Awesome Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a first time author and I’ve written two books. Both are part of The Aria Trilogy, a paranormal romance series set in modern day times. The second book is due for release in the next few weeks. I’m hoping to have the third done this summer. I’m a self-published author. I tried to go the traditional publishing route but it was wrought with dead ends and frustration. I decided to go it alone and it’s hard work, let me tell you. However, with perseverance, it’s a nice alternative and it’s working out. If I can do it, so can you.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is about to be released. It’s the second book in my trilogy and it’s called Rain. I never intended on writing a trilogy but once I started the first book, I quickly realized I could never finish the story as a standalone novel. Wasn’t gonna happen.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I listen to music to get into the mood. If I’m writing an action scene, I’ll blast some rock music. If I’m working on a romance scene, I’ll make the adjustment. Sometimes sad music is in order. Whatever gets me thinking about the characters will suffice. I also have to drink a boatload of coffee. I drink it continuously while I write. When I’m parched and feeling completely dehydrated, I know it’s time for a break. Maybe I need to ditch that last habit. 🙂

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I don’t know where to start with that one. I’m not sure there’s an author that HASN’T influenced me. I find inspiration everywhere – in novels, in nonfiction, in magazine articles, in comments on social media even. I find inspiration in music lyrics, in poetry…beautiful writing can be found anywhere. My radar is always on.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the third book in my trilogy which is untitled at this point. I am hoping to have it published in summer 2015.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve recently discovered Twitter so you can often find me there. I hang by the bar. I also have a website (www.ariatrilogy.com) which you are all invited to. It’s a cozy place.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Keep writing. Sounds simple doesn’t it? Well, it’s not. You have to write even when you don’t have your entire story figured out. Write a scene, a conversation or anything that you’re picturing in your head. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know where to place it in your story. And don’t be afraid to write stuff you might discard later. Just write. It expands your thoughts and gets you thinking in different directions.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get to the airport two hours before your flight or you might miss it. Like I did. In August 2012. In regards to writing? Be a professional, no matter what. Sell yourself as if you already were successful. That’s what I try to do. Is it working?

What are you reading now?
I’m not reading at the moment, I’m embarrassed to say. I just finished a James Patterson book called Honeymoon. I loved it. His stuff is fun, exciting and gets my heart pumping. I’m hoping to read some nonfiction next but I can’t decide on which title I’d enjoy most.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish the third book in my trilogy, I have some other projects in mind. I don’t want to give them away but one is a suspense novel set in the woods, the other is a post-apocalyptic romance/adventure.

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 take Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls since it’s my favorite book of all time. I’d also bring something suspenseful like a Patterson novel and then I’d bring something humorous too. Is it wrong that I enjoy my son’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series? A book on survival might be advantageous as well.

Author Websites and Profiles
MD Luis Website
MD Luis Amazon Profile

MD Luis’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello everyone!

I live in the Midwest part of the United States on six acres of woodland. When I’m not writing or gardening I love to commune with nature. I adore animals and have made it my mission in life to help feed hungry children in the USA. Greatly disturbed by the statistic that one in every five children goes to bed hungry, I donate my time and support to local food and animal shelters.

I’m a multi-published author in both erotic romance and gay fiction. My erotica novel Decadent Deceptions was a finalist in the MOLLY contest sponsored by Romance Writers of America and was nominated for a Red Carpet Award in 2014. My paranormal novel Where the Rain Is Made has been nominated for a Bookie Award by Authors After Dark and my historical novel Sky Tinted Water has been nominated for a RONE Award by Ind’Tale Magazine. My books have received numerous Top Pick, Book of the Month, and Recommended Read awards from the top professional review sites.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have two brand new releases (on opposite ends of the genre spectrum)

Sky Dance is the sequel to the award-nominated novel Sky Tinted Water. This is a sweet western romance. My second new release is Scoundrel of Dreams, Book 3 in the Dream Series. This is erotic romance that is sure to make your heart beat fast! Scoundrel of Dreams can also be found in my new anthology titled DREAMS Anthology, a compilation of three erotic stories, Cradle of Dreams, Whisper of Dreams and Scoundrel of Dreams.

Visit my Amazon Author page here to learn more about all my books. Don’t forget to read the reviews!

www.amazon.com/Keta-Diablo/e/B002BODURI/

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
All writers have unusual writing habits – lol. I plan the story out in my head for weeks and weeks. By the time I finally sit down to write, I might have a sketchy outline on paper, but that’s it. I know the beginning, the middle and the ending by the time I plant my butt in the chair. From there, it’s putting the words down. If anyone ever told you writing a book is easy, they are soooo wrong. It’s hard work, some of the hardest work I’ve ever done.

But immensely enjoyable and rewarding. Especially when I hear from a reader that they enjoyed the book or that it inspired them in some way. I love to hear from readers so please follow my blog or drop me an email any time. ketadiablo@yahoo.com

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I really like JoAnna Bourne’s Spymaster Series. And, of course, my all-time favorite books are To Kill A Mockingbird and a romance/pirate book from the 1980s (?) called Windflower.

I read in a wide variety of genres, but mostly paranormal and historical. My mother always says I was born in the wrong era. I love, love everything historical.

What are you working on now?
Oh, gosh, the list will make you tired. I’m writing book 1 in the WESTERN ROMANCE Bannister Brothers series. Three books are planned so far, but perhaps I’ll expand that. You can find out about this series by checking out the first book, Chasing the Dead. This is a paranormal western with an evil spirit (think ghost) on the loose.

I just love those alpha cowboys…don’t you?

Besides finishing up the Bannister Brother Series, I have the cover art all set for Comes An Outlaw, Comes A Drifter and an unnamed third book in this series.

The stories floating around in my head are too numerous to mention and literally make me dizzy at times. I think I’ll leave this earth before I get everything written.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You can find me on Twitter every day. I use twitter often to share news about my books and also share interesting articles about what’s happening in the book and publishing industry. Follow me: @ketadiablo ! and I’ll follow you too.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The same advice every writer gives: Read, read a lot BEFORE you publish that first book. Study the craft of writing by reading MORE books. That doesn’t mean you can’t break rules, but at least know the basic rules of writing fiction so you know when and where you can break them.

Write every day, even if you can only grab 30 minutes here and there. Before you know it, those 30 minutes a day really add up.

Get a second pair of eyes to read your “baby” BEFORE you release it into the world. Hire an editor if possible or at least a beta reader. No one likes to read a book with a dozen typos.

Choose professional-looking cover art. The old saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” isn’t always true.

And lastly, write the book of your heart. You can second-guess the market until the cows come home but if you’re not loving what you write readers will know.

BE BOLD. BE DARING. And always be HUMBLE.

Good luck!

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

What are you reading now?
My Kindle and my Nook is so loaded right now, I can’t even begin to list the books. I try to read 30 minutes every night before I turn out the lights. But…sometimes I’m tired from writing and don’t always accomplish that goal.

As I said above, I am partial to historical romance (Not Regency or Victorian) and I seldom read contemporary books. I do enjoy dystopian but not usually YA. I’m quite selective in what I read because I have so little time to indulge in that wonderful past time.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just keep writing. We call it wash, rinse and repeat. Don’t worry about the book you just released. The best promotion out there is to write the next book…and the next. And hope readers like what you write.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I was stranded on a desert island, I’d be so scared and heartsick, I don’t think I’d read. I’d spend all my time drawing SOS! HELP! SAVE ME! in the sand. lol

Author Websites and Profiles
Keta Diablo Website
Keta Diablo Amazon Profile

Keta Diablo’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Newfoundland writer and artist, have long been active in the peace movement. My essays and poetry have been published in over fifty anthologies and journals in Canada, the United States, Italy, and India. My artwork has been exhibited in Toronto and New York, including a solo exhibition in New York and a presentation at the United Nations.

I am one of the founding members of the Off-Off-Broadway theatre movement in New york in the 1960’s, in particular Caffe Cino and La Mama. I curated “Caffe Cino – History of Off-Off Broadway” at Lincoln Centre in 1985 and donated papers, photographs and OOB memorabilia to the NYPL’ s Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center in 2011, establishing The Magie Dominic Caffé Cino Archives.

I have written two books, THE QUEEN OF PEACE ROOM and STREET ANGEL and co-authored “H.M. Koutoukas, 1937-2010” .

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
STREET ANGEL is my newest book and is the the sequel to my first book, THE QUEEN OF PEACE ROOM which was shortlisted for the Canadian Women’s Studies Award, ForeWord magazine’s Book of the Year Award, and the Judy Grahn Award.

Flannery O’Connor said “Anybody who has survived his childhood has enough information about life to last him the rest of his days.”

My first memoir, THE QUEEN OF PEACE ROOM, was grounded in the 1990’s. I wanted to expand on that.

I grew up in Newfoundland and I wanted to write about the Newfoundland that I saw in the 1950’s, the people in small villages, the abusive nuns who got away with inflicting terrible damage on the children in their care, and I wanted to write about the people who were around me at that time. I wanted to write about the beauty of the island of Newfoundland.

STREET ANGEL opens to the voice of an eleven-year-old Dominic. She’s growing up in Newfoundland. Her mother suffers from terrifying nighttime hallucinations. Her father’s business is about to collapse. She layers the world she hears on radio and television onto her family, speaking in paratactic prose with a point-blank delivery. She finds relief only in the glamour of Hollywood films and the majesty of Newfoundland’s wilderness.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I drink a lot of tea but that may not be unusual. I often write while standing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Margaret Atwood, Mary Oliver, Frank McCourt, Rumi, many others.

What are you working on now?
I’m thinking now about a time between 1960 – 1969. I touch on those years in Street Angel and The Queen of Peace Room but I’d like to expand on the dichotomy.

I write for a wonderful website called 2paragraphs.com and the pieces are exactly that – two paragraphs each. Two of my recent entries are titled – “The Caffe Cino: Lanford Wilson, Bette Midler and Everyone in Between” and “When The Bowery Was Skid Row”. Those essays

give a flavor of my next book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Talking with people – in person, on the radio, at readings and online. And my website, magiedominic.blogspot.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is to first get the manuscript as tight as possible. If it’s an especially long piece I’d ask two or three friends to read the complete manuscript and to be extremely honest with input. You want honest, constructive advice. Fine tune what they say and incorporate what seems applicable. The point is to make the manuscript as tight and seamless as possible before submitting it. And make sure the manuscript is formatted properly. There are guides to manuscript formatting available on line.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t talk about it – do it.” A friend told me that in the 1960’s and I’ve never forgotten it.

and

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

― Maya Angelou

What are you reading now?
I’ve just finished “Deep Down Dark” by Héctor Tobar and still digesting it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To start work on book three, about the 1960’s.

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?
“Angela’s Ashes”; a very large atlas; “Street Angel and The Queen of Peace Room” ; something by both Margaret Atwood and Mary Oliver. And since many writers , when asked this question, say they’d take the Bible, I probably should take that too.

Author Websites and Profiles
Magie Dominic Website

Magie Dominic’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a world traveler who has spent over 6yrs living overseas. I have written two finished books and currently working on my third. Aside from being a writer I am a proud mommy of two and wife to an amazing hubby. I am also a crafter, teaching sewing lessons to adults and children.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hybrid is a SciFi novel. I found inspiration for the book while traveling the world, visiting ancient sites and the alien theories which surround them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Once I begin to write a story I do not stop until it is complete. I take two weeks for each novel and bang them out. I never know what my books will be about until I sit down to write them. I do not use a format or plot guidance. I allow the story to unfold before me as I escape into my own imagination. It’s quite exciting for me as I do not know where the story is going until I am at my computer typing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
H.G.Wells, The Time Machine

What are you working on now?
THE GMO PROJECT.

A post apocalyptic novel

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never stop writing. Each book you write is a gateway to your ultimate creation.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Go after what you want don’t wait for it to come to you.

What are you reading now?
The Maze Runner

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to attend an indie autho expo and concentrate more on marketing.

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 Maze Runner

Lord of the Flies

World War Z

In The Forest Of Hands and Teeth

Author Websites and Profiles
R.L. HENRY Amazon Profile

R.L. HENRY’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written privately for many years but just recently published my first novel. It’s been a wonderful roller-coaster ride.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first novel is called The Opposite of Living. It’s the story of a girl who copes with traumatic events by becoming mute and descending into an almost feral state. I love my character, Carolina because, even though she seems to have many irrational phobias, she’s incredibly brave and kind at heart.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do drink lots of tea. I also like to binge-write if I can and then take lots of naps.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading brilliant authors like Ursula Le Guin, Jeanne DuPrau, Madeline L’Engle, and Helen Dewitt, and Tom Wolfe. I like quirky stories with many layers and strong, engaging characters.

