Awesome Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an avid adventurer and ultrarunning author. I divide my time between Florida, Arkansas and California where I train for 100 mile Ultramarathons. I have completed over 68 races, including 18 marathon’s and 12 Ultramarathons and am planning a Transcontinental Run across the United States from Los Angeles to New York City in 2016. I have kayaked the Mississippi River solo, and biked across the state of Florida. When I’m not outdoors, I am producing and directing a documentary film about adventure and writing. I have two sci-fi novels on Amazon and have completed twelve others that I am publishing this year. I love good craft beer and meeting with reading clubs and running clubs, especially if the aforementioned beer is offered.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My next book is called SPANNER, a YA novel about a young boy who builds a time machine that transports him back to fight with Joan of Arc. I envision it as a series of books combining my love of history, and adventure. I used a Kickstarter campaign to launch this book with good results, and hope to continue the crowdfunding success model for the next book, and to produce a pilot from SPANNER.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I remember reading that Daniel Dafoe had to be tied to his chair by a servant every morning with only his hand free to write. I’m glad I’m not quite that bad, but I do have to turn off all distractions and find a nice quiet place to finish up projects. In the beginning, I can work anywhere, and I like to start with a pen and notepad first. I think the tactile feeling of writing allows me to just free flow, and there’s an intimacy that’s hard to get with a keyboard. I transfer it all into a document and expand or cut from there.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Writer’s read, and I’m a life long reader. Have you ever seen that quote, “When I get paid, I buy books and with whatever’s left, I pay rent, groceries, etc.” I feel like that sometimes. I have a bookshelf of books to be read and I keep adding to them. I read one or two books per week, hitting fiction and non-fiction alike. Of course you can list all the greats and I’ll claim them as influences, but I have fun with Kevin Hearne, or Randy Wayne White every time they release a book. I think J.K. Rowlings is amazing and have had a thrill each time one of my children starts the series, because I can watch them fall in love with reading.

What are you working on now?
I am in the process of completing a sci-fi thriller called MOON MEN. Several years ago I was pitching scripts in Hollywood and a producer optioned this screenplay. Like a lot of projects though, this one didn’t get made, and the rights reverted back to me. I liked the story line and turned it into a novel that will deliver the thrills and adventure of the big screen. I’m very excited about starting the launch in Fall 2015.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For an indie author, it’s all about who you can talk to, and taking action to get your idea in front of people. Great sites like awesomegang.com that allow you to participate in author interviews not only get the word out, but let readers know who you are, and potentially connect with you. Personally I’d like everyone to follow me on Twitter or Facebook and see the adventures I do, and to keep up with what book or project I’m working on next.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stop. I was working as a younger man in Los Angeles, and just as I was making traction as a writer, getting gigs and paid, I branched out into business ownership. This took over my time, and when my family came along, I stopped promoting myself as a writer. I still wrote, but it languished in desk drawers, notebooks and computer files. After a ten year stint in corporate America, I have to work just a little bit longer to remind the world who I am and what I do, what I hope to do with them.
Don’t stop writing, don’t stop pushing your work, don’t stop promoting yourself, just keep going.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I pull from a lot of resources regarding writing and running. Stephen King says eliminate all but the necessary words, and I think that applies. I try to follow that advice. Read Faulkner on writing, or just Google some quotes if you need inspiration. The best advice about writing comes from the world of ultra running: Don’t stop. Keep moving forward. Never doubt that you’ll finish. “Run, walk crawl if you must, but just don’t quit.” Dean Karnazes

What are you reading now?
I just spent a weekend in Dallas for a fitness conference, so I picked up 3 books for the plane ride. Veiled by Benedict Jacka, V: Dark Ascension by M.L Brennan and I’m finishing up James Elliot’s Fearless. I’ve got THE RIVER OF DOUBT by Candice Miller on deck to go next, and a couple dozen books downloaded on my Kindle to enjoy.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m very stoked about the twelve books I’m releasing by the end of this year and look forward to setting up a book tour around the country. As I’m travelling, I plan to finish up a documentary called SUCKING WIND about running the inaugural Daytona 100 Ultramarathon in Florida. This will be my 4th 100 mile race in a year. I plan to write a companion book on running to launch with it. After that, it’s preparing for a run across America, which I hope to document with a book, and perhaps a television show. I just hope to keep getting to meet people who like what I’m writing and want to read more of it.

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?
This is a tough question to answer! You want something that makes you laugh, long long long so you can pass the time, and good enough to read again and again. The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Great Expectations and How to Survive on a Desert Island. Ok, I made that last one up, but wouldn’t that be THE BOOK you’d want on a desert island?!

Author Websites and Profiles
Chris Lowry Website
Chris Lowry Amazon Profile
Chris Lowry Author Profile on Smashwords

Chris Lowry’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
THE LINCOLN PENNY may be my debut novel, but I have been writing literally all my life. I began writing for pleasure at a young age, then honed my skills as a professional copywriter with over 25 years’ experience in the field of Marketing. In addition, I am a graphic artist by trade, which allowed me to design my own book cover. History is a lifelong passion for me as well. As an avid Civil War reenactor, I have participated in Civil War era events held at national battlefields and heritage sites throughout the East Coast of the United States.

In between writing and traveling to historic battlegrounds and forts, I am a devoted grandmother. I find time to ride my Harley and camp with my husband. Bob is a wonderful supporter in everything I do. I may be retired, but I am busier than ever.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
They say the most effective writers write about what they know. In my case, I would say that is absolutely true. My debut novel, THE LINCOLN PENNY, breathes life into a period of American history, the Civil War, because I have lived it myself. As a reenactor, who assumes the persona of a proper American lady living during 1861 – 1865, I have a chance to honor and study history and teach others what it was like back then. Civil War reenactors are very serious about authenticity and present the most realistic impression possible to the public. I know what it’s like to awaken at the crack of dawn to a bugle’s razor-sharp call to Reveille or to recoil from the powerful blast of cannon fire. I have walked among Gothic archways in massive brick fortifications and danced the Virginia Reel at a soiree. I have camped amid a sea of white canvas in a simple A-tent on a barren hillside dotted with crackling campfires. Sometimes it feels so real you think you’re there.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I would describe myself as an immersive writer. For me the experience is all consuming, day and night. I don’t know how unusual it is, but I would say my favorite times are pecking away at the keys on my laptop in an overstuffed pink, rocker recliner from my granddaughter’s nursery at sunrise with my morning coffee. It’s a great way to start the day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Off the top of my head, classic H.G. Wells, “The Time Machine” and modern-day Diana Gabaldon, “Outlander” Series are inspiring reads. For American history, I am also captivated by two remarkable writers, Michael Shaara and Jeff Shaara and their Civil War Trilogy: “Gods & Generals,” “Killer Angels” and “The Last Full Measure.” And, there are so many more!

What are you working on now?
Readers say they are looking forward to Book 2. So I am currently working on “Casemate 8″ which is a continuation of The Lincoln Penny Time Travel Series. The story continues the lives of the characters from Book 1 with new and intriguing people, exciting twists and turns in the plot, and introducing even more historical figures, places and events from the Civil War period.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would say number one right now is “Awesomegang,” which offers me a wonderful opportunity to connect with readers. I appreciate this site. Other methods are through Kindle Direct Publishing, Twitter, Facebook and special groups on Facebook for authors.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s a great adventure … never give up on your dream.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” –Ernest Hemingway

What are you reading now?
Diana Gabaldon’s eighth book in the “Outlander” Series: “Written In My Own Heart’s Blood”

What’s next for you as a writer?
Write, write, write. Read, read, read. However, in all seriousness … I may be able to create an intriguing story and publish a great book, but it is ultimately the reader that gives it life. So, a huge thank you to all my readers! As long as they say they are entertained and encourage me on, all the better.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Oh my goodness. I’m afraid I would have to select something practical like “how to survive on a desert island” or “how to build a raft.” But, to answer your questions: Gone With the Wind, Shogun and Life of Pi

Author Websites and Profiles
Barbara Best Website
Barbara Best Amazon Profile

Barbara Best’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I always have a hard time with this question. I never know what to say about myself. Well, I’m an author of mostly horror fiction. I live in North Bay, Ontario, Canada. I have four children and a fiancee, which means I will soon have a step-child as well. I currently have three books in print: A zombie novel called Burnt Ashes, Haunted Whispers which is a short story collection, and a non-horror novel called Flushed.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Haunted Whispers is technically my latest book, but it was also my first published. I self-published it three years ago and then my current publisher decided to re-release it under their banner. Since it’s a collection of short stories, the book has a wide range of influences. Mostly, the stories are all based on life experiences in one way or another, then exaggerated to make it into a horror story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think the act of writing is unusual enough. Human beings, for the most part, are social creatures. For someone to quarantine themselves from family and friends to spend hours on end in complete solitude to work on something which may or may not be successful is unusual. Barring that, I don’t think there’s anything different in my writing habits. I tend to not listen to music as it is distracting. I write in the evenings mostly, once my kids are in bed.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh God…too many to name. The first major influence on me as a kid were the Hardy Boy books. I read and re-read all the books in that series I could get my hands on. I even tried writing a similar book when I was eleven or twelve. After that, I got into Stephen King. Douglas Clegg is another major influence. His prose stimulates the imagination like you wouldn’t believe. Same thing with Clive Barker. Brian Keene is a definite must-read for aspiring horror authors. Outside of Stephen King, you’d be hard-pressed to find an author as good at character development as he is. Edward Lee for versatility. He writes mass-market books that will chill you to the bone, but his small press work will disgust you and gross you out, but make you want to come back for more. Graham Masterton is one of my all-time favorites. He’s been around for decades and keeps pumping out brilliant masterpieces. Talk about versatility. Writing doesn’t get any more diverse than Masterton’s stuff.

I could keep going but I’d be here forever. I would be remiss however if I didn’t mention my good friend Thom Erb. We got into the writing game around the same time and I was reading a lot of his work back then. I think we influenced each other a lot in those days.

What are you working on now?
I’m reworking an older novella called Little Angels. I published it last year and decided to re-work it. I’m expanding it a bit. There’s still room for development. It’s going to have a new cover as well. I’m hoping to have it out by October but I have a short story due first, so that’s my main priority at the moment.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to figure that out. Promoting my work is definitely not my strong suit. I’m learning as I go.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write whatever you want. Don’t follow trends or write what everybody else is writing. When people ask me for writing advice, I give them the two best pieces of advice I got. The first is from Ed Lee: “Write the book you want to read but no one else is writing.” The second is from Jack Ketchum: “Ass to chair, fingers to keyboard.”

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
See above.

What are you reading now?
I’m at the stage where I’m deciding what to read next. I have a collection of about 1000 books (not including what’s on my Kindle) so it’s always hard to decide. I’m leaning toward Blood Related by William Cook. If you’re not reading his work, you darn well should be.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting Little Angels out into the world. After that, I have a few ideas I’m tinkering with for books. One is a quiet ghost story and the other is a violent demon takes over the town kind of story.

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?
Well, that’s definitely a hard one. It would have to be 3 or 4 books I haven’t read yet. I’ve been meaning to get back to reading Stephen King. I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t read any of his books since high-school, so maybe I’d bring a few of his latest to help me catch up.

Author Websites and Profiles
Joseph Mulak Website
Joseph Mulak Amazon Profile

Joseph Mulak’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up as a military industrial brat, traveling to Southern California, Alaska and Seattle, Washington due to my father’s work as a scientist. Now I live in San Francisco. Most of my adventures have been between the covers of a book, reading or writing. I also spend a lot of time staring at the ocean and happily indulging a small group of formerly feral cats, all of whom were rescued and who daily return the favor. My published books include: Gravitas: Valkyrie in the Forbidden Zone,The Falstaff Vampire Files, The Bride of the Living Dead and four books in the award-winning mystery series featuring Josephine Fuller, sleuth of size who doesn’t apologize: Larger Than Death, Large Target, At Large and A Ton of Trouble. I practice Buddhism (Nichiren Shoshu). My late husband was a chess master and I wrote my first novel at chess tournaments.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Gravitas: Valkyrie in the Forbidden Zone came from two ideas and my own, as usual, contrarian reaction to them. One was a book by Carl Jung,, Flying Saucers : A Modern Myth of Things Seen in the Skies. He suggested that we are witnessing the formation of a religion in the shape of the UFO craze. The other was reading paranormal romances where the heroine has many lovers (just can’t help herself). I thought, what if that was the rule, and women who only wanted one husband were mistrusted. Then it was a matter of turning the world upside down in the book, which is one of my favorite parts of writing!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only my stubborn refusal to follow advice. I’ve tried many times to find a more rational, organized way of writing, only to realize that chaos, confusion and self-doubt seem to be part of my process and I’ll only waste my time fighting them.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I saw a college production of Hamlet when I was 15 and I fell in love with William Shakespeare (also the character of Hamlet and the actor playing him, of course). That was also the year I had one of those moments of revelation when someone left a copy of T.H. White’s The Once and Future King and said I could read it. Other encounters that changed my life: binge reading all the Jane Austen books while recovering from surgery, finding William Goldman’s The Princess Bride while trying to escape from a parade in Hawaii. Growing up it was Louisa May Alcott, Mark Twain, Jack London. I read a lot of books about horses and I remember the cover of Walter Farley’s The Black Stallion and Flame had letters children had written asking him to write the book and it impressed me that such a dialog could take place.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a sequel to Gravitas called Valkyrie on Planet Fury, wherein the heroine, Sybil, gets an offer she can’t refuse from the Valkyrian’s cousins, the Furies.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m learning a lot from other authors on Facebook and Twitter, and there’s always a lot more to learn!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Everyone is different, so what worked for me might not for someone else. I have a framed quote on my wall above my computer from the playwright Ferenc Molnar, “Shakespeare was a genius, the rest of us must simply strive to be honest.”

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

What are you reading now?
The Real Jane Austen: A Life in Small Things by Paula Byrne

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m having fun spinning stories about worlds where things work differently than ours, ideally I hope to be able to entertain others in the process.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Definitely, the Complete Works of Shakespeare, the Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, the Complete Works of Jane Austen, and maybe Harold Bloom’s The Best Poems of the English Language: From Chaucer Through Robert Frost–I liked his essays on Shakespeare–he appreciates Falstaff, which many critics do not–but the rule is I could only choose a few and this book has 1008 pages of wonderful poetry, which would help pass time on a desert island.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lynne Murray Website
Lynne Murray Amazon Profile

Lynne Murray’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m old enough to qualify for senior discounts, and I’ve been writing since I was in kindergarten. It was only a few years ago that I became really interested in getting published, and since then I’ve been in several anthologies.

I’ve also been shopping a fantasy book around for quite a while – Publishers and agents say it’s too “different”. But isn’t that what fantasy is supposed to be?

When I got the idea for a series of pirate books, I went straight to self-publishing. And it’s worked out really well! I have honest-to-goodness fans, and people asking me when the next book will be out. In the meantime, I keep up my research, and keep writing. I enjoy hanging out with mu fictional pirates. I hope you will, too!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’ve just finished book three of my series, The Pirate Empire, and am moving on to book four. I’m planning more romance for my heroine, Scarlet, and a lot more adventure and peril as well! And in the meantime, a non-fiction book is on the horizon.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
.I get up at 5 a.m. and write for an hour every day. And I HATE mornings!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been a fan of JRR Tolkien since middle school. His world-building sets the standard for every fiction writer ever. I also love Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin series. It’s adventure on the high seas.

What are you working on now?
As I said, book 4 in my series, and a non-fiction book (about pirates, of course) aimed at young adults.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
In doing research for my books, I have found out so many fascinating facts that I began to blog about them. My blog reached over 140,000 hits this month, and is apparently the most popular pirate blog in North America. It drives readers to my books like nothing else.

Of course, it’s a lot of work. But it’s work I love.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find a good writer’s group and join. I’ve been a member of the same group for ten years, and the people in it have become my friends and supporters. We share knowledge and experiences, good and bad. There’s not better place for a writer to grow.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up. Some of the best writers I know have stacks of rejections slips.

What are you reading now?
The Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean (more research) and Jim Butcher’s Dresden series.

