Awesome Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Been a writer since I was in the seventh grade, mostly short fiction and paranormal/horror. On a random whim, I turned one of my short stories into a novelette and found that I enjoyed the opportunity to build the character reader relationship more than possible in short stories. I just recently finished my first full novel “Numb”.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is titled “Numb”. I drew inspiration from life experiences growing up in the rocky mountains visiting various ski towns growing up.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing out of the normal, I like to timeline my events and use day to day life and things I observe happening as filler and scene setting.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As many horror/thriller writers would probably say, Stephen King.

What are you working on now?
At the moment i am working on a prequel to “Numb”.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still fairly new to the publishing scene I have been utilizing social media the most, Facebook and Goodreads mainly.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take your time and write how you like to write, the beautiful thing about it is that there is no right or wrong way for you to do your own thing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t get so crazy that a story isn’t relatable in any aspect.

What are you reading now?
Dark Psychology and the Art of Manipulation.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to continue working on new stories and promoting myself through social media, after a few more books possibly a website.

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?
Dr. Suess Hop on Pop
Stephen Kings Salems Lot
Shel Silversteins Where the Sidewalk Ends

Author Websites and Profiles
Kyle Seifert Amazon Profile

Kyle Seifert’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Larry Center and I live in Brentwood, Tennessee and I’m an audiologist by day, married with 3 grown kids. I’ve written 5 novels in total, the first one starting back in 1999.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called LIKE NO OTHER BOY and it’s about an autistic boy who appears to have an uncanny ability to communicate with chimpanzees. I just wondered what would happen if there was a naturally gifted child with autism, a kind of savant, who had a problem speaking to humans but somehow had a gift to communicate with a different species, mainly through seeing pictures in his mind.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to listen to Don Henley music as I write. I do not know why.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was influenced by Philip Roth mainly, almost all of his novels, and Catcher in the Rye for me was a big influence.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a novel called KAT WANTS OUT in which a woman suffering from a panic disorder finds herself anxiety-locked inside a high-end health club, during which she has to surreptitiously spend nights and weekends there, sleeping on yoga mats and massage tables.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You can always go to Amazon and find out more about me and book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t write unless you can’t not write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You gotta know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading ACCIDENTAL TOURIST.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m hoping to sell more and more novels and hopefully, somehow get my name out there more and 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?
I’d bring ACCIDENTAL TOURIST, BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY, THE SOUND AND THE FURY, SHORT STORIES BY WILLA CATHER

Author Websites and Profiles
Larry Center Website
Larry Center Amazon Profile
Larry Center Author Profile on Smashwords

Larry Center’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Hungarian self-publishing author. I have seven books and two short stories. I want to open up to the global market this year. My first short story in English has just been published, and my first book in English is coming soon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Pieces of a heart, and an asshole inspired me…

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, just coffee, coffee, coffee…

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mia Sheridan, Elle Kennedy.
Kafka is my favorite in classical literature.

What are you working on now?
My new hungarian book.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’ve been publishing for three years, but I still feel like a new author. Do what you makes feel good, but I think it’s important that you analyze the criticisms.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Fuck everyone, just do it!”

What are you reading now?
Nothing… 🙁

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publications in English.

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?
Mia Sheridan – Becoming Calder
Mia Sheridan – Stinger
Whitney G. – Sincerely, Carter
Penelope Douglas – Bully
Franz Kafka – The Metamorphosis

Author Websites and Profiles
Ellyne N. Amazon Profile

Ellyne N.’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Shannon Jump and I’m a newbie indie author hailing from small-town, Minnesota! I’ve been an avid reader and lover of books ever since I can remember. I started dabbling in writing at a young age, but never really expected to become an author. Yet, here I am–a published author! My debut novel, My Only Sunshine, was released in February and I could not be more proud of this book! Holy moly…please hold while I take a moment to catch my breath (and swipe at this rogue tear).

Okay, breath caught, tear swept. Phew! Where was I? Oh, yes…I was blabbering on about myself! Let’s see, I have two wonderful teenagers–a 16-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son–and I happen to adore the heck out of both of them; they’re pretty great kids. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband for about a year and a half and it’s kind of like having a third kid because he’s a total goofball with the biggest heart. Plus, he spoils me and I totally let him. 🙂

Aside from reading and writing, I love to play tennis, am a huge baseball fan (Minnesota Twins!), spending time with family, friends, cooking/baking and anything HGTV!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I suppose I should tell you a bit about this book I wrote, huh? Here we go…I’m especially attached to my debut novel, My Only Sunshine, which I started writing about 13 years ago. Yes, you read that right–THIRTEEN years ago.

It’s been a journey.

Here’s why: falling into the Contemporary Fiction genre and LOOSELY based on true events, My Only Sunshine is a story centered around domestic abuse, with a smidge of romance as well. It’s a heavy topic, I know. But the unfortunate truth is that every year more than ten million Americans experience domestic abuse, many of whom are too afraid to seek help.

This book took me so many years to write because it was such an emotional process. And so personal. Writing this book was, in some ways, like living through it all over again. Suddenly everything was so fresh, so real. But, as I mentioned above, I have some pretty great kids and an incredible husband and friends who took care of me and made sure that writing this book didn’t weigh me down. I had an end goal, and I was focused.

Uffda (did you like that MN reference, there?). There I go rambling again…forgive me, new friends! The truth is, I want to be upfront about the content of this book as much as possible. It’s an emotional read, but there are some really wonderful, happy moments in it, too.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm…I’m not sure. I have heard that a lot of writers make it a point to write every single day. I don’t do that…I don’t want writing to feel too much like a job, so I write when I feel the need to. Meaning, when I have the words, the inspiration and the scenes are coming together smoothly. Some days I don’t write at all, but I do read at least a bit every single day and on the days I’m not focused on writing, I dedicate some time to the marketing side of things instead.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh man…so many to name! Um, Colleen Hoover, Kristin Hannah, James Patterson, Michael Connelly, J.T. Ellison, Lisa Regan, Kiersten Modglin. I know there are many others, but those are some of the one-click authors that I absolutely love.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on my sophomore novel, which has a working title of Happy Everything. Hoping for a summer 2021 release.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Instagram is pretty big for me right now. I try to post daily and have been working to make connections with bloggers and other authors. My Only Sunshine will also be featured as a book bomb with By The Book Promotions coming up later in March, which I’m very excited about.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up! I had many moments where I wanted to throw in the towel, especially during the editing process. I’m so glad I didn’t and I’d say that’s my best advice; just keep swimming!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Two of my favorite authors have shared this as their best advice for aspiring authors and it’s sat well with me and hangs on a post-it note next to my computer: write with reckless abandon.

What are you reading now?
My current read is The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

What’s next for you as a writer?
Focusing on my next book, while continuing to promote My Only Sunshine where I can!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That is a TOUGH question! Well, Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah would absolutely be one of them (it’s the only book I’ve read more than twice) and I think I’d need a crime drama and a romance along with it, so for a crime drama, I’d have to say one from of J.T. Ellison’s Taylor Jackson series OR one from Lisa Regan’s Josie Quinn series. Don’t ask me which one though, I can’t choose; they’re too good! And for a romance, something from Corrinne Michaels.

Author Websites and Profiles
Shannon Jump Website
Shannon Jump Amazon Profile

Shannon Jump’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Alexandra Antipa, I am 36-years old, and I am a Romanian living in Germany. I have written three books so far:
1. Stories for the Heart: When Memories Become a Treasure (grief memoir)
2. The LittleBig Detectives (chapter book for kids 7 to 12)
3. M is for Mother: My Journey into Motherhood (motherhood story)

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
M is for Mother: My Journey into Motherhood. My experience as a mother, and the struggle with infertility, served as inspiration.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I write my first draft by hand, which might be considered unusual these days.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Top favorites include Cornelia Funke with Inkheart, Shafak Elif with Forty Rules of Love, and Carlos Ruiz Zafon with The Shadow of the Wind.

What are you working on now?
My first adult fiction book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I found that connecting with fellow authors on social media can be very helpful. Also, websites like Awesome Gang, help us tremendously.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Move from aspiring author to someone who actually has the courage to put his or her thoughts on paper.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up. Honestly, it is simple, yet so effective.

What are you reading now?
Quiet by Susan Cain
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books hopefully!

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 ones I mentioned above, without any doubt.

Author Websites and Profiles
Alexandra Antipa Website
Alexandra Antipa Amazon Profile

Alexandra Antipa’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Nashville, Tn with my family and fur babies. At my very core I am a loving mother and wife. My family truly is my world. I have worn many hats, all of which I am truly grateful for. I have been in management, buying, and an entrepreneur. I’ve volunteered my time and coached for serval years. I enjoy supporting others and watching them go and grow. I love creative people, design, style, words, inspiration, and animals. On most days you can find me hiking or reading. I am a constant student of life. I find enriching my knowledge to be very excited. I have always wanted to write and this seemed to be the perfect time to shine my light & share a positive message with our children.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My new book is titled, “The Beauty We See.”
I was inspired to write this book to send a message of positivity to all children. Our children innately have a happy healthy view of the world and it is my hope they keep that view. When you recognize the beauty that surrounds you every day your spirits are lifted and you are more energized by life itself. We teach children how to view their world and themselves and I want to help teach them that they are beautiful, their peers are beautiful, nature is beautiful, and most importantly kindness and love are absolutely beautiful. We all want our children to live a harmonious life and it is so much easier to do so if they can see beauty in themselves and others.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing habits are inspired directly by everyday life and real life experiences. I think we all have something to offer. I truly do see the beauty in daily life. I try to remind myself that the magic is outside my comfort zone and push myself to share my thoughts and feelings. I think writing is about feeling something, it’s an empathetic art, almost a translation into someone else’s life journey.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I really like a huge array of authors. I love all different types of genres from inspirational, fantasy, historical, young adult, mystery, children. There are so many books and authors that are nothing short of amazing.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a very timely children’s book that has everything to do with humanity and the earth. I am so excited to share in the not so distance future.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am learning all about the different websites to promote ones book and I’ve hear great things about Awesome Gang, Book Reader’s Magazine, Just Kindle, & Book Monkey.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Go for it! Write without expectations. Put yourself and your message or story out there. You will be so glad you did. Honestly regret comes from what we don’t do, do it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working for it.

What are you reading now?
I am about to start “The Power of Letting Go” by John Purkiss

What’s next for you as a writer?
My next step is to better perfect the process of becoming a successful author. Although I don’t sincerely mean perfect at all. I more precisely mean I want to build on a solid writing foundation and learn so much more about the publishing and marketing that goes into ones book getting into the hands of people that will appreciate or enjoy 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 is hard!….
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Fable Haven by Brandon Mull

Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer Atagi Website
Jennifer Atagi Amazon Profile

Jennifer Atagi’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I created @The Children’s Book Project 🙂 Bilingual series of books (English/Spanish) for kids in elementary school.
It is designed for the parents, teachers and/or caregiver as a tool to improve reading and writing skills. Both series come with a lesson plan or workbook to explore critical thinking.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In The Land of The Butterflies Inspired in the importance of sorting your very own path in life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to draft multiple lines and thoughts before putting a story together.
Seating alone in silence is my motto. I believe in the power of the imagination as long as your ming is set free.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
While I was growing on my mother introduced me to Hans Christian Andersen, all his books are mermerazing.
During my teen years my grandmother allowed me to read Leon Tolstoi, his books made a huge impact on my life.

What are you working on now?
I am developing @The Children’s Book Project into an enrichment place for kids and families, besides the books and lesson plans.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
If possible, I love seating down for story time with early readers, at their school or in a community library. Watching their faces while I read and they look at the illustrations is magical. I use social media platforms as well.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Research as much as needed. It might look hard to get it done but it is 100% possible.
Do not hesitate to reach out and ask as many questions as you need.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you have time to write, go ahead and write a book.

What are you reading now?
Independent play for early readers as a way to develop brain functionality and self-efficient personality.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to things,
I want to go back and read to the little ones at school, in their classroom.
I want to be able to help the community with @The Children’s Book Project as a place for them to find answers and helpful information.

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?
Book 1: In The Name of The Rose by Umberto Eco
Book 2: Dr. Zhivago by Leon Tolstoi
Book 3: Canaima by Romulo Gallegos
Book 4: Stories of Hans Christian Andersen

Author Websites and Profiles
Mercedes Nieves Website
Mercedes Nieves Amazon Profile

Mercedes Nieves’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I insist on inflicting all aspects of life on myself so that my readers can enjoy learning about my latest trip/experience/disaster/emotional breakdown (insert phrase of your choice).
During my extended adolescence, now over forty years long, I’ve lived on two boats and sunk one of them; sold houses, street signs, Indian food and paper bags for a living; visited almost fifty countries and lived in three; qualified as a scuba diving instructor; nearly killed myself learning to wakeboard; trained as a search and rescue skipper with the Coast Guard, and built my own house without the benefit of an instruction manual.
I’m as amazed as anyone that the house is still standing, and I now live in it by the sea with my wife and twin daughters, where I spend my time regurgitating my experiences on paper before I have so many more that I forget them.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “The Coconut Wireless”, a fun travel memoir about the South Pacific Island of Tonga, and my quest to find the Queen.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write fun memoir. Often I am reminded of a past event, and I suddenly pull out anything I can write on to record my memory, before it disappears.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Bill Bryson was probably my biggest influence, but more recently, Tony James Slater, although his writing is more slapstick than mine.

What are you working on now?
The Coconut Wireless is the first book in a series called “South Pacific Shenanigans”. I’m currently working on the next in the series, which is about a stupid city boy making lots of mistakes farming in rural New Zealand.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Realise that writing the first draft is about 5% of your effort. Edit, edit, edit again and again. Then send it to an editor. Then beta readers. And I bet you still find some mistakes.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing is a marathon, not a sprint. Most writers took about three related books to gain traction.

What are you reading now?
I’m beta reading a series of short stories about life in Southern Portugal.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Marketing! Promoting! Writing another book! Rinse and repeat….

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well, if you buy The Coconut Wireless, you’ll find out that I have been stranded on a real desert island, and all I had with me was a travel guide. I think I’d take with me a Bill Bryson, a John Grisham and a Frederick Forsyth. And The Bible. I might need it!

Author Websites and Profiles
Simon Michael Prior Website
Simon Michael Prior Amazon Profile

Simon Michael Prior’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello!! My name is Naureen Youssef

I am super excited to have you on my page. Let me tell you a little about myself.

I was born in Denmark in 1989. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration majoring in Marketing, and have a GDM diploma in Business Management. I mothered a baby girl at the age of 24. In 2015, I got in the modeling world by becoming a fashion model. Later on, I became a social media influencer and a motivational speaker to empower women. I became the only mother in Egypt to win a crown in a beauty pageant as “Miss Planet Egypt 2019”. Since I was 13 years old, I always liked to write. I would write pieces here and there. One day I decided to share my writing with the world. It was a dream for me to publish my own book “Bits & Pieces”, and I am beyond grateful this dream became a reality.
I hope you relate to every happy and peaceful piece in my book, but if you do feel the sad ones as well then i hope they give you courage and strength knowing you are not alone.
Get in touch Xx
Cheers!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Bits & Pieces is my first book and wont be the last. Bits & Pieces will make you know you are not alone in your daily struggles or happiness, you will relate and connect to quotes, poems and short stories

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I prefer writing on a piece of papers first.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have always loved Shakespeare

What are you working on now?
Right now, i am focused on promoting Bits & Pieces but soon will start on my Novel

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think best method is the word of mouth and online promotions to get the book the exposure it needs.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up on that dream, I almost did and I am so proud I didn’t.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can make anything happen if you put your mind to it.

What are you reading now?
Currently I am not.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The sky is the limit! I will sure keep working on my writing skills and develop more and 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?
John Donne’s Poetry
Shakespeare Complete Sonnets and Poems
If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho

Author Websites and Profiles
Naureen Youssef Website
Naureen Youssef Amazon Profile

Naureen Youssef’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am from India. I had worked in the Software field for about 5 years. I quit my software job in the year 2018 and decided to pursue my passion for sports and writing. I along with some of my friends started a Sports based NGO (Non-Profit Organization) named Play2Discover. Through our NGO, we have been supporting underprivileged kids to excel in their sporting activities.

Along with sports training we have also been providing Life-Skill sessions to help them deal with the problems that they face in their lives. We have also been supporting kids to fulfil their academic requirements as we believe in the right balance of Sports and Education.

I am also a freelance writer. I have created a blog for our NGO and I have written a few posts on sports life-skill sessions. I have also written articles on a few sites that focus mainly on sports life-skill sessions and general/social issues. I have also been writing motivational speeches for my clients on freelancing platforms.

I have written 4 books so far. I have self-published 1 of them as an eBook. I will be publishing the other 3 books before the end of this year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have self-published an eBook titled “PLAY2DISCOVER: Improving Lives through Sports” on Amazon KDP. This eBook comprises 10 short stories which try to connect certain aspects of sports with real-life scenarios.

I have written blog posts and articles explaining about sports life-skill sessions that we conduct and how it creates an awareness and improves the mindset of individuals helping them solve the problems that they face in their personal, academic and professional lives.

However, I realized that when teachings are presented as stories with characters and plot twists, they will have a much bigger reach and impact when compared to articles and blog posts. This was my inspiration to write these short stories as I want people to realize the importance of sports which is not taken seriously in many countries, especially India.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a big fan of non-linear narration and that reflects in my writing as well. When a story conceives in my mind I usually try to develop it with a straight forward linear narration, but I end up drifting towards non-linear narration when I start writing or typing it. The concept of having 2-3 different sequences and then connecting those towards the end really excites me both as a reader and as a writer.

I also have this habit of having twists and turns in almost every story that I write. I like to surprise the readers. This is understandable for thriller concepts, but I am so obsessed with twists and turns that I also try to include it in stories with simple concepts. My first eBook falls in the self-help category and is meant to inspire. But I couldn’t stop myself from having twists and turns in these stories as well

I also like to end stories with unexpected endings. Surprise endings excite me more than the usual happy endings. Even if the ending is tragic it doesn’t stop me from proceeding with it, but I make sure that such endings are not forced and I make sure that it suits the storyline.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a reader, I am a big fan of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series but as a writer, the books that fall under the Historical Fiction genre have inspired me a lot. I have always been fascinated by the idea of taking up a real incident, real places, real things and then develop a fictional story around it. Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” is a big inspiration for me. And some of Ashwin Sanghi’s books like “Chanakya’s Chant” have also inspired me big time.

What are you working on now?
The book that I am currently working on comes under the Mystery Drama genre. I wanted to deviate from the genre of my first book and write a completely different one as I didn’t want to be labelled as a particular genre writer. Being a big fan of the Historical Fiction genre, I have tried to develop a fictional story around real places and some real incidents.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am just 1 book old. Being a first-time author, I do not have much knowledge about promotion and marketing, and I am trying to explore every possible option to get my work published across various platforms and help my content get a wider reach. I am still learning a lot of things. There are various promotion options for writers but very few free promotion services. I am looking for free promotions as it is a little difficult for me to shell out money at the moment for advertising my book. So for a new author like me, social media platforms are the best options. But this is definitely not enough.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you are passionate about writing but not able to proceed because of various reasons then just get started by writing short stories. Many have ideas in their mind but find it difficult to get started thinking of how to develop the story as a novel. Instead of doing that just start converting those ideas into a 2-5 page story. Write around 5-10 similar short stories and then club them into a book, an anthology.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always write for yourself and not for the market. The story, characters and style should be what you want to read and what you enjoy writing.

What are you reading now?
I am trying to publish 3 books. So I haven’t been able to read any book for a long time.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My next is a Mystery Drama, and I am trying to get it self-published by the end of this month.

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 like to take those books which I have not read. So it rules out all those books which I have already read. The books that I would like to bring with me are;

Angels and Demons
Inferno
Shiva Trilogy
Under Suspicion series

Author Websites and Profiles
Vinod Balan Website
Vinod Balan Amazon Profile

Vinod Balan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 23, and both a stand up comedian, and an author. Hive is the first book that I’ve written.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The novels name is Hive. It is a New Adult Soft Sci-Fi Dystopian. It was inspired by an image I had in my head of the main cast being surrounded by the enemy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always have to have some kind of drink with me. Either coffee, tea, and the occasional alcohol, but never water.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
George RR Martin, Stan Lee, James Baldwin, Brandon Sanderson, and a lot more.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second novel of The Arcane Volumes.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find that both Instagram and twitter are a great way of communicating with the reading and writing community.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Discipline is essential

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To see if you want to be a reader, ask yourself if you never made any money off it would you still do it, if the answer is yes keep at it.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading Beyond the Gates by Kayla Davenport

What’s next for you as a writer?
My 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?
Probably 4 books of survival

Author Websites and Profiles
Jeremiah Ukponrefe Website
Jeremiah Ukponrefe Amazon Profile

Jeremiah Ukponrefe’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Jennifer Crandall, some of you might know me as Prudence MacLeod. I’ve been writing LGBTQI+ novels for over twenty years and have sixty-eight still in publication. Lately I’ve begun writing for a more general audience under the name J.L.Crandall. However, the same themes and storylines keep appearing.
Also, I’ve recently begun to publish a number of short stories on Patreon under the J.L.Crandall name. this is giving me a great opportunity to test out new characters, story lines, writing styles, and I encourage all patrons to give me feedback. Go ahead, I can take it. 🙂 Here’s the link: https://www.patreon.com/JLCrandall
Join me there and get a much closer look at how I do what I do, maybe influence the direction things might take, get a much closer relationship with this old author.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called IGEN. It is book seven in the Forgotten Worlds series. IGEN is the tale of what might happen aboard a generation ship Generation ship? If you can’t exceed the speed of light, then to explore other star systems you send out a ship whose crew will never reach that destination, but their descendants will. At least that’s the idea. What could go wrong?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a bit feral about the writing. When the muse hits I can’t stop, but I jump from story to story, working on whatever enters my mind and excites me at the time. I know, that’s not how you’re supposed to do it, but it works for me. I also listen to epic music to get the juices flowing. You Tube has a vast selection to choose from.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
They are many, and some long forgotten. Mercedes Lackey comes to mind, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tolkein, Amada Quick and Nora Roberts and …

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on those short stories for Patreon, plus the sequel to IGEN. Almost finished the first draft there.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still looking for that one. Face Book, Goodreads, for beginners and I’ve tried a few others but was never thrilled with the return on investment. I prefer to blow my own horn on social media and let the readers judge for themselves.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Try everything, never quit, write what you want to read, take chances, then try again. You’ll get better the more you write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you want to read. I stopped trying to write to the market and began to write the stories I wanted to read. I’ve been a lot more successful since then. (Having more fun too.)

What are you reading now?
Amanda Quick, Crystal Gardens. I’ve read it before several times and enjoy it every time.

What’s next for you as a writer?
For now I’m putting a lot more effort into the short stories for Patreon. It’s allowing me to try out lots of new things, yet build a closer relationship with the readers, learn more of what they like best, and find where that jives with my style and stories. I expect lots of new novels to be spawned from this experiment.

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 first four books of my Forgotten Worlds series. I love those stories, and if I can have only four, that’s the four I want.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer Crandall Website
Jennifer Crandall Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Award-winning author and philosophical muse Jan Porter brings unsung heroes to life in her notable collection of prize-winning books.
Born in rural Ontario, Canada, contemporary women’s fiction author, Jan grew up in the great outdoors, where she was captivated by the otherworldly allure of indigenous cultures, mysticism and tales of small-town rural and the northern wilderness.
She discovered her destiny to become an author during her teenage years when she came across old copies of Voltaire’s Candide, Margaret Caven’s I Heard The Owl Call My Name and the works of Robert Service. All masterpieces in their own right, the worn covers and tattered pages of these books unearthed a passion for transforming thoughts into words. Handwritten scribbles became typewritten short stories, but it was only after a long career in Human Services that Jan decided to shine the spotlight on her writing and bring her female protagonists to life.
After completing a Metaphysical Minister’s degree, she cocoons in a northern Ontario sanctuary, where she pens books with strong female heroines and self counsel books that had long been in various stages of completion.
With each new release, Jan continues to share the wisdom of unsung heroes and explore the human condition in literature. As a philosophical muse of human nature, quantum physics and the spirit world, Jan’s popular contemporary and literary fiction novels and self-help books are profound, heart-warming moving, inspiring and often humorous must-reads.

Awards:
2018 Wishing Shelf Book Awards Finalist for ‘Maddy’s Wings’
Two-time winner of the Bookworks Book of the Week Award
Reader’s Favorite Award for ‘Soul Skin, Woman, have you had enough?’ and ‘Angel Guides, love communication’

Literary fiction novels and novellas
NEW RELEASE: Barefoot Alice
Maddy’s Wings
Soul Skin, Woman, have you had enough?
Peaceful Warrior Woman

Self counsel books
Angel Guides, love communication
Angel Guides, love communication – workbook journal
Spiritual Biz, passion and fulfillment in a changing global community
Soul Calling, your angel guided life purpose
Sacred Space, body mind soul after sexual abuse
Life After Abuse, a practical healing guide for survivors

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I began writing “Barefoot Alice” while living in and renovating a 200 year old school house in Nothern Ontario. Some of the story lines were inspired by the house and area’s anecdotal history.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I make photo boards of the location and key characters then write story bits in a journal. Coffe, lots of coffee. When I write, it is usually for 4 day stretches at a time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Margaret Caven, Robert Service, Voltaire, Margaret Lawrence

What are you working on now?
What About Annie? novel

What are you reading now?
Robert Service – poem collection

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?
survival and spiritual books

Author Websites and Profiles
Jan Porter Website
Jan Porter Amazon Profile

Jan Porter’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is “Strengthened Through the Storm”. This book was inspired by a series of life-altering events that caused me to fall into a deep depression. I did not know if I could pull myself out of that depression and felt lost and alone. It was not me, but God who saw fit to pick me up. I have shared my story since that day in the hopes that I could help and support others that find themselves in the same state.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Joel Osteen, Tony Evans, and Joyce Meyers, with a twist of Allison Brennan and John Grisham.

What are you working on now?
I am working on my second book, “40 Days to Freedom”. Life-changing events can take place in as little as 40 days if we are focused on and relying on God. Many times we feel that our efforts are the determining factor in the things that happen in our lives, but God is the one that is in control of our lives. The ability to focus on God and remove those things in our lives that distract us and keep us from hearing His voice is crucial to spiritual growth. 40 Days to Freedom is a reflective journal that walks with the reader through 40 days and supports their spiritual growth along the way.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media, word of mouth, and book reviews are my method for book promotion. I am still very new at being an author, but I am learning and researching new avenues of promotion each day.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The advice that I have is for authors to not be discouraged, especially in those times when they have writers block. You were not given the idea and desire to right a book for no reason. Stay patient and calm, mediate on your goals and speak life into your manuscript. It will come to fruition.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Live for today, because tomorrow is not promised to any of us.

What are you reading now?
Joyce Meyers, Battlefield of the Mind

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am in the process of writing my next book. I hope to have it completed by the end of the year.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Bible, John Grisham-Rainmaker, Priscilla Shrier-Life Interrupted, and Lysa Terkeurst-Forgiving What you Can’t Forget

 

Pamela McKinley’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the author of more than twenty works of fiction in the mystery, romance and thriller genres. I write of family, friends, love, murder, and mayhem in no particular order and often all in the same story. I’m half owner of the weekly discount eBook newsletter, MyLesfic, the Director of Marketing for the Golden Crown Literary Society (GCLS), a wife, parent, foster parent, and an Army veteran. I draw from all of those experiences when I write because truth is often stranger than fiction.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Steel City Confidential was published in 2019. It was born of a dare to write a legal thriller (I’m not a lawyer) with certain themes and elements. I was having a hard time coming up with something that would combine all of the themes and elements when a writer friend made an off the top of her head suggestion that became the vehicle for the entire story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to have silence when I write. Writing went mostly out the window for me in 2020 during the pandemic since I had my spouse and foster children all at home all day. I do my best work in the hours between breakfast and lunch and having them here, working and doing school work was not conducive to that.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many! In my earliest memories it was Encyclopedia Brown Stories and Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. As I’ve aged I’ve read about everything from Agatha Christie, Michael Connelly, Patricia Cornwell, Janet Evanovich, Sue Grafton, Dick Francis, John Grisham, Sara Paretsky and so many more mainstream mystery and legal thriller authors. Then, there are the indies of the past ten years like John Ellsworth, Scott Pratt…it goes on and on.

And, none of that even scratches the surface of the LGBTQ/Women-Loving-Women books and authors I’ve read. It was the work of Ellen Hart and her cozy mysteries with a lesbian protagonist that finally led me to begin writing.

What are you working on now?
I’ve picked back up a book I started four years ago, a cozy mystery, ‘The Conjuring Comedienne.’ It will be the third in my cozy series that features a pair of 60+ year old moms/grandmothers who are as different as night and day but the best of friends.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found email promotion to be best. I built my own small list. I also happened to luck into taking over a site and email list from another author full of readers in the genres I write in for my books that are in the LGBT arena. Since I’m the owner, I get to advertise free. Perks!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to put your writing out there. However you do it, fan fictions, submissions, self publishing – whatever it is – share it with the world. Take some of the constructive advice you get and ignore the critics. Every story isn’t for everyone.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write the next book.

What are you reading now?
I recently finished ‘Perfect Rhythm’ by Jae. I’ve started a book called ‘Bigger Monsters’ by an author friend, Eliza Andrews, and I’m about half way through a book marketing book done by Reedsy. My Kindle is absolutely full.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to finish this cozy and then write a 2nd legal thriller. I had an idea for it that was about an intricate legal case but not a lot of action and an idea for a romantic suspense novel that I just couldn’t find the right angle for. My brain went into overdrive one day thinking about the legal thriller and asked me, ‘What if you combine the two ideas?’ Bingo! It’s going to be as much fun to write as the first one was.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d take Steel City Confidential because I’d need all the back story information as I write the next book in the series and I’d take a few other thick legal thrillers to read for enjoyment and inspiration. No idea is completely new. Writers dissect the books they read and ask ‘what if?’ all the time. We take great ideas and twist them and turn them to form something all our own.

Author Websites and Profiles
Anne Hagan Website
Anne Hagan Amazon Profile

Anne Hagan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in a small town
in southern Indiana called Spencer. When I am not writing or playing volleyball, I am traveling or spending time with my friends, family, and my cat, Manning. The Garden is my debut book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Garden is a labor of love that is three years in the making. From sexist bosses to bad relationships, I wanted to create a place that women could find solidarity and encouragement in the times that strength is needed the most. I hope that this book brings as much comfort to those who read it as it has brought me to write it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I will write in the middle of the night when I cannot sleep. I feel the need to take advantage of the time I have when no one else is awake and love to write when the rest of the world is asleep.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading a lot of Junie B. Jones and John Green. This eventually turned into reading Steven King and memoirs by some of my favorite people.

What are you working on now?
I am working on writing more poetry, and hope to create a youth version of The Garden.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
While it’s hard to determine how it has helped my book sales, I enjoy talking to readers on social media and seeing how my work has impacted their outlook on feminism.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write whatever you want! Seriously, write everything you think down because you never know what it will turn into. The Garden was initially a diary of mine that has now been published.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You will regret more the things that you did not do than the things that you did.

What are you reading now?
Turtles All The Way Down by John Green

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am hoping to publish my next book in 2022.

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?
Yes Please by Amy Poehler
What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur

Author Websites and Profiles
Mackenzie Lynn Website

Mackenzie Lynn’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile