Awesome Author Interviews

Interview With Author DR PC SARKAR

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
A former Principal Scientist, ICAR, Govt. of India, I am Ph.D in organic chemistry, and an alumnus of St Francis’ College, Lucknow, Lucknow Christian College and University of Lucknow. In 2023, I opted for voluntary retirement from active service and returned to the city of my birth to pursue his passion for studying and writing about Lucknow’s lost heritage.
In addition to a specialized book on chemistry and about a hundred research publications in national and international journals pertaining to my scientific profession, I did a series of articles on Lucknow, which appeared in the Heritage Page of the “Lucknow Tribune” during 2013-14. I am active in several fora related to the conservation of tangible / intangible heritage, particularly related to Lucknow city. An avid traveler, I have criss-crossed the country, and also visited foreign shores in a bid to fulfill my passion. I have previously written 3 widely acclaimed books on Lucknow.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book released in September 2023, the fourth in the series, “LUCKNOW CHRONICLES – Memories, Musings, Myths”

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I keep open two files simultaneously on the screen of my desktop. One for the main chapter and the other for the bibliography. I keep updating the bibliography as the chapter progresses, so when the chapters are finished, the bibliography is also complete, without any extra effort on my part.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Works of Rosie Llewellyn Jones, SA Abbas and HA Qureshi have influenced me

What are you working on now?
I am working on my fifth book on the lost heritage of Lucknow

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

What are you reading now?
Researching old literature on Lucknow in internet archives.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue to research and write on Lucknow city’s lost heritage

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?
Books by James Hadley Chase

Author Websites and Profiles

DR PC SARKAR Amazon Profile

DR PC SARKAR’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Interview With Author Niki Norlock

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an explorer by nature, I am like a little kid whenever I am able to go somewhere new. People and their stories fascinate me. I am currently living in Mexico, traveling around on motorcycles filming it. I have written 3 complete books so far, 2 were published but we pulled one because it will come much later in the series I am working on. I am currently working on the 4 books that will complete the ‘Truth’ series. Fun fact, I handwrite all of my books then transcribe later for editing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book I have currently published is called ‘Truth – My Synchromystic Journey’ and it was inspired by a spirit led Journey to the Philippines. The experience changed my life completely and we actually ended up producing full feature documentary (filmed in the Philippines) called ‘Beyond Strength’ that was inspired by the experiences documented in the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I hand write all my books, I prefer to write in public places like restaurants. I spew when I write, I just allow the words to flow, and worry about the editing later. I rarely know what I will be writing about until I actually start writing. Nothing I write is planned out ahead of time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite author is J.R. Tolkien… but my greatest influence for my wiritng came from the subscription to National Geographic magazine as a young girl.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the last 4 books to the ‘Truth’ series.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. Don’t let your self doubt mess with your mind… just write and see what magic unfolds.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get Happy!!!

What are you reading now?
Dragon Lance series

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, finishing the series will take some time, but I am expecting to be doing a lot of traveling and creating mini-docus along the way.

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 Habit – The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Author Websites and Profiles

Niki Norlock Amazon Profile

Niki Norlock Author Profile on Smashwords

Niki Norlock’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

Interview With Author Charlene Tess

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
TTess Thompson is a pen name for two sisters who live 1400 miles apart. Charlene Tess and Judi Thompson combined their two last names into a pseudonym when they began writing novels as a team in 2002. Judi lives with her husband, Roger in Houston, Texas. She is a retired supervisor for special education at a local school district. Charlene is a writing teacher and a novelist. She writes educational materials for TeachersPayTeachers.com. She lives in Colorado with her husband, Jerry.

The sisters have written 21 novels together, and each has published separate titles, as well.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Angel’s Heart is our latest novel. It was inspired by a brainstorming session between the two sisters, who thought that a story featuring an adopted child would be a good one to write. It evolved into a wonderful story with a dog, an emergency veterinarian, a baseball player, an adopted child, and a sweet romance. What’s not to like? Our readers are happy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Judi lives in Texas and Charlene lives in Colorado., so we co-write our books using our cell phones, text messages, and emails. We store our work in DropBox where we can both access it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
We are both voracious readers, and both of us enjoy mystery and suspense novels that have romance in them.

What are you working on now?
We are about five chapters into Book 9 in the Angel Falls Series. This series is set in the fictional New Mexico town of Angel Falls, and the characters are connected. Each book can be read as a standalone, but favorite characters reappear.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
We connect with our readers on our Facebook Page, Goodreads Pages, and with our newsletter.
https://www.facebook.com/SistersWritingCrime
https://www.goodreads.com/charlenetess
http://eepurl.com/bySfx5 (newsletter)

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read everything you can in the genre you plan to write. Join writers’ groups, attend conferences, and connect with other writers on social media.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Our parents told us to treat others as we wish to be treated. That advice has served us well all our lives.

What are you reading now?
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

What’s next for you as a writer?
We will extend each of our series with a new book as often as possible.

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?
Impossible to answer.

Author Websites and Profiles

Charlene Tess Website

Charlene Tess Amazon Profile

Charlene Tess’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Interview With Author John & Katie McCann

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
We are a husband-and-wife team running a family business with a passion for leadership! We have written two books, both with a focus on leadership and workplace culture.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Our most recent book is entitled: From Diversity to Inclusion: The Power of Leadership & Team Building. It was inspired by the evolving and changing workplace where so many of the old stigmas and standards are no longer common-place. The workplace is evolving and it is SO important for leaders to understand, adapt, and prioritize inclusion.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
We work together on the outline and ideas – Katie is the main writer – and John makes sure deadlines are met and things are moving along!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
We love self-development and leadership books. One of our favorites is Rich Dad, Poor Dad along with most of Simon Sinek’s work.

What are you working on now?
We are getting ready to start a 3-book series focused on different aspects of leadership

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
We promote through our facebook page, and various promo sites, including Awesome Gang!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it! It feels like such a challenge to get started and I am somewhat of a perfectionist, feeling like the books are never quote “done” but just have to move on from that and publish it!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up. It sounds simple and maybe a little cliche but honestly, you can’t fail if you don’t’ give you. No matter how many roadblocks, problems, or what seems like a failure is only pushing you toward actual success. You only fail IF you give you.

What are you reading now?
Limitless by Jim Kwik – he is such an inspiration!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue to write books on leadership to help and inspire new and seasoned leaders.

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?
Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Atomic Habits
Extreme Ownership
*All such inspirational books!

Author Websites and Profiles

John & Katie McCann Website

John & Katie McCann Amazon Profile

John & Katie McCann’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

Interview With Author Vanja Skoric

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in former Yugoslavia, now Croatia, and wanted to become a journalist because they were ones exposing all the injustice daily. I ended up studying law and volunteering in civic initiatives, and ultimately became a human rights lawyer. I lived in different places and lately, I live with my family near Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. We have two kids, age 10 and 5, who ask a lot of question and inspire my writing. I have written the first book of the series about my children’s questions, all connected to different aspects of activism. Children can quickly recognize injustice and unfair situations and tapping into that interest is essential in helping them understand their potential role in bringing about positive change. After learning about an issue, even if it is complex, children may ask what they can do right away to make an impact.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Tasha, A Little Activist! It all started with real life questions from my daughter, a curious and incredibly observant girl who, like many children, is eager to know why certain situations arise, even if they feel unfair.” In the book called “Tasha, A Little Activist”, the main character, Tasha, feels confused when boys tell her that soccer is not for girls (as it happened to my daughter and I’m sure, many other girls). She wonders, “Why do people say that girls shouldn’t do certain things?” She is curious: has it always been this way? Tasha’s dad tells her a story about women and girls fighting for their rights. In the book, I connected direct experiences with important historical events to help my and other children understand the power of activism and how to cope with the change. I invite curious children to come with Tasha to find out more about activism! Sometimes adults may feel that issues are too complicated for children to handle. The good news is that all the small steps and actions make a difference. I hope this book will inspire honest conversations and dialogue about experiences, fairness, emotions – including anger and frustration – and what opportunities are there for children to do something about that.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Essentially, my children are my inspiration – I only write or plan to write topics that interest them and what they ask about. And they ask a lot!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love fantasy books, and writers like JRR Tolkien, L. Carol and his Alice in Wonderland, Patrick Rothfuss, Kristin Cashore for young adults, and similar. I also get inspiration from children’s authors who bring in activist perspective, like Dr. Angela Sadler Williamson with her book My Life With Rosie (about Rosa Parks).
Sometimes adults may feel that issues are too complicated for children to handle. The good news is that all the small steps and actions make a difference.

What are you working on now?
My next book will be about climate activism and children, inspired by the question – Mom, will our country “drown” in sea? What do you say to 8-year olds when they ask such profound and important questions about our future as a humanity?!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still looking for one! But I like spaces that allow for a more personal touch and getting to know the authors and stories behind the books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write even if you don’t have a clear plan or outline. Something will come out of it for sure, and your brain will thank you for putting it out on the paper.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be afraid you have nothing interesting to say – just say (write) it!

What are you reading now?
Good Different, by Meg Eden Kuyatt – its for young adults but really, anyone who sometimes feels at odds with different (unspoken) social norms – we’ve all been there!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing writing a limited series of books based on my children’s difficult questions, and see where that leads me!

Author Websites and Profiles

Vanja Skoric Website

Vanja Skoric Amazon Profile

Vanja Skoric’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Interview With Author Leann Cotton

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My family consists of myself, my man, and our cat; we live in Pennsylvania. When I’m not writing lovesick characters that must solve a mystery, I can be found baking, gardening, sewing, or winning a game of chess. My debut novel, The Silence of Autumn, was independently published on September 21, 2023, and the second book in the series is in the works!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, The Silence of Autumn, was inspired by my own personification of the autumnal season and how we all deal with death and grief at this time of year (at least in the northern hemisphere!). Now, it isn’t poetry, it is a fun autumnal cozy(ish) mystery with romance. The story itself was inspired by my own fascination with both fictional and true stories of murderers writing into newspapers as a way of taunting the public. I just thought it would be fun to entertain the idea of a murderer writing into the advice column of the local paper…and it was!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually write late at night in bed. I wouldn’t say that is very unusual, but I always envy the writers who get their work done at local cafés. I could never focus!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am constantly in awe of the self-published authors I meet on social media. They are the ones who showed me the path I was taking was possible to take. That said, I do have to share the authors whose work I constantly revisit as they certainly influence the way I write. I have always adored Annie Dillard, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Agatha Christie.

What are you working on now?
I am working on Book Two of the Hayse Haven Mystery Series. Though The Silence of Autumn, which is Book One, ends with the mystery having been solved, there are unanswered questions that I am sure readers may be itching to learn more about in the next book. So I am very hard at work over here!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am most active on TikTok and Instagram. I have made some of the most lovely friends and met some passionate and kind readers on these platforms. Making videos as promotional material for my book on TikTok has been so healing for my inner child, too!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
There are going to be a lot of people who will try to share advice with you. Some of it will be great. Some of it will be useless. Take what you like, leave what you don’t. If you can manage to write a first draft, and muster up the courage to edit it, you can be an author, and you should be extremely proud of yourself. I often say that nobody doubts me as much as I do, and I’m sure many of you are similar to me in that way. I think we all deserve to give ourselves a bit more credit. So, my biggest advice would be to celebrate more often. It’s an exciting ride we are on as creatives. We may as well enjoy it!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take your time.

What are you reading now?
An excellent thriller by self-published author, J.M. Cannon titled, The Flash Girls.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Get Book Two in my mystery romance series written while managing to continue to market Book One.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard, And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, and Hooked by Emily McIntire (because I imagine I’ll be *very* lonely on that island!).

Author Websites and Profiles

Leann Cotton Amazon Profile

Leann Cotton’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Interview With Author Kiwi Houston

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I go by K. Houston born and raised in Texas short of an old country town where my grandpa hunted squirrels, raccoons, & everything they scurries. Growing up in those old towns were very traditional and Christian based. My father was a baptist pastor so it was hard being able to fully express my sexuality. Sneaking down the stairs late at night watching sensual shows and erotic books I had grown a passion for female sensuality ever since; however while bottling up all the creativeness deep inside. But what happens if you put a lid on a burning hot volcano? Eventually it will explode!

Writing my first book Diary Chronicles of a Good Girl Sneaky Link has been so rewarding being able to finally unravel the dirty little things in my mind. I like to think of myself as a seasoned new writer with a lot more to give. If you love erotic topics with heavy word-play that gets you hot & tempted… follow my author page on Amazon for new books!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Diary Chronicles of a Good Girl… Sneaky Link has been a joy writing. Personal experiences has helped me develop the depth of Sneaky Link which is why it’s so personal to me. But generally speaking my books are for all women who’ve been pressured into being a “good girl”, a “classy girl”, a “church girl” or anything else that made you feel like you couldn’t freely express and live in your sensuality.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My unusual writing habits is word play. The creativity in my mind and my huge imagination is enough to make you feel as if you are the main character in the story.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Growing up I thrived on reading Zane and Mary Morrison books. They have been such an inspiration to me. In fact, Zane Chronicles the sexy tv series is what made me sneak downstairs at a young age to watch and learn sexuality.

What are you working on now?
Currently I am working on my next book which is also inspired by true experiences. The brief version is a ghetto romance between a horny girl and her neighbor, but the problem is the neighbor has a family. Yeah this one is pretty juicy!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I mostly result to Amazon is where I publish my books. I’ve been featured with Goodreads, Topless Cowboy, eBookstage, and now awesome gang.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Being a new author myself I strong suggest reaching out to a book mentor for guidance. This has helped me tremendously to not only editing and publishing but the additional motivation to see it through.
I worked with Candace J Limitless.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Think of life as practice. Everything is a practice no matter what you do especially when trying something new.

What are you reading now?
Currently I’m reading a book by Brianne.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next for me as a writer is writing development, publishing 1 more book by January, and starting a new one.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Anything Zane, anything Marry Morrison, and a new author

Author Websites and Profiles

Kiwi Houston Website

Kiwi Houston Amazon Profile

Kiwi Houston’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Interview With Author Pat Spencer

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live on the Southern California coast. Inspiration is never far away with this awesome view and ocean breezes. Before I retired from the California Community College System, I enjoyed a steady sideline of publishing nonfiction articles in the Inland Empire Magazine, the Press-Enterprise newspaper, and the National Beauty School Journal.

After I retired, I began to write fiction. I thought fiction would be easier than nonfiction. I couldn’t have been more wrong. From writing through publishing, I found nonfiction easier. Currently, I have two novels published, Golden Boxty in the Frypan and Story of a Stolen Girl. My trilogy, Sticks in a Bundle, is under contract and in the editing phase.

When not writing, I golf, read, walk on the beach, ride my bike, or hangout with family and friends.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is Golden Boxty in the Frypan published by Pen It Publications. My mother’s experiences in the 1930s and my Irish ancestors’s journey as Irish immigrants inspired me to write this novel.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only that I forget to eat breakfast when I start writing first.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Barbara Kingsolver and her novel The Poisonwood Bible have had the greatest influence on me. Her ability to seamlessly weave her characters’ thoughts and actions into the environment left a lasting mark on my desire to become a writer of fiction.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I am editing my trilogy, Stick in a Bundle. This historical/literary novel was inspired by stories told to me while traveling on a South African bus.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have not discovered a best method or website for promoting my books. I am open to suggestions! My favorite ways of promoting are to participate in book fairs and other author events. I also enjoy attending book clubs, presenting craft workshops at writers’ conferences, and speaking to community and service organizations.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take advantage of the fabulous writing tips and free workshops online. Fortify your ability to showcase the story that means so much to you by learning all that you can about our craft. I also recommend joining a writing critique group. Sometimes it is necessary to try out a couple of different groups to find the one best suited to you, your writing style, and your goals. There is so much help available if you seek it out.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My Ph.D. dissertation advisor told me to write it as I would say it. Don’t try to impress readers by using flowery phrases or words you looked up in the dictionary because they spoil the authenticity of your work.

What are you reading now?
I am in two writer critique groups so what I am reading the most right now is our weekly submissions. I am also still reading about Ireland and how it and its people have survived various types of hardship.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have just begun a series of craft articles. After I get a few more of those published, I have an idea for another Irish immigrant/American dream novel.

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 could bring four books, two would be very thick blank journals so I could continue writing. For fiction, I’d bring The Poisonwood Bible. For nonfiction, I’d bring How to Survive on a Desert Island.

Author Websites and Profiles

Pat Spencer Website

Pat Spencer Amazon Profile

Pat Spencer’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

Interview With Author Jennn Fusion

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is the second book I’ve written, but the first book I’ve published!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
This book’s called, “GALVANIZE: How Humanized Copy Motivates a Brand and its Audience.” As a Senior Copywriter, I spend a tremendous amount of time studying great writing and analyzing the common threads. I figured, “Why not share some of these insights with the larger community of people who work tirelessly to deliver excellent brand messages to the masses?”

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do my best writing while showering, making sandwiches, and taking long car drives.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
From George Orwell, I learned to write simply. From Chuck Palahniuk, I learned to be unconventional. From Hunter S Thompson, I learned to seek the right word. From Ralph Waldo Emerson, I learned to be philosophical. From Steven Pinker, I learned to do my homework.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on another book with my colleagues about the content production pains organizations have and how to solve them! I’m also writing for a dozen or so organizations, helping them tell their brand stories!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Once I found a promotional bookmark on my subway seat. I forget what book it was for, but I did look it up later on — and the idea of a guerilla street promotion like that never left me. Ah, nothing beats word-of-mouth marketing, but I’m excited to see where the internet takes me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get yourself a couple of good editors who believe in you. Otherwise, you could end up editing your book forever and ever and ever — and never getting it published.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A psychic once told me, “You have many, many books within you. But first, you must publish the book you’ve already written. Then all your spiritual energy will become unblocked and the books can flow.”

What are you reading now?
I’m reading “The Long Ships” – a viking saga by Frans G. Bengtsson. And, if I’m being honest, I’m also reading “Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior” (a terrible Minecraft spinoff) with my daughter and “The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena” (an RL Stine classic) with my son.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully getting around to publishing that first book I wrote that got jammed up in the editing queue forever and ever and ever!

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?
1984. Guns, Germs & Steel. Walden.
… And, you know, The Bible would probably keep me busy for a while!

Author Websites and Profiles

Jennn Fusion Website

Interview With Author Nya Murray

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a cybersecurity architect. I’ve been writing technical reports forever. In 2015 I published my first book, Earth to Climate Change. It is traces the effects of climate change on our past, present and future adaptations to social, political and climate factors since the last glaciation. Deeply simple solutions to climate change are available. We already have a blueprint for the clean technology future. Responding to the threats of extreme weather events, the risks of disaster, and the associated large-scale migration of populations is as close as our family tree.

My new book is a political thriller set in beautiful Kakadu Park. The protagonists come from all over the world to attend a paleo astronomy field trip. Traditional Owners and Parks Australia are at loggerheads, while a multinational miner is stalling over the clean up of the uranium mine inside the park. What will the NT police uncover about the body found at Gunlom Falls, and what has this to do with the US, UK, Australia military alliance? Read it to find out!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Kakadu Mystery was inspired by wanting to prevent a nuclear undersea accident in a world that cannot take any more eco shocks, with the ice sheets melting at a rate of 10,000 tonnes per second.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sat in a basement in Copenhagen to tell the story, probably inspired by the tradition that produced Hans Christian Andersen and The Little Mermaid. You have to be inspired by a respect for storytelling.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
All western literature, read at a pace that would give you indigestion in teenage years. I do love good spy thrillers and murder mysteries. Favourite 20th century authors P G Wodehouse and Agatha Christie.

What are you working on now?
Part two of the Blazingly Beautiful and Brilliant Souls trilogy, Standstill Moon in Scotland. The protagonists from book one are in Scotland, exploring stone circles and the 18 year event of the standstill moon. They uncover a secret undersea mining operation in the Arctic, courtesy of Sami people who tell the secrets of a Russian Chinese base over the border to friends and relations in Norway.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Kindlepreneur of course.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Tell your story, no matter what. If you have a story to tell, someone wants to read it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The eternal validity of the soul.

What are you reading now?
Astronomy from the Beginning, Chistopher Seddon.
A New History of the Picts, Andrew McHardy

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish Standstill Moon in Scotland.

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 Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Agatha Christie
Leave it to Jeeves, P G Wodehouse
Deep Simplicity, John Gribbin
Women of Scotland, Helen Susan Swift

Author Websites and Profiles

Nya Murray Website

Nya Murray Amazon Profile

Interview With Author Sara Powter

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live an hour north of Sydney in Australia. I’m a descendant of four convicts, and this inspired my passion to learn more about them. When I was eight, my grandfather moved in with us, and I sat enwrapped, listening to his stories of yesteryear and fell in love with the Colonial Era of Australia.
I’m happily married ( 34+ years), and we have one dog and a few tame magpies.
I started writing three years ago ( in September 2020), and I’m in the middle of my twenty-first book. (That’s over 2,350,000 words)

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The last one I have finished is called “When upon Life’s Billows” It’s inspired by Governor John Hunter, who was the second governor of New South Wales and the trials and tribulations he faced trying to fight against the illicit brewing of rum. It was just before The Australian Rum Rebellion. Australia is the ONLY country the world who used Alcohol as legal tender.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sit and write. The characters often run away with my plot, but that’s half the fun of writing.
I often start with a title, a beginning and an end, and then the rest just happens.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would have to say Sheila Hunter was my inspiration… my mum!
Catherine Gaskin, Marcus Clarke, EV Timms, Eleanor Dark, and so many more.
Mum started reading me Georgette Heyer when I was a child. I loved the romance of the era, and then I discovered that mum had written three of her own.

What are you working on now?
A book about a colonial leather tanner in Parramatta. Currently I am undecided about the title.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon, followed by facebook and my newsletter.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it. I had no intention of ever setting pen to paper, then COVID-19 hit, and we retired in the middle of a lockdown. This was followed by a broken rib, sprained ankle, and a 3-month long trip in our caravan, and I had much more time on my hands than expected. So I wrote… and wrote… and wrote.
Oh, and do the FREE Bryan Cohen Ad Challenge to learn how to advertise on Amazon!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Divide your brain into two… The creative writing side and the technical editing side. When there creative juices flow- let them- WRITE… but when you’re tired – edit.

What are you reading now?
I’m just about to start Tea Cooper’s “The Naturalists Daughter.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
Launch book 13, Do the final edit on book 14, and finish writing book 21. Books 15 to 20 are done and need a 2nd edit.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, a survival manual and a solar-powered ebook. (does that count?)

Author Websites and Profiles

Sara Powter Website

Sara Powter Amazon Profile

Sara Powter’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Interview With Author Marty Katz

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired Sergeant from the Broward Sheriff’s Office in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Former SWAT officer, undercover narcotics detective, academy instructor, and supervisor of various units, including detective bureau, patrol, and recruitment. As a high liability and ethics instructor, I started Crimewave Solutions in 1984, a company teaching officer survival. He is a 7th-degree black belt, starting his training in 1958, and the chief instructor at Bushido Karate Dojo. Past the Uniform is my first book, and Hot Potato is my second book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hot Potato, working as a police supervisor in the world’s second largest passenger cruise port, was the spark of the idea for the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Just jump right in and do lots of research.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Clancy, DeMille, Cussler

What are you working on now?
A sequel to Hot Potato and a short story science fiction book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have none.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do not stop.

What are you reading now?
The Maze

What’s next for you as a writer?
Movies and for my book.

Interview With Author KEVIN LEE AMERICA KING

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
WORLDS RICHEST MAN ON FORBES.COM 5 AUDIO INTERVIEWS ON FORBES.CO WITH HIS FAMILY . LIFE STYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS AND MTV CRIBS SPECIAL EDITION HAS THE INSIDE LOOK AT HIS 14 HOUSES AND CONDOS AROUND THE WORLD 40 ACRES IN NY LONDON MONDERN DAY CASTLE 2 FLORIDA PADS 2 TURKS AND CAICOS HOUSES 1 CABIN LOGDGE ON YOUTUBE NOW .AMERICA KING KEVIN LEE OWNER OF LOUIS VUITTON NIKE MERCEDES BENZ GANGSTER STREAMING MAYBACH BENTLEY MCDONALDS WHIT CASTLE ETC BRINGS GREAT LITERATURE WIT BLACK DOCTOR AND LLLOYD BEEN STORY 2023

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
BLACK DOCTOR BLACK NURSE WHITE MOCK WHITE SKIRT
FRAUD DOCTORS ON THE NEWS PRESS PROMOTED A NEW BOOK THEY ARNT QUALIFIED TO MAKE CHECKING NAMES IN COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT THEY ARE NOT DOCTORS BUT FRAUD MASON STEPDADDYS WHO PUT US IN MENTAL HEALTH SLID US TO JAIL FROM THIS MONTHS TRY AT A BOOK CALLED BLACK DOCTOR SO I PUT MY BOOK OUT FIRST OUT OF SPITE CALLED BLACK DOCTOR A UNDERWRITE REWRITE REVISION AND BURN ON RAPIST YALL CALL BLACK DOCTORS THEM NIGGAS WOULD OF WALKED YOU IN NEBACANAZZAR WITH 2 MUCH MURDER AT TD JAKES AND NOEL JONES ARENT REGISTERD PASTORS

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
ALL YEAR CHIP UP A BOOK COPY PASTE TO MAKE 1 A YEAR THIS YEAR I HAVE ENOUGHT NOTED FOR 2 encyclopedia 2 TEXT BOOOKS 8000 PAGE COMMERATIVE WITH LLOYD BEEN STORY NOW BLACK DOCTOR

What authors, or books have influenced you?
DANIEL STEEL

What are you working on now?
ART OF WAR UNDER WRITE
TIPS AND TRICKS TO THE TRADE IN FILM MILITARY SOUND ENGINERRING ENTERTAINMENT STUDIO BOOKS ETC

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
KEEP WRITING ON THE TRAIN IN THE ROOM ALONE NOTES MEMOS ALL YEAR CAN BE TRACED TO MAKE YOUR BOOK ,YOU WANT TO NOT CHANGE YOUR BOOK GET IT FOMATTED YOUR SELF A SELF PUBLISH UPLOAD ANDPROMOTE BIG PUBLISHING DEALS CHANGE FAIRYTALES AFTER THE DAY THEY SAY WE FINISH AND THE DAY THEY WANT TO DISTIRBUTE THEY CHANGE YOUR WORK SELF PUBLISHING IS GREAT.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
KEEP INSPIRING AND SELF PUBLISH

What are you reading now?
DANIEL STEEL

What’s next for you as a writer?
ART OF WAR BOOK
AIF MILITARY 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?
HIP HOP THELAST RELIGION
REINCARNEGRO
LLOYD BEEN STORY
BLACK DOCTOR

Interview With Author Austin Shirey

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey there! My name’s Austin. I live in Northern Virginia with my wife, our daughters, and two cats. I work a day job as a systems analyst, and write whenever I can.

So far I’ve got about four books under my belt. I’ve got two chapbooks: The Magic of Everyday Things, which is a collection of four short stories, and Goodly Creatures, which contains two short stories and illustrations. I’ve also got a novella, City of Spores, scheduled for publication with Madness Heart Press in 2024, and another novella I’m currently shopping around.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Goodly Creatures is my latest. It’s an illustrated chapbook, and deals with my fears of the current climate apocalypse we’re currently living through. Oddly enough, the initial story was inspired by a memory I have as a kid of our dog breaking out of our fence because the neighbor’s cat had teased him one too many times. So that was the germ of the story, so to speak, and I went from there.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Oftentimes, if I’m having trouble having words come while writing on the computer or writing by hand in a notebook, I’ll switch to my Notes app on my phone and write there. I don’t know if writing in the Notes app just makes what I’m writing seem less important, so I can just let the words flow, or what, but it definitely works for me. I also love writing bits and pieces on index cards.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury, Jeff VanderMeer, Ursula K. Le Guin, J.R.R. Tolkien, Toni Morrison, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Jesmyn Ward, Nathan Ballingrud, Laird Barron, Victor LaValle, Stephen King, Stephen Graham Jones, Joe R. Lansdale, Frank Herbert, Philip K. Dick, Haruki Murakami, C.S. Humble, Shirley Jackson, just to name a few.

What are you working on now?
A horror/dark fantasy novel. I’ve been pitching it to myself as “The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe meets Hellraiser.”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, using all the social media accounts I have: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, Threads. AwesomeGang is really cool, too!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Have fun. Let your imagination go wild. Read A LOT. And most importantly – put your ass in the chair and WRITE.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There’s two quotes that I constantly go back to in terms of writing advice:
1. “Don’t think.” – Ray Bradbury
2. “Don’t get it right, get it written.” – James Thurber

What are you reading now?
The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward. It’s wonderfully written and suspenseful!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting this novel done! It’s my first time attempting something this long, so it’s a bit daunting, but ultimately I’m just having fun and learning as I go.

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, this is hard! Hmm. Probably:
-The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
-The Stories of Ray Bradbury by Ray Bradbury
-Shriek: An Afterword by Jeff VanderMeer
-The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin

Author Websites and Profiles

Austin Shirey Website

Austin Shirey Amazon Profile

Austin Shirey’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Twitter Account

Interview With Author Marilee Grace

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the founder and lead Life Transformation Coach at RightSwipeGirl. Prior to writing “Right Swipe! A Quest for Love,” I have had articles published in magazines and have been a part of a collaborative devotional by Kansas City area writers. “Right Swipe! A Quest for Love” is my first book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I got the inspiration for “Right Swipe! A Quest for Love” after spending a little time on the dating apps. I was newly divorced and curious. After several crazy encounters, I kept telling my friends that I could truly write a book about all the craziness. After continuously saying this, I finally decided that I would, indeed, write the book. I spent 15 months on the apps, engaged with over 200 men, and collected mountains of data. I share all the stuff: funny, serious, weird, kinky, curious, innocent, sometimes explicit. All the stuff. At the end I share about how I found my truest love. I write candidly and with transparency about my experiences. You will laugh, cry, say “huh” and “ewww” and cheer me on throughout!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have wanted to be a writer (and a Rockette) since I was little. At one point, I envisioned myself writing on a typewriter while sipping red wine. Very glamourous and clique. And the furthest from my truth. If I drink red wine while writing, I have to do major edits, because, well, red wine! So I write and drink coffee, water, and flavored sparkling water. I haven’t had a typewriter for years! The blue light from my laptop plays tricks on my eyes so if I’m writing for very long, I have to wear glare reducing glasses under my prescription glasses and have my screen turned a little bit dim. I’m a sight to behold for sure! It works for me, but it isn’t anything near the romantic picture I always had in my mind!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My friend J. Sterling, is a best selling baseball romance and romance writer. She encouraged me to “write your f’ing book!” I finally did it!

I really love Colleen Hoover. I love to listen to her books while I’m driving and doing boring work around the house.

I read a lot of inspirational and self-improvement books. I’m currently reading “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a 4 week course on Self-Love that I will teach online and around the Kansas City area.

My grandmother was a great storyteller and used to tell me stories at bedtime when I spent the night at her house. I am writing my favorite bedtime story into a children’s book. It will be illustrated. I want my grandchildren to know that bedtime story and I want to make it available to all children. It is a special labor of love.

I am also working on a book about learning how to love yourself. It will have a companion workbook. It will give readers details about how I discovered self-love and how I continue to work on being my truest love.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have an amazing community of coaching friends that are my biggest cheerleaders. We love to watch each other pursue dreams and reach goals. They have rallied around my book and have shared it within their communities and friends. I’m thankful for them and they continue to cheer for me and inspire me to be my best.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stop saying you will write the book “someday.” Get into a group that cheers for you, encourages you, and holds you accountable. It doesn’t matter whether it is in person or online. What matters is that you click with the group and you want to be with them. Make it a priority in your planner. And write. Some days you will write amazing stuff. Sometimes you will write things that will be a different project for another day. And sometimes you will write stuff that you don’t like and think will never be anything of substance. And all of that is okay. YOU wrote something! That is important!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Truly, my friend J. Sterling telling me “write the f’ing book” played in my head nearly daily. That was truly the best advice I ever heard. I was so excited when I was able to email her to tell her “I wrote the f’ing book and it is on Amazon!!!”

What are you reading now?
I’m reading “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. I really vibe with her!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on writing my favorite bedtime story that my grandmother told me when I was little. I’m also working on a book on Self-Love with a companion workbook. I hope that it will help others, who like me, need guidance on how to love themselves better.

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 lordy, that is a tough one. I think I would want “Verity” by Colleen Hoover because I listened to it and I need to read it several times. There are so many twists in it. That could occupy some time. I also love the Hunger Games trilogy, so I count that as one book and would bring it. I love Brene Brown, so I’d grab Braving the Wilderness, which would be appropriate being on a desert island!

Author Websites and Profiles

Marilee Grace Website

Marilee Grace Amazon Profile

Marilee Grace’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

Pinterest Account

Interview With Author Jon Repole

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book! 20 years in the making and excited to share my experience and love with the world.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I-llness to WE-llness: A Revolutionary 11-Step Program to Conquer Disease, Create Everyday Miracles, and Reconnect to Your Higher Self.
This book was inspired by the saying, “Doing Good is Good for You.” In other words, as our consciousness expands, our heart and health expand, as well.

A monumental shift in consciousness is coming! It’s a change from an I center of gravity with a focus on I, me, and mine that refuses to recognize life’s interconnectedness. It is infused with a belief in entitlement where one thinks that everything is ours for the taking with a disregard for responsibility and the effects our choices have on others, Mother Nature, and other sentient creatures.

The WE center of consciousness, often referred to as Integral of Kosmic, can be described as an all-inclusive perspective of care, compassion, and concern for all human beings (regardless of age, sex, race, color, creed, gender, etc.), for all sentient beings (regardless of species), and all of manifestation or that which can be seen and that which cannot.

The book offers 11 practices to help you expand your health and consciousness which are intimately linked.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. The muse visits me after my scheduled dedicated disciplined time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The most significant author influences have been Ken Wilber, Dr. Gabriel Cousens, John Robbins, Dr. Jeffrey Bland, Abraham Maslow, Dr. Will Tuttle, Eckhart Tolle, Gary Francione, and Marianne Williamson.

What are you working on now?
Teaching and facilitating a 6-month functional and holistic functional medicine certification program. And incubating the creative spirits for a new book on how as individuals we can heal the world.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep the vision alive, one step at a time.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
How you live your day is how you live your life.

What are you reading now?
The Seeker’s Code by Dr. Donald Epstein.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To fall in love with the process.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A Course in Miracles.

Author Websites and Profiles

Jon Repole Website

Jon Repole Amazon Profile

Jon Repole’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

Interview With Author Desmond Devenish

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written and published one book and two produced motion picture screenplays.
I’ve lived in New York, Los Angeles, Spain and Italy.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Freedom From Failure

This was born from years of major challenges, setbacks, lessons and eventual victories.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I may listen to the same piece of music over and over again to keep me in the flow.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anything written by Henry Miller. Jack Kerouac’s “On The Road,” & the brevity and richness of Paul Bowles’ short stories.

What are you working on now?
Several screenplays and a TV series are in development.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have found Publisher Rocket to be a very useful tool.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write consistently. You will get better and find your voice simply through the process of continual writing.

Avoid overthinking to the point of suffocating your flow.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
About taking on new projects and endeavors… “Everything you do should be the best thing you’ve ever done.”

What are you reading now?
“How to Listen with Intention” by Patrick King

What’s next for you as a writer?
Write a full-length play.

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 Sheltering Sky, Shantaram. Sexus, Soul on Ice

Author Websites and Profiles

Desmond Devenish Website

Desmond Devenish Amazon Profile

Desmond Devenish’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Twitter Account

Interview With Author Carolyn Muradian

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have one pubished book but I have wriiten four more for that series plus I’m developing another series called Bingo Boo and I have completed three books incuding illustrations.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Is Being Different a Good Thing to Be? was inspired by my granddaughter, Macy who has Down sydrome.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Noe that I know of. I do prefer writing at night.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are too many to list.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the illustrations for my Macy books as well as writing more Bingo Boo books.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m far too new at this to have that knowledge.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Perererence. Keep writing, learning, and write some more. Wch a lot of youtube. There’s tons of info out there.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Bethany Atazadeh on youtube when jokingly describing how to makae your own book cover. She said something that was truly enlightening. 80/20. Your book should be either 80 dark and 20 light or vise versa. It was a big aha moment for me. That small little tidbit saved my bookcovers.

What are you reading now?
The Beekeeper of Aleppo.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing my newst series and finishing the illustrations for my Macy 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 Bible. I wouldn’t need anythig else

Author Websites and Profiles

Carolyn Muradian Website

Carolyn Muradian Amazon Profile