Awesome Author Interviews

Interview With Author Kim D. Grant-Albright

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a very compassionate person, with strong advocacy roots for teens, women, and the elderly. I love family and animals. I sincerely enjoy helping to enhance the quality of life for others. I am a woman of integrity, vision and on a mission for the betterment of others. I unyieldingly sow the word of God into the lives of my children.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my first book is “HUSH” and it was inspired by my daughter in a season of transition and the emotional pain I was experiencing at that time in watching her succumb to dating emotional and mental battering. Outside of prayer, the only thing I could do was to write.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am unsure about what we may term as unusual habits, with this being my first book. However, most of my writing is done on my cell phone in the incredibly early morning (between 2-5 am) when it is still and quiet and I can think clearly. I spend much time daily in thought, meditation, and prayer, and after that, I “pour” myself out on paper (in my case, in the cell phone draft area). I never write in the daytime.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The three primary authors that have influenced me were Charles Stanley (A glorious Journey) T.D Jakes, and Sarah Jakes (powerful authors and speakers with the ability to activate the emotions of women.

What are you working on now?
I have two other book projects I am working on, however staying focused on HUSH because it correlates to a community-based program I developed a few months ago for teenage dating violence, with specific emphasis on emotional and mental abuse and layered hidden damage. The program is entitled NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE. I seek to provide a platform for teens, young adults, and adult women where they may have a voice. This is a collaboration with local agencies.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I just released my first published work, so I'm still learning the ropes and trying to understand what methods or platforms work best. However, I believe podcast interviews are a great way to promote books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would advise new authors to first seek guidance from God and allow Him to order their steps, follow their hearts, seek peace with the decision to move forward, voice their opinions/truth, and seek a publisher who has their best interest at heart and interested in seeing them enhance their vision beyond the book. I was pleased with my publisher whom I highly respect.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That is a loaded question. At 66 years of age, I have lived a long time and received much great advice. I believe the greatest advice I have ever received was giving my life to Christ. That great advice was given while I watched a televised Charles Stanley Sunday morning program when I was in my twenties.

What are you reading now?
I am reading my book, HUSH, over and over! Trying to allow the information written to settle in my spirit. Having written “my truths” I am living in the freedom of exposure.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, I have already pulled out material for my second and third books. Both titles and concepts are in place. I will continue developing platforms to ensure that HUSH reaches its fullest potential in helping women to heal and move toward freedom in their emotions and mental state (workshops, seminars, zoom sections, webinars, podcast, conferences, social media platforms) .

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 have read some very motivating books in my life, but there has been no greater or more sustaining knowledge or satisfaction than reading the Bible, therefore the bible would the first book in the pack. The glorious journey was a profound book that offered insights on how to live righteously, I have used it all my life and offered as gifts to family, friends, and my students, so I would take that book. Fervent Prayer, by Priscilla Shiver, helps keep me stay grounded in the unknown and HUSH, so that I can have memories of my family since their testimonies are woven throughout the book.

Author Websites and Profiles

Kim D. Grant-Albright Website

Kim D. Grant-Albright Amazon Profile

Kim D. Grant-Albright Author Profile on Smashwords

Kim D. Grant-Albright’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

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Author Interview Series

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Interview With Author Michael Fryd

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I spent most of my life as a scientist, but when I retired I decided it was time to become a writer, something I've dreamed of since I was 5or 6. A dozen of my short stories appeared in various literary magazines. I've written two books. One is my memoir of surviving the Holocaust, thanks to my mother's courage, cunning, and a lack of respect for the truth and legal niceties. The other is a novel about crime and political corruption in my adopted city, Philadelphia.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book and first length publication is "My Mother's War". I started writing it for my children, but realized there was a bigger point that needed to be made. It is too easy to intellectualize the Holocaust. Six million people killed numbs the mind. I wanted to remind people that it was more than a number, it was six million individuals who suffered and died during those years. Babies who didn't get a chance to learn to walk, teenagers who never got a chance to experience the thrill and heartbreak of young love, Old people who didn't see their children and grandchildren grow up.
So I chose to write about one family, mine, to show the fear and pain we suffered, and even after we survived, how what we went through changed us.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I am an unstructured human being, and so don't write an outline or a plot. I start writing and look forward to seeing what my characters will do, and what new characters I'll meet along the way.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Balzac, and Gogol introduced to me to the complexity and fragility of humanity. I'll never forget when I encountered Thackeray's Becky Sharp, a flawed but so interesting female character. Garcia Marquez taught me, trained as a scientist, what possibilities become available if you choose to suspend disbelief. And finally Ogden Nash and James Thurber who showed me how much fun it is to introduce whimsy and humor.

What are you working on now?
I am working on two novels. The first, tentatively titled, Let us Prey, is the story of a woman who spent twenty years in jail for the murder of her husband, a prominent baptist minister.
Five years after she leaves jail, her daughter, born in jail and brought up by her in laws, finds her and wants to hear her side of the story.
The other, titled Mother's Secret, is based on a character like my mother.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have no experience with promoting my book, so I follow my publisher's wise advice.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. What kept me going, and helped me not get discouraged by rejection which comes inevitably with being a writer, was discovering Kurt Vonnegut's first book was rejected 37 times by publishers.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don't acknowledge writer's block. Keep writing and even if some of what you write is bad, you will be surprised by how much of it is at worst usable.

What are you reading now?
The Covenant of Water by Verghese. You know a book is great when it is over eight hundred pages and you wish there were more.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to find a publisher for my finished crime novel, and finish the two I'm working on.

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 collected poems of Ogden Nash. You may think this proves I'm a lightweight, and maybe I am. I don't like to reread books. I already know the story. If stranded on a desert island, I wouldn't want to read lofty tomes. I'd want something that would help me pass the time, make me chuckle.

Author Websites and Profiles

Michael Fryd Website

Michael Fryd Amazon Profile

Michael Fryd’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

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Author Interview Series

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

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

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Interview With Author Amanda McKoy Flanagan

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Amanda McKoy Flanagan, author, podcaster, blogger, and motivational speaker. A native New Yorker turned Coloradan, I blend street smarts with tree hugging for a sensible and spiritual approach to loving and losing; I am no stranger to either. Co-founder of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Castle Rock Clubhouse, a recovery clubhouse that serves as meeting space for various twelve-step programs, I'm passionate about sobriety, meditation, and spirituality. Through my commitment to climate action, I hold the spirit of loving-kindness, faithful perseverance, and compassionate service in high regard. A lover of horses, drumming, running, vegan eating, and dancing, I also enjoy singing with abandon to loud rock music, sometimes while driving a little too fast!

I hold a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany in English and journalism and a master’s degree in social work from Stony Brook University, New York. Nevertheless, life has been my greatest teacher by far. I live in Castle Rock, Colorado, with my family and pup, Dolly.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Trust Yourself to Be All In: Safe to Love and Let Go.

Three years of intense healing around grief and generational family dysfunction (false messages I carried with me my entire life about love and loss) inspired this book.

My brother died from an overdose in March of 2018 and shortly after, my marriage took a big hit. I spent a few years unraveling what I call "The Great Myth:" a deeply-rooted belief that everyone leaves me or hurts me so I must protect my heart and always love a little less. This allowed me to keep a certain amount of emotional distance from my husband, one that I thought would keep me safe should anything happen to him (he is a 9/11 first responder with chronic respiratory illness and also 12 years older than me). "The Great Myth" was an unconscious belief that forced me to emotionally protect instead of love with an open heart, and my brother's death brought this belief to the surface. In 2021, I experienced a moment of divine inspiration and my book was born.

I wholeheartedly believe many others are suffering from this same false narrative, now more than ever. COVID and the 2020 election created a severe disconnection within humanity and I knew I had to use my story (pain turned into purpose) to help bridge people back to their true self and to one another. This is more than an inspirational memoir. It's a guidepost to collective healing, for "When you heal, I heal, and we heal, the world heals."

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
This book was born on my treadmill. I would listen to music and run, and the lyrics and beat coupled with the endorphins was a moving meditation that put me in a space to feel things and know things; it helped me to connect the dots of my life and the reason for my experiences, mostly the pain, and then understand the lessons. Ideas and thoughts rushed in frantically, too quickly to write, so I would talk into the notes app of my phone, email it to myself, and find a place for it in the manuscript. It was a puzzle that came together perfectly (after about 4 rewrites!). No outline, just trust.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Brene Brown, Braving the Wilderness
Gabby Bernstein, The Universe Has Your Back
Wayne Dyer
Kathryn Shulz
Thich Nhat Hanh
Ram Dass, Walking Each Other Home
Emily Dickenson
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Edgar Allen Poe

What are you working on now?
Marketing my book, writing my blog, and producing my podcast, Sol Rising: All In on Love, Loss, and Connection.

I have written a prologue for a potential realistic fiction novel and I have many other ideas on the back burner. I am also submitting articles to magazines to be published.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://www.amandamckoyflanagan.com/

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Dig deep. Get as honest and vulnerable as possible. If you are writing a memoir and you haven't cried, you haven't gone deep enough.

For other genres, ask whoever or whatever you think is out there helping you to understand your purpose (God, Higher Power, universe, spirit) for inspiration and guidance and just start.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Show don't tell…and stop posturing!

What are you reading now?
The Alchemist, Paulo Coehlo
The Other Year, Rea Frey
Wild, Cheryl Strayed

I always have more than one book going at a time!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I'm waiting for my next big download, a moment of divine inspiration. If it takes too long, I'm going to continue fleshing out my outline for that realistic fiction book I mentioned above and jump in!

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 Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
Trust Yourself to Be All In
Living Buddha, Living Christ

Author Websites and Profiles

Amanda McKoy Flanagan Website

Amanda McKoy Flanagan Amazon Profile

Amanda McKoy Flanagan’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

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Author Interview Series

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

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

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Interview With Author Dr. Alice Preetha

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a seasoned professional, a mental health advocate, and an author. With a passion for empowering individuals for personal growth and mental well-being, I founded Gumption Mind (www.gumptionmind.in), a MSME registered organization dedicated to making a positive impact on people's lives.

My journey as a Counselling Psychologist, Master Mindset, and Life Coach has been enriched by specialized qualifications from prestigious institutions like Harvard Medical School and Harvard Health Publishing. Through my extensive expertise, I have been able to guide and support countless individuals in their pursuit of professional excellence and a fulfilling life.

As an author, I take great pride in my literary accomplishments. My first book of poems, 'The Key to Words,' has earned recognition and praise, being nominated and awarded the prestigious 'Emily Dickinson Award' 21st Edition. I'm equally delighted that my second book, 'Unlocking Love and Happiness – 7 Mindset Ways to Better Relationships,' has recently been published, and I'm excited to share the transformative insights it offers.

In recognition of my contributions and dedication, I have been honored with the esteemed 'Iconic Women Creating a Better World for All' award from the Women Economic Forum. This recognition further fuels my commitment to creating a positive impact on the lives of others.

I firmly believe in the power of a growth-oriented mindset and its role in fostering successful and meaningful relationships. Through my work and writing, I aim to inspire and empower individuals to embrace positivity, personal growth, and mental well-being, unlocking their true potential to lead fulfilling lives.

I invite you to experience my expert guidance and support, as together, we embark on a journey of growth and transformation towards a brighter and more fulfilling future.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is, "Unlocking Love and Happiness: 7 Mindset Ways to Better Relationships." It's a self-help gem that provides practical tips and powerful insights on how to develop and improve relationships through adopting a positive, growth-oriented mindset.

As a qualified relationship and mindset coach, I poured my heart and expertise into this book, offering concrete solutions based on psychological concepts and real-life experiences. I truly believe that mindset plays a crucial role in building successful and satisfying relationships, and I wanted to share that belief with others through this transformative work.

Divided into seven fundamental thought ideas, each section addresses different aspects of relational dynamics and communication, providing a comprehensive guide to nurturing meaningful connections.

I wanted this book to be more than just words on a page. It's a source of inspiration and reflection, filled with real-life narratives, actionable advice, and uplifting moments that encourage readers to embrace positive thinking concepts in their relationships.

I can't wait for you to dive into this journey of growth and love.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I often find inspiration striking at odd hours, so I start off right away and keeping a track of it on a notepad. Additionally, I have a unique ritual of listening to music while diving into the writing process, which helps me attain the right creative mindset and keeps me in a good mood.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Out of the growing list, my favorite authors and books from the list are:

A pioneering author in the self-help genre, Louise Hay's book "You Can Heal Your Life" has been a guiding light for countless individuals seeking inner healing and positive transformation. Through her empowering affirmations and teachings, she emphasizes the profound connection between the mind and body, encouraging readers to embrace self-love and unleash their limitless potential. I always get goosebumps whenever I read her books.

In the "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind," Joseph Murphy delves into the untapped power of the subconscious, revealing how it shapes our thoughts, beliefs, and ultimately, our reality. His profound insights and practical techniques empower readers to harness the subconscious mind to achieve success, abundance, and overall well-being, this will be my all-time go to book.

In his groundbreaking book "Self Help," Samuel Miles invites readers on a transformative journey of hard work, character, perseverance and morality which are crucial for personal growth and reaching the success ladder.

What are you working on now?
At this moment, I am wholeheartedly engrossed in developing an enlightening self-help book that delves deep into the complexities of the human mind and emotions. By drawing from authentic experiences and expert knowledge, this book strives to offer practical tools and valuable guidance to readers seeking to navigate life's challenges more effectively. Emphasizing personal growth and resilience, this realistic self-help guide aspires to connect with a diverse audience, becoming their ultimate go-to resource for transformative change and a truly fulfilling life journey.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My favorite way to promote my books is through social media, particularly through combining with book groups, and collaborating with influencers. Additionally, I believe that guest author interviews and features on literary websites are really successful in reaching a larger readership, would love to try that out as much as possible.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Begin an intriguing journey in the universe of writing, where imagination interacts with words and stories soar like birds. Fearless and courageous, embrace the blank paper, for it bears the potential of creating unknown narratives. Trust in your unique and unusual voice, and let it float free and beyond comparison. Seek inspiration in every nook and crevice, and don't be afraid to face life's ups and downs. Each critique is a stepping stone to bettering your creativity, and with every feedback, you're one step closer to creating a work of art from the heart.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
"Write fearlessly, and don't be afraid to take the step, to achieve the impossible." This advice from a seasoned author has served as a beacon of light for me during my writing journey. It reminds me that creating a masterpiece necessitates patience and a desire to improve with each attempt.

What are you reading now?
Amidst the bustling activity of managing multiple projects for my business, I haven't had the opportunity to delve into extensive reading lately. However, I make sure to stay informed and inspired through reading articles, exploring affirmations, and conducting thorough research studies. Even in the midst of my busy schedule, I remain committed to continuous learning and staying up-to-date with valuable insights and knowledge.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As a passionate writer, my desire for inspiring others through narratives and innovative ideas knows no bounds. Once my present projects are completed, I eagerly anticipate venturing into the realm of non-fiction self-help initiatives at a deeper level. In this exciting new pursuit, my aim is to masterfully blend practical insights with captivating narratives, offering readers a transformative and unparalleled experience that empowers them to lead their best lives.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I were to choose a selection of books for a desert island, I would include "The Power of A Positive Attitude: Your Path to Success," a timeless guide to harnessing the power of positivity and achieving one's goals. Alongside it, I would bring "The Bible," a source of spiritual wisdom and comfort.

For creative expression and personal growth, I would pack a notepad and pen, allowing me to pour my thoughts into poetry and record my experiences. Additionally, a guided journal would be essential, keeping me motivated and moving forward on my journey of self-discovery and introspection.

Author Websites and Profiles

Dr. Alice Preetha Website

Dr. Alice Preetha Amazon Profile

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Author Interview Series

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

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

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

Interview With Author Sherrie Laryse

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I teach Emotional Intelligence. This was born from my background in human behaviour, neuro linguistics, grief, trauma, psychosomatics, mental illness, yoga and meditation. And also through my own lived experience.

I am the author of one published book (so far) called On Path.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book, called “On Path” was inspired by my own life.

My husband and I were unable to start a family, for some unknown reason. It just didn’t happen for us. Regardless of this fact, I wasn’t ready to give up motherhood. It felt like the only way I knew myself – as a mother. While my memoir started as journalling, ultimately the inspiration to share this story was as an avenue for me to mother, via my book.

Motherhood, for me, comes in the form of teaching emotional intelligence to others, and empowering them to find gratitude for their own path, as I found in mine. Through my book, On Path, I nurture and guide others the way I would nurture and guide my own child, all the way through their tough experiences in life.

I found that we are never off path. All of our life experiences accrue to prepare us for what is ahead. We are always ‘On Path’. This is the message that I am inspired to share.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I use my own experiences as a real-time case study to share emotional intelligence techniques, and therefore my writing occurs quite organically — as life happens.

The writing habit began as me journalling my way through life challenges, namely, my inability to be able to have children. Given my husband and I were both of excellent health, with no known medical reasons why it shouldn’t happen, the seven-year span of me waiting for that little pink line on the pregnancy test gave me a lot to journal about! There were many emotions that I spiralled through, and I wrote through each emotional intelligence technique and meditation that I used to find level ground again.

It was about part way through my debut book, On Path, when I realised I wasn’t just writing for me. This story was going to be shared. My writing style stayed the same and the raw and honest nature of a private journal is what flavours the whole book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading Paulo Coelho. His fables certainly flavoured my book, which moves through the full spectrum of emotions, and arrives at a place of resilience, growth, peace, and gratitude for life exactly the way it is.

What are you working on now?
My latest book! Although I am literally up to page 20, so it’s a little while off yet.
I’m also completing a degree at university in neuroscience, so the book writing dovetails with my uni workload.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own database, in person book readings, plus Instagram (I think – it’s sometimes difficult to know where sales originate)

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t shy away from paying good money for a good editor!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never stop learning.

What are you reading now?
Cognitive Neuroscience 😊
Plus a book about the bridge between western science and Traditional Chinese Medicine, called The Spark in the Machine by Daniel Keown.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Page 21, haha!

My books write themselves as life happens so I can never tell how long it will take. I just write as the words come into my head.

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 be honest, they’d all be blank. I reckon if I’m stranded on a desert island, I am going to have to journal a lot to process all the emotions that would come up for that life challenge! I’ll need a lot of pens too please.

Author Websites and Profiles

Sherrie Laryse Website

Sherrie Laryse Amazon Profile

Sherrie Laryse’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

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Author Interview Series

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

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

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

Interview With Author Kirsten Hardin

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! My name is Kirsten Hardin, and I'm a current Master's student who also happens to love writing. I'm a Christian, lover of nature, and fell in love with fantasy as a kid and never looked back. I'm also a complete nerd — ask me about Lord of the Rings or anything Disney, and I'll talk your ear off.
In terms of how many books I've written … that's actually kinda a hard question. I've been writing for ten years, but my recent book is only the third I published — my parents published a couple books under my name back in 2015, as I was too young to do it myself. I'd say somewhere around 8-10, if you're counting unfinished books. There've been a lot of times where an idea sounds awesome, but the actual execution falls flat.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Fateful Curse, about a fairy who is forced to break a curse on a young human girl. Honestly, I didn't really have a specific inspiration for it. The idea came when I was going to see a movie with my family. I had a bad headache at the time, and I wondered, "What would it be like to be cursed to not be able to watch movies?" The actual book definitely changed from that starting point, but the curse idea stayed all the way through. The reason it's about fairies is because I've been trying to write a book about fairies for a very long time — I've been fascinated by them since childhood. Plus, there's not a ton of books about fairies out there, especially in middle grade. I'd like to think there are more people out there who are interested in them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm … I don't know if my writing habits are particularly unusual. I tend to go for long stretches of time without writing anything, then sit down and write several chapters in one sitting because I suddenly remembered that I really love writing. I guess my weirdest writing habit is that my outlines are incredibly detailed. I've learned over the years that I do things like giving two characters the same name if I don't have them separated in my head, and it helps to get all the character motivations and plot points down before I ever start writing, so I have a chance to edit them if needed.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I'd say there are two authors who have influenced me the most: Gail Carson Levine and J.R.R. Tolkien. Gail Carson Levine's most famous book, Ella Enchanted, has been my all-time favorite novel for as long as I can remember. I've read it at least twelve times, and I'll probably re-read it again this year. In fact, most of her books are absolutely fabulous, even if they tear my heart to shreds (looking at you, Two Princesses of Bamarre). Along with the Dragon Slipper trilogy by Jessica Day George, she's one of the authors who most inspired me to start writing — I loved the imagination in her books, and I wanted to try writing books that were just like that.
As for Tolkien, I fell in love with Middle-Earth in high school, and it's never stopped. The more I learn about his world, the more impressed I am, and the more I want to write something that comes even close to being like it. The Lord of the Rings trilogy are some of my favorite movies of all time — I've even visited some of the movie locations and dressed up like a hobbit (complete with Sting, of course). And his essay On Fairy Stories perfectly encapsulates why I love this genre so much, whether it's aimed at kids or adults. My dream is to one day come up with a language like his, but unfortunately I can't spend my entire life working on it.

What are you working on now?
I've got two projects going on now. The first is a sequel to The Fateful Curse, expanding the world and the characters from the first. It's been a lot of fun, and I wish I had more time to work on it. The second is something completely new for me. It's a multi-POV book in first person following a group of superheroes in a brand-new team, who have to learn to work with each other if they're going to save their city. I love superhero stories, and I wanted to write something close to DC's animated Teen Titans series. Unfortunately, given my current life situation, I have no idea when either will be finished.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I'm definitely not the best person to ask this question! I've only just started looking into book promotion, so I'm a complete newbie when it comes to these things. As a starting point, I'd say looking at Kindlepreneur.com — it's got a lot of good advice when it comes to self-publishing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My best advice would be to keep going. Keep writing the books you want to write, even if you later realize that they're absolute garbage. Eventually, you'll have something you're proud of, and that's worth every effort. Also, make an effort to learn how to edit as you're writing. It'll be a whole lot easier that trying to learn it all at once.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
No book will ever be perfect … and that's ok. There'll always be someone who doesn't like a book that's youre absolute favorite — it's what always happens with art. Also, always keep going. The worst thing you can do is give up.

What are you reading now?
My reading is at a bit of a stalling point right now — I'm currently gearing up for the upcoming school year, and straightening out the details has been pretty time-consuming. I'm hoping to read the next two of Brandon Sanderson's Secret Projects when I get a chance — Tress of the Emerald Sea was fantastic, easily my favorite of his books. But mostly, I'm hoping to discover some new fantasy — I always love trying new books, even if they turn out to not be my favorite.

What’s next for you as a writer?
That's … a bit of a hard question. Continuing to promote my current book for sure. Working on my two projects that I mentioned above, and hopefully being able to publish them as well within a reasonable timeframe. But honestly, I'm really not sure. My life's completely changed with starting this Master's program, and until I have my feet under me, I won't know.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I'd bring the Bible, Ella Enchanted, How to Survive on a Desert Island, and How to Build a Raft.

Author Websites and Profiles

Kirsten Hardin Website

Kirsten Hardin Amazon Profile

Kirsten Hardin Author Profile on Smashwords

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Author Interview Series

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Interview With Author Anthony Faust

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a husband and a father of 10- and 13-year-old girls. Like many, I was greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. I was sent home from my job with my laptop on March 11, 2020, and have not been back into my company’s office space since. Like everyone reading this book, it was challenging to adapt to the new world COVID-19 pandemic brought with it. This inspired me to write my first book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of the book is Covid Chronicles: An Illustrated Guide to the Silly, Senseless, and Stupid Stuff we did during the Pandemic. It has 101 memories from the pandemic, and how we all handled it.

We did some amazing things during the pandemic response. I have fond memories of doing drive-by birthdays for my kid’s friends. I remember the exact spot I was on my jog when I found a hand-painted rock that read “We are in this together!” it was so genuinely touching. I had regular Zoom happy hours with a close group of friends. I will never forget that unique experience.

I got to spend so much quality time with my wife, kids, and family.

For all the good, there were also a lot of negatives. I helped my youngest daughter do her daily math homework during distance learning. I saw how frustrated she got when she was trying to finish a session on a terribly designed application on her iPad.

I saw both girls deal with wearing masks while playing sports. Face masks do not belong on young kids when they are running up and down the basketball court. Or skating on the ice. Or in school.

And I watched our leaders politicize COVID-19. Making and changing policies that didn’t seem founded in facts repeatedly. I watched small businesses permanently shut their doors. I watched the richest people in America accumulate insane amounts of wealth.

My intention with this book is to document some of the things we did, so we would remember them in the future. History repeats itself. The next time we encounter something like COVID-19, I hope some of the lessons we learned in this book help us make better decisions, and not repeat some of the mistakes.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write while on long car rides. My wife drives, and I sit in the passenger seat and bang away on the keyboard. There is something about the environment zipping past you, that helps me focus on the screen. And, I know that just hearing that makes some people carsick, but luckily for me, I don't get carsick from writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Chuck Klosterman's "The Nineties" and Stephen J. Dubner and Steven Levitt's "Freakonomics" are two of my favorite books. I am a pop culture enthusiast and these books really speak to my love of everything that is pop culture, and the way we look at society.

What are you working on now?
My favorite basketball team is the Minnesota Timberwolves. I am working on a new book that documents their historically terrible run in the NBA.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I developed a website for my book: https://www.covidchronicles.cc

I am a web developer, so it was very intuitive for me to make a website to promote my book. I have to say, for a book like mine that is so visual, it can be difficult for readers to imagine what the inside pages will look like. Having a visual representation of my book has been immensely important. I have made sales because of the quality of my website.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don't get upset about what you can't control. It would be awesome to get your book in front of every potential reader, but it's really hard when you start out. There are always 20 thing I would like to be doing. Making a list, prioritizing items, and making sure you keep progress going every day is important.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Assume that nobody on the planet wants to read your book. Then, slowly convert everybody on the planet into a customer.

What are you reading now?
A lot of books about finances. "The Option Advisor" by Bernie Schaeffer

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on some ideas with my kids. I am encouraging my 10-year-old to write a series called Detective Horse, where the horse solves crimes, and my 13-year-old is working on some fan fiction stuff, and I am supporting that.

I am outlining that Minnesota Timberwolves book. Researching how best to license photos to use, and try to develop a marketing strategy before I publish the 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?
I have not read 1984 by George Orwell, and I hear about it all the time in the news. I loved the Game of Thrones series on HBO and every always says "The books are better!" so I would bring that. And, it's corny, but the Bible. If I am going to be stranded, what better time to read it? But I would need the version that is dumbed down for people like me 😉

Author Websites and Profiles

Anthony Faust Website

Anthony Faust Amazon Profile

Anthony Faust’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

Pinterest Account

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Author Interview Series

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

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

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

Interview With Author Berekti Girmay

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am excited to share a little about myself and my writing journey. My name is Berekti Girmay. I was born in Ethiopia and moved to the States for education to pursue my degree. It has been a great life journey so far with all the ups and downs. Through my degree in psychology and gerontology, I have developed a deep understanding of human behavior and the importance of emotional well-being. Working in various fields, including childcare, caretaking, and mental health centers, has been incredibly rewarding. Alongside my professional pursuits, my personal hobbies and passions have played a vital role in shaping me as a writer. I find great joy in watching animation and family movies as they offer a wonderful source of inspiration, imagination, and storytelling in addition to happiness. The art of visual storytelling has influenced the way I craft narratives, incorporating vivid imagery and evocative scenes in my writing. Another passion of mine is cooking. I believe there is magic that happens in the kitchen, where flavors and aromas come together to create memorable experiences. The act of preparing meals and sharing them with loved ones has taught me the significance of connection, nourishment, and the power of coming together around a shared table. This could be an influence on the Ethiopian culture I grew up with.

As for my writing journey, I am proud to say that I have written five books, all of which are my first books and are in the process of publication. Each of my books represents countless hours of dedication, creativity, and a deep passion for storytelling. From imagination and curiosity to family tradition and sacrifices, my books explore a range of genres, diving into themes of self-discovery, resilience, love, and the daily life experiences of children. Publishing these books is a dream come true for me, and I am eager to share these stories with my young readers around the world. My hope is that through my writing, I can inspire, entertain, and touch the hearts of those who embark on these literary adventures with me, including my two nieces. Thank you for your interest in my journey as a writer, and I am excited to see where this path leads me in the future.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest books are:-
The Lost Tooth
Maxi’s Hobby, What’s Yours?
My two Guardians
My Nana’s Cooking
The Youngest Lamb

"The Lost Tooth" story is inspired by the anticipation and excitement that children often experience when they lose their first tooth and place it under their pillow for the Tooth Fairy. This momentous event in a child's life is full of wonder and magic, and the story aims to capture that sense of anticipation and imagination. It also explores the idea of dreams as a gateway to a magical world, where the Tooth Fairy resides, and the power of dreams to bring joy and wonder into our lives.

"Maxi's Hobby, What's Yours?" is inspired by the common experience of feeling bored or unfulfilled during gatherings or holidays, especially for children who may not find the activities engaging or interesting. The story explores the importance of finding one's passion and the joy that comes from discovering activities that truly captivate and inspire. It emphasizes the role of supportive family members, like Maxi's uncle Tommy, who encourage and guide him in his search for his true interests.

"My Two Guardians" inspiration is from the strong bond between parents and children and celebrates the love and care provided by both parents, even in the face of busy schedules or changes in circumstances. The story acknowledges the challenges and mixed emotions that children may experience when faced with changes like moving to a new house but underscores the unwavering support and love that parents provide. It aims to highlight the importance of parental guidance and the stability they offer to children.

"My Nana's Cooking" is inspired by the special relationship between a grandparent and grandchild, particularly the role of a grandmother in nurturing and caring for her family. The story focuses on the connection formed in the kitchen, where cherished family recipes are shared and culinary traditions are passed down through generations. It highlights the love and gratitude between Mika and her Nana, emphasizing the importance of family bonds and the appreciation of grandparents' love and care.

"The Youngest Lamb" inspiration is from the innocence and curiosity of young children and the importance of family and safety. The story is set in a serene farm environment and follows the youngest lamb's adventure into a nearby town, where she faces challenges and learns valuable lessons about caution and the love and care provided by her family. It aims to instill an appreciation for family bonds and the need to carefully navigate the world, especially for young readers.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My unusual writing habits might be quite different from the typical writer's routine. I find inspiration in random moments, often while I'm busy with other tasks like cooking or doing chores around the house, or while watching my nieces play with their toys. Unlike the traditional image of a writer sitting at a desk in a quiet room, I embrace the chaos and creativity that can arise during everyday life. I believe my upbringing, where our house is always filled with family, neighbors, or friends, may have impacted my enjoyment that comes with a full house and sounds. Whether it's waking up from a night of sleep, stirring a pot on the stove, or conversing around coffee with family, I have learned to embrace these moments of inspiration and let the words flow onto the page.

I find that this unconventional approach allows me to find unique ideas, imagination, and stories. The dynamic nature of my surroundings fuels my thoughts, adding an extra layer of spontaneity and authenticity to my writing. While some may find it challenging to write amidst distractions, it keeps me engaged and connected to the world around me, infusing my stories with vibrant energy. I believe I am able to capture the essence of the human experience in a way that is both relatable and captivating. So, you won't find me in a quiet room with a clean desk.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been greatly influenced by several children's book authors who have made a significant impact on my writing journey. One author who has particularly inspired me is Gianna Marino, especially in her book called 'Meet Me at the Moon.' Her beautiful illustrations captivated me and touched my heart. Marino's storytelling that explored love, separation, and nature resonated deeply with me. Seeing the expressions on my students' faces while I read the story to them and hearing their opinions on what they thought about the story gave me a memory I hold dear, appreciating the author for capturing young readers' hearts in such a way.

Also, many other authors have played a role in shaping my writing style and approach. I admire authors who understand the importance of children's growth and development, and whose books reflect that understanding. These authors create stories that entertain, educate, and inspire young readers, fostering their imagination and curiosity. Through the works of these authors, I have learned the power of storytelling to connect with children on an emotional level and to instill valuable life lessons. Their ability to craft engaging narratives and create memorable characters has shaped my writing aspirations.

I hope to create children's books that not only entertain and engage but also contribute to the growth and development of young minds. It is my belief that through the magic of storytelling, we can inspire children to dream, explore, and embrace the wonders of the world around them.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I am in the process of publishing five of my books, and I could not be more excited to introduce them to my young readers. These books have been a true labor of love, and I am eagerly anticipating the moment when children will immerse themselves in these captivating storybook adventures. Each book holds its own unique message and seeks to convey important lessons through the art of storytelling. Whether it's nurturing resilience, exploring the boundless power of imagination, or celebrating the profound bonds of family, I have poured my heart and soul into crafting narratives that engage and inspire young minds. In addition to the publishing process, I am working on supplementary materials that will accompany the books. These resources include discussion guides and interactive activities designed to enrich the reading experience and encourage young readers to dig deeper into the themes explored within the stories. By engaging in meaningful conversations and interactive exploration, I hope to provide a fun, enjoyable, and impactful reading experience. The release of these books fills me with incredible anticipation as I eagerly await the moment, they find their way into the hands of my young readers. My greatest aspiration is that these stories not only entertain but also leave a lasting impact on young minds, igniting their imagination and fostering curiosity while instilling a lifelong love for reading.

Lastly, I have created a personal YouTube channel where I provide psychoeducation and offer advice in foreign languages, with English subtitles available. My aim is to reach the younger generation, emphasizing the paramount importance of mental health, especially given the rising global statistics. I hope to provide valuable insights and support through this platform, empowering young individuals to prioritize and nurture their mental well-being. Stay tuned for the forthcoming release of my books. Together, let us embark on a journey of imagination, growth, and the exploration of our inner worlds.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do not be afraid to let your voice and unique ideas shine through in your writing. Your perspectives and style are what make your stories special, perhaps what this world is waiting for. While embracing your uniqueness and letting it guide your storytelling, make sure to expand your horizons by reading books from various genres and authors. This will expose you to different writing styles, narratives, and perspectives, inspiring you to think outside the box and develop your own distinctive approach. Stay motivated to share your work with trusted friends, family, writing groups, or beta readers. Constructive feedback will help you identify strengths and areas for improvement. Be open to critique and use it as a tool to refine your writing.

When it comes to the publishing journey, it can be challenging, with rejections and setbacks along the way. The most important part is to stay positive, committed to your work, believe in your stories, and keep pushing forward. Persistence and resilience are essential traits for success. Writing can be an intense and lonely process, so remember to take breaks, practice self-care, and nurture your mental and emotional well-being. Take time to recharge, seek inspiration from the world around you, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Make sure to celebrate your achievements along the way, whether it's adding a paragraph to your manuscript, receiving positive feedback, or getting published. Acknowledge and appreciate the progress you make, as each step is a testament to your dedication and growth as an author. Above all, enjoy the process of writing, because, with each writing, you are feeling a different way and experiencing different things. Embrace the joy, the challenges, and the magic of bringing your stories to life. Don't forget that every author's journey is unique, so keep learning and growing with each step. Best of luck on your writing adventure!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Well, my mother is my role model, and her words have shaped and guided me throughout my life. One piece of advice she always shares with me is, "What God has for you is yours, and as long as you did your best, never be disappointed with the outcome." She instilled in me the belief that if I pray and work hard for it, whatever is meant for me will come to fruition. It's a reminder to have faith in the divine plan and to put in the effort to achieve my goals.

What are you reading now?
I'm currently diving into books that focus on mental health and trauma, particularly as they relate to childhood experiences and the ways in which we can reduce generational trauma. It's a subject that I find incredibly important and intriguing, as understanding the impact of early life experiences can help us foster healing and resilience. These books provide me with valuable insights and strategies to support myself and others on a path toward healing and growth.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a lot of exciting plans ahead. After this book is out, I will focus on crafting the rest of my ideas that have been patiently waiting to go through the process. It's a thrilling journey to bring these ideas to life, pouring my creativity and passion into the pages. I'm excited to continue writing, editing, and shaping these stories, each one with its unique voice and message. I believe there are endless possibilities for my growth as a writer, and I look forward to sharing my future works with the world.

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 first book would be my Bible as it provides spiritual guidance and comfort during challenging times. Second, I would bring a survival guide specifically tailored to desert islands, as it would equip me with essential knowledge and skills to increase my chances of survival. Lastly, I would bring my own collection of books. These books hold a special place in my heart, filled with stories and knowledge that I cherish. Having familiar and beloved books with me would not only provide entertainment but also serve as a source of inspiration and escape in the solitude of the island.

Author Websites and Profiles

Berekti Girmay Website

Berekti Girmay Amazon Profile

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Author Interview Series

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Interview With Author Bernard Schaffer

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Bernard Schaffer and I'm an author from the Philadelphia area. I wrote the Santero and Rein Thriller series for Kensington Books (3 novels) and three westerns for the Ralph Compton series with Berkley.
Prior to that I was an indie author who published multiple titles.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
BASEMENT DOGS is my latest book. I wanted to go back to something raw and visceral that didn't have to worry about getting picked by celebrity book clubs or appeasing a dozen different gatekeepers. I wrote this one for the people I really work for, the readers.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only that I write a lot and I always finish my projects. I'd only say that's unusual because I've met far too many writers who languish with one book and never get past chapter five.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are too many to name. At the top of the list, I'd have to say Hemingway, Harper Lee, Stephen King, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Ian Fleming, Harlan Ellison, Bukowski, and Elmore Leonard.

What are you working on now?
I have another book called VANPIRO that's waiting in the wings. One of the reasons I went back to indie publishing is that the traditional world is just too slow. I've had projects backing up and just sitting on hard drives when they could have been out there in the world.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best tool I've found is to connect with readers who enjoy your work via social media. Then create a space where you can interact with them and let them know what you're working on. For me, setting up a Facebook Group for my readers and reviewers has been greatly beneficial. Plus, it gives me a place to offer signed copies, special items, and things like that.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I didn't start going to writing conventions until after I landed my Kensington deal, but I can see how they'd be beneficial to new authors. They give you a chance to connect with people in the industry and learn from the experience of others.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Readeth More Than Thou Writeth Shall be the Whole of the Law – Harlan Ellison

What are you reading now?
I just finished DUNE MESSIAH yesterday and I'm trying to decide whether or not to keep going. I'm definitely interested in the next two books, especially the one where the guy turns himself into an enormous sandworm, but I didn't love MESSIAH that much. I've got about a hundred other books in my TBR pile if I decide to go in a different direction.

What’s next for you as a writer?
For BASEMENT DOGS, I've started a new endeavor called Rewilding Books. Rewilding is a process where you take endangered or almost extinct species and you put them back out into their natural environment and see if they flourish. That's how I feel about the state of publishing right now.

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?
HOUSE OF LEAVES, by Mark Z. Danielewski
A MOVEABLE FEAST, by Hemingway
HARRY POTTER: ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, by JK Rowling
LONESOME DOVE, by Larry McMurtry

Author Websites and Profiles

Bernard Schaffer Website

Bernard Schaffer Amazon Profile

Bernard Schaffer’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

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Author Interview Series

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Interview With Author Mister Jon

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a tech-savvy children's book author, a proud owner of two bustling restaurants, and a seasoned resident of Guatemala's awe-inspiring highlands, where the living Mayan culture infuses every breath with boundless energy and creativity.

Three decades ago, I left my homeland behind in search of solace and purpose, and Guatemala's picturesque landscapes and vibrant traditions beckoned me to call it my home. Immersed in the warm embrace of this diverse and acient culture, I knew I had found a place where my heart truly belonged.

Fueled by an entrepreneurial drive, I ventured into the realm of gastronomy, creating with my wife two restaurants that became culinary sanctuaries. These establishments were more than just places to savor delicious food from around the world; they are classroom for the employees and a place to grow, to see and view things differantly.

My journey has been a tapestry woven with threads of cultural immersion, entrepreneurial vision, and the magic of storytelling. Borders blurred as I navigated through different worlds. My life is a testament to the transformative power of embracing diversity and uniting it with a common thread of shared humanity.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current book Monsters Galore is a monster ladden counting adventure inspired by my gandson Zach. As an author, there is no greater joy than crafting a book that not only captivates young minds but also sparks curiosity and fosters learning. I found myself on a mission to create a world of wonders for my beloved grandson, Zach, where he could embark on a delightful journey of learning to count. I want to share the magical experience of crafting a counting book that transforms numbers into exciting adventures, all while igniting the imagination of a young mind.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
As an author, I must admit that I do have a few unusual writing habits. One of my quirks is that I prefer to write during the late hours of the night or early morning. There's something about the peace and quiet of those hours that allows my creativity to flow more freely.

I'm a firm believer in the power of music to set the mood for my writing. Depending on the scene or the emotions I want to convey, I often curate playlists that complement the tone of my work. The right music can transport me to the heart of my story and help me tap into the emotions of my characters.

While these habits might be considered unconventional by some, they have become an integral part of my writing process. They help me find my unique voice and foster an environment that allows my creativity to flourish. After all, writing is a deeply personal journey, and these little idiosyncrasies make it all the more enjoyable and fulfilling for me as an author.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ernest Hemingway's writing style, with its concise and minimalist prose, has been a profound influence on me. His masterpieces like "The Old Man and the Sea" and "A Farewell to Arms" are not only classics but also a source of inspiration for many writers like me who strive to experiment with their own unique styles and language.

And let's talk about Gabriel Garcia Marquez! His pioneering work in magical realism, particularly in "One Hundred Years of Solitude," has left a lasting impact not just on Latin American literature but on the entire literary landscape. The way he weaves enchanting tales with elements of the fantastical and the everyday has truly captivated my imagination and pushed me to explore new realms in my own writing. Marquez's ability to blend the surreal with the familiar has been a true inspiration for me as an author.

What are you working on now?
With a counting book done my grandson is interested in dinosuars and colors so lets see where this leads.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As an author, I must say that I really like NetGalley. It has become an invaluable tool in the modern world of publishing. NetGalley is an online platform that allows authors to share their pre-published or newly published works with readers, bloggers, librarians, and other industry professionals. It's a virtual treasure trove where reviewers and influencers can discover and request to read books before they hit the shelves.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My only advice is edit and revise: Writing is rewriting. Don't be afraid to edit and revise your work multiple times. The editing process is where your story truly takes shape and reaches its full potential.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I've come across various pieces of advice throughout my writing journey, but one that has resonated deeply with me is this: "Write what you know, but also write what you want to explore."

What are you reading now?
As an author, I highly recommend "Openheimer" for its captivating portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer's life and scientific achievements. This thought-provoking biography offers valuable insights into the complexities of science, ethics, and the human mind, making it a compelling read for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of history and the human condition.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I expect I shall grow with my grandson trying to find ways for him to expand through his learning and growth as a human being.

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?
very long ones…

Author Websites and Profiles

Mister Jon Website

Mister Jon Amazon Profile

Mister Jon’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

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Author Interview Series

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

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Interview With Author Gabrielle Denise

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Gabrielle Denise, I have written and published one book and I have another book on the way!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is "Since When Did Single Mean Sad?: Your 30-day Guided Journal to Celebrate Your Season of Singleness".
I was inspired to write the book because I thought I would be married by the age of 20. But as I climbed closer and closer to 20 and then reached 21, I realized that maybe marriage was not God's plan for me at the time. So, I became interested in using my singleness to grow in God. I am now 23 years old and am filled with purpose, despite still being unpartnered. This is what inspired the book.
To date, "Since When Did Single Mean Sad" has helped over 100 people to find satisfaction and purpose in a time that can be difficult!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My unusual writing habit is that sometimes, I won't write. If I am feeling mentally or emotionally exhausted I will not write because I want every word that comes out to be of the highest quality and coming from a place of humbleness to God. This is unusual in a world where people write no matter what their mood is.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
How to win Friends and Influence People
The Holy Bible
31 prayers for my Future Husband
Marriage Minded
7 Habits of Highly Effective People

What are you working on now?
I am a radio show host, So right now I am working on producing weekly episodes for the show. But I might also be working on another novel! You can stay up to date with the newest information by joining our mailing list: https://www.positivelygabriellewrites.com/newsletter

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method is the main website:
https://www.positivelygabriellewrites.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Oh man, I have a few!
#1-Create a community around your book before you publish it. When you first get your book out into the public, nobody knows who you are so sometimes even your friends and family won't read the book until you go up to them and physically tell them about it. I have found that it is super helpful to have beta readers and people who you allow to read your book for free. If you create some kind of community around your book before you release it, when you finally do it will be an amazing experience.
#2- Invest in editing- OMG this is my most important tip. My book "Since when did Single Mean Sad" went through 5 rounds of editing. Three rounds of professional editing, one round with my beta readers, and another round with Grammarly. Your book is the first impression that people have of you, so make it a good one!
#3- Don't get discouraged- Your book may go through dry spells. This is especially true if your book has a big launch. When this happens, find some ways to bring your book to new audiences and bring it back to life.

You got this!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It's lonely at the top. I don't know where this came from or who told me this but I have seen it in real life. After I published my book, 3/4 of the people that I was close friends with dropped away because they felt that we no longer had anything to talk about. Now, I have slowly rebuilt my community and it is small. But everyone in there is meaningful to me.

What are you reading now?
At the moment, I am not reading anything but my TBR list is a mile long!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am hoping to really turn this radio show gig into something amazing! I was on Youtube for 3 years and now it is so exciting to get to use all of those skills I used in school. Please let me know if you want the link by emailing me at positivelygabriellewrites@gmail.com

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?
Ooh this is so hard.
1. Cinder
2. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (one of my favorite apps of all time)
3. The Bible
4. Esperanza Rising

Author Websites and Profiles

Gabrielle Denise Website

Gabrielle Denise Amazon Profile

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Author Interview Series

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

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Interview With Author Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr.

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. is an award-winning published author who specializes in murder and mystery novellas. However, he loves to keep things fresh and interesting by dabbling in suspense, thriller, humor, horror, action, and even Sci-Fi.

His bestselling series, Griffin Knight, centers around the adventures of renowned New York City detective Griffin Knight, a lone wolf who has a penchant for dangerous situations — even those beyond his jurisdiction.

As a writer, Hernandez aims to please. That is why, as one of his favorite pastimes, he scours the internet for reviews on his books so he can spin stories that truly resonate with his readers.

His influence goes beyond literature and taps into the world of TV, with favorites such as Perry Mason, Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, Jack Reacher, Dirty Harry, Paul Kersey, and Hero Academia.

Hernandez earned his bachelor's degree from the University at Buffalo and likes to go to church with family, watch anime, and work out during his downtime.

Sign up to Hernandez's mailing list to receive a free, exclusive book, have a chance to become a beta reader in the future, and more! Join here: https://BookHip.com/WKRPMVH

I have five books published, all pertaining to the Griffin Knight series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Windy City Terror: A Griffin Knight Horror Mystery

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Jurassic Park, and other works.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Alternating POVs

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.K. Rowling

What are you working on now?
More books in the Griffin Knight series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Book promotion sites.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Work hard. You have a lot to learn, especially if you're self-published.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don't give up.

What are you reading now?
All sorts of different books in different genres.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I'll keep making more 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 KJV Holy Bible, maybe some standalone books that I haven't read yet.

Author Websites and Profiles

Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. Website

Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. Amazon Profile

Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr.’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

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Interview With Author Discouse Ltd

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I am a professional writer of Self-Help books that fondly loves life and firmly believes in the infinite power of self-development and self-grow that each one of us should harness before the end of our life. I was born in 1973 in San Francisco, California. In this picturesque city, my life was a sharp contrast. My childhood was made dark by verbally abusive parents who gave me my trauma at a young age. This decimated my confidence and self-image and led to me moving from one troubled environment to the next for the longest time.

I started to delve into theories of developmental psychology and childhood trauma, which I found helped to alleviate my suffering and could be used to help those around me also alleviate their suffering.

Before I knew it, one thing had led to another, and today I am the author of five successful Self-Help books. I’ve helped thousands of people to heal the wounds they have been carrying around throughout their entire life. Together we have helped them to regain a healthy and successful self-image, we have healed their inner child, and have integrated their Shadow Selves to help them achieve a new sense of wholeness and freedom.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Throughout this entire time, my brain was working, thinking, and wondering about how my adult life tied in with my childhood, and eventually, the obsession became enough to push my life into a new direction.

My daily practice has been heavily influenced by many renowned psychologists, psychotherapists, and physicians, such as Carl Jung (which is why you’ll see he is the main influence in this book as well).

The title of one of my latest and most successful books is "Shadow Work Journal and Workbook: The Comprehensive Guide for Beginners to Uncover the Shadow Self & Become Whole as Your Authentic Self | Guided Prompts for Inner Child Soothing, Healing & Growth." This is a journal that takes the reader on a journey that helps them explore the dark side of their personality in a safe way and uses proven techniques that will facilitate this process. Here, the person becomes able to discover the dark side and grow as a result in a way that might not be accessible otherwise.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I found that my passion for journaling makes a great alternative to meditation and other religiously influenced techniques. Journaling helps me to record my thoughts and feelings, then reflect on them and plan forward, thinking of where I am going in life. This is an aspect of analytical psychology that I have become an avid enthusiast of throughout my career.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a great enthusiast of self-help authors, psychologists, and physicians of our time. From Waine Dyer and Louise Hay to Michael Singer, From Carl Jung, Bessel van der Kolk, Gabor Mate' to Nicola Lepera, and so on.

What are you working on now?
My latest work is centered again on Inner Child Healing but this time we will add an extra and essential tool that is Self-compassion. I have learned that many people increase their awareness through our first journal workbook but then need more work on their inner child healing because they really have to learn how to be that compassionate parent that they might haven't had before. And that takes time and patience. And obviously, extra effort.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
We are a team now and we tend to use our website, social media, Amazon advertisement, specialized blogs, and magazines.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
yes, it might be a page a day or a line before going to bed but you must write THAT book. It is the Great creative mind speaking through you. Get that inspiration going!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
"You can only help others from a place of experience" meaning that if you haven't been through your personal exploration and tried to solve your inner troubles how can you possibly explain the process and understand the feelings of others? Of course, we are still all different and with different life stories, but when you start to do inner work you eventually get to grasp the essentials of human nature which is to feel safe, loved, and acknowledged.

What are you reading now?
I am revisiting the classic books of Carl G.Jung like his autobiography and "Man and his symbols"

What’s next for you as a writer?
Oh, I have so many ideas!! I still want to explore Jung's theories and particularly his understanding of Astrology, dreams, and synchronicities. And pass these ideas to others through workbooks.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
How to Become Supernatural by Dr. Joe Dispensa
The Tao Te Ching
and the Bible

Author Websites and Profiles

Discouse Ltd Website

Discouse Ltd’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Interview With Author Kristy McGinnis

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I'm a Virginia Beach based writer and new empty nester. I've written two books, Ellipsis and Motion of Intervals. When I'm not writing, I enjoy long walks and travel (and I combine those loves on the Camino do Santiago), frequenting local restaurants and pubs, going to concerts, and hitting the beach.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Motion of Intervals- this book was inspired awhile back when I first read about maternal DNA crossing the placenta. Curiosity about the subject spun off into an entire fictional scenario where a surrogate mother and the infant she carries have a special connection. In this story, is it biological or is it really about two human beings who are desperate for found family, finding each other?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don't know that it's so unusual, but these days I write from my sofa much more than my desk.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I'm a voracious reader and it's super hard to single out any one or two authors who have influenced me. Short answer- I suppose they all did. From a personal perspective, Judy Blume and SE Hinton probably fed the flame of desire to write more than any other in my childhood.

What are you working on now?
I'm in the messy rewrite stage of a new book, The Four Baptisms of Celise Newman. While this isn't a sequel to Motion of Intervals, the title character is actually recurring and we will see a few of our old favorites make an appearance.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I'm heavy on writer twittersphere, I'm not sure how much of that interaction results in reaching new readers though. My author facebook profile may be better at that.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
As always, don't quit. Believe in yourself, invest in yourself, and never beat yourself up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Hemingway has this quote I think about all the time when I'm *trying* to write.

“Do not worry. You have always written before and you will write now. All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”

What are you reading now?
Memories of You, by Brooke Harris

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish up Four Baptisms, hitting the camino soon and I'm thinking it may be time for a memoir about that experience.

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?
Michener's Hawaii and Alaska, The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook, and the bible

Author Websites and Profiles

Kristy McGinnis Website

Kristy McGinnis Amazon Profile

Kristy McGinnis’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

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Interview With Author Timo Burnham

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I'm Timo (Timothy) Burnham and I love reading about and telling stories in fantastical worlds. I currently have two books out, a stand alone novel called The Black Saint which is a action thriller set in a fantasy city.
My second book, Dawn of the Black Sun, is the first in a new series inspired by several asian cultures. It is a high fantasy action adventure with some strong progression elements.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book Dawn of the Black Sun was inspired by my love of manga/anime like Demon Slayer and My Hero Academia as well as Avatar the Last Airbender. I love the intense martial arts action of those stories and the magic is mixed in to create a unique blend. I also love the arc the characters go through where they start with nothing and have to continue to improve themselves through the story to achieve their goals.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually like to start my writing sessions with a 10-15 minute walk where I listen to music that gets me into the right mood. There's something about physical movement that really seems to jumpstart my creativity.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My original influence was R.A. Salvatore. I love his Drizzt books and the detailed way that he described fight scenes. More recently I have been influences by Brandon Sanderson. I love the way he builds his intricate worlds and ties his magic into those worlds so seamlessly. Will Wight is another recent inspiration. His progression style of storytelling is really interesting and I have borrowed a few ideas to use in my own writing.

What are you working on now?
I am currently writing the sequel to my newest release, Dawn of the Black Sun.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I've had the most success promoting on social media sites like twitter and minds.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Best advice I can give is finish your stories, and don't feel to bad if you lose motivation halfway through. That's normal and being a published author means learning to keep writing even when its not so fun.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Best advice I've heard is the same I would give to new authors.
Finish your stories.

What are you reading now?
I'm almost through Ghostwater by Will Wight.

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 is tough to answer. I'm not really the type to reread books over and over again so maybe four books I haven't read before that come highly recommended by friends.

Author Websites and Profiles

Timo Burnham Amazon Profile

Timo Burnham’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

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Interview With Author Deborah Klee

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Deborah Klée is an award-winning author of page-turning, uplifting stories about friendship, community, and emotional courage. After a career in health and social care: an occupational therapist, health service manager, freelance journalist, and management consultant, she now enjoys writing happy endings for her protagonists.

Deborah lives on the Essex coast, where she loves to walk by the sea or the surrounding countryside filling her pockets with shells, and acorns, and her head with stories.

Four books now published. Busy writing a trilogy set in a N.Yorks village that was submerged to create a reservoir.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Last Act

Although this is the 4th book to be published; it was the first one I wrote. The story has changed considerably since the first draft more than 10 years ago. It was inspired by a creative writing exercise to write a 5k story using the prompt Mirrors. The 5k became the outline for a novel. Up until then I had not considered writing a novel a possibility.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don't think so but I must always write with my favourite pen.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jojo Moyes, Anne Pratchett, Rachel Joyce

What are you working on now?
A trilogy set in a N.Yorks village that was submerged to create a reservoir in 1966. I wrote the first as a standalone but was inspired top continue the story. It is the first time I have written a sequel and so I am learning new skills.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Making meaningful connections with readers either in person when I talk about my books or through social media. Nothing beats the personal touch and I love getting to know my readers!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write from your heart. Love what you do. Be patient.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do not attach yourself to one particular outcome be open to new possibilities and network, network, network! You are sowing seeds of opportunity.

What are you reading now?
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My latest novel The Last Act is published on 1st August 2023. I have several face to face engagements in the coming weeks and I'm plotting and planning another novel. So, exciting times.

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?
Bel Canto by Anne Pratchett, The House on the Strand by Daphne Du Maurier, All of Howard Springs books.

Author Websites and Profiles

Deborah Klee Website

Deborah Klee Amazon Profile

Deborah Klee’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

Pinterest Account

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Interview With Author Leonard Loo

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I run a one-person business, and the first book I wrote was about transitioning from being an employee to working for myself. At around the time I published it, my child was seven months old, so I hand-drew a "book" on animals for him. After a couple of weeks, it ended up in a hundred different places. Wanting to make a book that can be reproduced in case such a thing happened again, I downloaded freeware called Krita and Paint.NET and got to work on my first children's book. Since then, I've published three MANNY THE MONSTER books. I only write about things I want my teach my kids.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
MANNY THE MONSTER IN: THAT THING CALLED MONEY. As indicated above, I only write about things I want to teach my kids, and money happened to be one of them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
From time to time, I like to rhyme.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The "book" my son happily spread all over our home.

What are you working on now?
A fourth book for the MANNY THE MONSTER series. I have a vague idea of how it will go, but nothing concrete yet.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I can't say since I am just starting to promote my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
As I am new myself and have not had much success, I don't think I can provide any.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

What are you reading now?
I recently finished "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo."

What’s next for you as a writer?
For now, I want to work on my fourth MANNY THE MONSTER 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?
Practical books related to camping and surviving outdoors, preferably one that comes with matches (if such a book exists).

Author Websites and Profiles

Leonard Loo Website

Leonard Loo Amazon Profile

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Interview With Author David Lewis

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I'm a licensed life insurance agent who just so happens to write lots of articles, blog posts, and books about budgeting, personal finance, retirement planning, and of course… life insurance.

I've written 2 books thus far—Business Economizer and The 10-Minute Budget.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The 10-Minute Budget, which was inspired by my own decades-long frustration with all the budgeting books and apps out there. None of them seemed to work exactly as advertised. They still don't.

Every budgeting book on the market preaches the same basic (and often, very mystical) advice, even when it promises some new technique or strategy. Fundamentally, it's the same old story: make personal sacrifices, trust the new guru on the block, carry around a bunch of cash in envelopes (and hope you don't get robbed), use budget categories (and hope you don't go "overbudget" in any of the essential ones like groceries and gasoline), become an insufferable cheapskate, learn to love living on less and giving up an enjoyable lifestyle.

The method I discovered (though can't say I invented it) eliminates all that nonsense, makes budgeting simpler, faster, and dare I say… fun. Over the years, I've shared this method with a few people here and there. Those that tried it said they've never saved so much money in their entire life, and were truly shocked that it's not more widely known. There's no real secret to it, though. It's not "special". There are no "hacks" or gimmicks. It's just common sense (though, unfortunately, not common practice).

Anyway, I never liked the idea of traditional budgeting, and I can't believe most people do… which is why I finally broke down and wrote the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
… like writing in the nude? Or some elaborate ceremony involving incense and fire before I fire up the word processor?

No.

But I do tend to "zone out" during writing sessions. I know some people who use Pomodoro timers for focused writing time. What usually happens with me is… I get inspired to write something, and I sit down until it's all out of my head. There's nothing at all wrong with using timers, but I've found when I use them, the thing starts beeping or dinging right in the middle of a thought, and I lose it. So I just write until I stop.

I also make it a habit of writing every day, even if it's not for a book or article. I've found that really kills writer's block.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of my biggest influences in literature is Ayn Rand. Like her or hate her (and plenty of folks hate her), she had a very clear writing style. Regardless of what you think about her ideas, you can understand them. Another writer who had a big influence on my writing is the late Dr. Frank R. Wallace.

What are you working on now?
I just recently finished The 10-Minute Budget, and am starting an outline for my next book about retirement and financial planning. Actually, I have 2 books planned out. One is a shorter book about life insurance and the other is a broader, more comprehensive book about financial planning.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now, I promote everything through Amazon and my own email list.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write something every day. Even if you feel like you've got nothing to write, write anyway. Just start writing or typing random sentences, string random thoughts together, until an idea comes to you. The important part is to keep pushing the pencil across the paper or to keep your fingers moving across the keyboard, no matter what. Motion is the key. Everything you're capable of writing today is already in your subconscious mind. You just have to get it out of there.

I got this advice years ago, and it took a while for me to realize this is the real secret to writing, to killing writer's block, and to publishing that next book. Nothing gets done without writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It's hard to pick one piece of advice.

For writing — write.
For reading — read.
For fitness — lift heavy weights and go for a walk.
For health — eat food, not too much, not too little. Make a substantial amount of that food protein, and then fill in the rest of your calories with healthy fats and carbs.
For relationships — empathy. People always want to feel understood, even when they're angry… especially when they're angry.
For business — provide amazing value and turn a huge profit.

Pretty much every piece of great advice I've ever received had a common thread running through it. Movement. Action. Life is motion. Nothing good gets done while you're standing still.

What are you reading now?
Between Parent and Child, by Haim Ginott

What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. What else?

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring 3 or 4 books about how to survive on a desert island, because I've no idea how to do that.

Author Websites and Profiles

David Lewis Website

David Lewis Amazon Profile

David Lewis Author Profile on Smashwords

David Lewis’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

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Interview With Author Margie Ortega

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I'm a retired high school admin assistant and a member of Sisters in Crime. I've written three books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In Mint Condition. In 2013, my son took a required college course dealing with human sexuality. One day, he told me that he’d read that forty percent of women had experienced sexual harassment/abuse. Wow! That seemed like a lot. That translated to four out of ten of my friends. None of them fit into the portrait of traumatized basket cases the entertainment media had painted. I began to wonder what that might mean for a woman I personally knew. So I wrote a book about Maggie Chessman, "Turn Key Condition". Research along the way gave me details to add about unseen problems and her coping skills.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Playing video games between writing and editing sections.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Janet Evanovich

What are you working on now?
I've finished the third in the series: Turn Key Condition, Shampoo & Condition, and In Mint Condition. Now I'm starting on a historical mystery set in ancient Rome.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon campaigns and Goodreads

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The more you write, the more experience you get. Keep writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don't give up.

What are you reading now?
Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun

What’s next for you as a writer?
An historical 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?
Pride and Prejudice
To Kill A Mockingbird

Author Websites and Profiles

Margie Ortega Amazon Profile

Margie Ortega Author Profile on Smashwords

Margie Ortega’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Twitter Account

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Author Interview Series

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

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