What’s next for you as a writer?
First I need to finish this series! But as I continue to work on that, I’ll be producing non-fiction and poetry, and also trying to respond to invitations to contribute to various anthologies. My latest is Familiar Spirits, edited by Donald J. Bingle

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 Lord of the Rings
The Great Gatsby
Geisha by Liza Dalby
Through the Looking Glass

Author Websites and Profiles
TS Rhodes Website
TS Rhodes Amazon Profile

TS Rhodes’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written 5 books, including my most recent release, Cross Academy. Unfortunately I haven’t released the other books, I just didn’t ‘feel the vibe’ with those.
Gosh, it’s hard to talk about yourself. Besides writing, I love Jesus, my family, action-packed anime and video games.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Cross Academy is my latest *finished* book but I’m always working on something new. What inspired Cross Academy? My faith and some crazy ideas I had as a kid. I got a lot of inspiration from my family as well, but most everything I write is heavily influenced by my faith.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not at all. I write when I’m inspired and I don’t when I’m not.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
To be honest, I can’t really pick one. I’m influenced by everything I read and I’m inspired by every book on every shelf. Because each one represents the result of hard work and a dream that was never abandoned.

What are you working on now?
Part II to Cross Academy and another super secret piece you can expect to see soon.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter, my blog The Rebel Christian, and word of mouth. My church members are my biggest fans, they will most definitely spread the word for me!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never, ever, ever give up. It’s only worth it if you have to fight for it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up. Best three words ever spoken.

What are you reading now?
I’m always reading the Holy Bible and a random fanfiction. Recently I’ve been taking a trip down memory lane with Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Improving my skills and writing the next book. I just can’t decide which idea to work on after I’m finished with my current one.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I only need one. The Holy Bible.

Author Websites and Profiles
Valicity Garris Website
Valicity Garris Amazon Profile
Valicity Garris Author Profile on Smashwords

Valicity Garris’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m William. I’m a husband, father, former soldier, and proud owner of a German Shepherd named Thor. I’ve written two books and a number of short stories. I served as an Intelligence officer in the Canadian army for 32 years and have operational tours in Afghanistan and Bosnia. I love fitness, martial arts, and most things medieval and violent.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is called Starlight: Book 1 of the Dark Elf war, and it’s inspired by my love of old mythology and Dungeons and Dragons. I’ve always wanted to be able to cast a fireball at a group or orcs and feel as though the future has let me down–so I created my own world where these things are possible.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to wake up during the wee hours, about 2-3AM and write while the house is asleep. Except for my dog, Thor, who always gets up and hangs out with me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Steven King, Graham Masterton, J.R.R. Tolkien, G.R.R. Martin, and, of course, H.P. Lovecraft. I love me some violent, spooky stuff.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently putting the finishing touches on the first part of a two-part dark fantasy tale. It’s called The Sword of Heaven: Book 1 of the Vampire Queen Saga, and will be out around Christmas 2015 or soon after.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like to think great work will find its own audience, but I know that’s not always true. Word of mouth will kick in, but first you have to get some visibility. For me, book bloggers have always been helpful, as they are usually reviewing and marketing books for the sheer joy of contributing to the craft of storytelling.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep working. Everybody sucks at first. Take your first 1-2 books and lock them away somewhere as “practice books.”

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Failure is not the opposite of success; it is part of success.

What are you reading now?
The Magician King by Lev Grossman.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing. I need to finish up Book 2 of the Vampire Queen Saga so I can get to work on Book 2 of the Dark Elf War. Busy, busy, busy.

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 Lord of the Rings (only counts as one), The Stand, Mort Castle’s Writing Horror.

Author Websites and Profiles
William Stacey Website
William Stacey Amazon Profile
William Stacey Author Profile on Smashwords

William Stacey’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have two books so far. The German Connection and The American Deception. I have a third, The British Evasion, being published in October 2015. These books are part of a series set in the 1980’s.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The American Deception. The inspiration for this one was the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. I have a fascination for the 1980’s and the things that actually happened during that time. The book is fiction but it ties into Reagan, Hinckley and how the attempt came about. It is a product of my imagination but does contain real historical references. The story is one that could have happened but probably didn’t!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I eat breakfast/lunch/dinner then I sleep for half an hour and then I get up and go. This makes me feel energized and I tend to get words on the page.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lee Child, Ira Levin, C. S. Lewis, Ian Fleming.

What are you working on now?
The British Evasion. Again set in the 1980’s. This book deals with terrorists and attacks on US commercial airliners. The struggle with this one is the different ways that people say the same thing and the slang they use, especially Cockney rhyming slang. It is set in London but involves mainly American characters. There are also Scots involved in the story as well as Londoners. I have lived in all of these places so luckily I know how people use the words, this gives the story more authenticity.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon/Twitter.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be too fussy or think that your book will ever be perfect, if you do you’ll never publish it. The story is the most important thing. Never let a bad review put you off, in fact I don’t ever read any reviews, good or bad.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stop thinking and planning and just do it.

What are you reading now?
Lee Child. The Affair.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publish The British Evasion this October.

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 Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The Boys From Brazil. The Hobbit.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ben Goetz Website
Ben Goetz Amazon Profile
Ben Goetz Author Profile on Smashwords

Ben Goetz’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My first book was “She Does Not Fear the Snow,” my story of coming to faith in a Jerusalem church where, as a Jew, I thought I wasn’t supposed to be. It was a Munce 2012 prizewinner and became an Amazon #1 bestseller. I came to faith in the Land of Israel and was blessed with a new husband of faith, like biblical Ruth. The title is inspired by Proverbs 31, a line from the description of the attributes of a good woman. It seemed an especially good fit for my title because my husband is a Canadian: actually, though, it’s a bit of a fib. I am afraid of the snow.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Love Triangles, Discovering Jesus the Jew in Today’s Israel”. Is is kind of a sequel to “She Does Not Fear the Snow” since it deals with the two years Butch, my husband, and I spent in Israel, following our marriage. It was a time full of joys in meeting Jesus in every stunning landscape but also challenges, since Israel does not like its Jews who believe in Jesus.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The most unusual thing about my writing I think is that I think I may have created a new genre: investigative memoir. This is the genre I attribute to “Love Triangles, Discovering Jesus the Jew in Today’s Israel” because I’ve interviewed many other people for their stories and researched a lot of history. The memoir is as much a reflection of my interests as of my story.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My approach to creative non-fiction has been influenced by Laura Hillenbrand’s “Seabiscuit”. I have discerned strands of investigative memoir in Susan Orlean’s “The Orchid Thief”. My favorite memoir is Derek Prince’s “Appointment in Jerusalem”.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I am in launch mode for “Love Triangles” which is all-consuming. I have a fiction book about Israel waiting in the wings. It’s set in 1950 and is inspired by a story of Solomon in the Bible. Two mothers claim a baby and he has to decide which one the child belongs to. In my story, a girl who thinks her British Mum is her mother suddenly learns that she is the daughter of a Holocaust survivor who is now living in Israel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The thing that worked best for me to publicize “She Does Not Fear the Snow” was making it free on Kindle. Awesome Gang offered a lot of information that helped to promote that offer.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Books are like building blocks. With every subsequent release, we learn more.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do not skimp on editing. Get someone really good to support you. I’m not just talking about proof reading but sorting out clumsy phrasing, confusing statements, repetitions etc.

What are you reading now?
Huge pile of pleasurable reads on my bedside table that I hope to get to in a month or so. Reading marketing books as of this moment, such as Jeff Walker’s “Launch”.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Maybe the fiction project mentioned above or maybe another faith-based book. I have a lot of ideas in holding patterns.

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 of course. I never tire of that. My all-time favorite novel is Daphne duMaurier’s “Rebecca” which I even forgive its shortcomings because it’s so wonderfully atmospheric. What are the shortcomings? The primary scene where the murder is described is reported to the narrator rather than told by her. There are allusions to a) a stage after the show and b) sailing on a boat that would have been outside of the experience of the narrator but that Daphne du Maurier knew well.

Author Websites and Profiles
Bobbie Ann Cole Website
Bobbie Ann Cole Amazon Profile

Bobbie Ann Cole’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My main mission is to help people live the greatest lives possible by learning to receive the grace and life of God and take practical steps to identify and fulfill their unique purposes. So far I have written 8 books with more on the way.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The God Portal: 5 Pathways Out of Your Past and Into Your God-Ordained Future. Many wonderful people are stuck in past defeat producing beliefs and practices and don’t know how to get unstuck. Many materials are very helpful, but for me they were just too complicated to implement. That is why I broke it down into 3 main steps with 2 supporting ones that are easy to remember and then become more doable. These steps have helped me tremendously, as well as many others.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think this is very unusual but as I write I always get better insights on the subject than when I am outlining or thinking about the topic. I always learn (personally) as I pray and think through the main ideas and the best ways to communicate them. I do almost all of my writing early morning.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
N.T. Wright, Ken Blanchard, Rick Warren, Robert Morris, Seth Godin, Steven Pressfield, Steve Scott are a few.

What are you working on now?
Finishing up a 3 part series on God-Empowered Faith: How to Always Have Enough Faith for Every Situation.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am pretty new to the promotion game so I am currently learning to do KDP free days and after that .99 countdown, plus twitter and a few Facebook promos.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Try to find a topic that:
1. You are interested in
2. Others are interested in
Both are important

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write your “hook” or main point first and make sure everything you write in that book supports it.

What are you reading now?
Steve Scott’s “Habits for Writing Mastery”

What’s next for you as a writer?
The next two projects are:
1. 10 Incredible Benefits of Following Jesus
2. A series helping regular people find fulfillment and maximize their life impact through the right ministry for them.

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
The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
Gung Ho by Ken Blanchard
The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield

Author Websites and Profiles
Mark Furlong Website
Mark Furlong Amazon Profile

Mark Furlong’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Wendy C Giffen graduated from Homerton College, Cambridge. She is the author of The Selene Experiment, (first of a Sci-fi series), The Trustee (Science Fiction),and Around the Bend (Travel Stories) and is working on other books due out in 2015. She is a certified Psycholinguistic Hypnotherapist, an erstwhile teacher and potter, living on Salt Spring Island.
She enjoys witty fridge magnets, loves dawns, and driving a pony and trap. While she dislikes long car or plane journeys she has lived in several countries and visits many more. A reluctant attendee at the gym, she happily takes her three dogs for numerous country walks.
“I have written quiet a few books, but luckily many were lost in moves or when computers crashed. I have two more books coming out in 2015, but the second book in the Selene series will be out in 2016, along with the five books of the Human Alien series. The book I have just had published, The Trustee, is a stand-alone novella that I really enjoyed writing! It starts deceptively simply, and makes you feeling good. I won’t say any more!”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Trustee was published near the end of August. I wrote it partly as a reaction to a comment a fellow author made to the effect that only miserable books were ‘real’ and reflected the human condition.
There is misery in the world, and not only do I not want to add to it, there is also a lot of decent and quietly noble people around too. I’d just rather write about them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Wouldn’t it be fun if I could say something like, ‘I can only write if I’m sitting in a toga on a Persian rug.’ Alas, mostly I sit on the sofa with three dogs and a cat snuggled around me. Others wise on cold rainy mornings I might write in bed, with any animal that snuck in when I wasn’t looking. On lovely days I work on my rose draped, covered deck alone with family, animals and splashing fountain.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been a voracious reader most of my life, and still try out new authors regularly, so choosing only one or two authors would be an impossible task. I love M.M. Kaye’s books, but I also delight in Carola Dunn’s Daisy Dalrymple series. How can one choose between Jane Austin and Agatha Christie when they are both perfect but for different moods?
I do love the rich texture of our language, wonderful descriptions but I know it doesn’t fit in with the fast paced lives of most of our readers.

What are you working on now?
I am editing two of my books that have been waiting while I wrote the Human Alien series. One, A Tangled Web, about Portia who is a potter, but she is also fey, or has the ‘second sight’ as some call it.
Living on acreage on a piece of land that juts out into a large lake, that makes it as isolated as an island, her home is still close enough to the opposite shore that people from the small town there can boat to her house to take the variety of classes that offer instruction in the use of many mediums, including fabrics.
This set of classes starts much like any other…but for several people, life will never be the same again.
The other book is a science fantasy, Dragons Return, which takes place on Earth in three eras, the distant past, the present, and the distant future.
The second book in the Selene series is due out spring of next year, and I am so excited about that.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t been very good about promoting my books, in fact I didn’t promote them so it was amazing I sold as many as I did, however I used your site, Awesomegang, for my last book and was very pleased with the result.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would say, write decent quality books, ones you won’t be ashamed of, and accept you are now in the ‘business’ of writing and if you can’t accept that you may have to accept that only you and your family may ever know your book exists.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My father told me, ‘Never put in writing anything you wouldn’t be comfortable to hear read out in court.’
Very good advice, but I have incredibly boring journals!

What are you reading now?
The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches by Alan Bradley.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I often take a course in some aspect of writing that pushes me out of my comfort zone, one of these led to my writing the series whose working title is the Human Alien series. These are soft science fiction, and character driven. They are romances and while they are 18+, and so are hot romances, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. They are about decent people, there is humour and mystery and are fun to read. I’m not sure I will do any 18+ beyond this series, and these could well link into the seven book Selene series…but you will have to wait and see!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If it were a desert island I would die of thirst long before I had read the first book, or of heat stroke during the first chapter, so I’m not going to agonize over that one!

Author Websites and Profiles
Wendy Cordner Giffen Website
Wendy Cordner Giffen Amazon Profile

Wendy Cordner Giffen’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Niagara Falls, Ontario about 10 minutes away from the falls. I am an artist, singer-songwriter, writer and love to read.
My love of words started in early childhood when I would make up fictitious words and songs. I have been a songwriter since being gifted in 1983, and have recorded several songs of her own as well as the song, Proud to be Canadian in 1991.

I write from life and true experiences, usually with a supernatural twist. On January 25, 2007, my first devotional, A Glimpse of the Cross, on the Mustard Seed Ministries Site was published; it is based on a vision. Cliffhanger(Over the Cliff) was published in November 2007 in Fate Magazine, a short story come true forewarned by a dream. Ms. Parks writes based on dreams that come true, or real life experiences.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
More lessons from the School of Hard Knocks, Volume 2. Just more awesome supernatural stories that are true.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I know of.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Christine Feehan’s books.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a book with my sister called ‘Deliverance from Evil’ it has been in the making 10 years now.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Don’t have any best method yet, still doing research in promoting my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up, no matter how long it takes, keep persevering, and it will pay off. Keeping a journal is one of the best things you can do, you never know when you can make material out of what you saw, heard or experienced on any particular day.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write down awesome and unusual things you have heard. You never know when you can use it.

What are you reading now?
Kathy Reich’s Break no Bones. I just finished reading a couple of James Patterson books who is a fantastic author.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish my book, Deliverance from Evil. I am also presently working on my 3rd e-book called For Shattered Souls.

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?
Any Christine Feehan book.
James Patterson
My manuscript I am presently working on – Deliverance From Evil.
My manuscript I am presently working on – For Shattered Souls.

Author Websites and Profiles
Catharine Parks Amazon Profile

Catharine Parks’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a hard working SFU student, hoping to get a bachelor of Arts degree in History in order to be a high school History teacher. I come from a very rough family background, and if I do say so myself, rougher than most. I grew up in the Foster Care system of Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows area, as my biological parents were unable to do so as they are mentally challenged or ill. There really wasn’t much of anything for me regarding my future, so I constantly had to prove myself against the odds. When I was only twelve, I made the decision to leave a horrible situation behind and into a chosen foster family. I have written two books thus far about the memories of that past.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Walk of Many Paths is the name of my latest book. It is a compilation of poems that I wrote during the latter years of high school at Pitt Meadows Secondary School. I was told by a very wise woman to write from the heart and that was the only way to write, so I decided to base my poetry on the trauma of my past, from physical and mental abuse to the neglect and to the brief periods of happiness.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t write unless I am in the right spot at the right time. For example: when I leave and actually want to get some fresh air I will go to a specific Starbucks coffee shop at SFU in the morning to sit a specific chair to write. Otherwise I go to the six floor of the SFU library and find a spot near the window. I need to be next to a window. I do have a tendency to be anti-social for periods of time when I am writing. I just don’t want to talk, you know.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.K Rowling, Stephen King, J. R. R Tolkien

What are you working on now?
A novel called The Sixth World: Forgotten Children of Gildre Ample

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read a lot and only write from the heart.

What are you reading now?
Stephen King’s Doctor Sleep

What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue writing novels relating to my past with a little fantasy mixed in.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Carrie, The Shining, The Hobbit

Author Websites and Profiles
David Ferguson Amazon Profile

David Ferguson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a blogger, author and independent publisher living in Adelaide, South Australia. I work part-time in corporate learning and development, but have previously worked in marketing communications and PR. I live with my 22 year old daughter and am chief of staff to my much loved cat, Bella. I have always written, and I love that the traditional publishing business model has been well and truly disrupted, which makes it possible for me to self publish.

Since February 2015, I have published six books in the (non-fiction) Love & Other Stuff series, three short stories and am working on a travel tales series. A full length novel is in the works, as is my memoir.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have so many “latest” books… my non-fiction series is drawn from my blog, The Diane Lee Project; my travel tales are based on my other blog, The Travelling Homebody and my short stories are inspired by interactions and conversations that I have with the people who salt and pepper my life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think I am rather ordinary in the way I approach my writing. No crazy midnight-inspired ramblings or drunken creative binges! Just butt in chair, fingers on keyboard… and write!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In the non-fiction space, I am a HUGE fan of Cheryl Strayed and Anne Lamott. I love that their writing is so brave, honest and raw. Fiction writers I admire include Anita Shreve, Barbara Kingsolver, Yann Martel and Markus Zusak to name a few. I love simple stories about great characters and these writers are fabulous at writing the kinds of stories I like to read. At the other end of the scale is George R R Martin and I admire the breadth, depth and complexity of his work. And for laugh out loud hilarity, you can’t go past the Adrian Mole series by Sue Townsend.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on my memoir and a full length novel. I started my memoir this year as a legacy item for my daughter. My novel is based on a screenplay I wrote 15 years ago! I thought it was time to dust it off and put it to work.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t think there is any one method when it comes to promoting books. It’s about writing the best book you can, publishing the best book you can and building your author brand. Of course, advertising comes into the mix as well.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Research, research, research! And by that I mean, if you are mainly publishing e-books, learn all you can about e-commerce before you start.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That book won’t write itself!

What are you reading now?
I’m finishing off Book 5 of A Song of Fire and Ice. It’s a commitment that only George R R Martin could get me to make.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d love to be able to quit my day job and just write and publish for a living. That’s a little way off yet.

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 take “The Last Time They Met” by Anita Shreve; “The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver; and “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak.

Author Websites and Profiles
Diane Lee Website
Diane Lee Amazon Profile
Diane Lee Author Profile on Smashwords

Diane Lee’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve only written one novel, and I am currently rewriting another one. I began my writing career as a playwright, and I’ve written a whole bunch of plays. Many of of my ten-minute and one-act plays have been produced, both in the United States and internationally. Recently, my short play CLOWN THERAPY was translated into Spanish and produced in Peru. This summer, my short play BITE ME (in which a woman brings home a vampire) was produced at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel, a young adult mystery, is called SWIMMING ALONE. It was inspired, in part, by the summers I spent in Rhode Island as a child. It was also inspired by all of the mystery and crime fiction that I have read over the years, and by the students I used to teach. The high school students I taught craved books with a great deal of suspense. I wanted to write a book that they would enjoy. And like many people, I am intrigued by serial killers. So I had to write a novel that had a serial killer.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I guess I tend to juggle a lot of projects at one time until one really “sticks.” As a result, I have a pile of unfinished stories, plays, novels, etc. I also always read my work aloud to myself, somewhat dramatically, as I am working on revisions. I don’t know if that is unusual or not, but I do find it helps me to hear my writing aloud.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was in 7th grade, my reading teacher assigned I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER by Lois Duncan. I was hooked. This book made me want to become a mystery writer.

What are you working on now?
Right now I am revising a short mystery story for adults, and my second young adult novel, a paranormal thriller/romance currently titled IN DEEP. The short story has a theatrical setting. I was a theater major in college and a struggling actress for a number of years in New York, so I enjoy writing about this world. The novel, like SWIMMING ALONE, has a seaside setting.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m am relatively new to this world, so I am not really sure. I use both Facebook and Twitter, but sometimes I think my tweets are just entering a void. I had a lot of luck on Facebook with my online book launch at the end of August. I also maintain a blog called NOT EVEN JOKING. I don’t know how good it is at promoting my book, but I enjoy interviewing other writers and creative people on it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be patient and plan to revise your work a lot. I completely rewrote SWIMMING ALONE, oh, probably about five times before it reached a stage ready for publication. (And that is not including all of the minor edits and revisions.) I mean, major, major rewrites. The first drafts of the novel were written in the third person, contained a series of flashbacks, and even a major character who was eventually cut from the story.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Sometimes you have to “kill your darlings.” In other words, never get too attached to a piece of writing. With my WIP, I recently axed the first 50 pages. There was a lot of writing in those pages that I absolutely loved, but it was not helping the story move forward.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading CITY OF SILVER by Annamaria Alfieri. I picked up a copy earlier this month when I was a panelist at the Deadly Ink Conference in New Jersey. It is a mystery that takes place in 17th century Peru. I traveled to Peru two summers ago, so I was really interested in reading this book, and so far I love it!

What’s next for you as a writer?
As I mentioned above, I am currently revising both a short story and a novel. I have had another young adult novel brewing inside me for a while, so I think I will get started on that as soon as I can. I don’t want to say what that one is about just yet, because I am a little but superstitious. I am afraid if I say too much about the book, I won’t write it.

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 definitely take THE COMPLETE SHERLOCK HOLMES. I’ve read about 1/2 of all the stories, and I would really love to read all of them. Plus, I could read those stories over and over again. I would also take THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. I’ve read many of Shakespeare’s plays, but I think if I were stranded on a desert island, I world spend time acting them out to entertain myself. That would certainly keep me busy for a while! I would also probably bring some kind of survival guide. I imagine that would be pretty useful. Oh, and THE COMPLETE WORKS OF O’HENRY. I love his short stories. I guess I am cheating a little by bringing so many big books!

Author Websites and Profiles
Nina Mansfield Website
Nina Mansfield Amazon Profile
Nina Mansfield Author Profile on Smashwords

Nina Mansfield’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
anemogram., my latest release, is my debut novel. I attempted to write a zombie apocalypse novel years ago, long before the market was oversaturated with them, but didn’t finish it. Up until now I’ve concentrated on short story writing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is titled anemogram., which means “a record of the pressure or velocity of the wind, automatically marked by an anemograph”. It was picked with the assistance of a random word generator when I was having real difficulty in finding a title. Seems to fit the novel much better than anything that I could have come up with.

This novel was inspired by pure panic as I’d agreed to take part in a writing project where the final aim was to write something novel length in a month. With nothing but a few amorphous ideas I knuckled down and anemogram. is the result. At the time there was a great deal of hysteria in the media about the relationship between men and children, and that fed into the theme of my novel. I knew I wanted a young female protagonist and to focus on an unconventional interaction.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I can think of! I do use music as a motivator for certain types of writing. This works especially well with more freely structured writing. But when I need to dig deep I prefer silence.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I haven’t really idolised any particular authors at all. The first book that I remember really loving was The Twits by Roald Dahl. The authors I’ve read the most are Paul Auster, JG Ballard and Albert Camus. I’m very enthusiastic about indie authors and I’m energised by that scene.

What are you working on now?
Being newly self-published my time in the short-term is devoted to promotion and getting my book to those who may appreciate it. When that has settled down I plan to start writing my next novel, and I’m also considering releasing a short story collection.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m very much still learning but so far the most positive response to my novel has come from Goodreads. I’ve found it invaluable as a way to connect with like-minded authors and potential readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Forget the market and write what moves you. Write from your gut and with your truth and your audience will find you. That’s what I keep telling myself anyway.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not to take too much advice! It’s so easy to confuse a piece of writing by making unnecessary changes. It’s great and always appreciated when people give feedback but it’s important to be able to judge when that is serving the story or not.

What are you reading now?
I’ve just finished a book of poetry by Harry Whitewolf called New Beat Newbie, and am now about halfway through Franz Kafka’s The Trial. After that I plan to read Sket City: In Your Dreams with a Six Legged Carcass by Matt Cary Williams. I’m very much enjoying sampling the best that indie publishing has to offer.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Lots of searching for ways to gain exposure for my novel. My main aim for it is to find readers who will connect with the story. Then I’m heading for some intense writing time as I start work on my next project.

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 start with The Terminal Beach by JG Ballard. A short story collection is always handy in a marooned situation as it adds variety. I remember being very impressed with the descriptive tone of these stories but I haven’t read it in years, so would be interested to revisit it. I’d take The House on the Borderland by William Hope Hodgson, which is a great fantasy piece, perfect for trying to spiritually escape from my island prison. The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides is a pretty perfect book, and The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster.

Author Websites and Profiles
Rebecca Gransden Website
Rebecca Gransden Amazon Profile

Rebecca Gransden’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Steven and I am a newbie indie author. I have self-published just one novel thus far, but I’m well on the way to completing my second.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title is ‘I Have Lived Today,’ and it was only inspired by a vivid imagination.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are too many to mention, but I adore Carlos Ruiz Zafon and Jack London

What are you working on now?
My current work-in-progress is the first installment of a 4 book adventure series. Think Indiana Jones for adults.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
NaNoWriMo. If you don’t know what it is, Google it. The best thing I’ve ever done.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
See above 🙂

What are you reading now?
The Dogs of Mexico by John J. Asher

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish my work in progress in time for Christmas

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?
Shantaram, anything by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, and why not, some easy reading Dan Brown.

Author Websites and Profiles
Steven Moore Website
Steven Moore Amazon Profile
Steven Moore Author Profile on Smashwords

Steven Moore’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing short stories for years Currently at work on two novels.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Crushers.” The takeover of American media, public and commercial, by the right-wing and corporate America. 15 years as a broadcaster, commercial and public

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None of interest

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury, Williams Faulkner. Guy de Maupassant, Vladimir Nabokov

What are you working on now?
A book about basset hounds

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Too varied and numerous to mention

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t believe anyone. Nobody knows anything

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Best advice from Ray Bradbury lectures on video.

What are you reading now?
T.S. Eliot – Four Quartets

What’s next for you as a writer?
Reading and recording my own audiobooks

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 Complete Norton anthology of American Literature. There is no better a collection

Author Websites and Profiles
N.S. Johnson Website
N.S. Johnson Amazon Profile

N.S. Johnson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account