Awesome Author Interviews

Here are some of the awesome authors that have submitted books for you to enjoy. Get to know them and discover their awesome books.

J. Dallas Brooks

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As a late Generation X’er, I grew up in the 80s, and it’s been my mission in writing to both allow those of us lucky enough to have experienced the decade to remember it, while also introducing it in a real way to those generations too young to know what it was all about. I’ve published a total of 7 books, but I’ve written several more than that (the first 8 manuscripts weren’t quite ready for prime time).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Monster Melee ’85.
It’s a middle grade story that is set in the year 1985. The inspiration came from telling one of my children not to be frightened of imagined monsters in the dark. He looked at me like I must be insane, and the idea for one of the early chapters came to me. What if the monsters that frighten children aren’t just figments of their imagination? What if adults just tell themselves that as they lose the ability to see beyond the physical world around them? More important, what if kids could finally do something about those monsters? The real point of the story is self-reliance. Bravery. Courage. Determination.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t obey a 24 hour clock when I’m in first draft mode.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
RL Stine – He showed me the rules for writing for middle grade audiences. Hint: it’s not good to pander or preach to this group of readers.
JK Rowling – She showed me that it’s o.k. to write what you like, regardless of what the trends are. Trends come and go. Good stories are eternal.
Michael Crichton – His hard science fiction is beyond reproach, and Jurassic Park was an early inspiration of mine…at the time when I would have been a Middle Grade reader.
Mark Twain – The tone, voice, style, and wit of this man represent the impossible goal that all writers must strive towards.
Stephen King – He taught me that being frightened is sometimes fun.

What are you working on now?
A sequel to Monster Melee ’85, called Monster Melee ’22. Billy and his 80s misfit crew will arrive in the present day for the next melee, only to them, the present is a far off distant future. The only question is, is it a dystopian nightmare, or something cool and unique? I’m also mapping out a screenplay about a young kid from today who ends up using his 80s trivia to save the entire galaxy.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Besides Awesomegang? I like to do a few ads on Amazon here and there, but largely I just rely on word of mouth.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up.
Never surrender.
At least, don’t do it permanently. I quit writing forever at least once or twice a month. I’m an insufferable mess when it happens. As the saying goes, if you can quit writing, then go ahead and quit. Go be productive and do something useful with your life. If you can’t quit, then you’re definitely a writer. The wants and needs of agents is very subjective, so just keep working on your craft. If you’re not writing what people are looking for right now, just keep at it. You never know what’s going to strike someone’s fancy next month, next year, or in decades to come.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One must know what’s inside the box to be able to claim to think outside of it.

What are you reading now?
I’m really into Voltaire (for the classics), but I’ve started reading more of the Goosebumps series from RL Stine. If I write in that space, I need to at least be familiar with the works of the the all-star of the genre.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Two screenplays, another middle grade novel, and then two more grown-up novels (sequels in the Martian Mist trilogy).

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?
Jurassic Park – Crichton.
Collected essays from Mark Twain.
Candide by Voltaire.
And hopefully some kind of book on how to survive on a deserted island!

Author Websites and Profiles
J. Dallas Brooks Website
J. Dallas Brooks Amazon Profile

J. Dallas Brooks’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Author Interview Series

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C.M. Halstead

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born in a small farming community located in Upstate, NY I was quickly relocated to Niagara Falls for the first year of my life. The second child of two individuals barely into their twenties, I have no recollection of what led to the decision, yet I am sure it had something to do with feeding young mouths and wanting something different than what he grew up with, my Dad joined the Air Force. That enlistment and the genetically inherited wanderlust has kept me moving for most of my 50 years.

Those 50 years are a book in itself, yet to be written. I have written and released eight distinct works and have ten plus in various stages of completion. I currently am compiling a couple of books together, one to consist of four novellas and the other to contain a multitude of short stories, parables, allegories, that sort of thing. The novellas are four distinct works written at various times and not related to each other, yet seem perfect to combine into a 180,000 word volume. The other compilation is geared towards coming of age and personal growth as all parables and fables are made to do. A four pack to escape your grind and another to help you go hmmm.

I have eight distinct works already published and double digit works in progress. I write because I am possessed to do so and write whenever possible. I am walking dead when not creating.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release, HBD (Here Be Dragons) is a novel written during three different NANoWriMo events. Instead of fleshing out the rough drafts into three separate books, I chose to combine them and edit down the manuscripts. This is the first book I wrote with characters WAY outside of my personal boundaries. It was a great exercise for me, writing about people doing things I would never do, I feel it opened me up as a creative writer. Just because the character does it, doesn’t mean I would or that it is an alter-ego of mine. Let’s see what the world thinks of it instead.

HBD (Here Be Dragons) is NOT a tale of medieval influence and proportions, other than it being the source of the working title, Here Be Dragons. On maps of old, there often existed sections of the hand written maps that had not been explored, either on that trip or at all by the country funding the boat and or expeditions. In these areas the map makers would write and draw, pictures of mermaids, dragons, and other mystical creatures were often drawn there or the words, Here Be Dragons written to represent areas to NOT be explored. Off limits. Things of danger lie here. Or really, we just don’t want you to know.

Marty Roberts has an opportunity to save the world, not from itself, but from the humans that dominate it. He sits, thinking. Determined to find a solution, no idea how lost he is.
Agent Joanne Clay urgently moves forward in her career, hell-bent on making her reputation and moving on from her family’s. She, a new generation of FBI agent.
Enter a clandestine agency, a psycho or three and the race for power gets violent. A whodunit, full of power and personal struggles. Who will prevail, the young, FBI-backed agent or Marty Roberts, alone and on mission?

HBD (Here Be Dragons) by C.M. Halstead

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I thought writing was an unusual habit….

I do not know what is considered unusual, I do know I write in what I call my #writerscave If you find me on Instagram you will occasionally see photos of me in my writer’s cave. Nothing fancy, quite the opposite actually. My first was on the back porch while we lived in Sedona, AZ, the second located above one wheel-well on the 1980 Ward Bus we converted and drove around the southwest. And only the wheel-well, I had to scoot in sideways and peel myself out of the seat a few hours later. Then my growing son needed more space and I shrank my writing space down to standing room only, wedged between sleeping spaces. Same deal, several hours later I had to force my body to move out of that two foot by three foot space. Long walks were necessary to get my full range of motion active again. My current writer’s cave is the Taj Mahal compared to my first few. An eight by ten building located on property purposefully located in a quiet area of the southwest. It is hard to find areas not fully consumed by human noise, even wilderness areas are often plagued by aircraft and helicopters flying over on the regular.

I would say I have an unusual perspective of what my job is! Most would say it is to write, I would say it is to get my butt into the writer’s cave and keep it there. THAT is the hardest part of being a writer for me. Even though I love the process, life’s distractions and to-do lists often prevent me from being disciplined and getting into the cave. Therefore my job is to get me into the writing space and keep it there. If I do that, at some point in that multi-hour seclusion words will appear on the computer screen. 4,000 words can appear in 15 minutes, of course it took three hours of patience, perseverance, and wall staring to get there.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
This can be a long or short list depending on what is active in my memory!

Philosophy is an influence on me, many from what back-in-the-day we called the Orient, now it is called various things depending on the news channel, conversation, or day of the week. Either way, ancient philosophers and a more modern day philosopher that many think of as an entertainer vs philosopher are an influence on my personal mindset. Many are martial arts influenced and big picture battle influenced like the Art of War by Sun Tzu, The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi or the modern day one I hinted at, Bruce Lee. Bruce Lee is more known for his martial arts films than as a thinker. He is also a rebel at heart. He caught loads of flak for teaching his martial arts forms to non-traditionals long before it was socially acceptable to do so. Bruce Lee’s recordings of his mindset philosophies and his book Tao of Jeet Kune Do, “Jeet Kune Do, you see, has no definite lines or boundaries – only those you make yourself.” …just like the rest of life. Most of our limitations are self imposed or taught by those that think less of themselves than they could.

Stephen King is an author with books that have influenced my writings. He led the way for me in his books about human behavior in “situations” and how quickly the illusion of civilized society collapses in moments of survival, perceived or real. His master use of head-hopping and keeping me in the loop of what is going on in his character’s heads drives me to keep reading and validates my desire to keep my readers up to date on the goings on in my character’s heads. I love putting the reader behind the scenes on what drives the motivations of all. I believe this translates to a better understanding of all the humans we interact with as we go about our lives. I also love King’s unadulterated use of “supernatural” and other lesser believed possibilities. For if it isn’t logical it is easy to disbelieve if you are scientific minded and easier to believe from a spiritual perspective.

Joseph Campbell is also an huge influence on my writings. Ironically I first became attached to his hero’s journey outline while in film school. I thought I was there to learn to make documentary films and the independent film making process (and I did) yet what really stuck foremost in my mind is simple outline that has worked for humans since our mostly verbal story telling days. The hero’s journey is immortalized in a majority of Hollywood blockbusters, Disney films, and grandiose fishing stories everywhere. The Power of Myth is a homework type book for any storyteller, verbal, visual, or written.

What are you working on now?
Write now, in the world of C.M. Halstead a discovery of sorts is being organized. When I write rough drafts my goal is to keep my fingers moving, to stay in the creative flow as long as possible. If I find myself floundering on a longer story I often switch to a new idea or vent about life stuff. In the discovery process of reading through a rough draft I often find parables, short stories, etc. I am sorting through and compiling more than 25 of this incomplete works. Thus far my intention is to put them into two different works. One to contain four longer stories of 30-50,000 word length and the other to contain a plethora of stories from the shortness of allegories to the length of short stories. This will be C.M. Halstead’s first story compilation.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a creative, marketing is the hot burner on the stove, yet still mandatory for a chosen indie author. Time and word of mouth are my best assets at my current level. The only one better is to keep producing a volume of works.

All of my works can be found online or on apps. (Amazon, Goodreads, Ibooks, etc. to name a few) A simple search for C.M. Halstead through a search engine will always NET results. Me and surgical scissors are sure to come up in the results…..

If you are on Goodreads please follow my C.M. Halstead Author Page.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors is to listen as little as possible to those that nitpick the details of writing and publishing. Those that say NEVER do this or NEVER do that and instead to listen to that part of you that knows and ALLOW the words to flow from your fingers without editing or judging them. When the judger and critic that lives in your head shows up, get up from your writing space and kick that creative king/queen killer out of your creative space. Make sure to slam the door on their rear end as they figuratively or literally depart. Then sit back down and go back to work knowing you did the right thing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t Believe Everything You Think.” My brother from another said this to me once or twice a multitude of years ago and it has stuck with me since then. I also am acutely aware of those I run across who do the opposite of the above statement. They think that because their mind thought it, that it is data. This is not true. Everywhere are people lying to themselves just to justify a thought they had years ago. And worse, living a life based around this random thought. Just cause you think it happened, doesn’t mean it did. (the opposite is true also). Do some research, get some data, talk to others.

What are you reading now?
Reading has changed for me.

I attended film school about 15 years ago. I remember going to the movie theater to see a blockbuster towards the end of the second semester. To my surprise everything had changed for me. It was hard to get lost in the movie without judging the shot choices and angles, asking myself why they broke the plane, and suspending disbelief. It is like seeing the man behind the curtain in Wizard of Oz, once you’ve seen what’s behind the curtain, you cannot unsee it.

Now that I am a writer, reading has changed for me as well. I see the wizard behind the curtain, pick up on formulas, set the book down quicker (if it doesn’t keep me engaged). I’ve learned I thrive on storytellers over world builders, and that I am a storyteller over a world builder. Some writers get lost in world building, I like to get lost in the story. Therefore I tend to gravitate towards authors like Stephen King that let us in on the complete story, all sides and all thoughts. I also like thrillers, adventures, and the like. I’ve been doing homework on head-hopping, I am a fan and incorporate it into my stories. Somehow I’ve never read Stephen King’s Duma Key, I am reading it now. I just completed Cell (by Stephen King as well) for the first time.

I find myself on the verge of writing my first philosophy book and thinking about some of the old books I’ve read. I am being drawn back to the Tao of Jeet Kune Do by Bruce Lee and contemplating reading Art of War by Sun Tzu again. I’ve haven’t read that one since my early 20’s.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m currently sorting through 25 short stories, parables, allegories, etc that are in various stages of completion. Extending, editing, and organizing them into two books is my creative time focus over the coming winter.

I also have some books from The Tripper Series that have enough reviews for me to pay advertising for them. Learning the ins and outs of marketing on Amazon and Goodreads is next on my indie author homework list.

Also on my agenda is continuing road-trips with my partner Amy. We both love to drive, explore, and generally forget about everything as we meander about on highways, byways, and dirt roads in the vast expanse that is America. I cannot speak for my Misses, yet I can tell you nothing else my post traumatic stress more than getting into an automobile and driving as long and far as I can, setting up camp, listening to the local area and after a day or so, driving on to something different. Even returning home feels different after some quality time on the road.

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 likely to be far to practical than is fun, so therefore will bring SAS Survival Handbook by John Wiseman, Advanced Bushcraft by Dave Canterbury, The Anarchist Cookbook by William Powell, and The Survival Medicine Handbook by Joseph Alton and Amy Alton.

If I was being impractical I would bring books full of many stories to read and absorb over the years!

Author Websites and Profiles
C.M. Halstead Amazon Profile

C.M. Halstead’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Author Interview Series

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

Sayda Hope

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a simple person who loves writing escapism for myself and others to enjoy.
My first self-published novel “Das Herz” or “The Heart” is the first edition to a series.
Like Das Herz, I have many books that will have a set series of sequels and can’t wait to share them with you!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Das Herz was written because I was tired of hero-type main characters that wanted to save the day. The General Eber Soldat is far from a hero and is honestly a lote4 more fun to write for.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Voodoo dolls, need I say more?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m more influenced by movies and therefore write more descriptive scenes and places in my books that immerse you into the worlds.

What are you working on now?
My next self-published book is in the proofreading stage.
It is an otherworldly fantasy about the King of Demons, Shah’Hall having to wage war with Angels to save his world.
It has a bit more levity to it than the Das Herz series I feel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter definitely has a wonderful community of authors and readers who have been very supportive!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Honestly, never stop being “new”. New talent is some of the best, with new views and new ideas. Learning the ropes is part of the fun, so don’t sweat it, enjoy the climb to the peak!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Eat more greens.

What are you reading now?
My last will and testament.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Buying a better pencil sharpener. My last one exploded…

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?
“Dump Dinners”, “Dump Bake” and “Raft Building For Dummies”.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sayda Hope Website
Sayda Hope Amazon Profile

Sayda Hope’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Author Interview Series

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

David Bain

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the author of Gray Lake, Death Sight (the Will Castleton psychic detective series) and several other supernatural thrillers. Many are straight-forward, but every now and then I like to go humorously B-movie over the top! (Think the 2021 “Suicide Squad” or old Troma Studio movies.) I’m an award-winning journalist, I’ve taught English to thousands of college students, and I have an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia College Chicago. My shorter work has appeared in many publications, including Weird Tales and Strange Horizons, and in several anthologies alongside my heroes like Ray Bradbury, Joe R. Lansdale, RamseyCampbell, Jack Ketchum, Brian Keene, and many others, with honorable mentions in The Year’s Best Horror and Fantasy.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Although I write in many genres, including everything from science fiction serial killer thrillers, I just released the third book my Riders of the Weird West series – RIDERS THROUGH THE MISTS OF TIME! I’ve planned several more books in this sprawling, far-out series, but this particular book introduces larger than life, fiendish new villains with immense powers that challenge all the newfound powers of the main characters – and all my powers as a writer!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do not believe in writer’s block. I do believe in procrastination or having a bad case of “the don’t wannas” but I also believe any writing problem can be solved by opening a blank document and writing about what you’re writing about. I wrote a little book about this, if you’re interested…. 🙂

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve got a huge blog post ranking Stephen King’s books in order, if you’re interested…. 🙂 When my students ask me what they should be reading, my answer is, “Widely.”

What are you working on now?
I am working on a book called KILLER CHASE. And the next book in several series. I have ideas for books to keep me going should I live another fifty years, easy.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t know that there is a best promotional practice. I am always learning, pivoting, open to new ideas. My current website is http://www.AuthorDavidBain.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take the time to learn every sort of writing, from poetry to drama to journalism to screenwriting, plus. Try to learn from the best. But make sure to find an hour to shut the door – and don’t let anyone tell you what to write during that hour.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Why don’t you go take a short nap and then look at it again?

What are you reading now?
Paperbacks from Hell – Grady Hendrix
Sandman Part II (audiobook)
working my way through Stark (Westlake)’s Parker novels
various Joyce Carol Oates short stories
poetry by Stephen Dobyns and Albert Goldbarth

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books in various series. There are a couple stand-alones I’d like to get to in the next couple years. 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?
Probably Joyce Carol Oates’ HIGH LONESOME or her novel BELLEFLEUR; there’s nothing she can’t do with words and there’s an encyclopedia of genre in those two books. Probably Hendrix’s PAPERBACKS FROM HELL because that’s such a fun overview of the grue I grew up on. My own novel GRAY LAKE because it sums up the first thirty years of my life. And there’s a tiny little book by Tai Sheridan called BUDDHA IN BLUE JEANS that’s about as nifty a reminder as one needs that this too shall pass.

Author Websites and Profiles
David Bain Website
David Bain Amazon Profile

Author Interview Series

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

Jacob Harris

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a new Christian author from North Carolina. At the writing of this interview I am pursuing a religion major at Southern Wesleyan University and running a Christian blog. With this blog, I have created a platform to reach other people for Christ through short devotional writing. With 1 book under my belt, I plan to write many more!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a short commentary/Bible study titled, “Enriching Grace Commentary of Ephesians: Understanding the Faith. It is inspired and compiled by Bible studies posted on the enrichinggrace.com. Prior to publishing it was revised and formatted to book format. The book explores some of my absolutely favorite Scripture that has formed me as a young Christian.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do not know if unusual writing is a way to describe some of my lesser known writing habits; however, I am very particular. I have places such as the local coffee shop that I often need to be in for any good work to result. My surroundings profoundly affect the quality of my writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been inspired by a plethora of writers. Some are much lesser known (David O’steen) than others (C.S. Lewis) but regardless, there impact has been immense. My greatest inspiration and resource however is the Bible.

What are you working on now?
I am working on my next study resource and the continuation of the series, “Understanding the Faith.” This next work will be based out of the Biblical epistle of 1 Timothy and explore doctrine.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Being so new this business, I can not say for sure which book promotion site is the best. Nonetheless, Amazon has been an amazing tool and conceptually, Awesome Gang, has is an outstanding resource to have in your corner when it comes to book advertising.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice may not be worth anything with me being so new of an author, but I do know that authors need to be active in their niche outside of book writing as well. Gaining life experience beyond our current understanding of our topics will improve your writing in more ways than one.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Before writing, specify your audience. Narrow down who you would most like to write to and then write to them. The audience will naturally widen but this strategy keeps your writing pure.

What are you reading now?
At the moment I am reading a book about Southern Gothic classic works and it is very fascinating.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, I want to continue to write Christian non-fiction that will be supplementary material for Bible studies within my church. Writing is also a wonderful support vein for ministry opportunities.

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?
– Holy Bible
– Imitation of Christ`~ Thomas Aquinas
– Pilgrim’s Progress~ John Bunyan
– Mere Christianity~ C.S. Lewis

Author Websites and Profiles
Jacob Harris Website
Jacob Harris Amazon Profile

Jacob Harris’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Author Interview Series

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

Mike Mollman

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written three books, but only published one. The second book in the Protectors of Pretanni, “To Speak With Elders” will come out in the summer. Recently I’ve gone back to the first book I ever wrote, a coming-of-age SciFi set on Mars in the future. This book means a lot to me because it’s how I’ve learned to write. I’ve dusted off the cyberdust from my hard drive and I’m going to try and publish it early next year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“To Speak With Elders” is the second book in my Protectors of Pretanni series. Like the first, it is roughly set in the British Isles in 100BC. The first book introduced my world, but this book expands it greatly. In total, there will be four books in the series growing to a clash between civilizations. So there are a lot of people to meet and places on the map to explore.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I get stuck, I like to go walking and let mind wander. It inevitably goes to the root cause of my problem. By the time I get back home, I have a path forward.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Of course Tolkien and Asimov are up there, but the series that I loved while growing up are “The Belgariad” by David Eddings and “The Book of Swords” series by Fred Saberhagen. Eddings made his character come to life and I would laugh out loud while reading their banter. Saberhagen’s concept for the swords was amazing, but I always feel cheated reading his books. His world is big and the storylines abound, yet he only wrote 240 page books and left most of the world undiscovered.

What are you working on now?
I’m getting the first book I wrote, “The Halley Traveler” rewritten and ready for professional editing. I hope to have it out Q1 of 2022.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have literally just begun. I would love to have a definitive answer to this question.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Three pieces of advice:
1. You can’t edit a blank page, so write and then write some more. Then look at rule 2.
2. No one can write 100000 words down in perfect order on their first try. First drafts are meant to be terrible. You are just getting ideas down on paper. The editing is what makes or breaks stories.
3. I got this off the internet, write what you like rather than what you think will sell. You will end up reading it 79 times, so you better like it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When writing a first draft, do not keep going back and making what you wrote better. You will get in an endless loop of perfecting a small number of chapters and the rest will never be written. Write it all straight through. Leave the editing for when you have a (mostly) coherent story.

What are you reading now?
I’ve just started “Magic’s Genesis, The Grey” by Rosaire Bushey.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Learning the business side. I feel like I have a handle on writing. It was quite the surprise to discover that the business side must be learned as well. I’ve started my guerilla marketing and I enjoy it. Now balancing the writing with the business and my full time job, that’s the conundrum.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I have a soft spot for epics, as in the really old epics. So I’d bring Gilgamesh, Beowulf, The Iliad and The Odyssey. It’s my island, and you can’t stop me, so I would also take the Aeneid (which needs to become a movie!) and Dante’s Inferno.

Author Websites and Profiles
Mike Mollman Website
Mike Mollman Amazon Profile

Mike Mollman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Author Interview Series

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

Christy Piper

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first published book, but I’ve started a few drafts I’m still adding to.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Girl, You Deserve More: How to Break His Spell over You, Escape Your Toxic Partner, and Become Independent. Going through this difficult situation myself more than once, and seeing other women (and men) struggle with it made me want to write a motivational and practical guide.

It addresses a lot of their emotional struggles that mental health professionals who haven’t been through it before may not fully understand. This book is actually more for the people who want to help those in the situation, because the ones in the situation are so blocked right now, they wouldn’t even know to search for this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to go to bed early, so I can wake up naturally between 4-6am. This is when I get my best writing done, when I’m well rested and my mind is clear. I try to get as much writing done in the morning as possible. When inspiration hits me throughout the day, I write the ideas down in the notes app of my phone. That way I can incorporate it into my books later.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced most by those who’ve overcome a lot of adversity to share their (or their character’s) story of resilience to inspire others. I like Robert Greene (48 Laws of Power, Laws of Human Nature), J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter), Veronica Roth (Divergent), Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games), Chris Voss (Never Split the Difference), David Goggins (Can’t Hurt Me), Meredith Miller (Inner Integration), Seth Godin, Napoleon Hill, Neville Goddard.

Books on personality types like Myers Briggs and Enneagram have influenced me, because they helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses, and my mission in life. Books on narcissism and healing from those characters; they helped me realize why I have these characters in my life, and how to heal myself from attracting these types.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on material (books, podcast, videos) that will help those who’ve been in a narcissist or toxic person’s grip. They will gain their confidence, and be able to repel these people in the future. Whether the toxic person is a partner, “friend,” family member, coworker, or boss, I’m passionate about helping you become toxic proof. To inspire you to change your role in life– You can be whatever you choose to be! Just decide today 🙂

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Start with those you already know. Ask them to buy or recommend your book to their friends who may like it. Ask to be on a a guest on their podcast. Start your own podcast or Youtube channel. That’s how you get warm leads who actually want your book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Work hard to get sales and reviews your first week. Ask friends and other authors who you’ve helped out. They will have a more vested interest in your success. Temporarily lower your book price to make it easy for people to support you. Don’t just blast your links everywhere and spam people. Don’t beg or try to convince people to buy your book. It will make you feel dirty and desperate in the end.

If they can’t see the value and won’t support you for $1, they aren’t your true friend, don’t want you to succeed, aren’t your customer, or just don’t know value when they see it. Try not to take it personal. The average person is not a reader and does not want to work to improve themselves, which is why they are mediocre.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.” ~ Albert Schweitzer

“A diamond is a chunk of coal that did well under pressure.” ~ Henry Kissinger

“If you deliberately plan to be less than you are capable of being, then I want to warn you that you’ll be deeply unhappy the rest of your life.” ~ Abraham Maslow

“Make time for planning: Wars are won in the general’s tent.” ~ Stephen Covey

“Do or don’t do. There is no try.” ~ Yoda

“You can’t expect the benefits without taking the risks.” ~ Christy Piper

“Anyone can be nice to a stranger. When you get comfortable with someone, that’s when their true self comes out.” ~ Christy Piper

What are you reading now?
I am reading old time authors like Joseph Murphy, Neville Goddard, Napoleon Hill, and Florence Shovel Shinn on the power of the subconscious mind. These are authors and topics I read a little bit at a time, so I can always keep these ideas top of mind to inspire my life.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will be working on more follow up books on how to disarm, defeat, and rid yourself of the toxic people in your life.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Harry Potter, the Zohar, the Bible, a comprehensive book on how to survive on a desert island.

Author Websites and Profiles
Christy Piper Website
Christy Piper Amazon Profile

Christy Piper’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Megan Speece

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an avid reader. I spent a lot of time alone as a kid, because I was the youngest in the family by about a decade. My play dates were with book characters. I loved it when I would finish my work in a class and my teachers would let me read while everyone else was still working. The love for reading translated into a love for writing, though it wasn’t something I seriously considered until this year. I wrote fanfiction when I was younger. I think I had formed really strong attachments with these fictional worlds and characters, so I just spent a ton of time imagining myself with those people. And that turned into writing about being with those characters and in those worlds.

I don’t read as much as I used to. I think that’s part of being an adult with more responsibilities. I still love to read, and I’ll go through phases where I’ll say no to going to do something in favor of staying home to read. But I have a really tight circle of friends who I do everything with. So I’m often on the go. My husband and I lead a group of medieval reenactors. That eats up a lot of time, but it’s so worth it. And really, it’s just another way of getting lost in a different world for me. I guess that’s the big theme of who I am and the things I do, I’m always looking for a way to escape into a more enjoyable reality.

I’ve written one very short and sweet non-fiction book about finding joy, and I’ve written one novel. I can’t tell you how many carcasses of started and abandoned books are living in my computer, though.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel is called Tranquil Heights. Honestly, I’m not even really sure what inspired it. I was working on something pretty boring, with music playing in the background, and suddenly I had this idea. I can only assume that something in the music triggered it, but I’m not even sure what song was playing. I just had this idea, this story, unfurling in my head and I knew I had to do something about it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yeah, I do what I think of as “pre-writing”. It’s where, while I’m supposed to be doing something else, I’m writing in my head. No pad or paper, or keyboard. Just kind of a jumble of words clanging around in my brain. By the time I sit down at my desk to actually type it out, it’s pretty well cemented.

I’ve done this for as long as I can remember, with any style of writing. I’d think about academic papers in my sleep, on my commute, during a walk from one side of campus to the other and by the time I was ready to actually write it, I pretty much had it complete.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Simone St. James has had a profound influence. I think The Broken Girls was the first book I read with the dual timelines, and I loved it. Plus she’s got a real knack for kind of spooky suspense that I try really hard to emulate. When I read, I want to be guessing, I want to be turning to the next page at 2am because I have to know what’s going to happen. She does that for me, and it’s something I hope I’m doing.

What are you working on now?
Now, I’m working on a sequel to Tranquil Heights. It’s called Damned Souls, and it features some characters from Tranquil Heights. It’ll be another spooky suspense, and I think the stakes will be a little higher with Damned Souls, not that the stakes were particularly low with Tranquil Heights. I’m really looking forward to exploring more of what, in my universe, makes ghosts stick around.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have an author website, and that’s probably the easiest way to access everything you need to know at once. It’s: https://www.meganspeecewrites.com/. But honestly, I think what got me the most traction when I first started writing was TikTok, where I’m @meganspeecewrites. I found a really great community of fellow indie authors and readers who are really supportive of indies. Plus, the content is kind of fun, if the algorithm is a bit confusing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Oh yeah. Ignore that little voice in your head that says “I can’t.” Flip it and respond to it “Can’t I?”. This is a philosophy I try really hard to live by: “Can’t I?”

I’m a highly competitive person, so when someone tells me I can’t do something, I tend to do it out of pure spite just to prove them wrong. It’s not always the same with myself, though. I’m really hard on myself. We’re all our own worst critics right? So when I find myself telling me that I can’t do something, I try to back away and say “But, can’t I, though?” It’s way easier said than done, but if you make this a ritual, it does help.

Also, get a support system in place early on. Whether that’s a fellow author as a cheerleader/critique partner, or your best friend, or your partner. That support system is super important. Tranquil Heights stalled more than once until I could have a rousing conversation with my husband and he’d help clear out my mental cobwebs. He also says “The only thing Megan can’t do is what she tells herself she can’t.” So yeah, having a person who believes in you 100%, backs you up, and picks you up when you’re down is imperative. Not just to your success as an author, but your success as a human.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
For an author: leave yourself room to surprise yourself. I learned the hard way that I’m a plotter. I tried really hard to pants some work (those carcasses in my computer), but if I didn’t plan out, at minimum, the major plot points, I’d get lost somewhere around chapter 7, have no idea what I was doing, and throw the whole thing out. But even though I’m a pretty hardcore plotter, I have to keep my mind open to changes. As you write, new themes show up, new character traits work their way to the surface, you have to give yourself the room to follow those things. It makes your work more organic.

For general life: just do the thing. I’m a chronic worrier and over-thinker. I plan vacations over a year in advance. I make lists and itineraries. All of this leads to a lot of analysis paralysis on my end. My husband has a saying: “that’s a future me problem”. It allows him to live a little more in the moment and just jump up and do the thing. I’ve spent a lot of the past few years learning to let go of my intense need to plan, and just take the leap. Obviously, this is advice to take within reason. Actions have consequences, and we shouldn’t forget that. But when we’re talking about doing something fun, or enjoyable, if even a little bit risky, sometimes we should just do it.

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar. I picked it up in the “horror” section of a bookstore, and it’s a pretty interesting premise. It marries true crime and horror fiction, and that certainly scratches the itch for a generation that loves serial killer documentaries and true-crime podcasts. I’ve loved horror since I was probably about five years old, so I’m looking forward to delving into this metafiction.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep going. I pick up and abandon hobbies with a disturbing quickness. I’m trying really hard not to let being an author become one of those abandoned hobbies. I’m working on my sequel, I have plans and a semi-plotted idea for the third in the trilogy. I’ve got a pretty epic horror fantasy idea on the back burner for when the Tranquil Heights universe comes to a close. I’m just going to keep putting one foot in front of the other, one letter after another, and hope that other people love reading my stuff as much as I love writing it.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
This might be the hardest question ever.

The Harry Potter series had a tremendous impact on my life, and a lot of who I am as an adult is based on things I learned through the lens of Harry and friends. My favorite of those books is Order of the Phoenix, so I’ll pick that.

Next comes, IT by Stephen King. I was obsessed with the Tim Curry version of the movie when I was a kid. I was super small and had no business watching it, and I blame it for my general unease around clowns to this day. But it’s also probably one of the most profound and beautiful stories I’ve ever read.

And last comes House of Leaves. That book changed me. It sounds corny, but it seriously is a reality bending work. It makes you question a lot. Plus, the brilliant formatting is a point of fascination that I wouldn’t tire of.

Author Websites and Profiles
Megan Speece Website
Megan Speece Amazon Profile

Megan Speece’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Author Interview Series

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

Mavric Webb

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My successful writing style comes from my failures, I failed in high school( I failed twice English and literature) I failed to go to university and I failed at business but the beautiful thing about my ugly failure in high school is that it made possible the contents for my first book (The Art of Poetry “The color of change”) a book that exposed myself and my family inadvertently maybe it was purposely, I cant be sure, what I am sure about is that I spoke about how my mother gave birth to me at age 15, how my pseudo father abused and abandon my mother before I was born, how the only role models I got for father figures were low life scums and murders, and how I watched my mother being abused as a child and was too afraid to do anything and instead of carry a load of books, pencils etc. this was the burden I had on my back everyday when I went to school, with that said I took full responsibility for my failures in school, my father, my mother or any other character that I may have vilified or sanctified in the “Art of Poetry” was not responsible for my failure in school.
My failure to attend a university was responsible for my developing a passion for reading. Reading allowed me to find many role models such as Fyodor Dostoevsky, Charles Bukowski, Shakespeare, Robert Greene, Malcolm Gladwell, Malcolm x, Plato, and many others. My third failure created the experience for my second book “How You Can Turn Shit TO Sugar “13 sacred steps of alchemy” I told my story how I developed a resilient character, how I saw an opportunity where may see failure in a nutshell how I made a disadvantage into an advantage. I am an author that had had many failures in life but each failure taught me something success would not be able to.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“How You Can Turn Shit TO Sugar “13 sacred steps of alchemy” was inspired by the beauty concealed in ugly failures. I want to share my story of how I turned disadvantages into opportunities, and inspire persons to not give up because of failures, in fact, they should continue after failures, if I a man that taught myself how to read and write, failed English, and Literature twice and didn’t attend any university have written two published books with 7 more being edited to publish they can do anything with their failures.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My unusual writing habit might be so unusual if you increase if you asked the large community of authors. I write in my sleep, especially after a good masturbation session.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors that influence me the most Charles Bukowski, Fyodor Dostoevski, and Fredrick Niechze

What are you working on now?
A Novel called DWL (Death, Wealth or a Long Jail sentence)

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Instagram and literary events

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Fail more

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
the best advice is heard was not to listen to any advice, fail and create your own philosophy.

What are you reading now?
Taleb Fooled by Randomness

What’s next for you as a writer?
Have my Books turned into flims

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?
Notes From the Underground, Hamlet, Plato’s Republic, and How You Can Turn Shit To Sugar.

Author Websites and Profiles
Mavric Webb Amazon Profile

Mavric Webb’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

O.l Flubermin

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Four. Three in the childhood’s hour series, one in the bloodless series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The lost Desert book 3, a want to see the fantasy genre reworked and retooled.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Maybe making up my own words and spelling could fit under unusual writing habits.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Difficult to say when I’m not precisely sure what’s meant by ‘influenced’.

What are you working on now?
Lost desert book 4, bloodless 2, various short stories and side projects.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still trying to figure that out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Figure out if you actually want to create a finished work, or if you’re just looking to get high on the idea of something.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Probably something said by Jordan Peterson

What are you reading now?
I’ve been sampling Kindle’s top ten from various fantasy subgenre’s, just to attempt to form an understanding of what’s popular.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Write write and write 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?
Lolita, the Bible, the name of the wind.

Author Websites and Profiles
O.l Flubermin Website
O.l Flubermin Amazon Profile

O.l Flubermin’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Katherine D. Graham

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written more books than I can count (well over 50), but I’ve only brought three full novels and three novellas to the market at this time.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Vow That Twisted Fate is my most recently published novel (a NA -new adult- epic fantasy). I actually had a dream about a key scene that is now in the middle of the book. A young queen of a world without evil finds herself in a parallel dimension that is only evil, facing off against a legendary sorceress. That inspiration became the basis of the book, which I then wrote for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in 2016.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a pantser (I don’t outline/plot my work in advance), despite being a developmental editor. I go behind my writing in draft 2 to make sure that all my “beats” (plot points) are in the right places. I also prefer to do all of my writing for the whole year during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) as a binge-writer, so that I can focus on editing/revising the rest of the year.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” series is what swept me up into loving epic fantasy. However, it was Amelia Atwater-Rhodes and her books “Hawksong” and “Snakecharm” that showed me that a woman could be just as epic a writer, and inspired me to put stories I love down on paper.

Connecting with amazing indie authors from around the world, I have also been inspired by Andrei Saygo (“The Squeamish Vampire”), Luke Courtney (“From The Ashes”), and Nicole Wells (“The Five Elements Series”) not only by the quality of their books but also the genuine and warm way they interact with their readers. They have helped inspire me to be a humble, genuine, and thankful author.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on two projects. One is a full-length fantasy romance for a box set called Realm of Darkness, which is made up of 40 full-length Paranormal Romance and Fantasy Romance books by award-winning and bestselling authors.

The other is my first Hybrid-published book I have signed with my small press, Starry Ink Press. That book is titled “Starfire Express: A Flame of Fae and Fang” and is a NA (new adult) Portal/Adventure Fantasy with a side of romance.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I personally have found Instagram to be the primary platform where my readers (and other fantasy authors) engage the most, so I prefer to promote my books organically through Instagram.

For paid promotions, I have seen the most ‘bang’ for my buck with BargainBooksy.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be kind to yourself the way you would be kind to others. Writing is an art, so you only get better by actually writing. Give yourself permission to not be perfect right away, and detach yourself from your work enough to take developmental (content) criticism in a constructive way.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That in the beginning, you can write to make money, or you can write for passion. Only the lucky few get to do both from the start. One day, you may be established enough from money-making novels that your publisher will allow you to publish your passion projects (if you choose to write for money). On the other hand, your passion projects may be good enough to make you money one day. But ultimately, this advice from my mom has held true for my own writing experience. I edit to pay my bills, and I write for the joy of it.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading -and loving- “Realm” (a portal fantasy) by Jessica Cantwell.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Survive the drafting process of the two novels I have coming out next year. NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is coming up in November, and I plan to draft both books during NaNo, plus two novellas for my Splitting Worlds series.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“How to Survive on a Deserted Island” by Tim O’Shea, “The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook” by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht, and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy plus “The Hobbit” by Tolkien, to keep from breaking my annual re-read record and give me inspiration/entertainment.

Author Websites and Profiles
Katherine D. Graham Website
Katherine D. Graham Amazon Profile

Katherine D. Graham’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Ken Remsen

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written one book, Get WalletWise which was released on Amazon, earlier this month.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Get WalletWise, Recover from Money Missteps and Create Positive Money Habits. I was inspired to write the book based on my observations of families, students and friends navigating the turmoil of navigation the 2008-2009 Financial Crises.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do not believe I have any unusual writing habits. I am sorry. 🙂

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The book that inspires me the most is the Millionaire Next Door, by Thomas Stanley. I also enjoy the new author Ramit Sethi who wrote “I Will Teach You to Be Rich”. I love the books, “Atomic Habits”, “Grit”, “Influence” and “Nudge”.

What are you working on now?
I am planning to write a more targeted personal finance book that discusses money emotions and attitudes.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now, I am depending on Amazon for the bulk of my marketing and promotion. I use other book promo sites like Books Butterfly, BookBub and Awesome Gang. My intention is to go out into the big/bad world and promote my book direct.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors is to concentrate on quality. Be an expert on your subject and do quality research to back up your hypothesis.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Learn form other people’s mistakes.

What are you reading now?
Erroneous Zones, by Wayne Dyer and the Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My goal is to help and teach people to manage their money and secure their wellbeing through public speaking, coaching and 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?
The Holy Bible, Euclid’s The Elements, and The Human Body by Asimov.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ken Remsen Website
Ken Remsen Amazon Profile

Ken Remsen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Pete A O’Donnell

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In my day job, which is also my night job I’m a firefighter/EMT but my degree is in journalism. Writing has been a lifelong passion for me, having finished a number of manuscripts and short stories over the years. Many of my most recent projects have made it out onto my podcast Ill-Advised Stories, home to funny tales for kids and people who refuse to grow up. The Adventures of Sparkie and Spazoid, which is also a webtoon is there to listen to. It’s a complete novel about a boy and his robot on a mission to save the human race.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Stars Beyond the Mesa is my third book and the beginning of a new series. It’s young adult, science fiction with a little bit of horror in the mix. I grew up on things like the Goonies and Monster Squad so I’ve always liked the idea of a group of kids coming together to overcome great odds. The worldbuilding in the series has been running through my head for the better part of thirty years, back when I was first diving into the heavyweights of science fiction.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a doodler. I like having a notebook or my iPad nearby so when I need a break I can stop and sketch out a few ideas or just goof around.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read pretty wide so it’s hard to say exactly what influenced my work. It seems there’s a tone among Young Adult writers of my generation that we’re often influenced by the pop culture of our youth, from marvel comics, to X-files, to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I will say that I treated reading like a mission, diving into classics of sci-fi and literature. It wasn’t enough to read one Issac Asimov book, I had to go through all of them, even ones that were out of print. I did the same thing with Steinbeck, Hemingway, Clark, and a number of other writers, filling in an education I feel I missed as a kid.

What are you working on now?
I’m a quarter of the way into the third book in the series that The Stars Beyond the Mesa begins. It’s called In the Giant’s Shadow. You’ll understand why at the end of the first book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Good question, I’m new to this promoting thing and I’m still trying to learn the ins and outs.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
So many people say to write to market but this would never work for me. I write the books I’d want to read. By the time you’re done editing your work, you better love it or you’ll only be torturing yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just keep swimming.

What are you reading now?
Aurora Rising, its a really strong start to a young adult sci fi series.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve got a few interviews coming up to promote the new book and I’ll be going to my first comic con with a group of other authors. I’m really looking forward to being in a community like that.

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’ve got a number of books sitting on my shelf that I feel like I should dive into but I’m also a slow reader and they intimidate me. If I were on an island, with nothing else to do I’d be forced to get into them. First is John Steinbeck’s East of Eden. It’s the last one by him I haven’t read. Then there’s James Joyce, Finigan’s Wake. I’ll be honest I enjoyed Dubliners but struggled with a Portrait of an Artist. Anna Karenina is down there too. Apparently, I have a habit of picking up books I’ll never read. So maybe for the fourth book, I’ll go with the Lord of the Rings (yes, I’m counting it as one book) something I’ve read four times. Really though, if I’m breaking the rules with a collection then give me all the Hitchhikers books. Douglas Adams Rules!

Author Websites and Profiles
Pete A O’Donnell Website
Pete A O’Donnell Amazon Profile

Pete A O’Donnell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Janet Humphrey

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am in my mid-fifties and have lived all my life in England. I am married to David who is a scientist. I have worked in the finance industry for most of my adult life, and in my late 40’s I decided to fulfil an ambition to ride a motorbike, specifically a scooter. I passed my CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) and now ride the bike of my dreams – a Vespa look-alike called Monty who features in the book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book DUST Book One is published this month on Kindle, KOBO, Barnes and Noble, Apple iBooks, and soon on Google Play. I got my inspiration for the DUST series from two things that happened on a holiday in Devon earlier this year. Whilst walking down to the Quay area of Exeter, I saw some Parkour jumpers leaping across a gap in the car park.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Iain Rob Wright, Tony Moyle

What are you working on now?
DUST Book Two is my current project

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
give away a kindle copy on Loquax competition website, it drives likes to your facebook page and retweets

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write what drives you, and get professional help for those areas you aren’t good at. Get beta readers, friends, family and take their comments seriously. I got four mistakes found by my beta readers and proof-editor, and they stopped me from looking like an idiot.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep going

What are you reading now?
Tony Moyles latest book “The Idiots Club”

What’s next for you as a writer?
deciding on whether Book Two of Dust is the end, or if there is a genuine third book in the story.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
the Stand – Stephen King, and anything by Iain Rob Wright

Author Websites and Profiles
Janet Humphrey Amazon Profile

Janet Humphrey’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Author Interview Series

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

Siona Morgan

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My novel Miss.Direction is my debut fiction, yet I have written a poetry book and also published a photography book before.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Miss.Direction, and since it is a fictionalized autobiography, it was inspired by certain people and events from my past.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I work in stacks, although that is not a healthy habit. I can write for about 10-12 hours a day, if not more, for about a month, and write up to 100,000 words in that time. Preferably in an environment where I will not be disturbed. This scenario has only happened to me once. Otherwise, for my next book projects, I am trying to find a healthier life/work balance, start early in the morning, and use the Pomodoro technique to help me focus.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many. At the heart of my first novel are Haruki Murakami Norwegian Wood and Stephen King On Writing – A memoir of the craft – and these two remarkable works are woven into the fabric of my characters.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a Dungeons and Dragons adventure book as well as outlining a sci-fi dystopian novel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am relying on KDP/Amazon and GoodReads and hopefully, the awesomegang will be helpful as well.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you can afford it, get yourself someone to do the marketing of your book. It is not an easy feat.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Believe in yourself.

What are you reading now?
George Mann, Warlock Holmes. Jack Kerouac On the road (reading it again) Murakami, Kafka on the shore.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully, a lot more books.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Murakami, Norwegian Wood
Stephen King, The Stand
Milan Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of the Being
Neil Gaiman/Terry Pratchett – Good Omens

Author Websites and Profiles
Siona Morgan Amazon Profile

Siona Morgan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Author Interview Series

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

Jennifer Chicoine

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a licensed mental health professional working in the Chicagoland area. I have written two books, and I am so humbled to provide tips and knowledge to others so they can be their best possible self.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Cure for Stressful Wedding Planning is my newest book. When I was planning my own wedding, I was fortunate enough to have a degree in psychology to keep my mind in balance. However, I realized that not everyone has the privilege I do with knowledge about mental health. That’s why I decided to write this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write best in the middle of the night when no one else is awake. The stillness of the night motivates my inner creator.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Honestly, I read many self-help books, but my influencers are popular items, such as the movie “The Wedding Planner” with Jennifer Lopez. It has been one of my favorite movies since I was a child, and before I studied psychology, I was very interested in becoming a professional wedding planner.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a gratitude journal titled “This is Why You Aren’t Happy”. I will also be publishing a memoir about the trauma I endured in my childhood that inspired me to write this gratitude journal. This book will be published in the next few days, and it should be live on Amazon on 9/25/21.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like to promote my books through Pinterest. There are a lot of people looking for ideas on Pinterest (I mean, that’s what Pinterest is all about, right?). I’ve found this method to be very successful as I have approximately 8.5K views to my profile per month.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you know. Write what you love. Don’t be fake. Don’t try to be someone you aren’t. Your readers will always sense that. Be yourself, because being yourself is the amazing thing that you have to offer to the world.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard came from my loving husband. He has taught me so many things, but the most important thing he taught me is to always be yourself, unapologetically.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading “Everything is F*cked: A Book about Hope”.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to continue inspiring others to have the motivation to help themselves feel better and to have the best life possible. Whether that means writing more books, talking on a podcast, or traveling for book signings and seminars…I’m all in!

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?
Everything is F*cked: A Book About Hope, The Notebook, and my Bible.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer Chicoine Amazon Profile

Jennifer Chicoine’s Social Media Links
Pinterest Account

Sana Haider

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a newly graduated dentist. I love training and writing in my free time. I’ve written 3 books, and currently working on my fourth. I’ve participated in two writing competitions as well.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Little Life. It was inspired by a TV series called ‘Bates Motel’.
The idea of the book however creeped up on me as I was drifting off to sleep one day.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No. I like writing novels mostly, but I write in my journal occasionally.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King
Sophia Kinsella

What are you working on now?
The Mind of Abby McDonald

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I usually use Wattpad to write.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing even when you feel uninspired. The best writing comes to you when you least expect it. For me, sometimes I think I don’t have many ideas but as soon as I hold a pen (or a keyboard), words and ideas just start flowing from me.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice is probably in the form of a quote a read by E. L. Doctorow
“Writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”

What are you reading now?
The Naked Face by Sidney Sheldon.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on promoting my most recent book and hopefully continuing in the journey of writing other exciting novels.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella
Just What Kind of Mother Are You? by Paula Daly
I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh

Author Websites and Profiles
Sana Haider Amazon Profile

Sana Haider’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Phil Robert Lucky

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an author and expert in law and legal sciences. My masters in these subjects naturally directed me towards effective communication and establishing strong interpersonal relationships in the workplace.
I have also worked at international organizations where I have further honed my leadership skills and to establish effective communication.
Having acquired these experiences, I decided to direct my attention towards learning the basics to establish good communication and develop leadership skills. I have participated in countless seminars on communication and interpersonal relationships with respect to the workplace.
To that end, I wrote headlines on leadership, motivation and establishing communication in the workplace. My intention is to so effectively distribute the knowledge I have gained over the years for the benefit of all.
I am working on other projects always related to the topics of leadership and interpersonal relationships.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled “Leadership Skills for Managers and Public Organization”.
The inspiration comes from having personally seen working in various institutions, including international ones, the difficulties young managers have in mastering their role as leader, especially when they are the youngest inside. of the organization.
Therefore the idea of writing the book stems from the desire to help new managers to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge on how to be a great leader at work!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My habits when I write? The night is my source of inspiration .. I only write late at night. The silence and the darkness of the night give me the right energy and concentration. Of course, coffee is my best ally!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve read all of Napoleon Hill’s books. Within those books I have always found a strong motivational charge.

What are you working on now?
I am working on other projects always related to the topics of leadership and interpersonal relationships.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome Gang of course!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up on your dreams .. If writing is your calling, do it!
Throw down the first sentences on a white sheet and concentrate on the table of contents, you will see that slowly you will have clear ideas on what to write!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Work always pays off!
Work hard in silence and you will see that one day your efforts will be rewarded!

What are you reading now?
The Prince. Niccolo’ Machiavelli.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My expectations? I hope that people who read my books can benefit from the advice I have given them!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Think & grow rich, The Law of success, Keys to positive thinking written by Napoleon Hill.

Author Websites and Profiles
Phil Robert Lucky Amazon Profile

Phil Robert Lucky’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Author Interview Series

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

Michael Paul

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, my name is Michael Paul (this pen name is my first and middle name).

When I’m not writing, I work for the United States Air Force as an intelligence officer. After six years of active duty service, I transitioned to the Air Force Reserve. I worked as a procurement professional at Caterpillar for eight years, then left in November 2019 to pursue my dream of writing novels. Cornerstone The King is the first of many novels I hope to write.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book is titled Cornerstone The King.

I don’t know what inspired it. However, this book has probably been in me for many years. It’s been a dream to write novels since childhood.

The thought for the series came on a flight to Brazil in 2015 when traveling for work. The idea changed from scribbles on napkins to outlines on paper to a rough first draft in Word. Of course, I thought the draft was great! Until I gave it to my writing coach…
From January 2017 to November 2019, I worked on the book part-time, after work, and on weekends for 10-15 hours per week.

I suspect the writing process lit the fuze to deeper internal matters that I hadn’t adequately addressed or healed. As I say in the book’s Acknowledgement Page, “This book was a labor of love, and I am eternally grateful for those who walked with me as I journeyed through the lands of deep depression, panic disorder, suicidal ideation, and post-traumatic stress from October 2018 to December 2020.”

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
What is unusual? I’m just kidding—I don’t know.

I’m a natural planner and linear thinker. The military only reinforced the internal discipline I’ve had since childhood. Sometimes this drive turns too far up. If I’m not aware, I can easily go into a mania phase. I’ve always been a writer, but I needed help from a writing coach (Robyn) to help channel passion into a coherent story.

Though Robyn emphasized that writing is the greatest teacher, she helped me build the foundation for writing a novel. She usually taught one lesson for each updated draft. So many of her lessons were drilled into me after much trial-and-error and practice.

Now that I’m writing full-time, I’ve developed a pattern. First, I create an outline with some thought so I don’t go down a rabbit hole when writing. Next, I schedule a few hours a day to creatively write. Then, I review the outline for the chapter and just write. My brain hurts too much if I write and edit in the same sitting. Sometimes I edit what I’ve written at the end of the workday. But I’ve found it works better for me to edit once I’ve finished the first draft of the story.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis have been mentors for the Cornerstone series of books.

What are you working on now?
I finished a detailed outline for the remaining books in the Cornerstone series for adults. I sensed, however, I needed to flesh out some characters’ backstories. So I’ve written drafts for two origin stories. One is 15,000 words. This may go into a longer book for young adults. I’ve also finished a 32,000-word book for middle graders. The editing phase will begin soon. I hope to publish this book in 2022.

As I edit the middle-grade book, I will start drafting book two of the adult Cornerstone book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My brand fits more with Instagram than other social media platforms. I probably should use more channels, such as Twitter, but I haven’t put much effort into that work yet. I’ve been focused on maintaining a quality website, blog, and Instagram page. I use one website from Linktree to promote three links. There is a link to book retailer sites where people can buy an e-book, paperback, hardback, and audiobook. The site also links to my website and podcast.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Live life!

I suppose much of the material authors use is from what they know—from personal experience, others’ experience, research, observation, etc.

For me, the process of writing, independent publishing, and marketing is trial-and-error. This can be very daunting, especially when fears and insecurities swell within you as you write and receive feedback. But the creative writing process is very fun. I never know what will rise within me! It’s fun to see this process unfold.

Next, making mistakes is part of trial-and-error. I try not to dwell on them (though I often fail) but learn and move on. I try to see writing as an adventure with much exploration.

Lastly, whether you write part-time or full-time, you may not make much money. But that’s OK! For me, writing is a dream and a vocation. I may need to return to the corporate world if savings run low, but I plan on writing the rest of my life.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write something every day. Writing is the best teacher. Read every day.

What are you reading now?
Baudolino by Umberto Eco; The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning; and A History of the Theatre, by Glynne Wickham

What’s next for you as a writer?
After publication on 1 October, I’ll continue to promote and advertise Cornerstone The King. I hope to travel in 2022 to promote the book.

Meanwhile, I plan to edit the story for middle graders and draft book two of the adult Cornerstone series.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Can we take an e-reader?

If not, not knowing how long I’d be on the island, I’d want to take big books. So I’d bring the Bible and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. If the trilogy counts as one book, I’d also take Jurassic Park. Lastly, I’d bring a survival book I have from my active-duty days in the military.

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Paul Website
Michael Paul Amazon Profile

Michael Paul’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Author Interview Series

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

Hance Theodore

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Writing started off as a hobby of mine from a very young age, serving as an effective means of satiating my relentlessly active imagination. As the years progressed, despite carving out a successful career for myself in the field of Finance, I only felt truly at peace when putting pen to paper, and conjuring up unique and exciting stories.

After years of flirting with the thought of writing professionally, I made the decision to do just that, and published my first book in 2020 on Amazon, a short, psychological thriller, titled ‘Look into My Eyes’.

I subsequently published my second book, the first entry in an epic tale of witchcraft and wonder, titled ‘Silent Storm’ in 2021.

My desire is to bring joy to the hearts of my readers, and provide them with a pleasant escape from the stresses of reality.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book ‘Silent Storm’ was in the works for roughly eight years before I finally published it.

In the book’s main protagonists, Marie and Vanessa, you find two very strong women, with very different personalities, having to cope with running an Academy for gifted students, amid increasing political and regulatory pressure. However, aside from Marie and Vanessa, there are numerous other badass female characters who are allowed to have their moments as well.

I have always had great admiration for strong, independent women, mainly due to the struggles I have seen my own mother face and overcome as it relates to both her health and her career. My two older sisters are also a main source of inspiration for me, as I have always looked up to them, and still do to this day; so much so that Marie and Vanessa’s characters were created based on their respective temperaments!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always need to put actual pen to paper in order to get my creative juices flowing. Any attempt to start typing on my laptop without having already written something down beforehand will be met with writer’s block.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Libba Bray, R.L Stine, J.D Salinger

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the next chapter in the Silent Storm series, which follows Marie and Vanessa’s attempts to make sense of the events that unfolded at the end of the first book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Publisher Rocket.

An invaluable tool for indie authors.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you truly have a dream, no amount of failure or rejection can deter you. There is no giving up!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write stories that you yourself would want to read.

What are you reading now?
The Diviners Series by Libba Bray

What’s next for you as a writer?
To complete the Silent Storm series and move on to another project.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Under the Dome, The Diviners, Catcher in the Rye, Goosebumbs

Author Websites and Profiles
Hance Theodore Amazon Profile

Hance Theodore’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Author Interview Series

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