Awesome Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born 1943 in Grand Lake, Arkansas and grew up in a small rural town, Eudora Arkansas; graduated from high school in 1961 and joined the US Air Force. I was stationed in Germany for four years; I learned to speak German and met my wife Barbara. Married forty-eight years, we live in California and have two adult children.

I retired in 2003 after a thirty-five-year career in computers and telecommunications with NCR and AT&T. In my retirement, I accomplished my goal to write about my early life. The Child, The Soldier and The Adult make up The Alien in the Delta Series. The series are three books of memoirs about growing up poor in a hostile environment in the 1950’s, and later in life to experience unimaginable success.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Alien in the Delta Series, (The Child, The Soldier and The Adult) I was inspired to write after some light nudging by my daughter, Christina, who regularly listened to my stories as she grew up. She kept telling me that I ought to be writing this down, that I ought to write a book, so I started going out to the beach with a personal tape recorder and dictating a story at a time. About 14 tapes later, I was ready to commit to writing, and it all came together. The project morphed into its present form. My original vision for it was an autobiography, but along the way, more commentary became associated with it. I wanted to leave a legacy, not just a collection of facts, so I was okay with the memoirs

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to recorded all of my stories and ideas to tape or disk before I start to write. I am not sure that’s so unusual any more.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors: Dr. Maya Angelou and Sydney LeBlanc,

Books: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill‎

What are you working on now?
I have an idea for a fiction suspense novel that I have started to outlining.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am using all types of social media but I don’t know the best method yet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, learn how to use social media.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Invest in real estate.

What are you reading now?
Dis- Ease by the Dose (Toxic Relationships)
Bettye Deloach Presley

Mr. S: My Life with Frank Sinatra
Jacobs, George

What’s next for you as a writer?
Turning The Alien in the Delta Series audio books. I am also thinking about writing more about my life but it depends on how well the The Alien in the Delta Series of books are received my the readers. My inspiration will come from their success.

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,
Pryor Conviction and other life sentences
The Alien in the Delta Series

Author Websites and Profiles
Thankful Strother Website
Thankful Strother Amazon Profile

Thankful Strother’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write psychological thrillers and am a sociopolitical blogger. I have written several anthologies, along with novels in various genres. My first book was a blog novel!

My current focus is on crime fiction and psychological thrillers because I enjoy exploring the darker side of human nature. My first psycho thriller series is a trilogy titled “The Wilde Twins.” It’s about an “evil twins” serial killing team, and the story begins in their childhood days.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest publication is ‘Owned’, a freebie on murder short stories. I realized one day that several of my short stories contained the theme of murder, so I gathered them into a compact eBook collection which explores how and why people are driven to kill.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to have a bottle of moisturizer nearby. Somehow it is relaxing, to have my hands look and feel smooth while I’m typing away at a computer. That being said, I enjoy disrupting the writing process sometimes to move around or do a bit of exercise/stretching. A sedentary lifestyle is not exactly the best thing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to list. Some of my favorite authors include Poe, Oscar Wilde, Roald Dahl, Stephen King, Jackie Collins. If a writer’s work moves me emotionally, it’s bound to have an influence on me.

What are you working on now?
I will be writing some short stories to contribute to The Mind’s Eye series. It’s a collaborative project that brings together a small group of photographers, poets, and writers. I’m so glad to be included in the team behind the third installment.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
From what I’ve observed, getting the genre and book cover right is of absolute importance. Writing a great story is valuable, but if it stays hidden or buried by tons of other books, few people are going to discover it.

In terms of sales and readership, books should fit in a clearly-defined niche in the commercial marketplace so that you can promote them to the right target audience in order to increase its visibility.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Refer to the above question.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To observe the people whose success you would like to emulate, and to maintain a positive attitude.

What are you reading now?
My draft notes for a review on Beyond Suspicion, by Francis Seow (former solicitor-general of Singapore).

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to start working on my next psychological thriller series later in the year, if possible. In 2012 I was a participating author in a writers’ festival. I hope to take part in a crime-related writing panel some time in the future!

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?
They would certainly be anthologies or thick books, so that I could take my time reading them on the island while relaxing in a shady spot overlooking the clear blue sea.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jess C Scott Website
Jess C Scott Amazon Profile
Jess C Scott Author Profile on Smashwords

Jess C Scott’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in North London, and spent my schooldays playing football or looking out of the window wishing I was somewhere else.

After failing to make the grade as a professional football player, I spent much my twenties traveling, hitch-hiking around Europe and North Africa before heading to Asia. My experiences in Bangkok and India later inspired the thriller VENOM, and my adventures in the jungles of the Golden Triangle of Burma and Laos were also filed away for later, the basis of the OPIUM series about the underworld drug trade.

I moved to Australia and worked in advertising, before moving to Sydney where I freelanced for most of Australia’s leading newspapers and magazines, as well as working in radio and television.

After the publication of VENOM in 1990, I became a full time novelist. I have now published over 40 books and my work has sold into translation in 23 countries.

I lived for many years in the beautiful Margaret River region in WA, and helped raise two beautiful daughters with my late wife, Helen. While writing, I also worked in the volunteer ambulance service for over 13 years.

I travel regularly to research my novels and the quest for authenticity has led me to run with the bulls in Pamplona, pursue tornadoes across Oklahoma and black witches across Mexico, go cage shark diving in South Africa and get tear gassed in a riot in La Paz. I also completed a nine hundred kilometre walk of the camino in Spain a journey described in The Year We Seized the Day.

I did not publish for over five years but returned to writing in 2010 with the release of SILK ROAD, and STIGMATA the following year. ISABELLA was published in 2013 and became a huge bestseller.

I liken my fiction most closely to Ken Follett and Wilbur Smith – books with romance and high adventure, drawn from many periods of history.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
NAKED IN HAVANA started with a letter from one of my readers:

‘… I would also truly love to learn what REALLY happened in the 50’s with Cuba. Something tells me that it wasn’t truly like what the teachers told us in school in Canada. I read a fictional book a long time ago about Marilyn, John, Bobby & Frank, that touched on the Che Guevara/ Fidel Castro story, but just not enough to satisfy me …’

‘Can you write a book about that?’ she wrote.

And because it intrigued me, I said I would.

The story of pre-revolutionary Havana appealed to the romantic in me; I had always been a fan of those big romantic movies like Casablanca and Gone with the Wind and my mind’s eye fixed on a sweeping love saga that would follow the winds of change of an entire decade, from Havana and Castro’s takeover of Cuba to Jack Kennedy’s Malibu hideaway, the Hollywood of Monroe and Sinatra, to the final days of war-torn Saigon, an epic with larger than life fictional characters, as well as real life legends.

That was the vision.

And as I researched more, the background did not disappoint; NAKED IN HAVANA is about Cuba before Castro took over, about the Mafia and the casinos, about Kennedy and Monroe and Che Guevara and that whole darkly glamorous story that ended with JFK’s assassination. It’s about glitzy mob-run nightclubs, gun runners, revolutionaries and torchy voiced bolero singers.

But I wanted a love story at its heart; two people who had only ever wanted love on their own terms, but now would have to give up everything to be with each other.

Passion changes us, and love is dangerous. It makes us reject our own sacred beliefs, turn our back on our own kind, do the unthinkable. It can ask more of us than we might ever think to give; it can also heal us more than we ever imagined. And you never quite know which it will be until it is too late to turn back.

That’s how NAKED IN HAVANA was born.

And that’s why when Reyes sees Magdalena in Havana in 1958 he knew that running guns in the middle of a revolution was the least of his troubles …

What authors, or books have influenced you?

Follett, Wilbur Smith’s early stuff. James Clavell.

What are you working on now?
A big historical called Fever Coast.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Another big historical called Fever Coast.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t even think about promotion until you’ve written at least 3 books. Work hard. Study! Learn! Get up at 7 and wait for inspiration. If it’s not there by five past, start without it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Bob Mayer: ‘the reader is God.’

What are you reading now?
Sebastian Faulks’ Birdsong.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next month I publish a novel called East India. It’s like a seventeenth century Titanic.

Then I’m going to Mozambique and India to finish research for Fever Coast.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
‘How To Build your Own Raft’, ‘Surviving in the Wild for Dummies’ and ‘The National Geographic Guide to Poisonous Snakes.’

Author Websites and Profiles
Colin Falconer Website
Colin Falconer Amazon Profile

Colin Falconer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I lived in six countries and consider them all to be my homeland. It helps me a lot in my writing, since I was exposed to so many cultures and traditions. At this point I’m starting to get an itch to move again. I lived in the US for almost twelve years now. That’s twice as long as any other country. But I tell myself that it’s time to be a responsible adult and end up trying to get the excitement in some other way.

At the moment I have a collection of stories and novelettes out, Curse Your Body.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Curse Your Body was inspired by another book, Hounds of Dracula. To be more specific, it was the teaser that they put in the beginning of the book.

