Awesome Author Interviews

Interview With Author Lori Soard

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi everyone! My name is Lori Soard and I live in southern Indiana right up from the Ohio River. The town I’ve from has about 3,000 people, so it makes sense that I write small town stories. I’m married to my high school sweetheart. We have two grown daughters and two wonderful granddaughters. I didn’t think I could love anyone more than my children until I met the grands. It’s a love like no other love there is.

I write mostly inspirational romances, but I also work on nonfiction, young adult and have a mystery series in the pipeline (not yet released). I’ve had 20 books published, but a few are not currently available, including one on adoption stories because it is extremely outdated at this point.

I adore animals and have two miniature dachshunds and four cats.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dial Q for Quincy’s Hope is book #19 in the multiauthor series called You Are on the Air. My book is set in Madison, Indiana. My youngest doxie, Dolly Pawton, inspired me. I love her but she’s a rotten puppy that has required hours upon hours of professional training and still need more and I kept thinking about adding a mischievous dog to this latest tale. Dolly is doing much better by the way, and I am the ONLY person allowed to say she is rotten because she is also the sweetest creature alive.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really unusual, but I like to listen to music while I write. I will choose music that fits the mood of the scene. If I’m writing something sad, I might listen to ballads. Writing something happy, I will find a Pandora playlist of upbeat music, etc.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jane Austen is one of my favorites, as she is many other people’s. I love the book PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and read it again and again. I also like her book EMMA. I wouldn’t dare name too many current writers as I know I’ll forget someone but I really enjoy anything by Dean Koontz. He is a very skilled writer. I read very eclectically.

What are you working on now?
I just finished Dial Q for Quincy’s Hope and have been focused on promotions, but I have book # 4 in my Cupid’s Crossing series outlined and will start work on it next. I already have the first two chapters, so will be jumping back in.

When I come up with an idea, I often sit down and start the story for a chapter or two and then add notes where I want to go. I then have the information for later when I’m ready to complete the novel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a newsletter where I reach out to my readers first. Then, I just look at what seems to be popular with other authors currently and I’ll try a number of different ads and tactics to see what clicks.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you don’t love writing for the sake of writing, run. If you do love it, then don’t let anything or anyone every discourage you. If your story reaches just one person and makes them think in a new way or offers some comfort, you’ve accomplished something fantastic with your words.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Sit your butt in the chair. There was actually a book way back that I read, and I forget who wrote it but it was called “Do It: Let’s Get Off Our Buts.” The advice is solid.

I also really enjoyed the audio book for “The Energy Bus.” It is a story of how your attitude impacts everyone around you and can change your life. It resonated with me. It’s so easy to get into negative thought patterns. I’m actually working on some I’ve gotten into when driving. I just say all kinds of nasty things to other drivers (they can’t hear me, of course) and I fuss and fume. It’s ridiculous really. So, my technique is to try to be aware and when I says something like, “You are a maroon,” I try to change it and say, “I bet that’s a nice lady driving that car and she just had a bad day and didn’t even realize she cut me off.” It does EVENTUALLY work. LOL

What are you reading now?
Colleen Hoover’s REMINDERS OF HIM (fiction)
FAST FEAST REPEAT (nonfiction)
LITTLE WOMEN (audio)

I always have a fiction and nonfiction book going. I also always have a book I’m listening to in the car, usually something with my grandgirl Mia. She is LOVING Louisa May Alcott so far. She asks to listen to it. She’s four.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I currently work a full-time job writing copy during the day. My goal is to spend more time on my novels. I’m just trying to figure out what that looks like and still make a decent living. I’ll keep you posted.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible
Pride and Prejudice
Some type of survival guide
Some type of using plants for medicine guide

Author Websites and Profiles

Lori Soard Website

Lori Soard Amazon Profile

Lori Soard’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

Pinterest Account

Interview With Author Jim Jense

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a semi-retired teacher. I’ve written two non-fiction books and a couple of textbooks.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Osaka! Osaka!: A different kind of history” is inspired by living here. It is the tale of an old father trying to bond with his teenage son by visiting historical places in the city. It is a book that will make people laugh and teach them history at the same time.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I just fill every spare moment with it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to note.

What are you working on now?
“A Drunk in the Midnight Choir: Rejected Ideas from Bad Books.”
Not that my books are bad, but they are not very successful. This book pastes together ideas that were discarded while writing them.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am not very good at that.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is: Don’t take advice from me about anything except teaching Japanese university students. That is the only thing I am good at.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep your knees bent and your hands up.

What are you reading now?
David Foster Wallace

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will finish A Drunk in the Midnight Choir

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?
David Foster Wallace
Mark Twain

 

Interview With Author Liza Karr

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a romance author with a giant imagination who writes steamy, playful, tempting romances. All of my stories are HEA. Right now my bestselling troup is forbidden man of the house romance, but I’ve written other books. I’ve written over forty short romance books over the past year or so.

When I’m not writing I’m out walking my dog, spending too much time on my phone, or watching something on tv. I also love to shop and am always looking for a new pair of shoes.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
RoadTrip with my Stepdad.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Since I write late at night, sometimes I strip down to my underwear and go out onto our screened-in back porch. With all of the lights out I’m hidden from my neighbors and this gets me in the mood to write my steam romance stories.

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

What are you working on now?
I’m writing a new short book called Bodywork with my Stepdad. I’ve been trying to come out with a new book ever 7-10 days, but sometimes my work and life with my husband and dog gets in my way.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write a little every single day of the week. Find a place that you enjoy and go there everytime you write. Find the best authors in your genre and read them as much as you can.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to take some of my books and extend the stories into full novels. I’d also like to write some romance that’s more PG to see if readers like that as well.

Author Websites and Profiles

Liza Karr Website

 

Interview With Author Judy Angelo

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve had a love affair with romance novels since I hit the teenage years (13) when I would binge read Mills & Boon romances till the wee hours of morn. Eventually, my love for reading books in this genre morphed into my becoming a writer of these beloved stories.

So far, I’ve written almost 100 books in various languages (I studied foreign languages in college) and using various pen names (depending on genre and target audience). Having lived and worked in various countries including France, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the USA and Canada, I like to feature diverse cultures and settings in my stories.

I presently live in the cold climes of Canada which, with snow on the ground so many months of the year, is perfect for me: less pollen, more allergy-free days.

judyangelo.blogspot.com

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Although I’ve published a few nonfiction books in the last few months, if memory serves me correctly, my last Judy Angelo romance was Romancing Malone (I think). My title was inspired by a movie I enjoyed so long ago, ‘Romancing the Stone’. It’s a story about a busybody grandmother. Grandmothers are fun sometimes, aren’t they? : )

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I used to write all my stories ‘long hand’ with pen and paper and then I would record my story and send the audio to a friend who would type for me Now, who has the time? Now, I never write. I just think my story, speak it into an app on my cell phone (with punctuations and paragraphing and everything), send the audio and the transcript to my friend, and he edits/ cleans up the typos for me. He then sends the manuscript to me for final editing.
Speeds things up tremendously!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
‘The Wolf and the Dove’ – Kathleen Woodiwiss – historical romance
‘Angela’s Ashes’ – Frank McCourt – memoir

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a series featuring four billionaire brothers and their adventures as they run into formidable female adversaries.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Bookbub – but super competitive expensive with no guarantee of success.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read voraciously in your target genre. In addition to what you can learn from books on the craft of writing, you can pick up a lot from the works of successful authors in the genre (voice, techniques used to capture and hold the attention of the reader, use of language, etc.).

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Show, don’t tell (e.g. Instead of saying ‘he was angry’ show him frowning, slamming his palm down on the table, getting up, knocking his chair over, and storming out of the room).

What are you reading now?
‘How to Write a Romance Novel’ by Judy Angelo.

Yes, I know. I wrote it. You would be surprised, but sometimes, after I switch to nonfiction for some months, I have to go back and remind myself how to get back into the romance-writing mode.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Although I have 9 professionally published titles, for the most part, I have been going it on my own as a self published writer. Now that I’m a bit older (and not quite as healthy), I find that the work of self publishing is more than I can manage. Because of this, my next move will be to seek the help of a literary agent who can help me find a publisher or publishers who can do the ‘leg work’ of selling.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. A book about how to survive on a desert island and eventually escape.
2. A really thick blank book with lots of pages in which I could write my thoughts, my activities, stories that come to mind, my memoir, etc. (must come with a pen that can never run out of ink).
3. A book on how to communicate in multiple languages and also in a sign language which could be understood by anyone, regardless of native language.

Author Websites and Profiles

Judy Angelo Amazon Profile

 

Interview With Author Barry L Becker

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I retired in 2013 after spending twenty-plus years as the sole proprietor of an independent manufacturers’ rep company in Oregon, covering the Pacific Northwest territory. I also performed marketing consultancy within the biometrics technology industry. From 1984-1991, I served as vice president of international sales and marketing for Eyedentify, an Oregon-based biometrics technology company. Our specialization was manufacturing and distributing eye-retinal scanning technology for positive ID within sensitive installations. Our primary customers were the Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the Ministries of Defense and Interior, Intelligence Agencies, Nuclear Power Plants, Aerospace & Defense contractors, and banking & financial institutions.
My two books are The Ericksen Connection and The Ryzhkov Vendetta.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Ryzhkov Vendetta. It is a continuation of the Mark Ericksen Thriller Book series.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nelson DeMille, David Baldacci, Frederick Forsyth, Vince Flynn, Christopher Reich, Andrew Kaplan, Daniel Silva, Robert Dugoni, and others.

What are you working on now?
I’m in the marketing phase of promoting my books. In the event the books generate sufficient sales, I’ll be inclined to author Book 3 of the Mark Ericksen Thriller Books.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My primary focus has been using book promotion sites, as well as tapping into LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. I’ll list reviews as well as mention what platforms readers can order my eBooks or paperbacks.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The primary reason individuals author books are because they have a delightful story. Given that millions of books are available online and in bookstores, I believe that absolute satisfaction comes from finishing the story. Realistically, the odds are overwhelming against the self-published writer in making money and being successful. However, the accomplishment of authoring a book should be the real prize.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Wake up each day and be positive and respectful.

What are you reading now?
The Broker by John Grisham.

What’s next for you as a writer?
It depends on how well the sales of both books perform in the marketplace.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That’s a good question. My only thought is trying to figure out a way to get off the desert island. However, reading an informative book on survivability might help me.

Author Websites and Profiles

Barry L Becker Website

Barry L Becker Amazon Profile

Barry L Becker’s Social Media Links

Twitter Account

Interview With Author Norman Shabel

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired class-action attorney and I have been driven to write ever since I can remember. I have written 8 novels and 7 plays that ended up stuffed in drawers as I launched and pursued my legal career, married and had a family.

My books deal with crime, relatable family dynamics or both. Courts are inherently dramatic places and I guess I saw that connection between law and storytelling before I even realized it. Lawyers need to be good storytellers to engage juries in the “plot” of a case. You need to hold the interest of a jury if you’re going to win them over, much like the plot of a novel. If the juror or the reader gets bored you lose them very quickly and I never like to lose a case – or a reader.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
God Knows No Heroes – the protagonist of the book was inspired by a real life defendant in a murder trial.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Many of my books were written while I was waiting for a jury to come back with their verdict.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Daniel Silva, David Baldacci and others in the crime mystery genre

What are you working on now?
Figuring out how to market my books

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Trying to figure that out

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep on plugging until you are the author of a best seller

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up on your writing – ever!

What are you reading now?
The Black Widow by Daniel Silva

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not quite sure – but will keep you posted.

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?
God Knows No Heroes, Four Women and something by Daniel Silva and David Baldacci

Author Websites and Profiles

Norman Shabel Website

Norman Shabel Amazon Profile

Norman Shabel’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

 

Interview With Author G.F. Quinn

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a 2x published author and almost ready to publish my 3rd book. My first book is a travel series on my city. It is called Edmonton Made Easy and it ispocket travel guide to the “City Of Champions”, Edmonton, Alberta.

My second book is one that I am really proud of, it is called Raised-Bed Gardening for Beginners: A Complete Guide To Growing A Healthy Organic Garden On A Budget, Using Tools And Materials You Probably Already Have! It is a tribute to my late mother who taught me most of what I know about gardening.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is one that I am really proud of, it is called Raised-Bed Gardening for Beginners: A Complete Guide To Growing A Healthy Organic Garden On A Budget, Using Tools And Materials You Probably Already Have! It is a tribute to my late mother who taught me most of what I know about gardening.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to have some kind of noise in the background when I am writing, otherwise the quiet just drives me nuts. It can be the T.V. or Music, whatever it is it really doesn’t matter as long as there is something going on while I am writing otherwise I just can’t do it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I really don’t have any favorites as I have read so many books over the years, I really can’t just pick one. I can tell you the authors I have enjoyed, Stephen King, Yates, Bradbury, Lovecraft, Oscar WIlde, George R.R. Martin. To name a few.

What are you working on now?
My current book is a cookbook called Type 2 Diabetic Cookbook for Beginners, Title may change, but I am almost done with my manuscript, should be published very soon.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Mostly amazon ads, but I have been looking into other areas when I can promote my books, I do have a facebook page with about 11,000 followers, and I am posting on there quite a bit, however; I am trying other areas as mentioned.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find what your passion about and just start writing, focus on 1 little step, finish it, then move on to the next step. Your steps will have you walking, but as the ole saying goes….. “Remember, it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon” pace yourself, you can do it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The writer must have a good imagination to begin with, but the imagination has to be muscular, which means it must be exercised in a disciplined way, day in and day out, by writing, failing, succeeding and revising. “Writing Advice from Stephen King & Jerry Jenkins”.

What are you reading now?
A few books on investments, cookbooks, gardening, I am all over the place.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To publish as many books as I can, I feel I have a lot to write about.

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 my own.

Author Websites and Profiles

G.F. Quinn Amazon Profile

G.F. Quinn’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

Pinterest Account

Interview With Author Brenda E McDaniel

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am retired and an author of two books. I loved writing poetry and short stories since childhood. I also have a Masters degree in Counseling. My two books out now are My Angel My Hero. It’s about faith hope and love. It’s a Memoir Biography about my parents and family. The second book is about publishing marketing and advertising your book. It’s called My Author Journey. Hope you read and review them? Thanks.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My Author Journey is my latest book. I wrote it to help authors and want to be authors. Help them in writing, marketing and publishing.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in bed and while watching television at times.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle. And the St. James Bible.

What are you working on now?
Children’s books.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook, Amazon and booksites.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Always edit and proofread your work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up on your dreams.

What are you reading now?
Marketing books.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing some Christian fiction 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?
St. James Bible, Sherlock Holmes, Medical Remedies book.

Author Websites and Profiles

Brenda E McDaniel Website

Brenda E McDaniel Amazon Profile

Brenda E McDaniel’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

Pinterest Account

Interview With Author Deborah Stone

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I read English Literature at Durham University and live in London in the United Kingdom with my husband, two sons and gorgeous golden retriever, Stanley.

Her new novel, Semi-Detached, was published on April 3 and is available in Kindle and paperback.

My last novel, Me and My Shadow, is a thrilling psychological suspense novel. https://deborahstonebooks.com. It has been awarded a Chill with a Book Premier award, which is only awarded to those books which achieve outstanding ratings from all reviewers. https://deborahstonebooks.com

My first novel, What’s Left Unsaid, won The Chill With A Book Runner Up Prize for Best Book of 2018 and has been highly acclaimed. https://deborahstonebooks.com

My non-fiction book, The Essential Family Guide to Caring for Older People, is an important manual for any family looking after older relatives. The book was shortlisted as a finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2022, which the winners to be announced in April. https://deborahstonebooks.com

Deborah Stone is a leading expert in the field of elder care. Through her website, www.maturethinking.co.uk she provides information and advice for families caring for older people, as well as advising companies on the effective development of products and services for older people. Deborah regularly appears on BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 5 as a care expert, as well as contributing to lifestyle magazines and national newspapers with advice for those making decisions about care for relatives.

Find all Deborah’s books here: https://deborahstonebooks.com/

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Semi-Detached. and I was inspired to write it by imaging what goes on behind closed doors in ordinary neighbourhoods.

Bill and Amanda are living in a semi-detached house, stuck in a depressing rut of boredom and disappointment, when Terry and Fiona – glamorous, successful and very much in love – move in next door. Despite their different outlooks on life, the couples befriend each other and life appears to improve for both pairs. But all is not what it seems, and their increasingly interconnected relationships are fated for tragedy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write with my dog next to me. My dog George, sat with me through the writing of all of my first three books before he passed away in 2021. Stanley, my new, naughty puppy, is training very well as my new assistant.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read very widely and find it so difficult to pick out specific authors. My favourite contemporary writers are Kate Atkinson, A S Byatt, Mordecai Richler, William Boyd, Sebastian Faulks and Ian McEwan.

What are you working on now?
I have a whole host of ideas whizzing around, but haven’t settled on one yet.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media – Instagram, Facebook etc.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Persevere. If you have a book in you, get on and write it. If no one will publish it, go for it yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Life is long and you can achieve many things.

What are you reading now?
Case Study by Graeme Macrae Burnet. It’s brilliant.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Another 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?
Pride and Prejudice by jane Austen
Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
Literally anything by Dickens
Solomin Gursky Was Here by Mordecai Richler

Author Websites and Profiles

Deborah Stone Website

Deborah Stone Amazon Profile

Deborah Stone’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

 

Interview With Author Amy Zinn

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I began writing in 2001 before the birth of my first son. I’m now the author of about a dozen novels for young adults, all contemporary with a magical edge, and served with a side of love, mystery, and humor. I received my MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts in 2012, before the birth of my fourth son. And today I live, and write, in southern California with my husband, four boys, and dog.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Stella-Barone-McGillivray is the sixteen-year-old girl who dreams so deeply that she can’t be sure which side of wakefulness is reality. I will often wake from a dream and need a minute to convince myself it’s not real. That’s what inspired this novel. The mystery of who is taking Stella’s friends on both sides of wakefulness, and her having to solve a murder in her sleep, is just straight up creative license.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I first start writing a novel, it’s always an idea that I’m working with. I usually take a pen and pad of paper and write down bits of dialogue, snippets of what I know to be true about the protagonist and his or her romantic exploits. Some of this, some of that. It’s chaotic, but it works for me to put it all out there so that I can get to the heart of the story. Once I know how the book will end, I restart with the right focus.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always loved Shannon Hale’s books. They’re as creative as they are beautifully written. Also Julie Berry, Gary Schmidt, Gabrielle Zevin and Liane Moriarty (who writes for adults, but her characterization is second to none).

What are you working on now?
I’m re-envisioning what was my creative thesis back in graduate school. And narrating my own audiobooks which has been a blast. Currently I’m working through my YA, “The Death of Pluto”, which is more of a paranormal, on podcast.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon KDP select has been fairly successful, along with Goodreads Giveaways. They’ve both been great at bringing in reviews. And I’ll be jumping on the Booktok bandwagon here pretty soon.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Give yourself permission to be inadequate. You can’t be good at something unless you’re willing to be really bad at it first. You’ll write a lot of terrible things before you get to the place where you and your work will shine. All it takes is a massive amount of practice 😉

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s a quote from “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles: “For what matters in life is not whether we receive a round of applause; what matters is whether we have the courage to venture forth despite the uncertainty of acclaim.”

What are you reading now?
I just started “They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera. The title alone hooked me.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keeping on. There’s a steep learning curve to becoming a good writer, and I’m not sure you ever really see the end of that road. One can always improve. So I’ll keep on writing, keep on reading, keep on doing my best to be my best.

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 Wednesday Wars” by Gary Schmidt because it makes me feel good, “Eleanor and Park” by Rainbow Rowell because it makes me swoon, “Tuck Everlasting” by Natalie Babbitt because it makes me think, and my own current work in progress, whatever it happens to be.

Author Websites and Profiles

Amy Zinn Website

Amy Zinn Amazon Profile

Amy Zinn’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

 

Interview With Author MATHEW THOMAS

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Christian with a passion for writing books. I have worked in
various capacities in the Banking industry, from HR, Legal to T
Technolgy.
I have written two books so far
1. Living Life the Biblical Way
2. The Road to Self-Publishing

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Road to Self-Publishing is my latest book.
My experience as an Indie author was quite challenging and I decided that I will share this experience with those who are keen on entering the world of writing.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I spent a lot of time building the content for my book. The writing is relatively quick.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
read all kinds of books and authors. I am impressed by new and unknown authors as they give insight into the mindset of ordinary people. In my earlier days, I read books written by Agathe Christy, Alister Mcclean, J.K. Rowling, James Hadley Chase, Ravi Subramanian, Chetan Bhagat, Ravi Zachariah and more.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I am working on writing a romantic novel series, a two-part book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method is communicating with families and friends through WhatsApp and Facebook. Also, www.awesomegang.com, Fiverr.com and Bargain Booksy have been beneficial to me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
To conquer the fear of writing, start writing. Once you get hold of it, then there is no stopping.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Every suggestion that enables the best out of me is always the Best advice.

What are you reading now?
Resolve by Will Ertel – A book on Financial planning based on Biblical principles.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To write 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?
Bible
Self-Help books that will help me survive on a desert island

Author Websites and Profiles

MATHEW THOMAS Amazon Profile

 

Interview With Author Karen Pina

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
From 2009 until present day, I have authored 15 books on one topic. Contrary to traditional publishing practices, this topic is not one that I researched. On the other hand, it is a topic that I was required to live. In short, I became the message long before I wrote it. Personally, believe that this is what my ideal reader loves the most about my books. They are relatable. My books are practical. The books I write are transformational.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Day-by-Day Glory Devotional: 100 Days of Sweeping You Up and Away

The inspiration for this book is a blog. From 2009 to 2013, I wrote on a blog on one topic: God’s Glory. After this 4-year period, the blog contained 700 posts! This book is a portion of these inspired posts.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The most unusual writing habits I possess are as follows. I keep a journal on my nightstand. Often, I wake up in the middle of the night to write. Frequently, I will pray and meditate in written form versus verbally and/or mentally. Lasty, I keep my iPhone memo recorder handy because I spontaneously write at, what some can perceive as, odd moments.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have read many books. Here are the ones that have had the greatest influence on me financially, spiritually, and entrepreneurially: Published by Chandler Bolt, Smith Wigglesworth: The Presence & Glory of God by Dr. Michael H. Yeager, The Scribal Anointing by Theresa H. Johnson, Mindset by John Naisbitt, Beyond Fearless: How to Remove Every Hindrance From Your Life by Ericka Jackson, and The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lenocioni

What are you working on now?
I recently released my 15th book! I set the goal of securing 100 reviews by the end of June. I want to reach as many people as I can with this message of hope and glory.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There are a lot of book promo websites out there. These are the one that I like best: Bargain Booksy, BookBub, and Written Media.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to find a mentor, an author prototype, and a proven process that you can follow to successfully publish your book. Also, be sure to write every day. Block off the time on your calendar and make it non-negotiable. This advice will ensure that you are developing the discipline of writing daily.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Here are the two statements that make up the best advice I’ve received:

1) The one who serves the most is the one who makes the most money.
2) Be sure you leave the earth empty. Pour out every gift and talent to the world.
3) People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.

What are you reading now?
The book I am currently reading is Spies and Lovers: The Düsseldorf Documents by Steve Sully

What’s next for you as a writer?
The next chapter for me involves coaching other authors to publish their 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?
1) The Bible
2) Atomic Habits by James Clear
3) Move to Millions by Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon
4) The one I plan to write while I’m on island!

Author Websites and Profiles

Karen Pina Amazon Profile

Karen Pina Author Profile on Smashwords

Karen Pina’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

Pinterest Account

Interview With Author Penelope McGrath

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I am a new author and have written two books. One of them just became available for sale on Amazon, and the first book is a freebie that can be found at the end of the book that is for sale. I am currently working on book 3 🙂

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Dark Secret Life. It was inspired by the simple reasons that drive people to do the wrong thing for the “greater good” and how it can backfire on a psychological level.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I am aware of, but I do like to brainstorm lots of ideas and then glue them together.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am heavily influenced by psychology, human behavior, sociology, and true-crime books and documentaries.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a book about one of the characters mentioned in my book Dark Secret Life. The book is about what decisions drove him to his current situation and how the psychological trauma of those decisions affects his life overall. His life rolls like a catastrophic avalanche effect.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still finding that out, but I do a lot of newsletter swaps with other authors.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The only way to fail is to give up. Get back up, try it differently, and keep doing it… you got this!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The same one I just gave out.
“The only way to fail is to give up. Get back up, try it differently, and keep doing it… you got this!”

What are you reading now?
Websites like kindlepreneur, my subscribers’ emails and reviews, and my own books. I want to make sure I do everything I can do well and I avoid everything I should avoid. knowledge is power!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m taking it one step at a time.. just focusing on my book performance and completing the next book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Silva Mind control method
The girl on the train
Talking to strangers
Around the world in 50 years

Author Websites and Profiles

Penelope McGrath Amazon Profile

Penelope McGrath’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

Interview With Author Norman Shabel

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired class-action attorney and I have been driven to write ever since I can remember. I have written 8 novels and 7 plays that ended up stuffed in drawers as I launched and pursued my legal career, married and had a family.

My books deal with crime, relatable family dynamics or both. Courts are inherently dramatic places and I guess I saw that connection between law and storytelling before I even realized it. Lawyers need to be good storytellers to engage juries in the “plot” of a case. You need to hold the interest of a jury if you’re going to win them over, much like the plot of a novel. If the juror or the reader gets bored you lose them very quickly and I never like to lose a case – or a reader.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
God Knows No Heroes – the protagonist of the book was inspired by a real life defendant in a murder trial.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Many of my books were written while I was waiting for a jury to come back with their verdict.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Daniel Silva, David Baldacci and others in the crime mystery genre.

What are you working on now?
Figuring out how to market my books

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still trying to figure that out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep on plugging until you are the author of a best seller.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up on your writing – ever!

What are you reading now?
The Black Widow by Daniel Silva

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not quite sure – but will keep you posted.

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’m not quite sure – but will keep you posted.

Author Websites and Profiles

Norman Shabel Website

Norman Shabel Amazon Profile

Norman Shabel’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

 

Interview With Author Diane Scott Lewis

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up near San Francisco, in the crazy 60s (oops, that dates me). I’ve always enjoyed writing stories since I learned to write. I’d illustrate them, too. Drawing and writing, plus horses, were my passions. I joined the navy at nineteen and was stationed in Greece, where I met my husband. I’d intended to see the world, but saw a sailor instead. We married, moved to Puerto Rico with our first son, had a second boy, and traveled through Asia.
Now I live in Pennsylvania near my granddaughters. I’ve written twelve historical novels.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest release, out last week, is Outcast Artist in Bretagne. I’d watched a TV series about the WWII occupation of the Channel Islands. The character of the Baron, the German Commandant, was fascinating. A fair man, trying to keep order. I fashioned my Major after this character and set the story in Brittany, France. In 1941, a stranded Englishwoman, Norah, discovers the Major loathes Hitler’s policies. They’re attracted to one another, but obstacles and danger, even a possible death sentence, ensues. How will they help the resistance and find a happy ending?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I used to haul a paper copy of my novel around and make edits at every place I was, doctors’ offices, etc. Ideas constantly pop into my head. Especially in the shower. I need to invent something waterproof to scribble on in the shower rainfall.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the writing of Geraldine Brooks, Emma Donoghue, Catherine Delors, so many more. Their lyrical prose is what I aspire to.
I have tons of research books in my office. Too many, my husband would insist.
‘Dr. Johnson’s London’, by Liza Picard, helped with my eighteenth century novels.

What are you working on now?
A Young Adult novel with my granddaughter. She’s thirteen, a turbulent time for a young girl. My main character is very much like her. A girl who becomes involved in a centuries old secret, a haunted house, and ghosts who only speak to her. Loads of fun to write.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve used Twitter and Instagram, guested on blogs, and even started my own blog.
https://dianescottlewisauthor.blogspot.com/
It’s hard to know which works best.
My friend, a best-selling author, says keep flooding social media. I think I have annoyed everyone on the internet with my book promo.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Research, join workshops, attend writers conferences, network with other authors. Always hone your skills, my critique group is invaluable, and never give up. It’s so much easier now with the internet than when I started out.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you love, but if it’s historical, do your research.

What are you reading now?
‘This Present Darkness’ by Frank Peretti. My book club’s pick. Good writing, but a little unsettling, so far.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing my Young Adult, continuing to promote my WWII story, and I have started a Victorian time-travel.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Books on how to build a boat, extract water from tropical plants, make fire…but seriously, for enjoyment.
‘The Power of Positive Thinking”, by Peale. I’d need that one.
“Castaway” I can’t remember the author, but it’s beautifully written from a woman’s perspective on a desert island.
“Cognitive Behavioral Therapy” by Olivia Telford. (because it promises to make you happy, and stranded people need to be happy)
“A Postcard from Paris,” by Alex Brown (because it says it’s perfect romantic escapism and that sounds promising)
Then I’d get to the boat building.

Author Websites and Profiles

Diane Scott Lewis Website

Diane Scott Lewis Amazon Profile

Diane Scott Lewis Author Profile on Smashwords

Diane Scott Lewis’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

Interview With Author Marisa Jones

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m originally from Hawaii and now live in Papua New Guinea after spending ten years in Australia during my twenties. My debut historical fiction novel, A Dangerous Land – a gripping story about love and belonging set in the wilds of World War Two New Guinea, is due for release in June. Prior to fiction writing, I worked as a freelance writer and I have a Master of Creative Writing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Dangerous Land – it was inspired by my love for Papua New Guinea.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m very big on having large blocks of time to write (ie 3-4 hours). I’m not good at getting words on the page in short periods (though I should be with three kids). But often it takes me a bit of time to get into a groove, and once I get going I’m much more effective.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Natasha Lester, Kristin Hannah, Sara Ackerman, Margaret Atwood, Curtis Sittenfeld, Sally Rooney, Jane Austen

What are you working on now?
Once my debut novel is published and promoted, I’m hoping to get back to the next novel in the series, A Forgotten Land.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Not sure yet. This is all a learning curve for me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing and keep editing. You may think you’re ready to pitch to publishers (or self-publish) after finishing your first, second or third drafts, but it’s likely that your book will still need more edits. My debut underwent about 7 drafts, including a major rewrite. Even now I think I could change some bits, but at some point the book will be cooked and needs to be released to the world.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Probably a version of my advice above. Of course I didn’t listen to it and started pitching my debut to bigger publishers too soon. You may only have one shot so really want the book to be the best possible version.

What are you reading now?
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams (finally gotten around to it!)

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing and keep publishing.

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 & Prejudice, Normal People, The Handmaid’s Tale

Author Websites and Profiles

Marisa Jones Website

Marisa Jones Amazon Profile

Marisa Jones’s Social Media Links

Twitter Account

Interview With Author Kerstin Frashier

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Germany. My passion is for helping others, which stems from my experience helping my physically impaired husband for more than 35 years. In addition to working as a physiotherapist in several hospitals for over 15 years, I taught students at a German medical school.
I immigrated to the United States of America approximately 30 years ago and became a US Citizen in 2005.
For the first 12 years, I lived in Georgia. Why learning English, I became a realtor and passed the state license test.
In 2006 we moved to Florida, and I started working for the Jupiter Police Department. There I found my new American family. I retired in August 2021.
Over the last 13 years, I also proofread and edited books, documents, video scripts, and audio files in my native language, German.
I recently published my first non-fiction book, and I hope it inspires many people.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Home Exercise for Seniors” is my first book published on Amazon. My inspiration comes from my husband. He has been handicapped for approximately 50 years. For the last 35 years, he has shown how discipline and determination can give us a happy, independent life.
In our 55+ community, we try to inspire others to take simple steps to feel better.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
There is nothing unusual about my writing habit. I like our quiet home for my writing. When I need a break, I go to the Atlantic. The water, boats, anglers, and sometimes manatees and turtles remind me of our American Dream Life.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I know some fiction authors and love to read their books. For my first book, I didn’t find anything like it. Most were written by trainers. I was a physiotherapist in Germany for over 15 years. My goal is to tell people safe and easy ways to do exercises at home. Did you know you can exercise on your mattress or with a walker?

What are you working on now?
I still have to release the audiobook and publish the paperback and hardcover on Ingramspark. I also like to translate my book for my German family.
Of course, I have some ideas about my next book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am promoting my book locally right now. My hope is that Awsome Gang can get me some momentum and reviews to get started. I’m planning to do some Amazon advertising after more reviews.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Sorry, I’m a new author.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I was told to follow all the steps necessary. The first book is always the most difficult challenge. Don’t quit!

What are you reading now?
Omega Academy #2 by Lily Archer. I read the soon-published German book before it gets released.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Enjoy life and keep reading and writing.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible and something funny and sexy by Misha Bell and Anna Zaires.

Author Websites and Profiles

Kerstin Frashier Website

Kerstin Frashier Amazon Profile

Kerstin Frashier’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

 

Interview With Author Stephen Byrd

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I work full-time as a paramedic, and I write in my off-time. Writing has become a way for me to cope with the stress of my job, and given me an outlet for my creativity. I’ve written three fiction novels so far. The first, “Silverwood Manor” is about a paranormal investigator and a haunted house, the second, “When Crazy Loves You” is a romantic thriller. I guess you could say that I have a varied interest among the sub-genres of fiction, and I haven’t quite found my preferred niche yet, although both of those books were fun to write.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “Inner Demons.” It’s about a paramedic struggling with depression and post-traumatic stress. It was inspired by real-life, unfortunately. Seeing co-workers, friends, and even experiencing the symptoms myself, I decided to write about the constant exposure to traumatic events and the effects that has on a person’s mental health. The character in the book is experiencing the classic symptoms of depression and PTSD, and just like in real life, others notice the signs but either don’t know what to do or do the wrong thing until the situation becomes worse. It’s a sad story, and unfortunately one that repeats in real life all too often.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say “unusual”. I am under treatment for depression and PTSD, so I think that contributes to my trouble focusing on what I’m writing sometimes.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dan Brown. I took his Masterclass, and for me it was well worth it. I enjoyed learning about creating suspense and protecting your process. Also, I’m a big fan of screenwriter Aaron Sorkin. I like his characters and their interactions. I’m a huge fan of The West Wing and The Newsroom.

What are you working on now?
Oh my. I have so many projects open right now. The one I’m focusing on primarily is called “Obsession”, and it’s about a judge who is being stalked and a private detective tasked with protecting her. It’s another romantic thriller.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Probably either Facebook or Goodreads. I think I’ve reached more people using Facebook, to be honest.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Fiction is wonderful. You can do anything you want to. Literally anything. It’s amazing. There are no restrictions, no limits to your imagination. You can alter reality, you can create new beings, you can create new worlds. There is no limit.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s your story. Don’t worry about whether someone else likes it or not. Not every story is going to be a match for every reader, so you write it the way you want to. Someone out there is going to like it, someone out there is going to hate it. Just write it the way you want to.

What are you reading now?
“The Street Lawyer” by John Grisham.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have no idea. I’m going to keep writing, and keep promoting, and see what happens!

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 have to take “The DaVinci Code”, “The Street Lawyer”, and maybe a book on how to survive when stranded on a desert island.

Author Websites and Profiles

Stephen Byrd Website

Stephen Byrd’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile