Awesome Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I received my Journalism degree around 50 years ago, and after retiring from my software company wondered what to do next. Oh, yeah, I have a degree in writing, so why not write a book?
I have two independently published , Cat Chronicles by Bastet short story collection and my full length novel The Binding Volume 1.
Currently working on The Binding Volume 2.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Binding Volume 1.
Walking on the beach, smoking a fine cigar with a scotch. I looked to the sunset and wondered “What if Juno (my cat) had telepathic powers and could levitate objects. And, what if he was 5,000 years old, sarcastic and extremely powerful?”
Bingo, The Binding Volume 1 was born!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sip a scotch walking the beach with a cigar, going over in my mind “What if?” scenarios until I bring a thread together.
I then hit the keyboard and bang out a chapter.
I do not use outlines, only working it out in my mind.
Scotch and cigar seems to help!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Clive Cussler, Brad Thor, Lee Childs, David Goleman, Douglas Adams.

What are you working on now?
The second book in a planned trilogy, The Binding Volume 2.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing a novel is like easting a huge marshmallow, write a word, then a sentence, a paragraph coalesces and before you know it becomes a chapter. Look at the smallest component to get going, a single word.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A journey begins with the first step, for me the first word.

What are you reading now?
Married to Merlot by Martha Louise

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue developing new stories, I have several threads running, and make sure humidor has cigars and the scotch is not empty.

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?
Lord of the Rings, Dune, Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe.

Author Websites and Profiles
John Parham Website
John Parham Amazon Profile

John Parham’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As reflected in my fiction work, I was a child of the Midwest, living in Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa by the time I reached my 16th birthday. I continued my travels through the Heartland as a young man, living in Illinois, Iowa again, and finally settling in Missouri. Much of my life has been in rural communities, with the past years being urban. The contrast of rural and urban life was a central component of realism within fiction when I chose Iowa as the setting for my novel.

My journey from nonfiction to fiction writing is recent. In November I released the first in my Hank Anderson psychological thriller series, Overnight Delivery: A Hank Anderson Thriller, on Amazon, under my pen name, Raymond Parish. Previously I had two nonfiction books published including, Men at Work: An Action Guide to Masculine Healing, and I self-published two additional self help books including, I’m Sorry, It’s Cancer A Handbook of Help and Hope for Survivors and Caregivers. All were written from the perspective of my profession as a psychotherapist, and, in the case of my handbook, my own experiences as a cancer survivor.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
As a writer, Overnight Delivery rose from my desire to further challenge my writing chops, evolving from successful and widely appreciation nonfiction author into the uncertain world of fiction. OD was also cultivated in a lifetime of Midwestern life and the richness of the relationships that have moved through my life as a counseling professional.

As a reader, I have been an avid fan of mystery and thriller series for as long as I can remember, starting with the ultra light Hardy Boys, then being introduced to Christie, Chandler, Hammett, Conan Doyle, and MacDonald by my dad. I’m currently immersed in the books of C.J. Box. As the story that became Overnight Delivery began to germinate, it fit that the book was meant to be a thriller, narrated from a skilled and flawed insider’s view of the inner world of gold and darkness within each of us.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Today I did a bit of writing in one of my sweaters with elbow patches. There was a period in my life when I imagined I would become a liberal arts professor, tweed jackets with suede elbow patches and such. Although I ultimately chose a different path, I never lost my love for elbow patches, and they just seem to fit well with writing books.

I don’t write within a certain daily structure, as some authors do. Writing has always fit into the spaces between the other passions in my life: being a father, a husband, a therapist, a bicyclist, and a tremendously mediocre guitarist. As such, I write when the idea for a project strikes me. I write during the day. I write in the evening. I just make sure to write.

My go to music for writing used to be Dire Straits. Mark Knofler, an amazing story teller, inspires me. These days I’m drawn to instrumental music: Tangerine Dream, Pat Metheny, and his friend and collaborator, the late, great, Lyle Mays.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mystery and thriller authors that have influenced me are those that combine tension, characters I want to know and understand, and humor: Robert Crais, David Housewright, Laurie R. King, Lisa Lutz, John Sanford. I am also influenced by writers that use geography as a key element of the story: Robert Parker’s Boston, the 1940s Hollywood of Stuart Kaminsky’s Toby Peters series, and, once again, Laurie R. King’s early 1900s London.

I continue to be highly influenced by writers who create nonfiction that matches the page turning energy of great novels: Mukherjee’s The Emperor of All Maladies, on the history of cancer care; Frank McCourt’s memoir Angela’s Ashes; Victor Frankl’s tragic and triumphant combination of memoir and his theory of psychotherapy. Man’s Search for Meaning.

What are you working on now?
I am moving right along on my second book in the Hank Anderson series, tentatively titled, Higher Education. I took a break when writing Overnight Delivery to complete I’m Sorry, It’s Cancer. Although I have an idea for another nonfiction book, I’ve made a commitment to myself to stay focused on Hank’s next story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Over the years, I promoted my nonfiction through my website, seminars, and book signings. Publishing a fiction work has opened a whole new world and a whole new learning curve. Utilizing review sites like Awesome Gang has been very helpful to a new author reaching a new audience. Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook are all on my computer speed dial these days. I’m just beginning to enjoy making connections with other independent fiction authors, appreciating the supportive community that I find myself joining.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
When reviewing my first manuscript, my first editor said, “You’re a pretty good writer for a social worker.” That was all the endorsement I required to keep writing, to keep getting better. Find whatever motivation you need to continue your adventure in writing, whether internal desire or external encouragement.

As many before have said, write what you would want to read. If you, like me, do not have much formal training in creative writing find websites (like this one), journals, magazines, and seminars that teach you the craft. And…learn to accept quality feedback from early readers and editors that, as challenging as it might be to hear, will improve your work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My son and I once attended a seminar by Ridley Pearson, the prolific author of thrillers and Peter Pan adaptations. I’m paraphrasing his closing statement: ‘Thanks for coming to my workshop today. However, if you tell yourself you don’t have time to write, you could have stayed home a written for several hours. Keep writing.’

What are you reading now?
As mentioned I have C.J. Box open at this point, with more David Housewright, Laurie R. King, and President Obama’s new book sitting on the bench, ready to go. I’m always reading professional literature, with current interests including introversion, self care during the pandemic, and the ‘new retirement.’

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am finding the balance between working on my second thriller and investing energy in promoting Overnight Delivery. Who knows, I may yet dig into my next idea for nonfiction, which would be a multi-layered project of several years. Whatever the direction, I’ll keep writing.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Man’s Search for Meaning
To Kill a Mockingbird
A Sherlock Holmes anthology
Overnight Delivery (to remind myself of the good times before I was stranded on a desert island)

Author Websites and Profiles
Raymond Parish Amazon Profile

Raymond Parish’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a lifelong metal-head, musician & computer nerd. I’ve only written one book (so far) which I published in the year of COVID 2020. I mostly work with technology and sing in rock bands. This is my first writing experience.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s Called “Rock and Roll Children: An 80’s Hair Metal Garage Band Story”. This is a fun book based on my high school heavy metal experiences. it was really inspired by my metalhead friends and the great experiences we had “back in the day”. My wife calls it a “heavy metal love story” to the music and to my friends who joined me on that journey.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
since this is my first go it all felt unusual. LOL

I guess the thing for me was that, since I had a day job, I ended up writing this on airplanes and in hotel rooms as much as I did work back in the home base. I had actually written it as a screenplay at first. I had it in my mind that it was a kind of a “Stand by Me” meets “Dazed and Confused” which is what the story kinda felt like. After meeting with a script consultant and her telling me I need to cut the story back (it was apparently long for a movie) I decided to go in the complete opposite direction. To me the stories needed more detail, not less and I had more to tell so there I went.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a huge Stephen King fan. I love his writing. Not only the scariness of it but the attention to details and vivid descriptions really put you in the book. I tried to think of this as I wrote mine. I tried to bring people into my 80’s life and I hope I did a good job.

What are you working on now?
I dunno. This writing process was brutal for me, since I’m really not a writer and I think 2020 was kind of an outlier for me in the sense that I couldn’t go anywhere or do anything so could go play music or travel so that left me a little bored so writing the book filled that gap for me. Not sure what my writing career (if I even have a writing career) looks like from here.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is still a work in progress for me. Facebook (as much as I am not a fan) has been the best to get my book in front of the right people. Goodreads has been amazing and a great community of writers and readers so that’s really my top choice I think. Amazon ads have been a mystery to me. have no idea how those things work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
hmm.. this is a good question. I guess two things. First thing, just write what ever story you want to tell. We have have stories inside of us (I’m living proof of that) so stay true to that vision. The second thing is just find the time to do it. On a plane, on a boat, in a car. You owe it to yourself to take the time to tell your story and life will happen and you’ll find all kinds of excuses to not do it (ask me how I know) so just put your head down and write. Once you get going you’ll find its hard to stop.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
be kind. no matter what situation you’re in, always find a way to be kind. The world needs more kindness.

What are you reading now?
I just finished “Ready Player One”. I know, I know.. I’m late to it. My sister bought me the book when it first came out and I put it on the shelf and put it off (life was happening and I just forgot) but what a good, fun read. Reminds me a little of some of the details in my book (the 80’s ruled!). Even the reference to “The Tomb of Horrors” Dungeons & Dragons module (in RPO and my book) which was one of my favorite Gary Gygax modules and the funniest part is that I wrote this in before I even knew it was in RPO! Next on my list to read is “Underground Railroad: A Novel”. It’s a sci-fi retelling of an important part of history so I’m really looking forward to it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
This is a really good question. The real answer? I don’t know. It’s not my “day job” so I still have to do that and I still spend a fair amount of time writing music too (also part of my DNA) so not sure about writing. We’ll see. If a story gets stuck in my head and I feel the need to get it out I will but I won’t push it.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Stephen King’s “IT”
Joseph Menn’s “Cult of the Dead Cow”
The whole Harry Potter series
“Dr. Seuss goes to War” by Andre Schiffrin

Author Websites and Profiles
Sean Frazier Website
Sean Frazier Amazon Profile

Sean Frazier’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 Cleveland, Ohio served for two decades as an Infantry Officer and later as a high school teacher. If someone were to describe me they would say I have more in common with Micky Spillane, all kidding aside. I’m not a whiner nor do I have patience with those types of people. I found out a long time ago, every life has some tough spots, just put one foot in front of the other and move the hell out. I started to write in the Marine Corp and stopped for many years. Then it hit me…I needed to write about hard-boiled noir fiction about my favorite subject…private eyes of the 1940s and 1950s. Why? because I had more in common with Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler and I got tired of rereading their books. So I started writing about my favorite guy…Gunny Mac Private Detective.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book Gunny Mac Private Detective Trouble in Chinatown is my first book in a series.
Raymond Chandler, Charlie Chan, Michael Shayne and Sam Spade inspired the hell out of me. Also those wonderful black and white films of the 1940s and the1950s. Whenever I get depressed about the current state of affairs I watch a noir black and white film and I relax.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No I just write…I spend four or five hours writing. My first book took 55 edits, 1.4 million words written to get 89,672 words.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler…also Koontz and Stephen Hunter

What are you working on now?
Gunny Mac Private Detective Trouble in Cleveland

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It takes three to four hours a day researching how to market my book…there are literally thousands of websites and companies to help an author market his or her book. On my website I have help for writers…on how to construct a Novel…Write a novel and publish a novel. When I have time I will list the scores of sites to help new authors.If someone needs help go to my website and ask…it is free help. gunnymac.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you don’t have a passion to write go do something else. If you have a passion to write…then write…no whining on the price you have to pay. Realize learning to write a novel is not brain surgery but takes dedication to learn how to write a novel. I laugh when people ask me how I felt about writing a book…I say I feel like I just mowed my five acres and the lines lines look real pretty…I feel tired but content…or how I felt after a twenty mile infamous US Marine Corps forced march with full combat gear, tired but thankful I didn’t quit. They look at me funny. I tell them writing a book is no big deal millions have done it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Napoleon Hill had a great quote from his famous book, “Think and grow Rich.” What the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve. We were meant to achieve and overcome.

What are you reading now?
Dean Koontz… “Devoted.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m writing a second of a series, Gunny Mac Private DetectiveTtrouble in Cleveland. I’m also writing short non-fiction book titled the “Blackboard Jungle.”

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 Maltese Falcon, Stephen Hunter, Pale horse coming, Dean Koontz, Odd Thomas, Childs and Prescott, a book on FBI agent Pendergast.

Author Websites and Profiles
Steven Walker Website
Steven Walker Amazon Profile

Steven Walker’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a writer with over 20 years in print. I’ve covered entertainment media, news reporting, travel, herbal medicine, supplements and other topics. My work has appeared in the peer-reviewed journal of art Afterimage, CUNY’s graduate newspaper The Advocate, UK’s Morning Star newspaper, Australia’s New Dawn magazine, Ghettoblaster magazine, New Noise magazine, Paranoia magazine, The Goldwater and several other print and online publications.

I recently released my first book, Pedogate Primer: the politics of pedophilia. It deals with subjects such as the Jeffrey Epstein affair, MK-Ultra, the Finders cult, online child grooming, Jimmy Savile and UK’s grooming and institutional pedophilia epidemic and other topics I’ve been researching for years.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Pedogate Primer: the politics of pedophilia is a book several years in the works. I was writing about the Jeffrey Epstein affair years before he was the household name he is today. I also had been writing about real-time grooming and exploitation via YouTube years before the New York Times reported how the site was a “digital playground” for pedophiles. A great deal of inspiration and background material was culled from authors like Dave McGowan (Programmed to Kill: the politics of serial murder) and Nick Bryant (Franklin Scandal: a story of powerbrokers, child abuse & betrayal).

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I’m writing non-fiction I tend to use a word processor, but as far as outlining and brainstorming goes I need pen and paper to really put things together in a coherent and logical way.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a big fan of authors like Douglas Valentine, Dave McGowan, David Livingstone, Frances Stonor Saunders, Antony Sutton and other writers who are able to dig through well worn histories and manage to resurface something new and revolutionary.

What are you working on now?
Currently researching a book related to the rise, fall and aftermath of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation and the controversies related to both Recovered Memory therapy and False Memory Syndrome as well as the ongoing debate surrounding dissociative disorders and child abuse.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Bit of a noob as far as marketing goes. So far have used Awesome Gang, BookBub and Amazon Ads and occasionally share videos to my personal YouTube channel and store some of those and other previous work at my portfolio site: http://www.philfairbanks.com/

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Some of the best advice I ever received related to writing: “Just fill up notebooks.” Yes, it sounds easy, but persistence is the key to improvement. Don’t worry about the quality as you write, just fill up notebooks and read constantly in the field you are hoping to write in. Also, no matter what your level of proficiency, reading books about the craft itself can be vital to improving. Use what you learn there to glean what is worth salvaging from the stack of notebooks growing in your corner.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Believe in yourself. Seems simple, trite even, but developing a belief in yourself is step one to self improvement.

What are you reading now?
The Templars: the dramatic story of the Knights Templar by Piers Paul Read; The Witch-Hunt Narrative by Prof. Ross E. Cheit; Sinister Forces, book III: The Manson Secret by Peter Levenda

What’s next for you as a writer?
Currently have a couple drafts to clean up and hopefully publish in 2021. Reaching out to some academics with expertise in the fields at hand and hopefully can get some questions answered for some soundbites to pepper in.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, Complete works of Lovecraft (bonus if they include annotations by the great S.T. Joshi), Exegesis of Philip K. Dick, Transhumanism: history of a dangerous idea by David Livingstone

Author Websites and Profiles
Philip Fairbanks Website
Philip Fairbanks Amazon Profile

Philip Fairbanks’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my 2020 interview. I have now authored six volumes of the series Suddenly Free, novels about what the world might be like at the end of human time. I have written three volumes on the Biblical theme of sowing and reaping, one of which is a devotional on the topic.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is still the Little Book of Harvests Devotional, organized so that it makes a good devotional or group Bible study.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think it’s unusual to write a while, then play a computer game while thinking, then going back to writing, then choosing a different game, then write, then consult my daily “to do” list…. I guess you’d say I’m an interval writer. I also like artwork, even though I’m not as good as one of my siblings. I can’t use photoshop, but there are other applications that I use to add something visual to my writing. I haven’t published any, but it helps me visualize my characters and their environment.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Science fiction has influenced me the most: Frank Herbert, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Harlan Ellison. Each of them has written a story or two (novel, novella, short story) that raises questions about the existence of gods: the Christian God, the middle eastern panoply of gods, alien gods.

What are you working on now?
I am organizing the stories I have written about the characters and their lives in the Suddenly Free series. I am thinking about serializing them and distributing them on the internet in some way. Each episode is long enough to be a total spiritual topic, but short enough so that it provides a succinct topic for contemplation or discussion.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method is really having a book in my possession. My pic is on the back cover of all but one of my books, so some people buy just because they now know an author. My newer thoughts are usually distributed via email to those on my email list. All of my published books are sold on Amazon.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stop! I am inspired by my personal relationship with God, and an insatiable desire to know everything I can find out about Him and Creation before my demise. Whatever inspires a writer should drive them to keep writing. If you have the drive, you won’t stop. You might get discouraged, slow down or take a break. But don’t stop.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There were different ideas at different times in my life. “Be good,” was good for my life until I was two digits old. “Finish what you start,” became the best advice for me in my teens. After that, “Do good.” Now, in the last portion of my life (I am 70 years old), “Do your best,” is the best advice I can follow. What’s better than one’s best?

What are you reading now?
I am always reading and re-reading what I write. I read the Bible everyday, and something about the Bible almost everyday.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The serialization of the Suddenly Free series of novels. Teachings, sermons and Bible studies, and essays on the themes evident in the Bible.

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 in as many versions in one volume that I can find. The Imitation of Life because I never finish reading it. If possible, one volume with all of the stories from Suddenly Free volumes 1 through 6 (I like them!).

Author Websites and Profiles
Yvette Carmon-Davis McMillan Amazon Profile

Yvette Carmon-Davis McMillan’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a freelance writer and techie who grew-up in a small Midwestern town and now resides on the East Coast; that is when I’m not traveling and relaxing from the daily grind.

I love of animals, sports, and technology, and to read and write. In addition, I have a profound interest in personal growth and technology. Whether it is my own growth or helping others to reach their maximum potential, I strives to learn something new each day. My children’s book series was designed to help young readers learn valuable lessons, while being entertained by a young character going through many of the same things they are.

In addition to my passion for literature and helping others, I absolutely love to travel. I have traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada, and my world conquest includes Austria, Australia, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, U.K., and South Africa. One day I hope to see The Great Wall of China, Acropolis of Athens Greece, and Saint Petersburg Russia.

I’ve written a series of adult coloring journals and now I’m onto my Nuff Said Stuff Children’s book series. I have three of Nuff’s books published with many more to come!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The one I’m talking about now is Teamwork Makes The Dream Work. I’ve had a lot of help with my writing career from editing to illustrations to ideas and more and I thought that it’s important for kids to really understand how working together with a powerful, supportive team can really help you achieve all your dreams. As the saying goes, “No man is and island,” and this book shows kids what happens when you try to do everything yourself instead of working with a good team.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing that comes to mind? I do get a lot of inspiration from nature, so I do like writing at the beach and outside when possible. Other than that, it’s really just writing down my ideas and organizing them into something that makes sense.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the Dr. Seuss and Sandra Boynton book series. They’ve influenced thousands of kids worldwide and someday I hope I will too!

What are you working on now?
I’m really excited about building my Nuff Said Stuff author platform! There’s just so much to learn and do! Who knew that writing a book would be one of the easy things! Building an entire platform for my readers to follow is so important, so I’ve had to learn about making a website, building a Facebook page, getting on Twitter, Pinterest, and so many other things! It can be overwhelming if I let it and so far, it’s been really fun!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, I’d love some suggestions if you had any!!! And so far, Amazon KDP has been both great and frustrating! Seriously though, just having a huge market place to print/publish/promote your book like Amazon has been a blessing! I remember talking to an older friend of mine who started publishing before Amazon was around and he was telling me just how difficult it was to get published – either with a publisher or as a self-published author. His first self-published book cost him over $10,000!! Now, you can publish your own quality books for less than $1,000 on Amazon and it makes it so easy to manage!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing should be a passion, not a job, so write what you love and share it. You’ll discover that if you write and share enough, you’ll find lots of people who will love it too!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition!

What are you reading now?
Limitless by Matt Lloyd

What’s next for you as a writer?
Why more writing of course! And traveling 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?
Ask and It Is Given by Abraham-Hicks
Awaken The Giant Within by Tony Robbins
A New Earth – Awakening to Your Life’s Passion by Eckhart Tolle

Author Websites and Profiles
Christine K Fields Website
Christine K Fields Amazon Profile

Christine K Fields’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written four novels, three stage plays, one musical, staged at Portsmouth and the Edinburgh Fringe.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Be Happy with My Life
This book was inspired by a facebook posting I read a couple of years ago.
It is about a woman who notices another woman walking her four children to school, and realises that life is about people and not about things. She changes her whole life so that she too can be more like the woman she saw and less like the woman she used to be.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write from 4 am to 9 am every morning, while the rest of my world is at rest.
Days are so filled with noise.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stoner by John Edward Williams
Beware of Pity by Stefan Zweig
Possibly two of the best books ever written (in this genre)
I have read these books over and over and they moved me to tears every time.

What are you working on now?
The story of four Jewish children being evacuated from German-occupied Slovenia to Switzerland.
What they don’t know is that they are actually destined for the gas chambers in Ravensbruck concentration camp.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon (so far)

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I have had over five hundred rejections… but the odds have to be turning in my favour.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write every day
Read every day
And remember the old maxim about the thief sentenced to death by the king.
He told the king “Sire, I know you love horses and I could teach your horse to speak if you reprieve me for three months.”
When the man told his friend how he had escaped the death sentence, his friend replied
“But what will happen after three months have passed, surely you will die”
Not necessary said the condemned man, The king could die, the law could change, I may be pardoned, the horse might die or… who knows, the horse might learn to speak.
The moral of the story? to keep trying no matter what the odds.

What are you reading now?
The invisible life of addie larue

What’s next for you as a writer?
Write write 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 two mentioned above, the Bible and one of mine so I could edit it again.

Author Websites and Profiles
Terence F. Moss Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Rhys, recently entered my fourth decade of living, and recently gone from a full time professional career to part time in order to study at university! The amount of time I have has freed up so much that I have a lot more time to write than I did before.

I began writing aged 11. I think it was in the summer transitioning from primary to secondary school. Being the cool kid I clearly was, I bought from Ottakar’s (since merged into Waterstones) The Wind Singer by William Nicholson. It was a book that a couple of friends from school had themselves read and I thought I would give it a go. Up until that point, I was reading and re-reading Harry Potter like there was no tomorrow (I was in the generation when we were the same age as the characters in the first three film releases). I didn’t have a very broad horizon of fiction that I had read, save for what we were reading all together in school. When I bought that book then, it was almost like an epiphany. There was something of a very content, fulfilled and even sophisticated feeling of holding a fresh new book, complete in itself. From there I decided that I wanted to create my own, new complete book. From then on I’ve been jotting my ideas down , of which there are quite a lot, and planning out my ideas for years, in and around everyday life and my eventual career(s). My reading range rapidly increased as well a I found it easier to pick anything up and read it.

I’ve only written one book, my debut novel detailed in the next question, but I have dozens of ideas on the go. Or rather, I have dozens of ideas on the to-do pile! And I fully intend on seeing them all through!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is actually my debut novel, the first one published. It’s called ‘Payment’. Payment is actually started out as a short story competition entry in early 2017. The theme was horror and it was done on the website fanstory.com. What FanStory is, is a website that lets aspiring authors enter writing competitions and/or write their own works to be read and reviewed by fellow aspiring writers or people who simply love to read.

I didn’t win the competition. I was a bit miffed because I actually thought the winning entry was unoriginal and not written too well. But it didn’t really matter; the reviews and words of encouragement I received from random people on the internet, none of whom I know personally or have met, encouraged me to keep writing. I decided that there was so much more I could do with Payment. Here was a basic skeleton of a story (no pun intended given the horror theme) with a lot of unexplored themes, avenues and even literary devices. So I decided that I would make Payment a full length novel over 40,000 words. I even manage to incorporated one or two other ‘flash fiction’ competition entries that I did on FanStory into this novel too!

Payment is a back-to-basics gothic horror. There are references to things featured in many horror stories, such as ghosts and old, spooky mansions, and the story itself is written from the point of view of the main character; a 19th Century Esquire, dealing with the themes of loneliness, fate and forgiveness as he tries to protect what matters most to him against forces he can’t understand.

Payment was released on 13th March of this year. Some of you will look at your phones or diaries or calendars and see that it was a Friday the 13th! Don’t worry though, it’s already horror themed, so there’s nothing wrong with that 😉

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
It’s usually a case of writing loads and loads in one go over a period of time, then not writing anything on the project for several weeks or months at a time. Eventually I’ll return to the project, but not after starting another one on the go.

I also have the habit of writing the start, then the end (or vice versa), a bit here in the plot, a bit there in the plot, piecing it all together like a jigsaw puzzle. Some may like that idea but it really does require a lot of extra effort in order to ensure that all plot points are connected correctly and there’s no dead or loose ends.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There’s a wide variety of people who have influenced me, and they have done so in different ways:

JRR Tolkien. Easily the grandfather of modern high-fantasy, he wrote the famous ‘Hobbit’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ novels after spending a couple of decades crafting his own world, complete with lore and language. The dedication, I think, has not been matched in anyone’s works since. Plus, there is a ‘quintessential Englishness’ about him that does not in any way imbibe the rushed, commercialised way of life there is today.

Michael Crichton and Alister McCain. Their works are very engaging novels, and with an ‘old-school’ rugged feeling about them.

Wilbur Smith and Bernard Cornwall. The former close to the previous to as well but both take on various periods in history having done extensive research. I’m very much into history and the majority of my works are going to be in non-modern times. I look to these two authors as guides for the amount of research I am going to have to do to maintain an historical accuracy.

What are you working on now?
I actually have two on the go – although I am aware that that is not necessarily always recommended! I have a medieval adventure-quest on the go that will probably take a couple of years to finish in all honesty. I’m not going to disclose exactly what the quest is about. I think I have thought of a very, very simple idea that nobody has yet come up with and I’d be rather miffed if someone else saw the idea and published a work on it before I could! The themes are, I think, rather clever and will make people go “ahhhh” in realisation. That’s what I’m hoping to achieve anyway.

The other project is going to be set in the 1700s and focuses on investigation and legal proceedings. Whilst the application of law itself is fundamentally duller than dishwater, the history of English Common Law and the history of legal processes are something I have actually found very interesting. The beauty of the internet era is that you don’t have to search very far to find court records and proceedings from centuries past that have since been transcribed digitally. I have read into trials and judiciary proceedings that have taken place where I live from centuries past. It’s incredible that it’s fundamentally the same today. Again, like with the above project, I’m not divulging too much information about the themes of the investigations/trials.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
In all honesty, I’m still very much working that one out. I’ve done a Facebook ad campaign and another paid site’s promotion deals but they haven’t amounted to anything. Didn’t even break even. So now, I’m trying to go for a different approach. I firmly believe social media plays a massive factor in marketing so I’m trying to go for that approach, with things like instagram. But I find myself doing a fair few author interviews on the internet too. I think for me my best bet might be doing things like this, going for smaller target audiences, engage with them before expanding.

To be honest, I think gothic horror is a vey, very specific genre anyway. It might not necessarily appeal to as many people as general fiction do.

That said I do have a couple of podcast guest appearances lined up!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write your novel. Don’t worry about whether or not people will like it or not. With over 7 billion people on the planet you will find that many people don’t like idea. But with 7 billion people on this Earth, there will be many that do, and your story may be a pleasant pastime or distraction for them. Just write. Don’t get caught up on publishers. If you haven’t yet written your story, a publisher can’t read it or publish it. Just write. Don’t fret over the marketing you have to do if you’re self publishing, because you can’t market something that hasn’t yet been written. Just write.

I talk about this a little bit in a Medium.com article I wrote (link at the bottom). There are hundreds of people in this world who say “I would have done [insert dream] but I couldn’t because [insert lame excuse]”. Don’t be one of those people with big, challenging and achievable ambitions but ultimately mediocre lives. Just write. Norman Vincent Peale said, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you’ll still land amongst the stars”. There is never a truer phrase to describe writing your own fiction.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Someone once told me, which I think is loosely based off a phrase Winston Churchill once said, “You’re never going to do something that doesn’t attract criticism. If no-one’s critiquing or disagreeing with you, you’re not doing anything.”

Rightly or wrongly, everything we do will attract the ire of someone, especially in today’s over-sensitive, entitled, woke world. Might as do it anyway, and bollocks to them.

What are you reading now?
I’m actually reading a non-fiction book at the moment: Fingerprints of the Gods by Graham Hancock.

For those people who are unaware of who he is, Graham Hancock is a leading advocate of the theory that civilisation is actually much, much older than what history presents. An example of this is the (scientifically accurate but not culturally accepted) theory that the Sphinx’s weathering is due to rain erosion as oppose to wind. The last time it rained with such ferocity in that region was thousands of years before the Sphinx is said to have been built. The period Hancock hypothesises the sphinx was built was during a time when the constellation Leo was facing the Sphinx. A lot of journaled archaeologists try to debunk and dismiss Hancock but the evidence is mounting up in his favour, which could mean changing the history books.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I think for me it’s going to be continuing writing the projects I have on the go, naturally, but with that there is a lot if research that I need to do for them, so that’ll be next for me.

Research is one of the most important parts of novel writing to me. All bar one or two of my ideas for projects are all historical stories, so I try my best to be absolutely meticulous in the historical accuracy of attitudes, inventions, events and people who lived in those times. It is all too easy these days, with instant access to unlimited information, to read a paragraph and ‘fact check’ it. If a person has discovered an inaccuracy, the done thing these days isn’t to write a private letter to the author(ess) or publisher, but to showcase that mistake on social media as if it was a circus attraction. This typical behaviour that is all too common these days makes research and accuracy all the more important.

The research can sometimes take as much time, if not more, as the writing during the periods of time that I have to write. Research is also fundamentally important not only to keep the fact-checkers at bay, but as many works of fiction require a suspension of disbelief, there needs to be at least an element of belief in there to start with.

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?
Definitely a Discworld novel, for that light hearted humour to remain sane and those philosophical moments to remain focused.

One of the books that feature on the ‘longest novels of all time’ for sure. If there’s a possibility I’m going to be there a while then I might as well achieve reading one of books. Not Les Mis as I’ve already read that. I might attempt War and Peace again then.

I’d probably have a light-hearted easy read with some length to it, to balance out the giant epic above. Difficult or long reads can be mentally exhausting, and something that contrasts it could be a good respite.

And of course, ‘how to build a raft’ 😉

Author Websites and Profiles
Rhys N Rivers Website
Rhys N Rivers Amazon Profile

Rhys N Rivers’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a UAV Engineer & Trainer at Drone Application & Research Centre, Dehradun, India. I am passionate about drone technology. I am also a co-founder of a drone-based startup. Besides that, I like to travel. I have travelled thousands of miles covering nearly 20 states of India. I began liking the diversity, nature & culture of India after travelling. I am also a Podcaster and have multiple podcasts on life, inspiration and health. I read lots of books on entrepreneurship, business, corporate lifestyle, personal skills, and work-life balance. This is my first ever ebook in which I tried to put all my best learnings so that the mistakes I have made, others could skip.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My one and only latest book is Shape Your Thinking. While pursuing my graduation, I was attending a lecture and my professor said a statement, “Today you are reading others books, become such a personality that people read your book”. This set-up my mind to write a book someday and after 2 years of completing my graduation, I am able to complete my first book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Actually, writing is my habit. I write a lot. Whatever comes to my mind, I write it. Whenever I hear something important for me, I try to note it down. I don’t find pen & paper instead I write in my phone notes. I do not remember things for long-time so I prefer writing them. After reading lots of books and listening to many motivational speakers & successful persons, I learned that writing your goals brings more chances of success. I adopt the habit of writing my short-term & long-term goals and I think this habit is one of the main factors that I am able to start my own business.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first book which influenced me is “Hind Swaraj” by Mahatma Gandhi. I have read lots of books written by Gandhiji and I got inspired from his life. The other author who inspired me is A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Jeff Keller, Bill Gates, Angela Duckworth, Devdutt Patnaik, Danah Johar, Stephen Covey, etc. There are many books and authors that will make you love reading. I have mentioned books & authors that seem best to me and what teachings we can learn from them in my book so that it is easy for the reader to understand more things in less time.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on Covid-19 vaccination delivery through drones. We are looking for a fast, cheaper & safer solution which can help the government to deliver vaccines easily to remote locations.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would say that firstly ask your friends, family members & colleagues to read your book and take reviews from them. They will definitely suggest some good tips and their feedback will take you a step forward towards marketing. There are hundreds of marketing platforms available today but I would recommend to choose consciously as some platforms have large followers but your work will have a specific audience. So, try to choose that platform which has an audience or followers related to your work. I heard about awesome gangs and I think this platform is great for free as well as paid promotion and will also work for me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
For new authors, I would only say that don’t worry about your writing to be best. The only thing you should think is that your writing should bring the reader to your level of imagination. The reader must feel that you are talking to them and what you are explaining is for them only. Even though I am a new author and during my whole script, I tried to be original and relatable.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I heard is “You can never be perfect, but you can always be the best version of yourself. So, try to give your 100% in whatever you are doing and let the result speak on behalf of you”.

What are you reading now?
Currently, I am reading a book named “Satyarth Prakash” written by Swami Dayanand Saraswati. I am learning Sanskrit by reading such scriptures.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next I am working on the Education System. I am analysing our ancient education system, science & technology and trying to improve our existing education system. I am bringing the facts and history in front of everyone that could be exciting as well as astonishing because even I was surprised that ancient science is way ahead of what we are bringing today or in the future.

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?
Aatmakatha by Mahatma Gandhi
Bhagavad Gita
Ramayana
The Top Five Regrets of Dying by Bronnie Ware

Author Websites and Profiles
=Shashank Mutneja Amazon Profile

Shashank Mutneja’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My natural evolve through the years since my near death experiences has ignited a deep passion within me to help raise the vibration of this lifetime.

My first children’s book was written with an intention to help rise up and motivate the youngest of hearts.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Grandpa’s Magical Forest is a fully illustrated book to enhance the child’s experience with an inspirational story that will take children on an adventure to find 3 magical miracles on a treasure map. The illustrations were created by the very talented Jose Gascon, an Art teacher in Toronto, Canada and he has also worked on projects for Disney.

My love for my grandfather, nature and motivating others was the inspiration for this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I become the character, journey the experience and share the story.

What are you working on now?
I am currently writing another inspirational children’s book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I feature my book on my healing practice website.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors would be, if you hold a deep passion to express yourself through writing, then it is your purpose to do so. Share your knowledge, the world depends on it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be patient.

What are you reading now?
I am reading ‘Advanced Medical Intuition’, by Tina M. Zion.

What’s next for you as a writer?
When I finish the current children’s book that I am working on, I intend to publish a book on mindfulness.

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 a desert island, my only book choice would be, ‘A Course in Miracles’.

Author Websites and Profiles
Tina Robinson Website

Tina Robinson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Rafael Najae. I was born in South Carolina but raised in Virginia Beach, and I’ve also spent a significant amount of time living overseas. My background is humanitarian works, specifically in anti-human trafficking field. I’ve done anti-sex trafficking work in various European countries, but most of my time was spent operating in this field in Romania. I have written a total of three books so far; the first being five years ago.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is called ‘American Youth Volume One’, and this is basically the first half of quite a massive book. This book is honestly about the seven most memorable phases of my teen years, set in a fictional setting within several different characters. American Youth was inspired by a few conversations I had overseas about American culture, and how I found that one’s understanding about this country was based around the culture they were the most exposed to; that became their representation of US culture. Being a Black American in Eastern Europe either meant you were from the hood, you acted a certain way, and or you were really good at sports; media portrayal is what gave them such conclusions. It was funny to see some people really struggle with the fact my background and my mannerisms wasn’t the stereotype they expected. It was all innocent, but it got me thinking about my own upbringing. I grew up in military housing, and most of the people on my street we’re Puerto Rican or some other ethnic race. My friends were all races primarily, and It was cool to see how we seemed to have created our own unique culture when we were all together. It wasn’t until later on in life that I realized how starkly different my friend’s family dynamics were from mines, and how that shaped them in life more than anything. On the playground we were all no different, but once the hangout was over and we all went home… it was like we stepped back into the cultures that so defined our races. We understood it, we knew how to navigate in it, and it was second nature to us. However, when we all came together, no culture overtook the other. We functioned in our differences because we understood our common hood as Americans. To me, the multicultural experience is what I understand the best, and so this fictional story recounts memories and friendships that I actually had. I picked five other friendships, a series of relatives to round out the sixth, and myself to share American culture as I understood it. My friends were Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and later white, and together their stories shaped my idea of culture in the US. I want to write a book that shows the intricacies of American culture, the struggles youth still face even til this day, and of course my own story growing up in the Hampton Roads. I lived in good places, I lived in some pretty rough ones as well. I had friendships from all classes, and they all shaped me in their own unique ways. I didn’t grow up sheltered… I’ve seen some things. Some memories just never quite leave you; these are the stories I decided to write.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I’m aware of.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King was the inspiration for me as a kid. These days, I would say George R. R. Martin and A Song of ice and Fire series is where I draw from now. The gritty realism of his novels surprisingly works for me, despite not being much of a fantasy guy.

What are you working on now?
I’m still continuing the ‘American Youth’ series. Volume Two is already out, and now I’m starting to write the next book in the series called, ‘Youthful Reflections.’

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
At the moment, Facebook. Also partnering with businesses has been a great way to market, specifically coffee shops.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing. Longevity will eventually pay off.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Rejection makes you hungrier if you’re willing to accept it; that phrase has always stuck with me.

What are you reading now?
‘Fire & Blood’ by George R. R. Martin.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just to continue with the current book series I’m working on.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
‘The Dead Zone’ by Stephen King, ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ by Katherine Paterson, ‘A Storm of Swords’ by George R. R. Martin, ‘Roots’ by Alex Haley.

Author Websites and Profiles
Rafael Najae Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi there. I am a holistic healing and happiness coach, author, and owner of Wishmore Wellness. I have written two nonfiction books, and one children’s book that’s waiting for illustrations to be done.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dear Wellbeing: 100 Days on My Way to More Joy: It’s a self-discovery workbook. My first book, 100 Days of Actions and Intentions to Create the Life You Wish For, has three steps that are 30 days each. I wanted someone to have each of these steps broken up into a workbook so they could get a more firsthand experience in creating the life they wish for. The first book did more of the talking for the reader in the form of intentions, questions, and affirmations. And this workbook offers the practice necessary for a more personal life-changing journey. There are two more workbooks to come.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I often wake up in the morning with an idea and I speak into my phone directly into Google drive before the idea is forgotten. I find myself doing the same thing when I’m driving across the country in my RV. I get the greatest ideas on the road, and use my speaker phone to get the words down quickly. I end up with all kinds of outlines for many new books. And I believe I can get them all written, one at a time. My favorite writing spots have been on restaurant patios with a glass of wine and looking over the water. I find that I can focus no matter what noise is going on around me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wallace D. Wattles and Deepak Chopra are two of my favorite authors.

What are you working on now?
I am creating some new online courses that will begin in January 2021.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have used your site for both of my books and a few others but it varies.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
There’s at least one great book in all of us. If you have a desire to write a book, there are readers out there ready for what you have to offer. Do it well, do it with heart, and let it be fun. Believe that it’s going to be good and it’s going to be well received. Your belief and expectation of that and the positive energy that you put into it is going to be creating an irresistible product and ideal outcome. Envision it for weeks or months as a bestseller before it’s even published. See it up in lights! All that being said, also simply appreciate how good it feels to be writing it without the need to know how it’s going to turn out. Trust and surrender, and all will turn out just right.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To take time each morning to write down your goals for the day, week, month, and the year, or even beyond that. It keeps you focused on what’s to come and reminds you of why you’re doing what you’re doing. It’s also very helpful to write a list of what you finished. It feels satisfying and builds positive momentum.

What are you reading now?
I have a couple dozen books waiting to be read. When I want to read but don’t have time to read a full book, I pick one and open it to a random page and often find it’s exactly what I needed to hear.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will be finishing two more workbooks I already started, as well as a journal series and children’s book series.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A really long and entertaining bestselling novel since I haven’t read one in years, a book on how to survive when stranded on an island (sorry, I couldn’t resist), and to be completely honest, my first two books because it would remind me that I can be and have and do anything.

Author Websites and Profiles
Susan Balogh Website
Susan Balogh Amazon Profile

Susan Balogh’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was originally a playwright and screenwriter but the call of the long form novel was always close by. I have written three books, one of which was published earlier this year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Oscar and his Spectacular Spectacles; The Case of the Mystery Victory is the first in the Oscar detective series. It started out as a project for myself and my two sons (who feature as the main characters in the book), we wanted to write a detective story but we wanted to do something different so we created a hero who not only wears spectacles (we already have Harry Potter) but a hero who is empowered by his glasses.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I often watch films as a write, they have to be films I have seen before so I don’t get too distracted.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The list is endless. The Famous Five series and the Sherlock Holmes stories are the most obvious for my children’s books but for my own edification The Master and the Margarita is my favourite book of all time but authors such as Paul Auster, George Orwell, Fay Weldon, Aldous Huxley, S.E. Hinton, Thomas Pynchon

What are you working on now?
I am working on the script for my first published book but I am also working on a second draft of Little Skin, a coming of age tale from the 80s about my own obsession with gang culture and fashion and the way we try and shape our identity in our formative years. Inspired by The Outsiders, Catcher in the Rye and Brighton Rock.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads is excellent for growing a likeminded community, Instagram has also worked well for me as has Facebook. With all of these mediums it is all about being true to yourself and engaging with an open mind.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t think the job is over when you have finished the book, it’s only just begun, as Karen Carpenter famously sang. Even with a publishing deal you need to take the media bull by the horns and build yourself a community.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My old screenwriter mentor Jan Fleischer compared writing to a large rock which we, as writers chip and chip away at until we find our true story.

What are you reading now?
Faye Weldon’s ‘The life and Loves of the She Devil’. A wickedly funny book, so sinister at points that you start to question those darker parts of yourself.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The next book is Oscar and his Spectacular Spectacles Part Deux – that’s its working title obviously. But the next goal is to get one of my literary fiction projects out into the world.

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?
Master and the Margarita – Bulgakov
MR Vertigo – Paul Auster
Lord of the Rings – Tolkien , just incase I’m there for a while.

Author Websites and Profiles
Matthew Rawlins Website
Matthew Rawlins Amazon Profile

Matthew Rawlins’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Easily distracted by a good book or my dogs when I’m trying to write. Author of middle-grade fiction. For years, I read and taught books of this age group and now I’m so thrilled to be writing them! When I was young, I really loved books like Goosebumps, mysteries with a fantasy twist. As an adult I still do! I also love shows like Supernatural – good vs. evil, man vs. ghost or monster. Daniel Decker and the Banshee of Glynn Castle I hope will reach readers like me!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Daniel Decker and the Banshee of Glynn Castle was inspired by the sixth graders I used to teach. We all agreed nothing beats a good mystery novel! I also think that watching shows like Supernatural, featuring ghosts and folklore, was a big influence. It helped me decide on writing the story as a series, for sure. Goosebumps was a special favorite series of mine at that age, so I hoped to capture a little bit of that vibe. But instead of a new character and setting in each book, I wanted to write a series featuring one main character, like Harry Potter.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My most unusual writing habit involves reaching to type around my jealous dog as she sits on the desk in front of my computer. Some people have writer’s block… I have dog block!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury, F. Scott Fitzgerald, R.L. Stine, J.K. Rowling, and Lois Lowry

What are you working on now?
Book two! At the end of Daniel Decker and the Banshee of Glynn Castle, the reader learns where he and his family are off to, next. I’m writing the next in the series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t found much traction with any website so much as word-of-mouth.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Go for it! Aim for the minimally viable product, then edit. Don’t obsess over every word, line, paragraph, scene, or chapter. Just get the story done! Then go back and shape it up. And be ready to hustle. Whether you want to stay independent or find a publisher, you’ll need the endurance to be so much more than a writer, only.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write what you know and love.” I started so many books and short stories, but they would either turn out sounding forced or like nothing I would personally ever want to read. Now, I’m writing for me. (Write for yourself and you’ve got your first fan!)

What are you reading now?
Books like mine! Since reading my book “Daniel Decker and the Banshee of Glynn Castle” on Kindle, Amazon is recommending similar books. Currently, I’m enjoying “The Mystery of Craven Manor” by Joy Wodhams. Next up, “The Mystery of Three Quarters” by Agatha Christie and “The Red Pyramid” by Rick Riordan (which is kind of cool since my second book takes place in Egypt!)

What’s next for you as a writer?
Like a lot of writers in the era of Covid, I’m trying to find unique ways to promote my book 100% online until I can schedule in-person book reading and talks. I can’t wait to get in front of a group of kids again!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That’s tough! “Dandelion Wine” by Ray Bradbury, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, then either the first and last or two last Harry Potter books.

Author Websites and Profiles
R.E. Kent Amazon Profile

R.E. Kent’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing since I was a kid and have written several books over the years. In my early twenties I got serious about the career choice and buckled down to learn everything I could about writing, editing, self-publishing, and traditional publishing. I have one book published so far, but I currently have three projects in the works I’m going to have published over the next year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book I have available is In Spite of it All. It is a collection of five short fiction stories that fall on the sci-fi and horror spectrums. I was inspired to write the stories by my classes I took in college and writing exercise books I’ve collected. The idea to release them in a collection as my first book is all thanks to my boyfriend. He thought putting out a variety would be a good way to break my way into the industry.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t call them unusual. I bet it’s a pretty common way to write for anyone that has a toddler in the house. I write in stolen minutes throughout the day. I’ve gotten used to the noise and don’t have to be in any particular environment to get creative.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, so many. 90% of the books I’ve read have made me want to be a better writer myself. The first book I fell in love with was The Secret Garden when I was a kid. The book that inspired me to write the first novel that I ever finished (age 12) was In the Forests of the Night. I love Stephen King and Neil Gaiman. For writing tips and inspiration I go to Kristen Lamb, Gabriela Pereira, or Joanna Penn.

What are you working on now?
I have several projects going on right now. I’m on my second draft of a horror novel that I plan to have published by mid 2021. I am also putting together another collection of stories, and I will release them as a free ebook in February 2021. And the third focus is a nonfiction book that I’m still in the planning stages of.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I’ve had decent results using amazon ads. But I’m still in the learning stages of marketing and promotions.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. And once you’ve published a book, don’t go back and try to work on it more. It’s out there and done with, and now it’s time for the next one.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never stop reading and learning.
Be your authentic self.
Make time for your writing.

What are you reading now?
Blueprint Your Bestseller by Stuart Horwitz (craft book for the month)
To Be Your Only by Rae Kennedy (physically reading)
Mother Knows Best by Kira Peikoff (audiobook)

What’s next for you as a writer?
I need to learn more about marketing myself and my books, and I’m going to try to launch a newsletter. Then, in the new year, I plan to have two more books available.

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?
Dune
The Doomsday Book
Dreamcatcher
American Gods

Author Websites and Profiles
Kylie Rae Website
Kylie Rae Amazon Profile

Kylie Rae’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I enjoy my time, doing things that make me happy, which is not always the best idea but it has made for some great stories. I just released my first book. It’s called Runaway and although it is a stand-alone book, it is actually the first glimpse into my fantasy world Kismet, which means destiny/fate.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, which is my first, is called Runaway. My years in college inspired it. The prologue was first written in a creative writing course where my classmates peer-reviewed it. As my years went on, I enjoyed dabbling with where that first part would go and wrote the now first chapter for the same class. Over time, what really kept the writing going, is viewing this as my internal struggle with depression and how it made me feel like I had no control over myself, especially my mind. Each character became a new personality of how I would fight against the darkness and heaviness every day. Towards the end of the book, it occurred to me that Conn, the antagonist, could represent anything dark that a person goes through.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to be standing, able to pace, and walk around. Something about moving helps keep my brainstorming flowing. I would also argue that my writing is better at night because I can look at the stars and the moon (most nights). The stars and moon have provided me the greatest conversations despite being unable to physically talk back. They give me a feeling of home and security and I’m normally alone when looking at the night sky. It has become a sacred ritual for me that I refuse to allow anyone to interfere with.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well, the earliest I can remember is the Magic Tree House books by Mary Pope Osborne. Darkside books by Tom Becker. The Grimm Fairy Tales beat out Disney’s renditions (unless they are animals). In my young adult years, it was the Graceling realm books by Kristin Cashore. Then I read His Fair Assassin books by Robin LaFevers. There was always Steven King books, my top at the moment is Doctor Sleep. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. Innocence by Dean Koontz. In college, I was exposed to Native American literature (the captive stories leave a mark), African American Literature (Toni Morrison my favorite), British Literature (mostly poetry, Percy Bysshe Shelley #1), and now I’m really into Irish ghost stories (Fitz James O’Brien). Personally, I read constantly and am influenced by each reading whether or not I enjoy it.

What are you working on now?
I am developing the world of Kismet, this time from an American Mortal woman who takes the opportunity to be converted into a witch. After her transformation, she is on a probation period where developed witches will teach her the ways of the elements as she lives in a vampire’s half-way home for converted mortals (vampires, werewolves, etc). At this moment (12.9.20), there is a plan for five books with the potential of more.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t want to seem like I am only promoting. I want my writing to do the most. By recruiting readers and encouraging them to honestly review my books for other readers to make their own decision if the story is meant for them is my main concern. I do use Twitter and Instagram to be a part of the writer’s community, writers supporting writers, and understanding my audience comes most from these social media sites. KDP Select program on Amazon is great since I am a new author having to start at the beginning to gain fans/loyal readers. I do have a website, it is currently under construction. Right now I’m developing a page called Books, Book, Books which shows the covers of the books I have read and recommend for others. The best method, I think, is not to limit oneself to one source of promotion. There are sites, just like Awesome Gang, that allow for free promotions, paid promotions, advertising off Amazon, or onlinebookclub.org has a review for a review platform.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Follow the authors that you aspire to be and learn the ways that contribute to their success. Then go figure out what works best for you. Also, A Year Of Writing Dangerously by Barbara Abercrombie has been of great comfort and reassurance to me. I highly suggest you go find yourself a copy, to own or to borrow from your local library.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If there is a book that you want to read but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it. Toni Morrison

What are you reading now?
Currently, I am reading the third book in the Harry Potter series, The Bloodaxe Book of 20th Century Poetry (edited by Edna Longley), and Irish Ghost Stories (Collectors Library, selection and introduction by David Stuart Davies). Up next is Tiger’s Curse by Colleen Houck and Intentions by Oscar Wilde.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Gaining followers, promoting Runaway, developing my website, making connections and friends in the writing community, and writing challenges (60,000 words in one month) for my upcoming 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?
I would take 4 blank 5 subject notebooks, each with a full and functioning pen stuck in the metal spiral binding. Hands down.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sammy Rose Sheffield Amazon Profile

Sammy Rose Sheffield’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
There are a lot of ways to talk about myself but I’ll keep it short. I am originally from Atlanta but I am living in Asia. I am a teacher, professional wrestler and fitness trainer. I have written 1 book so far.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is Surviving China… as an Expat! What expired me to write it was I enjoy telling stories. I feel that many people are curious what it’s like living in China and I wanted to share those experiences and help other people.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I follow a red pill YouTuber named Alpha Male Strategies (AMS). Aside from dating, he teaches men about money and lifestyle. He’s my favorite YouTube red pill coach. He has written 3 books and those books influenced me to write my own.

What are you working on now?
I am investing heavily on my new blog.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Utilize social media.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just start writing. Don’t think about it. Just do it. Don’t listen to the ones that tell you that you can’t.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There’s a lot of advice out there so I’m not sure which is the best. But the advice I do take, it’s from people who are successful.

What are you reading now?
Self Confidence for Men by Kory Heaton & Justice League vs Power Rangers.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to grow my blog and write another book based on the events of my life in college.

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?
All 3 of AMS’s books and 1 comic book.

Author Websites and Profiles
Tre Williams Website
Tre Williams Amazon Profile