Awesome Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I wrote a number of technical books in my career in the aerospace/defense industry, but I only wrote my first novel after retiring from that technical career. That first novel, however, is an epic two-volume literary fiction novel of 1,258 pages, the equivalent of at least three average novels in length.
ABOUT MYSELF: Despite only becoming a writer after retirement from a career in the aerospace industry, I believe I was uniquely prepared to write my epic first novel, “Tares among the Wheat.” I drew on my broad travels, diverse experiences and rich cultural heritage to develop the vivid characters and far-flung settings included in this saga.
I was born the seventh of eight siblings on a farm in Oklahoma. After leaving the farm at seventeen I utilized my farming and ranching skills to hire into commercial jobs, paying my way through two college degrees. I believe my vast work experiences, throughout my career, contributed authenticity to the fictional characters and their situations described in my novel.
Each of my grandparents took part in the Indian Territory’s celebrated Cherokee Outlet Land Run of 1893. They were the sons and daughters of immigrants from first to twelfth-generation Americans, including Irish, German, Czech, Dutch, and English. They participated in America’s history, from the Revolutionary War and through the great Westward Expansion. Their rich and colorful cultures, customs, and superstitions are the legacy from which I drew in creating my characters, plots, and story lines.
I borrowed from cherished tales of my relatives’ experiences during the dramatic eras of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, especially from the perspective of the southern Great Plains, to create the backdrops to my storylines. Glimpses of the momentous events of the era World War I, the Influenza Epidemic of 1918, oil booms and busts, the decadent Roaring Twenties, the doom of the Dirty Thirties, and the horrific Dust Bowl, I wove into the pages of my intriguing tale.
When not engaged in our love of world travel, my wife and I reside in our energy efficient house of my personal detailed design, constructed between forest and meadow on the farm where I was raised.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is titled, “Tares among the Wheat.” It is an epic two-volume novel of classic literary fiction. When searching for my novel, readers should be aware that there are other works with similar titles. My novel must be differentiated by my name as the author, H. Melvin James.
MY INSPIRATION: From my early childhood, I recall the stories and tales of my family, tales recited from their first-hand experience and those recalled from generations past. My ancestors were mostly of German, Irish, Dutch, and Czech lineage.
Their cultures were rich, colorful, and strongly held. I was impressed by their tales and fond of their knack for storytelling.
Upon retiring from a career in industry, I found the time, without much pre-occupation or distraction, to acquiesce to my dormant urge to write the essence of those stories of my ancestors.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do not write to a detailed outline. I begin writing with a concept that will become the heart of my story. That concept necessarily includes ideas for integrating particular characters. I envision the heart of the story, the “storm of drama,” to deeply affect the emotions of the primary characters. I believe a symbiotic relationship between the personalities of the characters and the drama of the “storm” is imperative for the reader to sense and feel a degree of the tragedy or the glory that the protagonists experience. That concept requires the invention and development of the characters in conjunction with the mounting and approaching “dramatic storm.” Not having a prescribed outline, affords me the freedom to invent and develop the framed stories, plots, and characters to enhance the primary storyline as it builds up to the dramatic storm and in the aftermath, mysteries are solved, and conflicts are resolved.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
At least two readers stated in their reviews, that my writing style resembles that of Charles Dickens. While I admire Dickens’ writings, I believe I was more impressed by reading the potent writing of Earnest Hemingway and the descriptive writing of Jack London. I also admire the wit of Samuel Clemens and the tragic and remorseful emotions of Edgar Poe and Robert Frost. But overall, I must admit that my mother’s storytelling probably most affected my desire to write and my writing style as well.

What are you working on now?
I am again, as I did with “Tares among the Wheat,” writing based on my personal acquaintances and my own experiences. I am currently writing a classic first-person detective story. It is a murder mystery set on a remote island in the Arctic Ocean. The tiny island serves as field station for secretive military operations, including surveillance of electronic transmissions emanating from land, sea, air, and inner space.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I developed my own website: www.h-melvin-james.com
I found far more people interact with me through my Facebook page: (H Melvin James)
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041712480074
From my primary website, visitors can link directly to a dozen other social and business websites of mine.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Write of what you know. Utilize research to enhance and to validate your personal knowledge of the subject.
2. Keep writing, even when your inspiration stalls. Make notes for other stories. Jump ahead, beyond the roadblock and write the ending. Develop new characters to enhance the story.
3. Don’t quit before your book is finished. Having finished a book is a tremendous feeling of accomplishment. If you quit, you will always regret it. Finish the book even though you lose heart in it, for you can always rewrite it and make it better, and better.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do not insult your reader by explaining the obvious. Do not upset your reader by nonchalantly or arbitrarily “killing off” a character that you developed so effectively as to become beloved by the reader. However, the death or tragedy of a beloved character can be a major element in the storyline, but it must be realistic, rational, and understandable.
Refrain from excess. I have read horror stories that cross the narrow line between frightening and ludicrous, as Edgar Allen Poe warned. There is also a narrow line between romance and comedy, mystery and fiasco, and so forth.

What are you reading now?
I am reading again, “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” by Ernest Hemingway. I recently read again, Catch 22. I do not often read books a second time but when I do, I am pleased to discover passages, notions, and descriptive techniques that I did not notice or appreciate before.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will finish my mystery novel by this summer and get it published before Labor Day. With the slow demise of COVID as a major killer, I hope to arrange for book signings, book readings, and other opportunities to promote my novels in public. I plan to combine my love of travel with self-planned tours to site-see and promote my book in traveling about North America.

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?
First and foremost, the greatest book ever written, the Bible. Regardless of any person’s religion or creed, most admit that the Bible is more thought-provoking, more descriptive, more poetic, more historic, and contains more wisdom than any other armload of books ever written. Then, War and Peace, because I have never read it cover to cover, and to read again, The Catcher in the Rye, Paradise Lost, and A Tale of Two Cities.

Author Websites and Profiles
H. Melvin James Website
H. Melvin James Amazon Profile

H. Melvin James’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a writer, poet, artist and nature freak and have a diploma in Wildlife/Forestry Conservation to prove it. I’ve been writing stories and poetry since I could write, which is a very long time considering I have survived the 60’s twice. I just published my first book of poetry and have another one in the works. I am also working on my second novel, a fantasy, the first one gathering dust in a box somewhere in my studio. There are also many handmade books in my past that were given as gifts which are probably also gathering dust somewhere. When I’m not writing or creating in some way you can find me in the woods with my dog, Raven or hanging out in my garden or with my 20 chickens or my seven grandchildren that keep me way too busy. I’m also a voracious reader and will usually have a book with me when I’m doing all those things listed above.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book of poetry is titled “Of Passion and Restraint – Poems of Love, Lust and Loss”. It is filled with poetry written over the course of many years and was inspired by, well, life! The poems are very personal but also capture the common experiences of being in and out of love and all it encompasses with a healthy dose of nature thrown in.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Most of my inspiration hits me at night while I’m trying to fall asleep. Rather annoying but I’ve gotten used to it so, I keep a pen and pad next to my bed. The light goes out then the light comes back on so I can write a line or two then it goes out again…Then it comes on again…You get the picture.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite poets who have influenced me the most are Erica Jong, Anne Sexton, Sylvia Plath, Christina Rossetti, W.B. Yeats, E.E. Cummings, (I could fill a few pages with them all). When I read fiction, I prefer Alice Hoffman, Edgar Allan Poe and Jim Butcher all of whom have influenced my writing.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m putting together my second book of poetry which will be lighter than the first one and deal with the nature of non-reality and fantasy. I’m also working on a fantasy novel which is about 3/4 finished.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do most of my promoting on Face Book and on my website where I also share stories and poems.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice I could give to new authors is to just keep going and don’t get discouraged. When you start to feel like giving up or that your work is not worthy just take a break for a few days from all writing. Then go back and read your own stuff as if it was someone else’s. Every time I do this I get blown away at my own talent. I end up saying, “Wow, did I really write this?” It’s quite an eye opener.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Love is all there is.

What are you reading now?
I just finished “The Book of Magic” by Alice Hoffman. I have one of Erica Jong’s poetry books on my nightstand and just started reading “The Absinthe Earl” by Sharon Lyn Fisher.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to keep plunking away at the novel while sorting through and typing up the poetry for the next book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“Practical Magic” by Alice Hoffman, “Collected Poems of W.B. Yeats” and “Edgar Allan Poe Complete Tales and Poems”.

Author Websites and Profiles
Carrie Skinner Website
Carrie Skinner Amazon Profile

Carrie Skinner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Eetu Nikula from Finland, writing under the name “Eddie Cole.” I am a fifteen-year-old author, currently mainly writing cultural criticism, with a few dashes of philosophy sprinkled around. I’ve written a single book, Pandemic: A Kid’s Perspective.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Pandemic: A Kid’s Perspective was inspired by my own uncertainty of the issues circling our society.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably my nonexistent writing schedule. I may go two weeks without writing a single word, and afterward, go on to write twenty pages in a day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My writing is mainly centered around the issues within our society and the issues within the human mind itself. If we are talking about purely fiction, looking back at everything I’ve read, I can quite firmly state that Orwell has had the greatest influence on me. If we are talking more in terms of my philosophy, then Hegel, without a question. Other two important authors from whom I’ve drawn lots of influence are Nietzsche and Camus. As an honorable mention, I’ll add Kari Enqvist, Finnish writer and physicist, who in his works tries to combine metaphysics and science.

What are you working on now?
I am currently planning a book on the issues of authoritarianism. I already touched upon the subject on my debut book, but am planning on going more in depth on this one. Another more long-term project is a book which tries to combine hegelian idealism with Caspar Hare’s theory of egocentric presentism. I already talked about Hegel’s works on my Pandemic book, but at the surface level.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Quite honestly, I am very new to this. I don’t have a concrete answer.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read everything you can read, watch everything you can watch, listen to everything you can listen and afterwards forget everything. Its your own canvas and although there are definitely some helpful guides and advices, never make them your rules.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
People should not seek happiness. Instead, people should find ways to reduce their own perception of the suffering happening around them.

What are you reading now?
Hegel by Mihail Ovsjannikov. I’ve gotten around to reading the Finnish translations of Nietzsche’s works, so The Gay Science by Friedrich Nietzsche. Finally, a classic, A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A very short break, then back onto a break, and maybe I’ll write something then. Who knows.

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?
Bushcraft 101, The SAS Survival Guide, Pandemic: A Kid’s Perspective so that I could trade it with the tribesmen living on the island. Finally, The Phenomenology of Spirit. With some luck, I believe I could make sense of the Preface before I’m rescued.

Author Websites and Profiles
Eddie Cole Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, I consider myself an inquisitive soul who’s seeking the definition of life, and everything coming in its way. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Literature. I am the author of poetry collection, Mirror of Emotions. Being an introvert; my aura and art is often honed by inquisitiveness I follow in solitude. I observe things and people around me, and I believe curiosity is the key to be a good writer.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a poetry collection titled Mirror of Emotions. I feel if you have the art of putting emotions, experiences and situation into words, then you should utilize your art to inspire, motivate and heal people around you. You should have the goal of touching the hearts of million people with your art.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try almost every genre I can.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As far as inspiration is considered: I believe it to be something that comes from within only but undoubtedly there are sages like William Shakespeare, William Wordsworth, Robert Frost, WB Yeats, Rumi and Kahlil Gibran whom I look up to.

What are you working on now?
I am working on my next poetry collection.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I believe doing more and more author interviews through different media.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would advice them to have faith in their art. When we are new, we are a bit nervous chasing perfection, but believe me if you try to be perfect you will never write a single word. So have faith in your skills and be optimistic. Don’t fear failure and keep learning everyday, and from anything you can in this universe.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To define yourself in your own way. Never let someone tell you that you can’t do this or that. No one knows your strength or weakness more than you do.

What are you reading now?
I am reading The History of Modern India.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on my next poetry collection. I hope to keep motivating and healing people around myself through my art.

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?
Learning how to fly by APJ Abdul Kalam
Secrets of divine love by A Helwa
Stories of the Prophets by Ibn Kathir
The Essential Rumi by Rumi

Author Websites and Profiles
Ali Ashhar Website

Ali Ashhar’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello there! My name is Xzander Snow; I am a 21 year old writer, and speaker. I have written 2 books: For The Bros: 7 Keys To Living Your Best Life, a non fiction book focused on mental health and positivity for men and The Tactical Mission, a fiction story soon to be published.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled, For The Bros: 7 Keys To Living Your Best Life. I wrote it in dedication to my friend Grant who took his life a day before his 25th birthday. If I had just 5 minutes to talk to him, what could I have said? I wrote down the 7 things that helped me in my darkest hours and wrote it out as a message to other guys who are in that place. All hope is not lost. Keep going, the best is yet to come.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think I do. I take FOREVER to write because it all starts out as random thoughts that are just in my head or I use in a speech or conversation. These thoughts then turn to notes written in the countless notebooks I have in my room or on the Notes app on my phone, and then get compiled into a solid train of thought while writing the manuscript. All this while watching a show, playing a game or working.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Maxwell is definitely one of my big non fiction inspirations. I’ve loved his writings from when I was younger and still do to this day. Another author is Chris Greenwood (aka Manafest). His book Fighter was a big inspiration behind the writing style of For The Bros. In terms of fiction, there’s too many authors to count. C.S. Lewis, Richard Paul Evans, Lee Child, Julie Kagawa just to name a few.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I am working on promoting my book and I desire to have some online events where I can reach out to youth and young men to encourage them to be strong warriors.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth. But it doesn’t stop there. Your story and WHY needs to be so strong that there is no excuse for someone to not buy your book. If you really believe in it, then why should you sound scared talking about it? Be bold and get the word out!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it. The longer you wait, the more you won’t do it. And if you feel stuck, find something to give you a good reason to keep going.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Robert G. Allen once said, “Don’t let the opinions of the average man sway you. Dream, and he thinks you’re crazy. Succeed, and he thinks you’re lucky. Acquire wealth, and he thinks you’re greedy. Pay no attention. He simply doesn’t understand.” I take that to mean do whatever it is you’re going to do anyway because people won’t get the picture. Just do it and see what happens.

What are you reading now?
Well I’m re-reading the Gone series by Michael Grant. I love the series because it asks the question, if you were suddenly isolated from the rest of the world and all they can do is watch, what would happen and how long will it take for everything to go wrong? A fantastic read and the follow up trilogy for the series is a mind bending send-off for the ages.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing a new Fiction series that I’ve been lore building for a few years now. I want to add more lore, but that will only delay it. The best way to explain the series is imagine if a weapon had a soul- well not just a soul but a body and mind of its own- its own world, history…and demons it has to face. And you as a human have to be the bridge to stopping our world and theirs from destroying the other…but you get some cool powers so its not all that bad.

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?
Does it have to be 3 to 4? Oh well. I was thinking of 3-4 series but here’s my set of books I’d bring.
1. The Horse & His Boy by C.S. Lewis (The best book in the Narnia series hands down)
2. Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge
3. Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
4. Fighter: 5 Keys To Conquering Fear and Reaching Your Dreams by Manafest (Chris Greenwood)

Author Websites and Profiles
Xzander Snow Amazon Profile

Xzander Snow’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Laurén Carter and I have dedicated my entire career of 30+ years to the college admissions and college counseling profession. Raised on college campuses and growing up in a college town myself, I naturally gravitated to the field of higher education as an ideal career choice. I have spent a decade in college admissions and served as Director of College Admissions at NYU. Additionally, I have spent over 20 years directing college counseling programs at independent schools, have authored numerous college admissions articles as a Contributing Writer for Huffington Post, and serve as an Instructor for UCLA Extension, College Counseling Certificate Program. This is my first book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I wrote Mindful Admissions: An Insider’s Guide to Staying Sane, Apply Well and Getting Accepted to College as I could see that COVID had such an adverse effect on teens and their families getting quality college counseling support and resources. Additionally, the angst and stress surrounding applying to college appears to be at an all time high. I am inspired by serving as a support, a guide, an advocate and someone who can successfully guide teens and their families through this journey.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I find that I write most efficiently and effectively first thing in the morning while the rest of the house is sleeping. There is a calm in the air and a stillness that resonates with me and I am so much more productive and clear headed.

Additionally, I am a big fan of the Pomodoro Method and much of my writing was completed using this technique. It was a great way to stay focused and on task. I highly recommend it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am highly inspired by other authors within my genre and also motivational and self help gurus! I especially love Mel Robbins of Five Second Rule and High Five Habit as well as Gabby Bernstein, The Universe has your Back and Super Attractor.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I am writing articles and blog posts on college admissions and contemplating my next book. I have some great ideas so stay tuned!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think word of mouth is a powerful thing and I am talking with other authors to find out what they are finding to be most effective as I am a first time published writer!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My best advice is to just keep moving forward. Step by step, page by page and you will get there and finish your book. Ask for help when you need it and find a community that is excited to support you in this quest. Also don’t compare yourself to other writers but stay focused and authentic to who you are and who you serve. I have found that leaning into the reasons that you feel compelled to write can additionally keep you motivated and inspired to continue.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If the dream is in you then the dream is for you. Amber Lilyestrom

What are you reading now?
Career Elevator: A Graduate Roadmap to Getting Hired, Promoted, and Creating Your Dream Job by Fiona McKeon

Follow Your Fernweh: Discover a Regular Path to an Extraordinary Life by Kindle Smyth

Living in Faith: A 90-Day Devotional by Marshall Armstrong

The Good Human: 9 Radical Practices to Smash Your Ego, Unleash Your Authentic Self, and Foster Connection in a Divided World by Dawn K. Hammer

What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing in many different forms: books, blogs, articles, etc!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and a blank journal

Author Websites and Profiles
Laurén Carter Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been an avid reader, writer, and explorer of the natural world throughout my life which has been spent in England, Scotland and Australia. Just like Freddy in my first novel, Secrets of a River Swimmer, I worked in the global fund management sector for many years but realized it didn’t align with my values. In recent years, I’ve been focused on inspiring positive change through my writing (which resulted in my first novel Secrets of a River Swimmer), as well as trying not to laugh in unfortunate situations (easier said than done!). I now live in Australia with my wife, daughter, son, two cats, and ten chickens.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called Secrets of a River Swimmer.

My friend Matt and I used to jump into the River Tweed every few weeks, including in the depths of Scottish winters, just to see where it took us. Every time we immersed ourselves in the Tweed’s majestic waters we’d experience love, joy, and fun in more beautiful ways than we could have imagined on dry land. We’d laugh like kids at the silliest little things. We’d feel euphoric to be accepted and free and alive. We’d meet fascinating characters alongside the river who were shocked and amused that two crazy humans were swimming so close to the enormous salmon in the river. We’d have life-affirming conversations that put the world to rights, and that involved us speaking our truth to one another and to the universe. We always emerged from the river with newfound energy, clarity, and love for our lives. It was like pressing a reset button on life.

After a few years of swimming in the river once a month like this, Matt and I both noticed we felt healed. When we’d started, we were both lost in our careers. But each time we emerged from the river we were one step closer towards clarity of what we wanted from our lives. And after a few years, we were finally ready to make the career and other changes we needed to make. We were finally ready to take responsibility for all aspects of our lives.

And that’s why I wrote Secrets of a River Swimmer—to capture and immortalize the life-changing love, the fun, the joy, and the mysteries of the river’s world.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always listen to music when I’m writing. And I generally spend some time selecting the right music to match the scene and book I’m writing. For example, if it’s a peaceful introspective scene I may go with Max Richter or Laura Marling, while a more uplifting / energetic scene may call for All Hail the Silence or Gabriel and Dresden.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by many authors but I’d say Mark Twain has been a big influence, particularly Huck Finn. Twain’s ability to get inside his characters’ heads to beautifully express their emotions, motives, and real thoughts is so powerful. For me, this is the timeless beauty of writing, and it means we can all be transported back one hundred and forty years ago to when the novel is set to discover that people haven’t changed at all.

In terms of modern writers, Neil Gaiman has been an influence. I really enjoy the uniqueness of Neil’s story writing.

What are you working on now?
My next novel, The Connection Game, is a psychological thriller based in London.

A family of four, The Basilworths, have fallen on hard times after becoming victims to an online fraud. They are forced to move into welfare housing in London as they’ve been declared bankrupt. The flat they are allocated is located on the ground floor in a rough area, and the only light that enters the flat comes in through a tiny window which only provides a view of the feet walking past on the street above.

Benny, the husband and father, is angry about their downfall and starts ranting against the world. Then one day, he starts staring out the tiny window at the feet walking past on the street, and he calms down. There’s something about seeing people as nothing more than a pair of passing feet that’s therapeutic for him. However, watching the passing feet soon becomes a passion for him, and he starts noticing unusual patterns in the feet, patterns which deeply concern him.

The more he watches the feet, the more Benny believes the entire city is in serious danger. He convinces his children Will and Wendy to join his foot watching operation at the window, but his wife Belinda is concerned for his mental health. However, the more excited Benny becomes by the foot movements, the more Belinda is drawn into the mystery. She’s determined to discover if there’s any truth behind Benny’s inexplicable theories about the passing feet.

The Connection Game is due to be released towards the end of 2022.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Secrets of a River Swimmer is my first novel so I’m learning more about this as I go. I’ve been told by a few authors that the key is to stay positive and engaged in a wide variety of forums.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start writing a novel with a question rather than an answer in mind.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do your best and forget the rest.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Normal People by Sally Rooney. She’s been super successful so I’m enjoying experiencing her strong character creation skills.

What’s next for you as a writer?
This is a big year for me as I’m publishing Secrets of a River Swimmer in February and The Connection Game in October. These two books have taken a number of years to complete and I’m super excited to go to market with both of them. And the next novel I will be working on this year is a romantic comedy.

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 Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
The Women in White by Wilkie Collins
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Mister God, this is Anna by Flynn

Author Websites and Profiles
SS Turner Website
SS Turner Amazon Profile

SS Turner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have only written two to date, worked my whole like and wrote in pen & pencil for years, I have a lot of material for future books.
I never really had the time to sit down for any length of time still don’t so all my future books will be short books. I am old, retired now, so only have time on my hands no money but great Ideas.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
We you reflect back in years when you were a young boy! One remembers your friendships, relationships with family, brother, sister, mother, father the games you played back then had little meaning except for entertaining your self, the loads of restless energy. Dancing around like their was no tomorrow? Reflecting back in time.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have always drawn, drafted images, and later learned to write things down, I was not good in English classes, remember my English high-school Instructor Anglesey he encourage us to write down everything and to keep a diary, Every morning he would greet a piece of link in the above heat vent and soon the whole class had to address this piece of link in the vent first thing in the morning. We learned that expressing one self in writing was a skill to be learned and earned. Words had meaning and once put on paper it was a reality like his strange piece of link in the vent and other wanted to understand more..

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My fist book after the bible, was titled the Jungle it’s Title was nothing about Africa or a real Jungle. But the life of an Irish Immigrant family growing up in Chicago a big city. But the writer was from a small town in Ireland. He valued honest work, and for him one needed to work harder longer and save. Something which this generation knows nothing about.

What are you working on now?
I have four more short books for this complete series. Which was and is a fundraiser for Charity- Disaster Relief. I was an American Red Cross for many years with hundred of hours of volunteer hours helping during earth quakes, and floods. The American Red Cross has too many Disasters happing all at the same time and not enough money to help. But because of all the fraud, they cannot put their name on small fundraiser like mine because they cannot monitor it, therefore I cannot use their name in my efforts. But I can donate a percentage of the sale proceeds.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Videos are always the best method, my new website has two a book trailer and a audio clip from my book narrator Paul. My recreation of the STTV-2 vessel is the best method for my book signing events promoting a hands on vessel where you can see in person close-up of a real vessel from the book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do not follow me, I can show you only the wrong way!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Make time to stop and smell the roses along the way! A story of the here and now! a Zen master was walking on a path when a man eating Tiger saw him and started the chase, the Zen master had three choices three paths to take two where long and would end up being eaten by the fast tiger the center one was to a sure dead end where a cliff descending down thousands of feet to the bottom. The zen master took the center one, he came to the edge of the cliff and saw hope a fragile vine growing over the edge. He grabbed it and suspended himself over the edge not looking down. Safe from the Man Eating hungrily Tiger, but soon the fragile vine started to give way and down he went but he saw a fresh berry on the way he reach for it and pluck it in his mouth saying to himself remember the good parts of life!

What are you reading now?
A homeless man used his powers to stop a highjacked firetruck in LA he stood IN front with hands raised saying stop! We American can use our power to save our Democracy, Our Planet, Our Galaxy, Our Cosmos we just need to know we have the power and how to use it! I plan on giving them the power! How? Writing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More of the Above!

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 Merriam-Webster Dictionary, My College Logic Text book, Several blank ruled paper work books and plenty of good working pens and pencils.

Author Websites and Profiles
John Pavon Website
John Pavon Amazon Profile

John Pavon’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
two books one fiction and one non-ficiton.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have had the inspiration for many years but decided to go for it during the pandemic.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually write once a day!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to list!

What are you working on now?
Retired and trying to market my first book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use houtsuites, and madmini email marketing. Just created my new website the title of the book: The Whirl Wind Man

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Save up you money because many folks have their hands out requesting money.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Find a good editing crew!

What are you reading now?
too many to list!

What’s next for you as a writer?
my first book is a series and have 4 more to work on.

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?
Too many to list!

Author Websites and Profiles
John Pavon Website
John Pavon Amazon Profile

John Pavon’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Mozambique in the sixties and lived there until I was twelve, but the revolution and regime change in Portugal that led to Mozambican independence, as well as the civil unrest that followed, forced me and my family to leave Africa for good. I’ve lived in Lisbon, Portugal, with my family, ever since.
I pursued an executive career in the financial area but have always loved to write. For a few years now I’ve run the blog The Many Stories of a Woman. At this point in my life I have many stories to tell – stories lived and shared… And all these memories of places I love, music that moves me, books that have inspired me. These are a few of the reasons I began writing.
I love going to the beach and spending time with my sons and my friends. And, like most Portuguese, I would be entirely unable to exist without my cup of espresso!
So far I’ve only written one novel, “Love Secrets Lies”.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Love Secrets Lies” was loosely based on my experiences growing up in Africa and then moving to Europe. It deals with the pain of losing the place you’d always called home and the need to readjust, to reinvent yourself even, in a wholly different environment, while also dealing with the awkwardness and challenges of your teen years.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
This may be the blandest answer of all time, but I just sit down and start typing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would only mention a few authors. Carlos Ruiz Zafón, Emily Brontë, Barbara Erskine, Juliet Marillier, Yrsa Sigurdardottir, Joanne Harris…

Now, books. I read “Wuthering Heights” at 13 and it overwhelmed me with its emotional intensity. Characters like Heathcliff and Cathy will haunt you, they’ll hound your thoughts. I reread it two years ago, and once again felt its power. It is relentless. If “Wuthering Heights” doesn’t make you want to write a novel of your own, I don’t know what will.

What are you working on now?
I’m developing a couple of short stories which I intend to publish in the near future. Oh, and “Love Secrets Lies” is going to have a sequel, which I am working on right now.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s a tough one. I’m still trying to crack it. Instagram has turned out to be a powerful platform to discover new books and authors and, of course, promote your own. Goodreads I’ve found quite useful as well! Obviously I myself am open to tips and suggestions!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Well, I’m a new author, so all I can say is, write something you believe in. Write with passion, it’ll make a world of difference in the end.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My editor has never been afraid to tell me certain scenes in early drafts of “Love Secrets Lies” were bland and unimaginative, and he pushed me to add depth and realism, to flesh out characters, to go into physical sensations like sight and taste and smell, to think of details as seemingly random and irrelevant as air temperature on a given day. It’s hard to distill his advice into a single sentence, but the book wouldn’t have turned out the way it did otherwise.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading “Sidi” by Arturo Pérez Reverte, the story of El Cid, the most famous Spanish hero of the Middle Ages.

What’s next for you as a writer?
There’s a ton of stories in my head waiting to be told. All I need is time. And I certainly want to continue improving my craft, because in this line of work you really never stop learning.

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?
“Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë, Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s “The Shadow of the Wind,” “Lady of Hay” by Barbara Erskine, and Orwell’s 1984.
Tough picking just four, though.

Author Websites and Profiles
Teresa Vale Website
Teresa Vale Amazon Profile

Teresa Vale’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Canadian author of four published mysteries. I live in a beautiful little prairie town, surrounded by hills, valleys, and lakes. I’m also a world traveller. The inspiration for ‘The Suspects’ comes from my visit to Russia. And I’m an avid golfer and I directed little theatre for 15 years. “Writing is a lot like directing; only my characters show up on time and always know their lines. Although sometimes they do go off in a direction that surprises me.” I began writing romances but soon found I was not the romantic type; murder is my line. The change of genre was the right choice, as my first whodunnit mystery, ‘Wayward Shot,’ was published by BWL Inc. in 2019. Followed by ‘Death and Denial,’ ‘The Trouble with Funerals,’ and my latest ‘The Suspects.’ I’m currently working on my next cozy mystery, “Murder Exit Stage Right.”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
On tour to Russia, my tour guide related a story about a tourist in her care who died in a Moscow hotel. And all the hoops she had to go through with the authorities. Of course, the cause of death in ‘The Suspects’ is murder.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do write in a comfy chair with my feet up. I’m a morning writer, except in the summer months, because I golf eighteen holes every morning. But I still try to write at least two hours a day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Agatha Christie the original cozy mystery/ whodunit writer. Linwood Barcley a great storyteller, lots of plot twists. And Rhy Bowen, humour combined with mystery.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on my next mystery, ‘Murder Exit Stage Right.’ I directed little theatre for many years, so this mystery is a joy to write. The publishing date is in October of this year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome Gang. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. And online book clubs

Do you have any advice for new authors?
“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.” Quote from Terry Pratchett. The next step, edit, edit and edit again. And never give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.” Quote from Terry Pratchett

What are you reading now?
The Amethyst Box by Anna Katherine Green

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing mysteries. I have more ideas than 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?
I can’t choose, too many good authors. By the way, does this island have a golfcourse?

Author Websites and Profiles
Joan Havelange Website
Joan Havelange Amazon Profile
Joan Havelange Author Profile on Smashwords

Joan Havelange’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Isaiah Magruder I’m from Maryland I’m 22 years old I payed football,I boxed, I love inspiring people, I’m family oriented, I love animals. I have only written one book so far but much more are coming.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Key To Relaxation and what inspired is everything that’s going on in the world today. The people need guidance and reassurance that no matter what goes on nothing can ruin your peace.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No i have no unusual writing habits.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nipsey Hussle inspired me because how much of an impact he brung and how much knowledge he had.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a book that’s really going to get deeper into the self love category and explain ways to get to the point that you don’t nobody but yourself at the end of the day.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method is First starting with your family send your book to your family because once they like it they going tell their friends and their friends going tell more friends just try to get as much support as you can.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The advice I have is do what makes you happy not others because your happiness, your peace and your life matters too.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The more you talk, imma shine.”

What are you reading now?
I have been reading my book working on the mental No days off for mental improvement.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Whats next for me is working on a new book and connecting with the readers more.More motivations and talking about self love 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 books that I will chose is Steve Harvey Books, Nipsey Hussle Books any books by these black kings.

Author Websites and Profiles
Isaiah Magruder Website

Isaiah Magruder’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written 5 books and 2 Social Ecommerce Planners.
I am an eCommerce business consultant, speaker, Shopify partner, lecturer, and bestselling author. I have been coaching and teaching business for 30 years but ecommerce for 10+ years. I help people get their products online and selling internationally with Amazon, Shopify etc.
I teach authors how to get paid in 3 days! and grow their email list to bring their readers back for more.
I also help them create micro videos to educate their readers on their books, lessons, which helps to sell more books. Creating ideas of how to sell more than books from their stores is essential for the times when books sales go down.
78% Of commerce businesses will fail in 2022. Most entrepreneurs have only a vague idea how to set up their business. In my new book, I provide business owners with the right way to start their online business to show them how to take advantage of the internet. What’s more, they don’t have to be tech-savvy to get up and running quickly.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Shopify Made Easy – Optimize Your Store.
I get the same questions all the time. How can I make more sales, how can I attract more customers.
In this book I show them all the different marketplaces they can sell to and also how to keep their websites/stores optimized for conversions and Google searches.
I love helping people with ideas and get very excited when they are successful.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I know of but I start writing in bed with my first cup of tea! Since I am a granny I always feel like Charlie and the Chocolate factories grandparents – not getting out of bed immediately and waiting for my tea!
Then I go for a walk and back to my book for another hour or so before I have meetings.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I actually started writing because I wanted to give a book when doing lectures or speaking engagements. I felt left out when I attended one in CA! Everybody said…it is a business card and you will get more speaking gigs. You won’t sell that many books!
2 years later and I am now selling 100+ book regularly every month just with my first book and I have just launched my next 2 in Dec 2021 and the latest one about 1 week ago. And my sales have been going up to 125+ already. I am having way too much fun doing this.

What are you working on now?
I am working on my 4th book in my 7 book series – Shopify Made Easy – Positioning Your Brand.
That should be out end of Feb – March, 2021.
I am also working on a short book – 115+ Ways To Market Your Products or Services (no title yet)

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon and Shopify right now for websites.
I am going to be selling on Ebay and all the other Ebook marketplaces by end of the month.
And I do Live recordings regularly on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter and get invited to Amazon Live.
Amazon Ads
And promoting it to sites like this when I publish

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Treat your writing like a business. Know your goals for your business and not just your goal writing. Have a contingency plan if you sell on KDP so you can get paid before the 90 days!
Know where your customers are and how are they going to get to know you.
Treat your Amazon author page like a business brochure. Make sure you utilize all your assets.
Start writing blogs and feed them to your Amazon author page.
There are lots more tips but this is good right?

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Give yourself the gift of time!

What are you reading now?
Pat Flynn – Superfans
Burning Cove – Amanda Quick
(I read at least one fiction ebook a day maybe 2 days…)

What’s next for you as a writer?
Write more business books – I have 2 more ideas after the Shopify series.
Get more planners out and improve my planner.
Every year I have to update part of my series because Shopify updates all the time.
Create my courses – I will have 3 for my books by end of March.
Keep getting my name out so people buy my books 🙂

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Anything the Jayne Krentz writes.
Maybe a really super sexy book so I won’t forget about sex!
The next 2 I will have to find to get off the island, but:
How to build a boat from scratch
How to navigate the stars 🙂

Author Websites and Profiles
Veronica Jeans Website
Veronica Jeans Amazon Profile

Veronica Jeans’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Film and TV student who is obsessed with writing YA books, particularly if they are fantasy and have connections to mental health.
I’ve written quite a few books/ series growing up, especially when I was supposed to be studying in High School. However, I only found out about the process of self-publishing last year and published my first book in August.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘My Everlasting Reign’. I began writing a version of this book when I was around 12yrs old and read Twilight. I didn’t understand why she would create the powerful vampires in Italy and then barely include them in plotlines. I wanted to create a story about a powerful supernatural family that rule over other supernatural creatures but I didn’t think people would read something set in the past – the 14th century – so it became an immature/ pretty cringey high school story.

Then last year, in lockdown, I found my old notes on the new supernatural creatures I had created for that book and adapted them into a new story. I’d watched Reign, realised that people can watch teenage stories set in history, and also realised that you should write the book you want to read.

I also think that my own experience with mental health – my panic disorder – helps shape my writing because I don’t intend to write stories about anxiety but it always becomes a massive part of the characters. I think this means that the characters in My Everlasting Reign aren’t just token representation, for example of depression, and that’s really important to me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I know it’s terrible but I write a lot with the TV on. I’d blame it on the fact that I’m a TV and Film student but I think I just like having that sort of noise in the background.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always loved JK Rowling, though obviously I no longer support her. When I was little I used to purposely forget my book for reading hour because school had her biography in the lost and found – I read her biography every week until it was memorised because I wanted to be an author so badly.
So, I can’t dismiss her as an inspiration for me to become an author even though I don’t support her. I also think her mistakes have inspired me in heightening what I already knew – how important representation is and the way in which it should be included.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the sequel to ‘My Everlasting Reign’ which is called ‘My Everlasting Redemption’. The first book focuses on the main character’s breakdown and the sequel is more about her recovery; bringing up ideas about depression and trauma.
It’s been interesting to write because it’s so different from the first book – there’s a seven century time jump and only three of the original characters reappear for the full plot.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love Instagram and the community there but honestly, I didn’t understand promotion when I first published ‘My Everlasting Reign’. I know now that I should have left time to market and promote the book before the release but I didn’t think readers would care or wait for some unknown book.
I know now I need a better promotional method and to have faith in your own work – people will care!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I think it’s really important to remember how amazing it is that you can create characters and stories, even if they are still unfinished. I definitely have a bad habit of thinking that what I do is unimportant especially because I write YA. I think it’s really easy to dismiss this as ‘bad’ writing and I know that this is sometimes reflected in people’s reactions in life when they know I’m writing about vampires and things like that.
It’s important to remember your own value and how amazing it is that you are creative.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’ve heard it so many times but remembering to write for myself is something I constantly have to remind myself of. It’s so important because sometimes you get so caught up in thinking that your writing has to be perfect for readers instead of just focusing on what you would want to read.

What are you reading now?
Whenever I have problems with my manuscript I always stop reading other books because otherwise I end up comparing a published, successful mainstream book to my first draft which is never a good idea. But I’ve nearly fixed the problem in my draft right now and I’m going to start A Court of Silver Flames which I’m super excited about.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m really hoping to sort out ‘My Everlasting Redemption’ quickly so I can market it with more success. I’m also hoping to get some reviews on my first book soon and if that happens, I think I’ll be dancing around my room screaming!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would have to bring Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix because it’s my favourite book of all time – I love when Harry Potter just has a lot of normal life at Hogwarts, like the exams. And I love any scenes with the Weasleys and that book has a good amount of Weasley content.
I would also bring A Court of Mist and Fury because who doesn’t love that book and I would have to bring a Mortal Instruments book because Alec Lightwood is my comfort character. I barely even care which book just as long as it’s Alec content! So maybe City of Glass.

Author Websites and Profiles
Morgana Stewart Website
Morgana Stewart Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well I am a writer and I have written 22 books I think.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a five book series called Fallen Kings and Queens. I’m a huge fan of Kevin Costner Robin Hood movie and the Scorpion King with The Rock

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes most of the time my story almost always starts out as the ending first

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Twilight’s Stephanie Meyer J.R.R. Tolkien The chronicles of Narnia Danielle Steel

What are you working on now?
Nothing right now maybe I’ll update one of my older books

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not sure I’m still looking

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stay strong and be hopeful and keep writing to get better. Continue to read so you can be inspired and don’t give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The sky is the limit

What are you reading now?
How to Survive a Pandemic with God by
Timothy Hopkins

What’s next for you as a writer?
Looking forward to a new adventure

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 Twilight series

Author Websites and Profiles
Hope Hopkins Website
Hope Hopkins Amazon Profile

Hope Hopkins’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Leah, and I’m a YA Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance author. I’ve written three books but have published two and have so many plans for more!

I live in Virginia with my hubby, toddler, and German Shepherd. My favorite shows are Friends, New Girl, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural.

When I’m not writing, I’m reading, taking care of my family, or stealing alone time when I can.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Blue Moon Eyes was published in September of 2021, and book two, Silver Moon Cries is releasing February of 2022.

I got inspired to write this series because I wanted to find a shifter romance with emotion, some humor, a respectful (and broody) alpha, and lots of action. It’s been hard to find books like that. So I decided to write one.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to clean right before writing, and I need complete silence. Even when my house is quiet, I put in noise canceling earbuds because I need to really get in my zone.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Heather Hildenbrand, Leia Stone, and Jennifer L. Armentrout are some of my favorites. Their writing is fast paced and emotional. I just love getting deep into the worlds they create.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on book 3 in the Wolves of Shadow Grove trilogy, and another project that I’m considering serializing.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Get the word out as much as you can, and have a great cover that fits the genre. I always try to recruit as many bookstagrammers and authors as possible to post and share my cover before and on release day.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read a lot, write what you love, and enjoy the journey. It’s not about “If I can publish this or get to this place in publishing, then I’ll be happy.” It’s about getting to know your characters in the moment and connecting with your readers. Those are the things you’ll love the most.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Sometimes you have to put yourself first.

What are you reading now?
At Dusk by Jennifer Snyder

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing book three in my series in 2022 and then writing the companion novels with it. I’m so excited about it because it’s in another POV and it will be placed in a bigger city!

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 Harbinger series (Storm and Fury) by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I could reread those a million times!

Author Websites and Profiles
Leah Copeland Website
Leah Copeland Amazon Profile

Leah Copeland’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Leah, and I’m a YA Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance author. I’ve written three books but have published two and have so many plans for more!

I live in Virginia with my hubby, toddler, and German Shepherd. My favorite shows are Friends, New Girl, The Vampire Diaries, and Supernatural.

When I’m not writing, I’m reading, taking care of my family, or stealing alone time when I can.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Blue Moon Eyes was published in September of 2021, and book two, Silver Moon Cries is releasing February of 2022.

I got inspired to write this series because I wanted to find a shifter romance with emotion, some humor, a respectful (and broody) alpha, and lots of action. It’s been hard to find books like that. So I decided to write one.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to clean right before writing, and I need complete silence. Even when my house is quiet, I put in noise canceling earbuds because I need to really get in my zone.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Heather Hildenbrand, Leia Stone, and Jennifer L. Armentrout are some of my favorites. Their writing is fast paced and emotional. I just love getting deep into the worlds they create.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on book 3 in the Wolves of Shadow Grove trilogy, and another project that I’m considering serializing.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Get the word out as much as you can, and have a great cover that fits the genre. I always try to recruit as many bookstagrammers and authors as possible to post and share my cover before and on release day.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read a lot, write what you love, and enjoy the journey. It’s not about “If I can publish this or get to this place in publishing, then I’ll be happy.” It’s about getting to know your characters in the moment and connecting with your readers. Those are the things you’ll love the most.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Sometimes you have to put yourself first.

What are you reading now?
At Dusk by Jennifer Snyder

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing book three in my series in 2022 and then writing the companion novels with it. I’m so excited about it because it’s in another POV and it will be placed in a bigger city!

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 Harbinger series (Storm and Fury) by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I could reread those a million times!

Author Websites and Profiles
Leah Copeland Website
Leah Copeland Amazon Profile

Leah Copeland’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a educator who retired early to live in the North Carolina mountains with her husband and a black cat named Molly. By doing so I finally found the time to pursue my writing. I urge anyone who has the means to do so to find their passions in retirement. I have written five books so far.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is the final installment of my series, Jane Digby’s Diary, called White Lady. The inspiration for the series is naturally Jane Digby, who was a 19th century English aristocrat who led an unconventional life by traveling the world in search of freedom, adventure, and love. I am fascinated by women in history who broke the molds of their eras and led unique lives.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know that I have any unusual writing habits such as writing in the buff like Victor Hugo and Ernest Hemingway reportedly did, but I do favor writing on a laptop in a reclining loveseat. I also like to take frequent “walk about” breaks for inspiration.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love authors who have a distinctive style, especially those who write with precision and clarity – so much modern prose is overwritten. I am definitely in the less is more camp as far as style is concerned. I am reader who likes to figure things out for herself, rather than have everything spelled out. Part of the magic of the written word is in its ability to suggest, not impose.

What are you working on now?
I am currently in between projects due to some serious family health issues the past year, but I am currently researching subjects for another book or books about another independent woman in history. Who she is I haven’t decided yet!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have learned to avoid any pay-for-click promotions – too expensive for an indie author with a small budget and too vunerable to click fraud. I prefer flat fee promotional sites. I had some recent success with The Fussy Librarian.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read as much as you can in as many genres as you can – and make time to write. It is so easy to allow our busy lives to take too much of our time, time better spent in developing our craft.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I hate to say this, since I just gave advice in the previous question, but I find advice is rarely helpful for creative people. We really do chart our own paths.

What are you reading now?
For research I am currently reading Emilie Du Chatelet: Daring Genius of the Enlightenment, Warrior Woman: The Exceptional Life of Nonhelema, Shawnee Woman Chief. And for fun, Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am really not sure yet. I’ll keep you posted.

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 am probably cheating with these books:
A complete works of Shakespeare
A complete collection of Yeats
The Norton Book of American Short Stories
The Outlander series
Those should keep me busy enough!

Author Websites and Profiles
C.R. Hurst Website
C.R. Hurst Amazon Profile

C.R. Hurst’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile