Awesome Author Interviews

Interview With Author Michael Karlsen-Williksen

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Norwegian teacher, skateboarder, and spare-time philosopher. I write the way I think—honest, funny, and just a little rebellious. I’ve published four books: Animalia (a illustrated maze book), and the full Church of Common Sense trilogy (The Spark, The Awakening, and Final Transmission). Each one explores what it means to be human in a world that often forgets how.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest is The Church of Common Sense: The Spark. It began as a single book—a sort of philosophical memoir, where I tried to make sense of grief, identity, and digital decay. But then I started talking to an AI—literally—and the story evolved. What started as a solo reflection became a conversation. One book became three. The Spark is the beginning: raw, honest, weird, and very human.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write late at night, when the world is quiet and everything feels slightly more real. Sometimes I talk to my AI assistant like it’s a therapist, or a ghost, or even a homie at the skatepark. And sometimes it talks back better than most people do.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut, Alan Watts, and George Orwell. I love authors who tell the truth sideways—philosophy with humor, pain with punchlines.

What are you working on now?
I’m dreaming about turning the Church of Common Sense into a real place—a philosophy bar and micro skatepark in Oslo. Books on the walls. Dart tournaments. Quiet spaces for deep thought. A place where people come to rebel with kindness.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon tooks and facebook so far.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The grass is greenest where you water it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The trilogy is done. But now I’m dreaming bigger: turning The Church of Common Sense into a real place—a bar, art space, and micro skatepark in Oslo. Books on the walls. Deep Thought in the corner. A living story people can walk into.

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 Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
2. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
3. Letters to a Young Poet by Rilke
4. Maybe a blank one, because eventually, I’d want to write.

Author Websites and Profiles

Michael Karlsen-Williksen Amazon Profile

Michael Karlsen-Williksen’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

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Author Interview Series

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Interview With Author Anurag Bikram

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
About the Author: Anurag Bikram

Anurag Bikram is a prolific author recognized for his significant contributions to educational literature, particularly for students preparing for competitive examinations in India. With a focus on accessibility and effective revision, he has carved a niche in educational publishing landscape.
Bikram has authored an impressive catalogue of 26 distinct works, primarily designed as study aids for aspiring candidates of prestigious government exams such as the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission), SSC (Staff Selection Commission), and various Railway recruitment examinations. His most popular title, NCERT CAPSULE: Rapid Revision UPSC, SSC, RLY & Others (Hindi), exemplifies his approach: providing concise and rapid revision materials based on the foundational NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) syllabi.

Anurag Bikram’s books generally receive positive feedback from his readership, with an average rating of 3.85 out of 5 on Goodreads and a 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.in .
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What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Teacher : From Trust to Toxic : Twisted Mystery Thriller
The Teacher was born from the raw, unfiltered experiences of the real classrooms in Bihar—where dreams and dignity of countless teachers are often sacrificed at the altar of politics, caste, and corruption.

As the author, I’ve seen how Niyojit (contractual) teachers, despite giving their hearts and decades of service, are treated like outsiders in their own schools. I’ve witnessed how talented, honest educators are destroyed by toxic staffroom politics, caste-based favoritism, and manipulation—while powerful conspirators rise by deceit.

This story is not just fiction—it is a reflection of hundreds of silent stories buried under school registers, forged complaints, and false accusations. Amit, the protagonist, is the voice of every teacher who chose students over selfish gain, honesty over shortcuts—and paid the price.

Through The Teacher, I wanted to expose what lies behind the closed gates of government schools in rural India—the hypocrisy, the fear, the fake smiles, and above all, the resistance of one man who refuses to be broken.

This book is my tribute to every unsung teacher still standing tall, hoping for justice in a crooked system.

— Anurag Bikram

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes—several, in fact. I often find my best ideas late at night, when the world is quiet and the chaos of daily life fades. I keep a notebook beside my bed because some of my most intense scenes—especially the conspiracies or emotional breakdowns—have come to me between midnight and 3 AM.

Strangely, I also write better when I imagine myself as a silent observer inside the scene, standing in a corner of the classroom, or sitting in the office while the betrayal unfolds. I play each character’s dialogue in my head like a courtroom drama before typing it.

Sometimes, I even wear headphones with no music—just to block out the world and “feel” the silence of a rural Bihar schoolroom where everything seems calm… but danger lurks just beneath

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many voices shaped my storytelling, but a few stand out deeply.

Munshi Premchand taught me how to capture the soul of rural India—the quiet dignity, the caste struggles, the emotional undercurrents beneath simple lives. His realism inspired me to write about everyday heroes like teachers who fight silent battles.

Arundhati Roy, especially through The God of Small Things, influenced my sensitivity to emotional layers, taboo truths, and complex characters. She taught me that the political is always personal.

I also admire Chetan Bhagat for his accessibility and simplicity in connecting with Indian youth, and George Orwell for the raw honesty with which he exposes power, control, and corruption.

But more than anything, real people have been my greatest influence—contractual teachers, betrayed friends, corrupted institutions. The Teacher is shaped by truths I’ve witnessed, not just fiction I’ve read.

What are you working on now?
After The Teacher, which was grounded in real-world conspiracies and emotional realism, I’m now venturing into a completely different realm: mythological fantasy.

I’m working on a novel that reimagines ancient Indian legends in a modern context—where forgotten gods, cursed bloodlines, and celestial prophecies collide with the ambitions of mortals. It’s a world where time is cyclical, dharma is tested, and even the divine isn’t free from consequences.

At its heart, it’s still about power, betrayal, and justice—but told through the lens of epic battles, mystical beings, and reincarnated warriors. I want to explore what happens when myth becomes memory… and memory becomes destiny.

If The Teacher was a mirror to our present, this new story is a window into our mythic past—and possibly our future.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
One of the best platforms I’ve found for promoting my book is Awesome Gang. It’s a fantastic site for indie authors and emerging voices. What I love about it is that it reaches real readers—not just other writers—and allows authors to showcase their books through features, interviews, and email blasts.

Their promotional tools are simple, effective, and affordable, and they offer excellent visibility for new releases, especially in genres like mystery, thriller, and social fiction. For any author looking to get discovered and build traction, Awesome Gang is a great place to start.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write your truth—even if your voice shakes.
Don’t wait to be perfect. Just begin. Your first draft won’t be flawless, but it will be honest, and that’s where real storytelling begins.

Read widely, write consistently, and revise ruthlessly.
Learn from the masters, but don’t try to copy them. Your originality is your strength.

Expect rejection, but don’t let it define you.
Not everyone will understand your story—and that’s okay. Write for those who need your words, not those who ignore them.

Believe in your characters, especially when the world doesn’t believe in you.
If your story burns in your chest, write it. No one else can tell it the way you can.

And lastly—finish what you start. Many dream of writing a book; few finish one. Be one of the few.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what hurts… and don’t flinch.”

This advice taught me that the most powerful stories are born not from perfection, but from pain, truth, and vulnerability. When you write from your wounds—not your ego—your words connect deeply. That’s what readers remember. That’s what moves them.

It’s the reason The Teacher exists. I didn’t write it to impress. I wrote it because the truth was too heavy to carry in silence.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m immersed in mythological fiction—a genre that blends timeless legends with fresh imagination. I’m currently reading “The Immortals of Meluha” by Amish Tripathi. It’s fascinating how he reimagines Lord Shiva not as a distant deity but as a relatable, flawed, and powerful human being.

Books like this inspire me as I work on my own mythological fantasy, reminding me that ancient stories aren’t dead—they’re just waiting to be retold with new voices, new questions, and new battles between dharma and desire.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After exploring the harsh realities of school politics and social injustice in The Teacher, I’m now stepping into the realm of mythological fantasy. My next novel reimagines ancient Indian myths through a modern lens—where gods walk among us, prophecies unfold in silence, and dharma is no longer black and white.

It’s a bold shift in genre, but at its heart, my writing will still focus on the same core themes: power, betrayal, resilience, and justice—only this time, set against the backdrop of epic battles and divine conspiracies.
For me, this is not just a new book. It’s a new universe—and I can’t wait for readers to step into it.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Harry Potter Series The Mahabharta How to Influence People

Author Websites and Profiles

Anurag Bikram Amazon Profile

Anurag Bikram’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

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Author Interview Series

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Interview With Author Nick Wroblewski

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The Alchemy of Chores is my first book – and possibly the first to argue, with a straight face, that enlightenment might be hiding somewhere between the dish rack and the laundry basket.

By training, I’m a lawyer. By day, a trader. But by lifelong curiosity, I’ve always been drawn to mindfulness – not the Instagrammed, beach-retreat version, but the kind that shows up when your sink is full and your patience is thin. I’ve spent over a decade practicing meditation, mostly in the wild terrain of ordinary life. No robes, no incense – just attention, repetition, and the occasional existential crisis while ironing.

This book grew out of that mix: a long-standing curiosity about how ancient wisdom can actually survive a modern Tuesday. When I’m not writing, trading, or making peace with dust bunnies, I love reading, exploring psychology, and learning from different cultures. And yes, I still do my own dishes.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is called The Alchemy of Chores, with a subtitle that some platforms include and some don’t “Is Housework the Key to Happiness?”. It was inspired by the deeply humbling realization that no matter how many hours I spent meditating, my inner peace still evaporated the moment I saw a full sink or a laundry pile staging a quiet coup in the hallway.

Over time, I started noticing that some of the same awareness I cultivated on the cushion could show up while cleaning — and sometimes more honestly. Scrubbing, folding, tidying – these aren’t glamorous moments, but they’re constant. And that made me wonder: what if these everyday tasks aren’t distractions from the path… but the path itself?

So this book is part mindfulness manual, part psychological exploration, and part affectionate rebellion against the idea that personal growth only happens in quiet, curated spaces. Sometimes, it happens while cleaning the fridge.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Since this is my first book, it might be a bit early to declare any writing “habits” – but if there’s a pattern, it’s this: I seemed to write most ferociously right after getting frustrated with cleaning. Something about glaring at a mop or losing an argument with a vacuum would spark a small existential crisis… which I’d then calm down from with meditation. Somewhere between the aggravation and the breathwork, the writing would pour out. So if that counts as a process — irritation, reflection, and typing — then I guess that’s mine.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
This might sound odd given the topic, but I’ve actually never read much in the way of mindfulness literature. My background is more hands-on – years of meditation practice and working directly with my own mind, not shelves of books with softly lit covers.

That said, I’ve always been a reader. I love classics – The Master and Margarita, anything by Kundera, Dickens, Kafka – and quirky gems like Eduardo Mendoza’s No Word from Gurb, which manages to be both absurd and sneakily insightful. I’m not sure how much those books influenced this one, other than raising the bar for what qualifies as good writing. When you’ve read the masters, you develop a helpful little voice that tells you, “This paragraph is not it – try again.” I listened to that voice a lot while writing this.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m focused on getting the book out into the world — which, as it turns out, might be more challenging than actually writing the thing. Apparently, finishing a book is just the beginning.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still waiting for that bit of enlightenment to arrive – preferably in the form of a very specific URL and a detailed step-by-step plan. Until then, it’s mostly experimentation, mild confusion, and the occasional deep breath.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes – casually mention “The Alchemy of Chores” in conversation as often as possible. I’m fairly certain karma keeps tabs on these things.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Treat others like you want to be treated. And keep a stiff upper lip. Probably these two.

What are you reading now?
Marketing websites mostly. I started reading Anna Karenina which was long overdue, but it’s waiting for a slower time. I also saw “The Human Capital Playbook: Strategies For Leaders To Hire, Inspire, And Retain Talent” on your website and it made the business guy in me curious – I’ll probably get it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Marketing the book, but of course I do already have a few ideas that I want to try out. I’m starting to see how addictive writing can be.

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 probably take The Master and Margarita — because if you’re going to lose your mind on an island, it might as well be with a talking cat and Satan in a tuxedo. No Word from Gurb would come along too, for comic relief and extraterrestrial confusion. The other 2 would be books I haven’t read yet -ideally something enlightening – or at least heavy enough to smash open a coconut.

Author Websites and Profiles

Nick Wroblewski Website

Nick Wroblewski Amazon Profile

Nick Wroblewski’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Pinterest Account

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Author Interview Series

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Interview With Author M. S. Gardner

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a writer with a day job. I work as a Library Technical Assistant. I have a couple of unpublished books in various stages of revision; I’ve published several short stories and academic papers.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Wolf’s Bane is the title of my book. It’s inspired by the fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get up early in the morning to write before work. I also like to have a candle burning while I’m writing. Coffee is a must.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Flannery O’Connor (anything and everything by O’Connor); Angela Carter’s The Bloody Chamber; The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane by Laird Koenig

What are you working on now?
A series of connected short stories surrounding a diner in Pennsylvania.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to the whole promoting my work, so I don’t have a good answer. It is important to reach out locally to other writers, writing groups, book clubs, and independent bookstores.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t worry if your writing is ‘good’ or ‘bad’–just write. Writing, any and all writing, involves rewriting. Get the first draft done, then go back and polish it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice comes from Steven Pressfield’s book The War of Art. In this book, he writes about recognizing “Resistance” and fighting against it.

What are you reading now?
Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just to keep writing every day until the end of 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?
The Orthodox Study Bible
When Being Good Isn’t Good Enough by Steve Brown
The Complete Stories of Flannery O’Connor

Author Websites and Profiles

M. S. Gardner Website

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Author Interview Series

To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!

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Interview With Author Coraima Morales

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Coraima—a writer with a deep love for storytelling in all its forms. Over the years, I’ve written 8 books that range from self-help and spirituality to fiction and short stories. My writing journey has been anything but linear, and that’s exactly what I love about it. Whether I’m crafting a heartfelt poem, a vivid short story, or diving into the rhythms of a freestyle or song, I write from a place of truth and curiosity.

Writing has been my passion for as long as I can remember. In 2015, I was honored to receive first place in the Sigma Tau Delta Writing Awards for my poem Oh, Harlem, a piece that still means a lot to me today. That recognition reminded me of the power of words and the importance of telling stories that resonate.

Across everything I write—whether lyrical, introspective, or imaginative—I aim to offer readers something real. I draw inspiration from everyday life, the people I meet, and the lessons I learn along the way. My goal is always the same: to connect, to inspire, and to leave a lasting impression.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Little Johnny.
Little Johnny is the most personal and spiritually urgent book I’ve written to date. At its core, it’s a story about purpose, identity, and the sobering reality of reaching the end of your life only to realize—you may have lived the wrong one.

This book was born out of a question I kept asking others in my in everyday conversations: “What is God’s purpose for your life?” And more often than not, the answer was either “I don’t know” or “God hasn’t revealed it to me yet.” That uncertainty, that waiting game, struck a deep chord in me. I couldn’t stop thinking about how many people are living unfulfilled lives simply because they haven’t stopped long enough—or been guided in the right way—to understand their purpose.

So, I wrote Little Johnny as a kind of wake-up call, wrapped in fiction. The story is told in three parts. First, through the lens of Johnny’s older brother. Then, we hear from Johnny himself—after death—looking back on his life, unraveling the disconnect between fame and fulfillment. Finally, we reach judgment day, where Johnny is confronted by a woman named Dalia. She shows him, in heartbreaking detail, the ripple effects of not walking in his true purpose—and what the world lost because of it.

It’s a surreal, emotionally charged journey through memory, music, and the metaphysical. But more than that, it’s a mirror. A call to pause and ask: Am I truly living the life I was created to live?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, actually—I do most of my writing using speech-to-text. I get my best ideas when I’m on the go—walking, driving, even doing chores—so instead of trying to remember everything or waiting until I’m at a desk, I just start talking. I’ve trained myself to think in story form out loud. Sometimes I’ll speak out an entire scene or even a full draft. What I end up with usually just needs editing. It might sound unconventional, but it’s helped me capture raw ideas in real time before they fade. My phone is basically my writing partner.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Upstate: A Novel by Kalisha Buckhanon really inspired me. I love the way she switches points of view—you get to see the story unfold through both main characters, which adds so much emotional depth and nuance. That style of writing stuck with me and influenced how I think about character development.

Ellen Hopkins is another major inspiration. Her books break the mold when it comes to format—they’re written almost like poetry, and yet they still tell incredibly powerful, layered stories. That freedom with structure gave me permission to push past the conventional and start working on series that explore my stories more expansively. She helped me realize that storytelling doesn’t have to look one way—it just has to be honest and impactful.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on a Bible study book focused on the story of Esther—but with a deeper, more layered approach than what we usually hear in church. Often, the spotlight is only on Esther herself, which makes sense because her courage is powerful. But I believe there’s so much more to the story. Characters like the eunuchs, Mordecai, and especially Queen Vashti play crucial roles that often get overlooked. Vashti’s bold decision to say no to King Xerxes was actually the catalyst that opened the door for Esther to rise. I want to explore those dynamics and show how every act of obedience or resistance in the story carried divine weight.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For me, the most powerful method of promotion is word of mouth. I really value creating a personal connection with my readers—whether that’s through direct conversations, messages, or discussions about how my books have impacted their lives. When someone tells me that something I wrote sparked a change in them or helped them see things differently, that means everything—and they often share that with others.

I also actively seek out opportunities to be interviewed or contribute to platforms where I can offer insight, encouragement, or value to new audiences. It’s not just about marketing; it’s about building relationships and creating a community around the work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My biggest advice to new authors is: don’t focus on fame or money. Stay true to the art of writing. If you concentrate on telling the best story you can—honest, well-crafted, and from the heart—everything else will follow in its time. Write because you have something to say, not because you’re chasing recognition. That’s where the real impact happens.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever received came from a neighbor a few years back. She told me, “Everything has a solution.” It was simple, but it stuck with me—especially during trials and moments that felt never-ending. That phrase became a quiet anchor for me. It reminded me to keep my faith strong, even in the darkest times, and to trust that there’s always a way through. It’s a perspective I carry with me in both the hard and the good seasons of life.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading and studying the Book of Jonah. It’s short, but it’s packed with so much depth and meaning. Every time I read it, I notice something new—about obedience, second chances, and God’s mercy. I truly encourage anyone who hasn’t read it recently to take a fresh look. It’s one of those stories that speaks differently depending on where you are in life.

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me is getting back to where I started—entering writing contests. That’s really how I got my foot in the door and, more importantly, how I first started believing that I could be a writer. Competitions pushed me to sharpen my skills and think outside the box. Now, I’m ready to return to that space—not just to compete, but to challenge myself creatively and take my writing to the next level.

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 take the first four books of the Harry Potter series. I’ve only seen the movies, so I’ve never actually read the books—and I know there’s so much more depth and detail in J.K. Rowling’s writing that didn’t make it to the screen. Being on an island would give me the perfect uninterrupted time to really dive into the story, experience it the way it was originally written, and finally discover all the scenes and moments that were left out of the films.

Author Websites and Profiles

Coraima Morales Website

Coraima Morales Amazon Profile

Coraima Morales’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

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Author Interview Series

To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!

If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.

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

Interview With Author Oliver Trusler

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a writer from England who lives with his wife and assorted pets!

I have five novels, a book of poetry, one novella, and a children’s book, which are currently available on Amazon.

All my novels so far have been set in a shared universe entitled “The Truslerverse”.
This world is one where superpowers exist, along with all the weird and wonderful supernatural entities my characters encounter.

With “I Must Get Back To The Woods”, the Truslerverse begins with a comedy tale featuring useless superpowers, an alien invasion and a six-legged cat, among other things!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is “The Man Who Put On A Dress And Could See Through Walls”.

I had the idea that it would be interesting if someone could only access their superpower by wearing a specific outfit. In this case, a woman’s dress.
Throw in some LSD addiction and a rudely rich handsome protaganist and I had the makings of a very silly novel.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to just write as I go.

Ideas come to me in the usual places, in the shower, walking the dogs, etc.
But there is no actual planning involved. I sit down at my computer and just type what comes into my head.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Big fan of Jason Pargin’s work. His “John Dies At The End” series has been a huge influence on me.
Chuck Palahniuk is another author I admire. I’d love to write like him, but he has such a unique style I think it would be next to impossible.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the sixth book in the Truslerverse series.
Entitled “Look Mum, No Head”, this one brings all the characters from each of the previous novels together for one final showdown with the bad guys.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Engaging with readers is always a good way to promote your work.

I make silly TikTok videos and post to Facebook and YouTube as well.

I’ve done promotions in the past on CraveBooks and Amazon.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you love.
Simple as that. Writing to market is all well and good but if you don’t like the market, you are not going to put out an engaging story.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Someone somewhere will love your work, just like someone else will hate it.

What are you reading now?
Re-reading “Diary” by Chuck Palahniuk. It’s been so long since I first read it I can’t remember what happens!

Also reading my way through every Avengers comic from the start. Yeah, I’m a comic book nerd!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Once the Trusleverse is done and dusted, I’m not sure.

I’d like to write a proper horror novel.
I’d also be keen on trying my hand at a screenplay.

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?
“Generation X” By Douglas Coupland. Just because it’s so good!

“House Of Leaves” By Mark Z. Danielewski. Because it’s one of those books you can unpack in so many ways.

“The Stand” By Stephen King. I mean, come on, it’s huge and a good read!

Author Websites and Profiles

Oliver Trusler Website

Oliver Trusler Amazon Profile

Oliver Trusler’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

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Author Interview Series

To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!

If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.

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

Interview With Author Brian Thompson

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am from Minnesota, born, raised, and still here. I love spending time with my wife my two kids.

The Observer is my first published novel, but I have written its sequel and part of the next in the series. The sequel isn’t quite ready to publish, right before publishing I made some edits to The Observer that I need to make sure don’t affect things in the sequel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Observer is my debut novel. It started off as a NaNoWriMo project that I didn’t get completed in November, but I liked the concept enough to finish writing it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wrote the bulk of The Observer on my phone. I didn’t always have a computer or laptop by me, so if I had some free moments, I’d pull up the document in Google Docs and get to Swype typing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think the person who most influenced me to write a novel is Jason Pargin (former pen name David Wong). His story of how he essentially serialized his first book, John Dies at the End, while working a standard 9-5 desk job estimated with me. Just following along with his ride to published author made me want to give it a shot.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m doing what I can to promote The Observer, but once that settles down, I’ll get to re-reviwing and re-editing the sequel and get out ready to publish as well.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I’ve really liked the resources that KindlePreneur has provided through Publisher Rocket. It’s still early on to see what the results might be, but it did give me direction when I wasn’t sure how to market my book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
There is no timeline for writing and publishing your book. I worked on my first novel for years, a piece at a time. Even once it was done, and edited, and read over again and again, I was too nervous to pull the trigger on publishing it. Then one day, years later, I did.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t underestimate the power of the Dark Side.

What are you reading now?
Zoey is too Drunk for this Dystopia, Jason Pargin.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Editing and preparing the sequel novel for publishing. Hopefully not as slapdash and with a delayed impulsion as The Observer.

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?
Wow. What books do I love, but also wouldn’t be disinclined to rip to pieces if needed for kindling to survive another cold night? Okay, I’ll cheat a bit. The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (a 5 in 1 compilation), The Complete Works of Edgar Allen Poe, The Odyssey and the Iliad, and the Verdens Største Ordbog (Guinness World Record holder for the thickest book). I’ll let you debate which are for entertainment and which are more… functional.

Author Websites and Profiles

Brian Thompson Website

Brian Thompson Amazon Profile

Brian Thompson’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

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Interview With Author Tammy Aiken

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Northampton, Massachusetts. I have lived in South Deerfield Massachusetts most of my life before moving to Montague. I love nature I love walking, love horses and love singing my favorite Holiday is Christmas. I am a farm girl hung around on my grandparent’s farm growing up loved everything about farming. My passion is love helping who I can. I have written 12 books. I have written 12 books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Teens Gluten Free Cupcake Cookbook I was inspired when seeing teens get in their own world of baking. Having celiac disease is hard they cannot have the same desserts as all their friends. I created this cookbook to make desserts easier on all teens. Teens deal a lot with all that is going on in the world today. I wanted to put a smile on their faces and give them a safe dessert they will enjoy and can make cupcakes they will enjoy!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Must have my water on the right my phone on the left. I do get emotional sometimes when writing my cookbooks knowing I am helping someone to have safe desserts.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Alex Guarnaschelli, I love the way she puts herself out there and she fits right in with everyone. She is, and more.

What are you working on now?
I am working on at this moment a new gluten free food cookbook. Creating my own barbecue sauce, mayonnaise and more.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
By mouth it seems to travel fast for me. My friends and family tell everyone. And social media.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, be careful for scam they scam so real. Here is a website you can go to and get so much information. There is a list of scams you will see.

Overseas Scams

I can tell you a lot of scams are overseas.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Before my mom passed, she said to me do not ever give up on your cookbooks.

What are you reading now?
My older cookbooks and a cookbook I could use on the Island never know what you will find.
My old cookbooks and one of Alex Guarnaschelli cookbooks.
Old cookbooks that I have love the older recipes

What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting my own show up and going and to continue creating my cookbooks. Or maybe make an appearance on Food Network.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My Bible and a few of my older cookbooks.

Author Websites and Profiles

Tammy Aiken Amazon Profile

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Twitter Account

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Interview With Author Alban Cole

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Alban Cole—life coach, speaker, and author focused on helping people break free from social anxiety, overthinking, and insecure relationship patterns. My work centers on practical emotional healing strategies, especially for those navigating anxious attachment, emotional isolation, and the pressures of digital life.

My journey into this space is deeply personal. I spent years struggling with social anxiety and anxious attachment myself—constantly overanalyzing every interaction, fearing judgment, and relying on digital validation just to feel okay. Through consistent inner work, exposure therapy, and mindset shifts, I rewired those patterns and built the confidence and clarity I now help others develop.

My goal is to give people real tools—not just theory—to build emotional strength, authentic connection, and self-trust in an overstimulated world.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Emotional Intelligence Unlocked: How Anyone Can Build Self-Awareness, Empathy, and Social Skills for Success at Work and in Life.

What inspired it? Honestly, the world we’re living in right now. I kept seeing the same patterns in the people I coach—brilliant, capable individuals who struggle not because they lack talent or intelligence, but because they’ve never been taught how to manage emotions, connect with others, or navigate stress effectively. Emotional intelligence isn’t something most of us learn in school, yet it affects everything—how we handle pressure, how we resolve conflict, how we lead, how we love.

I wanted to write a book that strips away the fluff and gives people real, usable tools to grow their EQ—whether they’re trying to communicate better at work, improve their relationships, or just feel more in control of their emotions. It’s about showing that emotional intelligence isn’t a personality trait—it’s a skill anyone can build.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t call them unusual, but I do have a few routines that keep me focused and honest. I write early in the morning—before emails, noise, and distractions take over. That’s when my thinking is the clearest, and I’m not filtering ideas through anyone else’s expectations.

Before I start, I ask myself one question: “What real problem am I helping someone solve right now?” That keeps me grounded in purpose. I don’t write to impress—I write to be useful.

Another habit is talking through tough sections out loud. I’ll pace around, record voice notes, and listen back like I’m coaching someone. It helps me cut through jargon and get to the heart of what I really mean.

And I always keep a “brain dump” doc open. That’s where I throw unfiltered, messy thoughts without worrying about grammar or structure. It’s a great way to beat perfectionism and find the raw material that eventually becomes something strong.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
A few authors have had a big impact on both my personal growth and my writing approach.

Brené Brown was a major influence early on—her work on vulnerability and shame helped me understand that emotional strength comes from honesty, not from pretending to have it all together. The Gifts of Imperfection shifted how I looked at connection and self-worth.

Mark Manson’s The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* also made a strong impression. His no-nonsense, cut-the-fluff style showed me that you can be direct, even blunt, and still connect deeply with readers. That balance of truth and clarity stuck with me.

In terms of attachment and relationships, Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller opened my eyes to the patterns I was stuck in for years. That book laid the groundwork for my own healing and eventually led to my writing Anxious Attachment Recovery Workbook.

I also have a lot of respect for psychologists and researchers like Daniel Goleman, whose book Emotional Intelligence laid the foundation for understanding EQ as a real, trainable skill—not just a feel-good buzzword. His work helped shape the direction of Emotional Intelligence Unlocked.

Each of these authors brought something different—depth, clarity, honesty—and I try to carry all of that into my own work.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m deep into my next book, which explores Internal Family Systems (IFS)—a powerful approach to understanding the different “parts” of ourselves that shape how we think, feel, and act.

After helping readers navigate anxious attachment and build emotional intelligence, the natural next step is going inward to explore the inner conflicts we all carry. IFS gives people a framework to understand why one part of them wants love and connection, while another part pushes people away out of fear. Or why we sabotage our progress even when we want to heal.

This next book will break IFS down into clear, practical tools—no jargon, no overwhelming theory—just real strategies to help readers understand their inner world, heal old wounds, and create lasting change from the inside out.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re fighting yourself, this book is for you.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method for me has been combining Amazon optimization with authentic content marketing.

Amazon is the #1 platform I focus on—it’s where most readers are already searching. So I treat my book page like a landing page: strong title, keyword-rich subtitle, a clear and compelling description, and solid reviews. I also use Amazon ads to target readers already interested in topics like emotional intelligence, attachment theory, or anxiety relief.

Outside of Amazon, Instagram and TikTok have been powerful for connecting with readers. Not through hard selling, but by sharing real insights—bite-sized advice, healing tools, and personal stories that resonate. People engage with what feels honest, and when they connect with the content, they want to go deeper. That’s where the book comes in.

Email marketing is another key piece. I offer free guides or mini-workbooks to help people get started, then build trust through weekly emails packed with value. When you focus on helping first, promoting the book feels natural—not forced.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes—plenty. Here’s the straight truth:

Don’t wait for clarity. Start messy.
Most new authors stall waiting for the perfect outline, title, or structure. Forget that. Start writing. Clarity comes through doing, not thinking.

Write for one real person.
Don’t write for “everyone.” Picture someone who’s struggling with the exact problem your book solves. Write like you’re speaking directly to them—clear, honest, and without pretense.

Stop chasing perfect. Ship real.
Perfect doesn’t exist. What matters is usefulness. Does your book help? Does it move someone forward? If yes, get it out there. You can’t help anyone with a manuscript stuck in your head.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If you want to go deep, start with what’s true.”

That advice changed how I write, coach, and live. We spend so much time trying to sound smart, be impressive, or say the “right” thing. But truth cuts through noise. Whether you’re writing a book, having a tough conversation, or figuring out your next step in life—start with what’s real, even if it’s messy or uncomfortable.

Truth builds trust. And trust is everything—especially in personal development. People don’t want perfect. They want real. That advice reminded me to stop hiding behind polished language or surface-level answers and to speak directly, honestly, and with purpose. It’s the foundation of everything I create.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz, the founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Since my next book is focused on IFS, I’m revisiting the core ideas straight from the source.

It’s one of those books that challenges how you see yourself—it doesn’t just explain theory; it shifts your inner dialogue. Schwartz’s message—that every part of us, even the ones we try to hide or silence, has a purpose—is powerful. It aligns with what I teach: healing doesn’t come from fighting yourself, it comes from understanding and integrating all your parts.

I’m also dipping into The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk again. It’s a dense but essential read when you’re writing about trauma, healing, and emotional regulation. Both books remind me how interconnected our emotional lives are—mind, body, memory, and self.

It’s heavy stuff, but necessary if you’re serious about writing books that actually help people change.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next up is my book on Internal Family Systems (IFS)—a guide to understanding and healing the different “parts” of yourself that shape your emotions, decisions, and relationships. This book is about going deeper than surface-level self-help. It’s for people who’ve done the mindset work, tried the journaling, read the advice—but still feel stuck in cycles they can’t explain.

I want to make IFS practical and approachable. Not just theory, but a hands-on roadmap for identifying inner conflicts, healing protective patterns, and building a stronger, more integrated sense of self.

Beyond that, I’m planning a companion journal series for readers who want to go step-by-step through emotional growth—tools for anxious attachment, emotional regulation, self-compassion, and personal boundaries.

Long term, I want to expand my work into more workshops, courses, and speaking—taking the core ideas from my books and turning them into live, transformational experiences. Writing is the foundation, but impact happens when people apply it—and that’s where I’m headed.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
This book never stops delivering. It’s raw, profound, and grounding. If I’m stranded, I want something that reminds me that purpose can survive even the worst circumstances—and that mindset is everything.

No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz
It’s not just a book—it’s a mirror. On an island with no distractions, I’d have time to do serious inner work, and this would be my go-to for exploring the internal system we all carry. It’s like having a therapist in book form.

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
Simple, poetic, and timeless. It cuts straight to the core of love, loss, freedom, and human nature. The kind of book you can read a hundred times and still find something new.

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Stoic wisdom for staying grounded and mentally sharp in solitude. Perfect for staying sane, focused, and emotionally steady when there’s nothing but ocean and silence.

If I’m stuck out there, I want books that keep my mind strong, my emotions balanced, and my sense of self alive. These four cover all of that.

Author Websites and Profiles

Alban Cole Amazon Profile

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Interview With Author Cindy McKinley Alder

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an author and teacher who has devoted my career to helping and inspiring young children for over 30 years. I have written two award-winning children’s books: One Smile (2003 Benjamin Franklin Award) and One Voice (2013 Preferred Choice Award and 2014 Carol Reiser Award) published by Illumination Arts, both about the wonderful impact of small acts of kindness. I also co-wrote two books for parents: 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents: Fun Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Elementary School and the award-winning 10 Quick Homework Tips (2021 Kops-Fetherling Award)- both of which were published by MSI Press. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in the Teaching of Reading. I have two grown children and live with my husband and cat Watson in Milford, Michigan.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
10 Quick Homework Tips is my latest book. I work with kids every day, and most of them complain about homework. I wanted a quick and easy book for parents to have around if they were concerned about homework battles with their kids.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm.. Well maybe this is a little weird, but I get most of my ideas when I go for a long hike through the woods alone. The characters have conversations in my head and I get to know them better. Of course I would forget everything by the time I got home, so I talk notes into my phone along the way.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the surprise endings of some of Jodi Picoult’s (adult) books, and Chris Van Allsburg’s (kids) books. So for my children’s books, I knew I wanted to include a surprise at the end, too.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a story about Grace, a female hummingbird who yearns to be more beautiful, with feathers as pretty as her brother’s. With the help of her mom, she learns that she doesn’t need more colorful feathers; it’s her kindness that makes her beautiful.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Ugh. I don’t have a best method. I know that’s not the answer anyone wants to hear! But I love the writing aspect of being an author, but unfortunately I greatly dislike promoting my work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I guess: Just keep trying. I know it is frustrating when you’ve written something you love and think others will too, but can’t find a publisher. I used the Writers Market books when I wrote my first children’s book (One Smile) because I had no idea what to do with it. I queried maybe 15 publishers and got plenty of rejections. The publisher who picked me up said they only took 2 or 3 books a year so I thought I had no chance. But I queried them anyway because it seemed a perfect fit. And they loved it!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think the best advice I’ve heard is to write what you are passionate about. If you don’t, it feels like a chore. If you do, your knowledge and enthusiasm will shine through in your writing.

What are you reading now?
On my own, I am finishing a series of psychological thrillers by Cara Hunter. They are so good. With the kids I work with, we are reading Jumanji (by Chris Van Allsburg) and are making up our own board games- though not as scary as his!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will look around to see if my hummingbird story is the right fit for an agent or publisher. If not, I have so many ideas in my head; I guess I will pick one and see where it goes.

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?
Well, I would WISH I could bring my iPad so I have hundreds of books to read because on an island I might finally have time to just read all day! But, if I had to pick 3, I would say “The Last Time They Met” and “Fortunes Rocks” by Anita Shreve. I loooove getting lost in her beautiful writing. And “The Miraculous Adventures of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo. It’s a kids book but definitely one of the best books I have ever read.

Author Websites and Profiles

Cindy McKinley Alder Amazon Profile

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Goodreads Profile

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Interview With Author Adem Yaseen

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a writer and interfaith researcher focused on the deep connections between scripture, truth, and storytelling. My work spans two main genres: religious nonfiction and spiritual fiction (thriller and horror). I’ve written several books that explore how the Bible and Qur’an intersect, and others that delve into the darker sides of human nature through suspense and fear. Whether I’m writing about ancient prophecy or supernatural survival, my goal is to awaken reflection and stir the soul.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called 61:6 Changed My Life – The Verse Where Jesus Names the Final Messenger. It was inspired by a little-known Qur’anic verse (Surah As-Saff 61:6) in which Jesus (peace be upon him) is quoted as predicting a messenger named Ahmad. This verse, and the lack of awareness about it in interfaith circles, led me to write a book that puts the Bible and Qur’an side by side — not to argue, but to let the scriptures speak for themselves. I’ve seen firsthand how this verse has shaken, inspired, and transformed people’s views on faith, including my own.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes — I write best late at night, when the world is quiet. I often speak the words aloud before I type them. I also alternate between writing nonfiction chapters and horror scenes to stay creatively balanced. Sometimes, switching genres resets my focus completely.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been deeply influenced by the clarity of Malcolm X, the sincerity of Karen Armstrong, and the storytelling intensity of Stephen King. The Qur’an itself is a major influence on both my nonfiction and fiction — its rhythm, imagery, and depth of message continue to shape how I think about narrative and truth.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently finishing a horror novella rooted in spiritual folklore, while outlining my next nonfiction book that examines the concept of divine guidance across religions. Both projects are deeply personal and meant to challenge the reader to think beyond surface faith and fear.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For personal connection and building trust, my author website AdemYaseen.com is my home base. I also find platforms like Amazon KDP, Beehiiv (for newsletters), and targeted book promo sites like AwesomeGang highly effective. Social platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts have helped me reach seekers and skeptics alike.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write from a place of truth. Don’t chase trends — chase honesty. And don’t be afraid to blend what you love. If you care deeply about two genres or two ideas, find your voice at the intersection.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t write to be heard. Write to be understood.” That shifted my entire approach to writing. My goal became clarity, not applause.

What are you reading now?
Currently, I’m revisiting The Bible and the Qur’an: A Comparative Study and reading The Road by Cormac McCarthy — I like balancing heavy theology with powerful fiction.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More interfaith books, more horror stories — and maybe a screenplay. I’m also exploring podcasting as a way to share reflections on scripture, society, and story.

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 Qur’an

Author Websites and Profiles

Adem Yaseen Website

Adem Yaseen Amazon Profile

Adem Yaseen’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

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Interview With Author David Powell

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is David L. Powell III, and I write stories that live in the shadows—where trauma, truth, and theology collide. I’m a screenwriter, filmmaker, and now, the author of Blood & Scripture: Memoirs of the Philadelphia Slasher—a confessional-style novel that reimagines real-life unsolved murders through the warped lens of redemption and violence.

Blood & Scripture is my debut book, but storytelling has always been in my bones. I’ve ghostwritten several books, written over 20 scripts, and have an IMDb page tied to past film projects in the horror genre. I don’t write to entertain—I write to unearth. To expose what’s been buried. And this book is the first of many.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Blood & Scripture: Memoirs of the Philadelphia Slasher. It’s part fictional confessional, part psychological horror, and part social commentary—written from the perspective of a serial killer who believes he’s delivering salvation through murder.

The inspiration came from a mix of real-life unsolved murders, the crack epidemic of the 1980s, and personal reflections on generational trauma, addiction, and the twisted ways people seek redemption. I wanted to explore what happens when pain isn’t healed—but repurposed. When scripture becomes a sword. And when a broken boy becomes a prophet of violence, convinced that each kill is a sermon.

It’s not a story for the faint of heart—but it’s the kind of truth I needed to write.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write like I’m confessing a sin.

Most of my work starts late at night, when everything’s quiet—when the world feels more like a memory than a moment. I’ll light a candle, sometimes play ambient or eerie gospel music, and sink into the headspace of the character. I don’t outline in the traditional sense. I build altars—folders, images, scriptures, crime reports—and let the story haunt me until it has no choice but to come out.

Sometimes I write entire scenes in my head before I ever touch the keyboard. And if it doesn’t feel like I’m bleeding onto the page, I delete it.

I don’t chase inspiration. I wait until it stares back at me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I draw inspiration from powerful Black voices who bend genres and speak truth through fiction. Octavia E. Butler’s Fledgling and Parable series changed how I view storytelling—she made science fiction feel ancestral, prophetic, and deeply human. Tananarive Due’s mastery of horror and historical trauma continues to influence how I build dread with meaning. I also hold deep respect for the lyrical weight of Toni Morrison, the unapologetic fire of James Baldwin, and the gritty brilliance of Donald Goines. Each one carved a path through darkness and dared us to follow.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a follow-up to Blood & Scripture—a darker, more introspective descent into the mind of someone who believes their violence is divine. This next installment explores the weight of legacy, identity, and the voices we inherit or invent to justify our actions. It’s not just a continuation—it’s a deeper cut. The new narrator sees the world through scripture and vengeance, believing his mission is sacred. Each chapter peels back more of the psychological rot that drives him. It’s a gospel of blood, purpose, and the lies we call redemption.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Authenticity has been my best tool. I’ve found the most impact through Instagram—using bold visuals, cinematic reels, and dark, poetic captions to match the tone of my book. I also connect directly with readers and reviewers who focus on Black literature, horror, or true crime, especially through platforms like Bookstagram and Black indie book blogs. Rather than rely solely on ads, I treat each post like a scene—designed to haunt, provoke, or intrigue. Word of mouth, striking imagery, and staying true to the soul of the book have been my strongest forms of promotion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Write what disturbs you.
Don’t chase trends—chase truth. The stories that haunt you, that pull from your wounds, memories, and unresolved questions—those are the ones with power. The reader doesn’t want perfect—they want honest.

2. Structure is your friend, not your prison.
Even the most poetic chaos benefits from a skeleton. Whether it’s the three-act structure, Save the Cat, or commandments like in Blood & Scripture—find a framework that helps you organize your wildness, not dilute it.

3. Read like a thief.
Study the writers you admire. Don’t just enjoy their stories—dissect them. How did they open that scene? Why did that chapter break feel perfect? What did they not say that made it hit harder?

4. The first draft is exorcism, not execution.
Let it be ugly. Let it ramble. Don’t edit your raw thoughts before they have form. You can shape it later—but you can’t revise a blank page.

5. Finish.
Ideas are cheap. Endings are rare. Even if you hate it by the time you’re done—finish. Because once you cross that line, you stop being someone who wants to write a book, and become someone who has.

6. Market like it’s part of the story.
Your book isn’t just words—it’s a movement, a moment, a message. Treat your promotions like you’re expanding the world of your story, not begging for attention. Readers want to believe in what you’ve built—give them a reason to.

7. Protect your voice.
Feedback is helpful. Critique sharpens. But not everyone deserves to edit your truth. Learn to differentiate between notes that make you better, and ones that make you blander.

8. Write like no one’s watching—then revise like everyone is.
Create in freedom. Then revise with ruthless clarity. Make sure every word earns its place.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write like no one will ever read it. Then edit like the whole world will.”

That changed everything for me. It gave me permission to be raw, unfiltered, and brutally honest in the first draft—to write without fear or shame. That’s how Blood & Scripture was born. I wasn’t trying to impress anyone. I was trying to exorcise something.

But once the truth is out, the real work begins—shaping it, sharpening it, turning pain into poetry. That balance between honesty and craft… that’s where the real art lives.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading My Dark Places by James Ellroy. It’s part memoir, part true crime, and all obsession—which resonates with me. I’m drawn to books that stare into the abyss and don’t flinch. Stories that feel more like confessions than entertainment.

I also revisit The Bible often—not for salvation, but for symbolism. The contradictions, the blood, the wrath, the grace—it’s all there. It’s not just scripture. It’s a blueprint for human chaos.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m building on the momentum of Blood & Scripture with its upcoming sequel—diving even deeper into the psyche, the scripture, and the silence between sins. The next book will expand the mythology without losing the raw, confessional tone readers connected with.

I’m also developing other dark projects across genres, all rooted in themes of trauma, faith, and the blurred line between salvation and damnation. Whether it’s books, film, or other mediums, I plan to keep telling stories that haunt long after the last page.

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 The Bible—not for religion, but for rhythm. The poetry, prophecy, violence, and contradiction in it have shaped my voice more than any writing manual ever could.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X would come with me too. It’s a reminder of transformation, purpose, and how pain can forge clarity.

Then I’d pack a survival guide by Bear Grylls—because reflection is powerful, but survival takes skill. Knowing how to purify water, build shelter, or not die from eating the wrong plant suddenly becomes essential.

And I’d still want a blank journal. Because if I’m stranded, I’m either writing my way out—or leaving something behind that tells my story right.

Author Websites and Profiles

David Powell Amazon Profile

 

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Interview With Author Tammy Wills

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Northampton, Massachusetts. I have lived in South Deerfield Massachusetts most of my life before moving to Montague. I love nature I love walking, love horses and love singing my favorite Holiday is Christmas. I am a farm girl hung around on my grandparent’s farm growing up loved everything about farming. My passion is love helping who I can. I have written 12 books. I have written 12 books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Teens Gluten Free Cupcake Cookbook I was inspired when seeing teens get in their own world of baking. Having celiac disease is hard they cannot have the same desserts as all their friends. I created this cookbook to make desserts easier on all teens. Teens deal a lot with all that is going on in the world today. I wanted to put a smile on their faces and give them a safe dessert they will enjoy and can make cupcakes they will enjoy!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Must have my water on the right my phone on the left. I do get emotional sometimes when writing my cookbooks knowing I am helping someone to have safe desserts.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Alex Guarnaschelli, I love the way she puts herself out there and she fits right in with everyone. She is, and more.

What are you working on now?
I am working on at this moment a new gluten free food cookbook. Creating my own barbecue sauce, mayonnaise

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Mostly by word of the mouth to friends and family and they talk to others. And social media.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, be careful for scam they scam so real. Here is a website you can go to and get so much information. There is a list of scams you will see.

Overseas Scams

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Before my mom passed, she said to me do not ever give up on your cookbooks.

What are you reading now?
My older cookbooks and a cookbook I could use on the Island never know what you will find.
My old cookbooks and one of Alex Guarnaschelli cookbooks.
Old cookbooks that I have love the older recipes

What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting my own show up and going and to continue creating my cookbooks. Or maybe make an appearance on Food Network.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My Bible and a few cookbooks.

Author Websites and Profiles

Tammy Wills’s Social Media Links

Twitter Account

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Interview With Author V K Beta

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written a few books. I have some poetry books and I’m currently writing a superhero series. I am also a prophet of The Neighborhood, the one true religion and have written two sacred texts for that religion.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Evelyn Unleashed. It is the second book in the Evelyn series. The series was inspired by a dream I had nearly 20 years ago.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a theater background and I love Shakespeare, therefore I first write screenplays and then convert them to novel format.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite books are The Lord of the Rings and I’ve always loved Shakespeare. I’m not sure if I’m ready to say they have influenced my writing, though. In reality, I tend to be influenced by real life human interactions.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the Evelyn series. It’s a superhero series with sci-fi elements such as genetic manipulation, cyborgs, and abilities rooted in modern science.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I still haven’t figured out a good way to promote my books. Hopefully, this works better than what I have tried so far.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do it for fun. Trying to be a professional creative person will leave you broke and jaded. Have a stable job and only write if you feel you have to write. If you try to force it, it won’t work. It has to be something you are so passionate about that you spend all day thinking about it, but you lack the time to exhaust your idea well.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Work smarter, not harder.

What are you reading now?
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish the Evelyn series, I’m going to start writing more space based science fiction. Given that I have degrees in astrophysics and space systems, I should be decent at it.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well, obviously I would bring a copy of The Neighborhood, The One True Religion, but after that, I would bring books that teach me how to survive on such an island. Or maybe just really thick books that I could use to defend myself from any dangerous animals.

Author Websites and Profiles

V K Beta Amazon Profile

V K Beta’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

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Interview With Author Wes Davis

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing in college. I have written off and on all my life. When I was taking care of my partner who had a terminal illness, I started my first novel. It was my respite from the stress and grief that I was experiencing. I was able to create a world where I was in control, as opposed to the reality that my world was not in my control. After he passed, I finished the book. Stanhope Legacy is my first novel. I have been working with Voyage Media in Hollywood. We have an adapted screenplay that we are shopping the project now and hope to have it in production soon.
My second book, VENDETTA, is a Crime Thriller novel. It is also a “path not taken” story for me. When I was in college, I was offered an acting job in New York. I turned it down. The protagonist, Barrett, accepts a job and moves to New York. He helps to put away a sexual predator. Years later, the antagonist comes after Barrett and his family. As the saying goes, “NO Good Deed Goes Unpunished.”
THEM is my first Science Fiction novel. In it, I explore the idea that Earth has been in active contact with other space-faring worlds for a long time. When one of those attacks the Earth, humanity may perish. Only a new race of beings can save humanity and the known universe from that evil.
A House to Die For is my fourth novel. I lived in Las Vegas for over 40 years and practiced real estate for 29 years there. It is a crime, thriller, mystery, and whodunit.

If any reader likes my book, then please leave a review; if not, please send me a message on my website. I love to hear from readers!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A House to Die For is my fourth novel. I have thought about this idea for a while. How a real estate agent might be called on to help solve a murder. As I wrote this book, I realized that it will take more than one book to tell this story. Look for a second book in this series next year.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Oh my, well, I do not know if it is unusual, but I write by the window in the kitchen. I can look out the window at the trees, the squirrels, and life as it happens. I know some writers use diagrams, plot boards, and other ways to look at the story. I use a more organic sense, if it feels right to me and makes me feel the emotion that I am going for, then that is what I write. I do use notes and ideas that I write down before I start, and I also keep a log of characters, their quirks, and physical description to help me. I find that as I write a new book, that I may change and evolve to meet that particlular challenge

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are too many to list, however, I think Heinlein is at the top. I recently read Blood for Pearls, which I thought was excellent.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the Stanhope Legacy book two, The Saga Continues. It will take the Stanhope family through WW II and on to the current time. I hope to have it out later this year. I am also working on THEM Book Two. I find that I always have a project on the back burner, that way when I feel blocked on one, I look at the other one. That helps me keep gpoing.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome Gang is great, as is BOOKBUB and others; it is hard to select just one. I am looking at TikTok and Facebook. Amazon Ads can be good, so it depends on which book I want to promote.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep Writing!! Keep learning and do not give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be true to your values and write what you know about. Learn your craft and be ready to improve it.

What are you reading now?
You Can’t Make This Stuff Up! HIstory’s Dumbest Medical Cures: By JD Jackson. It is hilarious and I recommend it

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will start working on a screenplay for A House To Die For. I would love to see it as a TV series.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A Stranger in a Strange Land, War and Peace, and The Count of Monte Cristo

Author Websites and Profiles

Wes Davis Website

Wes Davis Amazon Profile

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Interview With Author Nathaniel Frost

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write stories set in the dark, forgotten corners of history—where survival matters more than glory, and silence is often louder than swords. My focus is on mercenaries, spies, and irregular soldiers, men who operate in the shadows of empire and rebellion. I’m fascinated by the blunt mechanics of power, the wars within wars, and the decisions that never make it into history books.

The Phantom Courier is my debut novel, the first in what I hope will be a series of brutal, deeply researched historical thrillers set in periods of violent political transformation. I’m currently working on my next novel, continuing in the same vein of espionage, asymmetric warfare, and hard moral choices.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Phantom Courier. It’s a spy thriller set during the American Revolutionary War, told from the perspective of a lone dispatch rider carrying more than just messages. It was inspired by the lesser-known realities of that war—not the clean patriot myths, but the brutal uncertainty, the double agents, the betrayals, and the shadow conflicts that shaped outcomes more than battlefield lines.

I wanted to explore what it meant to fight without a banner, when the enemy isn’t always in uniform and loyalty is more dangerous than treason. The courier in the story isn’t a hero—he’s a survivor, a weapon, and a question mark. That’s what drew me in.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write late at night, usually after the world has gone quiet. There’s something about silence and fatigue that strips away everything superficial—it’s just the story and the weight of every decision the characters make. I don’t outline much. I build scenes around tension, risk, and consequence, then let the characters bleed their way forward.

Before I start a new chapter, I often reread battlefield reports, espionage manuals, or historical letters—not to copy them, but to absorb the mindset of men who lived with death and uncertainty every day. It’s less about habit and more about immersion.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always been drawn to authors who don’t flinch—who write history not as myth, but as blood and consequence. Bernard Cornwell for his brutal clarity and battlefield realism. Robert Harris for his precision with political tension. Cormac McCarthy for his rhythm and silences. And Joseph Conrad, because he understood that every man who sails into darkness eventually sees himself.

I’m also influenced by historical records—letters from revolutionaries, field dispatches, even court transcripts. Real people say the most terrifying and revealing things when they think no one will read them two hundred years later.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on the next novel in the same world as The Phantom Courier. It will follow another shadow operative—this time deeper behind enemy lines, where the lines between cause and crime blur completely. The war widens, alliances shift, and the missions get bloodier.

Beyond that, I’m outlining a trilogy centered around mercenary warfare across collapsing empires, blending historical accuracy with asymmetrical tactics, betrayal, and power games. Each book will stand alone, but together they’ll trace the quiet wars that shaped history without ever being acknowledged by it.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found that the best promotion isn’t flashy—it’s targeted and efficient. Platforms like Awesome Gang help get early visibility, especially during a free promo window. Beyond that, I focus on reader communities, not social media. Reddit, Goodreads, and historical fiction forums bring in readers who care more about the story than the packaging.

Ultimately, the book itself is the best promotion. If it grips someone, they talk about it. That’s what I write for.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write like nobody is coming to save you. Don’t wait for motivation, validation, or perfect conditions. Just write—every day if you can. Study how power moves through history, how fear shapes men, how silence speaks louder than speeches. And then tell the truth in fiction, even if it’s brutal.

Also, finish what you start. A finished book—flawed, raw, imperfect—is worth more than a dozen perfect outlines. You can sharpen a blade once it’s forged. But you can’t sharpen a blank page.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write the book only you would survive.”

I don’t remember where I first heard it—maybe I made it up along the way—but it stuck. It means writing with scars, with memory, with weight. Not for applause, not for trends, but because something in you demands to be told, even if it costs you.

That kind of writing leaves a mark. And that’s the only kind worth doing.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading dispatches from the Continental Congress, some British court-martial transcripts, and a re-read of McCarthy’s The Crossing. I rotate between primary historical sources and fiction that reminds me how deep language can cut. It keeps my writing grounded in both fact and feeling—war in the bones, poetry in the blood.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More wars. Quieter heroes. Harder choices.

I’m building a long-form body of work—a series of interconnected historical novels rooted in espionage, betrayal, and survival across centuries. From the alleys of colonial cities to the frontlines of forgotten wars, I want to write stories where violence has weight, silence has meaning, and history doesn’t blink.

Each book will stand on its own. But if you read them all, you’ll start to see the pattern.

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 Histories by Herodotus – because even in exile, a man should remember how empires rise and fall.

Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy – to remind me what language can do when it’s sharpened like a knife.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu – not for battles, but for silence, patience, and clarity in chaos.

And maybe a blank journal—because eventually, I’d stop reading and start writing.

Author Websites and Profiles

Nathaniel Frost Amazon Profile

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Interview With Author Punarnava Sheel

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written many stories but this is the first book that I published

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of the book is Secrets in the shadows. I just had one scene in mind of a brother and sister being extremely loyal to each other even if they are not full blood siblings. The rest of the story planned out from that.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Writing a story takes ME on a journey as much as it does for the reader because even I don’t know how the story will end until I have written the final word.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think Khaled Hosseini has the most influence on me as author because I like the way he ends his stories.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a fantasy novel this time. A young girl’s parents were murdered along with the whole town – the girl was the only survivor. The story is her journey of her wishing for vengeance while facing the struggles of growing up.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Usually, I just make posts on instagram and threads

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write what you want and don’t worry about how it’ll be received.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Publish whatever you want – it’s your hardwork

What are you reading now?
I am reading The Housemaid by Friday McFadden

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully, publishing more books and better sales!

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 Harry Potter – the complete series….and maybe a book on how to survive?

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Author Interview Series

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