Awesome Author Interviews

Here are some of the awesome authors that have submitted books for you to enjoy. Get to know them and discover their awesome books.

Marnie Gellhorn

Interview With Author Marnie Gellhorn

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a freelance journalist, now novelist and author. I have written three books. Two of the books are part of a planned trilogy, called “Murder in the Mississippi Delta.”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book was based on a series of interviews of inmates at one of Colombia’s more notorious prisons, La Picota.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can fall down into a rabbit hole while researching my books. I start by verifying sources and information which often leads to new details that are incorporated into my work. Intensive fact-checking sessions fueled by high octane coffee, but I think that’s pretty normal for most writers.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Every book, article and interview I have ever read has influenced me in some way – it all stays with you, whether you are aware of it or not. I was a huge fan of Longform.org and was sad to see it close. I am also a rabid fan of Propublica, and Google Books. Harry Turtledove is probably my favorite writer, along with the late Hugh Zachary.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on several different projects. The first one is a another book based on a extensive series of interviews with a different high profile inmate at La Picota. I am also beginning the preliminary research for the third book in the Murder in the Mississippi Delta series, tenatively entitled, “Kings of the Delta.” I am also in the middle of my first book for a new series of cozy mysteries based on one of my characters, Sgt. Rex Lester.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still looking for it! Right now, it’s mainly word-of-mouth, the old-fashioned way, at book fairs, book signings and book clubs. I would sure love for some readers to do Instagram, Youtube or TikTok book reviews of my work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you want, and write for yourself.

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

What are you reading now?
About four different books, several blogs as well as daily news. I begin reading first thing in the morning, in fact, I wake up an hour early every morning to drink coffee and read what ever comes to mind.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully, a book deal with a hefty advance, and my own literary agent and publicist. I would love to have the money to take time off to spend weeks on site in the archives, and then hide in my friend’s cabin and write. A literary agent and publicist so I can travel the country doing more book signings, meeting readers and other writers. I would love to be a featured writer on a book cruise.

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?
Does a set of encyclopedias count as just one book? I would definitely take the Wilderness Guide to Survival because it has a lot of the basic information i would need – especially since I usually have my head in a book (and not a lot of outdoor survival skills). I’d also take a nice hefty book like War and Peace so I could have a good long read – since I may be there for a while, plus a nice fat book can serve as a pillow.

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Marnie Gellhorn Website

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Bonaventure U. Bonaventure U. Ezelagu

Interview With Author Bonaventure U. Bonaventure U. Ezelagu

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a digital entrepreneur, SEO strategist, and business consultant originally from Nigeria, now based in Milan. Monetize Your Audience is my first book—though I’ve produced hundreds of SEO guides and marketing courses. I help creators and coaches build profitable audiences without fluff.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Monetize Your Audience was inspired by seeing so many talented creators struggle to turn attention into income. I wanted to create a simple, action-based roadmap—so people could stop getting likes and start earning.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write only in cafés—Italian espresso fuels my creativity. Whenever a cappuccino trickles cold, it’s my cue to pause and reflect before finishing a chapter.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m deeply influenced by Gary Vaynerchuk’s realness and “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield—his message of fighting internal resistance has shaped my writing mindset.

What are you working on now?
I’m developing a companion workbook with templates, prompts, and one-page monetization plans to help readers implement the book’s strategies immediately.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My blog, Afrimasterweb.com, plays a key role—plus community posts on Facebook groups like Bonabecks and organic SEO articles.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start small and iterate. Launch a short, high-value guide—learn from how people respond, then build from there. Consistency beats perfection.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Finish it.” Too often, ideas stay trapped in drafts. Ship your work, learn, then refine.

What are you reading now?
“Zero to One” by Peter Thiel—its entrepreneurial clarity helps me think beyond content to building real business systems.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A collection of case studies featuring creators who have successfully monetized their audiences—showing real lives changed.

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?
Monetize Your Audience (so I don’t lose my mindset),

The War of Art (for creative perseverance),

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill (for deeper mindset strategies),

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (for inspiration and wonder).

Author Websites and Profiles

Bonaventure U. Bonaventure U. Ezelagu Website

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Jay Hirschman

Interview With Author Jay Hirschman

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As an author, I’m a firm believer in the idea that you should write what you know. For me, what I know best is the world of accounting and auditing. I’ve been a Certified Public Accountant for years, starting my career at a Big 4 accounting firm and now working as an internal auditor for a Fortune 500 company. My professional life has been filled with everything from programming and systems analysis to the kind of high-stakes auditing that inspired this book.

This is my debut novel, The Auditors. It’s a project born out of a desire to show the world that my profession is far from boring. When I tell people I’m an auditor, I usually get a polite nod followed by a confused question about taxes. I wanted to write a book that completely shatters that stereotype.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, which is also my debut novel, is called The Auditors.

The inspiration for this book is something that has followed me for years: the blank stare I get when I tell people I’m an auditor. Most people think of it as a dry, boring profession, full of tax forms and tedious calculations. I’ve always found the reality of it to be a completely different story.

My career as an auditor has shown me a world of intricate puzzles, high-stakes decisions, and profound ethical dilemmas. I wanted to write a story that captures the hidden drama and importance of this work. The Auditors is a direct challenge to the stereotype. It’s a financial thriller that takes the meticulous work of an auditor and places it at the center of a corporate conspiracy so vast it threatens the entire world’s economy. The main character, Jase Mathews, isn’t just balancing books; he’s fighting to expose a web of deceit that goes to the highest levels of power, and he discovers that even his own firm might be complicit.

I hope this book shows readers that the world behind the numbers is anything but boring and that the pursuit of truth can be a thrilling and dangerous journey.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When people hear “author,” they often picture someone secluded in a quiet cabin, sipping tea and writing for hours on end. For me, the reality is a little more chaotic—and maybe a bit unusual. As a full-time professional and a dad to a seven-year-old daughter, my writing time is a precious commodity I have to fight for.

I’ve learned to be a bit of a literary scavenger. I don’t have the luxury of setting aside a full day to write, so I’ve become an expert at finding and using the small pockets of time I have. I often write during my lunch break, hunched over my laptop in a coffee shop or my car, trying to get a few pages in before my next meeting. Other times, I’ll wake up in the early morning, long before my family is up, to capture an idea while the house is still quiet. And then there are the sessions that stretch late into the night, after my daughter is asleep and the rest of the world has gone still.

It’s not a romanticized process, but it works for me. My writing habits are less about routine and more about persistence, born out of a passion to tell this story. I think it adds a unique layer of authenticity to The Auditors because every word was earned in the small, stolen moments of a very real, very busy life.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When people ask what authors have influenced me, two names immediately come to mind: John Grisham and Michael Crichton.

I’m drawn to their work not just for the thrilling plots, but for how they masterfully use their professional backgrounds to create incredibly authentic and compelling stories. John Grisham, with his legal expertise, and Michael Crichton, with his medical and scientific knowledge, were able to turn their professions into the very foundation of their novels. They showed me that you don’t need to be a novelist by trade to write a great book; you just need to have a deep, specialized knowledge of a world that others don’t get to see.

That’s exactly what I’ve tried to do with The Auditors. My goal was to take my experience as a Certified Public Accountant and auditor and use it to build a financial thriller that feels real and lived-in. Grisham and Crichton inspired me to break the stereotypes of my own profession—to show that the world of accounting and auditing is anything but dry or boring. By using my firsthand knowledge, I hope to immerse readers in a high-stakes world of corporate intrigue and deception, just as they did with the worlds of law and science.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m already diving into my next novel, which is called A Glitch in the Cloud.

Much like The Auditors, this new book is inspired by another facet of my professional life, specifically the world of IT auditing. While The Auditors was about the financial side of things, A Glitch in the Cloud delves into the complex and often unseen world of technology audits.

The story follows a character named Leo Mathews, an IT auditor who has just made partner at his firm. His first major assignment is to audit a new Cloud ERP product, and what starts as a routine job quickly uncovers troubling connections and a web of deceit that runs deep within the companies involved. The book explores the high-stakes world where technology, business, and ethics collide, and my protagonist has to figure out who he can trust—including his most trusted mentor. It’s a natural progression from the financial world of my first book and a chance to explore a different, but equally compelling, kind of corporate mystery.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s an excellent question, and honestly, if I had the perfect answer, I’d probably be a full-time marketing guru instead of an author!

The truth is, I’m still trying to figure that out. Navigating the world of publishing and marketing a book is a completely different beast than writing it—and I can tell you, it’s definitely not as enjoyable. I’ve been doing a lot of research, talking to other authors, and experimenting with different approaches. I’m building my author platform, trying to get the word out on social media, and learning about things like keywords and algorithms, which feel a lot like the complex systems I analyze in my day job, but with a different kind of payoff.

Ultimately, I believe the best method is a combination of things. It’s about connecting with readers who love this kind of story, and for me, that means focusing on a niche that appreciates authentic, high-stakes thrillers with a professional backdrop. I’m hoping that by being open and honest about my journey, readers will connect with me and be just as excited to read my book as I was to write it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a debut novelist, I’m probably the last person who should be giving advice! In fact, I’m still very much in the process of learning and welcome any advice others can offer me. The whole journey has been a lesson in itself.

If I had to share one piece of wisdom that has resonated with me, it’s this: write what you know. There’s an authenticity and a confidence that comes from building a story in a world you truly understand. For me, that meant tapping into the unexpected drama of accounting and auditing. For you, it might be something else entirely—a hobby, a passion, or a different career.

Don’t be afraid to take something that seems ordinary or boring to others and find the extraordinary within it. That’s where you’ll find your unique voice and, I believe, your most compelling stories.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard wasn’t actually about being an author, but it’s advice I find myself applying to every part of my life, including my writing journey.

That advice is simple: Be authentic, because people can spot a faker a mile away.

I believe this holds true in everything you do. In my professional life, it’s about integrity and transparency, and in my writing, it’s about being genuine. I could have tried to write a book about something I thought was “hot” or popular, but it wouldn’t have felt real. Instead, I chose to write about a world I know intimately—the world of accounting and auditing. I didn’t try to glamorize it in a way that felt fake. I focused on telling a story that was true to my experiences, highlighting the real drama and high stakes that exist behind the scenes. Readers are smart. They know when a writer has a deep passion and knowledge for their subject matter. My hope is that by being authentic, I can connect with them on a much deeper level and make the story that much more compelling.

What are you reading now?
At this exact moment, my days are completely consumed with the final editing process for The Auditors, so I’m primarily reading and rereading my own work, which is a surprisingly intense and all-consuming task.

But when I do get a chance to take a break from my own manuscript, I’ve been listening to the audiobook of Stephen King’s Finders Keepers. As someone who was so inspired by authors who write from their professional experience, I’m fascinated by King’s ability to move between genres while maintaining that sense of authenticity and high-stakes drama. Finders Keepers is a perfect example of his ability to craft a suspenseful story, and it’s been a great way for me to get a dose of my favorite kind of reading while still being productive with my own project.

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me as a writer is diving deep into my next novel, which is currently titled A Glitch in the Cloud. It’s another thriller that draws from my professional experiences, this time focusing on the intricate and often high-stakes world of IT auditing. The story follows a character who uncovers a digital web of deceit while auditing a new cloud-based software system.

Beyond that, the ideas are constantly flowing. My full-time job and my observations of the corporate world inspire me every single day. I see potential stories and characters in the complex systems I analyze and the challenges I face. Whether it’s another financial thriller, a book about a new kind of fraud, or a different kind of corporate mystery, I’m always taking notes and letting these ideas ferment. My goal is to continue to pull back the curtain on these seemingly dry professions and show readers the thrill and intrigue that can be found in the most unexpected places.

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 to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to bring a few books, my choices would be highly practical, with one exception for a book that’s very close to my heart.

First and foremost, I’d bring a book on desert island survival. I’m an auditor by trade, so my nature is to be prepared and methodical. I’d want a comprehensive guide on building shelter, finding water, and foraging for food. Let’s face it, my auditing skills aren’t going to be much help against a hurricane or a coconut shortage.

Next, I’d pack a book on navigation and celestial mechanics. I’d want to learn how to read the stars to figure out where I am, and more importantly, how to signal for help or build a raft that’s headed in the right direction. It’s the ultimate problem-solving puzzle, and I’d need all the help I could get.

And finally, my last book would have to be my debut novel, The Auditors. It’s the one thing I’ve poured so much of myself into, and it feels like a piece of me. If I’m going to be stranded, I want to have something with me that reminds me of all the work I’ve done, and all the possibilities that are waiting for me back in the real world.

Author Websites and Profiles

Jay Hirschman Website

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Patrice Lewis

Interview With Author Patrice Lewis

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My husband and I are “modern homesteaders” striving toward food self-sufficiency on a small farm. Cows, gardens, chickens – it’s all grist for our mill. I write inspirational Amish romances under Harlequin’s Love Inspired line and have hit the Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller list numerous times. I have 12 books in print and four more in the pipeline. We also write for a wide variety of rural-themed magazines.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is entitled “Rachel’s Folly: A Romantic Mountain Adventure.” I’ve always been fascinated by the skills possessed by the pioneers which enabled them to create a home out of the wilderness. “Rachel’s Folly” examines what it might be like to do that in modern times.

“Rachel’s Folly” doesn’t fit within the Love Inspired guidelines, yet it’s always been my favorite unpublished manuscript. For this reason, we decided to dip our toes into the world of indy publishing and put it out for everyone to enjoy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
For all writers, it’s a matter of applying the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair to get a job done. Additionally, fiction writers can be divided into “pansters” (those who write by the seat of their pants) and “plotters” (those who must have the book plotted in advance). I’m very much a Plotter. Plotting doesn’t come easily to me, so coming up with a storyline is the hard part. Writing, however, is a joy.

For this reason, when I write fiction, I write a detailed chapter-by-chapter outline in advance, which lets me find any holes in the plot. Since most of my fiction writing is for the Love Inspired line, I need to follow a formula. This means I know in advance the length of my finished story. I aim to write half a chapter a day, which means I can complete a Love Inspired manuscript in about six weeks.

“Rachel’s Folly,” of course, doesn’t follow any formula. It’s a unique story. You might call it the story of my heart.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Possibly the author that’s influenced me the most is historical writer Anya Seton. Even though her books were published in between the 1940s and the 1960s, her books still resonate with millions of readers because she makes her characters come alive. “Katherine” and “Green Darkness” are among my all-time favorites.

What are you working on now?
Aside from some magazine articles, I have two fiction projects. One is another indy manuscript, which is fully written but needs editing. The other is my next Love Inspired story. I’m way ahead of schedule on the Love Inspired book, so I can write at a leisurely pace.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My long-running blog (www.rural-revolution.com) is my best marketing tool. Many of these loyal readers have followed me for upwards of 15 years, long before I started writing fiction. They are my biggest cheerleaders.

More recently, I’ve delved into Twitter and Facebook. These have proved successful for promoting my writing, but I’m still building up followers on these other platforms.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s important to start building a platform BEFORE you get published. Many agents won’t even look at writers who don’t already have a built-in audience. It seems unfair, but that’s the reality of the publishing world. If it wasn’t for the blog I’ve maintained for so many years, my agent would likely not have taken me on.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’ve heard all kinds of wonderful advice, but when it comes to writing, the old Nike slogan “Just Do It” comes to mind. Many people want to write, but they come up with all kinds of excuse why the words never hit the page. “I’m too busy.” “I have to get a Masters in Fine Arts degree first.” “My muse isn’t working.” Whatever the excuse, they do everything BUT write. Sometimes you just have to…do it.

What are you reading now?
I always have a number of books going simultaneously, but at the moment I’m re-reading Bill Bryson’s book “One Summer: America, 1927” as well as a book by Dan Jones called “The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
In addition to my Love Inspired contracts, I have two other longer manuscripts that we plan to indy publish. My husband and I are also looking to self-publish our collection of material on rural 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?
In addition to my Bible, I’d probably grab my collection of Anya Seton novels and the entire Bill Bryson oeuvre. Yeah, I know that’s more than three or four books, but what true bibliophile can limit herself to so few?

Author Websites and Profiles

Patrice Lewis Website

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Goodreads Profile

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Twitter Account

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Franz Bartel

Interview With Author Franz Bartel

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
With this book I will encourage you, with the experiences I made in this journey, to carry out your own individual dreams, though at this moment you may feel insecure, if you will achieve this goal.

This diary of my journey with every detail for preparing and executing thoroughly this journey, gives you THE information you need and will not be found elsewhere on the internet.

With more than 500 photos and illustrations, you can see, what would be interesting for yourself to see.

The author Franz Bartel as a kid, always wanted to know more of this world. Therefore, one of his first greater journeys, always organized by himself, was with a small French car from Citroën, the famous 2 CV, to pass whole Italy, then Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Spain and France. Later flying the United States from the East to the South and West Coast.

This trip around the world also includes his experiences of his adventurous 66-day round trip around the South American continent. You can read about these experiences with instructions on how to do it yourself in his book “SOUTH AMERICA ADVENTURE – Experiences of a Globetrotter” with more than 200 photos.
I translated my books to be read now in German, English, Spanish, Portugeese and Dutch in total 17 books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is: Adventure South East Asia Between Pagodes and Palaces. It was the last part of my longest journey of 51.600 km in total.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I wanted only to tell my experience of such a long journey to my friends and interested.

What are you working on now?
I am now retired and try to give an impession of how the world was without internet.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
How to publish your book, see Amazon, they give you detailed information.
How to present your book is the best search a recommended publisher who will make the work of promotion for you.
To try to publish your book with social media is VERY complicated, cause you don´t know who will be interested in reading your book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Most “advices” are to pay for designing a good book. But then it´s difficult to find anyone to publish and promote it.

What are you reading now?

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am still trying to find someone who will promote my books.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
First of all geographical maps to know where you are.
Books of other “stranded” people who survived.

Author Websites and Profiles

Franz Bartel Amazon Profile

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Facebook Profile

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Glenn Ashton

Interview With Author Glenn Ashton

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born in South Africa, Glenn emigrated to Canada in his mid-thirties, landing with high hopes, no assets and little cash in Toronto. One of Canada’s large commercial banks viewed with favour his law degree coupled with an MBA and offered him a job. A few years later he moved to the Royal Bank of Canada, the largest bank, and was later appointed Vice President of Corporate Finance, handling large commercial and project finance loans. While there he travelled on business to several European countries and also to China.
When the bank downsized, he wrote several exams to Canadianize his law degree, and after moving to Calgary worked with a law firm for five years and then became the internal counsel for a local company before retiring.
Glenn loved reading thrillers, and decided to write some himself, ending up self-publishing books, all of which are available as Kindle eBooks and also as printed books.
Their titles are: The Theft of Souls: The Trial of Lawrence of Arabia; Modern Proverbs; LittleTown (a kids’ book about animals building their own town, far from humans); Cupid’s Crescent (the kidnapping of the son of a banker by a German terrorist group); Silent Lips (New Yorkers race against time to save the city from a genetically engineered virus, with the President using the army to enforce the city’s quarantine); Obelisk Seven, an illustrated book about mysterious signals being sent between seven obelisks in Rome, London, New York and Egypt, while a new microbe threatens the world’s oil supply; and Small Steps to Bigger Book Sales.
His latest thriller, published this year, is Churchill’s Ferret, about a young woman who wishes to kill Hitler when he meets with Prime Minister Chamberlain to negotiate the 1938 Munich Accord. The two Mitford sisters (Unity and Diana) are prime suspects.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It is August 1938.
A young British woman is stalking Adolf Hitler.

Commander Charles Burton knows 3 things:
she wishes to kill Hitler,
she might be an aristocrat,
the Germans must not find out she is British.

What he does not know is
Who, Why, When, Where, and How.

And time is running out.

This thriller delves into four matters:

• Why Prime Minister Chamberlain signed the Munich Accord with Hitler in September 1938.

• Which highly influential persons in Britain supported Chamberlain and the Munich Accord, and why so many did.

• The significant role of the Mitford sisters (Unity and Diana) in the years leading up to the Munich Accord.

• Why so many Germans supported Hitler.

The illustrated edition has many images of people, places and events, to deepen one’s reading experience.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I plan my books, after doing extensive research. This allows me to write various scenes without having to start at the beginning and end up at the end. Very flexible writing style and saves enormous time in the process.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Google Save the Cat! by author Blake Snyder, and then google “Glenn Ashton” AND “Save the Cat” for my notes about his book. Worth every penny, Save the Cat! will solve your problem, take away all your concerns, make you self confident in your writing progress. It is the best book I have ever read or read about dealing with writing…. Your life is about to be changed, positively, if you dive into this book.

What are you working on now?
Nothing. Churchill’s Ferret was my latest, last and best book. Now I dip into Facebook postings and do a bit of marketing for the Ferret.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Marketing your book is a challenge. A whiles back I read articles by published authors about how they set about marketing their own books, with and without any agent, and then collected the ideas in my own book. Authors might find useful hints in it!
A suggestion: google these words all in one search: “Small Steps to Bigger Book Sales” AND “Glenn Ashton”
Click on Small Steps to Bigger Book sales book cover. Check it out for ideas you might use to market your books. Consider buying the book – the eBook is cheap.
Chapter 25 of Small Steps to Bigger Book Sales is the Small Steps Plan template. The Plan template is in the book itself. You can change it to suit your needs.
A FREE summary of the template is shown in my earlier Facebook post – check it out – under the introduction heading Template form of my Small Steps to Bigger Book Sales book. You can copy this and print it out. Costs you nothing!
The second useful item is Chapter 26 of Small Steps to Bigger Book Sales– the weekly engagement checklist of 120 items that you use to market your books in places where your readers are.
Small Steps to Bigger Book Sales is for every author with books to sell, or anyone who wishes to improve their participation in social networks.
You will be guided to do 20 Tasks, as part of your very own Small Steps Plan to market your books. You will start with the first 10 tasks over 3 months and the next 10 over the next next 6 months. Then you review and revise your next Small Steps Plan.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder. And its successor Save The Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody. Essential tools for writers (both starting and published writers),

What are you reading now?
Goodbye Dolly Gray

What’s next for you as a writer?
Messing around with occasional marketing spurts for my 8 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?
The Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes by Opie.
The Little Drummer Girl.
Postwar A History of Europe since 1945 by Tony Judt.
Sherlock Holmes Rge Complete Stories.
A set of encyclopedias.

Author Websites and Profiles

Glenn Ashton Website

Glenn Ashton Amazon Profile

Author Interview Series

If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.

Engr. Tayyab Iqbal

Interview With Author Engr. Tayyab Iqbal

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an author who is passionate about exploring the emotional intensity of dark romance, billionaire secrets, and mafia suspense. My writing blends heart-pounding drama with tender love stories that keep readers hooked until the last page.
So far, I’ve written and published more than 50 romance novels, and my catalog continues to grow each month. My books explore themes of forbidden love, power struggles, family secrets, and second chances, giving readers a mix of both excitement and emotional depth.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is Mafia Queen: A Dark Forbidden Romance of Power, Passion, and Deadly Desire. I was inspired by the strong heroines who rise above fear and danger, even when trapped in a ruthless world. I wanted to write about a woman who doesn’t just survive the mafia world but becomes its queen, balancing love, power, and sacrifice.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love writing late at night when everything is quiet. My best ideas come when the world is asleep — it feels like the characters whisper their secrets to me at that time. I also keep a notebook nearby because sometimes a single sentence or piece of dialogue will spark the whole direction of a book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always admired authors who mix romance with suspense and high stakes. Writers like Sylvia Day, J.T. Geissinger, and Natasha Knight influenced me, especially in how they balance passion with tension. Their ability to make readers feel both love and danger at the same time inspired me to write my own brand of dark, addictive romance.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on expanding my romance series collections into box sets. Readers love binge-reading, so I’m packaging my most popular standalone novels into series collections, making them easier to discover and enjoy in one go.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found success through a mix of Amazon ads, KDP promotions, and book directories like Awesomegang, Booksy, and Freebooksy. These sites help me reach readers who are actively looking for new romance novels. I also rely on building a strong catalog, the more books available, the easier it is for readers to discover my work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes: don’t wait for the perfect book to start publishing. Write, release, learn, and keep going. The more books you publish, the more chances you give yourself to be discovered. Consistency is the key to building momentum.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write what you love, and readers who love it will find you.” That advice has kept me focused on writing stories that excite me first because passion on the page always connects with readers.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently re-reading some classic dark romance thrillers to study how tension is built scene by scene. It helps me sharpen my own storytelling craft.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to continue releasing two to three new books per week until my catalog crosses 85+ titles, and to build more box sets that increase visibility. My goal is to become a top choice for readers who love dark romance and billionaire suspense.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d bring:
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (for the timeless romance),
• Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James (for the passion and intensity),
• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (for the supernatural love story),
• The Godfather by Mario Puzo (for the mafia power dynamics).

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Mo Fanning

Interview With Author Mo Fanning

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Mo Fanning, a Birmingham-based novelist who writes character-driven fiction exploring love, identity, and human connection through LGBTQ+ experiences. I’ve published seven books so far—five novels and two short story collections—with my eighth book in the works as I type.

My novels include The Armchair Bride, Rebuilding Alexandra Small, Ghosted, Husbands, and Rainbows and Lollipops. I’ve also released two short story collections: this is (not) america and Five Gold Rings.

I write with (what I hope) is a blend of humor, heartbreak, and hope, creating characters whose journeys reflect that universal search for belonging we all experience. Drawing inspiration from my Midlands roots and vagabond adult life, I try to infuse authentic voices and settings that resonate with readers who appreciate stories celebrating the beauty of imperfection and the transformative power of resilience.

When I’m not writing, I live with my husband Mark and our (always peckish) Labrador Ernie, continuing to find inspiration in the world around me. Each book feels like both a personal journey and a love letter to the community that shaped me.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘Ghosted’, and it was inspired by a fascinating human paradox I kept observing: how we can feel most alone when we’re surrounded by the most people, and how hope often emerges precisely when it seems most impossible.

The idea began with two very different characters. Silas is a department store Santa who loses his beloved job, and Ellen is a New York diner waitress who suddenly finds herself unemployed. Both are hitting rock bottom just before Christmas. I was intrigued by the idea of dropping these two people who expected to spend the holidays alone onto a cruise ship with 3000 gay men ready to party.

What happens when you’re at your lowest ebb but surrounded by joy and celebration?

I’ve always been drawn to stories about estranged families and second chances, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community where chosen family often becomes as important as biological family. Silas’s desperate attempt to reconnect with his son Joey after thirteen years of silence felt like such a universal story. That fear of reaching out when you’ve hurt someone you love.

The cruise ship setting allowed me to explore themes of belonging and community while also examining how sometimes the biggest crowd can be the loneliest place on earth. I wanted to write about that moment when losing everything, your job, your purpose, your hope, actually clears space for something better to emerge.

At its heart, Ghosted is about the courage it takes to believe in love and connection when every rational voice tells you it’s too late.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do most of my first drafts longhand in notebooks, which drives my husband slightly crazy because I have stacks of them everywhere. There’s something about the physical act of writing that helps me connect with my characters’ voices better than typing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Marian Keyes was the reason I started to write. I devoured her early books and wanted more. When I couldn’t find quite the right mix of humanity and heart with wit, I tried to write one for myself. These days, I worship at the Swedish loafers of Fredrik Backman.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently revisiting a never quite right draft of something I wrote a while back… giving it what I like to call the “director’s cut” treatment.

It’s fascinating going back to a story I wrote some years ago and seeing how much my understanding of the characters has deepened since then.

The book explores themes around identity and authenticity, particularly that journey from presenting a version of yourself that you think the world wants to see, to finally having the courage to be genuinely who you are. It’s about those moments when we realise we’ve been performing our own lives rather than actually living them.

There’s something quite poignant about revisiting characters who are grappling with the difference between surface sweetness and authentic joy. The story delves into how we sometimes cling to idealised versions of happiness, those candy-coloured dreams we had as children, when what we really need is something much more real and complex.

I’m particularly excited about expanding the emotional depth this time around. The original version was good (I think), but I feel like I understand these characters’ inner lives so much better now. There’s more space for the messiness of real relationships, the way people can love each other and still hurt each other, and how growing up sometimes means letting go of the pretty illusions to find something more substantial underneath.

It’s been quite therapeutic, actually, diving back into themes of self-acceptance and the courage it takes to live authentically, especially within communities where you’re still figuring out where you belong.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You mean outside of Awesome Gang, right?

Honestly, I’ve found that building genuine relationships with readers has been far more valuable than any single promotional method. My email newsletter has become my most effective tool because it lets me connect directly with people who actually want to hear from me, rather than shouting into the social media void.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the book you wish existed in the world, not the book you think will sell. I spent years trying to second-guess what publishers or readers wanted, and it nearly killed my love of writing. The breakthrough came when I stopped worrying about commercial appeal and started writing stories that genuinely mattered to me.

Finish things. I know that sounds obvious, but it’s the biggest hurdle. There’s something magical about completing a full manuscript, even if it’s terrible. And actually, it really ought to be terrible. That first draft is just you telling yourself a story. You learn more from finishing one flawed book than from endlessly polishing the first three chapters of five different projects. Give yourself permission to write badly at first. And write really badly. On purpose.

Find your people, but be selective about whose opinions matter. Join writing groups, but remember that not all feedback is useful feedback. Some critique partners will try to turn your book into the book they would write. Listen to your gut about which advice serves your story and which doesn’t.

Read a lot. Then real more. But don’t let it intimidate you. Every published author started as someone who’d never written a book before.

Most importantly, enjoy the process. Writing is hard work, but it should also bring you joy. If you’re not having fun creating these characters and their world, your readers won’t have fun either.

I know many people say write every day, but some days I don’t. I think about what I’m writing or could be writing most days. That counts.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can’t edit a blank page.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis, which was shortlisted for the 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction. I picked it up after seeing it on the longlist and being intrigued by the premise. It’s just so incredibly accessible. Nussaibah is so great at knowing how to balances the political and the personal without letting either overwhelm the story. As someone who tries to weave social themes into my own novels without getting all preachy about it, I’m taking notes. And spitting with envy.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Lots more words in lots of notepads.

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?
‘Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine’ by Gail Honeyman would definitely be one of them. There’s something about Eleanor’s journey from isolation to connection that I totally get. I’ve already read it three times. I’m ready for the fourth.

‘Rachel’s Holiday’ by Marian Keyes. The way she balances heartbreak with hope is something so brilliant. And she never avoids letting grown-ups be messy.

‘Big Girl, Small Town’ by Michelle Gallen. Gallen captures small-town dynamics and the complexity of belonging somewhere that both nurtures and suffocates.

And I absolutely must smuggle a fourth book – ‘A Man Called Ove’ by Fredrik Backman. A grumpy exterior hiding such a tender heart would be perfect desert island company.

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Neil Plakcy

Interview With Author Neil Plakcy

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing since I was a teenager, and publishing for the last fifteen years. I’ve written over 70 novels in mystery, romance, adventure, and healing fiction.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My new book is The Big Race, which was inspired by years of watching The Amazing Race on TV and knowing I could never make it as a contestant. But I let my imagination run wild and came up with Jeffrey and Ray, a married couple of 25 years whose relationship has reached a crossroads after Ray’s affair threatens to end their marriage. In a last-ditch effort to save what they’ve built together, they apply for a reality TV competition that sends teams racing around the world. What begins as a test of their partnership becomes a journey of rediscovery, forgiveness, and the hard work of rebuilding trust.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only that I am constantly negotiating around two large golden retrievers, who often sprawl behind my writing chair, and frequently need attention.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ernest Hemingway, Jack Kerouac and Jimmy Buffett. All of them write prose that inspires me and lived in a way I’d love to emulate.

What are you working on now?
My next big project is After the Party: A Jewish Teen’s Guide to Finding Your Path. For most kids, Jewish education stops at the bar or bat mitzvah. My book is my way of keeping them engaged in ways that our centuries-old religion can help them.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a Substack newsletter with about 5,000 fans, and I write to them weekly about the intersection between creativity and business. They like the behind-the-scenes look, and are kind enough to buy my books in return.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find the genre you love and read heavily in it. Analyze the way the books you love are written– how many chapters, how many characters, how does time pass. Get those routines in your head when you sit down to write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That a story is about someone who wants something, and what stands in his or her way of getting it.

What are you reading now?
The Longmire Defense by Craig Johnson. I love his books and miss the TV show!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m just starting to rough out an outline for a second-chance romance set in the world of F1 Racing.

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?
Ulysses, by James Joyce, because there’s so much there to read. And probably a compendium of some of my favorite writers like Laurie Colwin and KJ Charles.

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Olfa Awedni

Interview With Author Olfa Awedni

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
About Me :
My name is Olfa Awedni; Doctor Engineer in electrical engineering and university assistant professor.

I’m passionate about storytelling, connecting with people, and sharing meaningful experiences. Whether through writing, teaching, conferences public speaking or everyday conversations, I believe in the power of stories to inspire, heal, and bring us closer together.

I enjoy learning new things, exploring different perspectives, and finding the beauty in life’s challenges and triumphs. Outside of my creative work, I value kindness, empathy, and genuine connections.

I tell stories to my heart : memoirs, reflections, and tales of resilience, hope, and the human spirit.

Real-life experiences, capturing moments of struggle and strength, loss and love, silence and rediscovery.

My goal is to share stories that inspire, comfort, and connect us all, reminding us that even in the darkest times, there’s light to be found. Whether you’re seeking healing, understanding, or simply a heartfelt read, I hope you find something meaningful here.

My first book : After My Voice Was Gone by Olfa Awedni

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Book title : After My Voice Was Gone by Olfa Awedni

What would you do if you lost the very thing that defined your entire identity?
He chose to die rather than live without his voice. This is what happened next.

When Professor Hakim’s booming voice; the instrument that built his career as a teacher, guided his family, and defined his worth as the wise counselor everyone turned to, was silenced by stage IV throat cancer, he lost himself, pushed away his wife, his children, and his entire life connections, convinced that a voiceless existence was no existence at all. But life had other plans for him; and when his deaf grandson was born, he miraculously found the answers for all his questions.

This is the true story of one man’s journey from the depths of despair to unexpected purpose, and the family who loved him through it all.
Professor Hakim embarked on a journey that would shatter his identity… and rebuild it in ways more profound than he ever imagined.

In this deeply moving memoir, you’ll discover:

• How devastating loss can become the foundation for life’s greatest purpose
• The extraordinary ways families adapt and grow stronger through crisis
• Why communication is about connection, not just words
• How one man’s silence became a voice for hundreds of others
• The surprising gifts that emerge when we learn to listen with our hearts

This is more than a story about overcoming illness, it’s about the courage to rebuild your identity when everything you thought defined you disappears. It’s about the unexpected ways that our greatest challenges can become our most meaningful contributions to the world.

Perfect for readers of “When Breath Becomes Air”, “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”. This memoir proves that sometimes we must lose our voices to finally learn what we were meant to say.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No

What authors, or books have influenced you?
the Books that attract me the most are memoirs that bring hope to hopeless people based on real life experiences. I really love : “When Breath Becomes Air”, and “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly”.
My favorite author since my childhood is : Victor Hugo

What are you working on now?
I’m an electrical engineer. I also have a PhD in electrical engineering so I also work as a university teacher and researcher.

The book i’m working on right now is about those who feel late in their lives compared to others.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, this is my biggest struggle as an author, I still couldn’t find the method that fits me the best.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’m new too, it is not easy but keep working keep writing keep publishing, one day your sparkle will be seen. Don’t stop don’t give up.
All the best ..

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Failing at 100% is better than succeeding at 30%

What are you reading now?
Educated by Tara Westover

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m a deep person who sometimes gets inspired by little things that people don’t even look at; and as long as i’m inspired, i’ll find myself writing about different stuffs every night.
I’ve never stopped writing, i just didn’t publish all of it, i only published one.
So i’ll keep writing, and try to publish as much as i can.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
How We Learn to Be Brave by Mariann Edgar Budde
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter

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Anita E Crist

Interview With Author Anita E Crist

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

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My second book, BUCKET LIST TRAVEL GETAWAYS AFRICA!, will launch on August 19, 2025, and it is the first of my Travel Series . I have been in the travel industry for over 45 years, ran my cruise agency for many of those years, and have visited most of the world’s beautiful places. My inspiration is to share these experiences with as many folks as possible through my books and encourage them to be part of the cultures they visit.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My main habit is getting up at 5 a.m. while it is still dark, getting my cup of coffee, and beginning to write. That’s when my mind is wide open, my puppies go back to sleep (so they don’t bother me!), and I can work continually for 3-4 hours without a break.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
First and foremost, the most influential book is the Bible. I love series books, like The Chosen and the Left Behind Series. My favorite authors for style have always been.
Daneille Steele and Stephen King!

What are you working on now?
During this Launch process, I am concentrating on making this successful. As soon as the Amazon Ads begin and I feel that I have them under control, I will start the second book of the travel series, BUCKET LIST TRAVEL GETAWAYS SCANDINAVIA!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since beginning the Launch process, I have discovered some excellent Promotional sites, one of which is Awesomegang.com. I must admit that Written Word Media offers the most diverse range of opportunities to promote my book, and it is very easy to schedule a day to advertise.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
There is a tendency to use AI when writing your book, and it is essential not to become overly reliant on AI. Sometimes you might need to get some ideas and/or form thoughts and sentences from AI, but it is easy for readers to distinguish if your book is AI-written, and if you try to get a copyright, the US Copyright Office will not pass it. Also, always use Grammarly to check/correct what you have written for typos because one set of eyes doesn’t always catch every mistake.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I had the best coaches at Publishing.com, and while they came down hard on me for my mistakes, I made sure never to repeat them. One thing I did not realize is how vital Reviews are to the success of a book, and Facebook ads are the way to go to get them. Since I was banned on Facebook, I had to outsource to a costly company, but I got guaranteed, qualified reviews. The lesson – if you cannot do it yourself, find a company that will do it for you!

What are you reading now?
I am in between books right now during the launch, and as I begin the next book.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Like I mentioned earlier I will be starting the next book in the Travel Series – BUCKET LIST TRAVEL GETAWAYS SCANDINAVIA!

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 my Bible, an Off-Grid Survival Book, and a book on Year-Round Gardening.

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Dianna Aubin

Interview With Author Dianna Aubin

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in North Carolina with my husband and two black cats Pepper and Shadow. I have written over 100 books. I started writing them at the age of 11 and just started editing them and getting them published (I am 58 now)

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Welcome on the Mantle.

Inspired by a friend adopting her foster daughter.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A glass of wine and a cat on my desk.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J. L. Byron
Laura Ingalls Wilder

What are you working on now?
Book 15 in my Hauntings of the Smoky Mountains series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook and Alkai for trailers

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep trying.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up on your dream.

What are you reading now?
A Night to Remember.

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

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Long Winter
Little Women
Ellie Jordan Ghost Hunter

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Sammy Adami

Interview With Author Sammy Adami

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Sammy Adami. I’ve spent years journaling, questioning, and debating with my inner voices—one of which eventually became a central figure in my latest book. So far, I’ve written three books: Building My Avatar , Health Memory Dramedy, and Emergence at the VUE. They’re not just memoirs; they’re experiments in truth, memory, and identity. I’m less interested in telling a neat, linear life story and more in letting readers walk through the tangled corridors of my mind.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Emergence at the VUE. The VUE is the app or website where my avatars live. What inspired the book was a collision of events: the psychological aftershocks of wars, the unsettling idea that AI might soon understand us better than we understand ourselves, and my own midlife reckoning. I realized those threads belonged in the same story, and that if I could capture them honestly, it might resonate with anyone standing at a crossroads in their life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have entire conversations with characters who don’t exist. These are either voices in my head or voices at the VUE—my avatars’ sanctuary. My AI twin and the Guardian, who controls access to the VUE, often interrupt my writing sessions to argue with me about what should happen next. Sometimes I’ll “interview” them on the page and let their answers steer the scene. My last book, Emergence at the VUE, talks about these voices.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been shaped by a strange mix of voices. From literature, I’ve drawn on the raw introspection of Karl Ove Knausgård’s My Struggle series, the playful metafiction of Italo Calvino, and the layered consciousness of Virginia Woolf. Memoirs like Paul Kalanithi’s When Breath Becomes Air showed me the power of honesty when talking about mortality, while Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens and Shoshana Zuboff’s The Age of Surveillance Capitalism cracked open the bigger questions about humanity and technology. And then there are the voices in my own head — ViSam, Rami Digitalis — who have become as influential to my work as any author I’ve read.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m refining the VUE — the VMC Universe Explorer. VMC stands for my series, the Voices of a Midlife Crisis. The VUE is an interactive world for readers to step into.
In my books, the VUE is a place of discovery. In reality, I’m shaping it into an experience where readers can:
• Interact with my characters — talk to my digital twin, get cryptic clues from the Guardian of my diaries, or meet other characters from the series.
• Play games and solve puzzles — unlocking hidden areas, secret scenes, or bonus chapters.
• Explore the diaries — finding secrets, alternate perspectives, and pieces of the story that aren’t in the books.
• Experience it in virtual reality — so the world of the VUE becomes a place you can literally walk through.

The goal is to make the VUE more than just a setting; it’s an unfolding mystery, a playground for the curious, and a living extension of the VMC series where readers can keep discovering long after they’ve turned the last page.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For me, the most effective way to promote my books has been through book clubs. They create an environment where readers don’t just passively consume a story; they live with it, discuss it, and challenge each other’s interpretations. With Emergence at the VUE, book clubs often dive into the deeper questions about identity, technology, and memory, which sparks the kind of conversation that gets people talking long after the meeting ends. I’ve joined these discussions in person and online, and that personal connection makes readers far more likely to recommend the book to friends. A good book club is like a multiplier: one copy can lead to ten new readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is simple: do it for fun, not as your primary way to make a living. The reality is that only a small percentage of authors earn enough from book sales to support themselves. If your goal is to make money, you either need to already be famous or become exceptional at marketing—and even then, it’s a gamble. Write because you have something to say—or want to entertain—because you enjoy the process, and because you want to connect with readers. If the financial rewards come, that’s a bonus.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard, in the context of writing a book, is to merge with AI, but never surrender to it. Use it symbiotically for research, editing, and brainstorming, but don’t let it define your voice or your message. The human perspective is what makes a book worth reading. That’s also the core message of my latest book, Emergence at the VUE: exploring what happens when we work with AI on a book without losing ourselves in the process.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading a mix of books on consciousness and artificial intelligence, exploring both the science and the philosophy. Three on my desk at the moment are: The Feeling of Life Itself by Christof Koch, Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark, and Being You by Anil Seth. I’m drawn to works that examine what it means to be aware, how the mind constructs reality, and how AI might mirror or challenge that process. It’s part curiosity, part research for where the VMC series might go next.

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me is figuring out the marketing angle for the VMC series. I have a lot of material already created—based on my diaries—but my focus right now is on refining the VUE and finding the best way to get the series into readers’ hands. I’ve been considering working with a literary agent. I prefer self-publishing, but I’m a little conflicted. I know how to market—and can learn more with the help of AI—but there’s so much to do for both the VMC series and the VUE. That’s why I’m launching the series myself and marketing it now to establish its success and prove its feasibility. Once that foundation is in place, I’d look for an agent so I can focus fully on the creative side of writing and let the marketing be handled by the experts.

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, the first book I’d take would be SAS Survival Handbook by John “Lofty” Wiseman — because step one is staying alive. Second, I’d bring The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin — his wit, resourcefulness, and reflections would keep my mind sharp. Third, I’d take Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond, which compares how different civilizations developed over the same eras. That combination would give me the tools to survive, the inspiration to stay motivated, and the perspective to remember that isolation is just one chapter in a much bigger story.

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Jenny Worstall

Interview With Author Jenny Worstall

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written 7 pocket novels and they have been published by DC Thomson. 5 of them have been republished as Linford Romance large print library books.
Last year Dragonblade published the three books in my Regency Romance series The Heart of Bath. Book 1 Lost and Found. Book 2 Breaking Free. Book 3 Starting Again.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Starting Again is the third and final book in my Regency series The Heart of Bath. It was inspired by my childhood home of Bath and by Number 1 The Royal Crescent which is where some of my characters live. The Featheringtons from Bridgerton also live at Number 1! I was lucky enough to see part of the first Bridgerton movie being filmed in Bath a while back and that rekindled my interest in all things Regency. And of course, in her 250th Anniversary year, who can be failed to be inspired by the great Jane Austen herself?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I stand at my desk as sitting for hours is not good for the back. I also dictate into my phone as much as possible when I do the first draft of a novel because then I can be wandering round anywhere, not tied to the computer. And yes, I have experienced some strange looks from people when dictating a romantic scene while walking in the local park…!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m influenced by the classics, and have to mention the great Jane Austen again as this is her 250th anniversary year. But I read widely among contemporary authors too, for example I’ve just read a wonderful book by Claire Fuller, ‘Bitter Orange,’ which I thoroughly recommend, and on the lighter side I’ve just devoured The Cruise Club’ by Caroline James – very witty and lots of fun!
I belong to a group of authors called The Surrey Buddies and we meet up regularly to exchange ideas and support each other (and, most importantly, to gossip!). Many thanks to Linda Corbett, Jennifer Bibby, Alison Sherlock, Nina Barclay, Sally Harris and Cara Cooper.

What are you working on now?
I am writing a contemporary romantic comedy inspired by Jane Eyre – with a dash of Notting Hill. She’s running from her past – and he’s stuck in his.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find social media the best, in particular Instagram and Facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up! There are millions of potential readers out there in the world.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Best advice for writing novels comes from Somerset Maugham:
“There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately no one knows what they are.”

What are you reading now?
I’m reading the latest romantic comedy from Alison Sherlock, ‘Coming Home to Maple Tree Lodge.’ It’s great! Like all her novels, it’s heartwarming, funny and creates a world that readers would love to live in full time.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Good question! I will have to wait and see…

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?
Persuasion by Jane Austen, because it’s my favourite book.
Jane Eyre because it’s my second favourite book.
Whatever Gill Hornby is going to write next. I love her books!
And finally a surprise book, something I haven’t read before, perhaps out of my comfort zone. Any suggestions?

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John Smith

Interview With Author John Smith

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am John, a passionate author who tells stories of power, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. Throughout my career, I have written books on a variety of topics, including artificial intelligence, perfumes, finance, anxiety and depression, as well as travel and cuisine. However, at the moment, I am focusing on series of novels in romance, mafia, and action, creating sagas full of suspense, emotion, and twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. To date, I have written over 100 books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book was Cartel Queens — The Saga, a story that inspired me to explore various mafia series and action movies. This saga allowed me to create a world full of power, intrigue, and unforgettable characters, combining romance, suspense, and shocking twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My unusual writing habit is that I often draw inspiration from watching action movies or listening to intense music while crafting my most dramatic and suspenseful scenes. This helps me maintain tension and excitement in every chapter.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been influenced by authors who create intense, suspenseful worlds, such as Elmore Leonard, Don Winslow, and James Patterson. I am also inspired by mafia and crime sagas, as well as action movies, which help me craft exciting scenes and unexpected twists in my stories

What are you working on now?
At the moment, I am focused on the promotion of my saga Cartel Queens, making sure more readers discover and enjoy these stories full of romance, mafia, and action.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method for promoting my books is through digital platforms like Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, and social media, where I can connect directly with readers and reach a global audience. I also use communities and book-focused sites like AwesomeGang, which help me showcase my sagas and generate interest among fans of action, romance, and mafia stories.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to be consistent and persistent. Writing requires discipline, but also passion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with genres and styles, and learn to promote your work to reach readers. Every story you tell is an opportunity to grow and connect with your audience.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever received is: “Write every day, even when you don’t feel like it.” Consistency is key to improving, completing projects, and getting your stories into the hands of readers.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading books on organized crime and suspense novels, to get inspiration and add realism and tension to my own romance, mafia, and action stories.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next for me as a writer is to continue expanding the Cartel Queens saga and create new series of romance, mafia, and action novels, exploring deeper characters and more intense plots to surprise my readers.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I were stranded on an island, I would take a collection of my favorite crime and mafia sagas, suspense novels, action classics, and some books that inspire creativity, to stay entertained and continue learning how to craft intense stories.

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John Smith Website

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John Smith

Interview With Author John Smith

What are you working on now?
At the moment, I am focused on the promotion of my saga Cartel Queens, making sure more readers discover and enjoy these stories full of romance, mafia, and action.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading books on organized crime and suspense novels, to get inspiration and add realism and tension to my own romance, mafia, and action stories.

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John Smith Website

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Gwen McDowell

Interview With Author Gwen McDowell

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Gwen McDowell, an indie author from Texas who writes gritty, redemptive stories about survival, resilience, and the quiet moments that make life worth fighting for. My debut novel, Operation: Blackout // Status: Redacted, is a YA dystopian thriller that blends high-stakes action with emotional depth. I’m currently working on my second book, When the Voice Spoke, a darker dystopian survival story with psychological horror elements, which is set to release next month on Amazon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Operation: Blackout // Status: Redacted. It was inspired by my fascination with the balance between trust and betrayal, and how loyalty can be both a weapon and a lifeline in dangerous situations. I wanted to create a world that felt raw and unpredictable, with a protagonist whose strength came from her ability to survive — even when the odds were stacked against her.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write late at night, often with instrumental or cinematic music playing in the background. I’ll sometimes act out dialogue or gestures to make sure they feel natural on the page. And I keep a notebook nearby for random lines or scenes that hit me in the middle of the night.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always admired Charles Dickens for his ability to create vivid, emotionally resonant characters who stay with you long after the story ends. Arthur Conan Doyle influenced the way I approach mystery and suspense — the layering of clues and the subtle building of tension. Stephen King has inspired me with his knack for blending the ordinary and the unsettling, making even familiar settings feel dangerous and unpredictable. Each of them, in their own way, has shaped how I weave atmosphere, character depth, and suspense into my stories.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on When the Voice Spoke, a darker dystopian survival novel. It takes place in a world collapsing under a mutated fungal infection that warps time and memory. The protagonist, Rhazyn, has to navigate both physical dangers and the psychological unraveling of those around her.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found that connecting with readers directly through social media, especially Instagram and Facebook, has been the most rewarding. Sharing behind-the-scenes content, excerpts, and personal reflections helps readers connect with the person behind the book. I’m also building relationships with book bloggers and podcasts for free, authentic exposure.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the book you’d want to read, not the one you think will “sell.” Readers connect with authenticity. And don’t let perfectionism stop you from finishing — you can’t edit a blank page. If you want, use experiences from your life or feelings you’ve experienced as background for your characters and stories.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard doesn’t pertain to writing, but I’ve found it very helpful pushing through difficult days. “You’ve survived all of your hardest days so far, what makes you think you can’t get through the next one?”

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reworking my way through Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series, I love the mystery and suspense.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After When the Voice Spoke, I plan to keep publishing every other month, alternating between dystopian thrillers and survival-driven stories. My goal is to build a library of work that feels interconnected through themes of resilience, trust, and redemption.

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 Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins (yes, I’m counting that as one choice!)

Scythe by Neal Shusterman

Sherlock Holmes Collection by Arthur Conan Doyle

A massive blank journal so I could write my own stories while I’m there

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Sophy Smythe

Interview With Author Sophy Smythe

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Sophy Smythe and I’m the doctor-turned-author of fast-paced medical thrillers that explore the dark intersection of medicine, technology, and power. Before becoming a full-time novelist, I was a doctor with extensive experience in the medical industry. My work blends emotional depth with scientific accuracy and cinematic tension, creating stories that are as thought-provoking as they are impossible to put down.
My breakout novel, The Medical Code, was praised for its chillingly realistic portrayal of unethical research in healthcare and global pharmaceutical corruption. My upcoming thriller, The Troublemaker (October 9, 2025), follows Dr. Charlie Martens—a whistleblower who believes exposing tainted medicine will save lives, only to trigger a deadly conspiracy that could end hers.
I live in Antwerp with my two dogs and a growing stack of FOIA files, which often inspire my plots. I’m currently working on The Hellraiser, the next installment in my interconnected medical thriller universe. My books are perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Robin Cook, and smart thrillers with a conscience.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Troublemaker, releasing on October 9, 2025. The inspiration came from a real-life medical scandal: the 2012 U.S. fungal meningitis outbreak linked to the New England Compounding Center (NECC). Contaminated methylprednisolone acetate (MPA), an injectable steroid, caused 793 confirmed cases of harm across the country, and tragically, more than 100 people died.
The NECC owner and four employees were later convicted, but for me, the deeper question was—what happens when those responsible for saving lives are the ones endangering them? That seed of truth became the foundation for a fictional conspiracy thriller that’s terrifying precisely because it could happen again.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
People often ask, “Why would a medical doctor write thrillers?”
Here’s the truth:
To paraphrase T.S. Eliot, healthcare is “a wilderness of mirrors.” After decades in medicine, I’ve seen and heard stories I can never share—because of doctor-patient privilege, confidentiality, or simply because some truths are too disturbing.
So I do the next best thing:
I take a real medical scandal.
I dissect it.
I reassemble it into a story that grips, shocks, and makes you think.
Every thriller I write is grounded in fact—but you’ll never quite know where the truth ends and the fiction begins. As Salman Rushdie said: “When a baby is born, the first thing he asks for is love and care and food. When that is provided, he asks: Tell me a story.”
That’s what I do—tell stories that let us face the frightening realities of medicine through the safe lens of fiction.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dan Brown for his intricate conspiracies, Robin Cook for his medical authenticity, and Wilbur Smith for his sweeping, high-stakes adventure.

What are you working on now?
I’m deep into writing The Hellraiser, the third book in the Charlie Martens, MD series—a tense, morally complex medical conspiracy thriller.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I rely on a combination of social media storytelling, targeted email marketing, and securing reviews from respected newspapers and book bloggers. Each channel helps me connect directly with readers who love high-stakes, intelligent thrillers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the story only you can tell. Don’t chase trends—by the time you catch them, they’ll be gone. Instead, focus on mastering your craft, understanding your audience, and being consistent. And most importantly, finish the book—perfectionism kills more novels than writer’s block ever could.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write the book you want to read, not the book you think will sell.” Authentic passion is contagious, and readers can feel when you’re telling the truth—even in fiction.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading Fire on the Horizon by Wilbur Smith and Imogen Robertson—a gripping historical adventure that blends vivid characters with high-stakes drama.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing The Hellraiser is my top priority. It’s an ambitious story that pushes Dr. Charlie Martens into even darker territory, and I can’t wait to share it with readers.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
• Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown
• Red Notice by Bill Browder
• Cell by Robin Cook

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Sophy Smythe Website

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M.T. O’Neill

Interview With Author M.T. O’Neill

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a 44-year-old (Oh God, I’m 44 already. What happened?) Scottish author living in Edinburgh. I write novels to stay (relatively) sane, and I have done so for years. I’ve already published two novels: my Gothic Horror novel, Fairhaven Falls, and my Urban fantasy, The Fleshmarket Vampire. My third book, The Firenze Vampire, is a sequel to The Fleshmarket Vampire and will be out very soon!

In my spare time, I like football, movies, and spending way too much time on my PlayStation.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My upcoming title The Firenze Vampire is the sequel to my debut novel The Fleshmarket Vampire. The whole TFV world was inspired by my love of vampire movies, especially Interview with the Vampire, and The Lost Boys. I had the inspiration of modern, contemporary vampires living their lives in a gothic, ancient city. I also had the inspiration of a vampire jaded by life, pushed to the point of desperation through the actions of other vampires, eventually doing the unthinkable and turning against her own kind.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to get out of the house to write. My home is for either housework, taking care of the kids and relaxing. To get in the mood, I need somewhere that sells nice coffee and has a relaxing atmosphere. It may not be too unusual, but it’s my rigid thing that I’m wed to.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Edgar Allan Poe, a true master of his craft.

What are you working on now?
I’m finalising The Firenze Vampire, getting it ready for publication. Once it’s out, I’ll start writing the final part to conclude the intended trilogy between marketing efforts.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Why, right here, of course!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
This may sound rude or judgemental, but the best two pieces of advice I have for you are 1. pack your ego away, that’s purely for marketing, and 2. don’t take feedback personally.

We’re all on a journey, and none of us should consider ourselves the finished product. We can all improve, and that’s not a bad thing. When you ask for feedback, please understand that all art is subjective. If you start seeing overlaps in the feedback, then that’s when you can be confident of an area you can work on.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing is simultaneously the most exciting, rewarding, nerve-racking, and terrifying thing you could possibly do, and it’s absolutely worth it. Work hard, have faith in yourself, and constantly look to improve.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m wading deep in the editing/reviewing trenches for my upcoming book, The Firenze Vampire. I look forward to having the time to crack a book open soon.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Onward, forever onward to (hopefully) bigger and better things.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Oh God, that’s an impossible question for me. I’d take the complete works of Edgar Allan Poe, Dr Johnson’s Dictionary of Modern Life, by Tom Morton, the complete works of Shakespeare, and a compendium of Charlie Brooker’s works.

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M.T. O’Neill Website

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Liryn Flow

Interview With Author Liryn Flow

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

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Killer: Signal of the Shift (Goddess of the Nether Book 1)
My inspiration came from the novel She’s Always Good at Dying and the game Star Rail. They provided the initial framework for my story and sparked the idea of Affinities. The unique powers tied to each Affinity are, to me, one of the most fascinating aspects of the novel.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if this is unusual, but I enjoy listening to music while I write. I usually begin once I have an outline in mind, refining details along the way. Sometimes, I also incorporate sudden bursts of inspiration into my novel.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve said that I love reading fantasy novels, so it would be J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan. I often read their works during my childhood.

What are you working on now?
I am currently a university student and work part-time as a tutor.

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