The premise of that book was a man from Dracula family trying to escape the family’s past by moving to another country and changing his name. Unfortunately, a dog that was turned into a vampire by one of his ancestors was able to find him and decided to turn him into a vampire.

The idea of trying to escape being a vampire and failing, fascinated me so much that I got this itch in my head. I had to figure out the best way to use that idea, so I started thinking. If a person was born a vampire, they wouldn’t be as likely to hate what they are because they don’t know any other way. Besides, how are you supposed to escape it if you were born into it?

The other choice is fearing to be turned, but that takes away the heredity. Plus, victims wouldn’t really know that it’s inevitable, because they might be able to run, hide, or die before they are turned.

So, I decided that my vampires would live as humans but ones they die, they turn. Each member of the family knows about their inevitable change. There’s no way to stop it. There’s no way to kill a vampire, not even with silver of stake. The best they can do is to immobilize the body. Imagine spending eternity locked in a tomb?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I kill people. A lot. Every time I hit a writer’s block, it’s time to do something terrible to my characters. Sometimes I torture them, other times I kill them. Sometimes those who died end up coming back as ghosts, vampires, and demons.

In one of the books I’m writing right now, I managed to kill the main character, a small town, and a vampire unicorn.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
It’s hard to say. I read a lot, but I try to read different authors from different time periods. Bulgakov, Pushkin, Turgenev, Shakespeare, Stephen King, Scott Sigler, and so many more. I think each of them influenced me in one way or another.

What are you working on now?
I’m actually almost ready to release the next series of short stories and novelettes. This one is based around Slavic mythology, World War II and the events that are unfolding right now in Ukraine.

I have a whole bunch of stories that follow different character through just over a century. In the last story, they will all come together to stand against the threat that Ukraine is facing.

It’s that last story that I work on every morning. I follow the news, talk to my family and friends who live in Ukraine, and try to incorporate it into the novella.

For the basis of the story I used the idea of ghosts of those who died in World War II rising to find their country in this situation.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I go to a variety of sites, often not book related. For example, I’m trying to promote Curse Your Body on atheist sites because of the atheist journey subplot, and pagan blogs because the book takes vampires back to their pagan roots.

However, the most important thing for me is nurturing the relationships with the readers I already have. I invite my fans to sign up for my email list at http://www.undercandlelight.com/ where I give them exclusive content, offer free review copies and even name characters after them.

I’m hoping to turn them into super-fans, who will read everything a write and will be generous with their reviews.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
When you’re done writing, get beta readers. I’m not talking about you friends and family who might try to spare your feelings. I’m talking about people who will tell you the truth, no matter how much it’ll hurt. If you don’t know people like that, try to find an online writing group.

When getting a critique, remember to look further that the words you’re hearing. When a beta reader is telling you that he didn’t like something, try to understand why, then figure out what to do about it.

Did he think a specific scene was boring? Is it because of the sentence structure? Because nothing is happening? Because it’s just not needed?

A beta won’t always be able to explain to you why they feel a certain way, so you have to decipher it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just keep writing. If you finished one book, start writing the second. If you hit a writer’s block, who cares. As long as you sit down every day and put something down, you will not only finish this book, but you’ll improve as a writer.

What are you reading now?
I just started reading The Spider #6, Slaves of the Laughing Death. It was published in 1993. I was going to start a different book, but I was running late for work, so I grabbed the first book from the ones we got this past Free Comic Book Day, and ran out the door. Now I’ll have to wait to finish The Necroscope series until after I’m done with this superhero novel. Not that I’m complaining. So far it looks like a great story.

What’s next for you as a writer?
There are a number of projects I’m working on. I want to finish the Kairan Curse series (Curse Your Body is the first collection. Curse Your Blood and Curse Your Soul are going to be number two and three.) Then there is this troll story I’ve been collaborating on. On top of that, I want to write stories that complement some of the comics and graphic novels that my husband, Vincent, is working on now.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I have this wonderful survivor book. It’s written and illustrated by hand. It covers everything from building a house to making mead. I got it as a gift while Vin and I were winter camping.

The next would probably be a book on edible and medicinal herbs.

I could use a book on making my own wind or water energy generators, because guess what my next book would be… a notebook. Preferably with wireless connection. This way I can download a whole bunch of fiction books that would keep me sane while I’m there. I hate rereading the same books over and over, so the idea of being stuck with only 3-4 books is very scary. I’d probably lose my mind.

Author Websites and Profiles
Armada Volya Website
Armada Volya Amazon Profile
Armada Volya Author Profile on Smashwords

Armada Volya’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After growing up in the north east of England, studying English Literature at Sunderland University and failing to make it as a rock star, the real story began in 2006, when just days after my 27th birthday, I boarded a plane to Sydney, Australia, with no return ticket.

I spent 2 years in the land downunder and travelled through every far flung corner of the country, earning my keep by taking up jobs doing everything from pruning grape vines to tractor driving. In my spare time I vowed to try every new experience that was offered my way, no matter how crazy. I climbed glaciers, Swam with sharks, jumped from aeroplanes and pretty much tried to live life as much as possible.

During this time overseas, I was also fortunate enough to meet the love of my life; Katie. Upon our return to the UK in 2009, what was originally intended as a birthday present (a travel journal recounting our time in Asia) ultimately led to me finding my vocation in life. The travel journal soon progressed to fiction and I have since completed 3 novels and have several more in various stages of completion.

The Outback and Stealing Asia are currently available on Amazon and Diamond Sky is scheduled for release in the summer of 2014.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Diamond Sky is my third novel, but was really the first idea I had. It is about grief, loss and an inability to let go of our loved ones. The plot is based around a group of scientists in a remote location in the Australian outback who are conducting experiments into astral projection. The aim of the research is to explore otherwise inaccessible parts of the galaxy, but one of the team has an ulterior motive. She lost her parents at a young age and is determined to find evidence of continued existence beyond death.

The story came to me after a bad day at work. I got home and tried to think of the one place I would want to be to get away from everything. My mind settled on the Australian outback. There is nothing more beautiful than a clear night desert sky. There is so much colour in the stars – they glisten and sparkle like diamonds, hence the book’s title. When I wrote the Outback, I originally planned on developing it into the astral projection plot, but decided to go a different way and replaced the supernatural elements with Aboriginal superstition, creating a psychological murder mystery rather than a sci-fi thriller.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I use only very vague outlines and tend to write by the seat of my pants. Therefore, my writing is very sporadic. When I am “in the zone” I can write for hours, churning out 10,000 words. When I am not, I can go days without writing a thing. During these blank moments I will edit or work on my blog just to keep writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I first fell in love with books when I was introduced to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series as a teenager. Those books completely changed how I defined my reality. I started writing fiction after graduating from university, but a dull office job sapped my creativity and it was only when travelling and I picked up a John Grisham novel at a book exchange that my love of the written word was rekindled.

In terms of my writing, Alex Garland’s The Beach was the biggest influence. I saw how he used his experiences travelling to create incredible fiction and emulated (though not copied) this spirit in my first two novels, which are about backpackers in Australia and Asia respectively.

What are you working on now?
I am adapting Diamond Sky into a trilogy. I am writing the second and third installments back to back and hope to have them ready by the end of the year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have only just begun the long, arduous task of promotion. I wanted to wait until I had built up several titles before promoting myself. I plan on experimenting a lot in this respect over the coming months.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take all advice with a pinch of salt. All writers are different and approach their art in a unique way. There are no rules that are completely universal. Just try to stay as true to yourself as possible. Write the stories that you want to read, not what you think others want to read. Finally, read ‘On Writing’ by Stephen King. If you only read one book about writing, that is the one to read.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Remove all unnecessary words and avoid the passive voice (Stephen King). Basically, it is not the words that matter, it is how effectively those words convey the story. The story forms in the readers imagination, not on the page. Over complicated prose creates a barrier to the reader forming those images. Reading should never require effort, but always be a pleasure.

What are you reading now?
I am doing the final proofread for Diamond Sky, but outside of my own work I am reading The Luck of the Weissensteiners by Christoph Fischer. He is an author and reviewer who has been incredibly supportive of my writing so the least I can do is to spare him the time he has given for me. I have not read much historical fiction (outside of my uni course, at least) and seeing the amount of research that goes into such stories is truly inspiring.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Fame, fortune, seven figure movie deals. Until that comes, I will just keep on writing. One day, I would like to write a screenplay, whether it be an adaptation of one of my novels or a completely original work.

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?
Number one has to be my anthology of John Lennon’s two books, A Spaniard in the Works/In His own Write. The stories and poems Lennon writes are surreal and often disturbing, but perhaps give more insight into the author than his music did.

The Beach by Alex Garland is a book that I can read over and over. It is also quite fitting for the desert island.

Lastly, I would look for a book of survival tips by the British adventurer Bear Grylls. If anybody knows how to survive on a desert island, it is Mr Grylls.

Author Websites and Profiles
David Clarkson Website
David Clarkson Amazon Profile

David Clarkson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have published just one novel, The Lamb. But I did write another novel before that. It was my “starter novel” and it needs a heavy rewrite before its ready to be published. I wrote it in a fast and furious fashion over the course of a couple of months – kind of like my own personal NANOWRIMO – just to see what it was like to write a novel length piece of writing. I also wrote a new adult novella, which similarly needs a heavy rewrite before its ready for public consumption.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest (and only) book is called The Lamb. It is inspired by the Bible story of King David and Bathsheba. I’ve always found this story intriguing from a moral point of view and it was that aspect of the story that I wanted to explore.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Is writing in your underwear unusual?
Just kidding, I don’t do that. Um… I drink a lot of tea while I write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I really love Ann Patchett, Margaret Atwood, Harriet Scott Chessman, Alice Munro, Hemingway and Haruki Murakami. The one book that influenced me particularly while I was writing ‘The Lamb’, was ‘Waiting For The Barbarians’ by J.M. Coetzee. I studied his use of first person, present tense closely. I also examined ‘Never Let Me Go’ by Ishiguro while writing The Lamb. It’s such a beautiful and emotive novel.

What are you working on now?
Currently I’m working on a short story called ‘A Japanese Man in Yangshou’. I hope to have it finished very soon.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own website www.ebpurtill.com or Amazon

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Rewrite, rewrite and rewrite some more. The pages you start with won’t be the ones you’ll want to finish with.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To slow down and examine the particular scene I’m writing. Especially if its a scene that relates to the heart of the story or a particularly poignant moment.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading ‘On Such A Full Sea’ by Chang-Rae Lee.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to publish my short story soon, and then I have a couple more short story ideas I’m brewing at the moment. I also have a novella half done that I’d like to complete. I also would like to do a project on Wattpad as well, but that may be a little while away.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s’ by Truman Capote … no, wait, that’s too short. I’ll switch it for ‘Too Much Happiness’ by Alice Munro, my favorite collection of short stories. Then I’d go with a really long biography of Abraham Lincoln and The Complete Works of Shakespeare. Two things I’ve been intending to get through for my own personal education but never seem to have the time. And finally ‘The Hitchhikers’ Guide To The Galaxy’ by Douglas Adams to make me laugh when I got lonely and sad.

Author Websites and Profiles
E.B. Purtill Website
E.B. Purtill Amazon Profile

E.B. Purtill’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer/entrepreneur. I have been writing articles for 15 years about small businesses for the company I founded, smallbiz.com. I just published my first fictional book.

I am married to an incredible wife who supports my passions. I joke that I’ve been married three times: to my wife, my business, and now my writing. My wife is starting to get jealous! We live in Tucson, Arizona, and spend as much time at the beach in Rocky Point, Mexico, about four hours away – Hint: this is where much of STONE AGE is set. When not in Mexico, or in Tucson writing, Lisa and I serve at our church.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The idea that became STONE AGE fermented in my noodle after reading article about how a large coronal mass ejection – just think solar storm – could take our power grid down for decades. This scared the crap out of me. I wondered if we ever had a bad solar storm in the past and I read about the Carrington Event of 1859. I thought, “Wow, this is not only scary, this would make a great book – One that covered both the events in 1859 and an equally large event today, now that we are completely dependent on our technology. I couldn’t believe that no one had written this story… that is until I published STONE AGE.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
From what I read about other writers, I think so. I am a seat of the pants writer who outlines the story only after I’ve started writing. I usually get an idea: it can come from a dream, a movie I’m watching, a book I’m reading, or a story in the paper. I think about it and a basic story line forms, and then a character or two. I start writing about that scene. Then quickly, while it’s fresh, I write a quick story synopsis – beginning to end. If I’m really into the story and/or I have the time, I’ll start doing the outline, scene by scene. Then, I’ll go back and fill in the blanks. I know it sounds chaotic, but this is how I wrote STONE AGE.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Hugh Howey and his Silo Series: Wool, Shift, & Dust. Stephen King and his novel, The Stand.

What are you working on now?
The second book in the series, STONE AGE – New Realities. This picks up right were STONE AGE ended, and will explain many of the mysteries left in the first book.

I’m also working on a science fiction short story and another post-apocalyptic novel. Both I hope to finish later this year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Because I’m a fairly new author, my methods are ever evolving. Truly the best thing to shoot for is pushing your book to make it on Amazon’s Hot New Releases. In other words, try to get a push of purchases in the first few days to crack onto the list.

I didn’t even know this list existed, until STONE AGE made the list with about 28 purchases in two weeks (most in the later part of the two weeks). Then, because of the visibility, people really started buying. Yesterday, STONE AGE hit #6 overall on Amazon’s Best Seller list for Post-Apocalyptic fiction. It even edged Sand, written by Hugh Howey, who I think has something like a 100 billion fans.

For book 2, I will be focusing on communicating directly to my readers who have signed up on http://mlbanner.com.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write! Don’t worry about whether it’s the right time, or whether your illustrations should be one way or another – that’s directed towards my sister. As the folks at Nike have said, “Just do it!”

There will never be a perfect time. You will never get your book perfect. So, just get started and enjoy the process, because writing is fun.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Other than my “advice for new authors,” the best advice I received from one of my early beta readers was to take my time. That is, take my time to write my first book and get it right.

The other one, which I didn’t hear until recently, is to make friends with other authors in your same genre. Discuss, review, & cross-promote. You’ll be helping each other.

What are you reading now?
Fiction: You’ll never guess, but books of a similar genre: Breakers, by Edward Robertson; Apcalypse Z – Dark Days, by Manel Loureiro; Extinction Point, by Paul Antony Jones. I probably won’t read any solar flare stories until I’m done with my series. I want my ideas to be original.

Non-Fiction: The Bible

What’s next for you as a writer?
Meeting deadlines. They’re self imposed mind you, but they are there just the same. Because of the success of STONE AGE, I’ve pushed up the date of release of book 2. I scheduled the time with my editor, who is booked solid through the end of the year, so I’ll need to meet my deadline with her to get STONE AGE – New Realities released by the Fall.

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 – I try to read it every day; The Army Survival Manuel; Fishing for Dummies – I am pretty dumb when it comes to fishing; & STONE AGE – It would make a great gift for the person who rescues me.

Author Websites and Profiles
ML Banner Website
ML Banner Amazon Profile

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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m Joel Babbitt, and I’m a Lt Colonel in the US Army and a bishop in my church. I’m a happily married father of four, and yet still find time to write…

I’ve written 8 books, 4 of which are published.

Clan Lord is the first in a series of sci-fi shorts. It’s AWESOME! You should read it! And for only 99 pennies, who can resist!

The Trials of Caste (#1) and Into the Heart of Evil (#2) are the first two books of a fantasy series. They are a lot of fun, with intricate plots, humble heroes, and despicable villians. Oh, and did I mention that they’re all kobolds?

I also have a book on missionary work for the LDS crowd. Enjoy!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have been working very diligently on episodes 2 and 3 that come after Clan Lord. I’m right now going through the cover art, editing, etc process for episode 2 (Hunt Master) and I’m about 8K words away from done with episode 3 (Puppet Master). Hunt Master is AWESOME!!! It totally tears at the soul, yet makes you fly as well.

What inspired it? Well… so I grew up a red-headed, gangly, freckled kid among a bunch of people who didn’t look quite like me… so I had to learn to fight. Razz, the good guy in Clan Lord, does the same sort of thing. Through his own impetuousness and a stroke of good luck, he finds his true path among the clans of his home forest.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get up at 0545 (that’s 5:45am in non-military speak) every morning and write for an hour before work. Is that so unusual?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
A bazillion. Okay, maybe only a couple thousand, but I’ve been a voracious reader now for about 35 years or so… so it’s hard to say. For Clan Lord, however, I would have to say Orson Scott Card and Bernard Cornwell, with a bit of B.V. Larson thrown in.

What are you working on now?
I’ve got a number of different projects:
– Hunt Master and Puppet Master (see above)
– Book 3 after Into the Heart of Evil: It’s written, but I’m editing, polishing, refining a few areas, etc. I want it to be everything my readers expect it to be, plus all they hope it will be as well.
– Ella Sister-Daughter: I’m a quarter of the way through with this one. It’s the delightful story of a Viking princess who just wants to make her own choices, despite what everyone else wants for her.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Kindle 99 cent promos so far, though I’m just getting into the free promos.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
First of all, write AWESOME stuff that everyone will want to read because it’s soooooo COOL! Then *publish* it!
Second of all, get an e-mail list and a website. Maybe facebook and blog, but those are really just time wasters for most authors.
Third, unless you all of a sudden become super-popular and your books just sell themselves, don’t read about super-popular authors, because none of them have a clue how their books actually took off and it will just depress you. Instead, read books on how to effectively market your books and be willing to put in the hard work of marketing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Kill your darlings” by Stephen King. What he means is that you must snip out the parts of your book that YOU love, but that your readers will find boring.

What are you reading now?
BV Larson’s Dust World, plus K.C. May’s Kinshield Saga, plus Samurai: the Japanese Warrior’s Unofficial Manual by Stephen Turnbull, plus Kindle Free Promo Hacks by Andrew Scott (it’s an awesome little book, but he needs a good editor), and I just finished This Kind of War (it’s military history)

What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing! Duh! Okay, okay. Ahem.

Next for me is to finish up episode 3 and 4 after Clan Lord and to get Hunt Master published. After that, it’ll be time to get book 3 after Trials of Caste and Into the Heart of Evil ready and published. Then, as a special treat, I want to get back to Ella Sister-Daughter (because her story is so fun!)

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My scriptures, the Encyclopedia Britannica (That counts as just one, right? Right!), the entire collected works of all british authors who write great stuff, and my journal so I could finally catch up in it (and a pen or two, of course). Okay, maybe I cheated a little on this question…

Author Websites and Profiles
Joel Babbitt Website
Joel Babbitt Amazon Profile

Joel Babbitt’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written fifteen non-fiction books and three novels. I have also written the screenplay for the film “Dahmer vs. Gacy.”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book is “Elvis Presley, CIA Assassin.” It’s obviously a satire. It was inspired by Elvis Presley’s real-life 1970 meeting with President Richard Nixon. During the meeting, Presley told Nixon he wanted to be some sort of undercover agent. My novel imagines that Presley ultimately became a CIA operative. He then worked his way up the ladder until he became a full-fledged CIA assassin.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I just try to write every single day. I don’t think I have any unusual writing habits, but I do have some procrastinating habits. And yet I am very prolific. This just goes to show if you do at least some work every day, it will eventually add up.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Kurt Vonnegut, Elmore Leonard, Richard Matheson, Stephen King.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a collection of horror short stories for Curiosity Quills. It will be called “Death Rattles” and will feature about 25 short stories.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t really have one. I’m just figuring this thing out as I go.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write, and don’t ever give up. Don’t take no for an answer. Just keep plugging away.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Elmore Leonard once said he tried to leave out the parts of a story that people skip. This includes heavy exposition. “No one skips dialogue,” Leonard said, and it’s true. I try to tell extremely dialogue-laden stories.

What are you reading now?
I’m about to read Richard Matheson’s last novel, but I can’t remember the name of it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More of the same. I’m going to just keep writing. I’ve got a book on the filmmaker Ed Wood coming out, and am working on several other projects, including a novel for Curiosity Quills entitled “Monsters vs. Nazis.”

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 Am Legend” by Richard Matheson, “Night Shift” by Stephen King, “Road Dogs” by Elmore Leonard, and “Breakfast of Champions” by Kurt Vonnegut.

Author Websites and Profiles
Andy Rausch Amazon Profile

 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I currently live in Texas with my husband and daughter. I am originally from Kansas and have also lived in Maine, South Carolina, and Hawaii. My first love is geography and my first published writings were historical geography and later, travel articles. I recently published my first book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my book went through as many revisions as the book itself. I finally settled on the title 500 Tidbits of Insight after deciding that the phrase ‘tidbits of insight’ was both direct and optimistic. I choose the number 500 because I hit my target word count on my first draft by tidbit 481, so I rounded up. I added the subtitle for clarity. I do not want someone to purchase a copy and feel mislead by the title. Hence, 500 Tidbits of Insight: Living with and Overcoming Depression was born.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
For this book, I wrote an outline by saving hundreds of text messages. I finally downloaded an app to my smart phone to ensure they survived long enough to make it to a word processing document on a computer. I complied all the tidbits by reviewing old notebooks, journals, and remembering events that I experienced. I took my phone with me every where during the drafting process and I would create a text or note as I recall a coping strategy, piece of advice, or insight. Once I start a draft, I usually need to work in the same space until completion. I find it greatly disruptive when a family member walks off with my laptop or rearranges furniture.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
For my book, I was motivated by the general trend of writing in a blog or journal style that has been surfacing all over the internet. I am used to writing direct passages when covering travel destinations, but for the book, I needed a slightly different format. I discovered that many self-help books and blogs were beginning to use second person periodically, so I experimented with that style and decided to use it throughout my book.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on two book projects. One is about the transformation women undergo when they experience motherhood for the first time. The second is a more general self help book inspired by 500 Tidbits of Insight that explains how to bring more optimism and positivity into your life despite hardships it focuses more on residency building while establishing healthy expectations. It will have a more structured format and will be formatted in a more traditional manner.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find online promotions tricky because the internet is not a stationary, reliable thing and what is best will change periodically. I am still learning but patiently researching how to locate your target audience is a good start. Advertising across existing social media profiles is also good. It is definitely, by far, the most time consuming aspect of the book writing process.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write when you can, however you can. Worry about details later, which you can clean up during your revision process. Each time you read through your book, proof read for something different.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Instead of asking what is normal, just ask what is normal for you.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading The Man Who Walked Through Walls by Marcel Ayme.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am going to write more non-fiction books and consider making a formal draft of some my short stories. My writing seems to improve as I push myself to learn about new topics and styles. I enjoy getting feedback from other writers. I’m also working on collaborative projects, which will probably lead to new, interesting 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?
Recently translated in modern English copies of the Bible and the Quran (now having the time to read both in their entirety). A thick and thorough book about fishing, and a collection of Shakespeare’s works.

Author Websites and Profiles
K. Delaughter Website

K. Delaughter’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write for the fun of piecing together a story. This isn’t as easy as it seems and I don’t know why. We can all tell relatively coherent anecdotes but when you start writing it down, things get hinky. In part, it’s a result of everyone liking different things. I like short endings – The Return of the King (I love Tolkien, don’t bash me) had so many false endings that when I finally got to the last one, I turned the page and was surprised there wasn’t more. Consider this foreshadowing, I like short endings – ergo – I write short endings. Folks who like long endings, hate that. Sorry. Another reason writing a story gets to be messy – you have to extract all the stuff in your head and plop it on a page in such a way that readers can see it the same way. That’s tough to do, at least for me.

I keep trying and when I feel like I’ve got a story someone else might like to read, I make it available. Most go into the box under the bed, but a few see the light of day.

I have half a dozen books available through sales channels and another six that will be releasing in the next twelve months. Some are short story collections, others are novellas, a few stand-alone long short stories, and full length novels. Eventually, some will become series featuring recurring characters. The next release is actually a collection of bedtime stories I wrote for my son – I’m only releasing it as a print edition. Most of the rest of my work is available is digital and print formats.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book I’m promoting now is called The Vitae. This is a novella that introduces a character named Rose Brashear. She has a novel releasing later this year and this shorter story leads into that one. There is a companion novella called The Trade which just released and introduces a second recurring character (the love interest), Savio Mendes. Each story traces their progress into and out of struggles until they wind up in the same place… and eventually meet.

Yes, it’s probably a backwards way to introduce a story but I dislike reading about before characters knew each other once they’ve met – I like to see it happen.

The Vitae is a story about making choices in your professional life that resonate for your future – something we all have to do without knowing the outcome. There are no major events, no world-shattering admissions, no saving the planet from alien attack – but it’s familiar and fun nonetheless. It’s a story about a woman trying to land a coveted spot in academia. As an anthropologist myself, I know that’s a hard target. The competition is intense and the pressure is ugly. Sometimes you get what you wish for and sometimes you don’t. I’ve conducted fieldwork all over the American west and so it inspires a lot of the locales and people I write about. Rose’s story makes use of my experience in archaeological survey, historic mines, and other odd stuff but also touches on how friends and colleagues help drive us toward goals we didn’t know we had or want.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m opportunistic. I write when and where I have the opportunity. I have a regular writing group that meets every week and we swill coffee and write together for inspiration and to hone our craft (I laugh because I’m not sure how much honing happens – but we have fun). Fiction writing is a reward I offer to myself. Once I’ve completed work, then I allow myself time to write. Which, I suppose, explains why my writing gets influenced by some unique topics that have to later be edited out….

When I get stuck on a scene or feel like I’m spinning my wheels, I resort to writing in longhand. Since I write slower than I type, the end-result is different, more focused and less likely to dive down a rabbit hole.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m an opportunistic reader too. I’ll read anything that catches my interest. I’m particularly fond of Anne Rice, Elizabeth Peters, and Lincoln & Childs, but I also read lots of classic literature – especially the really old stuff like Euripides and his buddies. I also like romance: Amanda Quick’s period historics, JD Robb’s futuristic, and Kressley Cole’s paranormals, among others. So many of the authors I grew up reading have passed away in recent years and I miss reading new work from Tony Hillerman, Elmore Leonard, and Kurt Vonnegut. I’m sure there are others, but I also have fond memories of Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, and Ursula LeGuin.

I’m not so fond of books that question the human condition and then find nothing of value to celebrate because I think they shortchange the ability of people to alter and grow. I like to be entertained when I read and prefer a story that has a satisfying ending – preferably happy, but I’m content with a solid resolution too.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a paranormal romance/adventure sort of thing right now. It’s set in modern-day Chicago and features faeries. I’m trying to keep it a long short story of less than 15,000 words because there isn’t a lot to it but it keeps threatening to grow into a longer work.

Come to think of it, I also just finished plotting a thriller, also set in modern-day Chicago (I must need to take a trip), that involves lots of misinterpreted assumptions and a little ghostly intervention. That one probably won’t hit the sales market till next year.

Other than that, there are a lot of other stories in various stages of completion.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think word of mouth is the very best method of getting people to share your work, so any solution that allows people to read and share, is the best one. Being published means learning to be patient because it’s smarter to concentrate on the long-term goals than it is to seek the elusive immediate success. I’m fortunate in that this is something I pursue for the enjoyment factor and that means I have the luxury to be patient and let my stories find their way to readers. Not every writer has that opportunity. It also means I get to be less intense about marketing and promotion. I want people to read my work, but I’m okay with it taking a while for them to discover it exists.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Write some more. Stick to topics and subject that interest you for real. Be genuine. Of course every single person on the planet isn’t going to want to read it – that’s okay. Someone will. More than one someone. Read a lot. Read lots of different things. Write lots of different things. Explore genres. Try different lengths of finished work. Find your voice. Own it. Learn the rules and then break them if that’s what works for you.

The only rule I believe when it comes to writing, is find what works for you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write. Finish what you start. Get the words on the page. You can edit the most ridiculous nonsense into something wonderful but you’ve got to have the carcass first. Sorry, bad roadkill analogy.

What are you reading now?
This’ll probably sound like a pretty bad mix, but you asked: an encyclopedia of poisonous plants, a biography of a 19th century Canadian fur trapper, a literary novel that won great acclaim and is putting me to sleep every night, a volume of historic haiku, and a fun series of humorous murder mysteries. And probably others, but that’s what I can remember right now.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I cycle through projects, moving from one to another when I feel like. I’ve got an idea for a thriller/ghost story that I’m thinking about plotting, but there’s also a story I’ve been stuck on for months and I’ve finally figured out how to cut it apart and restructure it so the problem becomes a solution. That one probably needs re-plotting to fill-in gaps now that I’ve changed one of the primary characters into a spirit. Logistical issues abound.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’m going to completely Kirk this and say: Kindle, Nook, and Kobo, followed by the OED. That way I get hundreds and hundreds of books as well as the Oxford English Dictionary. That would keep me busy for a long time and I’d know so many more useless words by the time rescue arrived. If they came too late, then I could write the ultimate self-obit!

Oh, okay, I’ll play fair. I would bring a volume of classic American poetry, the collected works of Homer because he touched on all the archetypes, and a history of world mythology.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lesann Berry Website
Lesann Berry Amazon Profile
Lesann Berry Author Profile on Smashwords

Lesann Berry’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, I am newly published author E.J. Norris. I love to express myself through words. I’ve written a lot over quite a few years. I wrote two novellas and two novels and a few shorter stories all inspired by this or that. But my third novel, the only one to be published so far, is very, very, different.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first published novel is entitled The Mirror and The Sword. Its an exciting and suspenseful fantasy novel that I hope will be enjoyed by one and all.

Its inspiration goes back to the summer of 2011, which was the summer before my junior year of high school. Not only was I concentrating on my education and the looming question of what I was going to do with myself, I was also dealing with a strange medical condition that I’d been coping with since I was ten.

Summer was always filled with lots of fun and I always wrote a lot. However that summer I was seeking new inspiration. I was craving a new and more meaningful story to tell. Now, anyone who knows me well, knows that I am a Christian and as such I believe that the good Lord puts each of us on earth for a unique purpose and we can find it if we just let him into our lives. I hadn’t let God in on my writing, as if I were trying to hide the interest from him. Yes, I was trying to hide from almighty God, creator of the universe who knows me better than I know myself. He knew it all and was just waiting for the day when I prayed saying, “Lord, the pen is yours. What do you want me to do?” Within a week or so an idea began forming, the basic skeleton of a plot and after several try’s at a beginning if took off and the story has been going ever since.

I paired it quite harmoniously with my school work and when the time for more surgeries came it was among the greatest of comforts. When going through a long term condition it can seem so endless; every sensation is remembered and amplified. But as I sat in that waiting room dreading the what was to be done, I could take out my journal and, for a time, find relief in another world where characters overcame challenges bigger than themselves and strove for a better life beyond the lies they were made to believe. Then, after the surgery, I really had something special to look forward to when I was well. As I waited for the anesthesia cloud to clear (this always a few days) and the pain to go away I’d find myself waking up each morning and asking, “Will I be able to write today?”

Now that it is published, I’m doing all that I can to share it with those around me and it is my deepest hope that the story will bring others hope and happiness where they feel there can be none.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual habits. Hmmm. I don’t think I have anything really bizarre like wearing pink, fluffy bunny slippers on the wrong feet and spinning around exactly three and a quarter times before writing. I just have a pretty firm method that I stick to, but these days maybe not a whole lot of people hand write the whole novel then type it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve gotten great influence from the following authors: Brian Jacques, C.S. Lewis, Christopher Paolini, and Kathryn Lasky. This list could definitely grow because I don’t read just for entertainment. I read to learn knew techniques and further shape my own style.

What are you working on now?
The Mirror and The Sword was never meant to stand alone. Therefore I am working on the two novels that follow it. The second is a typed draft at its revision point and the third is at its rough draft stage. I’m really enjoying working on them.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since this is my very first novel I’m still exploring the world of promotion. But I certainly have no intention of underestimating the power of the internet and I’m always looking for places to share my story. This site look very, very good and I intend to submit The Mirror and The Sword when its ebook version becomes more available, just to give people more options.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Well, if anyone asked me for advice on writing I would recommend these few things.

1. Read, a lot

2. Create your own method for writing. Ask yourself, what really makes the words come for me?

3. Practice. Much like everything else, nobody is perfect on the first try.

4. Always look for ways to better yourself and don’t be afraid to stretch your mind with new challenges.

5. And finally, be confident, but don’t go nuts with it. Pride can most assuredly come before a fall.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice on writing I ever heard is this short and beautifully simple statement by the author I learned the most from.

“Learn to paint pictures with words.” Brian Jacques.

What are you reading now?
Since I get into books so deeply I am actually quite a picky reader. My mother always taught me to be careful what I let into my mind. I also don’t care for one sided novels, novels without a satisfying balance of elements. So if a book doesn’t resonate just right with me or I find something offensive I don’t read it. But these days I find the Ranger’s Apprentice and Brotherband series by John Flanagan very, very enjoyable. I’d highly recommend them because they’re clean and just plain fun.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Stories, lots and lots of stories. I am also planning on the pursuit of journalism.

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 I can’t pick! One of them would certainly be a Bible though.

E.J. Norris’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written four books and one novella, but as of yet only the novella and one of the books has been published. My second book is with publishers for consideration now, so hoping to release that one in 2015.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My upcoming title, COME, THE DARK, is the second book in The Forever Girl series. Much of the inspiration comes from the Forever Girl world itself, but this particular book focuses on Morts (the ghosts of supernatural creatures) and Ankou (think fae grim reapers). The Morts were inspired by those shadows we all see in the corners of our eyes after seeing a scary movie (or is that just me?). Sometimes I would think I saw something walk past my bedroom door, but when I looked up, nothing was there. From that experience came the inspiration for the Morts.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a few writing quirks, I suppose. One is the incessant note-taking I do while while writing. I’m always copying notes to the chapter i’m working on and then deleting them when I’m satisfied. Also, sometimes when I’m writing I get stuck on a word. I know what I want to say but I can’t seem to grasp that one perfect word, and it drives me nuts. When that happens, I put the word in brackets. Like [this]. I finish writing the scene and go back to obsess over it later.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nancy Pickard inspires me in terms of foreshadowing and suspense, and Marisa de los Santos inspires me with the way she breaks the rules in a way that makes her writing fun instead of weak. I’m a huge fan of Anne Rice (both as a person and as an author) and her books.

What are you working on now?
Currently I’m working on Book 3 in the Forever Girl series, however, I’ve also brought an older manuscript of mine out of the closet as my agent believes publishers will be interested in it. It’s a literary fiction novel and deals with issues close to my heart (autism) and the main problem I have with that title is it’s never good enough for me and I can’t seem to let it go. I want to do the characters justice. Maybe a better answer to what I’m working on right now is self doubt 😛

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promoting work is tough. Say too little, and no one knows it exists. Say to much, and people get angry at you for talking about your work. I spend most of my promotion time promoting other titles. I do the grunt work for promoting my own books, too, but I never spend more time promoting than I do connecting. What is the point of writing if you don’t connect with people? For this reason, talking to people and building new friendships and relationships takes precedence over promoting my own work, though I do still continue to do both. The best advice I can give to people is to remember that the people you are promoting too are as valuable as a person as you, the promoter. If not more so. Show some humility.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t try to do it alone! Get connected and stay connected and remember that this isn’t a “give me, give me, give me” world. You have to play the role of the giver sometimes, too. Karma is a real thing. Focus on what you put in and eventually it will come back to you. Support bloggers. Don’t send them your book, demand they read it, and then nag them until they do, then dump them as soon as they have done what you want. You’ll end up burning bridges that you might want to cross again one day. And, more importantly, you’ll miss out on connecting with some really amazing people who share the same passion as you: books. Other than that, don’t give up. Persevere. No matter how great of a writer you are, always work to improve. And hire an editor! If you are going to sell something, it only fair to the consumer that they get a quality product in exchange for their hard-earned cash. I guess I went on for a bit there 🙂 Bottom line, never stop trying your best and remember that the people in this world don’t exist just to buy your book 🙂

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The producer for the Forever Girl film told me that when you are making a decision about something, ask if it will change your life. That really resonated with me.

What are you reading now?
I’m between books! I just finished Siren’s Secret by Debbie Herbert which helped me get over some of my PBD (post book depression) from reading Summoned by Rainy Kaye. I’m actually planning to go through my to-read list today and figure out which story to immerse myself in next.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll continue to work on The Forever Girl series and then I’m contemplating starting a YA series or writing a few standalone novels. Some of my literary fiction projects, however, might move to the forefront somewhere along the way.

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?
Summoned by Rainy Kaye

The Virgin of Small Plains by Nancy Pickard

Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos

Author Websites and Profiles
Rebecca Hamilton Website
Rebecca Hamilton Amazon Profile

Rebecca Hamilton’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I dreamed of writing since childhood. I finished my first romance novel in high school, and I was so crushed when I received a rejection letter I put aside my dream to write, changed my major in college, and got a “real” job. I buried my dream to write for many years in a high stress career as a government social worker. A few years ago I had an epiphany, and I decided to chase my dream no matter what. Replace “older and wiser” with “sassy with life experiences” and it’s a fair description of me. I completed my first novel, WOLF EYE SLY, in December 2013. It is now a quarter finalist in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. These days I write for the joy of writing, and for me that has made all the difference.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
WOLF EYE SLY is a romantic comedy centered around a lighthouse on the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Although Wolf Eye is a fictional town, I became inspired with the story when I visited Munising Michigan on a hiking trip with my college age daughter. I laid eyes on the East Channel Lighthouse and I became intrigued, and later when I researched the history of the lighthouse and read about the community restoration project I was suddenly inspired to write. A town full of eccentric characters and a mysterious treasure rounded out my inspiration. Here is the pitch to my story.

Did someone whisper buried treasure? Secrets were taken to the lighthouse keeper’s grave, literally; but no one thinks to search the cemetery. Wolf Eye, a small town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is full of eccentric characters playing con games, and there’s a lot more at stake than just a real estate deal.

For Annie Matthews, growing up as the lighthouse keeper’s granddaughter meant she was bullied and teased in school. Her grandfather’s long-running feud with Wolf Eye’s wealthiest citizen made him the town laughing stock.

As an adult, Annie is forced to return to Wolf Eye to settle her grandfather’s affairs, but finds herself pulled into old politics. In an ironic turn of events, she poses as fiancée to Jamie Lord, the handsome heir of her grandfather’s fiercest enemy. Jamie is a charismatic charmer, but can he be trusted?

Jamie rescues Annie with flair; whether it’s a cabin fire, a band of thieving raccoons, or a heckling mob at Lillie’s Café. From their first kiss Annie’s pulse is dancing the Rumba.

The lines of their sham engagement blur, but happiness is short-lived. Enemies throw a surprise wedding and everyone in town shows up. Everyone, that is, except the groom. Annie flees Wolf Eye, but the story isn’t over, for she has some tricks of her own to be played.

WOLF EYE SLY is a contemporary romance with laugh out loud plot twists along the journey to happily ever after.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Coffee and chocolate get me through. I am laughing. I guess those two food groups are essentials for many of us.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are three authors that have influenced me greatly.

Judith McNaught and her lovable characters are big favorites of mine. I especially admire “Whitney My Love” and “Paradise.” The hero Matthew Farrell in “Paradise” is my all time favorite hero in a contemporary romance.

Janet Evanovich and her unique brand of humor in her Stephanie Plum series has been a big influence on me. Ms. Evanovich states she took improv classes to learn to write her witty one line zingers and hilarious situations. I learned to loosen up and practice my own style of humor.

Diana Gabaldon and her Outlander series has been complete inspiration for me, and I owe it to Diana for changing my life. After reading “Dragonfly in Amber” I was so captivated I revisited my own dream to write. Her character Jamie Fraiser is so incredibly lovable he feels like an old friend, and he is by far my favorite hero in any historical romance. I view Diana as a role model, and I am very excited to have a ticket to see her speak in Traverse City Michigan on July 7, 2014.

What are you working on now?
I am finishing up WOLF EYE ALIBI, the second in my Wolf Eye Lighthouse Series. Here is the opening of Chapter One.

The wedding ceremony came to an abrupt halt when the bride and groom were arrested.
Just before the “I do’s,” two deputies marched up to the gazebo and pulled out handcuffs. Wedding guests burst into shouts that resembled spectators at a sporting event. Exclamations of surprise and protest mingled with laughter and glee. Some guests threw hats into the air and cheered.
My jaw dropped. Weddings aren’t like this where I come from.
Cameras popped like fireworks on the Fourth of July. The crowd abandoned the white lawn chairs and surged across Lord Estate toward center stage, trampling elegant gardens as they clamored to witness justice in action. Pushing and shoving gave way to cussing and swearing, and someone grabbed a handful of the ten tier wedding cake standing in magnificent splendor under a catering tent and smashed it into someone’s face. The recipient of the cake snatched a punch bowl and tossed it into the air over the crowd. I held my breath and watched the red contents in the crystal bowl spin round and round, suspended for a long second, before raining down over the wedding guests. Think wet t-shirt contest meets Jell-o wrestling.
It was an all out food fight after that, and every guest seemed eager to participate. Townsfolk gave new meaning to the term tossed salad. Little old ladies dumped condiments into the laps of their spouses. The suspendered little old men heaved finger sandwiches toward the ladies in response to their gifts of mayonnaise and mustard.
White uniformed household staff stood in shocked disbelief as a banquet table full of covered chafing dishes was overturned. Shrimp Scampi and Lobster Thermidor became flying projectiles. A gray haired woman wearing a chef’s hat wailed upon the shoulder of an elderly butler. The white gloved gentleman tried to comfort the cook until a lobster tail smacked him in the face and knocked off his glasses.
A mustached man wearing snakeskin cowboy boots laughed with particular satisfaction until something hit him in the chest. He looked down to discover he’d caught the bridal bouquet.
All this was happening and more, but I wasn’t paying much attention for I was sputtering with outrage as my best friend was handcuffed and charged like she was one of America’s Most Wanted.
“Anne Matthews, you are under arrest for the murder of Francine Stouffer,” one of the deputies spat at the bride. He proceeded to read her rights.
Annie only had time to gasp before the next blow came.
“James Lord, you are under arrest for the murder of Francine Stouffer,” the second deputy charged as he jerked the groom’s arms behind his back and locked cuffs with enthusiasm.
From my stand point beside the bride I had an unobstructed view of Jamie’s gaze locked upon Annie’s face. Shock, denial, and outrage were all communicated in that glance.
The deputies pulled the bride and groom apart with unnecessary force. The minister clutched his Bible to his chest and jumped back out of the way. I remained rooted to the spot.
“I love you Jamie,” Annie cried.
“I love you Annie,” Jamie called after her. “Say I do! Say I do!”
“No you don’t,” the first deputy said. He gripped Annie’s forehead and forcibly turned her face away. Her bridal veil tore and her auburn hair slipped from the pins of her elegant quaff. The representative of the law jerked the bride down the gazebo steps. The train of her exquisite Vera Wang wedding dress trailed limply behind.
“I do, Jamie! I do!” Annie sobbed.
“It doesn’t count unless I pronounce you man and wife,” the minister muttered. “Under the circumstances I don’t think it would be appropriate…”
Jamie’s face contorted in fury. “Get your hands off her!” he shouted at the departing deputy.
“Come along peacefully,” the deputy beside Jamie said. “It’ll look better for you if you cooperate.”
Jamie bellowed with rage and took a step toward Annie. He dropped to his knees when Taser rays struck his back. I flinched, feeling his pain.
I’d known Annie’s fiancé for only twenty four hours but already I understood why she loved him. Jamie was lethally handsome, but it was more than that. He was genuine. A charmer. A charismatic singer and a savvy businessman. And most of all Jamie loved Annie with all his heart.
I heard Annie whimper as she was dragged away. That’s when my city girl street smarts kicked in.
Who am I? I’m the bridesmaid.
“Officer! Wait!” I tossed my bouquet over my shoulder and rushed down the gazebo steps, teetering on my blue satin stilettos that were dyed to match the blue satin of my bridesmaid dress. I grabbed the deputy’s arm. “You’ve forgotten something.”
He turned an impatient gaze my way. From close range his eyes looked like steely pellets floating in yellow custard. He made a move to shrug from my grasp and I fluttered my eyelashes at him in a grand show of feminine distress. He paused.
“Forgot something?” he repeated. “Who are you?”
I resisted rolling my eyes. Didn’t my bridesmaid getup give the guy a clue? Instantly I figured I may have a chance to outwit him if I talked fast.
“Mia! Help!” Annie pleaded. Tears streamed down her face. Moments earlier she had radiated with happiness, about to marry the love of her life. Now she was charged with murder. My heart wrenched in sympathy. I had to do something.
Nearby the food fight was gaining momentum. In my peripheral vision I caught sight of something hurling our way at high speed. I ducked. A caviar stuffed mushroom cap struck the deputy on the cheek and he broke eye contact with me. I clutched his arm to gain it back.
“I’m Mia Savantini,” I said as I batted my eyes like hummingbird wings. “I’m sure you’ve heard of Senator Savantini.”
The deputy’s brows narrowed. “Never heard of him.”
Okay, it was a stretch. The senator was my cousin twice removed on my father’s side, and he wasn’t from Michigan. I thought fast. “Of course you know Prosecuting Attorney Douglas Savantini,” I said in a confident tone.
The deputy scowled. “No.” His lips pressed into a thin line.
I had to come up with someone or I would lose him. In desperation I pulled a name out of the air.
“Joe Savantini?” I squeaked, barely recognizing my own voice. I sounded like a whining school girl.
The deputy did a double take. “Joe Savantini, the boxer?”
My eyes lit up. The oaf had heard of my brother!
“That’s right,” I purred. “My uncle the prosecuting attorney was just telling my brother the boxer there is something important that must be declared at the moment of arrest if you plan to convict in a trial.”
Annie’s teary eyes locked on mine, shouting volumes. She knew me well and knew I was making this up as I went along. I gazed back at her with calm reassurance.
“Something must be declared?” The lawman’s eyes shifted uneasily as he wondered what he had forgotten.
“That’s right. Just because women will be all over you like you are a rock star for making this big arrest doesn’t mean you should get hasty. When you can’t convict you’ll be slammed in the press and made a fool.” I stroked his arm as though admiring his muscles.
He glanced at my hand, and then looked into my eyes and blinked. “Rock star?”
“What’s your name?” I cooed.
“Gordon,” he said sheepishly.
“Gordon, you know how women are. They’ll be following you like groupies when news gets out of this big arrest.” I flashed him a dazzling smile and batted my eyelashes some more. Annie rolled her eyes.
“They will?” He sounded doubtful, yet pleased.
“Sure they will,” I said. “Lots of women.” I glanced toward Annie. She might have been inclined to laugh if she wasn’t sniffling back tears.
“I don’t really know many women,” he confessed. “What was it your uncle was telling Joe Savantini? Damn, he’s a great boxer.”
I smiled. I had the fish on the hook now. All I had to do was reel him in.
“My uncle was saying it’s especially important when it comes to murder charges that you declare all the facts that led up to the arrest.”
The deputy frowned. “That’s what the trial is for.” He pulled Annie’s arm and we all stepped aside a foot to avoid two wedding guests smearing each other with cake frosting.
“But this is a murder trial, Gordon.” I gave a pretty pout. “This is big, and women will be watching you. Make sure you do everything by the book and you’ll be better off.” I paused for effect. “You may even end up with a promotion when this is all over.”
He nodded in agreement. “I better get a promotion outa this.”
“Tell me all the facts, Gordon,” I wheedled. “What led up to you arresting Annie?”
He thought a moment. “She has motive. And so does he.” Gordon jerked his thumb in the direction of Jamie being led away.
“When did the murder occur, Gordon?” I squeezed his bicep once more.
He beamed. “That one’s easy. Last night.”
Annie choked out a gasp. I did a double take and then smiled.
“Gordon, I know without a doubt Annie is innocent,” I declared happily.
He swallowed in confusion. “Why do you say that?”
“Because I was with Annie all last night,” I said, so relieved there would be an easy solution to this whole ridiculous mistake. “It was Annie’s bachelorette party. I’m her alibi.”
His eyes narrowed. “Then maybe I oughta arrest you too.”
I was so intent on forming my response I didn’t notice the silver platter slicing through the air like a Frisbee until it was too late. I glanced toward it just as it cracked into my forehead. And then everything went black.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am very impressed by Awesomegang.com, and I am not just saying that because it is your website! I was very pleased with the well organised and highly detailed email communication I received from you. Thank you for this opportunity to do an interview!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Listen to feedback. The best writing occurs during re-writing. Loosen up and find your own voice. All writers are readers first, so read every day.

And most of all, never give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice on writing I have ever heard is a quote from Stephen Kind in his book, “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.”

“There is a muse, but he’s not going to come fluttering down into your writing room and scatter creative fairy-dust all over your typewriter or computer. He lives in the ground. He’s a basement kind of guy. You have to descend to his level, and once you get down there you have to furnish an apartment for him to live in. You have to do all the grunt labor, in other words, while the muse sits and smokes cigars and admires his bowling trophies and pretends to ignore you. Do you think it’s fair? I think it’s fair. He may not be much to look at, that muse-guy, and he may not be much of a conversationalist, but he’s got inspiration. It’s right that you should do all the work and burn all the mid-night oil, because the guy with the cigar and the little wings has got a bag of magic. There’s stuff in there that can change your life. Believe me, I know.”

This is what I extrapolated from Mr. King’s statement: writing is work. Writer’s often whine about writer’s block, but the muse doesn’t just fall into your lap without some effort on your part. You have to do the grunt work, and dig deep, because ‘The muse is a basement kind of guy.”

What are you reading now?
I just finished “The Bronze Horseman” series by Paullina Simons, which is ‘The Bronze Horseman,” “Tatiana and Alexander,” and ‘The Summer Garden.” It is a sweeping historical romance that begins in Russia during World War II. If you like compelling characters, nail biting suspense, detailed history, and achingly tender love scenes, you will love these books! I give them all five stars. I know I really love a book when I want to read it slowly because I am enjoying it so much, and yet I stay up all night reading because I can’t put the book down.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have more ideas in mind for future books in the Wolf Eye Lighthouse series., and then I plan to visit my first love, which is historical romance. My daughter and I are planning a trip to Ireland, Scotland, and the UK next year and I shall be gathering plot ideas.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That’s a tough one! Please, please, may I keep my Kindle?

Author Websites and Profiles
Terri Lyndie Website
Terri Lyndie Amazon Profile

Terri Lyndie’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have a Ph.D. in English literature from New York University and have published over 20 academic essays, mainly in the fields of nineteenth-century fiction and feminist literary theory. THE LOST CATACOMB is my debut novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My novel, THE LOST CATACOMB, is the fruit of a lifelong fascination with Italy–its rich culture, archaeological heritage, and even its cuisine–and I blended this with my interest in the Holocaust, specifically with respect to what happened to the Jewish community of Rome during World War II.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a full-time academic position which leaves me lots of time to write, especially on the days when I don’t teach. I don’t write during specific hours of the day, but rather, when I am feeling inspired.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love all sorts of fiction, and in my spare time read anything that is well-written with a good plot. I love THE ORACLE OF STAMBOUL–which I even reread a few times– THE PARIS ARCHITECT, Q & A, THE RELUCTANT APPRENTICE, and I adore P. D. James’ mysteries.

What are you working on now?
I’m now writing an historical novel set in France.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ll be pitching my novel at the Jewish Book Council’s “Meet the Author” event at the end of May (2014). I am also setting up a website for the novel, and my publisher–Kitty Bullard at GMTA’s Enigma Press–is also working hard to publicize THE LOST CATACOMB.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in your writing and be persistent.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?

What are you reading now?
LOVE AND TREASURE by Ayelet Waldman.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the novel that I’m currently writing.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
JANE EYRE, THE ORACLE OF STAMBOUL, and FUGITIVE NOTES (Anne Michaels).

Author Websites and Profiles
Shifra Hochberg Website
Shifra Hochberg Amazon Profile

Shifra Hochberg’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in North Dakota and migrated to Florida via New York City many years ago. I completed my education in Florida colleges and universities and embarked on a varied career in clinical, administrative, and academic nursing.

My stories of mystery and suspense feature strong, creative, clever nurses who use all of their skills to help others, confront danger, and stay alive.

Writing pulled at me as a teenager, resulting in pages of sappy poetry. In the mid-nineties, I bought a how-to book about writing a mystery and committed the story burning in my head to paper. It was incredibly bad—a fact that my well-read friends shared with me. After the pain subsided (authors own their words and criticism, while necessary, is painful), I put it in THE DRAWER, joined Mystery Writers of America, and actively pursued the craft.

I’ve written nine manuscripts, eight of which are finished. The ninth one is still in the critique process with my awesome critique group.

My second effort is in THE DRAWER, where it will remain. The third one isn’t as bad, but by the time I had the skills to edit it, the backstory was dated. It is in THE DRAWER.

The first title I published was Illegally Dead. Pendulum Press, Inc. accepted it as an eBook in 2004. At the time, I had no idea that the editor/publisher was contemplating closing the site. She was gracious enough to return my rights along with all the materials she had contributed. I self-published Illegally Dead on Amazon in 2010 and created the CreateSpace paper version 15 months later, firmly logging myself into the ranks of the self-published—which may or may not be a good thing depending on who you ask.

I published Imperfect Contract in 2012 and Imperfect Daddy in 2013. These are the first two titles in my Imperfect Series featuring Sophia Burgess and Ray Stone. the lord, a standalone, went live in January, 2014.

Next up is She Learned to Die, which is a standalone, academic mystery—at least it is set in a college of nursing. It is in its final editing stages, then I’ll begin the conversions for CreateSpace and Kindle. I’ll decide about a publication date after the cover is complete. It will be later this year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
the lord (no caps are intended) in a story about Miki Murphy’s struggle to save her friends and herself from a disturbed killer who stalks his victims in the recesses of the hospital. Miki is the night shift nursing supervisor and is on-duty when the killings occur. The killer, who thinks of himself as the lord, has a list, and Miki is on it.

To me, our culture seems obsessed with the notion that someone is to blame when anything goes wrong. Then that someone needs to be confronted and pay in some fashion for the wrong. When you read the warning labels on just about everything, you can see the depth of the issue. Before the blood dries on the bandage or the body cools in the grave, and the injured party or their family consults a lawyer. Personal responsibility is forgotten, as is the concept the sometimes “stuff” happens.

The media reports horrific events that seem to be the result of the same kind of thinking. A kid is ignored or insulted in school, so he gets a gun and blows other children away. Someone is fired from their job and then returns to the workplace to get even with the boss and former co-workers. You get the point.

I thought: What if something bad happens? What is a disturbed or angry person is effected by the event? What if he then decides healthcare workers are responsible and deserve to pay the price? It’s a dark story, so I decided to set much of it on the night shift.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a plastic desk attached to my treadmill. Sometimes I walk while I write or edit. I’ve discovered I can go about 1.8 mph and still type. Sometimes I step off for a few moments to work on a particular edit.

The practice has nothing to do with writing and everything to do with staying healthy and moving.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first mystery writer I met was Barbara Parker. Though she has since died, she is still the epitome of what a writer should be in my humble opinion.

When I was struggling to find my way in writing, I met her at the Mystery Writers of America booth at the Miami Book Fair. She sold me an autographed copy of one of her books, gave me an MWA brochure, and invited me to the meetings.

I read all of Barbara’s books in the order written. The character development over time made a huge impression on me. I learned that mysteries are not about crime so much as about life, community, and people. The mystery is the vehicle the real story is wrapped in.

Barbara was especially welcoming to new writers, giving of her time and talents to help us evolve.

Other authors who continue to unselfishly help other writers and who have influenced me both by their writing and their mentoring include Elaine Viets, Nancy Cohen, PJ Parrish, Chris Kling, Randy Rawls, Neil Plakcy, Dirk Wyle, Deborah Sharp, and Jeremiah Healy.

What are you working on now?
The first mystery writer I met was Barbara Parker. Though she has since died, she is still the epitome of what a writer should be in my humble opinion.

When I was struggling to find my way in writing, I met her at the Mystery Writers of America booth at the Miami Book Fair. She sold me an autographed copy of one of her books, gave me an MWA brochure, and invited me to the meetings.

I read all of Barbara’s books in the order written. The character development over time made a huge impression on me. I learned that mysteries are not about crime so much as about life, community, and people. The mystery is the vehicle the real story is wrapped in.

Barbara was especially welcoming to new writers, giving of her time and talents to help us evolve.

Other authors who continue to unselfishly help other writers and who have influenced me both by their writing and their mentoring include Elaine Viets, Nancy Cohen, PJ Parrish, Chris Kling, Randy Rawls, Neil Plakcy, Dirk Wyle, Deborah Sharp, and Jeremiah Healy.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I so wish I could answer that. I have a website and a blog, which I’m keeping up as faithfully as possible.

To market the lord I’m trying one web-based service at a time, some paid, some free. I’ll be scheduling Kindle Countdown events as well.

It’s a tough uphill battle for the “little names”. I’ll keep plugging away at it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Three things:

1. Put your butt in the chair and write every day.

2. While you’re figuring out the marketing piece on one book, be working on the next.

3. Have a good, critical critique group. Works toward constructive criticism and leave the accolades for the reviews.

AND,

Don’t quit your day job.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Three things:

1. Put your butt in the chair and write every day.

2. While you’re figuring out the marketing piece on one book, be working on the next.

3. Have a good, critical critique group. Works toward constructive criticism and leave the accolades for the reviews.

AND,

Don’t quit your day job.

What are you reading now?
I read in several genres. Today I’m reading Dying Light by Stuart MacBride. He’s a Scottish author and uses his local dialect. It’s fun to figure out what he means with some of the words.

When the mystery/suspense feels like it is darkening my mood, I switch it up with what I told my son were silly romances—I prefer the historic variety. I also like contemporary/main stream fiction.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My intention is to keep writing, editing, publishing, and marketing. I plan to focus on my Imperfect Series and, maybe, do another standalone or two.

There is an ad on television that says, essentially, retirement is when you pay yourself to do what you want. I want to 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?
The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I’d take the whole series if I could.

Then I’d pick the newest title by P.J. Parrish, Lee Child, Robert Craise, Janet Evanovich, and William Kent Krueger. I love following series characters.

That’s way more than I’m allowed. Can I take my iPad and a really long cord for the charger?

Author Websites and Profiles
Gregg E Brickman Website
Gregg E Brickman Amazon Profile
Gregg E Brickman Author Profile on Smashwords

Gregg E Brickman’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 always been writing ever since being a kid, however I didn’t really finish completing books since I got new ideas before reaching the end. In 2012 I finally did finish my first book and it feels amazing to have finally completed a book. It is called “A callers journey” and is a young adult book. Currently I am working on my second book so lets see how that goes.”
Besides writing I love to read and can be totally obsessed about it reading every free minute I can spare.

Apart from all the reading and writing I like to work out, hang out with friends and just relax.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “A callers journey”. I am inspired by all things magical and mythical. I like to spice up life and give my characters powers that do not exsist in the real world. Ever since being young I would’ve loved to have special powers and be responsible for the worlds safety. Of course I cannot do that in real life so I incorporate that in my stories.
My real inspiration came from a book series by Amanda Hocking (Trylle) and the ease with which she wrote the books, becoming one with the characters as a reader is what I want to accomplish as well.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I just go with the flow and get a little too obsessed sometimes, reacting grumpy but I guess that is sort of normal. Apart from that I don’t think I have any unusual writing habits.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Amanda Hocking, H.M. Ward, Alyson Noel and P.C. & Kristen Cast are the main authors that inspired me to write the genre I am writing now.
Though I also must admit that the Longaliers from Stephen King is and will remain the best book ever written, but I figured out I am not one for suspense writing.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a dreamwalkers book. It is still in the early stages so I cannot comment too much about it, but it is a new type of magical power that will have a complete war fought out in other peoples dreams. Can’t wait to finish it!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads, but I just stared so I am still looking into finding the right way to promote my book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing. Don’t start out wanting to get your sentences on the paper in perfection. Write, get into the zone you can always alter parts later but if you cannot get into the zone your book will never reach completion. So my advice is just keep writing until it feels right.
And above all write for yourself, not to become a famous author but because it fullfils a need for yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write for yourself not because you want to become a millionair.

What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading Demon Kissed by H.M. War so far I am loving every bit of it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully a new book coming out this year and that many will enjoy reading my stories. Either way I will continue to write stories and try to express myself through books and keep promoting my work through various channels.

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 Longaliers by Stephen King
And the Trylle series by Amanda Hocking. (3 books)

MH Deven’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile