Awesome Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write fantasy fiction and poetry, and I have a strong interest in mythology and folklore. I just published my second book, Shadowlands Poetry, in 2020.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is Shadowlands Poetry. The inspiration for this book of poetry was to focus on the fact that even in the darkness there is light. You cannot have the darkness without the light – which I thought was a fitting message for how chaotic the world has been in 2020.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I typically write the first draft of a book by hand. I buy a new notebook and new ink for one of my fountain pens and get writing!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Neil Gaiman, Angela Carter, Ray Bradbury, H. P. Lovecraft, M. R. James, and Edgar Allan Poe are the classics for me. Any anything folklore (Brothers Grimm).

What are you working on now?
I’m currently editing Healer of Sorrows (Book One Shadowlands Saga), which will be part of a fantasy fiction series. I’m very excited about this series, because it combines Norse mythology and strong female characters.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to promoting my books, but I’m very happy with awesomegang. com, discountbookman.com, and pretty-hot.com.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Try to write 100 words every single day. It can be complete jibberish, but writing daily keeps you inspired about writing and will give you the foundation of a good habit.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing is not a special skill that you are born with. Anyone can write and publish their work. Writing is a work ethic, so keep at it!

What are you reading now?
Sky in the Deep (Adrienne Young)

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue to publish poetry and fiction. I’m looking forward to publishing 3 books in 2021: YA, poetry, and fantasy fiction.

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?
Complete works of Edgar Allan Poe, Graveyard Book (Neil Gaiman), and the Bloody Chamber (Angela Carter).

Author Websites and Profiles
D.M. Pearson Website
D.M. Pearson Amazon Profile

D.M. Pearson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Paul, I’m 30 and I am a crime fiction author from Belfast, Northern Ireland.

I currently have two books on Amazon with a third on the way. All of my books are within the crime genre and are set in Northern Ireland, mostly in and around Belfast.
I have just finished my forth book which I have started submitting to publishers.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book to come out is called The Last Rains Of Winter, being published by PM Books. I was heavily inspired by the American author, Richard Laymon at the time of writing this book. I was very interested in the idea of morality and how some people may justify murder in their own minds. I wanted to blur the lines between right and wrong, to make the reader make up their own minds if the main character was a monster or the result of his circumstances.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I used to believe that I had to be in a certain mindset or it had to be a certain time to write. This then added fuel to the fire when it came to writers block until I realized that there is no perfect mood or timing to start from.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Endless Night by Richard Laymon
Mystic River and Gone Baby Gone by Dennis Lehane

What are you working on now?
I’ve just finished and began submitting my forth book. I intend on taking a short break from writing to free up time for other things. But with that being said, I have another book sitting waiting which

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My author website: PaulMcCrackenBooks.com

&

My Amazon page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paul-McCracken/e/B07BJ93BBP/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stay true to your vision and don’t change it to suit an audience or someone of a certain position e.g an agent.

Everyone has different tastes in what books are good and bad so try not to take criticisms to heart. But consider criticism and take it onboard, grow and learn from it. You’re only as good as your next book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Even professionals can offer bad advice.

What are you reading now?
Nothing right now but I plan to get book 2 in Iain Kelly’s State trilogy, having enjoyed the first installment.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To try and promote my current novels which are available now as well as look to writing two others I have on standby.

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 Count Of Monte Cristo
Endless Night
Mystic River

Author Websites and Profiles
Paul McCracken Website
Paul McCracken Amazon Profile

Paul McCracken’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an author, wife, and mom living in Florida. Currently, I’m about to publish my second full length novel, and also have a short story published in an anthology as well as a Novella.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Rise, the second book in the Populations Crumble trilogy, will be released on March 15th. The idea for the Populations Crumble series hit me while out on a walk with my kids.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually write late in the evenings, and am almost always accompanied by a cup of hot tea.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Lindsay Buroker’s witty and engaging storytelling, and hope to be that good one day. I’m also a long-time fan of Juliet Marillier, especially her Sevenwaters series.

What are you working on now?
The final installment of the Populations Crumble series, and also plotting out a sweet contemporary romance series set in a southern bakery.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My newsletter, and Facebook so far.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Sit down, and focus on one project until it’s done. Don’t edit until you’ve got a complete draft.

What are you reading now?
Secrets of the Sword III, by Lindsay Buroker
Romance Your Brand by Zoe York
Sweet Romance Anthology curated by 20Booksto50k
Black Cutlass by Jamie McFarlane
Stroked by Meghan Quinn

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working towards having two completed series 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?
This is an awful question, does anyone really only choose three? If I must. . .
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Wolfskin by Juliet Marillier
For my final choice, I guess I’ll pick a survival book.

Author Websites and Profiles
K. A. Gandy Amazon Profile

K. A. Gandy’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have encountered God in a profound and impactful way and as a result I have dedicated myself to spreading the truth of his glory and salvation. He gently pressured me to write and I resisted at first however, after his persistence I capitulated to his desire and began the most amazing journey in my life. Despite not knowing where to begin or what to say, each time I sat down to write, words would flow from my fingers as fast as I could type. When I needed substantiating information it either showed up in my email unsolicited or appeared in abundance when I searched for it. It has been amazing process and I am now ready to publish my third book in just over a year. The Lord’s hand is upon me and I feel his presence every waking moment. I will continue to serve him as long as there is breath in my body.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In the last twelve months I have written three books. Truth Cries Out, Seeking Truth and Revelation of Truth. My third book will be published in the spring of 2021. I never know what I will write about but God puts the words into my mind and they flow out through my hands as I type.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
As stated earlier, I never know what I will write. God puts the words into my mind and as fast as I can type, they flow onto the page. I have never experienced writer’s block and often when I conclude a chapter, I don’t know what the next one will be until I sit down to write it. Each day I pray that it is God’s words and wisdom and not mine that go onto the page.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Without a doubt, the Holy Bible has had the greatest impact upon my writing. I use scripture to illustrate the truth claims I make, I quote scripture and endeavor to explain the multiple meanings and beauty of scripture when I write.

What are you working on now?
I have just completed my third book, Revelation of Truth. It is a blockbuster as it examines the covert power structure of the deep state and correlates it to biblical prophecies of the last days. In the face of COVID 19, growing socialism and the collapse of the world’s financial system it exposes the underlying causes, the dark spiritual implications of increased authoritarianism and humanity’s incremental loss of rights and freedoms. These phenomenon are then illustrated as part of the nefarious progression to a new world order and the tyrannical rise to power of the antichrist during the Great Tribulation.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have had great success on Facebook and through my website https://partneredwithchrist.com/ where I post blogs.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be yourself. Don’t try to mimic other writers and write from your heart.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You are never too old or too smart to learn something new.

What are you reading now?
The Holy Bible.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I don’t know what I will write next but I do know that the Lord will lead me to write again very soon.

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, maybe some fishing books and survival for dummies.

Author Websites and Profiles
Clinton Bezan Website
Clinton Bezan Amazon Profile

Clinton Bezan’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 25 years old from Panama City, Panama. I started writing three years ago. Since then, I created Inner Truth Books to help children and adults strengthen their emotional intelligence through stories that teach: Self-empowerment, authenticity, empathy, values, and more.

With the proper emotional tools, everyone can achieve their fullest potential, and the world would be a better place. It’s easier for kids to conserve what they already have. That’s why I write for children. Plus, it’s extremely creative and fun.

For us adults, it’s not as easy as for kids to have emotional intelligence because we need to get rid of all the defense mechanisms we created as kids, and to do so; we need to be aware. It’s challenging but doable!

That’s why my stories are meant for adults as well but written in a childlike style.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Dancing Together.” The taught came to me when I saw birds flying over my window. I realized they don’t have a home; their home is each other. It inspired me to create a story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably, but it’s usual for me. I only write when I get an idea, out of pure creativity and honest emotions.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Neil Gaiman
Meditatios by Marco Aurelio
The Giving Tree
Oliver Jeffers

What are you working on now?
Working on my third book, “The Marshmallow House” of the Inner Truth series, which are social-emotional books for kids and adults.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing and finding ways to reach your audience.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do one thing and do it better than anybody else, and if it’s your passion. You’ll do so.

