Awesome Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve just published my fifth novel although I have written more. Some of my earliest books will probably never see the light of day. I have always written and made up stories, even before I learned to read. I would look at picture books and make up my own stories to go with the pictures.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Two Hearts in a Grave. If I tell you the idea that inspired the story, it would give away some of the plot, so I’ll just settle for saying that it came from my love of alternative rock, like most of my stories.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Whenever I start a new novel, I create a new playlist for it on iTunes. That then soundtracks my writing process. I add to it as I write the book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read widely, which is why my genres are all over the place too! I’m particularly a fan of Stephen King, Diana Gabaldon and Susan Cooper.

What are you working on now?
Several projects, including cosy mystery, time travel and I don’t even know where it will fit in.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I knew… Shouting into an empty well seems to be what I do!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write and read, read, read, then take a break and watch some TV.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never, ever give up.

What are you reading now?
The second book in the Strain trilogy. I rarely read series, and it has taken me a couple of years to pick up the second installment.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I try to write as much as I can. I have a bit more time at the moment, thanks to COVID-19 lockdowns. It’s one of the rare perks of our current situation….

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Oh gosh… I’m not at all religious, but perhaps the Bible. It’s huge and has so many stories in it. Possibly Stephen King’s The Stand, for similar reasons. Can I also take all of the Lord of the Rings? I can take a single volume copy of the trilogy!

Author Websites and Profiles
Pamela Harju Website
Pamela Harju Amazon Profile

Pamela Harju’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Link The Author (Charles J. Clark Jr. ) is a Career law enforcement agent turned author from Cleveland, Ohio. He has contributed his career as a former Special Agent and current Assistant Director of Las Vegas Community Correctional Center, an entity of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Link has taken true events from his law enforcement career and written them in his first and only book at the current moment.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
MY BROTHER’S SHIELD is my latest book, and it was released on 06/16/2020. My true life events as an undercover agent along with my wife’s enthusiasm, inspired me to write the riveting-action packed story. Outside law enforcement and writing books, Link spends his time providing community service as a member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Link is a true believer of giving back and supporting programs of the community. He stands by the motto: Lift as we climb, because it takes a village to support a community.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Prior to me placing each event of my story to paper, I play it over in my head to capture lines and story scenes of my character. I then develope a chapter title, which is also use to outline the story of that chapter. Each chapter is left open to fall in with the next or previuos chapter events.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read the Book, “The Spook Who Sat By the Door”. This particular book open my eyes of how complex our government becomes when selecting candidates for certain jobs within an entity. Other books like “Gorilla Black”, written by the author known as “Seven” and “Borne Series” written by Robert Ludlum and the “Cartel Series” witten by Ashley & JaQuavis help create my style of writing.

What are you working on now?
I am current working on the Sequel to “My Brother’s Shield”, since my fans was so intrigue with my cliffhanger. I’m stuck on chapter Eight!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
All platforms are unique in its own, but I’ve been favoring Face Book and local media sites; word of mouth is also an effective approach!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I can’t say this enough, but make sure you have a great editor on speed dial!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Look forward and never linger in your past, for it wil keep you stagnant.

What are you reading now?
Current events…it helps capture new readers!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to finish the sequel to my first book (My Brother’s Shield) and then assist my wife with her first book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Art of War, My Brother’s Shield: Book 1 & 2. The Art of War provides tools to survive and my books for entertainment.

 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a comedy writer and a cartoonist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I have written one graphic novel and recently released my first non-fiction work. I’m also a regular contributor to satire fake news sites.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Trump Tweets: Best of the Presidency.

The President’s Twitter feed has been incredibly influential and powerful. I selected the best of his 26,000 tweets from his presidency and compiled them into a book which gives us insight to Donald Trump and tells the story of his presidency.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Is procrastination unusual? I’ll figure it out and get back to you later.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always been drawn to comedic sequential art. An image can enable the brevity or gag needed for a joke that text alone cannot provide.

I grew up reading the newspaper funnies, Cracked and Mad magazines. Later, television shows like South Park showed me that cartoons can be dark and made for adults. Scott McCloud has been very influential as well. His work should be mandatory reading for anyone making comics.

What are you working on now?
I currently produce a webcomic titled First World Problems. It is a series where poorly-drawn, but always happy characters overreact to minor inconveniences, usually fatally.

I am working on turning this webcomic into a full novel; a hybrid of webcomic gags and traditional writing. It is a dark humor story of finding purpose in a world of chaos.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Stay connected to your readers. I like to release webcomics and satire news stories for my own enjoyment and in hopes that they will help readers find their way to my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write! Get your ideas on paper and finish the story without getting hung up on minor details. You can fill in the gaps and do corrections later. Don’t let perfectionism kill your project.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Reheat left-over pizza with a glass of water in the microwave.

Changed my life.

What are you reading now?
The Secret Lives of Presidents. I primarily read history books. A lot of history’s characters, stories and themes find their way in to my work.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My primary goal is to increase production and explore long form satire in addition to the short articles I write.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, Surviving Desert Islands for Dummies and two copies of my graphic novel, The Dirtsheets, so I can be the best selling author on the island.

Author Websites and Profiles
Richie Richards Website
Richie Richards Amazon Profile

Richie Richards’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m equal parts musician and a novelist. I’ve been writing stories for as long as I can remember – but I started self-publishing in the summer of 2020. So far, I have written and published two books: BACK TO TROY (suspense-romance), and DAISY FIELDS (contemporary romance).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is DAISY FIELDS, perma-free and available from most mainstream e-book publishers. It’s a contemporary romance novella that slides like ice cream down your throat! I started it because I wanted to try writing from the perspective of an HSP like me. David Nighthart is a soft-spoken, SLR-yielding hero whose perceptiveness toward those around him is a key ingredient in the romance that unfolds.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tie my bangs up over my forehead when I write. The other day, I was taking a break sprawled on the floor, and my daughter (4) told me that I look like a dead quail!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
“Influenced” feels like a big word to use in this context, not the least because I read almost exclusively literary fiction and publish exclusively genre fiction…

But I grew up reading a lot, and every book I’ve loved has helped shape me in some way, maybe even as a writer. Some of the authors that come to mind are Astrid Lindgren, A. A. Milne, Jane Austen, Junot Diaz, Tim O’Brien, Leif Enger, and Vladimir Nabokov. I feel like Nabokov would roll over in his grave if I claimed that his writing somehow influenced mine!

What are you working on now?
Glad you asked. I’m currently working on a sequel to my debut novel, BACK TO TROY. It’s got a lot of the same ingredients: fast-paced suspense and slow-burn romance (that’s my tagline), humor, psychological drama, etc. It develops on some of the themes from BACK TO TROY, like found family and reconciliation. It’s shaping up to be a good ride.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning the ropes. I’m working on building a mailing list with MailerLite, publishing wide with Draft2Digital, and distributing reader magnets with BookFunnel. It’s a process. I’m not the most patient person in the world, but I’m not afraid of working hard, and I’ve got a lot of stamina and an awesome, supportive spouse – so I think things will eventually start to come together.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’m a new author myself!

I’d say having an ideal reader in mind while writing is incredibly helpful. If you can find an actual person who can be your “ideal reader,” there’s nothing better than that. It helps you write genuinely.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This sounds trite, I’m sure, but “Just be genuine, be yourself, and give it time” is what my husband always says when I’m feeling discouraged. It’s amazing to me how hearing those word never fails to lift my spirits.

What are you reading now?
Santa Claus gave me this book of Rilke’s letters and poems, so I’m working through that. It’s slow, because the darn thing is in German.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Boy…I’m just going to keep writing and looking for my tribe of indie readers!

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?
Collected Poems of W. B. Yeats, Winnie the Pooh, and my two books. My two books, not so much because I would read them repeatedly, but because they’ll always remind me who I am, when there’s no one else around to tell me.

Author Websites and Profiles
Maki Matsui Website
Maki Matsui Amazon Profile

Maki Matsui’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As I sit here going over my memories of the past, I Praise God for my Husband and my 3 children who he has blessed me with in this life. Our life has had its ups and downs as many of your has, with The home-going of our 2nd daughter in 2015 when God called her home to Heaven, to being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and now being medically retired trying to find things to fill my days… but through it all God has been Good 🙂

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Little Ranch at Riverbend” this book will be the first of 3 second book is at the editor “Mountainview New Beginnings” and I am now working of the final book of this set “Pineview New Hope”
After the Death of my 2nd daughter in 2015, the first book of this series came to me in her memory and now I have the 2nd book at the editor which is in thoughts of my 1st daughter and the 3rd is in thoughts of my son.
I have always loved the writings of Janett Oaks and loved her style.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t sit and write a plan of where my book is going to go I am a free flow writer.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Janett Oaks, Nishoni Harvey

What are you working on now?
the 3rd book of this series Pineview New Hope

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote through word of mouth and social media, still learning of the other avenues through my daughter Nishoni Harvey who has helped many young authors in her business Authors Aflame she has been a gem in getting published.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
write about what you love, dream or desire. Don’t give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take your time, don’t get in a hurry, and enjoy what you do

What are you reading now?
A Harlot’s Tale by Nishoni Harvey

What’s next for you as a writer?
after I finish my 3rd of this series I have no Ideas as of yet.

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, Survival Guide and Healing Herbs

 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m forty years old, and they little kids, and started writing my first series four years ago. I have published thirteen books within that time, all set in my seven solar system Plan8 Alliance.

My books are futurist and all based around stories of crime and war. While the first two series were a real mish mash of sci-fi and fantasy sub-genres, my current series are written to market and focused on cyberpunk and techno-thriller, within a space opera setting.

Many of the same characters feature in different series, as I build on their stories as secret agents.

I have learned so much about self-publishing and within the first three years of writing my first few books, I learned so much about writing too, thanks to being a member of an authors’ beta reading group.

This year, I hope to publish eight new books. They are quite short at around 40-50k each, so it’s less than it sounds. I love writing, and I love reading too about science, sci-fi, and esoteric stuff.

I used to teach English as a foreign language, science, biology, and yoga. I spent much of my adulthood in East Asia and can speak Mandarin and Indonesian.

My husband is Chinese, and I come from a very multicultural family. There is plenty of multiculturalism in my books, with an array of different ethicities, cultures, and religions.

I’ve started my own bookstagram Instagram account to try and attract more readers. It has been fun and artistic to share all my passions.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
YuFu’s Run 4 is about techno-thriller set on a Mercury-like planet, where YuFu (a cyborg Agent-In-Command) takes a squadron of cyborgs there to infiltrate a secret communist colony. The leader plans to exterminate most of the humanoids across the seven solar systems of Plan8, using a deadly virus.

What inspired it? I want to write twenty techno-thriller books in this particular space opera and realised that despite writing in this genre, all of my stories occurred on worlds with breathable atmospheres.

It was high time I based the story within the habitat of space’s void, and it was time to have a space battle too! While I enjoyed this and the action kept me excited, the constant grey and starry scenery in my mind got me down a bit.

My first two series with magic and time travel were a lot more colourful, with an array of natural and futuristic city environments.

YuFu’s Run 1, 2, and 3 were more colourful for my mind too,v with futuristic urban settings as well as swamplands and jungles.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I dictate. I walk and speak ‘into the dark.’ Afterwards, I transcribe it onto Dragon Dictate and edit. I used to be very strict at following a plan, but now I prefer to write into the dark and open up to the subconscious mind. I still use motivation reaction units, though, so 99 percent of the time, the pov character doesn’t get what he/she wantsb in the scene.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
To be honest, I never read space fiction before I started writing it, and always read fantasy and thriller. Let me tell you, though, when I had my second baby, I read George RR Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire series.

He inspired me to write. I still think he is amazing and makes his characters so unique and individual. I’ve been reading some great indie space opera books recently, and you can see my reviews on Instagram: rayneryeauthor.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a ‘feeder-series’ to get more subscribers. Like all my books, it’s based in the Plan8 Alliance. It’s called Cyborg Assassin 1.

The first two books will be completely free and wide on all devices. Inside the first book, I’ll offer the second book for free if the reader signs up. It’s a strategy I’m trying to increase my platform.

The main character is an African American girl called Oshun, who later becomes a cyborg undercover soldier on a planet where the communists and capitalists are at war. It covers lots of social and political issues and shows the good and bad sides of both sides.

Oshun appeared in my three most recent books in my YuFu’s Run series, where she is a special-agent-in-charge and fifty five years old. I liked the character so much I wanted to show fans what happened in her past through this feeder series. I’m already 35k through book 1 and should be finished in a few days. After that, I’ll go on to write Cyborg Assassin 2.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t know. I haven’t done well with promoting. I grew my list using story origin and book funnel. While some of my readers do but my books, many just want free stuff.

I did my first freebooksy deal the other day for YuFu’s Run 1 and for 2k downloads, which was cool. A few people went on to buy books 2, 3, and 4, so I already made a little money back after just two days.

In all honesty, I’m hoping I can attract readers via Instagram. I do some Facebook and Amazon ads, but they are not adding up to much, and I know I need to put in the time to learn advertising properly.

After I have published twenty books, I’ll take Mark Dawson’s Facebook ads course and or the hours of study in.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t waste time trying to make every sentence artistic, just tell a good story and make it streamlined, so it’s not bogged down with information.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Too much good writing advice.

Go ready in adjectives and adverbs by showing instead of telling (show the body language and internal reactions rather than using a lazy adjective.)

What are you reading now?
Before the Shattered Gates of Heaven. This is a space opera book, and it is beautifully written. I’m amazed it is Bryan S. Glosemeyer’s first book. He is an extremely talented storyteller.

I’m also reading an urban fantasy called Ashwood Chronicles: Lament of Purgatory, and I am reading Phillip Pullman’s Northern Lights to my daughter some nights after homeschooling. Busy busy busy xx

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing my two cyberpunk techno-thriller series–YuFu’s Run and Cyborg Assassin, and slot in space fantasy time travel short books in between to try and get more eyeballs on me in Amazon’s New Release section.

The space fantasy will take place on planet earth and be a bit of a mishmash of genres like my first two series (space opera, time travel, metaphysical science fiction, and crime thriller.) Writing these is like a treat for me too, because I am an eccentric Aquarius at heart and a new age hippie too.

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?
Sarah Ash’s trilogy about Dragons.

Author Websites and Profiles
Rayner Ye Website
Rayner Ye Amazon Profile
Rayner Ye Author Profile on Smashwords

Rayner Ye’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My whole life was full of books, even if I had no time to rest. My interests are various (philosophy, sciences, art, travelling, culture…). As I had a very demanding job, I had no time to write- not before retiring, early enough I could say. From the first day without job, I started to write, as if there was no life differently. Up to now, I have written twelve books and I have published half of them.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I gave the title “old concerns” and refer to the heroine’s past lives. I am very fond of the theory of reincarnation and some reading about that gave me the inspiration.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I believe so… I like to put many characters in, create a big and intricate plot to keep the reader’s interest and describe the historic and social environment.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I cannot say; I read since I was five years old, books of many styles and content. More, during my working period I was in contact with lots of people and various nationalities, I travelled a lot, I heard many stories.

What are you working on now?
I gather information for a new book. The theme will be pirates and corsairs in the 17th century in the Mediterranean sea.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am not an expert. In Greece the marketing of the books is at the first beginning and normally they deal with the easily sold books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
They have to be passionate and never stop chasing their dream.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
None, even if it’s surprising.

What are you reading now?
I study the piracy in the 17th century for my new book and Ken Follet’s last book “The evening and the morning”.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am very much interesting in having my books travelling in the world. It’s a big dream and I count lot on my cooperation with OnTime Books. At the same time, I’ll continue to write and read, be inspired and improve my style.

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 actually difficult decision… Let’s say “It is Truly Meet” by Ulysses Elytis, “Tests” by George Seferis, “Enchanted Soul” by Romaine Rolland, and “The Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follet.

 

Dimitra Papanastasopoulou’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a doctor at a Big Ugly Hospital in Scotland. I was born in India, grew up in the Middle East and moved to the UK decades ago.
After years in medicine, I thought it was time for a change of tack, took stock of my (few) other skills and decided to give writing a go.
I’ve written three books so far and am very experienced at collecting rejections from literary agents. My latest book, however, made it as far as the desk of an editor at one of the Big Five publishing companies so I seem to be getting there.
Writing, like medicine, is craft; you need to do a lot of it to get good.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called “The Tender Coconut Tamasha”, is set in a modern-day Indian metropolis and features an upright police Inspector who’s been put in charge of a new unit to deal with minor crime: the Bangalore Civil Nuisance Unit. He’s just trying to get the Unit off the ground when he’s drawn into what, at first glance, appears just a minor nuisance but evolves into a grand conspiracy that leaves the city in flames.
It was inspired by a walk down Mahatma Gandhi Road in Bangalore a few years ago with my wife and brother. We were talking about my plans to start writing mysteries and happened to pass a man selling tender coconuts on a street corner.
“I should write a mystery about that!” I said in jest. The idea stuck and, a year later, evolved into the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to plot things out with boxes and arrows on a large drawing pad. It gets very messy.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Hilary Mantell for prose (Wolf Hall trilogy).
Michael Chabon for inventiveness (The Yiddish Policeman’s Union).
Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams for humour and satire.
E. Annie Proulx for her ability to take you somewhere else in just a few words and kill you dead in a few more (Accordian Tales, The Shipping News)

What are you working on now?
A gritty, noir, hospital-based murder mystery as submission for a writing competition. It couldn’t be further from The Tender Coconut Tamasha.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t figured it all out yet but Awesomegang.com seems great. Reedsy has lots of useful free info and tutorials. Joanna Penn’s website also has tons of great tips and free resources.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Persevere. Keep writing. As I said earlier, writing is craft, like medicine. You need a certain amount of knowledge but it’s 90% about application. You get better the more you do. Oh, and learn from your mistakes.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“People are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of things.” Epictetus, Stoic philosopher

What are you reading now?
The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Work on marketing this book. Learn how to do it and keep getting better. And write the next one.

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 Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx
Inferno by Dante Alighieri
The Enchiridion by Epictetus
The Hitchiker’s Guide to The Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Author Websites and Profiles
Joe Chacko Website
Joe Chacko Amazon Profile

Joe Chacko’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Northeast Ohio but was never content with staying in one place for long. That sense of wanderlust led her to Chicago, Illinois, Washington, D.C., and eventually to the lights and bustle of New York City.

I’m a legal professional with over a decade of experience and who always rises to the next challenge. In addition to working in the legal field, I am a member of several professional organizations, from the local Bar Associations, Mindfulness in Law Society, Military Spouse J.D. Network, to the Alexander Hamilton Awareness Society.

My creative side emerged after I began to understand how important wellness is to each of us. As a freelance writer, my work has been featured in the Huffington Post and several legal industry magazines. My passion for the legal and wellness community has landed me speaking events at community colleges as well as societal groups in various cities.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Rise Up: Be Resilient Like You’re Running Out of Time’ is my first book and I wanted to put the concept of resilience into words, emphasizing its importance, while making it truly accessible to the reader.

During these unprecedented times, I was inspired to write about resilience and must thank the client, mentors, family, friends, and acquaintances who, in some way, provided me the opportunity to observe resilience first-hand.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say I have any “unusual” writing habits, but I do enjoy listening to an array of different music while writing and find myself most creative at night when I can glance over at the lights and skyline of lower Manhattan.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m constantly being inspired by others. There are so many talented writers who I am in awe of and inspire me every day. International author Céline Santini, author of ‘Kintsugi: Finding Strength in Imperfection’ helped inspire me to write about resilience and was so thoughtful to take the time to read my book and even provide an endorsement!

What are you working on now?
I’m always writing, jotting down ideas, and phrases or lines that I come up with during my day-to-day life. Now that my book is published, I’ll likely start working on freelance writing for some platforms again, while considering some ideas I have for my next book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would say word of mouth. I am grateful for the amount of encouragement and well wishes I received from people I have never even met thanks to others speaking to them about my book!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read, write, revise, write some more and stay motivated to keep writing!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That’s a hard one! I’ve had some great mentors throughout my life. There are two pieces of advice that immediately come to mind: 1) Don’t run until you have something to run to and 2) Don’t love anything that can love you back.

What are you reading now?
I have several paperbacks and eBooks that are on my list, but at the moment, I’m reading “Hamilton and the Law” edited by Lisa A. Tucker, which is a fantastic read about today’s legal issues through the hit musical “Hamilton.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue writing and hopefully inspire others along the way!

Author Websites and Profiles
Ashley M. Stephenson Amazon Profile

Ashley M. Stephenson’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Stephanie Jacob. I am Greek-Cypriot and I have written a young adult fantasy trilogy called Hemiphos. Part one, Hemiphos: Timber’s Castle is available in Greek and English. Part two, Hemiphos: The Other Side is available in Greek and part three, Hemiphos: Enchantress City is on its way to publication. I have always loved writing, ever since I was a child, and made my first attempt to write a novel at the age of eight. It was not –obviously- successful, but I kept trying, until I finally made it! Nearly fifteen years later I had the right idea at the right time, and the book I so longed to write was finally born.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hemiphos: Timber’s Castle was inspired by a song called ‘It’s all coming back to me now’, a rock ballad by Meatload and Marion Raven. I have always loved both the song and its music video, ever since it came out in 2006, and always felt oddly mesmerised by it. Through the years though, I completely forgot about it. I only remembered it six years after its release, during a dull, stormy night, while living in Manchester, England. I listened to it, and all of a sudden, I felt like my mind was overflowing with images, sounds and feelings. Words started streaming out of my head, and I had the sudden urge to write a story about the song. The whole trilogy is the song, but instead of it being written in notes, it is written in words.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not sure if this is unusual, but I do not write in a linear way, from beginning to the end, but write instead the segments of the book I am inspired to write. This means that I might start to write the first few pages of the book, then write the last chapter, then go back to the beginning, write a little more, and then write something that will eventually end up in the middle of the book. I go back and forth, not writing complete chapters but giving the book an odd shape that comes to life rather erratically. I understand that this process makes things very complicated and much slower that usual, but I cannot help it. I have to write whatever I am inspired to write at the time I am inspired to write it, or else it will go away!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read classic books a lot, and always reread the ones I loved the most. I think that Gaston Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera, as well as the Brontë sisters’ Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights have definitely influenced me majorly when writing Hemiphos, without me realising it at the time I was writing.

What are you working on now?
The third book of the trilogy is almost ready, so most of my time now is spent working on its final details.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do not have a favourite. Word of mouth has worked quite well for me so far. At the same time, I am still experimenting with several things, mostly on social media, like Facebook, Instagram and Goodreads.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would advise them to believe in themselves and their writing. It is not easy to write a book, and it is definitely not easy to get it published and promoted. Try not to get disappointed, as it is a road full of thorns, but wok hard from the beginning till the end. Somehow, it will all work out!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you want to write and not what others want to read. Be true to yourself, your ideas and your writing style.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading The idiot, by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The next immediate step is the publication of the last instalment of the trilogy. After that, I do hope to continue writing, as well as 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?
Hard to say, only three or four?! I guess I would take the three books I mentioned earlier: The phantom of the Opera, Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. (And probably shove at the last minute Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in my bag too!)

Author Websites and Profiles
Stefanie Jacob Amazon Profile

Stefanie Jacob’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 51 years old, living in Florida with my love James and fur baby Nava.
My obsession for children’s literacy has been with me for a long time. Back in college, as President of “Synergy” our Sociology Club, I initiated a bi-county wide book drive. These books were then donated to lower funded schools and youth organizations. In my final year, we were able to donate a little over 3000 books!! A child reading is a child learning, and a child with a higher success rate in life. Allowing their minds to explore and wander is a beautiful thing. There is nothing better than seeing a child sitting down and reading a book, or a parent reading to their children. This book is about adventures you have when reading.
I hope after each story, their minds continue to think and imagine their own adventures in life.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Francis Flamingo and His Amazing Adventures sparked a flood of ideas inside me. After completing the first book, I decided to make it a series by continuing on each chapter from the first book. I really just want kids to read and imagine all the places they can go in their minds. Lets get them reading!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I need to be alone in the house. I tend to look around as I think, and most people think something is wrong when I do that.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Shel Silverstein has always been a favorite of mine. I love his simplicity.

What are you working on now?
Francis is going to a birthday party at the zoo!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This part is all new to me, so Google has become my best friend. Anywhere I can post it for free right now is great for me. lol

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write down all thoughts you get when you are in writing mode!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Dont force it. Walk away if necessary and refresh your brain.

Of course I did that, and it was a 6 month walk away. Guess my brain was clogged.

What are you reading now?
At the moment Im concentrating on different types of childrens books. Learning structures, methods, likes, popularity.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Not sure yet. I really want to expand on this series for right now and see how it does.

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 Giving Tree
The Diary of A Young Girl
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
The Minds of Billy Milligan

Author Websites and Profiles
Leigh Rignola Amazon Profile

 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a certified life coach and a Social Justice Advocate; I have written two books, The Road to Reentry (2017) and Pursuing Redemption (2020). I earned my Associate degree in Paralegal in 2013. Which now, I’m in the process of completing my bachelor’s degree, hopefully soon. I have been a part of many organizations, including The Reentry Advocacy Project, The National Federation of Paralegal Association, Center for Economic and Social Justice, and the America Bar Association, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Like many others, we need a more just system based on fairness, equality, and equity, for people can change when given the right tools to change.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Pursuing Redemption. What inspired me was past events that happened in the past.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I write whenever I’m in the mood or have time to write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
James Baldwin, Martin Luther King jr, Maya Angelou.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on my third book. Which this book will be something different from the last two books. Working on learning to write short stories.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still searching for the right website; nothing has been working for me lately. I am still learning how to promote my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice would be to keep writing don’t give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t start something if you don’t plan to finish it.

What are you reading now?
Originals by Adam Grant
A Promiseland by Barack Obama

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish writing my third book and getting to writing short stories.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I have no clue.

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Davis Website
Michael Davis Amazon Profile

Michael Davis’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first published book though I’ve written others.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sea and Flame and it was inspired by a few different things coming together. I knew it had to do with faeries and originally there was going to be a faerie prince. He turned into a Lord and the book grew from there. I also had a vision of my MC and her best friend sitting with their backs to me so I knew them from the start. I slowly pieced it together and it turned into something much larger than I originally anticipated.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do a lot of quick writing between calls at work or when I have a few minutes of downtime. It’s actually easier than doing it at home where I have two small children.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many. I think finding Anne Rice books in the library when I was young brought about my love for fantasy that has never waned. I love the escapism of it.

What are you working on now?
The second book in the Sea and Flame series is fully drafted out and just needs edits and I’m working on a novel called As Played by Gods that’s inspired by the Glory storyline in Buffy. It’s just a wild, powerful blonde, an unwell Goddess, and plays with the trope of the Chosen One.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m honestly not sure yet. I’m pretty new at this.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep trying. If you give up you’ll never succeed. And don’t be afraid of a terrible first draft, we all write them. You can always fix it once you’re done.

What are you reading now?
Kingdom of Flesh and Blood.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve got this idea for a retelling of Snow White and Rose Red but it’s not very far along in the process.

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 A Court of Thorns and Roses. They’re so long they should keep me busy for a while and so far they haven’t failed the reread test.

Author Websites and Profiles
Tallie Rose Website

Tallie Rose’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Goa, India and moved to Scotland to complete my book. Chino and the boy scouts is my first novel for young adults.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Chino and the boy scouts is the name of my book. My childhood experience as a scout and walking to school through the woods inspired me to write this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, but I like writing by the window as I watch the foxes, a few birds and squirrels come and go.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Famous five, Secret Seven and the adventures of Tom Sawyer. My favourite authors are Enid Boyton and Ernest Miller Hemingway

What are you working on now?
NHS Scotland

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
People don’t read much nowadays, so when I have the chance I read my book to virtual classrooms. I promote my own website nancet.com to promote my journey and hope it’ll inspire someone to read my book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
finish what you started.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When you find yourself in the eye of a storm, trust fully in God, just like an eagle; and he will let the storm gradually lift you up. I got this advice from my guru Mrs Sabina Roy.

What are you reading now?
The Meaning of things by A.C. Grayling.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My aim is to complete the 2nd and the 3rd instalment of my book Chino and the boy scouts.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Harry Potter – all 7 books.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nancet Marques Website
Nancet Marques Amazon Profile

Nancet Marques’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Gargi Shukla belongs to Ayodhya and is a Psychology student. She released her first anthology “ Sunsets and Flames” as a compiler and later debuted with poetry collection “ Thoughts of A Sugary Leaf” as author. Her association with various publications houses like Notion Press, The Alcoves and Young Moves led her to open her own line of publication house series Raisin Publications.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“ Thoughts of A Sugary Leaf” is a collection of poems published by Notion Press. It has poetry that talks about nature and minute observations and thoughts that run behind it. A few poems are written with symbolic contrast that has a very unique style of itself. Various seasons are represented with profound imagery and simple language making it a beautiful yet easy read.
I feel the trigger behind writing the book was Lockdown. I saw a lot of anthologies coming up and enquired about self publishing. I did have plans for publishing a book but it was never going to be this soon. Lockdown made me utilise it as an opportunity to write the book. I already had a few unpublished verses so I began writing my book on the same basis.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I feel I have an unusual habit of writing down many poetries at a same time. I keep putting down thoughts as it fits according to the poetry. It is really difficult for me write and concentrate on a single poem at a given time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think my basic inspiration in my poems is John Keats because I think my initial journey with reading poetry began with his classic masterpiece “Autumn”. The imagery in words of William Wordsworth and simple writing style of Amish Tripathi are key elements that I try to incorporate in my writings. Ashish Baghrecha and Rupi Kaur are beautiful writers and the way their poetries are so relatable and simple are worth mentioning.

What are you working on now?
I am considering the release of “Thoughts of A Sugary Leaf” as an e-book for now. The upcoming book is yet in consideration however I think I can say it’s going to be about love, sacrifice, emotions and the universe. A few publications as anthologies can be expected soon too.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I feel the best method is to promote the books using online websites that offer free promotions initially because you actually don’t know how your book is going to do. Once you are sure that your book is making its mark, you can start including book reviewers and paid programs to your promotions.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing poetries is neither an art nor it is a skill that you go to some class to master or learn. It is an innate tendency in each individual that just needs to be actualised in order to feel and understand poetry. Based on my personal style of writing, I was very hesitant as a beginner due to my non-preference for usage of difficult vocabulary unnecessarily in poetry. Poetries are usually a thought process, an imitation of what our mind might be thinking in beautiful synchronisation and a normal thought process is very simple in language. If you want your words to sink in deep and be felt by the reader, helping them connect with your poems, it is important to make it easy for them to read and understand, making it feel like a part of their own thought process.
Each poet or author has their own way and style of writing and expressing through poetry. It is therefore invalid to compare our work with someone else or take criticism very negatively. The good reviews are obviously a pleasant part but your expression is your own individual style of writing. Grammatical errors can be corrected but with a lot of changes in your verses you may change your thought process. Also, never lose your confidence in your book by a single negative comment. You have put in your efforts in this book and you know your own expression better. Just because someone doesn’t agree with your expressions and opinions does not make it invalid. So go ahead expressing yourself to the world and enjoy this journey of writing you have embarked on.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever had is that “It is impossible to keep everyone happy and satisfied. Nobody has the responsibility to keep you happy. It is only you who has the responsibility to keep yourself happy and that is what should matter while you hustle.”

What are you reading now?
Currently I am reading “Ikigai” by Albert Liebermann and Hector Garcia. I just finished reading “The Ramchandra Series” by Amish Tripathi and it is a beautiful yet extended read.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As I writer, I think I will be focusing more on quality rather than quantity in my books. I have just released my debut poetry collection which was highly appreciated. As a next step, I would like to try writing a short story compilation or may be a novel. Can’t say for sure yet but another poetry collection can be anticipated by year end.

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 feel being stranded would give me pretty leisure time. Being a Potterhead why only 4, I would carry all 8 Harry Potter Series books with me. Apart from that Amish Tripathi’s “Shiva Trilogy” is a read I would love going through again. Non-fiction titles like “Interpretation of Dreams” by Sigmund Freud can be a good read too.

Author Websites and Profiles
Gargi Shukla Amazon Profile

Gargi Shukla’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
For me, writing is an art, just as when I paint a canvas. I don’t believe any art should have boundaries. I write for myself and hope that there is someone else out there, like me – that will understand it and like it.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Island in the Bay was inspired by my teenage daughter asking me, if I’d ever fallen in love with a guy I consider my best friend.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
* I never sit for longer than 30 minutes.
* I keep an Amber worry stone next to my keyboard and use it often
* I also have a head massager on my desk that I use frequently

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have a thing for poets – Sylvia Plath being my favorite. I have I AM I AM I AM posted on my wall. I almost got an I AM tattoo. I also have Understand Me by Charles Bukowski on my wall because it fits me so well. I often imagine if the two of the would have gotten together, the writing that would have come from that coupling would have been magnificent.

What are you working on now?
I never tell!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stop writing. You will get tired of your story. You will want to throw your computer at the wall. But one day you will finish it and then you’ll be scared. But force yourself to publish it and move on to the next story. Remember those that give you bad reviews just didn’t understand you and that’s ok.

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?
1. Anything by John O’ Donahue
2. Anything by John D. MacDonald
3. The Emotional Thesaurus
4. The biggest notebook available to write in

Author Websites and Profiles
Joelle Silveen Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Biography: Hi, I’m Syretta A. Walker. I’m from Beaufort, South Carolina. I enjoy bowling, skatting, cooking, and going out to eat. I was an author before I decided to write screenplays full time. My titles included ‘Upgrade You’, ‘Behind Chastity Belt’, ‘Get Into the Car’, The Day Marijuana Was Legalized In The U.S. A.,’ ‘My Momma’s Man in Chocolate Rose 2 Anthology’.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Loan Shark is the name of my current title. It is based on my late great uncle.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love urban fiction period.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a story called Back Pack mafia.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
www.urbanscreenwriters.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You need a tough skin in this industry.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Start my own company.

What are you reading now?
Nothing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep honing my craft.

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?
Mary Monroe- Gonna Lay Down My Burdens
K’wan – Gangsta
Nikki Turner- A Hustlers Wife
Nikki Turner- The Glamorous Life

 

Syretta Walker’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a stay at home, home-schooling mom who has written over 20 books across various genres including fiction, non-fiction, and self help. Writing horror and high octane thrillers are my personal favorite playgrounds. However, I also tend to write things that people need to know about (ex: depression, home schooling, etc…).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is No Where To Be Found. It started out as my first attempt at a pure romance, but when I began weaving in the dramatic stuff a lot of suspense happened instead. This is one of my personal favorite writings that started out one way and wound up going in a completely different direction.
The inspiration for this book came from a segment about the ocean on our local weather station. While watching the waves beat on the edge of an island, the story and characters began to form. My muse can be very unpredictable at times.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if it’s something that would be considered unusual. However, I create a rough outline before writing then fill in the blanks as I go along. After the story is finished and successfully published, I celebrate as if it were my first book.
Even now, the thrill of writing and publishing is as prominent as it was when I first started.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The most influential authors for me are Stephen King, John Connolly, John Saul, Patricia Cornwell, and V.C. Andrews.
The list of books that nurtured my own muse is so extensive it would take way too long to list them all. However, I will list my absolute favorites:

Stephen king: The Stand, IT, The Green Mile and Duma Key
John Connolly: The Killing Kind
John Saul: The Blackstone Chronicles
Patricia Cornwell: The entire Kay Scarpetta series
V.C. Andrews: The entire Cutler series.

These are some amazing works by some of the most amazing authors I can only dream of knowing. The wild rides they spin are what allowed me to realize that writing twisted and horrifying tales can be just as much fun as reading one.

What are you working on now?
I am a multitasker (ADD won’t let me focus on one thing at a time). I am currently working on 3 separate novels.

1.) Mirror Men (should be completed before this year is over) is inspired by an old wives tale- the old belief that seeing one’s reflection in the window of a hearse marks places the viewer on Death’s list.

2.) Unbound, which is inspired by legends in the ancient Dynasty Of China concerning a mirror kingdom that contains some of the world’s dead. (To be completed by the end of 2021.)

3.) Unit Of Corruption (To be completed very soon) is the sequel to Night Stalker. This story further exposes the corruption in the city of Midfield, Ohio. As the story moves through the ranks, murders take place that have Night Stalker evidence all around even though the actual MO of the current crimes is very different.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use all of my social media outlets like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin, and Tumblr. Blogging on my WordPress website is another avenue of promotion that has been quite useful.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you are writing to make a profit, stop now. If you’re writing for the pure joy of creating a world full of characters that set your mind and spirit free, don’t stop!
Writing should be done by those who have something to share with the world, whether it be fiction or non-fiction.
If being a writer of any caliber is simply who you are, then I encourage you to be careful of who and how you publish. There are several scams and vanity houses out there that are ready and willing to take advantage of new authors. Do your homework, research everything extensively, and most importantly enjoy the entire process from outline to published work!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My little brother, Michael, is a comedian and a podcaster who recently discovered the importance of taking a step back to take a look at what you’re doing. He knew I had recently gone through a lot of personal problems that inhibited the work I was trying to put out.
He told me: “Aim, don’t rush. If you work too quick to try to meet your own high standards you won’t have any fun at writing. If you don’t have fun writing, your readers won’t have fun reading.”
This is without a doubt the truest statement I have ever heard concerning writing. Hopefully, any writer who reads this will take my brother’s statement to heart so that they can do what they love without putting too much pressure on themselves.

What are you reading now?
My husband bought a book for me for Christmas called- To Sleep In A Sea Of Stars by Christopher Polini.
My husband doesn’t read book descriptions and though the book would be a romance or something similar.
When I dove in and began reading, he asked me what it was about. I explained to him that it was a Science Fiction space adventure with some thriller undertones (so far).
He apologized because he knows I don’t really get into space adventures of any kind. However, this particular book is absolutely amazing. I am about four chapters in and am loving every minute! I would encourage anyone (including my husband) to check this book out.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I honestly have no idea. I guess my goal is the same as every other author who believes in their work. I hope that seeing one of my stories become a movie is somewhere in the next chapter of my career.

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 Duma Key by Stephen King (there’s no such thing as reading this one too many times), To Sleep In A Sea Of Stars by Christopher Polini (I can’t wait to read the next chapter as it is!), An Alfred Hitchcock collection (any one will do. You can’t go wrong with AH!), and of course the book my daughter got for me for Christmas- A Tale Of Witchcraft by Chris Colfer (I haven’t cracked the cover yet, but the description is awesome! This is what I will be reading when I finish To Sleep In A Sea Of Stars!)

Author Websites and Profiles
Amy Raines Website
Amy Raines Amazon Profile
Amy Raines Author Profile on Smashwords

Amy Raines’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I love spending time outside. I grew up going to the lake every weekend, fishing, boating and enjoying the great outdoors. I have written two books so far and plan on many more. I enjoy short reads for some of us that don’t have a lot of time to read and can enjoy a good story on a day off, afternoon relaxing or coffee breaks.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
At The Lake. I was inspired by the place I used to go as a child.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Daniel Steele was always one of my favorite authors.

What are you working on now?
I am working on two more short reads.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have them on Amazon Kindle.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
After reading many blogs and websites my advice would be to write about places you know. It is easier to describe and set the setting.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You only live once.

What are you reading now?
I am half way through Where the Crawdads Sing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan on keeping up with my writing, it is fun and takes me away from work.

Author Websites and Profiles
Delia Coffey Amazon Profile

Delia Coffey’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account