Awesome Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written only 1 Fitness and health book, and 1 recipe book

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Cheating Diet. My inspiration was the love I have for Physical activity, and healthy eating habits

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

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Napoleon Hil – Think, and grow rich
Rober Kiosaki – Rich dad, poor dad

What are you working on now?
translating my book to sell it in europe

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon ads so far

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Pick a big subject that you are well informed on

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Failure is temporary, success is forever

What are you reading now?
The power of subconsciousness by John Kehow

What’s next for you as a writer?
Expand my books in Europe

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?
To mischiev the Devil by Napoleon Hil, The power of subconsciousness, The monk who sold
his Ferari, Harry Potter(1)

Author Websites and Profiles
Plamen Minkov Website
Plamen Minkov Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 50 years old, a husband, and an Army Veteran. I have published one book, but it is the beginning of a much larger series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Dead Squire is the name of my book. It began from an idea that time is cyclical. The earth has mass extinction events and life has to begin over again. The Dead Squire takes place in a far future medieval era.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write very early in the morning, like 2am. The world is absolutely quiet and peaceful at this time of day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Game of Thrones, The Last Kingdom, The Wheel of Time, Stephen King, J.K. Rowling

What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing the sequel to The Dead Squire. It’s called The Dead Knight. It continues the story, and picks up right where the first book left off.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, Reddit has been great.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Finish what you’re writing and continue to write every day. I can’t leave a story unfinished in my head. My mind constantly goes back to it, and takes up space that my current project needs. I like to finish each project before beginning the next one. I need closure.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Start writing and see where the characters take you. You don’t need to have the entire book outlined and planned out. Just write.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Impact Winter, by Travis Beacham.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to finish my series, then explore other genres and styles within the same universe. I want to do an apocalyptical thriller to explain how things got where they are in The Dead Squire.

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 Song of Fire and Ice.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jesse Nave Website

Jesse Nave’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Clifford Malloy is an author and poet who describes his work as a manifestation and blending of idealism with reality.His works are of undeniable quality. His books have won a number of awards. He is the author of Behind the horizon which is a collection of reflective, uplifting and scholarly pieces of poetry. Clifford malloy believes in the unity of imagery and it’s multivariate use, preferring his own innovative style of imagery to orthodox. His books always portray new perspectives especially in general and metaphysical poetry. His books has sold many copies all over the world especially in Africa.
Clifford Malloy has a degree in English Literature from the University of Nigeria. He is currently a medical student in the same university. He loves traveling,second only to writing. He lives in Enugu with his family.
Readers can contact him via email: authorcliffordmalloy@gmail.com

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Beyond the Horizon: A Collection of Poems was inspired by day to day activities. It’s actually the environment where I live that enabled me to take into cognizance these details of life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I just write when the feel or muse comes over me.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on Through the Films which is a collection of inspiring poems.

 

Author Websites and Profiles
Clifford Malloy Website
Clifford Malloy Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I currently have five books out now, with a novella due out later this year. I also have three novels written, waiting in the submission queue.
Most of my work lingers in the shadows of southern gothic, but my latest release is an action adventure novel. There is plenty of darkness woven ito it’s subplots though.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Man with No Eyes is an action adventure thriller about-you guessed it- a man with no eyes. When Andrew Harkins finds himself at odds with the owner of a high tech lab located in the Saudi desert, his punishment is severe. Alain Savon, the owner, has his eyes surgically removed to break his will, but he’s underestimated our man. Possessing the ability to control every function of his body, Andrew escapes, but has sworn his revenge. Now all he has to do to have his revenge is elude gun runners, escape Facility agents, avoid the US military, oh and cross a merciless desert to find him.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. The only quirk I have is that I have to write what wants to be written. I can’t sit down and force myself to write something, ie a sequel, if it’s not ready to be written

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Although a different genre, I like Ken Follet’s writing style. I also love Emerson’s eloquence with words. Of course, I love the king of the dark genre, Poe.

What are you working on now?
I’m editing a novel entitled The Last Elemental. The title may change, but it’s about a spirit that has been trapped in an abandoned bank vault for 50 years. The thing I love about it is that the building burned long ago and the vault has been on a vacant lot in the mjddle of town, in plain sight, for years.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I knew a maqic site. Of course I employ all social media and sites like All Author, Awesome Gang, Pretty Hot Books etc. I think it takes a lit to get the word out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You’re never good enough to coast. Keep working on your craft, even if you make it big. That, and never give up. If you give up none of that other stuff matters.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That it was going to be hard and to make sure this was what I wanted. Being a writer isn’t for the faint of heart. I’ve probably had a thousand rejections to get 2 traditionallt published novels and a dozen short stories in journals. It’s hard and has a low percentage positive outcome.

What are you reading now?
Ken Follett’s Never. I’ve read everything of his.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Fame and furtune. Right? I’m working on getting a multi book deal, maybe an advance. That would be nice. If not, I have rwo novels that will come out next year either way.

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?
Poe’s unabridged short stories.
Doerr’s All The Light we Cannot See
And a couple collections or books by R.W. Emerson.

Author Websites and Profiles
John Ryland Website
John Ryland Amazon Profile

John Ryland’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Anastasia McIntosh and I’m a 35-year-old correctional officer
who loves to read and write in my spare time. I’ve written a few books;
however, only one of my books has been published and that’s my book
called Chase The Girl. I enjoy writing outside when it’s warm or inside by
the sound of a crackling fire. I am also a very active person who enjoys
playing badminton and lifting weights. I also like to go snowboarding
and going to the beach with my partner as we both enjoy nature and the
outdoors. My hope is to inspire readers and writers to be their best selves by
not giving up when defeat hits. After all, success is shortly after.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is called Chase The Girl. The inspiration to
write it was created after meeting a motivational and successful
businessman who inspired me to write my book in the first place. Without
his genuine guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m grateful for his
knowledge and insight.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think so, yes. I’ve written all of my books on my iPad that sits on my lap
on top of a hard keyboard. I’ve been told that this is odd. I will also write
ideas and words on my hand and up my arm if an idea pops into my head
while I’m driving because if I don’t write it at the time, I will forget the
idea.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh wow, that’s quite the question for me lol. So many authors and books
have influenced me. I’ve read tons and tons of self-help books and I love
them all. The most influential book I’ve read is called Think and Grow
Rich by Napoleon Hill. Everyone needs to read this book. I also love the
Gideon Cross series (romance) by Silvia Day. She is a phenomenal writer.

What are you working on now?
I am working on part 2 of Chase The Girl. As well, I am working on
making Chase The Girl into a movie for those that can’t read and/or who
don’t like to read.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You can find out more about me and my book here.
https://pegasuspublishers.com/books/all/chase-the-girl

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The advice I have for new authors is to hire a firm that will get your work
noticed. It takes money to make money so pay to hire them and they
should provide the results you are looking for. You also have to believe in
yourself, have the courage to pursue your dreams, and never give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard was that: success occurs one step after
defeat. An inspiring, driven, successful businessman gave me that advice
about ten years ago and it has always stuck with me ever since. I will be
forever grateful for his teachings and the advice he gave me.

What are you reading now?
I am reading a book by Author Jen Sincero (I love her books) called
Badass Habits: Cultivate The Confidence, Boundaries, And Know-how To
Upgrade Your Life. Her works inspire me to be my best self. As well, she
has a funny sense of humor that I find entertaining, which makes reading
more enjoyable.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, I’m hoping to make my book Chase The Girl into a movie. I
have two producers interested so far. As well, I am writing a second book
to Chase the Girl to answer any unanswered questions 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?
If I were going to be stranded on a desert island, I would bring the
following four books: 1) Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, 2)
#Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso, 3) Stop Doing That Sh*t: End Self-
sabotage and Demand Your Life Back by Gary John Bishop, and 4) You
are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth by Jen
Sincero.

Author Websites and Profiles
Anastasia McIntosh Website
Anastasia McIntosh Amazon Profile
Anastasia McIntosh Author Profile on Smashwords

Anastasia McIntosh’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a writer and storyteller my whole life. I published my first short story when I was seven years old. When I’m not writing, I enjoy cartoons, cooking, photography, and Star Trek. Born and raised in Chicago, I’ve managed to achieve all of my childhood dreams and still live in the area with my husband and two youngest children. According to my daughter, I’ve “literally aced my life!”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Mary Not Broken. It’s being published as I write it on Kindle Vella. Mary Not Broken is the prequel to my first book, Glory Bishop. It chronicles the story of Glory’s mother, Mary from her teenaged years through adulthood.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, LOL. I will listen to a song on repeat for as long as it takes to finish writing a chapter. I once listened to the same song non-stop for 3 days… I mean non-stop… I didn’t sleep and barely ate or drank… just wrote and wrote and wrote…

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to name them all, but here’s a few: Wild Seed by Octavia Butler; Peaches by Dindga McCannon; Alice Walker, Maya Angelou, C.S. Lewis, Mark Twain, Madelyn L’Engel, Peter David, Margaret Atwood, Amy Tan, Judy Blume, Donald Goines… OMG I could go on and on…

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on Mary Not Broken. It’s being published in episodes on Kindle Vella. I’m literally writing and publishing at the same time.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Of course the answer is Awesome Gang, but I also use Facebook ads (I don’t know how much it helps) and other sites.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
What’s a new author? IF you’ve been telling stories your whole life (lies do count as stories), then you’re not new. You might be a novice at putting pen to paper (fingers to keyboard) but the stories have been there a long time. Put your butt in the chair and start writing them down. Don’t worry about quality – that comes with practice…just write the stories.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From my mother… How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. More from my mother… Do it scared. And still more from my mother… Dazzle ’em with brilliance or baffle ’em with BS.

What are you reading now?
Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown. It’s… … interesting.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I HAVE NO IDEA! Mary’s story is growing much bigger than I planned, so I don’t know when it’ll be finished so I’m gonna concentrate on that for a while.

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 question because I don’t know whether to pick books I love, or books I hope to love… things I’ve never read like most of the classics and anything labelled “Must Read”. The Red Tent, A Tale of Two Cities, Star Trek-The Return, Pride and Prejudice…I guess?

Author Websites and Profiles
Deborah King Website
Deborah King Amazon Profile

Deborah King’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a independent business woman who understands the challenges women face in business, including how to be successful. I love connecting with women who have big dreams and the commitment to make a difference. I believe in the power of women when they come together to effect change, which is how the Divas That Care movement came about. I now have 4 Anthologies about these amazing women.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Animal Prints on My Soul is my latest anthology and the inspiration behind this, is my love for animals and how they have impact my life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No I don't think so.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many authors that have inspired me over the years. People like John Wood, Gloria Steinem, and Dale Carnegie are just a few.

What are you working on now?
As a mother of four daughters, I know the dynamics of raising a new generation of women. My newest Anthology will be a collection of wisdom and enlightenment around this topic by writing and sharing lessons learned from our highest accomplishments to the lowest valleys. In addition, i want to explore the unique relationships and bonds between mothers and daughters and hopefully inspire a new generation of mothers through this new book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth has been the best way to promote my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice would be to not give up. There are so many people out there that are willing to help you on your journey, you just need to find them.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just Keep Swimming.

What are you reading now?
The Sea of Trolls with my daughter.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am looking at collaborating with a few other women on some writing projects.

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?
Big Girl Panties because it makes me laugh, practical permaculture because I could read about gardening all day long and clan of the cave bear.

Author Websites and Profiles
Candace Gish Website
Candace Gish Amazon Profile

Candace Gish’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been actively writing since 2001 and my first novel was published in 2004. To date, I have 20 published books@amazon.com, including for adult coloring books.

I suspect I’m a genre conflicted, since I’ve published in the romance, mystery, memoir, and nonfiction categories. I just have a lot of interests.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest publication is “99 Writing Prompts for Memoir and Journal Writers Who Are Stuck.”

Since I have published three memoirs, I have developed a career coaching aspiring memoir writers. This latest book is the fourth in a series of nonfiction books aim to help memoir writers.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I prefer to dictate my stories rather than type them. I love the voice-to-text option in Microsoft word and I also use the website otter.ai.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite nonfiction authors are Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiaasen. I love their quirky characters and surprising plots.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on a series of online courses for memoir writers, and I have two more book ideas for them. Then I would really like to get back to fiction writing. I have had a series of female detective stories in mind for several years, and it’s time to get serious about them!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Whether you love them or hate them, Amazon does a great job of helping authors promote their books. I’m always amazed when I hear someone say they don’t want to do business with Amazon for some kind of personal belief. Why don’t you just shoot yourself in your writing hand?

Almost all of my paid advertising is at Amazon.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I always advise new authors to read as many books as possible in the genre in which you want to write. This is the only way to absorb and learn what is selling that is similar to what you want to write. Once I met a woman who was writing a romance novel, and when I asked her, “Who is your favorite romance author?” she replied, “Oh I don’t read romance. I read sci-fi.” Duh!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard was, “Keep writing and don’t quit your day job.”

What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading just about every book that’s on Amazon about Amazon advertising. I am determined to master this, and create the best ROI I can.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next for me as a writer? Simply more of the same on a step-by-step basis.

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?
All Carl Hiaasen novels.

Author Websites and Profiles
Carolyn V. Hamilton Website
Carolyn V. Hamilton Amazon Profile

Carolyn V. Hamilton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m semi-retired, former software trainer for a large company, former customer service manager for Northern California quick service restaurant distributor. Former truck driver. Currently book marketing coach and writer. I’ve written three books in the urban fantasy genre, one book in epic fantasy, one book in non-fiction self help for authors and several short stories and poems.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current book is being offered on Amazon Vella and is called ‘The Bottled Gods’. It’s urban fantasy with witches, Fae, werewolves, demons, and vampires. It was inspired I suppose, by the substance addiction issues within my family. The villain of the story, uses alcoholics by turning them into killers.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have no idea. What would be considered unusual????

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Nora Roberts, Lee Child, and Janet Evanovich. From my childhood, I’d have to go with the three horsemen of Science Fiction: Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, and Robert A. Heinlein. Others are Eoin McNamee, Anthony Doerr, Eowyn Ivey (if you haven’t read it, get “The Snow Child” god, that book had me in a daze for a week after I finished it), Samuel R. Delaney, Douglas Adams, Scott Meyer, Dennis Taylor, John Scalzi. I’m sure there are many more I’m just not remembering.

What are you working on now?
Finishing up book 3 of the The Shasha’s Team series, getting ready to rewrite an epic fantasy I wrote a couple years ago called “The Village at the Crossing”, which will be book 1 of a series entilted ‘The Unharmed”.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still looking for that! I guess BookBub has done the most for me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get an editor!!!! Be serious if you want to be an author. Collaborate, KNOW WHO YOUR AUDIENCE IS, and for god’s sakes don’t skimp on the cover design.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There are a lot of good storytellers out there. The successful ones know that to be successful, writing is 60% of the job and marketing is 40%.

What are you reading now?
‘Hot Ice’ by Nora Roberts

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will finish writing three books in the series ‘The Unharmed”. My goal is to get to twenty books before 2024.

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?
oh god. “The Winning Hand” by Nora Roberts, Jack Reacher “the Killing Floor, Stranger in a Strange Land, and Into the Magic Shop by James R. Doty.

Author Websites and Profiles
M.J. Fitzmaurice Website
M.J. Fitzmaurice Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book… actually 2… Mr. Mulligan and my Grandfather’s book ‘No Handicaps’ which he wrote in 1939 and I found and edited in 2022. I am a former Photojournalist with the US Navy’s Combat Camera Group and for 25+ years have also been a Editor and Magazine writer with various publications. I live on Florida’s Emerald Coast with my wife Sharon and my Cat Gigi. I enjoy camping and I’m a Musician and I have two more books coming out in 2022!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Mr. Mulligan-The Life of Champion Armless Golfer Tommy McAuliffe’
Which I wrote because;
We found Grandpa’s papers and old photos in an Attic
I turned 65 and had a Heart Attack
I took up the damn game of Golf

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write in the middle of the night in the nude with a candle burning

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Hunter S Thompson, PJ O’rooke, Bob Woodward, Steven King, Tom Wolf, Ken Burns;
I tend to like historical biography’s but to be frank I have been too busy writing.

What are you working on now?
Working on TWO more books this year! One called ‘Nuts!’ about WWII’s General Anthony McAuliffe and the other called ‘Mad Dog’ about MLB player and Detroit Tiger Dick McAuliffe.
Additionally we are negotiating with a motion picture company to make ‘Mr. Mulligan’ into a movie.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new so I do not know… I know that Awesome Gang.com is highly recommended.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writer’s write! Simple. If you are not writing _every day_ you are not honing your craft
and becoming better. Write! Go and do it now… we’ll wait here for ya.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The dogs may bark… but the caravan moves on.”

What are you reading now?
Nothing… too busy writing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Working on TWO more books this year! One called ‘Nuts!’ about WWII’s General Anthony McAuliffe and the other called ‘Mad Dog’ about MLB player Detroit Tiger Dick McAuliffe.

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
War & Peace
Wild Nature Survival Guide
Natural Remedies
Get Fishing

Author Websites and Profiles
Tom Patrick McAuliffe Website

Tom Patrick McAuliffe’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi there, I have written 1 book so far with more to come. I am married and a mother of 2 children. I love growing and making medicinal medicines with herbs. I love nature and all that is in it. I am always trying to learn what I can forage or grow that can make natural medicine. To heal with plants & nature. I have been a healer all my life and I started healing others about 15yrs ago. It truly is who I am not what I do. I. decided I wanted to write a book to try to reach out to others in any way possible to help them. To help you. 🙂 So if my writing can do that, my knowledge and my passion reaches you, then I am forever grateful that I was able to.

You need to FEEL it to HEAL it! <3

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is “The Journey of Self-Healing: Everything You Need to Know About Truly Healing Yourself and Helpful Suggestions to Guide You Through It”
My years of healing others and myself inspired me to write my book. Also that I wanted to reach out to as many people as I could all over the world and to write a book that was “real” down to earth and honest.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No I wouldn’t say that I do.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well I have always been a reader but not in this genre haha. But I must say years ago I read a couple books by Paulo Coelho, they were The Pilgrimage and the The Alchemist. I found them quite interesting and made me think things differently. They were “soul stirring” if you understand what I mean. I suppose that started a different path for me.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on how water is very healing and the benefits of healing yourself with water.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well I am finding Twitter a fantastic method of promoting my book. The writing community on there is very supportive and helpful. Now trying another avenue which I am very new at haha but seems to quite supportive also and that is TikTok believe it or not.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice since I am still a new author myself is dont’ give up. It gets frustrating when your not seeing the sales or the promotions to get your book out there, you work your butt off trying and your not seeing it pay off but it will. Having some money helps where you can pay for ads and such but otherwise just keep going, believe in yourself, know that your book is a good one and just don’t give up!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard was to stay true to myself and no not worry about what others think of me or what I do. To just keep “doing” me. 🙂

What are you reading now?
I just finished up a book called “A Comprehensive Guide for Adult Women Navigating ADHD: Techniques and Skills to Positively Transform Your Life and Take Charge of Adult ADHD” for a fellow author. It is her first book out and it was fantastic and very interesting. I learned things from this book and could relate.

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next? Just going to keep on writing and to try and help whomever I can that wants it. Maybe down the road I would like to write childrens book but where there is still healing and helping involved.

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?
Now that is a loaded question haha. That would be hard for me to answer as I like a lot of different kinds of books. I suppose I am a big fantasy/paranormal reader so I would have to take a book in that genre and possibly a book in the self help genre just to keep me grounded and definitely one or two of the how to’s/survival guide so I could actually survive on a desert island lol.

Author Websites and Profiles
Tobi Hawker Amazon Profile

Tobi Hawker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in southwestern Ontario, Canada and I consider London, Ontario to be my hometown.

I grew up in a family of five that included two older sisters. Early life was pretty normal with childhood days filled with school, sports, church, socializing with friends, travel and camping during summer vacations. I was a cub scout and later a sea scout during elementary school.

I have written two (2) books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “And they Never Had No Diversity: Confronting the Big Lie”

The first time I encountered the phrase “Diversity is our Strength” I immediately thought that it was a bizarre thing to say. How could “diversity” (i.e., differences) be a strength? If anything, it seemed to me that “similarities” would be a strength since this word implied commonalities, qualities which would make co-operation and collaboration easier. People with things in common would be singing from the same song sheet.

“Diversity is our Strength” also sounded somewhat Orwellian, a fitting phrase in a dystopian account of a future totalitarian state.

So, I decided to examine the historical record and see whether diversity as a “strength” is supported by the evidence.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. However, I have a notebook where I record what I consider to be interesting thoughts, sentences or sometimes just phrases from other authors. I often use these as inspiration and I will write a paragraph or two of my own.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors would be Ben Shapiro, Jordan Peterson, Robert Reich. I think Thomas Sowell is just terrific.

What are you working on now?
I’m exploring low-content KDP books. I have a few ideas for journals.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m pretty new to this but I think Amazon ads can be effective if designed properly. Having reviews on your Amazon book page is definitely important.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, you must familiarize with Amazon KDP if that’s the platform you use. Make sure you understand the rules, how to develop an effective book title, effective keywords and so on. I’m still trying to get up to speed!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Perseverance.

What are you reading now?
5000 jokes and one-liners. I’m taking a break from serious thought for a week or two.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A revised, updated 2nd edition of my first book to include some new material.

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, War and Peace, Ulysses. These are timeless classics and can be read and re-read in case a rescue ship is a long time coming.

Author Websites and Profiles
Grant Moore Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Karen Baney. I am a software engineer by day and historical romance writer by night. I have written seven books and have two more scheduled for release in 2022.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Beauty for Ashes (Desert Manna #1)

Both of the main characters in the novel are faced with the challenge of starting live over. Some aspect of fire has impacted both characters, so Beauty for Ashes seemed like a good fit to tie that theme together. Their lives become something beautiful out of the ashes of their pain.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a history fan. I love to research anything and everything about Arizona. I was not born here, but I moved here when I was a young adult and have lived in the state for fifteen years. When I plan a series, I start with the timeframe and location in Arizona. Then I research to find out what was a big deal, like the series I just started is all about the railroads in the late 1880’s. Then I find ways to organically incorporate real facts into the story.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Janette Oke was my favorite author as a teenager. I loved her historical romance books so much that I wrote her a fan letter. I was shocked when I actually received a handwritten card back from her. I think that is what sparked my desire to write later in life.

Some of my favorite fiction authors are: Elizabeth Camden, Ashtyn Newbold, Karen Witemeyer.

My favorite historian: Marshall Trimble

What are you working on now?
I just finished mapping out a five book series called Colter Sons. It’s a spin off from my Prescott Pioneers Series and follows the lives of the five Colter brothers as they make the transition to manhood. Of course they each find love along the way.

The first book is called The Reluctant Cattleman. It is set near Prescott, Arizona, in 1887.

So far it is a blast writing the interaction between five brothers who grew up on a ranch.

All of my previous books are written in the third person. With this series, I’m writing in the first person, which I am LOVING!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my books on my website, as well as Digital Book Today (DBT). I’ve always gotten good results with DBT. I’m always on the look out for other great websites with large followings at an affordable price.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. If you get stuck, start a new book. Write about what interests you. The more you write, the better your writing becomes.

And if you can spend money on only one thing: spend it on a well designed book cover that stands out on Amazon’s product searches. How does this cover look on a phone?

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do what you love. I’m blessed to be able to work a day job that I thoroughly enjoy as a software engineer. And I’m blessed to be able to write in the evenings and weekends.

What are you reading now?
For my long commute to work, I am listening to Karen Witmeyer’s The Heart’s Charge. I’m also reading two books about the history of Ash Fork, Arizona, and two more books about the railroads in Arizona in the 1880s. Oh, and I’m reading a novel set during WWII.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish writing the Colter Sons series. After that, I’m debating on a few one off stories. One might be a prequel to the Colter Sons which deals with their older cousin. I also have a very unique idea for a story of love letters for a couple that is a minor character in Oaks of Justice (Desert Manna #3). Or maybe I’ll finally start writing some of the WWII stories rolling around in my brain.

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?
My Bible would be first and foremost. Maybe a Thesaurus, assuming I can write books in the sand or on paper or tree bark.

Author Websites and Profiles
Karen Baney Website
Karen Baney Amazon Profile

Karen Baney’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a 54 yr old single father of a beautiful, 23 yr old daughter who recently graduated from college. I’m an Army Veteran, who works as a counselor to children and teens. I currently work with young people in a behavioral health program, which offers counseling and school. Our children have been unsuccessful in the normal school setting, and they attend our Program when recommended by their school district teachers and leaders. I love sports, cooking, reading, and meeting new people. I recently published my first book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is titled Redemption and Renewal. I worked on this book off and on for over 12 years. My inspiration is my life. The book includes short snippets of situations I found myself in as an Army Soldier, father, and tragically prison inmate as my life went awry. After discussing each tragedy, failure, and loss, I discuss how GOD brought me through it all, and how those stumbling blocks and self inflicted wounds, became stepping stones to success, and my greatest tools today.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When focused on writing, I can’t sleep any more than 3-4 hours before I get back to it. I’m also a late-night writer, preferring to write after midnight.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow, so many!! I’ve always loved Patricia Cornwell as my favorite author. A book called Makes Me Wanna Holler by Nathan McCall has always been an inspiration to me. I love reading spiritual books by numerous Christian-based authors, with TD Jakes and Max Lucado being my favorites. I’ve always loved books where people tell their stories, and you feel like you can picture it as you read. As a youngster, I loved Where the Red Fern Grows, and similar titles.

What are you working on now?
My next project will be an inspirational book for young people, focusing on overcoming life’s tragedies and circumstances. I work with young kids and teens, many of who come from homes full of domestic violence, addiction, poverty, and abandonment issues. I want to always inspire hope in those kids because through all of my trials, I never lost hope.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Being new to this, I’ve relied on Facebook, Instagram, and word of mouth.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Being new myself I would simply say never give up! I thought my book idea would never come to fruition after being turned down by several large publishing companies for many years. After numerous disappointments, I put my project on the shelf, but I always picked it back up and tried again until I found a path to success.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Maximize each moment because life is short. Love those you have been blessed to call family and friends and find a reason to smile no matter how bleak things look. Put your trust in the Lord, and allow Him to direct your path.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading excerpts and portions of books similar to mine, found on the platforms my book is available on.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to focus on writing inspirational material for young people and children. I also want to do more public speaking, which is something I’ve enjoyed for 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?
The Bible, From Potters Field by Patricia Cornwell, Destiny by TD Jakes, and Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption

Author Websites and Profiles
John Moore Amazon Profile

John Moore’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a software developer and university researcher. This is my first book, although I have two first drafts [a prequel and a sequel] almost completed. This writing bug has got me bigtime.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called The Water bear and it’s a sci-fi adventure. It was inspired by climate change, although I didn’t want to write a book about climate. So I wrote a book about martial arts, time-traveling insects, and a human galactic empire.

I was especially inspired by the young people. I was at a climate demonstration in my hometown of Perth, when a teenaged activist stood up and cried “the future is ours!” She was right. The most important job of my generation is to tell them our stories.

So I wrote about how a young person saves the universe, and everything.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in the nude. No! That was a joke.
I write my drafts entirely in Notepad, without any kind of external aids.
If a Corona No. 3 was good enough for Ernest Hemingway, the least I can do is type in Courier 12pt.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Everything by Iain M Banks.
My favorite author is Don DeLillo.
My sincere thanks to Ann Leckie for inspiration for my ship. The Water Bear would never have existed but for Justice of Toren, and Breq.

What are you working on now?
Yokohama Slim is the prequel to the Water Bear.
It’s the story of the most enigmatic character from the Water Bear.
The Spiral Tribe is the sequel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am hopeless! I wish I knew how.
I advertise on Facebook, because my son told me to.
And now I’m here. Big ups to the Awesome Gang!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Whatever it takes, you just gotta finish that book!
Writing a novel can be a backbreaking task, especially when you have two or three other jobs. It takes years. But it’s worth every keypress. The ability to inhabit a world you created, and share it with others, is beyond priceless. It’s a type of immortality.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t make decisions when you’re angry. Don’t make promises when you’re happy.

What are you reading now?
Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A mathematics textbook. I’m currently doing academic research into blockchain fundamentals: not cryptocurrencies [which I believe are a bubble] but the mathematics, and hopefully inventing a new type of blockchain – a clock-synchronous [or Gödelian] blockchain.

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?
Don DeLillo’s Underworld. My favorite book.
Neil Gaiman’s Sandman graphic novel. [Does the boxed set count as a book?]
Wittgenstein’s Tractatus. I’ve devoted a fair slice of my life to understanding this gnarly knot of philosophical assertions. I could read it forever, and still not get to the bottom of it.

Author Websites and Profiles
Groucho Jones Amazon Profile
Groucho Jones Author Profile on Smashwords

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an Australian author who writes comedy with a dash of mystery (or vice-versa). I have written 11 novels and three collections of short humour. My main series (is the Windy Mountain series based in Tasmania. Seven books and growing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Who Knew Tiger Sharks also eat Apples? Inspired by post-pandemic, pinks toilets and runaway sharks.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No one must know about the tea cozy I wear on my head when I’m writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Joseph Heller, Tom Sharpe, Colin Bateman, Carl Hiassen, Derek Hansen, John Mortimer, Nino Culotti, Roddy Doyle, Elmore Leonard, Jonas Johannson and Fredrik Backman.

What are you working on now?
The Life and Deaths of Billy Gumboots (book seven in the Windy Mountain series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
promo sites

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find your own path because we’re all different. Personally, I hate templates and formulas but they work for others.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t take readers out of the bubble you create for them by making silly grammatical or factual errors.

What are you reading now?
The Echo Chamber by John Boyne.

What’s next for you as a writer?
more books. Two or three a year.

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?
Sweet Thursday by John Steinbeck
Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
A Man You Can Bank On by Derek Hanson
The Snapper by Roddy Doyle

Author Websites and Profiles
John Martin Website
John Martin Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a pro bono lawyer, nature nerd, and incompetent photographer (blurry flowers and escaping wildlife are my specialty). I have published three books and written six.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Delia White: Book Three of The Winged. Though the series was inspired by my fascination with butterflies and their odd biological quirks, this particular book was inspired by mental illness. I wanted to give hope to those struggling, and help them see the good in themselves even when they’re not always able to behave the way they want to.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I stay up absurdly late so I can write in a silent house with no distractions. And then I gasp and giggle to myself in the wee hours, surprised and delighted at the story my brain is churning out. 🙂

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Wilkie Collins’ dramatic plot twists, Janette Rallison’s realistic characters, and Jane Austen’s witty conversations. I strive to imbue my books with the addictive quality of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series; if you stay up all night reading one of my books, I will be ecstatic.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the fourth book in The Winged series. A few more characters need their happily ever after.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not sure yet; marketing is not my forte. Awesome Gang has certainly been helpful in what little marketing I have done.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Before choosing a traditional publisher, ask yourself: Can you let someone else choose the cover? The title? Or even alter the content? Will you be upset if they don’t make your book available in the newest formats or discontinue the title completely? If later you wish to buy back the rights to your book, will the price be exorbitant?

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“No misfortune is so bad that whining about it won’t make it worse.” ―Jeffrey R. Holland

What are you reading now?
I just finished Seeds of Glory and Ruin by Melanie Cellier and am eager to start the second book in the series.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m hoping book four will complete The Winged series, but since my characters are kind of the boss of me and my stories…we’ll see.

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?
My scriptures (quadruple combination of course), Stephenie Meyer’s Midnight Sun (the unfinished manuscript rather than the final publication), and Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones.

Author Websites and Profiles
T.K. Perry Website
T.K. Perry Amazon Profile

T.K. Perry’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing since I was in high school, although it wasn’t until well after college that I finally broke through. I have now published ten books under different names, and one is making the rounds.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, which is in submission, is called “The Ildoni Quest.” It’s my first foray into space opera. In some ways it’s a mash-up of a couple of my earlier short stories, and in some ways it just sort of materialized in my brain over time. I can’t point to any particular inspiration, although I did try to emulate Jack Vance in some of my settings.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Judging from all of the friends I’ve had who’ve tried their hand at writing over the years, my most unusual habit is that I never gave up. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many… Asimov, Bradbury, Burroughs, Butcher, Howard, Vance… I think every author you read influences you somehow, whether it’s by showing you who you want to be or by showing you what not to do.

What are you working on now?
I am working on several serials stories through the Kindle Vella app. I’d like to return to short stories for a while, because you can do so many different things in a short time, as opposed to a novel, which requires focus for a longer period.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve had the most success with the personal touch, finding readers who share my passions and would like to read more of the stories I like.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Write stories you want to read. If you find your story boring, so will everyone else. 2. Believe in your characters. If you don’t believe they’re real, no one else will. 3. Don’t ever let anyone read your first drafts. It gives you total freedom to screw up, because who’ll know? Success isn’t in the writing; it’s in the editing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“No one who refused to give up ever failed to get published.”

What are you reading now?
“Around the World in 80 Days,” by Jules Verne. I watched the PBS series and wanted to read the book. Then it’s “The Fated Sky,” by Mary Robinette Kowal.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Write. Promote. Write. Maybe find time to read some more.

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 Boy Scout Handbook,” obviously. “The Collected Works of Shakespeare,” because they would keep me occupied. And “A Princess of Mars,” by Edgar Rice Burroughs, because I can read that book over and over.

Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Lowe Website
Brian Lowe Amazon Profile

Brian Lowe’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Although I’ve only published one book – the poetry journal “But Are You Really Sorry” so far, I have 9 other writing projects in the works, in varying levels of progress.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Inspired by a conversation with a friend about second chances and forgiveness, I decided to transform the ideas I’ve gathered into “But Are You Really Sorry” – a treasure chest of lessons closure that could be shared with the world. But Are You Really Sorry is a poetry journal – direct, bold poetry cemented together with reflective questions. I was very nervous to publish this book because this direct, concise writing style is not my usual “flowery” style, but I wanted this book to reach not just poetry lovers, but anyone who needs to take a pause and try to look at the world with new lenses.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write best either when I have no distractions or listening to Taylor Swift albums (Taylor’s Version, of course) or watching Twilight in the background!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to name! Growing up, I was heavily inspired by Maya Angelou, Olive Senior, Thomas Hardy, Derek Walcott, and when I learnt of Insta-poetry, I binge-read Rupi Kaur’s trilogy, Amanda Lovelace and r.h. sin.

What are you working on now?
“But Are You Really Sorry” was about the people and their pains. Her sister book “They Don’t Define You” is about reminding yourself that you are infinite.

I am also working on a literature collection inspired by West Indian Folklore characters, to be announced in late 2022.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth! I want you to read my book and let me know what you think!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be anxious – you’re already a writer. Be your authentic, genuine self and write what you want!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Sarah Dessen had a quote in her book Just Listen, “Don’t think. Don’t judge. Just listen.”

What are you reading now?
Honey Girl, by Morgan Rogers! And I am in love! It’s one of my favourite books!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on the other 9 books up my sleeve! So much to write, not nearly enough time!

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?
Honey Girl, The Princess Saves Herself In This One, the Brothers Grim full collection and Poemsia

Author Websites and Profiles
Aniqah Be Website
Aniqah Be Amazon Profile

Aniqah Be’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m an only child that grew up in a small town. So, all I had was my imagination. It never let me down; we went on so many adventures together. I always loved to read and dreamed of writing a novel. Finally, my lifelong dream is a reality! The Flowers of Lemuria is my first novel.

I currently live in Alabama with my husband, two children, and our dogs.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Flowers of Lemuria. The inspiration came from a dream I had of one of the main characters, Nate. He wanted to tell me his story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write my ideas on colorful index cards and hang them on bulletin boards. Then, I reward myself when I reach certain goals.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like reading: Becca Fitzpatrick, Cassandra Clare, Diana Gabaldon, V.E. Schwab, Rebecca Wells, Patricia Briggs, Anna Todd, Fannie Flagg, Charlaine Harris, plus a lot of others.

What are you working on now?
My WIP is a paranormal romance about witches.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am new at this but I have been using Facebook and Amazon. Then I heard about Awesome Gang on Facebook. So, I thought I would try it

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Honestly, Never give up! You have to keep going.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do it because you love it. No one can read it if you don’t write it.

What are you reading now?
The Wicked Deep By Shea Ernshaw

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am going to keep writing.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
This is a tough one.
1. Outlander
2. Pride And Prejudice
3. The Vampire Lestat
4. Midnight Sun

Author Websites and Profiles
Riley Gipson Amazon Profile

Riley Gipson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account