Awesome Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written the Amazon bestselling French Girl series. The series has six light-hearted novels detailing the adventures of a French orphan who moves to New York to become a pop singer after being accidentally discovered by an American producer.
I also wrote a spinoff series of two books with an American Girl who moves to Paris to become an opera singer.
Finally, I have a brand new fantasy series for boys and girls that is called The Sinister Master and chronicles the fun adventures of two bickering siblings who set out on a quest to save the world.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Sinister Master is my latest release and is inspired by my four years of solo travel throughout India, Japan, and Southeast Asia. I got to know so many people, different cultures and to work with them. It was so much fun and so enriching that I started this new series that mixes Asian and European folklore.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I like to work in museums. Since I live in Paris, I sometimes go inside the Louvre not just to look at paintings, but just specifically to write my upcoming novel.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh so many! But my favorites are L.M Montgomery, J.K Rowling, Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, and Eiichiro Oda.

What are you working on now?
Book 2 from The Sinister Master series!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is awesome. But it’s also important to research on how to market your book. That really opens up a world of possibilities.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently re-reading the Harry Potter series. I haven’t read it in years! I’m also reading the Japanese manga One Piece that is so amazing! Such great world-building!

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?
Anne of Green Gables, my favorite book ever! But I’d also grab my diaries and research notebooks because I’d definitely want to chronicle being stranded on a deserted island… to write a book about it 🙂

Author Websites and Profiles
Anna Adams Website
Anna Adams Amazon Profile

Anna Adams’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a poet novelist and might dabble into drama in the future. I’ve written a collection of poems titled “Existences and Vineyards,” initially published as a five-volume series on Amazon and available as an anthology of poems ditto. I’m currently working on two other collections titled: “Doxology” and “Meditations, Reflections and Introspection,” as well as two novels titled: “Rebellion” and “An Open Letter to my Successful Self”.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is “Existences and Vineyards” and it was inspired by my desire to understand self and by extension, humanity. Being an ardent student of human psychology and social behaviour (even though not professionally), I’ve often pondered the meaning of life and what motivates people to act in ways that they do, considering that our actions not only affect our lives but those of other people.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I cry when I write poems that are emotionally overwhelming.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve derived my greatest literary inspirations from Chinua Achebe (prose), the author of Things Fall Apart, while my love for poetry was fueled by Robert Frosts achievements. My perceptions and perspectives about life have been influenced by new thought authors like Charles F. Hannel, Napoleon Hill, James Allen, Rhonda Byrne and many other like minded people who are proponents of the Law of Attraction.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on promoting my work to a wider audience.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome gang, alongside websites of its ilk has greats resources for exposing authors like me. I’m also exploring Amazon ads, Facebook ads, email marketing and other digital marketing methodologies.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. One day your works would be read (and your voice would be heard).

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Know thyself.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Take the Risk, by Ben Carson.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Holy Bible, Think and Grow Rich (Napoleon Hill), The Master Key (Charles F. Hannel), Purpose Driven Life (Rick Warren).

Omachoko Yakubu’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the quiet kid with his secretive wild side. The outcast in school. The metalhead. The boy who wrote comic books in fifth grade and always envisioned his stories adapted onto the big screen.

I’ve written many short stories since I was a kid. Like Lizard Man, a paranormal thriller inspired by a mythological beast I read about. Or Luna, a future sci-fi I wrote for my astronomy class that focused on a bitter astronaut stationed in the moon who was faced with a choice of saving earth from greedy politicians or cleansing the earth from its disease: humans.

When it comes to books, however, I’ve written two. To Tame a Dame, a crime thriller set in LA in 1928. And Void, a book I like to describe as, A Wrinkle in Time, but for adults.

I’m obsessed with unique and adventurous stories that blend multiple genres and explore the human condition; stories that place emphasis on the emotional ties of the characters rather than anything else.

Like Joel and Ellie’s growing bond in The Last of Us.

Or Zuko’s character arc in Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Or Ciri and Geralt’s reunion in The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt

Or Cooper literally outgrowing his son and daughter in Interstellar.

These are the type of stories I aim to make.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
To Tame a Dame: A Novella Set Within The Void Universe.

To Tame a Dame stemmed from a subplot part of my other book, Void. In particular, the relationship between two characters. I wanted to explore the beginning of that relationship, so I went from there. The writing process for Tame a Dame was definitely letting it all unfold. I had no plan, unlike Void.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I mean, I talk with my characters every now and then, but what fictional author doesn’t, right? RIGHT?

I’d say my writing habits are pretty normal. I don’t, let’s say, go all Buffalo Bill in order to channel the mindset and emotions of a certain psychotic character. But now that I think about it… that’s not a bad idea.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stylistically wise, George R.R. Martin. He inspired me to write in third-person limited and make my books somewhat of an ensemble. He also influenced my books to be more realistic and dark. How so, you ask? By not making things black and white. By making the heroes commit vile deeds and by making the villains commit holy ones. And by not being afraid to kill off characters. Than you, George, you evil son of a gun.

In terms of influencing me personally, J.K. Rowling. Now, I may have not read Harry Potter yet, I know, I know, take it easy on me, BUT! I have read about her story. Her struggle to publish Harry Potter whilst raising a daughter on her own and leaving behind an abusive relationship. She’s a strong woman who sticks to her guns and doesn’t let the public inlfuence her. I love that about her.

What are you working on now?
Void. It’s about a man making a journey through space and time in hopes of bringing his wife back from the dead. I love blending mulitple genres and Void is a thriller, a fantasy, and a sci-fi.

It was never my intention at first, but Void is my way of stating to the public and my readers that I will not tie myself down to one genre.

What stories will I write?

A little bit of everything. I don’t like tying myself to just one genre because I don’t want to be known as a fantasy writer, or a thriller writer, or a romance writer. Much like Christopher Nolan, my interests are just way too vast and expansive.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since I’m new at the promoting and business end of things, I don’t have a set answer for this. However, I do feel like cinematic book trailers are a hell of a way of promoting it. At the end of the day, a ton of people prefer visuals over reading.

I believe my books will reach a new audience: those that don’t like to read. The cinematic book trailer is the hook; the book is what will make them stay. It’s written differently. How? It’s an ensemble and it’s written in present tense.

Present tense tends to be frowned upon with writers, but I see the benefit of it. If done right. It can instantly transport the reader into the world they are reading. Everything that’s going on, is going on right then and there.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
In the wise words of a wise young man named Shia Labeouf, just do it.

Just kidding. Kind of. Not really.

Look, there’s a ton of advice I could give out. But seeing as I still need to master the business side of things, let me focus on the creative aspect of an author.

Keep writing. Don’t give up.

If you have an idea for a story that you feel great about, follow through with it, and finish the project. Don’t worry about how the final product will look.

Your first draft will not be great. I wish I saved my first draft of Void so I could show the world how horrible it was, but I deleted it out of shame. It had issues with tense: I would switch between present and past; it had issues with POV: I would switch between third person limited and omniscient; and it had issues with dialog: I would rely too much on it to carry the plot forward and delve into a character’s psyche.

The point being, it had issues.

But, with each revision, it got better and better and better. So, never surrender, my dear lads. You’ll get there.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
J.K. Rowling has a page on her website that gives writers advice on honing your craft. What I loved about this post is that it isn’t a, “The Secret to Becoming a Better Writer,” type of article, but rather, an introspective one that forces the writer to seek the answer themselves.

There are no secrets in life, kiddo. No path that will instantly lead you to glory. That takes time and perseverance. And the better you know yourself, the better you can attain whatever it is you desire.

What are you reading now?
Because I’m still working on my books, I don’t have much time to read. I’m still finishing the Witcher series (The Time of Contempt sure is making me contemplate if I can finish this book, ba dum tss. Thank you, I’ll be here all night.)

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a game plan set for the next ten to twelve years. I can delve into each book I have, but I’ll take up too much space. So, to summarize…

I’ve got four books lined up, each a different genre. I’m also thinking of releasing a collection of novellas, all of them will tie to Void (the sub-plots of characters whose story was left unfinished. It had to, the focus is on two main characters named Perseus and Idris.)

After that, I plan on taking a long break from writing. I’ll be in my mid-thirties, and I think I’ll be ready to start a family around that time.

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?
Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

1. The best book on how to survive living on a stranded island (uh, duh!)
2. The Holy Bible (should I run into a tribe, I can use the book to get them to do my bidding and become their leader. Hey, it’s been done before, kiddos. I gotta survive! DON’T JUDGE ME!)
3. An extra empty bible that can carry my flask. (Gotta be resourceful while pretending to look busy as I give orders to my tribe.)

What? Did you expect answers like, A Game of Thrones? A Series of Unfortunate Events? What good are those books gonna do on a deserted island?! HUH?!

Author Websites and Profiles
Diego Ornelas-Tapia Website
Diego Ornelas-Tapia Amazon Profile

Diego Ornelas-Tapia’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
N.E. Colby was born into a military family, she was able to travel and experience many different things. She is a Veteran of the United States Air Force, a mother of two well-rounded children, and married to the love of her life.
N.E. Colby has always had a love for animals. From a young age, she was rescuing strays and adopting animals that needed a good home. N.E. Colby and her Husband have been able to pass along their love of animals to their children. They enjoy taking trips to Zoo’s every year for birthdays and just because all while talking about the care required of little creatures that cannot care for themselves. They understand the importance of teaching children from a young age that caring for living things other than themselves will have an important impact on how they develop relationships in the future.
While always having a love for reading with her children and the desire to write children’s books, N.E. Colby decided that the best book to write was something close to her heart. The Junior Zoo Vet series draws from her greatest inspiration, her children and their love of Zoos.
I have written two books and working on completing the series of Junior Zoo Vet that will have a total of twenty six books

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Junior Zoo Vet and the Aye-Aye (I-I). It is the first in the series A-Z. I wanted to write a children’s book with my children as my main characters and writing about something that my family loves.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a typical writer. I just do an information dump from start to end. I make sure that what I want to say, I get it all out of my head, then sort and edit to create my stories.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My absolute favorit author will always be Dr. Suess! My parents used to read his stories to me every night before bed and I do that with my kids. Reading his stories have become somewhat of a bedtime tradition in our home.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I am working on the next book in the Junior Zoo Vet series. I have twelve of the twenty six written.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far my best method for promoting my book has been word of mouth. I have talked with many people and shared fun stories of pets with my young readers. Its been amazing having interactions with those who love animals as much as me and my family do.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, trust yourself. If you have a story that you want to share, you should, no matter how old you are. It will be scary at first putting yourself out there, but it gets better and easier. Don’t live a life of “What if” or “If I would have.”

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard is, “It’s the little things in life that count.”

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading a book by Kate Crocco called “Thinking Like A Boss.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am trying to finish my series and get all twenty six books out and available to young readers everywhere.