What are you reading now?
Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully, become a best seller.

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?
Meditations by Marco Aurelio
Mis Pensamientos a Lo Loco by Temístocles Díaz (myself)
Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers
The Bible

Author Websites and Profiles
Temi Díaz Website
Temi Díaz Amazon Profile

Temi Díaz’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an alien–a legal alien. I was born in Canada but have since moved all the way to a small town near Atlanta, GA. I live with my beautiful wife, Kristie, and my son, Maddox. I enjoy reading science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, military fiction, and nonfiction–especially history or leadership focused. When I’m not writing or reading, I am outside taming my backyard, or golfing with my brothers, or going for a run. I am a teacher, but can honestly say that teaching never feels like a job. I have written four books, and plan on writing many more!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Citadel, which is the sequel to Axiom. The Axiom Chronicles are very personally driven and inspired by my own struggles with mental health. I started writing it while I struggled to maintain my own thought life, and this is directly reflected in one of the main characters—Sebastian. He is also a symbol of the culture around me in that he is moving from logical and reason based thinking(Enlightenment thinking) to a more emotional and passion driven thinking(the emotionalism of my generation). My other main character, Damien, is a symbol of a survival of the fittest mindset in that he only looks out for number one—another undertone I have found in my culture. The final main character, Myra, reflects my faith in that she seeks hope and reconciliation even in the darkness. Axiom is inspired by books like Anthem by Ayn Rand, 1984, Children of the Dust, and Fahrenheit 451.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write character first. I figure out who my characters are, and then shape the story around them.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
C.S. Lewis, Ayn Rand, Children of the Dust heavily influenced the Axiom Chronicles, Ray Bradbury, and a little Tolstoy.

What are you working on now?
I just finished writing the sequel to Axiom, called Citadel, and am working on a stand-alone project called Shape of Memories. It follows Alpha(a word that represents a position like that of a Captain) as he ends his marriage with his wife and then crash lands on a planet. On the planet, he encounters a being that takes the shape of his memories, including that of his wife.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have found Twitter and Instagram to be very helpful. I have used AwesomeGang in the past, too! I am still a novice at the promotion game, so I’m learning as I go.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Network. Network. Network. Don’t give up when your first, second, or third book doesn’t sell. Write from your struggles, your failures, your fears and you will never run out of material. Pour everything you have into each story as if it were the only story you had the chance to write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From my mother–she told me that someone out there wants to read my book. Those words were inspiring!

What are you reading now?
I just finished 1985 by Orwell, and am reading Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas(I’m big into reading books that challenge me alongside ones that entertain me).

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am planning on beginning a series of 26-30 novels. It will be my legacy as a writer, and though daunting, I know it is the direction I must go.

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?
Tale of Two Cities by Dickens
My Bible
Robinson Crusoe
A Star Wars novel

Author Websites and Profiles
Kristofor Hellmeister Website
Kristofor Hellmeister Amazon Profile

Kristofor Hellmeister’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The first eighteen years of my life were spent growing up on a farm in White Sulphur Springs, NY. I attended Syracuse University and studied Aerospace Engineering, In April of 2010 I married my wonderful bride and what an adventure that has been!

In July of 2009 I published my first book and since have published a dozen others ranging from resume help and a cookbook, to several Christian Devotionals, and now several Science Fiction stories.

I’m returning to the childhood dreamer that I abandoned so long ago. To Ranger One and the Odyssey of Buck Rogers, The Palomino and Cygnus of The Black Hole and The United Planets Cruiser C-57D from Forbidden Planet. To Arrakis and Shani-Hulud, The Jupiter II and the Robinsons, and the infinite dreams of my childhood.

When I’m not writing, I like to cook, garden, hunt, fish, hike, go camping, just be in the outdoors, read, and ice hockey.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Genesis Temple short story and it’s follow up novel The Genesis Codex (work in progress).

I’ve always been fascinated with archaeology and ancient civilizations. Over the years I’ve grown even more intrigued with more biblical and crypto-archaeology. The idea of ancient races of men who were more advanced than we are now fascinates me. Stories of Atlantis and Lemuria, and the Books of Enoch and Jasher along with the Stargate science fiction franchise are what have influenced these two works in The Progenitor Series!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to be watching some interesting movie or TV show. Preferably science fiction in nature. Don’t ask me why but it helps me create.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Frank Herbert’s Dune Series
Isaac Asimov’s Foundation Series
James S.A. Cory’s The Expanse Series
A.G. Riddles Origin Mystery Series

What are you working on now?
The Genesis Codex the first full novel in the Progenitor Series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t know. Never had much success at that. I’m hoping it’ll be Awesome Gang!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. Whether you have to plot it all out first or you go by the seat of your pants, or a combination of the two; just write. Take care of everything else AFTER you finish writing it. That’s why it’s called a “ROUGH DRAFT.”

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be who you are and do what you love, not who others want you to be or want you to do. if you don’t know what those things are, take some time and figure it out.

What are you reading now?
A work by a fellow author who is looking for my assistance in ghost writing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Looking to make enough with my books so I can quit my Just Over Broke and write for a living.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My Bible
Bush Craft 101
Primitive Skills and Crafts
War and Peace, just in case.

Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Knack Website
Brian Knack Amazon Profile

Brian Knack’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a new MG fantasy book Author from Los Angeles, Ca, who recently released her very first series of books. I have two books available and one on pre-order through Amazon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Samantha Maree: Driving Out The Darkness is my latest book. It began as a poem in 2015 about a turtle who ate soap lol. The turtle still plays a big part in the book, but is no longer the only focus. One of the main character’s is Samantha Maree, a little girl with psychic abilities who befriends the turtle. My daughter is Samantha Maree, but a lot of the character’s experiences are based on my life as a pre-teen.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes! I create my illustrations prior to writing my book. I see the characters in my mind and the stories they wish to tell. But, for some odd reason I can’t put every detail in writing until I have the artwork finished.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Octavia E. Butler is my favorite author. There are no limits to her creative writing style. I admired that growing up.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on narrating my book series with my daughter.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think Goodreads is an amazing place to network with other authors and to gain a fan base for your work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep going! Don’t get too caught up in marketing. Write your heart out!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“This too shall pass.”

It’s helped to cherish every good moment in my life.

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m re-reading my own work before its launch date 7/11/2021.
Samantha Maree: The Beginning Of The End

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m currently working on a spin-off of The Samantha Maree Series, where I go into the lives of her royal fairy family. I can’t say more than 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?
If I were stranded on an island I’d definitely take every Octavia E. Butler book ever written. Lol

Author Websites and Profiles
Z. Brown Website
Z. Brown Amazon Profile

Z. Brown’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a first-time author, who is a patient advocate and kidney transplant recipient.
I am an avid learner who enjoys having in-depth conversations with people about understanding the world around us. I enjoy the outdoors, camping, hiking, snowboarding, but most of all EXPLORING. My personality can be considered that of a nomad having traveled and backpacked in different countries, my spirit is connected to experiencing new cultures and learning the ways of people. In my pass time you will find me at a local coffee shop sipping on any type of caffeine fix based on my mood for the day. Or I will be on the tennis courts or archery field, which are two of my favorite hobbies.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book, Antidote: My Commitment to Thrive with Kidney Disease is a memoir/self-help about my journey living with kidney disease and how I have learned to thrive in my new circumstance.

I was inspired to share my story because I wanted to connect with my WHY- my purpose on this earth. I am deeply connected to supporting others in my community to have others they can relate to, share a similar experience with and belong. Writing this book is to start a conversation and create a dialog around people living with chronic illness, so we can remove the stigma and truly support people facing challenges.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually write my thoughts out onto random pieces of paper or different notebooks then eventually go back to them to reflect on what I have written. This then helps guide me as to what I want to explain further or what I can forgo. I have scatter brain so my thoughts are everywhere and that is what gets jotted down then I will start writing sections of content based on what comes to mind first.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am influenced by books of personal growth, discovery, and adversity. I enjoy reading Joe Dispenza, Malcolm Gladwell, Eckhart Tolle, Brain Tracy, Henry Cloud, Mark Manson, Simon, Sinek, and more!

What are you working on now?
I am working on building out my platform Antidote, which a vibrant community of people living with kidney disease whose sole purpose is to empower each other. This online sanctuary offers a comprehensive approach to well-being, teaching people to truly thrive—in all areas of their lives.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method is to stay genuine in your approach by staying intentional with your goal. I find myself to be better with grass root efforts, so having the support of my inner circle and my network to spread the word.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes! Stay true to yourself and not get caught up or influenced by what others around you are doing. Also, know that timelines can change. We are humans, life happens, and things do not always go according to plan, so be flexible with timelines. Lastly, be your biggest advocate! We are so hard on ourselves, so avoid judging yourselves.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be authentic to yourself.

What are you reading now?
I am reading atomic habits by James Clear.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to expand my writing into Children’s books. I will also continue to write on my website to share information and resources to people living with chronic illness.

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 bring Breathe by James Nestor, The Power of Positive Thinking my Norman Vincent Peale, The Joy of Being and Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle.

Author Websites and Profiles
Hiral Patel Website
Hiral Patel Amazon Profile

Hiral Patel’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, my name is Chiara Talluto. I’m a wife, busy mom, author, and a woman after God’s heart. As I ponder this declaration, I find it more appropriate to claim that I am a woman after God’s heart first. He has given me a gift of writing, and I honor Him through my written works.

People often ask what kind of writing I do. I tell them… I write Inspirational/Christian drama empowering women to discover their faith, use perseverance to overcome adversity, and become heroes of their own destinies. I also write middle-grade fantasy-fairy tales to encourage girls in developing strong morals and values, and to always stand up for what is right.

My family often tells me that I am the Master Storyteller in our household because I have a passion for writing about people who struggle with decisions and conflicts that arise in their lives.

In the last six years, I’ve been blessed to have published four books: A Christian Romance, Love’s Perfect Surrender, two middle-grade fantasy-fairy tales: Petrella, the Gillian Princess and A Tribute to Tulipia, and an Inspirational fiction, She Made It Matter.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is She Made It Matter. It is a compelling tale of one woman’s fight to regain sobriety, find salvation, and earn forgiveness after years of guilt from being abandoned by her mother and then losing her brother to cancer, a struggle to vanquish the demons of her past and make her life right again.

This story tackles the difficult subjects of family abandonment, alcohol abuse, and food dependencies; compulsions and addictions caused by the trauma of one’s past.

Amanda Reynolds is vulnerable. Like most humans we err and make mistakes, and harbor grudges and secrets that can create huge reservoirs of pain if not addressed. Amanda is stuck in the past, and stuck in the pain, and the only way to cope with it is alcohol.

While writing the story, I thought about my own idols and addiction and how I could break them. I thought about how a person with a perfect life is able to throw it all away over something that constantly consumes their mind and body. I thought about a person who cannot move forward because of horrible past experiences. I thought about abuse that is prevalent in homes and the amount of abuse and abandonment of children. Most importantly, I thought about the human condition and how everyone makes mistakes. The ebb and flow that when we don’t know the alternatives we continually fall trap to our addictions.

This story took over nine years in the making and I merged all of those ideas in my mind. It was completed in Fall of 2014, after publication of my first book. That winter, I had it professionally edited to be published in 2015. About to publish it, I scrapped it. It wasn’t ready. It was my sophomore “grown up” book and I think I rushed through it. You see, there’s this stigma out there that as soon as you’re done with your first book, as your finishing your first book, you should be already be writing your second book or almost finished with it.

Not me! I put it away for two years until Summer of 2017 when I had a friend of mine read it. She cut it to shreds and challenged me to enhance the storyline.

And so, after about 27 revisions, 25 title changes, I have finally completed it, professionally edited it again, and am NOW ready share this story to the world. And because I love music so much, especially Christian music, I find my inspiration from songs.

The theme song for the She Made It Matter novel is from For King & Country, titled: “Burn the Ships”. The main idea of…Step into a new day. We can rise up from the dust and walk away. Leave the past. And don’t look back.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I often tell people: “I have two addictions: reading and writing. I feel restless and empty when I can’t read fiction, write my deepest thoughts in my journal, or even write down story ideas. Writing calms me, centers me, and provides a healthy outlet for my communication with imaginary friends.”

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoy stories about human complexities. I like real-life stories, and have been drawn to writings that have a biblical theme, are motivational, and encouraging. I admire writers like…

Eric Wilson – October Baby and Fireproof
Judy Blume
Karen Kingsbury
Richard Paul Evans
Mitch Albom
Billy Coffey
Rachel Hauck
C.S. Lewis – Chronicles of Narnia
Hans Christian Andersen
Tim Lahaye – Left Behind
Adriana Trigiani – Big Stone Gap
David Baldacci – The Christmas Train
Travis Thrasher – Marvelous and American Omen
Ernest Hemingway
Jack Keroerac
Charles Bukowski

Each of these remarkable authors are able to write believable characters, digging deep into their sub-conscience, and exploring and unraveling their tragedies and triumphs.

What are you working on now?
I have a short story I wrote in 2007. A thriller/apocalyptic story that I’d like to resurrect and publish.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Writing blogs. Posting on social media. Sending quarterly communication and growing your subscriber list via website. My website is https://www.chiaratalluto.com.

Every opportunity to talk to someone is an opportunity to discuss your books. Seize the moments!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Park your butt and write. Write what you know and write what you don’t know. But, just write.

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

What are you reading now?
Rachel Hauck’s The Writing Desk.

NKJ – The Bible

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep promoting my books.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
On Writing by Stephen King
Eat, shoots and leaves by Lynne Truss
The Elements of Style by Strunk and White

Author Websites and Profiles
Chiara Talluto Website
Chiara Talluto Amazon Profile
Chiara Talluto Author Profile on Smashwords

Chiara Talluto’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve published two books; a memoir called “Nazis & Nudists” in 2015 and then this latest one earlier this year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The newest book is a collection of short stories called “Jenny on the Street” that were actually written decades ago, then spent many years languishing forgotten in a desk drawer. Recently my publisher sent me an email asking if I had anything new and I thought, what the heck, and submitted them. This is my first published fiction representing a particular period of my life, namely the countercultural era of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Which is why I felt compelled to add the subtitle, “And Other Tales of Reverence and Revolution By A Very Young Man.” I think the book represents an era which, in many ways, is much like our own.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know how unusual it is, but I tend to write in bits and pieces. In other words, I take lots of breaks between short bouts of writing and, in this way, eventually finish a project. I find that this keeps me focused and fresh.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Henry Miller’s books were a powerful early influence. He wrote wonderful first-person books about his life in Paris of the 1930s, which I found romantic and fascinating. They are sort of a hybrid of memoir and fiction which, I guess, could also be said of some of the stories in “Jenny on the Street.”

What are you working on now?
About six years ago, my family and I began building our dream house overlooking the sea in the Philippines near the town where my wife was born. For the last two years or so, we’ve been living there more-or-less full time. I write a weekly column called “Expat Eye” that runs in a Philippine newspaper, then on my website and on Facebook. Much of it has chronicled the process of leaving one culture and adjusting to a new one. I am now working on putting together a collection of those columns in a book that tells that story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a website, author’s page on Facebook and another Facebook page devoted to my column. I a lot of Facebook advertising to promote all of them. I also have an emailing list and, of course, utilize services such as Awesome Gang.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Pretty much the usual, I guess. Write write write. Get lots of feedback. Involve editors you trust. Work as often as you can. Don’t be afraid to fail, because you most likely will fail before you succeed. Learn from you failures.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Pretty much the same as above.

What are you reading now?
At the moment I’m reading something very political; John Bolton’s critique of the Donald Trump presidency called “The Room Where it Happened.” I’ve always been very attracted to nonfiction.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to publish that book of essays about moving to the Philippines, which is tentatively entitled “A Tooth in My Popsicle” (you’ll have to wait for the book to find out why.) After that, who knows? Because of the pandemic, I’ve been stuck in California for a few months so my immediate goal is to get back to the Philippines asap where I find I am far more relaxed and can think much more clearly.

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?
Hmm, interesting question. Probably very long ones that are escapist; either fantastical fiction, or nonfiction set in a time and place where I’ve never been. You can fill in the blanks…

Author Websites and Profiles
David Haldane Website
David Haldane Amazon Profile

David Haldane’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a mother of 2 beautiful daughters and self published a self help book, <Getting Along> and also a children book, <Make A Wish For a Unicorn>.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
<Make A Wish For A Dinosaur> will be publish in Nov 2021 and the book was inspired by my nephew. He loves dinosaur!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am using Canva or powerpoint to write my children’s book. I

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mo Williams, Bill Cotter and Tom Fletcher. Their books are funny!

What are you working on now?
Fine tuning <Make A Wish For A Dinosaur> and preparing <Make A Wish For An Elephant> which is about an angry elephant and also ones that throw a remote controller! <Make A Wish For A Rabbit> is the 4th book in the series about bringing the reader into a magic show but lost the rabbit during the performance.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am currently using KDP advertising but it is too costly. The best method is to be out there promoting in person and read out the book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read, Read, Read. Never stop learning.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Plan marketing in advance before launching your book.

What are you reading now?
Mo williams, Piggie and Elephant series in Chinese.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Leaving a legacy

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?
Books by Sophie Kinsella and any books on Human Trafficking.

Author Websites and Profiles
Apple Sophia Lim Website
Apple Sophia Lim Amazon Profile

Apple Sophia Lim’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Takes More Than Heart is my first book. I am an author, Jon Gordon Power of Positive Leadership trainer, certified athletic mental performance master, and high school baseball coach. I bring years of experience as a twenty-eight-year retired major airline captain, and Fleet Captain, twenty-year-retired Air Force LtCol, and command pilot who had a career ending health problem

My goal with this book is to provide motivation, education and humor to inspire those who face serious challenges in their lives.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Takes More Than Heart was inspired by my aviation career ending health problem and the loss of my dream job. It details my 10 year search to find a new dream job where you never feel like you’re really working. My goal was to write an inspiring, educating, and entertaining book relating experiences and using wry humor. It is a story of “falling down seven times and getting up eight” of keeping a positive attitude and understanding success is not a destination and living is a process.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I would not call it unusual, but over the last ten years I kept a journal and when I finally sat down to writing my book, the journal entries neatly dovetailed into the story.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jon Gordon, Tony Dungy, Simon Sinek, Brene Brown, Jocko Willink, Jack Canfield, Stephen Covey

What are you working on now?
A athletic coaching book about high school and college team leadership. The unusual thing about high school and college teams is they lose their senior leadership every year. Can you imagine Ford, Microsoft, General Electric losing their leadership much less every year? How do you maintain the team culture and cohesion and develop the incoming coming leadership?

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://takesmorethanheart.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep a journal, it’s your story and can be used any genre.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Gratitude is the attitude that gets you altitude.

What are you reading now?
Legacy by James Kerr

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing to write and promote Takes More Than Heart using it as a springboard to entice attendance to my Power of Positive Leadership Training Events.

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 Power of Positive Leadership by Jon Gordon, The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy, The History of the Second World War by Winston Churchill, and if I’m strand on an island definitely a knot tying guide of some sort.

Author Websites and Profiles
DENNIS MELLEN Website
DENNIS MELLEN Amazon Profile

DENNIS MELLEN’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Ananta Govinda and so far I have written 3 books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is calle Mirror of Desire. It is an elegant weave of fantasy, philosophy, romance, and adventure, chronicling a voyage through a world of earthly duality into the realms beyond time. In the allegorical storyline of the Mirror of Desire trilogy, white and black wizards compete for access to the mysterious land of the Pyramid. I wanted to show those two colors are the range of the spectrum, indeed they cannot exist without each other

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My favorite writing time is at dawn, I feel the most inspired then. My friend has a beautiful vacation house that he lets me use sometimes in Oregon. It is located on a hilltop overlooking the valley, and the view is magical, especially in the early morning when the fog rolls over the hills down to the valley.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was very much influenced by Eastern wisdom and practical philosophy. As I dove into the ancient Sanskrit texts things started opening up in a different light, The Bhagavad-Gita As It Is really influenced me deeply and made me reevaluate everything. The Bhagavad Gita and Vedic wisdom were putting everything back together, there were no loopholes, everything was solid and consistent.

What are you working on now?
I recently published my debue fantasy novel Mirror of Desire, and along with I produced an album consisting of 8 songs. I am now really focused on promoting my book and my music.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since I don’t have a large budget I have to make do with what is available. Besides my own website, I try to create a strong social media presence, gather book reviews on Amazon which turned out to be quite a success since the book trending number 1 in fantasy & science fiction and has a lot of good reviews on Amazon. I also try to promote as much as possible on forums and websites like Goodreads, which have a strong book reading community.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Goo deep inside your self and write from the heart.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just the good, old, plain, and simple – be yourself.

What are you reading now?
Lost Prince of Nevaharday by Elizabeth Carlton

What’s next for you as a writer?
Probably starting on the second book of this trilogy – “Self-Writing 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?
Bhagavad Gita by Dvaipayana Vyasa
The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama
The Mahabharata

Author Websites and Profiles
Ananta Govinda Website
Ananta Govinda Amazon Profile

Ananta Govinda’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Biography -Alex Young is the founder The Serah Foundation, non-profit organization dedicated to outreach of abused women and children. She is a loving daughter, sister, and mother. She served has as college professor for over 9 years and has a passion for teaching, mentoring, and helping individuals through the healing process. Though she currently practices as a Clinical Psychologist, she found her passion serendipitously, prior to beginning her practice. It has always been a passion within her from a child to comfort and to heal. I have written 2 books, but published one; the 2nd to be released soon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Love Revealed- is the name of the 2nd book, inspired by Love. God is Love.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I know of. : )

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Sarah Young; Dr. Myles Monroe; Joyce Meyer; CS Lewis; John Maxwell

What are you working on now?
1st book marketing and finalizing the 2nd book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Through Amazon or my website- http://www.dralexyoung.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
No- I’m new and still learning. Proofread several times.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Marketing is the key- it can be great book, but if no reads it, no one will ever know it!!!

What are you reading now?
Dr. Myles Monroe –

What’s next for you as a writer?
Not sure

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; Devotional; cook book

Author Websites and Profiles
Alex Young Website
Alex Young Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a creative fiction author, I tend to have a talent for writing. As I’ve written several books and published 6

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Titled Friends. I was inspired by the many friends that I’ve met throughout life, well as the hurdles and obstacles of friendship.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My unusual writing habit is always being on the phone with a random friend or family member casually gossiping about a bunch of nothing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love James Baldwin for what he stood and stands for. Donald Goines was my influence through life, his books boldly allowed my mind to imagine the scenery as described

What are you working on now?
I currently have 5 projects that I’m actively working on. Outside of writing, I’m actively working on an annual community event. Well as in the midst of publishing Friends, Hoes up Pimps Down and writing a few others.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth, and my personal webpage communication well as google search.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The advice that I’d personally give to a new author, would be to focus on themselves. While educating themselves on everything in the literacy industry. Never trust anyone with your hard work

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice that I’ve ever heard, was to focus on myself!

What are you reading now?
As of now, I’m on reading the daily news along with the current events. I try not to read anymore seeing that I try not to affect my creativity.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My next step is to get out of Quarantine and to enjoy life while being thankful and blessed

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 Coldest Winter Ever, Whore Son, Daddy Kool, Fredrick Douglas a Slaves Memuare

Author Websites and Profiles
Ebony Edgerson Website
Ebony Edgerson Amazon Profile