What are you working on now?
The sequel to The Opposite of Living is finishing up its first round of edits. I’m also working a few different YA Projects.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m very new to this process so it’s a bit trial and error. We shall see!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write that book now and get it published. The sooner you start, the sooner you can get your feet on that path to being the kind of quality writer you really want to be. There is never going to be a better time than now.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Luck is what happens when hard work and opportunity meet.

What are you reading now?
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Love it!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have the three books in Carolina’s series to work on this year and then it’s time to decide which series to start on next. I have a back-log of half-written stories clamouring to be finished.

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 largest dictionary I could find, The Complete Works of Shakespeare, some sort of jumbo guide for surviving on a desert island, and The Complete Works on Charles Dickens. That should keep me busy.

Author Websites and Profiles
Genevieve Mckay Amazon Profile

Genevieve Mckay’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Linda and to this date I have two published books, one to be published , sitting in edits right now and one I’m just starting to write. I am a former library clerk who has loved romance novels since I could walk.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Newest is called Angelea’s Dreams of Yesterday about a woman who wakes up in a nice modern hospital but swears she is married to a pirate and has just been lynched by an angry mob in her small village in the 1700’s.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know how odd it is but I hand write my books first, then transfer them to the computer. It’s a good thing because I just recently lost my first 10,000 words in my computer and have to retype everything from those notes. And yes I saved it all as I went, they just disappeared.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robin Carr, Nora Roberts and Victoria Laurie. All great female romance writers and a paranormal writer thrown in there for good measure and diversity.

What are you working on now?
The one I have to retype is about a woman who tries to help the environment by raising butterflies. The problem is her new boyfriend and next door neighbor is a large area farmer…using a lot of herbicides and pesticides.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word press or Facebook fan page. They both have the news as soon as I know it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stick to it. Even when you hate the site of your notebook or computer. You can do it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ignore what your friends or relatives say about your writing. Do it because you love it and have to write.

What are you reading now?
Nothing…working hard at my own writing. But I am waiting for a new Victoria Laurie Ghost Hunters book to be released. Then I’ll take a break and read that.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Probably working on the edits from Angelea’s Dreams of Yesterday.

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?
Wow not sure, there’s too many…I’d have to bring a lot more than three…lol

Author Websites and Profiles
Linda L. Picl Website
Linda L. Picl Amazon Profile

Linda L. Picl’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a full time employee, full time mother, and full time writer. I know, that’s a lot of full times but somehow it all comes together. I am the proud author of Daughter of the Light. It’s my first published novel but I’m always working on something. It’s the first book in the series and I look forward to bringing out the rest of the series as soon as I’m able.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Daughter of the light is my latest book. It was inspired by a great love of sci fi, fantasy, and the idea of creating other worlds that no one has ever heard of before. My father was a great inspiration for my novel and a great support for it before he passed away.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have set up play lists I make up when I write as well as a set of movies or shows that I watch or listen to while I’m writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J R R Tolken is probably a big inspiration to anyone writing in the genre, me included. I love Terry Brooks and have read most of his books. R A Salvatore is awesome and I love his books. I have to say all of them and more have been a huge inspiration to me.

What are you working on now?
Surprisingly to some I’m working on a horror novel called The Invited but I’m also editing book 2 of daughter of the light series to check for mistakes and doing a little tweaking here and there.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have an authors page on Amazon and am still working on setting up some things.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep trying, keep doing. Don’t listen to the nay-sayers, half of them are jealous and have of them are afraid that you’ll fail. Don’t worry about them, just follow your heart, take that leap and learn from it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t worry about what others say when they put your dreams down, most of the time they’re jealous- my father and husband.

What are you reading now?
the second book in the possession series by Nancy Holder

What’s next for you as a writer?
seeing where the series takes me (I’m already done 10 books but after edits we’ll see what I’m working with), seeing where the journey of The Invited takes me.

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?
*John Saul- The Blackstone Chronicles

*Terry Brooks- Magical Kingdom of Landover (the whole collection)

*Hilary Monahan- Mary the summoning

*Terry Brooks- First King of Shannara

Author Websites and Profiles
Morigaine Belvaine Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a 42 year old Mother who enjoys reading and writing. I would never presume to imagine my work being anything than palatable – while simplistic and hopefully entertaining.

I have just started writing in the middle of last year, and hope to continue writing for as long as my muse allow me. I am by no means considering myself an Author – but I love writing and I love sharing what I’ve written.

I never gave up on my dream, and I write now for the pleasure of writing. The only validation I seek is that of my own peace of mind, I can say: I’ve done it.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Up to date, I have published one book “Hidden Carmina” which is part of a series: The Valley. I have finished both book 2 and book 3 in the series and is currently writing book 4. In the mean time, I’ve written three short stories [10k plus each] and published two of them.

The Valley series was meant to be FanFic after a marathon of reading all the Twilight books and watching all the movies – In ONE sitting. What it became… was a complete twisted romance story where the human, for a change, turned the entire immortal world upside down. It became a story of myth woven into history and laced up with reality. And dark.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual? I don’t know. Obsessive? Absolutely! I will get up in the middle of the night and write. Even if it is just a paragraph or a line – it must be written down, now. On the days when I am suppose to take care of the business side of publishing my work, I procrastinate… by writing! I think I may be an addict. Is there a word for that?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, I love Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Mercedes Lakey… Wrappers and labels! If you give me a book I will read it – not all of them do I find fit my taste or style, but words are put down to be devoured, greedily, by the hungry. So I stuff myself. Often.
As for my writing – I think so many authors and books have influenced me, which makes it hard to stick to just one style. My novels on the Valley, are a crazy mix of them all.
The short stories – Living Human carries a taste of Sir Pratchett, and Miss Lamont along with Say my Name, perhaps a mix of Douglas Adams and Adams Douglas [yes, it is true! Both amazing authors!]

What are you working on now?
Book 4 in the Valley Series – I’ve just started that while Rosie Wilmott is working on Editing book 2 and 3. I wasn’t going to write a book 4, but SOME people wouldn’t let me get away without it. [laughs]. I am also putting together a poetry Anthology and writing short contest/challenges – stories just to keep the juices flowing.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Have I mentioned I procrastinate by writing instead of promoting? Fair be it to say I am immensely thankful for your site, and the opportunity to make a start.
I do use smashwords extensively, as it is really easy to keep track of things – all in one place. I find word of mouth to be a solid experience too. Since I am not writing to be famous or get rich [though wouldn’t that be nice?!] I talk to people about my book/s and share my poetry at every opportunity. At the end of the day, I guess I’d like other greedy folk to sit at the table and enjoy the literary buffet with me!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Well, I am new myself – so let me take a different approach. I have been given so much advice, and all of it very good. At the end of it all, take what works for you, grow a extra layer of protective happiness, surround yourself with positivity and just write, share and write. There are no hard and fast rules to writing – and while your work and style may not be for everyone – you will find your market and they will adore you for finding them!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Stop over thinking it, or I will slap you up the head until your ears ring, then you can write about that.” – Perhaps more of a threat?
I have come up with my own line, to myself, when I ever start doubting my work.
“Don’t write for perfection – that is what editing is for.”

What are you reading now?
With so many new self publishing authors out there, I am reading just about EVERYTHING. Though I’d like to mention my latest favourite by Veronica Robbins – Rookie Season. I am not big sporty fan, but this book made me look at sports, and romance, in a VERY good light!

What’s next for you as a writer?
My word, that is a big question! I am at that point in my life, where I want to write. I want to share what I write, I want to enjoy and be passionate about words. It sounds really daft, doesn’t it? Truth is, I want to inspire others to write – and that is what comes next for me. Sharing what I have learned, and creating excitement – And perhaps write a few more books this year… No, definitely write a few more books this year!

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?
Blank ones, with pencils or pens… Would that be cheating?
If I HAVE to choose books, I’d take Four Terry Pratchett books – they should keep me in a good humour.

Author Websites and Profiles
Adri Sinclair Website
Adri Sinclair Amazon Profile
Adri Sinclair Author Profile on Smashwords

Adri Sinclair’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m a fifty something lover of blues, rock and jazz, who is lucky enough to live in the myth and mist (well, more like rain!) haunted country of Wales.

Originally I set out to write a traditional High Fantasy some years ago, and it didn’t work. In fact it was awful, as the characters kept getting into funny scrapes and telling the most awful jokes: so I gave up and let them get on with it. Now I have a collection of humour filled fantasy novels instead, under the series title of The Banned Underground. There’s six stand alone novels in the collection now, with two more under way for 2015.

But there’s more! I’ve a children’s series starting, about a girl who meets a new friend on her eighth birthday. As he’s a dragon, she can’t introduce him to her parents though…

And there’s a well received horror book which is begging for a sequel too. So little time, too many books to write.

I’ve recently started doing some stand up comedy and performance poetry as a way of attracting attention. And abuse, of course.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Have Frog, Will Travel is the latest in The Banned Underground collection and I think it shows a little of the direction I’m taking: not just about telling gags anymore, I’d like to be a bit more philosophical. After all, I’m sufficiently interested in that concept to make sure that I can spell it now.

In this book, a major series character is confronted with an ethical dilemma, when the servants of The Dark Lord try to convert her from the paths of Good, and she goes on a journey of discovery. Witches, Vampires, Frogs and Teenagers all offer their unique perspective on her dilemma to help her decide.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual for me, or unusual for writers? Who are, as a group, as mad as a box of frogs in my experience. Actually, yes, I have one odd habit for a writer: I don’t post cat meme pictures all over Facebook.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
How long is this to be? Well, not widely known enough now is Alan Garner’s The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, an absolutely brilliant YA fantasy written in the 1960s. That book sent me off to try and write myself, which I suppose makes him responsible… It also introduced me to the world of Celtic myth and legend, the wellspring of so many truly great fantasy books, so probably that book was the most critical in my development as a reader.

What are you working on now?
Oh lord, right now I have two part finished books in my fantasy collection, the second in my children’s series only awaits the cover artist’s work before it is released and a second dark fantasy/horror book called The Picture will be into first draft by the end of January 2015. I’m addicted to writing, and just cannot stop, you see.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m useless at promotion, to be honest. So my favourite method is to go to the Traders tables at fantasy/scifi/book conventions and actually meet people direct. During the summer I had the great experience of selling well at Worldcon in London, then at a later convention having a chap who had bought a couple of books from me at Worldcon turn up and buy one of everything else I’d released to date! Wow….

As I said, I’ve started doing some performance comedy (stand up) routines based on the gags and material I write, and it’s good fun: it also helps as a way of road testing new jokes!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write more. Then write some more again. And never ever listen to anyone who tells you that you can self edit. You cannot. When you have something you are happy with, hire an editor, whatever it costs, it will be worth it for you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The advice I’ve just given…

What are you reading now?
Currently I’m reading Ben Aaronovitch’s ‘Rivers Of London’ series. It’s urban fantasy with a twist, and if you liked The Dresden Files you’ll almost certainly enjoy this too. Highly recommended.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing more, of course! My publisher told me last year: keep on writing. One of your books will take off: and when it does all your catalogue will follow it, so better get a catalogue going before that happens!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Lord of The Rings, of course. I can re read that and get a little more out of it each time. When I do some performance & spoken word gig, I sometimes do Durin’s song, and it always goes down well.

Then The Mabinogion: the collection of Welsh legends, and source material for more books than you could count.

Finally Roger Zelazny’s Lord Of Light, to remind me that writers can sometimes achieve something amazing and to inspire me to try harder!

Author Websites and Profiles
Will Macmillan Jones Website
Will Macmillan Jones Amazon Profile
Will Macmillan Jones Author Profile on Smashwords

Will Macmillan Jones’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the President and CEO of a global communications and information company. I have a master’s degree in engineering physics and have published more than 20 peer-reviewed scientific papers on space industry topics and cosmology. I am also a longtime student of religion and for the past 15 years has attended the Vancouver Kollel center for learning. I study and write on the origin of the universe and life on earth from both the scientific and biblical perspectives. My work on reconciling the biblical account with scientific observation utilizing his biblical clock formula has been reported in conferences, various newspapers, magazines, television and radio talk shows and was a Readers’ Favorite 2013 International Book Award Winner,

My first book, The Genesis One Code, demonstrates an alignment between key events and times as described in the creation narrative in the book of Genesis with those derived from scientific theory and observation. My second book, The Broken Gift: How did we get here? demonstrates an alignment between the key events and timeline recounting the appearance of humans in the book of Genesis with those derived from the fossil record and genetic studies.