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?
Tough question, I would definatly take:
1. Sam I Am, by Dr. Suess
2. Cook Like A Pro, by Ina Garte
3. Plant Identification, by Peter C. Amsden

Author Websites and Profiles
N.E. Colby Website
N.E. Colby Amazon Profile

N.E. Colby’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m married to an amazing man, am the mother of 4 sons, and almost 10 grandkids which I love hanging out with. I ride horses and compete here and there in Extreme Cowboy and Mountain Trail competitions, writing kinda gets in the way! I’m smiling. I have an old dog who used to ride with me, but now she mostly sleeps all day, and love photography. Four of my books covers are my photos. Can you guess which ones? I have written eleven novels, four workbooks (check out my curriculum on my website), two short stories, one of which won an award. The other will soon be a gift for those who sign up for my blog. While I have mainly written young adult novels, I am making the switch to Romantic Suspense.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Lillian’s Legacy. Living on the Colville Indian Reservation is the inspiration for all of my writing. Years ago, I worked with a tribal elder, learning language and culture. Lillian first shows up as a infant in my True to Heart Trilogy, and I have now given Lillian her own book. I also am into natural medicines and married 1800s medicine with Native American plant medicines in this story of two healers coming together to fight female prejudices that concern physicians.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
While most writers are either pantsers or outlines, I’ve found through Randy Ingermanson I’m a snowflake writer, meaning I do more pre-planning than pantsers, but do not create extensive outlines. Check out the Snowflake Method. It’s pretty fun. I do like to write from 8-midnight because I have no distractions.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
For my young adult novels, Rosanne Parry, Dandi Daley Mackall, Susanne Morgan Willians, and Gary Paulsen were my inspirational authors.

Colleen Coble, Brandilyn Collins, and Mary Connealy are my greatest influencers for romantic suspense.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the short story of how love and belief can give those who are suicidal hope, and a second novel for a series that covers how my characters overcome domestic violence. These are two hardships in my family and that are dealt with on a daily basis on reservations around the nation. While my strong female characters go through hell on their journeys, they survive and find love. Hope is a familiar theme in my books.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Other than speaking and holding workshops at conferences, I do most of my promoting on Twitter, but am now reaching out to sites like Awesome Gang and am excited to be a part of this promotional venue.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Sit in your chair and write. The more you know about your characters and their goals and values, your story goal, and obstacles that keep your character from reaching his or her story goal the better. Pack your stories with tension and suspense on every page depending on the genre. Don’t slow down or the reader will close your book and move on. And believe in yourself. You are a writer, take that seriously. Or no one will.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Like I said above, act like a writer and others will take you seriously. Study the craft, go to writer’s conferences in your area, get into a good critique group.

What are you reading now?
I just finished Fire Dancer by Colleen Coble and am about to start Last Call by James Scott Bell.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue to write Romantic Suspense. I’m excited about this series. After my niece was beat to death by her husband, I knew writing about domestic violence would heal my heart and hopefully others too. Fiction is entertainment, but we can also weave important messages into our 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?
I would bring my Bible, Writing a Novel Using the Snowflake Method and any book about horses!

Author Websites and Profiles
Carmen Peone Website
Carmen Peone Amazon Profile

Carmen Peone’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a daydreamer. Since that was not going to help me get a job, I became a Chartered Accountant. I love travelling, listening to music, dancing and most of all reading (there was a time when no one was allowed to disturb me while I was reading). Then my daughter was born. I had no free time at all. As I couldn’t do the things I normally would I decided to put my daydreaming to good use and started writing Romance Novellas.

My first book ‘Life’s Not Over Yet’ is the first in a series of books about life. Life can be magical as well as painful. At any moment your entire life can change for better or for worse. The best way to enjoy the magic or survive the pain is to surround yourselves with the people who love you. Trisha was at the point in her life where everything was coming into place as she had planned and then a personal tragedy ruin everything. What is she going to do now? Give up on her dreams and resign herself to her fate or take one day at a time and start rebuilding her life again.

My second book ‘Love Will Find You’ is about a young woman named Trisha who was full of life and hope when she graduated but soon got frustrated with life for not giving her what she wanted. Her life is turned around when she finds a job of her dreams and falls in love only to have her heart broken, again. What will she do now? Will she ever find love again.

My third Book ‘Love and Hate’ is dedicated to emotions. Many times, in life we make choices, not based on logic but what we are feeling at that moment without realizing its effect that will have on others. Alia’s life is changed unexpectedly because of the choice she made. How is she going to bring her life on track again? Will love conquer hate or is that an impossible task?

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Love and Hate is my latest Romance Novella. I wanted to write about extreme emotions that affect relationships. In the heat of anger things are said and done that cannot be taken back or undone. If only we calm down before saying or doing anything.
There is another side to it as well. When we are on top of the world and nothing can go wrong, we don’t see what is happening right in front of us. It’s as if we are wearing rose colored glasses and no matter how many warnings we get, we just don’t see or believe it. Hence, the Novella is all about how decisions taken during extreme happiness and anger changes lives negatively of everyone connected to it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write by listening and talking to my characters in my head. Whenever I get an idea about a story line, the first thing that comes to my mind is one of the character. That character starts a conversation with me and slowly other characters come to life interacting with each other. As the story line grows, it becomes like a movie where I can picture each and every scene. That is when I start writing and, in a week, or two I can clearly see how I want it to end.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
L.M. Montgomery is one of my favorite author. Even though I am a big fan of mystery novels, I made sure I read the entire ‘Anne of Green Gables Collection’. I love reading Agatha Christie, John Grisham, Robert Ludlum, Jeffery Archer’s books. Ayn Rand’s ‘Fountainhead’ and ‘Atlas Shrugged’ are two of my favorite books.

What are you working on now?
I am working on two or three ideas. One of them is ‘what if’ scenario , the other one relates to lock down. It will get clearer once I start writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do your work as best as you can without worrying about the results. If you love what you do then that is reward in itself, the rest will follow when it is meant to be.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have written three Romance Novellas. Next I would love to write a good Murder Mystery.

Author Websites and Profiles
Vidisha Chandna Dua Website
Vidisha Chandna Dua Amazon Profile
Vidisha Chandna Dua Author Profile on Smashwords

Vidisha Chandna Dua’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Marcia, I’ve crossed the 30th mark and I am Portuguese, but have lived in the UK for the past 8 years. I am a researcher in the respiratory field but passionate about cooking and creating new recipes. I have been vegan for 6 years and during the last year, whilest on maternity leave, I have created and developed my Plant based Portuguese project. It focuses on vegan recipes, many inspired in very traditional Portuguese dishes, but only with vegan ingredients.
This book ‘From Portugal, with Plants’ is my first eBook, with some of my favourite food creations, however, more projects and books are on the horizon certainly.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘From Portugal, with Plants’ was inspired by my Portuguese culture and love for cooking.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really…I tend to write whenever I can, in between playing with my little toddler and off corse, cooking.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have read a lot of cookbooks and nutrition books. Some example are: Michael Greger, Neil Barnard, Forks over knives, Gabriela Oliveira (a portuguese author).

What are you working on now?
That’s a secret! 🙂

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I just started, but will be using my social media platform and my website for sure.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just go with it! I am a new author myself too, just figuring things out as I go, and is there any better way to do it?

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you have a passion for something, don’t let it go to waste.

What are you reading now?
Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes: The Scientifically Proven System for Reversing Diabetes Without Drugs.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A book related with plant based living.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Isabel Allende, The House of the Spirits

Author Websites and Profiles
Marcia Soares Website

Marcia Soares’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a former primary school teacher from Cardiff in Wales. I’ve been writing for about 14 years now and it got to the point where I kept thinking to myself, you know what? I wanna get my books out there. So, I’m publishing my debut in October, 2020. But I have a long back catalogue of novels itching to get out.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called Feral Snow. It was inspired by the prospect of being a father. It terrified me and so, the idea of Paul, who is a father-to-be, running away to work at the Arctic while his pregnant wife was back at home in Wales, just hit me. I poured all of my anxiety about being a parent into this novel and turned it into a journey of self-acceptance and responsibility.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I tend to write whenever I get time. I’m not one of these, ‘I must wake up at 4am and spend three hours writing’ kind of people. Largely because I just can’t do that. Instead, I steal snippets, minutes, hours here and there where I can work on my novels. I’m also what they call, a Planster: a hearty mixture of the Plotter and the Panster. I tend to plot in acts. I’ll plot the first act, write it, pause and plot the next act, write it, pause and plot the third, then write to the end. It’s an odd way of doing it but I found it works for me. It means I have a structure to follow but I’m allowed some freedom in the long-term.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There’s such a long list. I was late to the reading game. I only started reading when I was 20 or so, really. I started really invested in Fantasy. Brent Weeks and Patrick Rothfuss were huge influences. Then I moved onto Stephen King after reading The Shining. I was blown away by the sheer terror of it. So, that really pushed me to write compelling stories in the modern day. More recently, there are a few great authors I’ve gotten into: Josh Malerman; Matt Wesolowski; Stu Turton; and C.J. Tudor. I think the novel that has stuck with me the most though is Gabriel Tallent’s My Absolute Darling. Be warned, it’s a very hard read but geez, it’s so good. It’s raw and painful and beautiful.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on a novel that’s a mixture of a superhero, Greek mythology, crime, thriller story. It’s taking some time and it’s ambitious. I’m taking elements from all of those listed previously and meshing them together. The research is nuts but it’s been so worth it.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m on Twitter. I find that a great way to meet people and just talk. I’m also on Goodreads, Amazon author profile, and I have a WordPress called ‘Mark Lowes – All Things Bookish’, which goes into detail with regards to plotting and structure.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I get asked this quite often. The best advice I can offer you is to write it anyway. Everyone is usually faced with an idea in their head and they think, ‘This is too big for me. Too complicated.’ And that’s fine but at the same time, if it’s in your head then it’s just imagination. If it’s on paper (or screen or spoken), it’s a story. Tell stories. Don’t be afraid to throw yourself into it and learn from FINISHING what you write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Someone once told me not to be so precious about my writing. For those 14 years that I wrote, I refused to share with anyone unless those I’m sharing with were strangers online. And I’m definitely not alone in that. We hoard our stories, embarrassed about them and treasure them. Let them go out into the world through every means possible. And when you publish, don’t be too precious not to put a deal on your books. Value them – yes – but let them go.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading The Deep by Alma Katsu. It’s a supernatural retelling of the Titanic. It’s really good, haunting and horrifying so far. I’m also eagerly anticipating the arrival of my pre-ordered copy of Stu Turton’s The Devil and the Dark Water. His first novel, The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, was just genius.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a blog tour coming up in November. I’m currently working on promotion for my novel, Feral Snow. At the same time, I’m working away on my mash up of Greek mythology, superhero, etc. WIP.

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 Shining.
My Absolute Darling.
The Martian (great book).
War and Peace… only because it’s so big, I’d live a while off it using it as insulation.

Author Websites and Profiles
Mark Lowes Website
Mark Lowes Amazon Profile

Mark Lowes’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started my career in financial services, moving into management and then into learning and development. As part of course design, I used to do quite a bit of writing, which I enjoyed. Several years after leaving, and setting up my own consulting and executive coaching business, I got a very strong itch to write but I had no particular focus for the writing. So, my aha moment happened and I decided to write a book. That morphed into my first book, Values – Not Just for the Office Wall Plaque: How Personal and Company Values Intersect. That was 2011 and it launched in 2012. Then quite a lot of life happened to me and I finally got back into the saddle this summer with my second book, SMART Objective Setting for Managers: A Roadmap.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Oops, I answered this at the end of the last question. It’s called SMART Objective Setting for Managers.

What inspired the book was seeing all the pain and frustration that so many managers have with the performance management process, in general, and objective setting, in particular. During my management career, I had developed several high performing teams but I could see that many managers struggle with how to actively develop another person. And if I can take away someone else’s pain and frustration and show them an alternative route, then why not?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I’m aware of but I could do. Since the content I’m writing about has been informed by countless discussions with managers, the writing tends to flow.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Business book-wise, authors who use stories to make the learning point. I read a lot of business books so when I started to write my first book, I took out all the business books that I had really enjoyed and asked myself “what is it about these books that I enjoyed?” and the answer was “they all include stories”. There can be huge learning in business books but let’s face it, they’re not the first choice for most people. So, I try to make my books as easy to read and accessible as possible.

If you’re wondering, the books I had looked to were “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” by Robin Sharma, Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Successful People and The Arbinger Institute’s Leadership and Self-Deception.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the SMART Objective Setting book launch, so that’s a totally different type of focus.

Writing -wise, what’s in the pipeline is a short book on the difference between Management and Leadership. They are 2 very distinct things, with different skill sets, but shrouded in mystery for most people, as they tend to sit in the same role. Maybe I’ll write it in the style of a mystery!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, I’m hoping AwesomeGang.com is going to excel at promoting my books. Getting the word out is so important. As a huge target audience for me is LinkedIn, I also promote there.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Advice for new authors is:

When you’re writing your first draft, write…do not edit. The most important thing about writing that first draft is to get it written. If you keep stopping to edit it, it will take you forever. Even more important is that you don’t even really know what you’re editing. That will only become apparent once you read through the first draft.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep doing all the little tasks that need to be done, so that one day, you’ll get there.

What are you reading now?
Business book: Joe Poni’s Follow Your Curiosity

Curiosity is one of my personal values, so I couldn’t help myself.

Fiction: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes by Suzanne Collins

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next is to promote the new book and see how it is received. Feedback from readers has been fantastic, so I’m hopeful.

I also what to relaunch my first book, Values – Not for the Office Wall Plaque.

Identifying and understanding our own personal values are so important to humans, as the inform decisions and conflict. The book was originally written with leaders, HR and executive coaches in mind. But a review of the book on Amazon got me thinking. The person clearly wasn’t in the above categories but they said that, while the second part of the book wasn’t that relevant to them, the first part was so powerful that they had found the courage to leave a job they hated and find one they were going to love. So, I’m also going to publish the first section as a stand-alone book, for those people who just want to understand their values and how their values impact on them.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Ok, number one would be the Harry Potter boxset. I’m a huge fan and read the books straight through every few years. The boxset is one book, right?

Next up would be the Lord of the Rings boxset. I was going to say “trilogy” but boxset gets The Hobbit in there.

Moving away from fantasy and magic, I’d take Marian Keyes’ boxset. That would make me laugh out loud on the more difficult days on the island, while waiting to be rescued.

And assuming I had enough food and water to last and I thought it was going to be another while before I was going to be rescued. I’d take a boxset of Michael Connolly.

As you can tell, I’d want a bit of escapism from my stranded situation!

Author Websites and Profiles
Irial O’Farrell Website
Irial O’Farrell Amazon Profile

Irial O’Farrell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
“Monster, May I? A COVID-19 Halloween” is my first book.

Diana Hamann worked in the Special FX industry, making monsters & miniatures & assisting animators. She puppeteered the “Beetlejuice” snake’s tongue & the Stay-Puft man’s mouth on “Ghostbusters”. She went on to work as an Emmy-nominated Set Decorator on “And the Band Played On” & as a Production Designer/Set Decorator on numerous commercials & films.

Diana co-wrote, directed & produced “YogaKitty”, one of the internet’s early multi-million-hit videos & the first-ever viral cat video. (You’re welcome.)

Diana also worked in theater, winning L.A. Weekly’s Best Direction Award for the critically acclaimed “Specter” & co-authoring the story for “Non-Vital Organs” which won L.A.’s Ovation Award & the L.A. Drama Critics’ Circle Award.

Diana graduated Phi Beta Kappa/Cum Laude from Rhodes College, with a double major in Theater & Film. One credit shy of an English degree, she managed to finish this book without it! Diana’s now writing books & scripts for the “Monster, May I?” series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is “Monster, May I? A COVID-19 Halloween”. I’ve been working on this project for years & decided to tweak Izzy & Nick’s adventures to fit the unique challenges of Halloween during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. My long-term goal is to create an edition of this book that has pop-up gif animations. Kid readers click on a word & see an animated image or hear a sound (with this gross & gooey book, the sounds are *usually* farts – ah, kids!)

This book was inspired by my years of hanging out with Special FX monster makers. I hope this book provides a fun way for kids to learn that different social groups have different social rules. Overcoming prejudices about differences is easier to discuss when learning a Witch’s rules of good conduct or trying not to offend the ghost-cats.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write lying down with a plump, elderly cat nudging my hand, demanding scratches.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Since I’ve written a kid’s book, I’ll list a few of my childhood favorites first:
A Wrinkle in Time
Where the Sidewalk Ends

Eudora Welty & William Maxwell are personal favorites for writing style.
I’ll read anything by Michael Chabon or Carl Hiaasen.

What are you working on now?
Marketing this book right now. Moving onto more books in this series, telling the continuing story from their individual perspectives. Next up: brother Nick!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Dave Chesson’s website & YouTube videos.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it! It takes SO much longer than you think it will. But it’s extremely rewarding to finally publish your book!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Before you go to sleep, think of three good things that happened this day.”
I truly believe this rewires your brain while you sleep so the *next* day you search out happy moments.

What are you reading now?
Overlong articles about politics!

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books in the “Monster, May I” series.
Working on scripts for a series about Special FX work in 1980’s L.A.

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) “The Complete Short Stories of Robert Louis Stevenson”
2) “The Corfu Trilogy” by Gerald Durrell
3) “Eudora Welty, the Collected Stories”
4) “The Principles of Knitting” by June Hemmons Hiatt (so I can fashion something useful from the local palm fronds)

Author Websites and Profiles
Diana Hamann Website
Diana Hamann Amazon Profile
Diana Hamann Author Profile on Smashwords

Diana Hamann’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written three books in my Technicolor Love series: Enigma, Ablaze, and Mesmerized. They are all set in the same universe and are inter-connected, but can be read as standalones.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Mesmerized. I realized I never wrote paranormal before and wanted to give it a shot.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My real-life romances inspire my writing. My current–and true–love has inspired me in a way no one ever has. He makes me feel like I can do anything and I just want to tell the world how in love with him I am and how amazing he is. The love between the characters in my books reflects that.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Sara Humphreys has been a phenomenal writing mentor for me. Seriously, check her out!

What are you working on now?
The next installment in the Technicolor Love series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My mailing list allows readers to receive my newsletter, sneak peeks, and other exclusives reserved for them! It’s my way of giving back to them for all their support. If anyone would like to join, here is the link: https://mailchi.mp/3054922406c2/violetelizabethmoon

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the book you want to read. Writing should be fun!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do whatever makes you happy.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to write the next installment in the Technicolor Love 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?
4 of the Harry Potter books!

Author Websites and Profiles
Violet Elizabeth Moon Website
Violet Elizabeth Moon Author Profile on Smashwords

Violet Elizabeth Moon’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a wife, mom, grandmother, friend, former business owner, jack of many
trades and now a writer. I live in Southern Minnesota with my husband Mark, and our
two shysters Boris and Natasha. I am a dreamer and my mind is always whirling with
ideas. I wrote a column for the Albert Lea tribune for about 12 years titled, Something
About Nothing. I wrote about the something in life that we never talk about hidden
under the nothings. My first book was published in 2012 by Cozy Cat Press. I have four
series, one being a children’s series, two being Cozy Mysteries and the other falls into
the in-between, between cozy and I’m not sure. I have written eleven books total. Of all my careers, my most important

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Small Town Can Be #Murder. Small communities are unique. They have quirks and are close knit. I was inspired to write a mystery from my hometown experiences except for the murder. Of course I had to add one or it wouldn’t be a murder mystery.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I start writing and see what happens. My characters take over and surprise me. And my furryvshysters always help me write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like all different genres. They each give me a different writing perspective and challenge me to be more creative.

What are you working on now?
I am writing a book on my blog at julieseedorf.com called The Accudentsl Tryst and working in an entirely different genre than cozy. It’s called the Joy Killer and it’s about a 60 year old woman that sneaks out of her home on the middle of the night on a journey to recapture who she once was. She doesn’t know anymore after living a life everyone else thought she should live.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Julieseedorf.com and Facebook. I haven’t found a best place yet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read new authors. There are some wonderful writers out there who haven’t been discovered and they aren’t always the New York Times best sellers.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get up in the morning and take a step even if you feel you can’t. One step is progress.

What are you reading now?
I am in between an Allen Eskens book and one of the new books by cozy authors in my book shelf.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to do online interviews of authors and artists. I also plan to put together a book of my columns and a poetry 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?
The Bible, a Max Lucado book, a cozy mystery by one of my author friends and a FBI thriller by Catherine Coulter.

Author Websites and Profiles
Julie Seedorf Website
Julie Seedorf Amazon Profile

Julie Seedorf’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a mother of 2 and a native New Jerseyan. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have always had a passion to help people find themselves and also teach people. I’ve known since I was 5 years old that I was going to be a therapist. Raising Empowered Children: The Codependent Perfectionist’s Guide to Parenting is my first published book , but I also have Oracle Cards, e-courses, and other projects completed and in the works!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I was inspired by a group of parents that I worked with who had teenagers with substance abuse and mental health issues. Seeing the connection between codependency and perfectionism was what jump started me on wanting to write this book and help parents be more proactive in their parenting, so that they don’t have to get to that point and work reactively in negative situations.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes – I regularly intuit a sentence or a topic and then send it to myself. Then, at some point later, I write on it and flesh it out. I have a ton of emails to myself that are just one line that I know I will expand on at a later time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Two of my favorites are “The Conscious Parent” by Dr. Shefali Tsabary and “The Indigo Children” by Lee Carroll & Jan Tober

What are you working on now?
I am working on an e-parenting course!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would say my podcast (The Codependent Perfectionist) has been the best way to promote my book, along with social media and networking pages and groups.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Well, I am a new author, but my advice would be to trust that there are people out there that will greatly benefit from your book, whether you can see that or not.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.” – Max Ehrmann “Desiderata”

What are you reading now?
I just finished reading the “Awareness” by Anthony de Mello, a book on spirituality

What’s next for you as a writer?
I really want to work on integrating more spirituality into my writing and helping therapist learn how to integrate it into their work.

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 Road Less Traveled” by M. Scott Peck, “Facing Codependence” by Pia Mellody,
Andrea Wells Miller & J. Keith Miller, and “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown

Author Websites and Profiles
Alana Carvalho Website
Alana Carvalho Amazon Profile

Alana Carvalho’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Nora Katzir-However in reality, it is the pen name used by Nora Ottaviano and Jeannette Katzir. We have been close friends for many years.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Contest (Book 1) of the Coterie of Sleuths series. Our obsession for traveling to obscure destinations has led us into some dicey, but mostly humorous situations. These adventures have prompted us to write a whimsical, (kind of true to life), mystery series.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nora and I are states away and write and re-write via email/phone chats and facetime.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jeanette Katzir is a tremendous J.K. Rowling fan. She also loves Jeannette Walls, Dan Brown and Amy Tan. As for stand-alone books: The Red Tent and the entire series by the mysterious Elena Ferrante.
Nora Ottaviano’s favorite book when she was ten, was stolen from her parents’ bookshelves, (she still has it). The zebra striped cover of Osa Johnson’s, I Married Adventure, was irresistible but required use of the dictionary to understand. Her favorites as an adult are Enchanted April, spy novels by John Le Carre, West with the Night and The Alchemist. Her favorite author, is a professor at Boston University, Ha Jin.

What are you working on now?
Book two, of the Coterie of Sleuths series; ‘The Queen of Overreacting’ is well underway and will hopefully be released in 2021.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon.com/Goodreads and the review sites belonging to reviewers

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is only half the battle, the other half is helping readings find you.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Book two, of the Coterie of Sleuths series; ‘The Queen of Overreacting’ is well underway and will hopefully be released in 2021.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nora Katzir Website
Nora Katzir Amazon Profile

Nora Katzir’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing (mostly for my own pleasure) since I was about 10 years old. I currently have two books self-published: “Dragon’s Grace” and “Dragon’s Heir.” Both are in the Sons of Pendragon series. It will eventually have seven books.

So far I’ve written four books, two of which I’ve self-published.

When I have spare time (I also work a “day” job as a title abstractor–which means looking up records for attorneys), I love to read and play with my two rescue pets.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have two books coming up for publication in the next two or three months. “Dragon’s Challenge,” third in the Sons of Pendragon series should go on sale in mid October. The dragon part of the book titles is a play on the surname Pendragon. The challenge comes from the heroine in this one being a challenge for the hero.

Then in November, I’m hoping to have Holding Out for a Hunter on sale. It will be the first book in my “The Hunter Chronicles series. It’s a companion series to Sons of Pendragon. The name here is a play on the song title Holding Out for a Hero.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think it’s really unusual, but I still write my stories in longhand. Then I type them into the computer and use it as my first edit. Most of my writing is done sitting in a comfy chair with the tv or music going.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many. I grew up on Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon mysteries. I love Mary Stewart’s writing (ie. “Airs Above Ground). I love the entire “Dark Is Rising” series by Susan Cooper. Christina Dodd, Linda Howard, and Lynn Kurland are favorite authors.

What are you working on now?
Now I’m working on the fifth book in the Hunter Chronicles series. I have rough drafts for numbers two, three, and four.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still working on learning the best way to promote my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let anything stop you. If you like what you write, someone else will, too. Follow your dreams.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If you don’t see the book you want on the shelf, write it.” Beverly Cleary

What are you reading now?
“The Most Eligible Lord In London” by Ella Quinn.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep writing. Hopefully to one day make enough doing it that I can quit the other job and focuss on my 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?
That’s hard. I have so many favorite books. I would have to have one of Lynn Kurland’s McLeod/De Paiget books, Barbara Michael’s “Be Buried In the Rain,” Mary Stewart’s “The Moonspiners.” And Joseph Campbell’s “The Inner Reaches of Outer Space.”

Author Websites and Profiles
Sloane McClain Amazon Profile

Sloane McClain’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Stella Rainbow is a pen-name I picked for myself because of my love for stars and all things colorful–but mainly the pride flag.

I’ve written three books so far, while another two are in the works. I love writing sweet, slightly heartbreaking romances between queer characters.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is an urban fantasy gay romance named Touch of Magic. I’ve wanted to write this book for a long time, mostly because it has a lot of my personal experiences in it. My main character suffers from a terminal illness (just like me) but unlike me, he gets better because in his world, magic is real.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Procrastination isn’t really unusual, is it? Maybe the fact that I need to write right after breakfast or my mind gets too scattered to write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many! I’ve been reading since I was 13. But if I had to pick, I’d say Jodi Picoult (she taught me how to write about things no one wants to talk about but everyone needs to) and Sarah J. Maas (because I love how inclusive she is in her books.)

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the book 2 of the Mages in Ravenshire series, which stars a grumpy fire mage and a super sweet, ever-the-optimist vampire. It has been a blast so far, even though I’ve had to use Google every other second to make sure my vampire sounds authentic enough.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m pretty new to the publishing scene, so I’m still trying out things. For now, as far as free promo goes, I depend a lot on Facebook but mainly because there’s a huge queer community on there.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. If possible, publish your first book after you’ve already decided (or maybe even drafted) what your next two books are going to be. Especially if you’re planning on self-publishing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t stop writing. That’s it.

What are you reading now?
I finished this really sweet book yesterday, Socks for an Otter by Posy Roberts and I’m just floating in its hangover right now.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Oh, I’m just going to keep writing and hope my readers enjoy everything I come up 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?
– The Hitman’s Guide to Tying the Knot without getting Shot by Alice Winters.
– The Fault In Our Stars by John Green.
– A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
– Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult.

Author Websites and Profiles
Stella Rainbow Website
Stella Rainbow Amazon Profile

Stella Rainbow’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m what happens to the kid who grows up asking “why?” to everything. They turn into an adult (sorta) who writes stories that are more fascinating (convoluted) than the answers to those questions. I’ve lived so many lives, I don’t know which one to focus on, but currently, I’m active duty in the Navy and actively putting pen (keyboard) to paper (screen).
I’ve recently published my first novel, “Where Light Enters”, and am plotting out my next one, “Ricochet Day”.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Where Light Enters” is the novelization of a short story I wrote. The original story concept came from three songs that randomly played in a sequence that made me thing, “This could be a story!”

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
You know all of those things they say good writers should do? I do none of them.
I heavily plot out my “key frames” of my story, but after that, it’s the wild west. I jump around to the different sections wherever I’m feeling inspired to write about at that time. It helps me drop those narrative themes and connections easier, instead of being more linear with the approach. Some chapters have taken me twenty minutes to write, and some sentences have taken two hours. I try to write where and what I want, rather than being locked down too much.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Everything I’ve ever read has had an influence on me, but to name a few:
“World War Z” by Max Brooks proved that you can tell a story through seemingly unrelated short stories.
“The Neverending Story” by Michael Ende inspires me to want to capture the wonder of imagination.
Anything by Christopher Moore or Tim Dorsey reminds me to find the humor in the seemingly “normal” and run with it.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on my second novel, “Ricochet Day”. It’s currently in the plotting stage as I have the setting locked and overall arc finished. Half the fun of writing is in this “play” stage. The other half is finishing the final draft.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a new author, I’m still trying to figure this out. I don’t have any good advice yet, but I can tell you what DOESN’T work…

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Here are my personal ten commandments of writing:
1. Write a book you yourself would want to read.
2. Write to write, not to be read or to sell/make money.
3. Don’t be afraid to get rid of what doesn’t work. Writing is like brushing a dog: sometimes you need to shed that excess fluff.
4. Nothing is ever lost. Anything you pull can be used again, either in a different part of the book or in a different book.
5. There are two people you shouldn’t listen to: those who love every word you write and those who hate every word you write. This includes yourself.
6. Take critiques to heart, but do not take them personally. If someone said you had spinach in your teeth, it’s better that they tell you than leave you walking around like that.
7. Write about what you know, and if you don’t know about it, learn everything you can so you can write from a place of authenticity.
8. Knowing when you book is finished can be scary. It’s like seeing your kid go off to kindergarten the first day of school; you have to trust that you’ve done all you can leading up to that moment.
9. People do judge a book by its cover, so make sure you take the time to get one that looks professional and presentable.
10. How many people say, “I want to write a book” but never do? Be in the minority not afraid to put themselves, and their work, out into the world.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Be proud of the mistakes you only make once.”

What are you reading now?
I’m involved in a few writing groups for genres that are not anything like what I write. It is helping me see other authors’ processes and gets me to play in playgrounds I don’t usually venture into. Reading their submissions is taking up a lot of my reading time, currently.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m currently trying to get my first novel out there and read beyond my close circle of friends and family while developing my second 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?
“Animal Farm”, because I always find new layers to it with every read.
“SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere”
by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman for obvious reasons.
“Atlas Shrugged”, because at nearly 1200 pages, I’m sure I could use that for kindling.

Author Websites and Profiles
Noel Silvia Amazon Profile

Noel Silvia’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in County Roscommon in the sublime West of Ireland. I decided to write and publish myself as I am obsessed with publishing and the publishing processes and, after 5 plus years of working within the publishing industry in London, I thought I’d give it a try. The Wake is my first story for adults and I have also published a picture book, Scott and the Runaway Sock, for children. They are extreme opposites, but I like exploring new genres to keep my brain engaged.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Wake is an Irish ghost story set in the rural West of Ireland. I was inspired to write a really immersive ghost story after watching the stage play adaptation of The Woman in Black by Susan Hill in London’s West End. I decided to set the story during a traditional Irish event, the wake, which usually takes place the night before an Irish funeral. I thought this would be the perfect creepy setting for my ghost story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to only write when I’m really passionate about a new idea, one that I think would make a good story. In terms of writing habits, I like to listen to film soundtracks as I munch on popcorn.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Where do I start?! Horror authors such as Stephen King and Darren Shan have been big influences. I am particularly fond of Andrew Michael Hurley at the moment and how he has brought English folk horror to the mainstram. Starve Acre is a must-read! I also love how Laura Purcell has popularisd Gothic fiction. The Silent Companions will give you chills for days. Also I think Irish modernist writer James Joyce has influenced my writing style, as I love giving my reader’s access into characters’ minds and what they are thinking.

What are you working on now?
Hmm… I will see how readers respond to The Wake first before I consider serving up another spooky tale. I have loads of ideas, so I will wait and see. I would like to continue with Irish folk or ghost stories, so please tell me if you’ve enjoyed The Wake!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook and Instagram. Facebook is great for engaging with readers while I love how visual Instagram is, which is great for posting covers and related artwork.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write with your ideal reader in mind. Not many people are interested in reading your diary, unless it has universal appeal and is truely exceptional.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Similar to the above: authors are not in the business of writing diaries.

What are you reading now?
I am reading Don’t Look Back by Ben Cheetham. It’s perfect reading for Halloween.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Again, I will wait and see. If people don’t like The Wake, I might return to children’s books. Or maybe Young Adult. I want my readers to enjoy my writing. I write for them, not just for me.

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 Lord of the Rings trilogy (does that count?), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (always makes me cry), The Goldfinch (that will keep me occupied for days) and, of course, Dracula!

Author Websites and Profiles
NP Cunniffe Amazon Profile

NP Cunniffe’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account