Awesome Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
During 2015, I have published five (5) books so far. Two science fiction novels (in my own language, Swedish), a “How to”-book on writing, publishing and marketing books, my solo adventure game book Fantasy Dungeon and a re-print of a graphic novel.

I have also written a fantasy novel (Lisana: Dragon’s Den) and a photo book about a local church tower (over 300 years old!).

I don’t know exactly how many books I have written – but the above are published work. I might have written 20, 30 – maybe even a hundred books. Does movie scripts count – then I’m way over 100. 🙂

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is the solo adventure/interactive fiction Fantasy Dungeon. It is the first in a series called Random Solo Adventure, which is a solo game system I’ve created. I wanted to do something that is fun, entertaining – but also simple and quick, and has a nice re-play value.

My inspiration of course comes from the 1982 Fighting Fantasy game book The Warlock of Firetop Mountain. I got that as a Christmas gift about 30 years ago – and now I finally published my first, own, solo game book. It meant a lot to me to recieve that gift, and I remember playing it for weeks, months!

I still own that book. I have the original one I recieved 30 years ago – and a “backup” I bought on eBay a few years back, plus a few others.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not sure if they’re “unusual”, but I usually sit down and write when I’ve read something from someone else, or in the news. Anything can spark my imagination and to get my brain to stop spinning around these crazy ideas, I sit down and write it up.

Sometimes those ideas are just pages that are saved, and then never used. But sometimes another idea pops up, and then I mix it with something I wrote before.

I love to write at night, but I can write any time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
1984 (George Orwell), game books by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone but actually mostly comics and movies. I take great inspiration from films like ROBOCOP (1987) and MAD MAX (1979), but also from graphic novels as HATE! (Peter Bagge) and the Hernandez’ LOVE & ROCKETS.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on four books:
The second Random Solo Adventure – this time Post Apocalypse, and the third in the Swedish science fiction series ATOMKRIG 1981 (“Nuclear War 1981”) and also an English language science fiction novel, currently called NUKED! (That title might change though.)

The fourth book is first in a Swedish fantasy/monster series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use a Twitter a lot. I like the flow, and I like the fans. I like how casual it is, but at the same time business like. And I like how nice the people I follow and follow me, are. It’s a nice community.

Since I also write in Swedish I have a few Swedish sites I visit as well, but my own website, PenguinComics.com, is by far my most important tool.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes – don’t stop writing!
It doesn’t matter if you think what you’re writing sucks, or if it’s filled with typos or if you don’t know the exact, proper word. Just WRITE IT!

You can change everything later, find the right words and spelling later. Don’t worry about it!

Most new writers are too scared to do something wrong. I’ll let you in on a secret: there’s nothing that’s wrong. If you want it to be like that – then it should be like that.

That said, try to make it as perfect as possible. That’s difficult when it comes to self-publishing, but it does help. You have an enormous pile of tutorials and people who can and will help you on the ‘net – just ask. Or google.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That everyone is 12 years old. I think it was Akiva Goldsman who said that. It means that when you’re scared, maybe because you think you’re not good enough, or everyone looks down on you – remember that everyone else are scared too. Find your confidence – everyone has it. You just have to search for it a little…

What are you reading now?
Currently I’m mostly reading news, since so much stuff are happening. But I’m also trying to dig in on some older game books.

I really enjoy the 80’s game books and even rule books for role playing games. Illustrations are cool, the texts are graphic and descriptive. It was just another era. Cool stuff!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Pushing myself harder to make better books, and keep doing more books in my series. I hope to get more acquainted with my fans so I know what they want – and don’t want.

I also want to go more interactive, try to turn more of my books and comics into apps and interactive PDF-files.

Also, of course, I want to explore the graphic novel business a bit more, but I need to complete a screenplay first, so all else will have to wait.

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?
Probably Art Spiegelman’s MAUS, Orwell’s 1984, Let Us C by Yashavant Kanetkar and a notebook. 😉

Author Websites and Profiles
J. Pingo Lindstrom Website
J. Pingo Lindstrom Amazon Profile

J. Pingo Lindstrom’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Ohio, raised in New York and have been a gypsy most of my adult life. My various jobs, including licensed veterinary technician, caterer, horseback riding instructor for the disabled and advertising media buyer have given me a wealth of experiences.
However, it has been writing that has consistently been my passion. I sold an episode of a TV show, had a screenplay optioned and have so far produced six novels, including four historicals.
I live in Cordova, Tennessee with a fabulously supportive engineer husband, a wonderful stepson, Matt and my writing buddy, Jakita, a terrier.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “The Dream Dancer” and the idea just came to me one night. It’s about a woman who can enter dreams.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I need quiet. Many authors like music in the background—not me. I even bought a pair of industrial earmuffs for when there are teenagers around.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Reading Stephen King made me want to write books, but reading Kathleen Woodiwiss made me want to write romance.

What are you working on now?
I am writing the second in “The Dream Dancer” series and also a contemporary.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My virtual assistant is a lifesaver. She takes care of so much of that for me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t quit. Writing is easy, the business of it is hard. But don’t let the rejections discourage you if you really want to write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It came from Nora Roberts in a speech she made. To paraphrase—Two things: First, don’t wait for the muse to strike…there is no muse. It’s work. And two, treat writing like a job, eight hours a day. Otherwise, you won’t get it done.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading “Through a Glass Darkly” by Karleen Koen.

What’s next for you as a writer?
LOL. More writing. I want to finish four more novels in 2016.

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?
Pretty difficult choice. Probably the following:

“Ashes in the Wind” by Kathleen Woodiwiss
“Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer
“Salem’s Lot” by Stephen King
“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins

Author Websites and Profiles
Leslie Hachtel Website
Leslie Hachtel Amazon Profile

Leslie Hachtel’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Pam Willis-Hovey is the host of Unity with Pam Television Show, a weekly talk-show dedicated to bringing unity between cultures and races.
She is married to the love of her life, retired Sgt. Harry R. Hovey, and has three step-children and one granddaughter.

She has written her first book, a romance novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda
This book was inspired by the passing of Pam’s mother-in-law
Carol Hovey who taught her not to live a shoulda, woulda, coulda life

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
This book has been in my heart for ten years. I’m always writing in my pajamas.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stormy Omartian – I have so many of her books

What are you working on now?
a sequel

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
word-of-mouth

Do you have any advice for new authors?
network is key. Partner with people.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You’ve got to promote your books if you aren’t a known author. You have to do the work. If you have an opportunity, take it. Always have your books with you.

What are you reading now?
The Many Faces of Eve

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to see a movie.

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 Many Faces of Eve,
Lord, I want to be Whole by Stormie Omartian
Instinct by T.D.Jakes

Author Websites and Profiles
Pam Willis-Hovey Website
Pam Willis-Hovey Amazon Profile

Pam Willis-Hovey’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written two novels – only one has been self-published on Amazon. I work in the environmental sector, focusing on air quality and climate change. My first attempt at creative writing was during my student days in London when I started writing lyrics for my band. After that I co-wrote a play for the Players Playwrights which was put on for one night in London’s Phoenix theatre. Writing novels is where my heart lies.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
We Float Upon a Painted Sea. From time to time the research I do for my day job has scared the life out of me, but I believe there is hope if people start to wake up to what is happening in the world. I would actually find no satisfaction or remotely feel smug if the world descended into the chaos described in my book! But it was inspired by a concern over the future of the human race on this planet and a mistrust of the governments that lead us in the west. It is not however, a tedious moral lecture but an science fiction yarn which I believe has a lot of intrigue and humor in it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When create a new character, who is from another part of the UK or America, I try out the accent while pulling a face I imagine they would be making at the time. My wife (who also designed my front cover) shakes her head in disbelief when she witnesses this odd behavior.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Onyx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
Iain Banks
Saul Bellow
George Orwell
Lanark by Alasdair Gray
Franz Kafka
Cormac McCarthy

What are you working on now?
A horror novel set in St Petersburg, Russia called the Upstanding.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is only the second time I have promoted my book, and my first promotion with the Awsomegang, but I have found Facebook helpful.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never listen to people advising you what you should write for the sole purpose of selling – writing should come from within yourself and ignore the “only write what you know” crowd. This to me limits the imagination.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t just write what you know, use your imagination!

What are you reading now?
Louise Welsh – The Cutting Room

What’s next for you as a writer?
Trying to undertake the near impossible task of promoting my book while sustaining a day job and a demanding young family and two greedy guinea pigs.

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?
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
The SAS Survival Handbook
The Home Distillers Workbook by Jeff King (sorry couldn’t help that!)

Author Websites and Profiles
Christopher Connor Amazon Profile

Christopher Connor’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The author is a Professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of California’s Medical School at Davis, near Sacramento in Northern California. Jerry writes “tweener” mystery books (tough mystery stories that follow the cozy conventions of no graphic sex and no cussing) that are fast moving and entertain the reader. Several of the books introduce the readers to South America, a region where he has lived and worked that is a long way from home for most English speakers. He and his wife Elaine lived previously in Salta, Argentina and Montevideo, Uruguay. Jerry selects the most interesting South American locations he found for Roger and Suzanne to visit while solving miscellaneous murders. Montevideo, Salta, Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, and Iguazu Falls are also characters in these books, and the novels portray these places as vivid and real. Jerry and Elaine breed prize-winning German shorthaired pointer dogs; Elaine also provides technical advice for Jerry’s dog-related novels like The Deadly Dog Show and Hunter Down, as well as editing for all of the books.
There are presently twelve Roger and Suzanne mystery books available from Amazon Kindle: 7 novels, 3 novellas, 1 short story anthology, and 1 omnibus volume consisting of two of the novels and one of the novellas.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hunter Down, a suspenseful mystery novel set in Southern California’s exotic world of canine hunt tests.
The book was inspired by my wife Elaine getting me engaged in one of her major interests with our own German shorthaired pointer dogs. The activities, locales, and skills of the dogs seemed an interesting world to drag Roger and Suzanne into to solve another murder mystery.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a full-time job. That means I write when I can, on a completely erratic schedule. The on-off switch has to function quickly sometimes.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The great California P.I. novels by the masters–Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, Ross MacDonald and Robert B. Parker’s Spenser series.

What are you working on now?
A new, as yet untitled, novel in the Roger and Suzanne series. They will be asked to solve a murder that takes place in Havana, Cuba. Elaine and I had a chance to visit Cuba on a person-to-person tour a couple of months ago. It seemed like a perfect setting for a novel since so few United States citizens have ever had a chance to go there. The book is about half-way through the first draft.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not sure. I use Facebook a lot. A substantial number of readers come back to the new books in the series after reading the older books. And, I think, vice versa. The two novels built around dogs as major participants, Hunter Down and The Deadly Dog Show, seem to be especially popular among German shorthaired pointer owners and breeders. These dog owners and breeders seem to find the books by word of mouth recommendations from other dog people.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t quit your day job!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t quit your day job!

What are you reading now?
A serialized novel by Carmen Amato entitled Awakening Macbeth.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish the WIP set in Cuba.

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?
Anthologies or collections of mystery novels.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jerold Last Website
Jerold Last Amazon Profile

Jerold Last’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m one of those writers who started taking writing seriously at a young age, and by the time I graduated from high school I had two complete novels written and was working on my third. I also started experimenting with digital self-publishing earlier than most, and released my first e-book (basically an electronic chapbook of poetry) years before Amazon existed. I did not have any titles available for retail sale until 2010, however. I currently have nine books on the market but most are short works, only two are novel length. I’ve written eight complete novel drafts and have another seven in progress, some more actively than others.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is a short nonfiction title, Selling Books With Bitcoin, which was mostly inspired by my own interest in Bitcoin and exploring ways to sell directly to readers. My latest novel, released in early 2015, is Extra Credit: Loyalty! which is the second book in the Dan Starney series. It was mostly inspired by readers of the first book not being happy with how that book ended!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Does listening to an awful lot of Led Zeppelin when I write count as an unusual habit? 🙂

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve picked up a lot of influences over the years, including from well-known sources like Tolkien and Heinlein but also John Morressy, Stephen R. Donaldson, and many more.

What are you working on now?
Back in the late 1980s I wrote a fantasy novel that was never published, and I am now working on polishing that for publication. I’ve grown a lot as a writer since then, so I can see a lot that needs work, but the story is still very usable. I also wrote a prequel for it this year, and I am sketching out ideas for at least one more book in the series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Writing and releasing a new book helps, and that much doesn’t really change over time. Other than that, effectiveness in promotion seems to be a constantly changing thing, as one method wanes while a new method becomes more worthwhile. I’m always looking for new methods, especially now as my promotional efforts in 2015 have not kept pace with prior years. I have seen other authors getting good results from collaborative promotions and I am looking forward to an opportunity to try one.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t jump into publishing blindly. There is a lot of information out there now, so do your research. Don’t assume that you will get sales; there is a lot of truth to the sentiment that writing a book is the easy part. Writing “THE END” in the first draft is just the end of the beginning of the overall process. Do everything you can to maximize the odds that complete strangers will stop what they’re doing, take a look at your book, and part with their time (and probably money) to read your book. You’re competing with every other way people spend their leisure time, so take that challenge seriously.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can’t sell a book that isn’t on the market — so sit down and write, make it the best you can (within reason), and then get it out there to the buying public.

What are you reading now?
I have a few books in progress right now, but the fiction work I’m reading now is The Landing (book 1 of the United States of Vinland series) by Colin Taber. I’m also occasionally reading a random short story in the Stories on the Go indie anthology. For nonfiction, I’m mostly focused on Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians But Were Afraid to Ask by Anton Treuer, which is pretty interesting reading.

What’s next for you as a writer?
There is a good chance I will be launching a new pen name in early 2016, writing in a genre I have not tried before other than for an as-yet-unfinished screenplay. Since it is my first foray into that genre, I’m going to start with a three-novella series. I also plan on publishing at least two fantasy novels in 2016.

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 cheat and take three boxed sets! One would be The Hobbit/The Lord of the Rings, another would be the Narnia series (arranged in the original order, not the revised order), and the final would be the Harry Potter books.

Author Websites and Profiles
Stuart Whitmore Website
Stuart Whitmore Amazon Profile
Stuart Whitmore Author Profile on Smashwords

Stuart Whitmore’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an author, mother and identical triplet from Australia. I love martial arts movies, Michael Jackson music, and anything Snow White related. My favorite color is pink and my favorite food is chocolate (okay, not technically a food!). So far, I have one published novel and one published novella (as well as some blogs and articles).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is “To Catch A Christmas Thief”. I’m not sure what inspired it. The idea just popped into my head! The title was inspired by the Grace Kelly movie.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm. Sometimes I write until the early morning hours, but I think that’s usual for most writers. Most of the time I listen to music on my headphones while I write. Is that unusual?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In the romance genre I love: Nicholas Sparks, Nora Roberts, Susanna Kearsley, Jane Austen, the Bronte’s, Rachael Johns, Mary Higgins-Clark. The Harlequin romantic suspense line is also one of my favorites. These are the authors that have influenced me the most. As far as other genres, I like Karin Slaughter, Matthew Reilly and James Patterson. But, I enjoy reading most genres. I also read a lot of non-fiction.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a single title romantic suspense novella, as well as the second book in my “Smithfield” series. After that, I will finish the first book in an identical triplet themed, romantic suspense novella series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth, my personal website, distributor channels (Amazon, Smashwords, Kobo, iBooks etc), social media, and using service such as Awesome Gang.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep going. Get as much advice from established authors as you can. Network. Edit. Then edit again.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing advice? Find your own voice. Life advice? Find your own voice 🙂

What are you reading now?
I always read more than one book at a time. At the moment, they are: Lost Reaper by Shelley Russell Nolan, The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton, Caught in the Blizzard by Adele Huxley, and Ink Inspired by Carrie Ann Ryan.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep on 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?
Only 3 or 4? I can’t answer that! Although one would definitely be Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

Author Websites and Profiles
A.K. Leigh Website
A.K. Leigh Amazon Profile
A.K. Leigh Author Profile on Smashwords

A.K. Leigh’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I enjoy opportunities to express my creativity and just have an enjoyable time writing quietly or with light classical music. Nothing like a peace and quiet whilst jotting down ideas in your head. It feels like a decompression of the mind. Goooood stuff.
I have two published books for now. I look forward to more soon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Wish Granted Weight Loss. I was inspired to write as I was in/on the journey of better health choices. As my choices changed for more overall health I noticed the weight reducing comfortably and naturally. I figured this would be nice to write about in a sort of sharing my weight loss story in part and just sharing what it took for me to experience natural weight reduction and ample energy to continue in this fun process. It works!!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I enjoy writing as much as I can initially sort of what folks do when ‘brainstorming’. Just get it all out whether or not it makes any logically thinking. Just get it out and then organize the thoughts in a TOC (table of contents) and possibly even get a whole other book title from this flow of information.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King growing up in small town and being inspired by his own life experiences seemed authentic and inspiration to others is just a byproduct of him taking the journey he is on.

What are you working on now?
Currently working on a book that will support my Wish Granted Weight Loss book. The book will be a book of natural health foods. People have pain in places that they would love to just get rid of. I don’t make any promises but I’m sharing in this next book pain reduction food recipes. You’ll know what food to have if you have a big ol headache, stiff necked, swollen pain surrounding your joints. Even a self massage to get rid of those toxins. Learn how to eat like the wild like monkeys do. Eat well feel awesome.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I believe Awesomegang.com is very well organized. Facebook seems to be essential. Not sure how myspace is but it may be doing well as far as book marketing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Some say don’t publish your book till you have all your ideas organized. That sounds like a great idea. But I say get it out of your system. Write what you feel you can edit, revise, market the book to clean up any imperfections you did not address on the initial publish. Also used an audio/voice recorder to get ideas out of your head in combination with just writing/ typing. Get organized initially: Create a folder (title it My books 2016), create a folder inside for each new title you are writing, create a folder in each title: a marketing only folder, a folder for library is essential to keeping professional, organized, and not having to remember ‘Where did I save my book’ or ‘did I save my book’.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Find a passion and follow it. This is the best advice I can give. -John C. Maxwell (leadership trainer to fortune 500 companies)

What are you reading now?
George Orwell 1984

What’s next for you as a writer?
Simply to created a new folder with a new title and start writing/typing away.

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 fitting for the moment ‘How to get off a deserted Island’
2) Bear Gryll’s Surviving Every Climate
3) Gilligan’s Island
4) Best Book of Jokes World Wide

Author Websites and Profiles
Lonmontre Washington Website

Lonmontre Washington’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Sheri Velarde and I am an author of all things paranormal and fantasy, as well as other genres of romance. I have published over 17 books, though due to some small publishers closing I currently only have six out at the moment, with more to come in 2016!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is Not So Silent Night, it’s a paranormal romance that was inspired somewhat by my own loneliness during the holidays.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I rarely write at a desk or table. I usually have my laptop with me as I sit on the couch and snuggle with my dogs as I write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anne Rice is a major influence. It’s because of her that I love to mix the paranormal and romance. I also love Stephen King and think he offers great advice to authors. JRR Tolkien was the author that really got me into reading and into fantasy. The list goes on and on, but those are the big three.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a couple shorts for anthologies next year as well as a collection of vampire stories that I will be releasing in time for Valentine’s Day 2016.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My personal blog and website seems to be the best for me. It is different for everyone and I do stay active on Facebook and Twitter as well. I also get great responses on blog tours.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Don’t be discouraged. Research the best avenue for your book to be published, there is no one size fits all way to publishing. Don’t take rejection personally, it just means you were not a good fit in a specific area, you will fit in somewhere else.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do something that you love and you will never work a day in your life. So true.

What are you reading now?
Unhinged by A. G. Howard. I have been on a YA kick of late!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to have three full length novels out in 2016. One is a sequel to my romantic fantasy Quest for Redemption. Another is a time travel/steampunk epic. The third is a romance with the characters being slightly older and more mature. I will also be popping up in anthologies and putting out a few novellas here and there.

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 Harry Potter series. I count that as one. These are my go to comfort books.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Again counting it as one.
The Thorn Birds, it reminds me of my grandma and simpler times.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sheri Velarde Website
Sheri Velarde Amazon Profile

Sheri Velarde’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Now retired, successful businessman becomes author of thriller stories.
Having written 4 books, all involving spies and love affairs, a series of 3, the Max &

Carla series and now this WW2 story The Glass Beacon, I can’t stop writing.
I first tried writing, many years ago after a skiing accident. I was forced to spend the

holiday snacking and drinking mulled wine overlooking the ski slopes. I wrote a Sci-Fi

story for my young son. He loved it.
I took it up again 15 years ago and included the exotic holiday locations my wife and I

visited, many times a year. Looking back, I have had a wonderful life. I have been very

lucky, not in the winning a lottery sense, but things have always worked out well. My wife

disagrees, you are super smart and have worked long and hard, she says. What does she

know?
According to my grandfather who was obsessed with Heraldry, I have descended from royalty.

King Charles ll actually. Of course, he didn’t manage it on his own, Nell Gwynne was on

the wrong side of the sheet at the time. Explains why I am attracted to… well, shall we

say, oranges!
Hobbies include scuba diving, valuable experience for Max & Carla in Extinction Event

recovering diamonds hidden on a wrecked ship and later trapped in a cavern, underwater.
I tend to like exploring places it is not safe to visit. I have met a number of

interesting characters who the world would class as undesirable. Slitting my throat would

have been inconvenient for them at the time, so I live to include the experience in my

stories.
Early on in my working life, I worked for an undertaker and assisted in laying out the

dead. The bastards in the carpentry shop, sealed me in a coffin they had just made. I knew

they would let me out, eventually. The time passed slowly, and it was remarkably dark and

claustrophobic. I also needed a pee! Even though dead bodies turn up regularly in films

and TV, the average person still has a fascination for the truth about the dead. They know

what they see on the screen is not like being there, seeing, touching and smelling death.
Other hobbies include writing software. Many years ago, some programs were commercially

very advanced and profitable. You won’t find implausible tech getting my characters out of

trouble in my stories.
I have turned my hand to electronics and that features strongly in The Glass Beacon.
I love photography, although I am just a happy snapper.
I hope to continue writing, now I have the time. I definitely have never experienced

writers block, quite the contrary, blocking out the ideas is the problem.
A little problem solving trick I perfected when I was in business ahs continued to serve

me well. I set out the problem in my mind, before I settle down to sleep and usually, I

have the perfect answer in the morning. Great with story telling, I find I am in the scene

and can rewind and replay until I get it right.
I also snore!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Glass Beacon is my current book and the two items that inspired it came to me on a 45 day Pacific cruise.
The first item was to have Alderney, the beautiful Channel Island I live on as the location for the story.
Next was the title, The Glass Beacon. I just liked the ring to it. If you are as pissed as a ships rat and have enjoyed a sumptuous Christmas or New Year meal, it will have a ring in your ears as well.
How can I possibly make a story out of those two ingredients?
Well, coming up with plots is no trouble, it is keeping out the constant flood of ideas that is difficult. I think I will try the aluminium foil hat and see if that works.
So, Alderney was part of Hitler’s Atlantic wall, so WW2 is a good subject. There will be spies of course, I love writing about them. Throw in romance and now we are getting somewhere. The plot had to involve Britain and the V-1 needed guidance, so lets invent a radio beacon to guide it. In my research, there was no indication they used such a device, but they did have radar and other navigation systems. Then all the coincidences fell into place, glass circuit boards, fragility, advanced tech, but all quite possible. Why did Germany miss such a device. There were other social and economic factors that made this device so compelling. Well, this is how it all started.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I live every part of the story in my mind as I write. I work on the plot as I sleep and play and rewind until the part works perfectly. Later that morning, I write it up.
Easy-peasy.
I work from home and in a trance as the story is developed. I just hope the house doesn’t burn down as I work, I will never notice it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I ran out of good books to read and in desperation decided to try writing a full novel. It was so absorbing and enjoyable that I would hate to stop.
I liked Denis Wheatley, a prolific writer, but considered to be trash now. How fashion changes.
Clive Cussler was enjoyable when he wrote the books, I find no pleasure in them now.
Andy McNab and Chris Ryan are current favourites.
I have read many of the other top authors and they just don’t do it for me. I get the feeling they write for the lowest common denominator and formulaic. Great commercially for them, but as a reader, they waste my time.
I did come across Ellie Midwood, a new self publisher, and was surprised at how much I enjoyed her 3 books.
However, No author has laid down a path that I was able or even wanted to emulate.
Just as well I don’t write for profit.

What are you working on now?
I started framing up a psychological thriller called “I lost my wife” and the trick with this one is that the plot is not as obvious as you might think.
It is possible it could develop into a series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still exploring that aspect. Marketing is something I would gladly sidestep, but it is everything in selling books.
I will continue to try different ways and see what works for me.
I am about to do some radio interviews and gain confidence, so we will see how that works.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you just want to write then go for it.
If you want to make money, marketing will take all your time and make it hard to focus on writing a great story.
Until you employ others to help you, it will be a very hard struggle.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

What are you reading now?
I have an Andy McNab and a Chris Ryan to read, but when, I just don’t know.
They cannot compete with my dreams and schemes after a day of hard marketing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The next book and the book after that…
There will be holidays in exotic places, meeting strange or interesting people, perhaps wreck or cave diving, photography, painting, a life time of exciting things.

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 wouldn’t, I would take blank paper and a biro.

Author Websites and Profiles
John Day Website

 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a native Floridian who currently pretends to be a Virginian. My accomplishments have included successfully threading a sewing bobbin, landing a 35 pound Alaskan king salmon, and scoring a ceramic sangria pitcher at an estate sale for $1. I also sometimes write books (two so far). My humor column – “Dock Tale Hour” – is published by “Laker Magazine.” I’m often found hanging out on my blog “The Middle-Aged Cheap Seats.” You can also visit me at my website: http://kimdalferes.com/

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Magic Fishing Panties” was released by Booktrope Publishing in August 2015. The title was inspired by a girls-only day of fishing in Alaska.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ve outlined full stories on my I-phone: the Universe tends to inspire me at the most unusual moments. One story in “Magic Fishing Panties” entitled “Buscapades” was developed from Facebook posts during a winter storm when I was trapped on a city bus.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anything and everything by Erma Bombeck or Fanny Flagg.

What are you working on now?
I just finished my humor column for February 2016 which is about a skinny dipping incident gone very, very wrong. I’m also working on book #3 which seems to be evolving into a collection of stories about relationships between women and men (shhh, don’t tell the Hubs).

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
If you can get a Bookbub promo deal, consider yourself lucky – their advertising can do wonders for book sales. I also like The Fussy Librarian as well as Bargain Booksy.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Invest in a good pair of fuzzy bunny slippers – no one writes well when their feet are cold. Mine are size 11 and a nice shade of pink. Also, find a good copy editor and treat them like a king or queen – they can turn trash to treasure.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I love this quip from Erma Bombeck: “Hook ’em with the lead. Hold ’em with laughter. Exit with a quip they won’t forget.”

What are you reading now?
I just finished the ARC for Vikki Claflin’s new book “Who Left the Cork Out of My Lunch?” Look for it in early 2016 – it’s hilarious!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Being that “Magic Fishing Panties” was recently released, I see many book and author events in my future. I especially love book clubs. However, I’m also available for weddings, bar mitzvahs, and the occasional luxury ship christening.

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 Survive on A Desert Island
Bossy Pants
Pride and Prejudice

Author Websites and Profiles
Kimberly Dalferes Website
Kimberly Dalferes Amazon Profile
Kimberly Dalferes’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Novella The Other Side of Reason is fourth book written by Aleksandar Krzavac based on true story of NATO bombing of Serbian Broadcasting Company in spring 1999, when 16 media stuff were killed.
Aleksandar Krzavac was born in 1959 in the former Yugoslavian capital Belgrade. Holder of a University degree in economics Krzavac is the author of e-book of, mainly satirical, aphorisms and cartoons titled Close Your Eyes the Future Has Just Begun too. In his second e-book Crossroads and/or Illusions, Coping with Plug & Play Ideology, Krzavac tries to challenge people thinking out of convenient life, in order, as subtitle of books says, to cope with Plug & Play Ideology. At this point even understanding is enough, and allowed, as first step to long journey of world continual changing to its optimal status, Krzavac quotes in his book. Novella Media Guy, God blesses media, but not media professionals is third book written by Aleksandar Krzavac. Through funny character of Media Guy writer, who is journalist too, shows all dangers and traps of that divine, fascinating and damned profession.
At present Krzavac lives in Serbian capital Belgrade, employed with Serbian Broadcasting company on the position of journalist. He is married, father of three daughters.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Other Side of Reason is book based on True Story I have passed through. Frankly, not all written in book is full truth, but at least one third ob book is true.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
That’s my hobby. I must work other job for survival.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Not specific author or book… There are many of them…

What are you working on now?
At this point I have writing break.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing whatever result will be.

Aleksandar Krzavac’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi I’m C.K KARA I was a fan of reading since I was seven , like all people who take a liking to a certain craft I delved into the world of great fiction story telling. While growing up my father had a hobby that used to fascinate me. He was so good at card magic and the illusions they did at casinos. All this provided me with a lot of content for the Omen Swift series I wrote. There are six books I have written. Four in the Omen Swift Series. I am now working on two more books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Reminiscing Evan is the next book I am writing . I am working on making it a bit longer than it should be. The book again is about cult religion and its political effect it can have on people. The society before the illuminati and how far will desperate people that have no resources and the financial stability go to find the success and wealth every one wants in life. What inspired it was the love I have for history. I heard in places like India and Africa there are people who only wish they could go to school. Some of them resort to a poverty stricken life. It’s old news. Nothing much is done about it. Charity is offered but there is still war and famine happening. I sat down once and thought about everything a disadvantaged person could want. I came to the conclusion that everyone in life , regardless of race or their background wants and needs the same things. The question that sparked the novel to run in its volume of pages.. was how far will a desperate human go to live the life they never had?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, none at all, what is an unusual writing habit? ha ha. I have not came across that. I know for the first time in ten years of practicing the art of fiction writing as a hobby, ( And only in 2010 it became a job through the job of an ex publicity agent) I had a very vivid dream that showed me the entire plot of the new book I would write. Riding Wolf. A spin off to the Red Riding Hood story.
Of course there’s many spin offs to old fairy tales. Its fun for authors to do that now.
But mine is darker.. seriously.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are many writers that I have been a fan of, surprisingly anyone that comes up with an amazing idea and is able to take the world by storm by the figment of their imagination is what I consider an influence. So for me all the writers have done it.
The influences.. J.K Rowling, Roald Dhal, R.L Stine.. Lee Child. and even Micheal Jackson as a song writer. All of them have left no room for simplicity in their story telling.. In a very good way. That was what I aimed to do with the Omen Swift series. With the writers I mentioned it was all about amazing explosive ideas coming across the pages to form plots and scenes that would entertain readers

What are you working on now?
My Next few books in the Omen Swift Series and a few more to come.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method is always Ebook Booster, You Tube and Twitter. All of them for different reasons. You tube, Because I am a new author and I need as many readers. The video trailer depicts the content I have created in the books. To give readers a sense of understanding of what the series is about. Twitter. The readers are there, you just click on the Harry Potter following and just like that you got over three million possible people that could read the same genre you are writing. Ebook Booster helps with the broader advertising.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes , every writer is a reader, but not every reader is a writer. By no means am I trying to sound wise but writing is a task that anyone can learn. There are schools that teach you how to write well, but none of them will teach you how to write a best seller . That is left to the imagination of the writer. My advice to authors is try to come up with some thing as different and unique as possible. The market is already flooded. Publishers are looking for new inventive ideas that will sell. During the writing process focus on the scene inside your head before worrying about how the words will sound when put to paper. The mistake every writer makes is worrying about the way they write rather than what they have in their heads to form the story. Just remember its the imagination you need as a writer to tell the world a story. Not
the way you write. Every thing else comes after the images you create in your head.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice has to be from a self publisher. The ceo told me. “No one is going to look at you if you do not go on Amazon Kindle. “So go do it” This woman has done everything she could as a self publisher and ex publicity agent to guide me through the writing process.

What are you reading now?
A few fiction books by Lee Child and my own books over and over again because I have to edit them. But when I’m bored I do read .. mainly to improve my own writing. The best few reads so far was Saving Max and We Need To Talk About Kevin. They were dark and gloomy .. the usual teenage angst of violence and corruption in the school place and home. I loved it. They were both very similar. Mothers coping with children they did not know outside their own home.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would love to write more novels. There is something rewarding about finishing a five hundred page book and going on to write four more within the series and knowing it came from your head. You just look at a massive stack of papers piled high. And feel the heavy weight of it when you carry your work around. And you think , Okay I created all this inside 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?
Saving Max and We Need To Talk About Kevin. for the moodiness, And Diary of a Wimpy Kid for the laughter and light heart humor of youthfulness.

Author Websites and Profiles
c.k kara Website
c.k kara Amazon Profile
c.k kara Author Profile on Smashwords

 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a USA TODAY Bestselling Author. I’ve won 2 RITA awards and three Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice award. My book Crazy Thing Called Love was listed in NPR’s best 100 books of the last ten years and Everything I Left Unsaid was listed as one of the best romances of 2015.

I’ve written 30 novels.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Everything I Left Unsaid and The Truth About Him are a duo logy about Annie and Dylan who meet and start their relationship entirely over the phone. It’s very suspenseful and sexy and everyone is keeping TONS of secrets.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No – I’m really boring. I just sit and grind the words out every day…

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Elizabeth Lowell, SEP, J.R. Ward, Laura Kinsale, Cara McKenna

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the third book in the Everything I Left Unsaid series – Max and Joan. She’s kidnapped him, has him chained to a bed but ends up compelled to do everything he asks.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own, probably. Aestas Book Blog….

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You have to write – there is no muse. It’s just you and the work!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ha – you have to write – there is no muse!

What are you reading now?
I’m taking a momentary break from romance as I’m doing so much writing – but I’m reading How To Be A Woman and All The Light We Can Not See… also Kristan Higgin’s latest Women’s Fiction. Love it!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I’ve got the third book in Everything I Left Unsaid series – called BURN DOWN THE NIGHT
I’ve got a GREAT anthology with Anne Calhoun, Megan Hart, Jeffe Kennedy, Christine D’Abo and Delphine Dryden called The Devil’s Doorbell.
And the 3rd book in my INTO THE WILD series – my historical westerns – so that’s LOTS going 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 Shadow and The Star – Laura Kindle
Dream A Little Dream – SEP
Lover Awakened – JR WARD

Author Websites and Profiles
Molly O’Keefe Website
Molly O’Keefe Amazon Profile

Molly O’Keefe’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m just a writer living in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the middle-of-nowhere Virginia. I have about 15 cats (16, if we count the neighbor’s fat cat who eats over here because he’s supposed to be on a diet at his house!) I’ve written ten books, but published only my historicals (5 so far,) and a short story.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Lucky’s Lady is the last full novel I published, and my love for the ocean, sailing, and tall ships were the inspiration.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I write from about midnight to five or six in the morning. That’s odd enough. When I’m writing love scenes, I a glass or two of wine before I settle in to write that night!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest influence was probably the Bronte sisters and Jane Austen when I was much younger, and Bertrice Small, Judith McNaught, Stephanie Laurens, and Julia Quinn are the more current authors that I love. Their books are my most prized keepers!

What are you working on now?
A Valentine’s Day novella, What the Fates Decree, and Waltz with a Dark Lord. They’re all in production right now. I have been experimenting with writing more than one book at the same time. It’s slower, but it all works out. When I get stuck or have to stew over something in one book, I go work on another. Or if I have a vision of the next scene in another book, I switch over. It’s not something I recommend because there are times I think I might be nuts to do this.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Definitely BookBub works wonders, and Facebook is my second best method for promo.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make sure this is what you really want to do. Just because the market has opened up, making publication much easier, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s something you should do. If you do, make sure you put a professional product out. That means getting developmental edits, copy edits, and proofreading done. Then you need a professional cover that is appropriate for the genre you’re writing in. You only get one chance at a first impression, and while readers might be forgiving of the occasional typo, they’re less so when it comes to many, repeated errors and inaccuracies. Remember this is a profession, so be professional.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write drunk, edit sober. And it’s not necessarily what you think. I do have a glass of wine before writing love scenes because it tends to free-up the mind, and make me overcome the natural tendency to not use certain graphic words. Well, those words are an important part of the foreplay or love act, and depending on whose POV I’m in, they’re downright necessary.

What are you reading now?
Tessa Dare, When a Scot Ties the Knot

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a Valentine novella releasing on 2/14 as part of a boxed set with several friends, then I have What the Fates decree coming out in the summer, Waltz with a Dark Lord maybe Christmas-ish 2016. Christopher has a book coming (no title yet,) then Harry’s book (again, no title yet.) AND, as if that isn’t enough I’ve started making notes for a NEW series… I’m calling it Seven Grooms for Seven Sisters. So, I’ll be busy for a while! 😀

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 New American Bible
my prayer book
Pamela, Samuel Richardson
Whitney my Love, Judith McNaught

Author Websites and Profiles
Sandy Raven Website
Sandy Raven Amazon Profile

Sandy Raven’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello All,
I’ve written three books so far. One novel and two novellas. The novel was the first in my trilogy called the Benefactor trilogy. Each of the books I have written were for Nanowrimo (National Writers Month). If you don’t know, it takes place in November, and writers take on the challenge of writing an entire book (50,000 words, 200 pages) during that month. There is also a camp that takes place twice a year and that is when I wrote the two novellas (novellas are shorter than novels).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Red Haze, and it was inspired by my addiction to vampires during high school. I’m sure all you paranormal readers out there know what I’m talking about, we all go through that phase. I had always wondered at the different variations of vampires and what it would be like if there was a parasitic connection between two types (in my book they are distinguished by the color of their eyes, red and blue). Anyway, the idea continued to evolve and thus my book was born.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm…writing habits? I like to drink butter beer when I’m closing in on a deadline (yes independent authors have deadlines too, mostly self-directed though but no less important). It helps keep the blood flowing after I’ve been sitting for hours at the keyboard.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love fantasy and science fiction as you will see from the books I’ve written. Honestly, I’m still trying to find what fits well and I keep trying different genres but I was really inspired by J.D. Robb’s (also known as Nora Roberts) In Death series. I read it through high school and it really helped me through a dark time. Those books are what inspired me to begin thinking about writing.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the second book in the Benefactor Trilogy. I’m hoping to have it published sometime in 2016. Let’s just say that the deadline is fast approaching and the butter beer is calling.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I really like this group on Fiverr called bknights. They do an amazing job at advertising my books. I have no complaints.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Advice! I have tons of it. Follow your heart when you are at a fork. I’m the kind of person that needs to see everything in front of me before I can make a big decision and becoming a writer is a BIG decision. It’s hard work and you will lose sight of your goals. You just have to remember that writing is the long run which is made up of a bunch of short sprints. Make sure you bring a water bottle and lots of protein bars. Most importantly, don’t lose sight of your true dream, the innocent one that drove you to love writing. Whether it was a love for books or to tell your story and help people. As long as you hold true to you ideal then things tend to work out for the best. Good luck and stick it out!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read a lot and Write a lot!

What are you reading now?
I’m reading an anthology that I bought from humble bundle ( a great cause by the way). It’s called Women Warriors. It’s science fiction and fantasy and gives a great outlook on how woman were portrayed in science fiction and fantasy back in the day and how that image has evolved.

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next? Hmm…all kinds of things. I have tons of aspirations and not enough time to do them all. There are several novellas that I want to write in 2016 and I hope to get to them all.

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?
Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. Some of my favorite books.

Author Websites and Profiles
D.M Wicks Amazon Profile

 

D.M Wicks’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in London, where I work for the exciting, and sometimes crazy, fashion world. I am a also a committed writer and have written two historic novels, one set in Ancient Greece, and the latest one set in the Roman world of AD 9.
As well as writing novels, I also write a blog on both historical and fantasy genre novels.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest novel is Roman Mask. The inspiration for my novel was a strange one, and not one I would really recommend to anyone. The idea behind my novel came about after a street mugging in which I was lucky to survive after being attacked and beaten to within an inch of my life. Physically I recovered quite quickly, but the emotional and mental side was a different matter altogether and it affected me quite badly. I was completely unprepared for the mental-trauma that such an incident inflicts on you. So I decided to put my experiences to good use, and use it for the basis of a novel. Rather than having it a weight bearing me down, let it be something that produces something positive. At the time, the news on the television was full of stories of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with post-traumatic stress and it made me think how soldiers dealt with such issues in the ancient world. My experiences had shown me the power that traumatic events can play on the mind, and I quite simply didn’t believe anyone who claimed that in the ancient world such a thing was not a concern because life was different back then. The human mind was biologically exactly the same then as it is now, and just as fallible to conditions we now diagnose and understand the importance of.
So I came up with the character Cassius, a great soldier, but someone who’d been affected by a terrible battle a few years before in the forests of Germany. I knew from my own experiences how easy it was to fall into a trap of blaming yourself for your own perceived weakness, and I knew how living a lie to hide that same weakness can become a part of life. I then started my novel in Rome so I could show Cassius being seduced by the many vices of that ancient city – something that is all too easy under such circumstances. I then returned Cassius to Germany where he learns to understand and come to terms with his fears, just as I did whilst writing my novel. The novel culminates in the Teutoburg forest and one of the most dramatic and historically significant battles of the ancient world. Cassius needs to draw on all his courage and strength in the midst of that terrible event.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. Most of my writing has been done my cottage in the Northumbrian hills, where up until recently you could find me walking with my black Labrador Fergus, who sadly passed in January 2015. Fergus was a constant companion to the writing of the novel and prevented many writers’ tantrums.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have always loved both the Historical fiction genre, and fantasy novels. My blog is based around both genres.
Favorite authors of mine from the fantasy world have been David Gemmell, Robin Hobb, and of course J.R.R Tolkien. For historical novels, it would have to be Mary Renault and Bernard Cornwell.

What are you working on now?
I have been so overwhelmed by how well Roman Mask has been received by both the critics and my readers, that I thought it was about time I started the sequel. I started two weeks ago, so although you won’t be seeing anything for quite some time, it is on its way.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far it has been my own website www.romanmask.com
As I control the content, I can write about what I want, and this makes it the perfect channel to advertise my own work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Always write about what you love, don’t get hung up on what you think will be successful or sell well in the marketplace. If you are going to write a good novel, it is going to be a long project and fill your thoughts for large amounts of that time – this is much easier if the subject you write about is one you love. Sometimes I hear of authors who choose a period of history or subject because they thought no one else had written about it before. That’s all very well, but the best way to make your novel unique is through its characters, the emotions you explore, and the story’s plot-line – the period you set it in is immaterial.
Also, whether you are a first time author, or an old hand, always aim for your novel to be the best in your chosen genre. You might not achieve this, but it is best if that aspiration is always there. Never should your thought process be of thinking that your book should be merely adequate or better than some.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself and embrace your individuality.

What are you reading now?
Believe it or not, I am reading War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (honestly I am!). I have been surprised how easy to read it is, and how relevant it still feels. I think with great classics like War and Peace we can be reluctant in to start such a long novel in case it is difficult to read or incomprehensible. But getting to grips with it has been far easier than I thought, and I’m really enjoying it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have no idea….

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 think I will have to go for the longest three I can find! How about War and Peace, The Lord of the Rings, and the entire series of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time.

Author Websites and Profiles
Thomas M D Brooke Website
Thomas M D Brooke Amazon Profile

Thomas M D Brooke’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an artist first and foremost. I tried my hand at writing and I think I’ve scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. I’m just a sarcastic, creative, artist with an ax to grind. I wrote Anti-Socially Awkward, just to vent with a light heart-ed humorous approach and it took off.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Anti-Socially Awkward: A well documented list of reasons society needs a punch in the neck. I think this little gem explains itself. If you are in an uproar over coffee cup designs, or block store exits to check your receipt, sue because coffee is hot, or think rockin’ a man-bun and wearing your sister’s jeans is manly, I’m afraid YOU are NOT going to be too happy about this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do! I make sure I have background noise, drink COPIOUS amounts of coffee, and get absolutely no sleep til I have nothing left to say. It’s ridiculous but it works.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m really diggin’ new authors like L.M. McCleary and others. Brian “Head” Welch, Corey Taylor, a few others.

What are you working on now?
The fans have DEMANDED more books, so I’m trying to figure out what topic I want to touch on next. I have to ensure it’s interesting, I don’t want to write just for the sake of writing.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media is always a great start. Many ways to utilize it if you know what is available to you.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If it’s uninteresting and bores you while writing it, readers will likely feel the same way reading it. Give it some life, have fun with it and give it 100%

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Question impossible. Don’t let other people place limitations on you, try it for your damn self. If they say it’s never been done before, get excited! You have the chance to be the first to do it.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading Deserted by L.M. McCleary

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will be writing some more books on various topics, fans of my first book will see to it by the looks of things, God bless em’.

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?
Deserted by L.M. McCleary I think would be very fitting, Save Me From Myself by Brian Welch, Heavier Than Heaven, (Bio on Kurt Cobain) Seven Deadly Sins by Corey Taylor.

 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well I was born in Bangladesh and was raised in Bangalore, India and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and Toronto, Canada. As a result I speak fluent Hindi, Bengali and Urdu. People are always surprised that a woman from such a traditional background writes erotic romances, but I embrace that unique aspect of personality. I’ve also modeled for Maxim and appeared in the somewhat racy HBO series LINGERIE… so I’m not exactly bashful about sexuality.
SEDUCE ME SANTA!! Is my third book release, but I have two more- A BEAUTY FOR THE BEASTS and RED HOT HOUSE FLIPPER completed and being released very soon. Excerpts from those books are included in SEDUCE ME SANTA.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is SEDUCED BY SANTA!! Several things inspired me. First was the holiday season, which I love. I’m kind of a Christmas junkie and always wanted to write something just for the holiday.
To do that I went back to my old pal Sweet Prudence, who was the main character in my earlier book SEDUCED BY THE SAUCERMEN, as well as being the main character in the movie SWEET PRUDENCE AND THE EROTIC ADVENTURE OF BIGFOOT, in which I played Prudence’s sidekick Veruca. Veruca was kind of the Ethel to Prudence’s Lucy. I thought it would be fun to take those characters and throw them into an old fashioned Christmas story. To get in the mood I binge watched all those great old television Christmas shows like RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER and SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN. SEDUCED BY SANTA is like one of those specials – except on Pheromones and Ecstasy. There’s a lot of satirical humor in the book, along with all the steamy scenes.
Writing a Prudence book is kind of like spending time with old friends. Isn’t that what everyone loves to do during the holidays?
The final reason was that I wanted to give a gift to my regular readers and to new ones. In keeping with that we’ve only priced the book at $1.00 and we’re doing a five-day free giveaway December 5th and December 8th-11th on Amazon.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think every writer has different habits and eccentricities. I tend to do a lot of research to both learn about the subject and get in the mood. On SEDUCE ME SANTA that research amounted to binge watching old Christmas specials on DVD. Hours and hours of watching Rudolph, but it’s research, so I don’t feel guilty about it at all.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In terms of humor Christopher Moore was a huge influence. If you’ve never read him you’re really missing something great. Robert Crais is another author I love. His blend of humor and drama is amazing. It’s a tightrope walk that only a few authors can accomplish and he is the master.

What are you working on now?
At the moment I’m in a scramble to get my two other books A BEAUTY FOR THE BEASTS and RED HOT HOUSE FLIPPER ready for release. I spend a lot of time pouring over stock images to find the right elements for the covers and creating strong marketing tools. I think it’s important to give those elements a strong personal touch. But very shortly I will jump back into RED HOT REALTOR, which is an erotic romance set against the backdrop of a television real estate show. I love real estate and home renovation shows – so it’s a natural fit.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think it’s dangerous to decide on one best method to promote your work. You need a broad game plan. Websites like this are a great tool, but have to be combined with Facebook, YouTube and other social media. As an indie author you start at the bottom of a very deep ocean of available books. It’s hard work to rise up enough to be noticed.
The other critical thing is to keep writing and keep releasing. A huge part of becoming visible to readers is being prolific.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Try to add some fun to your writing process by having a pet project in the background you can switch over to. It’s a great cure for writer’s block. Don’t be concerned about what genre your pet project is in. Raymond Chandler used to write very personal poetry when he wasn’t creating hardboiled detective fiction. It just opens your mind up and helps you find your own voice.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice is, and always will be, “why aren’t you writing?” It’s the only way to develop your creative muscles.

What are you reading now?
SWAMPLANDIA by Karen Russell, it’s such a fascinating story set against a unique backdrop. The idea of being a twelve-year-old girl raised in an alligator wrestling theme park sounds absurd, but Russell makes it so beautiful.

What’s next for you as a writer?
At the moment I’m in a scramble to get my two other books A BEAUTY FOR THE BEASTS and RED HOT HOUSE FLIPPER ready for release. I spend a lot of time pouring over stock images to find the right elements for the covers and creating strong marketing tools. I think it’s important to give those elements a strong personal touch. But very shortly I will jump back into RED HOT REALTOR, which is an erotic romance set against the backdrop of a television real estate show. I love real estate and home renovation shows – so it’s a natural fit.

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?
Two of my choices would be my own works in progress, because then I could tweak and rewrite until a rescue ship arrived and not feel guilty about it. How’s that for self-absorbed?
Others would be FAREWELL MY LOVELY, by Raymond Chandler because it’s so beautifully written. A paragraph of Chandler has more nuances than volumes of other author’s work.
THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE because it would inspire me creatively and it’s more compelling than any work of fiction.
Can I bring ROBINSON CRUSOE? A brilliant book that might also help me figure out how to get off the island when I was finally out of books to read.

Author Websites and Profiles
Albina Nahar Website
Albina Nahar Amazon Profile

Albina Nahar’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing for just over three years now and have a total of 8 novels and several novellas and short stories. I love the whole process and am always working on something. I try not to pigeon hole myself to a single genre and tend to drift around depending on what I feel like writing at the time, which could be anything from outright horror to more thriller / action orientated projects.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book si titled Project Apex. it’s something I’ve been working on for the last couple of years and is quite ambitious compared to the work I have done before. I wanted to do something that had a truly big feel, a written word version of one of those big budget Hollywood movies. Although it was initially conceived as a single title, the book had to be split into three as it would have just been too big to put out as a single novel. Across the three books we meet around twenty major characters all with concurrent storylines taking place in multiple countries across the globe. The research alone was a nightmare at times, but im really pleased with how the book came out in the end. I hope people will like it, as it crosses into multiple different genres.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I stick to a routine. I’m fortunate enough to be in a position where i can write full time, so most days I’m up and ready to start work at 8am just like a regular job. i think routine is important. Sometimes, especially if I’m writing particularly intense or action led scenes, I’ll write to music. it helps me to focus and block out the outside world.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Like many authors who drifted into the horror genre, I grew up reading Stephen King, Brian Lumley, James Herbert. These were the authors who took me to places and made me realise that I wanted to do for readers what they did for me. it was so easy to get sucked into the worlds they created. Later, I read a lot of Steve Alten stuff. The Meg series are some of my favourite books. Im currently working my way through the Lee Child Jack Reacher novels. I try to keep my options open when it comes to new material

What are you working on now?
I’ve just finished the second Project Apex book, so am letting that sit for a while before I re-edit again. I’m always busy, though, so in addition to that I’m working on finishing two novels for Severed Press, plus working on some script work for a potential new television project in 2016 which is really exciting. I’m also gearing up to make a start on the third and final book ni the Project Apex series. I like to keep busy!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
book promotion is hard, and I’m still trying to find the best way of getting my work out there. Although in the past I have worked on growing my facebook page, I’m trying now to look at other methods. I really want to drive traffic through my website and encourage sign ups to my mailing list to make sure I’m getting the word out to all of my readers rather than just a select few. Since Facebook changed their algorithms, it’s hard to make sure all of your followers see everything you post.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Remember it’s a rejection based business. A rejection doesn’t mean your work is bad, it just isn’t a good fit for a particular publisher. The sooner you can develop a thick skin the better, as you can guarantee you’ll need it!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This one is easy. Write every day without exception. There may be days when you don’t want to, or don’t feel like it, but you still have to force yourself to do it. Cut out as many distractions as you can. TV. phone, internet. all fo these things are bad for the writing. It can be a grind, but waiting until tomorrow to start never gets you anywhere.

What are you reading now?
At the moment, I’m reading A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay. I had seen a lot of good reviews on it and thought I’d give it a go. So far I have not been disappointed. It’s a superb book that I’m flying through. Easily one of my favourites of the year.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I just signed with a literary agent and so we will be looking to increase my profile next year. I also recently sold the movie options to the Whisper trilogy and that is now in active pre-production. in addition for that, there is the TV project which I am sworn to secrecy about, which, if it comes off could be huge. All in all it’s shaping up to be a really strong year in 2016

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?
Skeleton Crew by Stephen King
MEG by Steve Alten
Necroscope by Brian Lumley
Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Bray Website
Michael Bray Amazon Profile

Michael Bray’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account