Awesome Author Interviews

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

Ross Hightower Deb heim

Interview With Author Ross Hightower Deb heim

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Ross Hightower and DL Heim have been partners in crime for more than 36 years. While Ross built a career as a professor and Deb worked on four advanced degrees, they managed to raise two wonderful people and launch them into the world. When Ross started writing his first novel, Spirit Sight, they never dreamed they would work together, but after a rocky beginning, they discovered they loved writing together. It took a few beers, many intense conversations, and a few arguments to produce Argren Blue and Desulti, two books in the prequel series to the larger Spirit Song Saga (a soon to be 12 book series beginning with Spirit Sight)

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Our latest book that we have co-authored is Desulti, one of the prequel books to the Spirit Song Saga series. it tells the story of Tove, the first woman from a lower caste, the Alle’oss, who request sanctuary with the Desulti, an organization of women who have renounced the patriarchy of the Vollen Empire, but can’t shake the prejudices of their upbringing. Desulti explores the impact of an oppressive society on the oppressed.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
We tend to do our group writing at our local brewery, beer in hand.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
NK Jemison, Patrick Rothfuss, Tamsyn Muir and Django Wexler.

What are you working on now?
Our publisher just set a release date for Oss’stera, then next book in the prequel series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Folks can find links to our books at https://rosshightower.com/ and can sign up for our newsletter at https://rosshightower.com/contact/

Do you have any advice for new authors?
write. and write some more. and find other people to read what you write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It takes 10,000 hours (or for an author about 1,000,000 words) to get good at anything.

What are you reading now?
Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish the rewrites of Oss’stera, finish the first draft of Spirit Light volume 2.

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 Name of the Wind, Argren Blue, The Lord of the Rings and a Calvin and Hobbs anthology.

Author Websites and Profiles

Ross Hightower Deb heim Website

Ross Hightower Deb heim Amazon Profile

Ross Hightower Deb heim’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

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Michael Colon

Interview With Author Michael Colon

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Michael Colon born and raised in NYC. I am a freelance writer for various publications and a novelist. I use my creative writing craft to impact the lives others in thought-provoking and meaningful ways. I often equate writing to painting masterpieces with prose. My inspiration comes from societal abnormalities, cultural differences, and my own life experiences. When I am not writing, I enjoy working out, going on nature walks with my wife, and watching sports.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is The Gift from Aelius. What inspired this book was wanting to exercise my imagination and ideas for a story that is a reflection of the world we live in today. I wanted to create an experience for the reader that takes them on a philosophical adventure. Human history and how I have felt growing up inspired the story, and the protagonist.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I prefer to write down my ideas and chapter content in spiral notebooks before typing it on google docs.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I will say life experiences and cultural artforms inspire me to write stories.

What are you working on now?
I am always writing and taking freelance work as it comes. For now, I am working a sequel to The Gift from Aelius.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When it comes to promoting my work I use word of mouth, posting flyers, social media, contacting magazines and news outlets, and other content aggregator platforms. However, I am always learning new ways to market my work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Advice I have for new authors is to always understand that even though you achieved getting your first book published hat there is more work to be done.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Faith, hard work, and consistency will leave you in a better place then yesterday.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing more novels.

Author Websites and Profiles

Michael Colon Website

Michael Colon Amazon Profile

Author Interview Series

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James Agape

Interview With Author James Agape

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is James B. Agape, and I’m a Kenyan poet and writer who explores themes of mental health, resilience, and self-discovery through poetry. As an introvert, I’ve always found a deep sense of comfort in words and quiet reflection, which has shaped how I approach my writing. My first book, Pent Up Thoughts, is a deeply personal collection that captures my own experiences battling depression and navigating the complexities of mental health. Through this work, I hope to connect with readers on a meaningful level, offering insight and solace to those who may share similar struggles.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first published book, Pent Up Thoughts, is a reflection of my journey through mental health challenges—a journey that I continue to navigate. In those dark times, I kept my struggles hidden, not wanting to feel isolated or judged. Writing became my outlet, a way to release the pain I held inside. This book was born from that process, and I chose to publish it with the hope of reaching others who may be quietly battling depression, anxiety, or overwhelming worry. I want readers to know they’re not alone, and that even in the darkest moments, there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing is deeply rooted in what I feel at any given moment. When something stirs me or touches a nerve, I note it down in my journal. Throughout the day, I tend to scribble—a stream of raw thoughts and emotions—that eventually becomes the foundation of a manuscript. If a feeling resonates deeply, I let it flow onto the page unfiltered, writing earnestly and from the core of my being. I aim to capture each emotion as truthfully as possible, creating work that feels authentic to my experiences and true to the essence of each moment.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I find myself drawn to the timeless works of classic authors. Writers like Anton Chekhov, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Franz Kafka, and Charles Bukowski have left a profound mark on my perspective and style. Their depth, insight, and unfiltered exploration of the human condition resonate deeply with me. And, of course, the prolific Hermann Hesse remains a lasting influence, adding to the richness and complexity that I seek both as a reader and a writer as I endeavor to usher the world into my universe and mere existence.

What are you working on now?
At the moment, I am working on spreading the word about my first project to the world. Sometimes you wish it would be as simple as writing and letting nature take its course, but one also has to actively promote it.

I have a bunch of jumbled manuscripts but those are for another day.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love Pinterest, it’s the media without the social, and because over time posts tend to garner great organic reach.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write, as long as you write from the heart, then your manuscript or book has the potential to positively impact countless readers.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever come across is: “Be patient with yourself. Growth is a process, not a destination.” This reminder to embrace patience and self-compassion resonates because it acknowledges that progress is often slow and filled with setbacks. It encourages us to honor our own pace, to see challenges as part of the journey, and to allow space for learning and healing without rushing the outcome. This advice underscores that true growth takes time and that it’s okay to move forward gradually, as long as we’re moving forward.

What are you reading now?
Currently, I am reading STEPPEN WOLF by Herman Hesse.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next, I want to delve even deeper into themes that resonate universally yet are often left unspoken—mental health, resilience, heartbreaks, love, and the quiet battles many face alone. Building on Pent Up Thoughts, I hope to explore new ways of connecting with readers through honest, unfiltered writing that captures both the struggles and the beauty of being human. Ultimately, my goal is to create work that offers a sense of companionship, as I continue learning, growing, and sharing 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?
1.) Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
2.) Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame by Charles Bukowski
3.) Steppen Wolf by Herman Hesse

Author Websites and Profiles

James Agape Website

James Agape’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Author Interview Series

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Sarah Ewen

Interview With Author Sarah Ewen

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my debut book!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Midlife Reboot: From Menopause to Renewal: A Step-by-Step Guide and Workbook for Women to Embrace and Transform their Middle Years.
What inspired me to write “The Midlife Reboot” was my own journey through what some might call a midlife crisis. I found myself stuck in a rut, feeling like the best years were possibly behind me, which was a wake-up call I needed to take charge of my life. This book is my way of sharing the insights and tools that helped me transform my life into something more vibrant and filled with potential.
I firmly believe that while we can’t always change the actions of others, we have the power to change ourselves. Writing this book was also a challenge that pushed me out of my comfort zone, showing me – and hopefully my readers – that it’s never too late to discover new joys and reignite old passions.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well I tend to write best reclining on the sofa with my laptop on my lap and best furry friend, Digby Dog lying snuggled up against my feet or under my arm…

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lots! But for this particular book I got inspiration from the following:
The Menopause Brain by Dr Lisa Mosconi
The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause by Dr Louise Newson
Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Girls that Invest by Simran Kaur
The Gifts of imperfection by Brené Brown

What are you working on now?
I am a big believer in the importance of mindfulness so I am working on another non-fiction workbook in this genre.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is all new to me so I’m learning as I go! I’ve been learning a lot from Kindlepreneur and testing various methods to getting eyeballs on my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t dither! I spent way too long worrying about whether I should write a book. Imposter syndrome is a real thing! Then there were a LOT of distractions! Try and minimise these if possible – turn your phone and any notifications off.
I wasn’t sure until I started writing whether it would be any good but as I progressed I realised I absolutely loved the process and it all just flowed and I didn’t look back.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just to write from the heart, be authentic. So I did.

What are you reading now?
I’ve crossed over to reading more fiction now and I’m coming to the end of ‘Here one moment’ by Liane Moriarty. Would recommend!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep learning about the art of self-promotion which doesn’t sit comfortably with me but is a necessary evil for every writer.

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?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Wild Swans by Jung Chang
Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osmon
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

Author Websites and Profiles

Sarah Ewen Amazon Profile

Author Interview Series

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

Russell Carroll

Interview With Author Russell Carroll

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Russell Carroll and I’ve wanted to be an author for decades, but finally made it a reality in the past four years. I live in Sacramento, CA with my wife, two daughters, two German shepherds, an ackie monitor lizard, a ball python and a blue-tongue skink. We stay busy. I work as a Contract Manager for the State of CA, but my passion is writing.

My first official publication came in 2020 when my short story, The Purple Heart, was selected for inclusion in Nevada Necromance fanthology. This was very exciting, only cut short somewhat due to the COVID pandemic. My first published novel is Relentless Blades which just released on October 21, 2024.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Relentless Blades is my debut fantasy novel. It was inspired by my love of playing Dungeons and Dragons in my youth. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCWVJX7Q
Fun fact, twenty years ago, I entered a writing contest sponsored by Wizards of the Coast to write a novel in their Eberron campaign setting. Although I didn’t win, I made the short list and received invaluable feedback from the editor. This concept became the basis for Relentless Blades.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so, other than the fact that I work full-time and juggle family responsibilities, so my writing happens pretty much whenever I can squeeze in time. Which means, there is no room for writer’s block or excuses. I need to utilize the time when I get it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
It’s cliche to say Tolkien, but he’s an influence on almost every fantasy author, right? Getting him out of the way, my biggest influences were the D&D writers from the 80’s-mid 2000s. There were many I enjoyed, but the ones that really stand out are R.A. Salvatore and his Drizzt saga and Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman for the Dragonlance Chronicles and Legends.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the sequel to Relentless Blades. I hope to have the first draft finished by the first half of 2025.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Good question. I’m still trying to figure that out. I promote mostly through Facebook, X and Amazon ads currently, as well as through my own blog.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Patience, patience, patience! Everything about writing and publishing a book takes time if you want to do it right. Nothing moves quickly, so settle in and relax for the long-haul.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’ll keep this to writing and say: “If you can quit, quit, if not, you’re a writer” – paraphrased from R.A. Salvatore

What are you reading now?
I’m stepping out of the fantasy genre and reading Three-Inch Teeth by C.J. Box. So far it’s very entertaining.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The reviews for Relentless Blades have been great so far, but I’d like to push the marketing more to get it seen by more readers. Besides that, I’m working on the sequel.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That’s a tough one.

Starless Night and The Silent Blade by R.A. Salvatore
A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin
Knight of the Black Rose by James Lowder

Author Websites and Profiles

Russell Carroll Website

Russell Carroll Amazon Profile

Russell Carroll’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

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Lloyd Mullins

Interview With Author Lloyd Mullins

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up on a tree farm in Indiana, and spent 20 years in the Air Force. Since retiring, I’ve moved with my wife, the lovely and talented Jess, back to my family farm, held a lot of (mostly terrible) jobs, gotten my BA and MFA in Creative Writing, and currently make ends meet working as a writing consultant at a local university. I’ve written two books: the first, Thumperica! A Novel of the Ghost of America Future, is a very dark dystopian satire (think Orwell & Atwood meet Monty Python & Quentin Tarantino). It’s a weird little book, but I think it’s pretty funny. Of course, there’s always the possibility that there’s something very wrong with me.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, A Rare and Dangerous Beast, is an historical novel set in the Old West. It was inspired in general by my love of westerns and historical fiction, and specifically by several books that I read in fairly close succession: The Life of George Bent, by George E. Hyde, A Misplaced Massacre: Struggling Over the Memory of Sand Creek by Ari Kelman, Wyoming Range War by John W. Davis, Thunder on the Mountains by Daniel Sharfstein, and Chief Joseph & the Flight of the Nez Perce by Kent Nerburn. They were about (respectively) a survivor of the Sand Creek Massacre, the Johnson County War, and the Nez Perce War. It occurred to me that one person could have gone through all of those (he would have to be either extremely lucky or extremely unlucky!).

Then I thought about using a Russian immigrant as a protagonist, in order to have him enter the U.S. through California during the gold rush, thereby skipping the whole trip across the continent that most of these stories use. During my research, I discovered the Buriat people, and the Decembrists (failed Russian revolutionaries who revered the American founding fathers, and Enlightenment philosophy). Having a half-Russian, half-Buriat main character who was versed in that philosophy, and who would be well-versed in horsemanship, archery, and could be mistaken for white, native American, Chinese, or a mix of those. I wanted a protagonist who could fit in just about anywhere, but not really belong.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only bad ones, to be honest. I don’t write every day. I also pretty much have to be completely finished with whatever I’ve finished (like marketing) before I can really concentrate on anything new.

I also tend to pretty much figure everything out in my head before I actually write anything, then write it all down as fast as I can, before I forget anything important.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh man, there are so many. Thomas Berger’s Little Big Man novels, George Macdonald Frazer’s Flashman novels, the works of Alistair MacLean, Henry Fielding, Dashiell Hammett, Joe R. Lansdale, Jack Schaefer, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Robert E. Howard, Margaret Atwood, Sinclair Lewis, George Orwell, Aldous Huxley, and Upton Sinclair, non-fiction by Erik Larson, Stephen Ambrose, Dee Brown, Cornelius Ryan, Robert Utley, philosophy by Hannah Arendt, John Locke, John Stuart Mill, Thomas Paine (don’t be too impressed. Mostly I just try to understand what they’re saying). And those are just ones that spring to mind. Honestly, there are too many to count.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m concentrating on promoting/marketing A Rare and Dangerous Beast, which is frustrating, because I have no idea what I’m doing.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to book promotion. If I see one of my writer friends try something, I’ll give it a shot too, if it looks good. That’s how I found Awesome Gang. My friend, the awesome Laura Gilmore Gaddis did one of these interviews, and it looked like a great way to get the word out, so I’m giving it a try. I also use my blog to try to promote it, and look for opportunities to do readings at bookstores.

I clearly have much to learn about all this.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I guess just, if you want to write, then sit down and do it. Don’t wait until you’re good to begin. It’s one of those things that you only get better at if you work at it enough. And don’t do it to make money. It’s great if you do, but it’s a tough, tough business. If you’re not doing it for love of the work, then you’re bound to be disappointed.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always start a new document when you revise, especially when you’re just starting out. That way, you can look at the previous version and latest revision side-by-side, and see the improvements. Pretty quickly, you’ll start internalizing those changes, and your writing will improve rapidly. This works for pretty much any kind of writing, whether it’s school papers, stories, books, or whatever.

What are you reading now?
The Huntress by Kate Quinn, and Why Read Hannah Arendt Now, by Richard J. Bernstein.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Right now, I’ve got a small town murder-mystery comedy brewing in my head. Something that will take a minimum of research. I loved doing the research for A Rare and Dangerous Beast, but it was some heavy going.

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?
At least one of the Flashman books, something by either Locke, Mill, or Arendt (might as well figure out the meaning of life while I’m stuck), one of the Discworld books, probably Reaper Man or Small Gods, and I guess A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving? It’s really kind of hard to narrow it down. Ideally, I’d have my Nook and a portable solar panel. Then I’d really be set!

Author Websites and Profiles

Lloyd Mullins Website

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Lloyd Mullins’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

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Author Interview Series

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

Ayesha Aftab Ali

Interview With Author Ayesha Aftab Ali

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a passionate storyteller with a love for creating engaging worlds for young readers and beyond. My journey started with children’s books, where I aimed to blend fun with valuable lessons in a way that resonates with young minds. Now, I’m expanding into more complex narratives, bringing new depth to my writing.

I’ve written five children’s books, two novels in my reginal language so far; each crafted to inspire and entertain readers. A Mail-Order Bride is my first English novel, marking an exciting new chapter in my writing career as I explore adult themes and different genres.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled A Mail Order Bride. The inspiration came from my fascination with historical relationships and the resilience of people building lives under challenging circumstances. I was drawn to the concept of mail-order brides and the bravery required to step into the unknown for the sake of love, security, or adventure. This story explores themes of hope, trust, and self-discovery, as two people navigate the journey of becoming partners under unexpected conditions.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
While writing, I imagine myself on a serene beach—the colour of the sea, the gentle sound of waves, and the calm atmosphere all set the perfect tone. This peaceful scene helps me slip into my creative flow. I also enjoy listening to soft, romantic songs that add to the mood, making the writing process feel even more immersive.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Umaira Ahmed is a renowned Pakistani author known for her powerful storytelling and profound exploration of human relationships, faith, and morality. Her works often delve into societal issues, combining cultural depth with relatable characters facing complex moral and personal dilemmas. One of her most famous works, *Peer-e-Kamil (The Perfect Mentor), is widely celebrated for its exploration of spirituality and inner growth. Her narratives often blend romance with introspective journeys, which has resonated with a broad audience. Ahmed’s impactful writing style and focus on themes of personal and moral transformation have inspired many readers and writers alike.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on The Weight of Our Dreams, a novel that explores the complex and often conflicting nature of human aspirations. The story follows the lives of individuals who struggle to reconcile their dreams with the realities they face. Themes of ambition, love, sacrifice, and identity come into play as characters confront the pressures of societal expectations and personal desires. It’s a deeply emotional journey that examines how the weight of one’s dreams can both uplift and burden, and how finding balance can be the key to living a fulfilling life.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I’ve been struggling with promoting my books. I’m here because I hope to find new avenues and strategies for getting more visibility. While I’ve tried a few methods, I’m still learning the best ways to reach readers and build an audience. I’m eager to connect with platforms and communities that can help bring more attention to my work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is simple: just write what you feel. Don’t worry too much about following rules or trying to fit into a particular mould. Your unique voice and perspective are what will set you apart. Let your creativity flow freely and embrace the process—sometimes the best stories come when you allow yourself to write from the heart.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is, “If people talk behind your back, let them stay where they are… behind you!” It’s a reminder to focus on your own journey and not get caught up in negativity. People will always have opinions, but what matters most is staying true to yourself and moving forward.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m not reading anything. I’ve been focusing more on my own writing and projects, but I always look forward to diving into a good book when the time is right!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next for me as a writer is completing The Weight of Our Dreams. I’m excited to see how the story unfolds and how the characters evolve. It’s a project I’m deeply passionate about, and I’m looking forward to finishing it and sharing it with readers.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I were stranded on a desert island and could only take a few books with me, I would bring:

1. The Quran – A source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration, it would provide both spiritual nourishment and wisdom.
2. Peer-e-Kamil by Umaira Ahmed – This novel’s deep exploration of spirituality and personal transformation would be a thought-provoking read during such a time.
3. Tere Naam Ka Shajer – My second novel which is beautifully written, I find emotionally resonant, offering both reflection and solace.

These books would provide me with a blend of spiritual guidance, thought-provoking themes, and emotional depth to keep me company in solitude.

Author Websites and Profiles

Ayesha Aftab Ali Amazon Profile

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Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Pinterest Account

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Lenn Millbower

Interview With Author Lenn Millbower

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Disney, training, and entertainment expert who spent a childhood performing magic, ten years as a musician/magician on a cruise ship and in 48 of the US states, and 25 years at Walt Disney World, staring as a host on Epcot’s Listen to the Land boat ride, running every Epxot Future World Attraction, stage managing characters and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at Disney MGM, writing training for internal cast members at Disney University and for business professionals at Disney Institute, and on the opening crew for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Post Disney, I speak at training and other conferences and have written six books for training and business professionals.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Santa System: Ten Leader Lessons from the North Pole, published November 12, 2024, was a work of love. For years I’d wondered how Santa, if he were real, would run the North Pole. I finally decided to figure it out and spent ten months thinking through how Santa’s Workshop actually works. The book is meaty and fun. It delivers ideas for business professionals and anyone seeking self-improvement AND shares the true story of Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, Santa’s elves, and the Workshop’s interactions with other entities like the Easter Bunny.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have two habits of note. (1) For me the hard part is not writing, it’s knowing what to write. A lot of experts say to write, write, write until something happens. That doesn’t work for me. I will often write a sentence or two and then spend hours, or days, figuring out what I want to say next. For me, writing is essential because it helps me think and decide what I think. (2) When I am writing on a subject, I avoid reading anything else that has been written on that subject. I don’t want to be influenced by what other s have thought and written. I want what I write to come from me. not someone else.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was amazed at J.K. Rowling’s ability to create a whole Harry Potter world and absolutely loved Jasper Fforde’s The Big Over Easy for the fantasy world it created. Neal Gabler’s Walt Disney, Everything Was Possible by Ted Chapin, and Showmanship for Magicians by Dariel Fitzee were entertainment career favorites. Focusing on learning, Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Health, The Creative Brain by Ned Herrmann, and Soar With Your Strengths by Donald O. Clifton and PaulaNelson (this one changed my life) influenced me.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I got two gems of advice when I was working at Disney. The first was when I got envious of those promoted before me, especially when I thought the promotion should have been mine. My supervisor told me that everyone has their moment and that you cannot judge your success based on what happens to someone else. Your path is your path and their path is their path. Accept who you are, follow your own path, and don’t waste time on envy towards others. The second bit of advice concerned those trying to turn Disney into something it is not (it happens all the time inside the Mouse House). He said that you can’t blame Disney for being Disney. People know it and want it. You either embrace what Disney is or go elsewhere to do what you really want to do.

Author Websites and Profiles

Lenn Millbower Website

Lenn Millbower Amazon Profile

Lenn Millbower’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

Author Interview Series

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

Karen Douglas-Bhanot

Interview With Author Karen Douglas-Bhanot

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written a few books that I haven’t yet published. “Picky Panda’s Tasty Adventures” is my first published book and will be one in a series of books that I’m currently working on.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Picky Panda’s Tasty Adventures.

I have 3 children – 2 of whom are autistic – and I wanted to write books to help families & caregivers deal with issues that young autistic children often face.

My autistic son, Alexander, has been drawing animals since he could hold a pen and I wanted to write books that show his unique artistic style.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m still developing my own style, I think. I don’t (yet) have any unusual writing habits but I am an “all or nothing” person. Once I start writing, I have to keep going. I’m not very good at doing things piecemeal.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oooh…I read many different genres, so this is difficult to answer. I do like the children’s book author, Eevie Jones – she is so helpful and inspirational to novice writers.

What are you working on now?
The next book in “Animal Friends for Autistic Kids” series.

Dora and The Noisy Forest – which is for young autistic children who have sensory issues.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still working on this one. I’m currently only selling on Amazon.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
This is a tricky one as I’m still learning so much myself. The one thing I would advise is to be crystal clear on who your books are aimed at, as this will help with the structure of the book, as well as marketing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Probably from Reedsy who says you should write for your reader – not just to make profit (or words to that effect).

I think this is really important.

What are you reading now?
The Silent Watcher by Victor Methos

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just keep working on my book series. Learn how to market my books.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Mmm…tricky one…I would try to take books that would keep me sane until I was rescued 🙂

Richard Dawkins – The God Delusion
Jonas Salzgeber – The Little Book of Stoicism
A practical book about catching food, building shelter etc. on a desert island 🙂

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B. Lynn Goodwin

Interview With Author B. Lynn Goodwin

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written four books, Disrupted, Talent, Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62, and You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers. I also own Writer Advice, www.writeradvice.com. When I started Writer Advice in 1997, I was also a caregiver/ personal assistant helping my mother. Long story. I was also an Adult Literacy Specialist, and there are stories there. I’ve taught drama and English in high school and college, and a gazillion years ago, I graduated from Vassar College, got a masters from SFSU, and picked up a couple of credentials. I’m married and became a step-mom and Grandma Lynn without ever giving birth.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, Disrupted, was inspired by my time teaching at San Ramon High School and California High School along with my memories of the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. There are so many ways a life can be disrupted, and Sandee Mason deals with both physical disruption and the emotional upheaval caused by the loss of her brother.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know of any, but what’s normal to one person might be unusual to another. One thing might be that whenever I finish a book I make a list of the subjects it’s about, which helps me when I go to review it. Another is that when I finish a rough draft, I make a list of what the piece is about and what I want it to be about, which guides the next draft.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Since I read like a writer, I’m often influenced by the book I’m currently reading. I read a lot for reviews for Writer Advice and sorting out what does and doesn’t work helps me with my own writing and journaling. The authors of psychological thrillers influence me as well as the ones who use effective description. Sorry I cannot come up with names.

What are you working on now?
I’m always working on Writer Advice. I’m journaling and processing a great deal right now. I’m working on short memoir pieces about aging gracefully, surviving an RV wreck, the effects of two concussions in one summer, and the world we’re leaving to the next generations.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not sure I’ve found that website, though I share my reviews on Writer Advice with Amazon and others.
A lot of my promotion comes from asking people I know either in person or online to read and review my book. Promotion is hard, but I can refer you to a couple of women I know who do it particularly well if you contact me through www.writeradvice.com.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Journal a lot, take time to digest what you read and hear, read in your favorite genres, write reviews for authors you admire, and let your story come to you–even if it comes at about 500 words a day, 5 days a week. Write the story that only you can write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You don’t lose until you quit trying.
If trying hard doesn’t work, try differently.
There are no mistakes — only new material.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading a book for a contest I’m helping to judge. I can’t say more about that.
I just finished Eleanor Vincent’s Disconnected, which I strongly recommend if you live with anyone who’s neurodivergent.
I’m reading submissions for Writer Advice’s Current Contest.
Next, I’ll be reading books sent for review. The three that are tied for next are We Are Watching, The Younger Girl, and The Trip. Also The Family Inside which is on my desktop in PDF format.

What’s next for you as a writer?
That’s an excellent question. Right now, I’m trying to figure many things out. I have a book on the back burner — recently I called it a book behind the back burner — and I do a lot of short pieces and write up a lot of events in my journal before reflecting on them. One of my goals is to help writers using my editing skills and advice.

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 a book about survival, and three others from my TBR stack. I’m sitting next to it right now and it’s hard to pick but I’m quite curious about Ann Patchett’s Tom Lake, because she’s a wonderful writer and Elin Hilderbrand’s The Five Star Weekend, because she’s such a popular writer. Maybe my fourth would be an older collection I never got to called Modern American Memoirs, so I could read how other people survived their own version of being stranded one way or another.

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Ashley Baker

Interview With Author Ashley Baker

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! My name is Ashley Baker. I’m a writer and a psychologist with a debut novel, The Furious Others, which is available wherever books are sold.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Furious Others is so unique- it is a serial killer book where the murderer is NOT the main character. Instead, the victims take center stage! It’s progressive and timely but also so sad and scary. All of these people were living full lives before they met HIM.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to be in a specific mindset to write, and I hate being interrupted. Normally that’s not the case but when I’m in the “zone” it really matters.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many! The GOAT is a Prayer for Owen Meany. I also love Stephen King and Chris Whittiker novels. I read widely and often and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What are you working on now?
Book number 3! A book about Appalachia and the ties that bind us!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have my own website plus all the socials, and just getting out there and promoting it. I’m proud of the work!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it! I find the writing is the easy part. Getting out there and trying to market is much harder but it’s worth it!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When someone shows you who they are, believe them!

What are you reading now?
I am reading a quick book called Foster. It’s simple but poignant. I just finished a haunting novella called Bloom. I typically read 100 books per year so I love talking about books 🙂

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing to write and publish and market.

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 prayer for owen meany
A bad book to write notes in (if a journal is not allowed)
Gilead
The Bible

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Shelby Hailstone Law

Interview With Author Shelby Hailstone Law

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing books since I was a kid! Ask anyone who knew me growing up, and they’ll tell you I’d carry around notebooks and scribble stories in them. In fact, my first published book was one I wrote at age 14 during Biology. Since then, I’ve published 16 books, and I’m proud of every single one of them. I feel like I’m only getting better and better!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is called “Death Flirts Back,” and it came directly out of a dream I had about a girl falling in love with the physical embodiment of a family curse.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a little neuro-spicy, so my writing process involves writing a paragraph or two and then doing a dish or two, then writing a bit and then sweeping a room, etc. It gets the house clean AND the writing done!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a huge fan of Agatha Christie. I love that her stories are rooted in understanding people. I also grew up reading the Alex Rider spy series, and I think that style of adventure story speaks to a lot of the fast-paced adventures I like to write now.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the next book in my “Scaleshifter” series, which is about two kids who were forcibly turned into dragons trying to navigate new bodies and new worlds. That should come out in August 2025. I’m also trying my hand at scifi, writing a story called “The Mermaids of Europa” about a fictional NASA mission to make first contact with intelligent life on one of Jupiter’s moons. I’m SO excited about both of these!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love to do local author events, and I’ve gone to schools and libraries to teach aspiring writers about the publishing world. I’ve tried Facebook and Amazon ads, but really, nothing beats word of mouth!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t talk yourself into giving up! No one can write the book you can. Even if you don’t find immediate financial success (it took me about five years of publishing before I got real traction), your art is out there. Your soul is bared. That’s worth it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you’ve got a made up language, always check to make sure you aren’t accidentally pushing letters together to make up a word that exists in a real language. You might be insulting without meaning to be!

What are you reading now?
I’m rereading the Alex Rider series and reading American Girl books with my daughter, who is learning to pay attention to longer books.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to keep creating and chasing plot bunnies wherever they take me. Once my kids are both in school, I plan to get out in the community even more, too!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My Lord of the Rings combination book, my Agatha Christie Hercules Poirot short story collection, and my scriptures.

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Elton Young

Interview With Author Elton Young

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Elton L. Young and this is actually my first published book, but not the first time I’ve written for publication. For five years, I wrote for the Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc as a Sunday School Commentary Writer for national publication. Writing Sunday School lessons is an experience I’ll always treasure and never forget. I’ve also written many sermons as a local pastor-teacher, and in collaboration with two (2) former partners that worked with me as conflict resolution trainers, we wrote a conflict resolution training manual that we successfully used to train others in conflict resolution and conflict management several years.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’m often asked, what led me to write my book “Conflicts Within: A Journey through Real and Lasting Change”? My answer to that question is always the same. It was the death of my beautiful wife Brenda. Breanda and I shared twenty-two (22) years together before her cancer diagnosis and eventual death (2016). After grieving over her death for more than two (2) years, trying to fill that void in my life unsuccessfully, and carrying that grief with me into the pandemic, I was spiritually confronted by God when he asked me what I planned to do with my pain? I answered God’s question by putting pen to paper while the pandemic isolated the world and separated people from each other in profound ways. During that time, I was moved by God’s Spirit to review the conflict resolution and conflict management training manual I had a hand in writing a little over twenty (20) years ago along with articles and training curriculums I’ve written on the subject matter. I asked myself, how can I take important pieces from training materials I’ve written, combine that information with practical, skill-building knowledge, real-life experiences learned from my wife’s death, and produce a reader-friendly product that will challenge the hearts and minds of people while increasing their knowledge base and spiritual growth at the same time. Combining all of those factors together resulted in the birth of my book “Conflicts Within: A Journey through Real and Lasting Change”

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write when I’m moved and inspired to write. Like preparing a sermon, my writing style often begin with entertaining thoughts in my mind, exploring those thoughts, and then putting those thoughts on paper.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by many authors, but to name just a few, books like C.H. Spurgeon “Lectures To My Students”, Rick Warren, “The Purpose Driven Life”, J. Oswald Sanders “Spiritual Discipleship” and numerous writings by Thom S. Rainer.

What are you working on now?
That’s something I’m praying about. I have different projects in mind, but I haven’t quite decided which one will be next. I’m looking at possibly writing a book about the most influential sermons I’ve preached and many life-experiences I encountered that led to the birth of those sermons. I’m also exploring expanding my writing with my current book Conflicts Within. You will just have to wait and see.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.christianfaithpublishing.com/books/?book%3Dconflicts-within&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw3oh3TKnSc0lK7uxJMnMh0T

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice and encouragement to new autors is to read daily, write often, welcome and encourage feedback, know your audience, be clear and concise, and don’t forget to smile 🙂

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Some of the best advice I’ve ever heard came from my dad who often said, “Trust is something you earn not something you give away.” My seminary professor Dr. Dana Stoddard often said, “Young, discipleship is a free gift, but discipleship always cost something.”

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading a book entitled Motivational Counseling, Concepts, Approached, and Assessment by John Wiley & Sons, LTD

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am now working hard with marketing my current book and getting the word out. I have not made a firm decision on my next writing project, but I have some good ideals and I’m looking forward to putting those ideals on paper.

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?
Holy Bible
Positives from the Black Corner by Stephen C. Nash, Ph. D.
Who Moved My Pulpit? by Thom S. Rainer
Good to Great in God’s Eyes by Chip Ingram

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Ashley Baker

Interview With Author Ashley Baker

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a psychologist by day, and a writer in all the moments in between. I have a traditionally published novel, The Furious Others, that is out and making waves. It is unique because it involves a serial killer who is NOT the main character.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I had finished yet another serial killer focused thriller and I thought, “This misses the point. The scariest part is the victims who were living their life; going to the gym, worrying about dinner, doing all the mundane things until HE changed the trajectory of their life.” That thought turned into this novel.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to be in the right headspace to write. It’s focused but also creative and I know when I’m in it or when I’m not. Perhaps that’s what people call “the zone” but it doesn’t happen in other facets of life.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love to read! I read 100 books a year usually. I love Stephen King of course! I also adore John Irving and Travis McGee novels. I read and love a wide variety of books and am always active on Goodreads! It’s hard to get 5 stars from me though 😉

What are you working on now?
I have another book, A Father’s Sin, that will be published in April but that’s ones done and awaiting more edits. The next book after that is an Appalachian novel that’s NOT about meth. Being from that region, I hate being reduced to the lowest sum of our parts. I am going to write it beautiful, I promise you that.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Instagram or Tik Tok traditionally get the most views.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get comfortable with marketing. Yes, even if you’re an introvert. It doesn’t come naturally to me either. As a psychologist I love keeping the focus on everyone but me. But I’ve learned to be proud of the work I created.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When someone shows you who they are, believe them.

What are you reading now?
Bloom! It’s short but it’s creepy and the best part is- I have NO idea where it’s going to go.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing to write, publish, and most importantly, grow an audience. I’ve never met a reader I didn’t like so that’s the best part is hearing that other readers like my work. That’s a core memory for sure 🙂

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A prayer for Owen meany
Gilead
A one-star book that I could write my own thoughts on or else I’d go crazy.

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Kristin Busco Shipley

Interview With Author Kristin Busco Shipley

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Kristin Busco Shipley is a mom, wife, social worker experienced with working with children, business owner of Lighthouse Clinical Services, PLLC, and children’s book author who loves the water, sealife, and of course mermaids!
Kristin’s book is inspired by her own relationship with her sister and the relationship of her young daughters growing closer together as they get older, and highlights the sisterhood relationship, experiencing new obstacles together, and embracing confidence and courage.
Kristin has always loved reading from a young age and dreamed about publishing her own book someday. She lives in the Chicagoland area where she and her husband raise their two small daughters.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book is Sister Adventures: Mermaid Quest for the Legendary Rainbow Shell and it was inspired by the relationship with my sister, Julia, and watching my two daughters grow up together. The sister relationship and bond is so special and I have enjoyed watching my girls love one another.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I really loved reading the Rainbow Fish books growing up as a child and have always had a love for the ocean, sea life, and mermaids.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on my second children’s book that will be added to the Sister Adventures Series.

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Deon Ashleigh

Interview With Author Deon Ashleigh

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a sci-fi writer who envisions a world where love is as plentiful as insects and science fiction books fall from the sky. Bran Flakes are my favorite cereal, and I’m a spreadsheet nerd. I was birthed in Michigan but moved away when the cold became too much.

So far, I’ve written six books, published one of them, a short story collection, and contributed to a dystopian anthology.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My sci-fi debut is The Price of a Beating Heart. It’s the first book in The Price of a Heart series. There will be eight books after this one, all set in the same far-future, dystopian world.

I wrote The Price of a Beating Heart because I was heartbroken over Trayvon Martin’s murder. And in a rage. And feeling somewhat helpless. There have been many murders of Black people, but Trayvon’s prompted me to start writing this book in 2016. I needed to bleed out my feelings so I could start conversations about the world and how we choose to treat each other.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know. Humans do many unusual things. Maybe.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
George Orwell (1984)
N.K. Jemisin (The Fifth Season)
Neal Shusterman (Unwind and Bruiser)
Octavia Butler (Various stories)
Hannah Moskowitz (Break)
Daniel Keyes (Flowers for Algernon)

George Orwell started my road to sci-fi. These other authors finished that road.

What are you working on now?
I’m writing a non-fiction book called 100 Ways To Save 1,000 Hours Self-Publishing Your Book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I will do a lot of promotion on my YouTube channel, The Sci-fi Space. I’m going to interview sci-fi readers and read my new writing aloud.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Don’t tie your worth to your book, writing, or sales. None of these are related.

2. Write the story your soul’s telling you to write. Don’t compromise on your story.

3. Don’t chase someone else’s voice. With more writing and time, your voice will emerge.

4. Know that you’re born a writer. It’s a calling. You don’t have to prove you’re a writer to anyone.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Leave your book above the ground. No one can read it when it’s six feet under with you.”

I made this up while reading this question.

What are you reading now?
Gap Selling by Keenan. I’m learning how to market. It’s a different skill than writing and editing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After finishing my non-fiction book, I’ll begin editing the second book of The Price of a Heart series.

The second book’s called The Price of a Broken Heart.

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 empty books so I can write new stories in them.

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ghislain labrie

Interview With Author ghislain labrie

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, let me introduce myself. My name is Ghislain, i’m from Canada and I’m new to the world of writing. I’m a happy and positive person who loves life and is deeply connected to my family. I have a wonderful wife, two grown daughters whom I adore, and now, I am a proud grandfather to a little granddaughter who has inspired me to start writing children’s stories.
I have writen 3 children book for now.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Curious little bird is the last one i wrote and like the other two books my granddaughter is the inspiration behind it. Although she’s only a year old yet, she has filled my life with indescribable joy and wonder. The idea of her growing up, discovering the world of imagination, and experiencing the beauty of stories motivated me to create this tale. While she may be too young to understand it now, I wrote those stories with the hope that one day, she will find joy in reading them and connect with the lessons and values within it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. My writing process usually starts with a brainstorming session where I jot down ideas. I then create an outline and draft the story, often revising multiple times.
At work I have often time to work on my books so strangely this is the place where I mostly do it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was an early reader, my parents used to buy all the walt Disney story books. So I grow up reading those great story for kids who taught me about imagination and creativity and are also a part of my inspiration for writing books. I used to also read teddy ruxpin adventures and Mr. Men & Little Miss books. These books influence my work today in many ways. They taught me how powerful a simple but meaningful story can be, and how much young readers connect with characters who feel genuine and familiar. When I write, I strive to blend imaginative adventures with themes that are close to home for kids, just like those books did for me. They’ve shown me the importance of balance—keeping a story entertaining while embedding a lesson that resonates. It’s a lasting influence that helps me create stories that both delight and teach, making them memorable for young readers.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a new children book which the main character is a cute snail. The story’s values are curiosity, friendship, teamwork, persistence, and appreciating life’s simple joys. It should be out just in time for Christmas.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well for now i mostly promote my books on many Facebook groups and Instagram. I’ve just started working with a publishing house in San Diego called Reader’s Magnet for the promoting and marketing of my books. There’s many things they wanna Do so i’ll see how it goes in the following weeks

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Not really since i’m a pretty new author myself

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Didn’t have any advice for now

What are you reading now?
The Mortal engine book series

What’s next for you as a writer?
For now friday we’re gonna do a virtual author interview and later they want to schedule a radio interview on a radio show called America tonight wich has 3 millions listeners in the USA. They will also promote my books on all social media worldwide since my books are in french and english .

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 3-4 last Stephen King books cause i didn’t had Time to read them

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Dan Handel

Interview With Author Dan Handel

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I studied architecture for my bachelor’s degree and then continued to study the field for my master’s degree. So formally, it was always about architecture. But I found myself early on migrating toward everything that was happening beyond buildings. I was always drawn to the larger story, the underexplored figures and ideas that shaped contemporary built environments. This led me out of cities and into landscapes and places not investigated by architects and planners. Forests had become the subject of my new book which is also my first book!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is called Designed Forests: A Cultural History. It started with an experience I had when I was researching the subject of industrial forests. I visiting a forest in the Pacific Northwest, I noticed there was something eerie about the trees because they all looked exactly the same, like clones. I learned by looking into it that these thousands of trees were produced from the same genetic material and planted on the same date to grow together. It’s part of this practice of industrial forests. This experience led me to look further into it, and what is happening to our forests and cities and eventually write this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I know some very prolific writers who can write anywhere: they just switch on a mental button and can work in a busy café or a cramped room. I do not possess these abilities and came to notice that the space I am working in has a profound effect. Being an architect by training, I developed a special obsession with ultra-modernist spaces, and wrote most of this book in a huge, dead-quiet library space designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ursula K. LeGuin’s novella, “The Word for World is Forest” really opened my eyes in her portrayal of the forest as an enmeshed environment of human and non-human voices. Andrea Wulf’s work, especially “The Invention of Nature”, was demonstrative in her ability to unpack complex scientific and philosophical discussions in accessible and fluent writing. Michael Pollan’s books, especially his first one “Second Nature”, were instructive for his developing of personal readings of vast subjects and owning it.

What are you working on now?
As an offshoot from the current book, I am now working on writing a global environmental history of wind and forest. Focusing on grand afforestation projects planted to slow down the wind, combat desertification, and control the movement of people, this work ventures into various parts of the world in different times, including Imperial China, India, the United States during the New Deal, Communist Russia, and Sahelian Africa, to redraw narratives of a world shaped by the meeting points between wind regimes.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is the best website when it comes to promoting my books.
www.handandel.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing a book is not a straight line. It took me more than a decade of research to get to the point where I could envision a clear structure, in which each chapter follows one forest metaphor through time and space. During this time, the project developed and acquired more depth. So I would suggest to not hesitate to take on the route that is more interesting to you, rather than the one you “should” take, because this is how you get interesting books.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Michael Pollan wrote that the first book is like a point, and only with the second book a line is drawn between two points that begins to define you as a writer. So we all need patience.

What are you reading now?
William Dalrymple’s “The Golden Road”, a fantastic sweeping narrative about ancient India’s influence on the world through religion, philosophy, and science. Dalrymple’s writing style is accessible as it is well-researched, and is masterful in focusing on historical figures as a way of challenging our current worldviews.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Working on the proposal for the next book!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“Money and Class in America” by Lewis Lapham will give you a hilarious account of the follies you left behind. Benjamin Labatut’s “When we Cease to Understand the World” will assist in acquiring a higher state of observation. And Annie Dillard’s “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek” may help you see your island landscapes in a new way.

Author Websites and Profiles

Dan Handel Website

Dan Handel Amazon Profile

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Author Interview Series

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J Kuber Singh

Interview With Author J Kuber Singh

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hola…. I’m J Kuber Singh from India and currently a Post Grad Student in the field of Pharmacy, expertise in Pharm.Quality Assurance.
THE QUANTUM PATH : A JOURNEY BEYOND THE STARS is my debut book and very existed of the response i am receiving.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
THE QUANTUM PATH : A JOURNEY BEYOND THE STARS

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Tammy Aiken

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. I have written 12 books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Kids Gluten Free Christmas Cookbook I was inspired when seeing kids, I know not being able to enjoy their desserts and specially their Holidays. I want to put a smile on their faces.

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 a great author and chef.

What are you working on now?
I will always be creating and writing cookbooks.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be careful of the scams there are so many that look so real.

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?
Old cookbooks that I have love the older recipes

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will keep publishing my cookbooks and working toward my dream being featured 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 old cookbooks and one of Alex Guarnaschelli cookbooks.
Old cookbooks that I have love the older recipes

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Author Interview Series

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