I was born in Chile and raised in Canada.

For more information see http://danielfriedmannbooks.com/about-daniel-friedmann/

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is The Broken Gift. in it i try to reconcile the scientific and biblical account of our human origins. It was inspired by questions from my teenage nephews and nice.

What are you working on now?

I am working on a new book about the future, entitled The Roadmap to the End of Days. Here is the book description:

Is history a purposeful process with a beginning and an end? Or is it a random series of events with neither purpose nor direction? If history is a guided process, are we near the end? In other words, have we almost completed preparations for the End of Days? What will happen next? When? Are we backseat passengers in this journey, or are we steering in the driver’s seat?

Every plan becomes suddenly evident when enough of it has played out. Have we reached the point in history where the plan is apparent?

Read the Roadmap to the End of Days and discover what is really going on. Then glimpse the future and ponder the role you will play.

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

What’s next for you as a writer?

complete my third book

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

Author Websites and Profiles
Daniel Friedmann Website
Daniel Friedmann Amazon Profile

Daniel Friedmann’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a romance author, blogger, wife and mother of two little boys. I love reading and writing, TV, movies, live theatre, music, and hanging out with my family. In the last four years, I’ve written three books. One has been published.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dream Hunter is my latest book and the first to be published. I literally dreamt up the idea for Dream Hunter. I have a seriously overactive imagination and the craziest dreams. When I was younger, I actually kept a dream journal and would often write short stories based on my dreams. A couple of years ago, I had a dream which inspired the first sequence of Dream Hunter. I knew I had to finish the story… so I did.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I need quiet to write. I find noise distracting. If the TV is on, I won’t get any writing done. I also need to be comfortable, my favorite writing spot is in my old blue recliner, but it’s best if I don’t get too comfy otherwise I may fall asleep since my prime writing time is after my little kids go to bed.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Karen Marie Moning is one of my favorite authors and has definitely influenced the choice of genre I write.

What are you working on now?
I just finished a vampire story so I’m currently in the self-editing stage.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Dream Hunter is the first book I’ve published so I’m new at this. I think the best promotional method is to foster relationships with your target audience. In the past few months leading up to the release of my book, I made an increased effort to add to my Twitter/Facebook/blog following.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you love writing, then keep at it. Publication is the prize, but you have to enjoy the journey as well.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Complete your first draft within three months. I wrote the first draft of my vampire in three months without pause. I didn’t even insert chapters. But I managed to capture my ideas while they were still fresh.

What are you reading now?
I just finished reading Love In Bloom by Karen Rose Smith.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Polish my vampire story, find the right publisher, and write another book!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Oh, that’s a difficult one. Too bad I can’t bring my Kindle with me…

The first book is an easy choice – The Princess Bride. I could read that book a million times over. Next, Gone With The Wind because it’s epic and long enough to keep me busy for a while. Lastly, a book on home medical remedies and some kind of survival guide.

Author Websites and Profiles
Maya Tyler Website

Maya Tyler’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I married initially at the age of sixteen and had all four of my children by the time I was twenty-two. Between raising a family and forging a career in the contact centre industry I had little time to be creative and when I had time I found it difficult to write.
Approximately 3 years ago I found out that my father wasn’t in fact my biological dad. With my world turned upside down the first thought that came to mind was writing. I found that sitting down and creating a romance was very therapeutic. It took me away from my day to day worries and transported me to somewhere much more enjoyable. I was able to finish my first novel and I’m now writing a second.
It was also around the time that I finished the first draft of my novel that I met my husband. Between the two of us we now have six adult children whom we adore. My husband is my very own Italian romance hero.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is titled The Perfect Date. The inspiration actually came from a real life phone conversation I had with a customer over a decade ago and which I used for the opening line in the book. On this phone call I stated that my name was Melita. The customer said “Melita like the coffee? I like mine strong and black. Would that be you?” To which I replied, “No, I’m sweet and white. How may I help you today?”
I found it memorable so decided to tweak my female heroines surname to Tetley, like the tea in order to incorporate this into my opener.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say all that unusual though I do find that I write best when I’m trapped in a noisy place like a train. The majority of by novel was written on a train from The Central Coast to Newcastle on my way to work each day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would have to say Mills and Boons novels have played the greatest influence. I was introduced to them in my early teens and have never looked back. As a young teenager I would read up to five a day during the school holidays. I also love Papillion, Gone with the Wind, Enid Blyton books and a good biography.

What are you working on now?
I’m attempting a second romance novel but this time will attempt to add a lot more of an emotional connection.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best sales success I’ve had was when I advertised on Kindle. My facebook fan page www.facebook.com/melitajoy.australia has also been great for sharing my work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
We are all different and should do what works for us as individuals. For me what works is to sit down and write the book. I allocated time and gave myself a deadline. I chose the train as I couldn’t be tempted to get up and do something else during that time. I aimed for a thousand words a day on my way to work and what worked for me was not just giving myself a timeline but communicating it on Facebook to my family and friends. It added that little push that I needed.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My friends mother told me when I was a young mother not to worry what others were thinking of me. To do what made me happy and worry about my own well being.

What are you reading now?
I tend to read multiple books at once a habit formed since buying my first e-reader. I’m reading a few different self help writing books, The Tao of Coaching, Mills and Boons novels, Empress Dowager Cixi and a few books on learning to speak Italian.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Another romance novel and then I’ll look at delving into something inspirational.

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 take Gone with the Wind because it’s my favourite and it’s not a quick read. I’d take a romance set which offers 3 novels in the one book so that I’d have something new to read the three books would only count as one if they were bundled into one book. If my family were not coming with me then I’d love to take a picture book with them all in it. Finally I’d take a very comprehensive book on learning Italian. If I’m going to be stranded I would love to come back literate in another language.

Author Websites and Profiles
Melita Joy Amazon Profile

Melita Joy’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a relatively new author. I am also a public health professional with a concentration in Epidemiology. I have always loved writing. From the time I began to read other people’s literary work I felt a nudging toward writing. In school I always loved essay questions and compositions because they allowed me to express myself, to exercise my creativity and imagination. I saw this as an opportunity for me to hone my writing skills. Writing gives me a voice to reach people I might never meet in person and to share my thoughts with them just as I have had access to the thoughts of other authors I might not have the privilege to meet in person, ever. It never ceases to amaze me that these squiggly lines we draw on paper have such tremendous power, and that they can carry information that can alter an individual’s life or even change the course of history. I think being an author is an awesome responsibility.

So far I have written and published 2 books. I am currently writing a third one.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled Biblical Principles in Modern Legislation. But that’s not the book I will discuss here. I feel I need to follow the sequence of publication and discuss my first book titled The Perfect Prescription: Godly Wisdom on Public Health. Maybe we can talk about the other one next time.

As a healthcare professional I am well aware of the disconcerting constant rise in the cost of healthcare. That is why I believe that one of the best strategies any healthcare system can advocate is disease prevention. Most diseases (not all, but most) are preventable. Disease prevention, to me, is an important aspect of healthcare delivery anywhere in the world, for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. It is not only cost effective, but it is also absolutely accessible to anyone in most community clinics and other settings. Preventive campaigns that include smoking cessation programs and cancer screening programs and vaccinations have been known to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality rates. As far back as Bible times when there were no hospitals as we know them today people always relied on preventive measures. They were warned against engaging in certain deleterious behaviors. Even in modern day we know that most diseases are linked to certain behavioral choices and lifestyles that can be prevented. Modern public health community education campaigns have adopted some of the age-old strategies and are using the help of technology to design and implement related intervention programs to reach their target audiences. This is what inspired this book. The book highlights and underscores the role played by disease prevention strategies in optimizing personal and community health.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
For some reason my Eureka moments occur when I am showering. This is my most creative time; the time when my insight is at its peak. Probably the water’s cleansing and revitalizing power somewhat translates into a rejuvenation of my mind as well, and stimulates it to be innovative. As such, I often carry a recorder with me when I go to shower so that I can record my thoughts. Sometimes I awake in the middle of the night and have clear thoughts about a certain topic. In order not to lose these thoughts I record them, too.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am indebted to a host of authors since reading is my main hobby. I learned early in life that each time I open a book and I read a minimum of one page I learn something new. Different literary work has influenced by my life greatly. I read an array of books by different authors such as public health authors, philosophers, Christian authors and secular authors. Some of the authors include Mary-Jane Schneider, Viktor Frankl, Norm Geisler, Simone Weil, Wole Soyinka, Richard H. Hiers, and authors of some Old and New Testament books as well as a multitude of other authors I have not mentioned but have equally influenced me. I always say I am standing on the shoulders of numerous individuals; producers of stellar literary work.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on a third non-fiction book, The Red Letter Gems.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As of now, I hesitate to say I have found the best method to promote my books. I am still feeling my ground, as it were. But I have my books on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Tate Publishing websites. I also have a Facebook Fan Page but I need help to tweak it so that it can attract more traffic. I sometimes advertise via Twitter, Tumbler, my website, and I also have a blog. I am also grateful to individuals and organizations who have given me book interviews such as the Awesomegang here.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a relatively new author myself and I am in need of the help of experts in increasing the visibility of my books, but I can share what I have learned so far: If you feel you have something to share with the world, go ahead and write it down.

Getting your work published is a great accomplishment, but it is only the beginning of a rigorously challenging journey. Getting the word out about your book is tough, but with perseverance and tenacity and help from other authors, it is doable. Someone once said, through perseverance and patience the snail made it into the ark. Adversity fosters resilience and survivability (I just now made that one up).

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The darkest hour comes just before dawn. Often times when we feel we are at the end our tether, when all options seem exhausted, that’s when things start turning around for the better. As such, I believe that there is always a way out no matter how long it may take; no matter how dismal or formidable the situation may seem at the moment.

What are you reading now?
This may sound strange, even weird. But I am concurrently reading 3 books. One on philosophy, a second one on religion and a third one on field epidemiology. I have identified a common theme connecting all three of them.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on finishing the draft of my third book and to get it published in 2015. Then I will start writing my fourth book, after that my fifth, sixth, seventh…etc.

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 need a book on how to protect myself from nocturnal predators, a book on what wild plants are edible, a book on how to quickly get the attention of rescue vessels and aircraft, and my Bible to bolster my hope and courage.

Author Websites and Profiles
Reigh Simuzoshya Website
Reigh Simuzoshya Amazon Profile

Reigh Simuzoshya’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Florida near the beach with my husband and furry friend, Catnip Smurfy. I fell in love with romance novels in my teens and always dreamed of writing one. Someone asked me why I wasn’t pursuing it, and I didn’t have a good reason. So far, I’ve written five books. Three of them are in various stages of publication.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is NAUGHTY LITTLE WISHES (Jan 2015, Entangled Publishing). Writing Drew and Tab’s story gave me the opportunity to explore the not so pleasant side of memories with humor, honesty, steamy romance, and a dose of smart-assery. My characters reminded me that no one is perfect. We don’t always make the right decisions, and emotions can lead to unlikely reactions in the heat of the moment. In the end, forgiveness is the path that leads us back to the goodness we deserve and opens up our lives to love.

This book is also the second in the Birthday Dare series. It’s a standalone book but reading TAKE ME IF YOU DARE first will help provide insight into the importance of the friendships involved and the birthday dare.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I start a book, I need open space and a good view outside of my window. During the final stages with my editor, I’m usually locked in my office aka the writing cave. I also have a few “lucky” things I keep close by.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to name or count. I’m an eclectic reader. I enjoy a variety of genres and appreciate the creativity that inspires them.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing the next book in the Birthday Dare series. I’m also working on the sequel to THANE’S REDEMPTION (March 2015), my fantasy/paranormal romance release with Kensington Publishing-Lyrical Press.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesomegang.com of course! For me it’s a unified platform effort (Facebook, Twitter, www.ninacrespo.com). Blog tours have also helped introduce me to new readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you love and learn to accept that everyone won’t love the stories you choose to write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Remember that you’re in it for the long haul and not just one book. Pace yourself, stay focused, and keep moving forward.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading books on the craft of writing and Lothaire by Kresley Cole.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to get all of the stories in my mind on the page. I guess I need to learn how to write faster.

