations that ignited my creativity. Over the course of twelve years, I wrote a multitude of stories, and these fourteen emerged as my favorites. Initially, I hadn’t intended to create a collection, but about a year ago, while reviewing my work, I began to wonder what it would be like to compile them. As I unconsciously grouped the stories into similar themes, a cohesive arc started to take shape. The collection follows a thematic journey that begins with “Dusk,” where the tales grow darker through the depths of night, before concluding with “Dawn,” which offers a brighter, more hopeful tone.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wish I did, something superstitious and quirky, but unfortunately, I don’t. I feel my writing habits are pretty tame and routine.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
For me, Stephen King is my most influential writer. I’m sure he is named-dropped quite a bit, but his genre and style really speak to me – I even joke that he’s my writing spirit animal. Like King, I’m drawn to stories with horror, suspense, and fantastical elements. It’s just how I’m wired. I’m also inspired by writers like Chuck Palahniuk and Robert Jordan, although I haven’t quite matched the depth of Jordan’s descriptions. I hope to write a massive fantasy series one day, so we’ll see if I can make that happen!

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on a suspense novel. I’ve finished the first draft, and I’m set to complete the structural edits with my editor by the end of July 2025. My goal is to wrap up the drafts and revisions by late spring 2026. From there, we’ll decide whether I should continue with indie publishing or query agents. I’ve also outlined two more novels that I plan to start writing later this year!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning, so I don’t have the best method yet. The goal is to try to secure author interviews on podcasts, organize giveaways, perhaps host read-alongs or book clubs, and run ARC campaigns. Marketing a book is truly a hit-or-miss endeavor, and my first attempt with my last book didn’t pan out the way I had hoped. Wish me luck this time around!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Put yourself out there, even if you are introverted, and don’t let rejection defeat you. Being an author is a challenging career; it’s not just about writing books. We need to promote ourselves, build audiences, and handle criticism regularly. I mean, how scary is it to share your work, something you’ve poured your heart and soul into, with the world where someone will inevitably tear it to pieces? Pretty freaking scary. That said, don’t let criticism hold you back. Read between the lines and try to identify the learning opportunities in every review, conversation with a fan, or marketing campaign to see what you can improve for the next time.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To read and write every day. It is probably the most overused piece of advice for aspiring writers, but no matter how tired I am of hearing it, it remains the most important thing I can do to hone my craft further. Reading often helps you learn grammar, style, and prose, while writing every day ensures you not only get your creative juices flowing but also practice creating your own worlds and stories. I once read that a writer’s first 100,000 words are garbage, but after that point, you will start to get somewhere. That may not be true for everyone, but I know it held true for me. Looking back on my earliest works was an embarrassing exercise, but I feel proud ofme. So develop t how far I’ve cohat discipline: write every day and make sure to pick up a book to see what your peers are doinge all need to es and get lost in their worlds. Wcape sometimes.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading “The Dead Husband Cookbook” by Danielle Valentine and “The Director” by Daniel Kehlmann. I often find that it is a regular habit of mine to read more than one book at a time, even when I am engrossed in one that I adore.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have several new story ideas I want to exploreing a massive fantasy saga that has been floating around in my head for the last 13 years. Back when I first started devising it, I didn’t think I had the skill writing, includs finally that t to pull it off;ime to give it a I believe now i try!

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?
“Eye of the World” by Robert Jordan, “The Stand” and “On Writing” by Stephen King, and “The Grace of Kings” by Ken Liu.

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J.D.R. Hawkins

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Interview With Author J.D.R. Hawkins

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an award winning, bestselling author and have published seven books so far. I am also a singer/songwriter. My music is available on Spotify, iTunes, etc. as Julie Hawkins and Julie Hawkins Band.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Fool’s Gold Folly: A Story of Irish Resilience is a side story to go along with the Renegade Series. It tells the story of one of the minor characters, Patrick Mulligan, and what happens once he leaves Pennsylvania for Colorado Territory in search of gold. The Renegade Series centers around two families during and after the Civil War.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to listen to period music when I write, because it helps me get into the right mindset. I also have a wall of Civil War paintings and an awesome Confederate cavalry sword that I look to for inspiration.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Gone with the Wind, Cold Mountain, and Widow of the South. There are many more, too numerous to name, but because I am a Civil War author, these three books have influenced my own writing the most.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the fifth and final installment of the Renegade Series, which has yet to be titled. The historical fiction series has evolved from military and war to historical romance, to Westward Expansion, to a Western, so it has crossed over into many different genres.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own website, as well as other social media outlets such as X, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and my blog. https://jdrhawkins.blog/

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up! We all have a story to tell, so don’t let excuses hold you back.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One bestselling author told me to always persevere. He said he wallpapered his entire bathroom with reject letters he’d received from agents.

What are you reading now?
The Confederate’s Physician, by Alison Blasdell.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will start writing the fifth and final book in the Renegade Series, and then I have another historical fiction novel I would like to publish. It is a cozy mystery and is set in my hometown, Sioux City, Iowa.

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 Holy Bible, Gone with the Wind, The Yearling, Old Yeller. (I love those tear-jerk animal stories!)

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Linda Shirey

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Interview With Author Linda Shirey

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started reading around age three (so I’m told), and writing at the age of five – it really hasn’t stopped since. I blame Mum; she’s an Anglophile and a bibliophile. None of her gaggle of girls had a shot at escaping the world of words. (Dad thought Charles Dickens needed an editor, but we all agreed it was because his English teacher warbled on about the glories of “Great Expectations” instead of starting with “A Christmas Carol”.)

I’ve written at least three books, with partial layouts for two more. I’ve published one so far.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Wolves Among Us” was inspired by….loss. And a lifelong hatred of bullies.

Specifically, I grew up in a small church in the middle of a city, and the number of people who thought “I can turn this around” was truly overwhelming. Some of them merely wanted a church crafted in their own image – they might talk about Jesus or do mighty works in His name, but it’s not really for His sake or His glory.

Prior to the pandemic lockdowns, I’d written some ideas. Once I wrapped up a part-time job and had a surgery, it was time to finish the book. Tie up loose ends.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Once I get into the groove of writing, I hate being interrupted. This makes the classic time-blocking method really difficult, because I just. want. to. finish. (Anyone is allowed to tentatively tap on the door and offer coffee, though, and blessings be upon you.)

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to count. Early on, classic kid lit from Roald Dahl and C.S Lewis and L.M. Montgomery, with sidelines into adventure stories by Jim Kjelgaard and Jack London. Teen years included some theology (John Calvin really could write simply), more British fiction (Dickens and Austen and both Stevensons), and a high content of mystery novelists (Dick Francis, Ngaio Marsh, Agatha Christie, Conan Doyle, Edgar Allen Poe, Josephine Tey). Then a few grittier authors, like Raymond Chandler and Chaucer – and Shakespeare. By my third decade, dystopian novels and history had crept in, so St Augustine was rubbing elbows with Harry Potter and biographies of Winston Churchill were engaging in space campaigns with Mao Tse Tung and general philosophy…so when we moved to North Carolina, half the space we needed was for books and bookshelves.

What are you working on now?
“Cults Among Us” should be out mixing it up with the puck lid in another six months (or so). Stay tuned!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Probably AllAuthors for now, but who knows -possibly Awesomegang!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you’ve sat on the idea of publishing a book for 10 years, just take a weekend and press the button. You can always roll out a second edition.

Just. Do. It.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A dollar saved is more valuable than a dollar earned, because of taxes. (They didn’t say inflation, but it operates as well.)

What are you reading now?
A few nonfictions by self-published authors, and at least one paranormal murder mystery from Christian Authors Unite. I’ll finish it today and post a review.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After finishing book two, I’ll need some time to put together a short guide: “How to Spot a Liar”. So far, I’ve watched videos on FBI techniques, a podcast with a former Secret Service Agent, and did an impromptu interview of my eye doctor (it was a slow day for him) on how liars give themselves away. It’s the eyes, you see.

Truly, I get into philosophical discussions of spiritual maladies with medical people. They need variety too.

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 is NO FAIR but probably the Bible (ESV or NKJ but not ‘The Message’), a complete volume of Shakespeare, a complete one-volume set of Rudyard Kipling, and some how-to survival manual included McGuyver methods on making fires and ponchos out of small animal skins.

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Karen Kay

Interview With Author Karen Kay

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Historical Romance Author or Native American Historical Romance. I’ve written twenty-nine (29) books, three under the pen name of Genny Cothern for the Young Adult genre.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
SHE BELONGS IN MY WORLD

My inspiration comes from true stories as told by the person who lived them in the long ago period of the 1800’s, Also,I was iinspired to write my newest series because of the parpnormal elements of the Native American cultures at this time in history.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I work at my desk, but when I’m creatively writing, I listen to music. Each story has a different kind of music that inspires me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
James Willard Schultz; Joanna Redd; Cassie Edwards; L. Ron Hubbard; Frank B. Linderman, Thomas E. Malls, the book, BLACK ELK SPEAKS

What are you working on now?
I’m working on book #6 in the Medicine Man seris entitled IF SHE WERE MINE

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There are so many, many good websites I go to in order to promote my books. Perhpas one of the bests is my newsletter.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what inspires you and don’t worry about grammar or anything like that. Just write your story. The rest can be edited — but usually after you’ve told your story.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There are many opinions about books and some are wonderful and some can be crushing. But, it’s best to, perhaps, ignore them all becaues they are, after all, only opinions. It’s your opinion and creativity that counts. Splurge on it.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading mostly research. But, my research includes wonderful true, adventure stories from the old west. My favorites are a series of books featuring Thomas Fox and Pitamakan as young adventurous boys in the wilds of Montana.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve started a series of Young Adult Stories featuring a teenage Blackfeet boy and a teenage girl named Starling, who has come to live with her Uncle Jed in Fort Benton.Self

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?
Self Analysis by L. Ron Hubbard;
The Quest of the FISH-DOG SKIN, The Dreadful River Cave – Chief Black Elk’s Story, The Gold Cache – Rising Wolf, the White Blackfoot — all by James Willard Schultz

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Amy Stanbra

Interview With Author Amy Stanbra

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Yorkshire-based writer of crime and psychological thrillers, known for dark, layered storytelling and emotionally charged characters. With a background in the arts and a lifelong fascination with the human mind, I craft gripping narratives that explore identity, obsession, and the secrets we bury.

Before delving into the shadows of crime fiction, I wrote several children’s books and advanced reader titles, all illustrated by my talented daughter — a creative collaboration that continues to inspire me. When I’m not writing, I can usually be found people-Tending my cottage garden, collecting vintage oddities, or getting lost in the rain-soaked corners of South Yorkshire with my two dogs and family.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Gallery of Lies is the first in my Mara Vandelyn thriller series — a haunting debut that I hope blends forensic intrigue with my love for writing.

What inspired me to write The Gallery of Lies.
It began with a single image: a cracked mirror in an abandoned house and the question — what if someone used mirrors not just to reflect, but to distort? I’ve always been fascinated by identity, performance, and the masks people wear. Living in the beautiful countryside of South Yorkshire I am surrounded by quiet towns with rich histories and buried secrets — places that feel like they are watching you back. That eerie intimacy, mixed with my interest in forensic psychology and art, sparked the idea for a killer who stages his crimes like gallery pieces.

As a writer, I’m drawn to characters who walk the line between control and collapse. Mara Vandelyn, my lead detective, emerged from that tension — brilliant but bruised, analytical but deeply human. Her story became my way of exploring grief, guilt, and the fine line between justice and obsession.

The Gallery of Lies is fiction, but the emotions behind it — the fear of being seen too closely, or not at all — are very real.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always draft on my phone . Which means I can literally write anyone. In bed, in the garden, shopping at lidl even while using the loo. When ever an idea hits, I’m always ready.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Writers Who Shaped Me

I grew up in a house of books — shelves lined not just with stories, but with voices that seemed to speak directly to me. Over time, a handful of authors became my compass. They didn’t just entertain; they unsettled, provoked, and whispered truths I hadn’t yet named. Their work became the soil I write from.

Margaret Atwood taught me that language could be both razor-sharp and poetic. Her ability to distil vast themes — power, control, memory — into elegantly brutal prose showed me that beauty and menace can coexist. The Handmaid’s Tale didn’t just tell a story; it left claw marks. That taught me the value of restraint, of what’s left unsaid.

Markus Zusak, especially in The Book Thief, showed me how to use heartbreak as scaffolding. His unconventional narration, lyrical style, and gentle handling of grief inspired the emotional undercurrents of The Gallery of Lies. I learned that crime and tragedy can be deeply human — tender, even — when written with empathy.

Sebastian Faulks gave me a sense of time and weight — how personal trauma echoes across generations. His work taught me that character is history, that our pasts don’t follow us; they walk alongside us. In my stories, every character carries something buried — not unlike Faulks’ haunted protagonists.

Ian Rankin made me fall in love with procedural grit. His Inspector Rebus novels proved that crime fiction could be intelligent, layered, and socially observant. He showed me how to balance a flawed detective with an equally flawed world — something I strive for in Mara Vandelyn.

And of course, Agatha Christie — the matriarch of misdirection. She taught me how to plant seeds, how to lead readers one way and then quietly twist the blade. Her puzzles were precise, but never cold. From her, I learned that structure matters. That endings must feel both surprising and inevitable.

These writers gave me different tools: voice, atmosphere, emotional depth, structure, suspense. I don’t write like them, but because of them. Their words live in my spine. And when I sit down to write, it’s their courage — and their curiosity — that remind me why I began.

What are you working on now?
The second book in the Mara Vandelyn thriller series- Death Doula

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have always shied away from. Self promotion. Which clearly isn’t productive for a self-employed writer. I use liked in and facebook .

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the book you want to read — not the one you think the market wants.

Your voice is your superpower. It might take time to find, and longer to trust, but don’t be afraid to sound like you. The most resonant stories aren’t always the loudest or the trendiest — they’re the most honest.

Don’t wait for permission. You don’t need a degree, a perfect desk, or a golden window of time. Write in chaos. Write in silence. Write while stirring pasta or waiting in the school car park. Just write.

Finish things. Ideas are exciting; middles are messy; endings are hard. But finishing a book — even a flawed one — teaches you more than a thousand unwritten perfect ones ever will.

Rejection is part of it. So is doubt. Every writer you admire has stared at a blank page and wondered if they’re good enough. Keep going anyway.

And finally — find joy in it. Not every day, not every scene. But if you can stay curious and stay in love with the process, it will show in your work.

We don’t write to be understood. We write to understand.
That’s where the magic lives.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write the story only you can tell and tell it like no one is watching.” This was something my councillor said to me years ago, that still resinates every time I begin a new chapter.

What are you reading now?
Body of Evindence – Patricia Cornwell

What’s next for you as a writer?
That’s a brilliant next step — and a natural one. Turning The Gallery of Lies into a series means you’re not just telling a story… you’re building a world. Here’s what “what’s next” could look like for you as a writer:

—

🌕 What’s Next for Amy Stanbra

Now that The Gallery of Lies has found its voice, I’m deep into turning this world into a series — one that follows Dr. Mara Vandelyn as she navigates the dark corners of identity, obsession, and memory.

I see this as more than sequels. It’s an ongoing exploration of hidden selves, of the tension between appearance and truth, played out against the gritty beauty of South Yorkshire. With each book, I want to peel back another layer — not just of the crimes, but of the people caught in their gravity.

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. The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
A novel within a novel, wrapped in mystery, memory, and female resilience. Atwood’s command of structure and subtext would keep you company for months — and remind you how language can be both brutal and beautiful.

2. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
For its poetic narration, its quiet heartbreak, and its reminder that words can both destroy and save lives. You’d reread it for the craft, and cry every time.

3. Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks
Rich, aching, and deeply human. This one would feed your soul and remind you of history’s depth — the way love and trauma ripple through generations.

4. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
A classic whodunnit with icy precision and that perfect twist. For when you need plot, pace, and the satisfying snap of a tightly written mystery.

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N.C. Salazar

Interview With Author N.C. Salazar

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m N. C. Salazar — author, educator, and founder of Hispanyland, a platform that teaches Spanish through culture, humor, and meaningful conversation, specially designed for adult learners. After publishing several academic works, I decided to explore a more creative path through storytelling. My latest literary project is Tales of Greed and Ancestral Wisdom (Cuentos de codicia y sabiduría ancestral), a bilingual short story collection that blends cultural depth with spiritual reflection. It marks a new chapter in my journey as a writer — where Latin American ancestral knowledge and poetic justice come together to spark thought and human connection.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Tales of Greed and Ancestral Wisdom (Cuentos de codicia y sabiduría ancestral). It was inspired by ancestral Indigenous narratives from Latin America — rich oral traditions that carry deep spiritual and cultural teachings. I was drawn to the way these stories explore human nature, justice, and the meaning of true wealth. Through this book, I wanted to honor that legacy and reimagine it through contemporary storytelling, blending timeless wisdom with modern reflection.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
What’s considered “unusual” is often just a writer’s personal rhythm. We all have our own rituals when it comes to the creative process — from outlining to final edits. In my case, I tend to write best during the late-night and early-morning hours, when the world is quiet and everyone’s asleep. That silence helps me focus. I also enjoy writing with ambient or electronic music in the background — it creates a kind of mental atmosphere that fuels concentration and creativity.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been deeply influenced by writers who blend social reflection with poetic or narrative power. Les Misérables by Victor Hugo left a lasting impression on me — not only for its storytelling, but for how it dives into justice, poverty, and redemption with such depth. Gabriel García Márquez has also shaped my vision, especially through One Hundred Years of Solitude and Chronicle of a Death Foretold, where magical realism becomes a vehicle for cultural memory and identity. Eduardo Galeano’s work — particularly The Open Veins of Latin America and Memory of Fire — challenged how I understand history, voice, and resistance. I’m also inspired by Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed, which, while academic, gave me a lens to view writing and education as tools for liberation.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently developing a digital course for adult learners of Spanish, combining storytelling with language practice. At the same time, I’m outlining my next book — a humorous and culturally rich collection of Colombian idioms and expressions, told through real-life anecdotes and memes. It’s a playful way to explore language and culture, and to connect with learners in a fun, authentic way.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, AwesomeGang has been the easiest and most helpful for me! I also rely on my platform Hispanyland, where I connect with a community of Spanish learners and readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t wait for perfection — publish, learn, and improve as you go. Get feedback early and often. Most importantly, write with authenticity. Readers connect with truth more than polished technique.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One phrase that has always stayed with me is, “Reality always surpasses fiction.” It reminds me that the world around us — with all its contradictions, beauty, and struggles — is an endless source of inspiration. As a writer, I’ve learned that observing life closely often leads to stories more powerful and unexpected than anything we could invent.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading The Seven Basic Plots by Christopher Booker. It’s a fascinating exploration of the fundamental story structures that have shaped narratives across cultures and time. As a writer, I find it incredibly valuable to reflect on these recurring patterns — not as formulas, but as deep archetypes that connect human experience through storytelling.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m expanding Hispanyland with digital books and courses that mix language, humor, and culture. I want to keep creating content that bridges the gap between Spanish learners and Latin American traditions.

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?
Well, first of all, I’d take How to Survive in the Wild — because let’s be honest, practical skills come first when you’re stuck with coconuts and existential thoughts. Second, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry — that book never fails to remind me of the beauty, innocence, and mystery of being human (even if I’m the only human around). And lastly, I’d finally take the time to dive into the deep waters of Russian literature — probably The Brothers Karamazov or Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. If I’m going to be isolated, might as well do it with some intense philosophical drama and moral dilemmas.

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N.C. Salazar Website

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Brendon Potter

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Interview With Author Brendon Potter

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a telecommunication architect based in Wellington, New Zealand, originally from South Africa where I ran my own business and dabbled in blogging and web design. While my career has been rooted in technology, storytelling has always intrigued me. At 54, I’ve completed my first novel—a project years in the making—and have four more planned. It’s been a rewarding shift from designing systems to constructing entire worlds.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is called Overlords, and it was born out of years of deep reflection on the biggest questions we face—good and evil, life and death, and how much of what we believe is shaped by powerful forces behind the scenes. I began to see patterns in everything from government propaganda to ancient mythology, and I wondered: what if there’s a hidden framework behind it all? With the help of AI as a collaborative tool, I set out to weave those speculative ideas—about time travel, aliens, shadow societies—into a fictional narrative that might just feel a little too real. It’s my first novel, and I’m already planning four more in the same universe.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Possibly! I haven’t spent much time around other authors, so I don’t have a baseline for what’s “normal.” But I do know I approach writing like I’ve approached system design: with obsessive attention to frameworks, cause and effect, and plausible logic—even when dealing with the bizarre or conspiratorial. One author I worked with back in South Africa, an award-winning writer I supported through my IT services, inspired me with his relentless research. That dedication rubbed off on me, and now I find myself building fictional timelines with the precision of a network architect.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
George Orwell had a profound impact on me—1984 was an awakening, and Animal Farm laid bare the mechanics of manipulation in ways that never left me. His ability to blend fiction with political commentary inspired much of the thematic backbone of my work. On a more personal note, Karel Schoeman—a brilliant South African author I had the privilege of knowing—left a lasting impression. His depth of research and commitment to the written word reminded me that stories should not just entertain, but also challenge the reader to think more deeply.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m focused on creating promotional materials for Overlords—video teasers, a website, and building a presence on social media. It’s a part-time effort alongside my full-time job, but I’m enjoying the challenge of getting the word out. Once that’s underway, I’ll be diving into Book II of the series, which continues to unravel the deeper layers of the world I’ve created. There are still many secrets left to explore.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring that out—ask me again in six months! 😄 Right now, I’m experimenting with a mix of social media, teaser videos, and a dedicated website. I’m also exploring reader communities and book promotion platforms to see what gains traction. Since this is my debut, it’s all part of the learning curve—but I’m enjoying the process.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Absolutely—back everything up, and date your notes! It’s amazing how easily good ideas can vanish in the grind of editing, formatting, and styling. Writing is only half the battle; keeping track of your thoughts, scene fragments, and early outlines is essential when you’re deep in revision mode. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That’s a tough one—but probably this: Don’t worry about what other people think. You do you. It’s simple advice, but incredibly freeing—especially as a writer. When you stop trying to please everyone and start writing from your own truth, that’s when the work becomes authentic. And ironically, that’s also when it starts to resonate with others.

What are you reading now?
At the moment, I’m deep into research mode for Overlords II. Most of my reading is web-based—articles, declassified documents, conspiracy archives, and fringe science forums. It’s all part of building a believable next layer to the world I started in Book I. I love connecting seemingly unrelated dots and asking, What if this were true?

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve mapped out material for at least four more books—now it’s just a matter of finding the time! Overlords II is next (though it may end up with a different title… but that would be telling). The journey is just beginning, and each new installment will dig deeper into the truths and hidden mechanisms hinted at in the first 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?
I’d go practical—no surprise there!

A solid pescatarian cookbook (assuming I’ll be catching a lot of fish).

The Popular Mechanics DIY encyclopedias—because if I’m stuck there, I might as well start building something.

My notebook, of course—to capture ideas, map out stories, and keep my mind sharp.
And if there’s space for a fourth… maybe 1984, just to remind me that even a deserted island might be freer than modern society.

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Janus Lucky

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Interview With Author Janus Lucky

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Janus Lucky, a Finnish-born novelist who writes with a smirk and a sigh, always chasing the tenderness hiding in our messy human selves.

To date, I’ve written two novels: The Birthmark Murders – “Death Is a Cabaret, Old Chum” and Handful – A Boy At the End of a Rainbow, which will be published by August this year.

Now I am finalising the third one, a murder mystery in the Pekka Wall series called The Trkiumvirate Murders – Death As a Business Expense, which will be published by the end of the year. Each one digs into emotional truths, often wrapped in humour and naked vulnerability.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In “The Birthmark Murders” I wanted to peel back the layers of what can often be a double-faced cultural elite that perpetuates cruelty under the guise of civility and sophistication. Mikael Långberg’s story is one of betrayal and exploitation by those who wield power in the cultural sectors. The protagonist, Pekka Wall, embodies my disdain for this mediocrity and hypocrisy. He sees through the veneer that many cultural decision-makers maintain, which often serves more to preserve their own agenda than to genuinely engage with or understand art and artists.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write religiously at least 1000 words per day, usually in the evening from 7 pm until I have done at least one scene. A fun fact: I am an SGI-Buddhist, and every morning, I chant for one hour to prepare my mind for the day’s and evening’s writing journey. Chanting in the morning gives me more profound insights, and then during the day, I imagine the scene I will write in the evening.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I live in the shadow of Stanislaw Jerzy Lec—his aphorisms taught me that brevity is a virtue. Then, there is, of course, the exceptionally great Finnish novelist, Mika Waltari, whose novel The Egyptian is second to none. I have read it dozens of times. The third well I drink from is Mikhail Bulgakov and his Master and Margarita.

What are you working on now?
My second book, a coming-of-age story that prequels The Birthmark Murders, Handfull – a Boy At The End of the Rainbow, is ready and with the proofreader. Currently, I am writing the second instalment of my murder mystery series, The Triumvirate Murders – Death as a Business Cost. It is a spooky, twisty and cruel but tender mystery about business and how greed, anger and ignorance can become lethal. Still 20,000 words to go 🙂

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have my website and Facebook page, but to be honest, it is a struggle. It is unbelievably hard to find genuine readers because (especially) Facebook is filled with snake oil sellers and dodgy “promoters” who fill my inbox, and I have to clean that trash dozens of times a day.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be consistent (write every day even if 100 words of shit) and don’t listen to the promoters, but seek out genuine readers.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If you don’t know how to write a scene, you cannot write a story.” The best Finnish playwright, Jussi Kylätasku, said this to me in the sauna in 1984, and it has stuck with me ever since. The second best is “From a row of zeros, you can easily build a chain of shackles.” It’s from Lec, and it reminds me that conformity is seductive, but dangerous. Better to risk being wrong—and free—than to fit into a safe, numb majority.

What are you reading now?
I just read Colson Whitehead’s The Nickel Boys, which was haunting but brilliant. And I also read Sarah Wynn-Williams’s Careless People, which is an eye-opener if you want to know how dodgy Facebook and Meta really are. But just yesterday, I started reading the good old Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd again. It is a gem for mystery lovers.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to complete my Pekka Wall series. Now that I have almost completed the first three, I try to maintain the pace to finish all six book series by the end of 2026.

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?
Mika Waltari: The Egyptian
Mikhail Bulgakov: Master and Margarita
Stanislaw Jerzy Lec: Unkempt Thoughts
J.K. Rowling: The Harry Poter series

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Janus Lucky Website

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