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 have to go the spiritual route: The Four Agreements by Don Miquel Ruiz, Happy for No Reason by Marci Shimoff, the Bible. I’d also hold onto whatever book I happen to be carrying in my bag or if I could sneak my tablet into the pile, I would read as many books as possible before the battery ran out.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nina Crespo Website
Nina Crespo Amazon Profile

Nina Crespo’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve just released my debut novel, “See You” and will be publishing my second novel, “The Cricket Jar” in March.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“See You” is my latest novel and although it’s a love story between a man and a woman, it was inspired by the last day I spent with my father. I didn’t grow up with my Dad, and only saw him three times. The last time was when I was 21 and he was about to have his right lung removed due to lung cancer. I travelled up to MA to spend the day with him.

During that day, I got to know him adult to adult and found him so charming and so incredibly funny. When I was leaving, I bent down to kiss him goodbye and I told him that I loved him. I vividly remember thinking that it was the first time I really meant it. He passed away less than two months later.

Over a decade later, on Dad’s birthday, I was thinking about how much harder Dad’s death was for me because we had spent that day together and because I had finally truly loved him. But I also realized that because of this, I had the one thing I had always wanted, a daddy. I could keep that; it would always be mine and the joy of having that was worth the pain of losing him.

That day, the idea of taking that theme and applying it to a relationship between a man and a woman came to me and “See You” was born. It just took me 17 years to finally write it.

It sounds maudlin and sad, and readers report that they do cry a lot, but there’s also a great deal of humor in the book. Like me, my characters get through things by using their dry humor and their sense of the ridiculous.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
All of my notes come to me in dialogue. I started out as a screenwriter, so my characters talk in my head constantly. I take down bits of dialogue and figure out where they belong, create a scene around them.

I also take all of my notes in longhand. That’s a relic from my early days of writing, when my screenplays were hammered out on an IBM Selectric. I miss that thing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, my goodness. So many. I write Southern fiction, so of course Faulkner, Caldwell and all those wonderful icons.

Today, I love James Lee Burke’s sense of place, Elisabeth Berg’s genius at creating beauty from the mundane. Neil Gaiman for his genius and wit.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on “The Cricket Jar,” which is also a Southern love story, but very different from “See You.” Someone said it’s a Nicholas Sparks book made into a Coen Brothers movie. I like that. It’s set in 1974 Alabama and it’s at once lighter and darker than “See You.” Lighter because there’s a lot more humor and quirkiness. Darker because of the Southern Gothic elements, the dead body and whatnot.

It’s about unlikely heroes finding ther own strength and place in the world, about being black and white in 1974 Alabama, and about being a dreamer in the midst of circumstances that discourage dreaming.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m a very grateful member of Kboards.com, where I have learned a graduate degree’s worth of information on marketing strategies and so much more.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Even if you have a hard time believing in your talent, believe in your story and let that compel you to finish and publish.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just write.

What are you reading now?
I wish I had time to read. I’m beta-reading a book by a fellow author from Kboards and that’s pretty much all I can do right now. I miss reading, but marketing “See You” while writing “The CRicket Jar,” plus keeping up with freelancing work – all of that is all I can handle without giving my children away.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I wish I knew. The only thing I do know is that now that I have finally published, after years of setting my writing aside, I will continue to write. I won;t set it aside again. I’ve rediscovered a part of me that I was afraid I’d stifled.

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.
T.R. Pearson’s “The Last of How It Was”
Something from Beth Moore.
A copy of Poe’s “The Raven.”

Pretty odd combo, there.

Author Websites and Profiles
Dawn Lee McKenna Website
Dawn Lee McKenna Amazon Profile

Dawn Lee McKenna’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 been writing for years, but my first published novel is Foreshadowed, released by 48fourteen Publishing on December 31, 2014. I have another novel, The Window With No Curtains, set to be released sometime in 2015. I write young adult, new adult, urban fantasy/paranormal, mystery, and suspense.

Along with writing, I love reading, dancing, and singing. I performed on a Contemporary Dance company in college, and occasionally teach/choreograph locally. I’m the director of my church choir, and I’ve sung the National Anthem at our local county fair two years in a row.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Foreshadowed is about two psychic teens trying to stop a murder before it happens. The main character, Hope Murdoch, knows she is going to be murdered. She doesn’t know when, but she knows it happens in a dark place, so naturally she has a fear of the dark. This was inspired by my own fear of the dark (as a youth, I read way too many scary books and watched too many scary stories). In college, I preferred to sleep with the light on. That got me thinking…and several years later, I wrote Foreshadowed.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. Unless it’s unusual to write three books at a time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Harry Potter is my all time favorite book, but I hesitate to say it’s influenced me. It’s a masterpiece. I suppose, it has taught me to flesh out my characters and give then unique quirks–even the secondary characters.

Growing up, I read Christopher Pike almost exclusively, and I know I was definitely influenced by his writing style.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on the sequel to Foreshadowed as well as a new adult ghost story, and a Foreshadowed spin-off. And once I’m finished with those, I already have three more book ideas lined up.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Foreshadowed is my first published novel, so I don’t have a lot of experience with promotion yet. I do love Wattpad though. I have some loyal followers on there–people I would never have met without the website. I think Wattpad is a great website for authors.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Seriously. I’m published because I never gave up.

Also, don’t be afraid to rewrite. Chances are, your book isn’t as polished as you think it is. You don’t have to take every agent’s/editor’s/writing group member’s piece of advice, but at least consider it. Shake off the sting of rejection and criticism, and then take a good look at your manuscript. Can it be improved? Don’t be afraid to start over from the very first chapter if you need to. I’ve done that many times, and the novel improved with each revision.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To work hard. There’s no magical formula for success. Pretty generic advice, but it’s so true.

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading The Duchess Quest by C.K. Brooke.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to finish the three books I’ve been working on, and start three more.

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 (can I lump all seven books into one?)

Mercy Thompson (again, I can’t decide which book in the series I like best)

Les Miserables (I’ve only read it once, but if I’m stranded on a desert island, I’ll have plenty of time to read it again, right?)

Pride and Prejudice…or maybe The Princess Bride

Author Websites and Profiles
Holly M. Campbell Website
Holly M. Campbell Amazon Profile

Holly M. Campbell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing most of my life, but it took awhile to get good at it. While waiting for that to happen, I’ve paid the bills as a software developer. I’ve published a couple of technical articles and two essays in Sky & Telescope magazine. I’ve also written a lot of essays for my website Planet Baha’i. Three books of those essays, along with a number written by my wife, have been published. My first mystery novel, “The Fibonacci Murders,” was published in October 2014 by Serpent Cliff.

Aside from that, I’m also an amateur astronomer and a bonsai-artist-in-training and (in case you hadn’t guessed) a Baha’i.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Well, I just said that. “The Fibonacci Murders” is a mystery novel based on a mathematical sequence, the Fibonacci series, in which each number is the sum of the preceding two. A few years back, I got the idea for a mathematician as a key character in a mystery novel. I don’t really remember where it came from, except I vaguely remember being stuck at a red light at the time. A couple of years passed before the character connected with a story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably not, but I don’t get out much, so I’m not sure what counts as “unusual.” I do a fair bit of writing on my lunch hour at work, but I also write sometimes in the evening or on weekends. These days I use a laptop, so it’s a fairly portable activity.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Being terrible with names, it’s a foregone conclusion that I’ll leave out someone important. But I think first on my list would be Ray Bradbury. Not that I can write like him–who can, really?–but I hope someday to be almost half as good as him, in my own way. I’m also a fan of Martha Grimes, and there are many other authors I have enjoyed over the years.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently at work on a sequel to “The Fibonacci Murders” titled “True Death.” It brings together the detectives and some of the other characters from the first novel and gets more into their backgrounds.

I also have a humor/science fiction novel in the works, about the misadventures of a space-faring opera company (roughly speaking).

I’ve started a cozy mystery with a little old Baha’i lady as the main character, but that one is presently stalled. Maybe I’ll get it restarted later in 2015.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since I’m new to this, I don’t entirely know yet. I can say that getting the word out can be hard, but ultimately it seems those authors who figure out how to do publicity are the ones that sell the most books. We used a Kickstarter project to fund the print run for “Fibonacci,” and that worked out quite well. I’m also getting a fair bit of notice on GoodReads, although it’s not yet clear how many people will buy/read the book. I do have three good ratings there so far, which is encouraging if small.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Write. Read. Write. Read. Write. Write. Etc. It takes time to become good at something, and writing is no exception. I’ve heard it said that a person has to write about a million words before becoming really good at it. The number probably varies from person to person, but the idea is the same. Practice makes perfect.

While practicing, have confidence in yourself, but don’t assume that you have nothing to learn. If you can find a small number of objective, honest knowledgeable readers to critique your work, it will help. My rule of thumb is that if one person points out a problem that I don’t see, it’s probably just that person’s perception, but if a group of people all point out a problem that I don’t see, then it’s probably real.

Did I mention write? And write? And write?

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
An editor once gave me a critique that changed my writing life. Literally. They said of one of my short stories, “It reads like a tape recorder on fast forward.” Almost overnight, I found myself paying a lot more attention to details and writing much richer stories as a result.

What are you reading now?
I’ve been going back to some old material: some Agatha Christie that I’d missed, some Ray Bradbury that I probably read but don’t remember, and a really fun mystery writer by the name of William Marshall whose books are often hard to find, for reasons I can’t fathom. At the moment

What’s next for you as a writer?
Promotion and writing. That should keep me busy for awhile.

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?
Ouch. That’s going to pose a problem. A Christian might include the Bible. For Baha’i, it’s not that simple, because the various books that comprise the Baha’i Holy Writings are published as separate volumes. Between that and books I like and would want along and books I haven’t read and would like to take . . . sorry, no. It’s impossible. I just can’t get stranded, that’s all.

Author Websites and Profiles
Dale E. Lehman Website

Dale E. Lehman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In 2001 I published my first book – MIKAYLA BOOK ONE. Recently I made an attempt at Sci-Fi with JOSEPH AND THE MUTANT KILLERS. I also worked on a couple of screenplays and a comic book. I hope to have a 13th Anniversary Edition of Mikayla out in 2015, along with MIKAYLA BOOK TWO.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Joseph and the Mutant Killers was inspired by watching sci-fi and fantasy movies, and anime of the 1980’s and 90’s. I also remember running home after school and putting the needle on the record of 2001: A Space Odyssey’s soundtrack and thinking of cool sci-fi scenarios and characters.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I work a 45 plus hour a week job so I write whenever I get a chance.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Michael Crichton. But I’ve to say old comic books are what really influence me.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on a few different projects; my horror Blog JohnnyVeins.com, a comic book inspired by Johnny Veins, and a new edition to my first book along with its sequel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mutant-Kill-Squad/163736363718376 on Facebook

MutantKillers.com and JohnnyVeins.com

I also like twitter @JohnnyVeins

What’s next for you as a writer?

I really enjoy screenwriting. I have two screenplays registered with the Writers Guild of America at the moment and would like to continue to write more.

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?
Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park, Mark Millar’s Wanted graphic novel, and Munro Leaf’s The Story of Ferdinand

Author Websites and Profiles
John Hulsey Website
John Hulsey Amazon Profile

John Hulsey’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, I am very new to the publishing end of writing, but have been scribbling since I was in junior high. Life kept me very busy, but now that I am an empty nester I decided time to publish and see what people think of my ideas, books etc. I really write because I love reading. I want to give a little back to the pastime that kept me happy, occupied and sane during those long and hard days.

Reading can enlighten, enrich, and just plain entertain. I want to do a little of each.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Five books on Kindle so far. Last one was A Trace of Love.

The first was science fiction, Seekership: Humanity’s Hope, Book One. Obviously part of a series that I am still completing. It was inspired by my love of science fiction and the hopes and dreams that it can impart. New worlds, space travel, I wanted to be living on another planet by now. It was followed by book two of the series, Seekership Creche-world.

Then Ordinary Annie, a children’s book dealing with self esteem for a little girl.

The next was on the racy side. A Hot Dark Knight.

And the last A Trace of Love, a love story with a dark twist. You never know who you might be dating.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I am aware of. Would like it if anyone told me if I did.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, my gosh, too many to count. Isaac Asimov, Anne McCaffrey, Robin Cook, Agatha Christie and more.

What are you working on now?
Two more of the Science Fiction series in Seekership.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am on Kindle and Amazon. Any suggestions?

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing, eventually you find your niche.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you know, or what you love.

What are you reading now?
The Imperial Connection by Charles Edward.

What’s next for you as a writer?
MORE BOOKS!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Bible, Battlefield Earth.

Carol Lane’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile