Awesome Author Interviews

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?
I’m currently working on three separate projects. The She Learned to Die manuscript is complete pending final minor edits. Then I’ll need to write the forward and cover copy, do the conversions for CreateSpace and Kindle, and get with Victoria Landis, who does all my fabulous covers.

Until it Bleeds: A Tony Conte Mystery is a sequel to Illegally Dead. Currently, my critique group is commenting on one chapter every two weeks. We are about two-thirds of the way through that manuscript. Then I’ll need to let it set for awhile, then read and edit again, before sending it on for final edits, etc.

Imperfect Obsession, the third title in the Imperfect Series: Sophia Burgess and Ray Stone Mysteries, is forming in my head. I’ve set up a storyboard—preliminary to outlining—and have added a few notes. I’ve got the overall concept, and now need to work on the details.

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 Cold Storage, Alaska by John Straley.

Next will be Private L.A. by James Patterson. (We went to a signing, and my husband and I each got a signed book. See my blog for the details.)

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 am a poet. My first book is called Bitter Melon (Mahaicony Books, 2013). I was born in Guyana and raised in Brooklyn, NY. I have been writing since I was a child. I remember writing a poem in the 6th grade and my teacher was so impressed by it that she posted it outside the classroom’s door so that people passing by could read it.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Bitter Melon is a vegetable eaten around the world but primarily in Asia and South America. As the name indicates, this vegetable is bitter and can be difficult to eat. However, in preparing Bitter Melon, putting the right spices can make the meal more edible. In the book, I use the vegetable as an analogy of life. Life too can be bitter. However, it is what you do with the bitter-ness of life that can really drive you to move on with life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing is influenced by the books I read. There was a point in my life where I mimicked the writing style of writers that I admire. However, I have learned that it is more important to develop my own voice so as to be the best writer possible. Maybe I am not answering your question directly but I try to do anything to stay true to my voice while writing. In this way, I feel that the reader would be able to connect with me in a honest way.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first book that really impressed me was Don Quioxte by Cervantes. I read it in the 11th grade and was drawn by the humor, imagery, and crisp writing of the author. This title turned me on to other classics such as the work of Dostoevsky: Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov. I believe that everyone should read Kafka’s Trial, simply for its existentialism. Toni Morrison remains one of my favorite writers. I’ve read many of her books but if I had to choose one it would be Song of Solomon. It offer a window into African American culture and the forces that, unfortunately, arise to destroy this culture. I do read poetry too but there are so many poets that influence my work; it becomes difficult to choose among them. What I do like, however, is discovering new poets. One such poet is the Indian-Welsh writer Tishani Doshi. Her book Everything Begins Elsewhere came into my life at a time I needed to read something that articulated how I was feeling.

What are you working on now?
I am always working on something new. I am sitting on three completed manuscripts (two poetry, and a short story collection). I’ve started working on personal essays and social criticism writing. These formats help me expand the reach of my skills as a writer. In other words, they push me in the direction I feel I am destined to go and that is being the best at what I do as a wordsmith.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is a tough question because I am finding out that the toughest thing in producing a book is promoting it. My mother has a lot of friends so she has been helpful in putting my book in the world. Thanks, mom!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I always tell new writers to keep writing. It’s the same advice I give myself everyday. Sometimes the easiest thing you can do is stop what you are doing. But you have to keep moving. Life is waiting to be captured by your words. So, keep writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It is important to surround yourself with fellow writers. I have met so many writers who do not see me as a competitor but as a comrade. Producing art can be a lonely endeavor that is why it’s important to go out and mingle with like-minded artist, and push each other along.

What are you reading now?
I have a practice of only reading one book at time. I think it has to do with my view of a book as an organic entity and I like to give that entity all my attention when reading it. Right now I am devouring The God of Small Things by the talented Arundhati Roy.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to keep publishing my work. I want to travel, see the world, and write about it.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1.Go Tell it on the Mountain, James Baldwin 2. Sent for you Yesterday, John Edgar Wideman 3. Love, Anger, Madness by Marie Vieux-Chauvet

Author Websites and Profiles
Elvis Alves Website
Elvis Alves Amazon Profile

Elvis Alves’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Nigerian born I.T Consultant seriously flirting with writing fulltime. The Galadima Conspiracy is my first published work.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book The Galadima Conspiracy was actually inspired by the last days of late Nigerian President Musa Yaradua who left his office and was no seen by anybody for several months until his death. During his absence, Nigeria was left without a leader and numerous rumors about what was actually going on filled the airwaves and the papers. Everything seemed so surreal and I thought it made the perfect plot for an espionage thriller.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say I have any unusual writing habits. I keep a hard cover note book that I try to carry with me everywhere. I scribble gibberish that only me can understand into it and then I later put it in my computer translating it to actual English.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of my biggest influences has to be Sidney Sheldon. I have tried to emulate his writing style as much as possible. More recently, James Patterson and Vince Flynn have also been great inspirations. When writing, I like to take breaks and read Flynn allover again to ensure I’m keeping things close.

What are you working on now?
Strangely, I’m working on two books simultaneously (there is an interesting story there). I’m working more on Givens though which would be the second outing for Leah Givens (the lead character from The Galadima Conspiracy).

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads has been really wonderful. I only just got into it and I’ve already met so many wonderful people on it. People willing to help, read, advice and support. I do a bit of Twitter but I must admit, I don’t get it completely. Facebook not so much because with Facebook, I’m usually limited to my friends and their friends and many of them are not into books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t sleep on promotion. Give your book to mentors and find out what they think. And when you d start selling, be sure to reply as many fanmails as possible.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My mother’s advice to give up everything and write fulltime. I have not done that just yet, but regadless of all the advice about writing and promoting and selling. I wouldn’t be writing if it wasn’t for my mother.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading The XI Hour by C.M Okonkwo. I’m also reading Lowlifes by Simon Wood and Forced Move by Mel LeBraun. Three books at once? Yeah. And I’d finish them all this weekend.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Completing Givens and then Yahooligans and The Revival.

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’d have to be books I wouldn’t get tired reading. One would have to be The Bible. Then The Red President by Martin Gross. I’d have to take the entire Alex Cross series as well.

Author Websites and Profiles
Dan Abubakar Website
Dan Abubakar Amazon Profile

Dan Abubakar’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Gerber baby, being born in Fremont, Michigan, home of Gerber Baby Foods, but I live in Madison, Wisconsin now. A place described as 77 Square miles surrounded by reality.

I wanted to be the greatest motorcycle racer in the world until reality set in. After all that, I wrote a piece for a bike magazine and they paid me for it. I was in love with two vixens, writing and greed. I took greed and went into business long enough to meet my creditors and their hate mail.

911 reminded me we are mortal and why the hell am I doing this. I went back to the other vixen and wrote a book. Many times. Same book, just again and again. I learned the craft and get hate mail from my friends now.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I despised writing until I mastered patience. That took 35 years and spell-check. My mind races ahead of my keyboard and splinters into a dozen pathways as I type this. Once I learned how to stay on target, writing became magical. The pure power of creation is why I write. I don’t know what will happen next until it falls out of my mind.
And just before that happens, this wonderful feeling of pleasure fills your being and then reveals itself; each scene a new discovery. Who inspires me? The list is long and crosses over to music. Jim Croce is an early influence. His use of emotion, delivered in written form is pure genius.

What was the question? Oh yeah, and my book title is At First Light. It was born of a single incident when a jet airliner flew over me while I was going to work, and I wondered where those people were going.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in public places such as coffee houses, or the Union on the campus of UW. I put on my iPod and I observe. The creativity flows like hot butter.
All my plots come from observing people. Many times a small scene plays out on the street between two people, and I read the subtle signs of who they are, a gesture, a gust of wind, a look; and my imagination runs and runs, playing out the entire scene in micro-seconds. Then I apply that emotion into the scene or plot that I need.

Is that unusual? Yes and creepy.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jack London and Robert Lewis Stevenson for pure adventure writing, Jim Croce for writing emotion with the use of the written word.
Steven King and Eric Jerome Dickey for characters who blossom upon the page so bright you must send them Christmas cards. David Westheimer for pure storytelling chops that is the magic of books. I will stop here before we have to cut down another tree, but the list is long.

What are you working on now?
We vacationed in Hawaii and I was unprepared fro the beauty of the place.
So I set my next novel there.
A widowed jewelery store clerk sends her last child to college. She sells her house and moves to Hawaii to begin the life she never had. She lives her dream of collecting sea glass and designing jewelery.
That’s when things go bad.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth, reviews and sites like Awesomegang!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Dream it, and envision it, and wish until it hurts. The best advice is persistence, and the will to become better each day. Never stop until you love the story and are proud of it a year after you forgot all about it. Then it is ready, and you are a writer.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Balance, Grasshopper. Balance

What are you reading now?
Duma Key by Steven King. It’s really good.

Go ahead, ask me about my favirote book.

That’s a Tough call. I can argue for a half dozen but because you backed me into a corner and held a knife to my throat; Jack London’s The Sea Wolf.
The protagonist is alone in a world where every person lords over him and he pays the price with pain and frustration, beautifully displayed with London’s pen. Awash in a ship where he has no skills among hard men, he flourishes through guts and a great mind.
And the will to survive as he dominates all on his pathway of destruction with one of the great antagonists of the written word; London’s Captain Wolf Larson.

What’s next for you as a writer?
write-rinse-repeat

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?
Jack London, Ernest Hemingway and Jack Kerouac just to hear the embellished stories that poured from them; stories spiced with a beautiful mind.
Okay, that’s the writers I want to meet.
Books, that’s a hard call.

The Sea Wolf by Jack London

The Other Woman by Eric Jerone Dickey

Beautiful Joe by Margaret Marshall Saunders. A YA book long before it was a genre. The story of an abused dog who overcomes his trials and spreads his love to all in his triumph.

Song of the Young Sentry by David Westheimer

Author Websites and Profiles
Spike Pedersen Website
Spike Pedersen Amazon Profile

Spike Pedersen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in New Haven, CT and raised in a small suburb on the coast in CT. I was raised by two great parents in a Polish household with a blended American culture. After getting my undergraduate degree at Franklin Pierce University in Psychology I traveled to Texas for my first job! I ended up getting a Master’s degree is Sport Psychology instead. I met my husband and we are both huge Red Raiders (get your guns up!!). We then moved to North Carolina where we have lived for seven years. I work at a local University and in March of 2014 I successfully defended my doctoral dissertation from North Carolina State University!

I always loved writing but thought it was a hobby and then in the summer of 2014 I had this story I couldn’t get out of my head and Safe & Sound was created. It is my first novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My novel is titled Safe & Sound. It was inspired by several things. It first started with a morbid conversation my husband and I had when making our wills. People live so much longer than previous years and life is so unexpected, so what happens if one of us died, what does the other spouse do then? At such an early age?

Then we went on vacation in the summer of 2013 to Oak Island, North Carolina and I feel in love with the town and the setting and I knew that the story running around in my head was gonna be set there. When we got home from vacation, I couldn’t sleep one night and I finally decided to do it. I sat down and pen words on the page and it just flowed from there.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to listen to music when I write, it helps me focus. I know it’s been a good day if I put on my playlist and then I don’t remember any of the songs playing. I know that sounds silly but then I know I blocked out everything and focused on my writing. I also like to write in a darkly lit room, then I don’t feel like I’m missing out on the day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read so much as a kid. My mom couldn’t get books in my hands fast enough. That slowed down a little as I went through college and graduate school (I’m really looking forward to free reading again!). But my fondest memory is as a kid, I belonged to a monthly book club that would send you books every month. Every month I would get a new Babysitter Club book by Ann. M Martin. It was the love of reading that influenced me in wanting to be a writer.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a new story about a women and her daughter Hayden Grace who is trying to become a professional snowboarder and the unexpected encounters along the way.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I work with a great social media specialist Caitlin from Royal Social Media. She is phenomenal in helping me with outreach on social media and other mediums. We can collaborate on ideas on promoting the book or specific giveaways. It has been an invaluable relationship to me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
YES! I have several actually…it’s sometimes scary to put yourself out there but you have to do it. There will be criticism but that is part of the job and using that criticism to grow as a writer and professional is a great experience. BUT and this is a big but, don’t let that criticism get in your head when you write. It’s a balancing act and you need to navigate it carefully.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write something you would want to read.

What are you reading now?
At the moment I am in between books. I just finished John Green’s Looking for Alaska.

What’s next for you as a writer?
There is always the next book and the one after that. As a writer I find myself always thinking 3 or 4 books ahead.

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?
A Discover of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Wicked by Gregory Maguire
AND
some type of survival manual to help me survive 🙂

Author Websites and Profiles
TS Krupa Website
TS Krupa Amazon Profile

TS Krupa’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written 12 romance novelettes and novellas. I’ve lived in Wyoming, USA and love indulging in gourmet chocolate.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Cowboy’s Runaway Bride (BBW Romance – Billionaire Brothers 1)

I enjoyed writing about cowboys in my Coldwater Springs series and wanted to write about more!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No. Does that make me boring? 😉

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jayne Ann Krentz. I adore her books. I discovered some of her early books at my local library and scoured second hand bookshops and markets until I had all her category romances apart from a few elusive McFaddens.

I also enjoy reading Victoria Laurie, JS Scott, Storm Chase and Lucinda Elliott.

What are you working on now?
The Tycoon’s Reluctant Bride (BBW Romance – Billionaire Brothers 2)

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t done much promotion yet, but I enjoy doing a release day blitz with The Book Enthusiast or My Family’s Heart Reviews.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you want to write. Don’t give up!

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

What are you reading now?
Fantasy Heights Season One by Meg Silver

What’s next for you as a writer?
The sequel to my first BBW book, BBW Needs Hot Sex will be out in early April. Then The Tycoon’s Reluctant Bride (BBW Romance – Billionaire Brothers 2) will be out early May.

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 latest Jayne Ann Krentz, Victoria Laurie and JS Scott’s vampire boxed set.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jenn Roseton Website
Jenn Roseton Amazon Profile

Jenn Roseton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I wrote my first book when I was 17. I enjoyed it so much that I wrote another book about a year later. Over the following years, I wrote three more books and started two. But, through it all, I hadn’t quite found my voice as an author. It wasn’t until my latest book, “The Man of Nightstone” that I felt like I actually got it right. I finally feel like I know what I’m doing when writing a book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Man of Nightstone” was mostly inspired by my love of martial arts. Studying kung-fu has sent me on several journeys and adventures and taught me a great deal about fighting, people, life, and myself. I’ve used this book to combine my love my kung-fu with my love of writing into a story and a cast of characters that I had a lot of fun writing.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I wrote my first book, years ago, I was confined to the desktop computer in my home. Now, with a laptop, I feel like I can write anywhere. I’ve written in various public places. So an unusual habit would be that I’m always looking for another change of scenery. Also, I’m always listening to music while I write. I’ve had that habit for as long as I’ve been writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jim Butcher’s “Dresden Files” have had the greatest influence on my writing. In second place would the epic novel “Musashi” by Eiji Yoshikawa. But almost everything I read has some influence or effect on me. So I must also include Patrick Rothfuss, William Gibson, Albert Camus, Bill Watterson, George Carlin, and last but not least Kahlil Gibran.

What are you working on now?
A series of short stories about a character named Doctor Madangel. He lives in the world of “The Man of Nightstone” but does not appear in the book. And I am also working on the next book in the Nightstone Saga, which I’m planning on being an eight book series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now, I’m trying everything that I can try. I still feel kind of new to this game, so I can’t say for sure which is the best.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep working on your craft. Keep studying your craft. Don’t be afraid to have your work nit-picked for every single little thing that might be wrong with it. Keep asking yourself “How is my work different?” and “How am I going to stand out?” That’s my way of saying, “keep writing.”

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“When in doubt, err on the side of doing something.” A great bit of advice from my Sifu.

What are you reading now?
Some of the original Conan short stories by Robert E. Howard.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan on writing for as long as I’m alive. So what’s next for me is always the same: more writing. If I love the characters I’m writing, I’m going to keep writing them. But my mind is always open for some new ones to come along and surprise me.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well, I’d probably pass the time doing lots of kung-fu. So, I’d want some of my favorite books on the subject of martial arts. “Ving Tsun Kuen Kuit” by Moy Yat & C.N. Kwong, “The Art of War” by Sun-Tzu, and “The Book of Five Rings” by Miyamoto Musashi.

Author Websites and Profiles
Devon Drake Website
Devon Drake Author Profile on Smashwords

Devon Drake’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a father of four, an avid reader of anything I can get my hands on and a lover of music. I have been appreciating art in general for a very long time. Music and literature are an integral part of who I am. If I could write and play guitar and sing all at the same time I think I would be in heaven. In regard to what I have written: one completed and published work (angel paranormal romance, From Heaven to Earth) and two novels that are nearing final editing stages. (From Earth to Hell, From Heaven to Earth’s sequel and Rebirth, the introductory novel for a YA series called, Lailia.)

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
From Heaven to Earth and its series, The Faith of the Fallen, was inspired by my religious upbringing, world religions, various mythologies and theogonies, anime, a lot of Tool and Mars Volta and my imagination which synthesized it all together.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to have music on when I’m writing. Sometimes I get so into a groove with a song that I will be dancing with my eyes closed and typing rapidly. Those are the times when I know what I’m writing is working and coming together. Everything feels like it is coalescing into something palpable and beautiful to behold.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman were the first fantasy authors I really got into. I had read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by the end of third grade, but I never really appreciated the epic scope of that story until I re-read the series later. I would say fantasy in general has influenced me in ways that make me see things differently, like there could always be an adventure around the corner. This doesn’t mean necessarily that it will be a completely joyous thing. It could be a terrible conflict, an accident, or someone who just doesn’t want you to succeed but its all in the way you look at it. Everything offers you a chance to grow and learn something. Even the things that change you for the worst can be used in a positive, conducive way. I’m not sure if its a cliché or an axiom at this point, but I do think everything does occur for some kind of reason. It is up to us to discern that. Cormac McCarthy has influenced the way I write quite a bit. His minimalist style is very inspiring. I envy his ability to be precise and meticulous, using only exactly what he needs to get a concept or description expressed, yet the feeling of empathy and the visceral potency is not sacrificed. Recently Neil Gaiman has really inspired me, not only because of his versatile set of works in cinema and prose, but because of how he began his career and grew from it. Indie authors have been inspiring me as well since I became a part of the community last year: Henry Martin and his Mad Days of Me series is excellent literary work, Sam Astbury’s Cloud Storage has fantastic stream of consciousness first person prose, Mark Laporta’s Heart of Earth is the first indie sci-fi I have read and I was most impressed with it, and MC Webb’s Fade to Black was a well written harrowing thriller. I have found that great Indie writers have a lot of heart and passion which I can identify with readily.

What are you working on now?
Currently I am trying to polish the introductory novel of my YA paranormal romance series, Lailia. It tells the story of fourteen year old Zarah Cloud, the descendant of a ancient native American people that settled in Illinois and mysteriously disappeared in 1300 AD. She finds her heritage more of a curse than a blessing when an ancient evil awakes and harasses her to the point of insanity. Feeding off her fear makes it stronger still, and she must somehow find a way to drive it back to slumber before it gains enough power to fulfill its wish: to terrorize humankind and become a god of malice through their fear. It is a novel that explores aspects of the ancient Cahokian culture and is inspired by a blend of shamanism, Native American culture and early civilization mythology.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now I am trying to balance my PR aspect with everything else that is going on, but goodreads has been my cornerstone. There are numerous groups that allow you to post your work and offer it up for reviews, interviews and other promotional opportunities. I would highly recommend it for any new indie author or poet who is trying to better their work or find an audience.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let anyone say you can’t do it. Keep going. Sometimes it takes a very long while before your work is in publishing shape, and no one is going to do that work except for you. Even if you write/edit a page a day, by the end of the year you will have a finished draft. Whether it is your first draft or one of your final edits; the feeling of accomplishment as your printer prints off your novel is almost indescribable. When you get there savor it, and resist the urge to further the editing process for a few days. Take your time and enjoy the writing process.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That the most important thing to do is believe in what you’re writing and then make other people feel that belief through your writing.

What are you reading now?
I am reading Kojiki by Keith Yatsuhashi and American Gods and The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am continuing PR work for From Heaven to Earth and trying to get Rebirth ready for its debut. I am working on a review blog to try to give Indie authors that need exposure a chance to get some reviews and criticism for their work. A little criticism, whether negative or positive, goes a very long way in helping writers polish their 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?
The Road by Cormac McCarthy

An island survival guide : P

Dragonlance: Legends (a little piece of nostalgia to comfort me)

Lord of the Rings in one volume or The Hobbit (because it will remind me of my family)

Author Websites and Profiles
Sherrod Wall Website
Sherrod Wall Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, I’ve written at least nine full-length novels plus novella bits and pieces. The real question should be: how many novels have you completed. You know the editing and revising process. That’s basic one. “There Be Demons”which will be coming out this summer [2014] from The Grumpy Dragon.

I started out as a young writer, got side-tracked by life, and was pulled back into writing when I worked at a weekly paper when I started writing short features, which I then sold multiple times to print magazines. But the publishing world has changed and those markets no longer exist.

Now I write fantasy since it amuses me. I concentrate on two basic worlds at the moment: the Far Isles Half-Eleven who are more grumpy than noble and Andor where the demons roam.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“There Be Demons”, my coming book–since most of what I’ve published have been novellas and short stories to build my “author platform”. The book was inspired by a short story I wrote — “Night for the Gargoyles”, which was published by the British ezine, Spectra Magazine in 2010. Only I was intrigued by Britt Kelly who was a secondary character in the story. [ Night for the Gargoyles is available free on Smashwords in a variety of ereader formats https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/365506 ]

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a seat-of-the-pants writer who’s trying to convert to an outline–or maybe summary–writer. My worse habit is to start playing Mahjong when I get stuck.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to count. In fact, I think every book I read influences me–either by doing something extremely well or by showing me what not to do. I named my blog Lessons from my reading based on that observation.

Some authors who influenced me early were A. Merrit and Andre Norton. Others Catherine [C. L.] Moore, Leigh Brackett, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Anne McCaffrey, Nora Lofts, Lee Child, Jane Haddam, and Sharyn McCrumb…just to name a few.

What are you working on now?
I’m cleaning up and reorganizing my files and folders while I wait for “There Be Demons” to come out. Basically, I’m rewriting some short stories to fit into the world of Andor plus I have a couple of novellas to complete in my Far Isles Half-Elven world.

When that’s done, I’ll start on the second book of a Britt trilogy. It’s basically a bunch of disjointed ideas in rough chapter sequence. All telling.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
None. I don’t seem to have much luck with marketing if marketing is supposed to equate with sales.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up, even if the novel you’re working now is crap. The fourth idea you turn into a novel might be the one where your imagination and your grasp of the writing craft coalesce.

The converse of that advice: write, write, and write some more, and never throw away an idea or partial. You never know when it might come in handy in the future.

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

What are you reading now?
Veronica Roth’s Divergent

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing “Lost at the Crossings”, the second Britt Kelly book. After I finish the sequel to “Troublesome Neighbors”, “Black Tail’s War”.

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?
A thesaurus and a dictionary, plus a case of notebooks with pencils and erasers.

Author Websites and Profiles
M. K. Theodoratus Website
M. K. Theodoratus Amazon Profile
M. K. Theodoratus Author Profile on Smashwords

M. K. Theodoratus’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My debut novel, What Hides Within, a mystery/horror blend, was published by Double Dragon Publishing last year. It is an EPIC finalist in “horror,” was named runner-up in the “Best Horror” category in eFestival’s Independent eBook competition and has been named to several “Best of 2013” lists for horror. I have several short stories in the works, due to be published this year and next. I am also finalizing three novels and hope to have them completed in the near future.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’ve always been fascinated by spiders, but like most people, I don’t want them crawling all over me, much less living in my ear. I read a news story about a kid who went to his doctor for an earache only to find a spider had made a home inside his ear canal. Apparently, it happens, and it’s gross, but there’s nothing inherently evil about it. But I started thinking–what if that spider had a more sinister agenda than trying to solve its housing dilemma? My imagination took off from there, and several years later, What Hides Within is published.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do all my first drafts with pen and paper. My first drafts tend to be overly detailed outlines, and when I type them up, they change greatly. So I feel if I go right to a computer, I would be skipping a crucial step in my process.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
While I’d like to think everything I write is 100% unique right down to the last word, parts of What Hides Within have been compared to just about everyone from King to Kubrick (okay, so “Ki” to “Ku” isn’t that broad of a range). While these comparisons are awesome and, admittedly, undeserved, they probably go more toward the content of What Hides Within than its style.

What are you working on now?
I have quite a few short stories due out in anthologies next year. Beyond that, I have three novels at various stages of development, one science fiction thriller and two horror/thrillers. It’s too early to tell which one will be released next. And if my readers want it, perhaps my favorite spider will return.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Getting reviews, I suppose. I don’t come from a marketing background and am still learning the ropes.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’m still learning the business myself, but I would advise them to seek out other aspiring authors to form read and review groups and get all the constructive criticism they can. If one’s goal is to be a bestseller, he/she will likely need the right agent and a Big 6 publisher. If one’s goals are more modest, there are plenty of small presses, often genre specific, that are interested in seeing work from new authors.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t quit.

What are you reading now?
The Waste Lands by Stephen King. I am a little behind on the Dark Tower series. Just a little…

What’s next for you as a writer?
Who knows? I am taking it one day at a time, though I hope to still be writing well into 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?
The Stand, The Road, The Complete Works of Edgar Allen Poe, and Green Eggs and Ham to keep me from killing myself after reading the first three books.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jason Parent Website
Jason Parent Amazon Profile

Jason Parent’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written five books on human resources topics, but my most recent book is a real departure. The title is On Your Mark: From First Word to First Draft in Six Weeks, and offers practical tips and ideas for professionals who want to write a nonfiction book as a tool to promote their business, boost their career, or to leave a legacy.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is On Your Mark: From First Word to First Draft in Six Weeks, and was written in less than six weeks (of course!). At the time I was wrapping up employment with a HR consulting firm (a 40+ hour a week job), developing the business plan for my new business (another 40+ hour a week job), and writing the book. Yes, a book can be written in six weeks when you follow a strict process (and deny yourself a life during that time!).

How I came to write the book was a result of receiving a call from the National Speakers Association chapter president, who asked me if I had truly written a book in less than six weeks. I told him that I had in fact written four of my five books in less than six weeks.

“Would you be willing to speak to our chapter on how you did that?”

“I would be delighted!”

“But wait, there’s a catch,” he said. “Would you be willing to coach two of our members and then give a panel presentation about the process at the end of the six weeks?”

“You had me at ‘give a presentation,’ but now I’m totally hooked!” I responded.

So, I coached two of our chapter members, and during the process they said, “You could do this for a living, you know.”

And, after giving the presentation to an enthusiastic crowd and many of them suggesting I could/should do this for a living, I decided to embark on this new career direction.

In developing my business plan, I realized that the key to this business plan was to write the book on how to write a book in six weeks, and to do it in six weeks. I now have a new business, coaching professionals on how to write their books as a tool to build their businesses or boost their careers.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure I would say that I have unusual writing habits, although I would say I am very disciplined. I schedule writing time on my calendar, and use a project planning process to get it all done within my time frame. I also don’t write conventionally–that is, I don’t start with chapter one, then move to chapter 2, and so on. I start with the chapter or point that is easiest to write, then move to the next easiest section, and so on. I also work very closely with my outline that I’ve detailed in advance of writing the first word.

I also love working with a coauthor. On Your Mark is coauthored with my nephew, Kevin Williamson, who is a brilliant writer. My third book was coauthored with my mother, Anne Dorton, and a book I’m working on now is coauthored with Lyle Sussman and Kevin Williamson. I like working collaboratively, and find that my creative juices flow much better when I’m working as a coauthor (it also suits my tendency toward extroversion!).

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Stephen King’s On Writing. My favorite business book is David Rock’s Your Brain At Work. In addition to reading business books, I love fiction, and read voraciously when on vacation.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a business parable that I began with another coauthor eight years ago. We’ve introduced another coauthor into the mix, and we’re excited about moving forward with this project.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It’s been seven years since my last published book, so the playing field is very different now. My coauthor Kevin Williamson has built a stellar website for our book, and we’re both exploring our blog as a means to reach more people. I’m also becoming more savvy with social media, and have been promoting our book via LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. I have a lot to learn, and am eager to figure out the best strategy.

I’m going to throw a virtual book launch party (in addition to a “live” party in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky), and offer a way for my out-of-town friends, colleagues, clients, and prospects to join in the fun. The virtual party will be given via webinar, and will feature a behind-the scenes interview with the authors, a guest book (Like our Facebook pages), and party favors (download a bookmark!). I will also offer this virtual party as a graduation gift for any of my coaching clients who go on to write and publish their books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I actually have a lot of advice, but once the book is written, it is time to celebrate your success with your friends, family, and author friends.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write, write, write! Develop daily writing habits. Don’t try to write and edit at the same time. Picture your reader and talk to that person. Figure out your purpose for writing well before you write the first page.

What are you reading now?
I’m not! I’m trying to get my book out there!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on my next book project, coauthored with Lyle Sussman and Kevin Williamson.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d take my reader loaded up with as many books as I could!

Author Websites and Profiles
Cathy Fyock Website

Cathy Fyock’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Since my late teens, all I wanted to do was to write intense, fast, action-packed novels. I just had all these action scenes, and plot twists flashing into my mind, and I really wanted to share them! At that stage I was haunted with doubt. Did what I want to write make sense? Was it possible? Did it ‘feel’ real? They were real concerns for me. So I put the pen down, and knowing to my bones that being a novelist was my destiny, and set out to live the experiences I wanted to write about. I learned how to fight, and fight well, I travelled to places like Kazakhstan, Russia, throughout Europe and into South East Asia on my own, couch surfing, pretending that I was a character in my books. I wanted to know what it ‘felt’ like to be lost, alone, afraid. I pretended I was being hunted, that I was hunting someone.. and so on. It was a very significant time. Back in Sydney, I became a Private Investigator, specialising in surveillance. I learnt how to follow someone, how to avoid being detected, and how to run like hell when I did get caught! Then, wanting to hone my craft, I started working as a ghost writer, and did that for a few years before I felt ready to put my name to anything officially. It just seemed that everything I was doing was leading me toward being genuine and honest in my writing. In 2012 it was time, and ‘Against the Clock’ was born.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called ‘Against the Clock’. The inspiration for the title was simple, yet complicated. I’m not sure anymore about the chronology of my thoughts, but I wanted a title which epitomised the fast pace, and timed intervals between each sub-chapter. I also wanted to create a sense of urgency with time counting down/running out, as well as the logistical aspect the clock takes on in the Prologue and Epilogue. Over all, I’m very happy with the depth and multiple meanings the title has taken on.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really sure if they’re unusual… my writing habits are definitely seasonal! Or more accurately ‘Climate’ controlled.

In winter I love to write from my car. I take my laptop, thermos with black coffee, a bag of liquorice assortment lollies and my laptop, and head off to whatever lake, river or park strikes my fancy, and write!

In spring and autumn, I tend to do the same thing, except I have a foldable deck chair in boot, and sit outside under the shade of a tree, and write.

In summer, I stay at home, crank the air-conditioning as cold as it can get, have a pot of coffee on, rice crackers and write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robert Ludlum for sure. Especially in the earlier days. More recently Vince Flynn is definitely one of my bigger writing heroes. There are other writers like Andrew Peterson, Matthew Reilly and David Baldacci who also have a place in my ‘influenced me’ basket.

What are you working on now?
I’m working the sequel to ‘Against the Clock’ aptly called ‘When the clock stops’, and also working on the graphic novel adaptation/version of the prequel to Against the Clock. That is proving to be a great deal of fun.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think I’m far from being a marketing expert. At the moment, I am relying very heavily on word of mouth and the quality of my book to promote people spreading the word. I am also involved with my readers, and potential readers through social media. I’m working on the principle, that by giving something of value, and remaining approachable and genuine, my work will sell itself. Can you tell my marketing skills need major work? haha.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes! The same advice I was given, and live by..

Write! And keep writing!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write! And keep writing!

It’s a philosophy I take into every moment of my writing. Stuck for the next part of the book, not sure what to write, don’t feel like writing, etc etc. I think it was David Morrell who once said, it’s okay to edit what you’ve written if you don’t like it, but it’s hard to edit nothing.

What are you reading now?
I tend not to read any books while I’m writing. I have ‘Rafa’ on my Kindle for the next book I’ll read. I was really excited to read the next Mitch Rapp book from Vince, but his untimely death has put a stop to that..

What’s next for you as a writer?
Once the ‘Clock/Shirin Reyes’ series is complete, I’m looking at co-writing a more sombre based-on-real-events story. Otherwise I plan to continue to write kick-ass, deadly, action-packed, thrill-ride novels!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. The Parsifal Mosaic – Robert Ludlum

2. American Assassin – Vince Flynn

3. Lightning – Dean Koontz

Author Websites and Profiles
charlie moore Website
charlie moore Amazon Profile

charlie moore’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve probably written about ten books over my life, but only recently am I doing much to get them in front of readers. I live in Seattle and work developing content for websites. My early dream was to be a writer, but I lost sight of that for a while and contented myself with editing other people’s writing instead. Eventually the itch came back and I decided to just write the sort of stuff that I have fun reading. Back in the day I studied ancient religion, so the books I write are likely to include a lot of history, religion, and the more mundane details of being a humanities graduate student.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Chimera was inspired by Dan Brown’s work. I’ve read some of his stuff and enjoyed the movies, and one day it occurred to me that he’s always packing his novels with the stuff I learned about in school. I decided to see if I could do it, too: write something that has historical elements without being tedious and pedantic with all the detail.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m compulsively organized so I plan out everything to the last detail. Before I write a word I’ve charted the entire novel, named the characters, captured pictures of the characters and the locations, and so on. So when you hear about writers who just listen to their characters and allow the stories to take shape as they write? Yeah, that’s not me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a compulsive reader so there are more so many people who have influenced me. I remember several years ago being influenced by Guy Kay and the way he worked actual history into a fantasy setting. And of course there’s Dan Brown, who manages to take aspects of religion and history and work them into fast-paced, entertaining stories. I’ve never dreamed of writing great literature, I just want to write a fun read, and so my strongest inspirations are the men and women who do just that.

What are you working on now?
I’m taking notes on a few different books that I will probably write some day, and meanwhile waiting for the inspiration that will seed the follow-up to Chimera.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring that out. I’m new to Kindleboards, but I think that might be a great resource, and I’m also thinking about what I can do with my author profile page on Amazon (which as of writing this doesn’t exist yet). When it comes to publishing ebooks, the writing is the easy part. Connecting with readers is the challenge, and I’m still getting my head around that.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write lots of books. Get them in front of readers as quickly as you can. Write what you love, rather than what you think might sell. Don’t read the reviews—the good ones will make you complacent, and the bad ones will get inside your head.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The only person on this earth who you want to please is yourself.

What are you reading now?
What am I not reading, is the question?

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books! As many as I can churn out.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d bring my iPad with a solar charger, so that I could download new books as needed.

David Kaine’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing paranormal and romance novels in secret for years, and in 2013 I took a big step and started publishing the Dark Caster series. I’ve now written and published five novels, two in the Dark Caster series and three in the Red Plague trilogy.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I wrote and published all three of the Red Plague novels at the same time. After reading Warm Bodies (and watching the really sweet film) I tried to find romantic zombie novels, but couldn’t find any I liked. So, frustrated, I wrote my own zombie adventure. I’m very proud of the Red Plague series and excited to share it with readers.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write anywhere and everywhere I can. Since I’m a wife and mother I don’t always have time to write in a home office, so I type stories on the sidelines of soccer practice, in the waiting room of the dentist, or during my lunch break at work.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite books to read and gritty (and sometimes funny) paranormal romances, so I read J.R. Ward, Kresley Cole, and Patricia Briggs. But I also love regency historical romances, the kind Eloisa James writes. I enjoy reading anything with strong characters and a compelling plot.

What are you working on now?
The next novel in my Dark Caster series, Spell of Vanishing, will be out sometime later this year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a personal website that I enjoy updating. Besides that I’m active on social media sites like Twitter and Tumblr. I’m still new to publishing, but I have heard good things about GoodReads and BookBub, too.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Whatever happens, keep working on your craft.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take your writing career as seriously as you would any other career.

What are you reading now?
I just finished Divergent by Veronica Roth.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan on writing a short story in Spring 2014 and then the third full-length novel Spell of Vanishing in Summer or Fall 2014.

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?
Good question! There are some books I could read 100 times and never grow tired of them. 1. Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward, 2. No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole, and 3. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

Author Websites and Profiles
Anna Abner Website
Anna Abner Amazon Profile
Anna Abner Author Profile on Smashwords

Anna Abner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Alexandra Swistak has traveled the world in her study of languages, culture and architecture.

She has degrees in education and art history, specializing in Early Renaissance paintings. A dream job move to Asia triggered a career change by the time she returned to Canada. She brings art, travel and an interest in the supernatural to her writing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Red Bride’s Noose is the first book in a series.

The idea came to me as I was travelling through Islamic countries and Asia, but I was not ready to juggle a book around a demanding career. Eventually, I realized I would never have more time and I had to learn how to make time for this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, but I do like to follow a certain procedure before beginning a new creative project.

I need to feel like I’m in a brand new place, so I begin with an office renovation. It seems extravagant, but a fresh coat of paint and reupholstering a chair are small expenses. Still, my preparations may seem a bit much, but it’s a necessary step for me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
What makes your mystery thriller unique?

The reader experience’s life in a closed culture and the brutality against young Camille is chilling. Her modern attitudes are incompatible with her family’s beliefs and it could end up getting her murdered.

I can’t think of any other mystery like it.

What are you working on now?
During Nazi Germany, in Russian occupied Estonia, a tragic scene forever changes the lives of two little girls.

I can’t say much more as it’s very early stages.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I question marketing strategies that begin with giving away a brand new release.

When Larry D. Thompson did an Amazon cash gift card giveaway, I won and I have been buying his books ever since. Building brand loyalty and strong relationships with readers is very important to me.

I structure my cash contests and giveaways the same way many of my favorite authors do and it’s been good for me. I’m in the process of doing another $200.00 cash giveaway very soon.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
1) Hire at least 3 editors

2) Hire a good cover designer

3) Package your book as beautifully as possible to compete with established names.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Where do you feel most inspired?

Nothing compares to living and working in Europe. Nara, Japan is also a power point for me.

What are you reading now?
In Falling Snow by Mary-Rose MacColl

http://mary-rosemaccoll.com/

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to write many more books, but my neighbours keep flooding my office.

People like to hang clothes on fire sprinklers. A couple months ago, someone put a towel over a gas fireplace and a huge fire broke out. Luckily, this time the originating unit was several floors below me.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would be happily stranded with any new work by:

Susan Hill

Ann Cleeves

Tana French

Anne Perry

Author Websites and Profiles
Alexandra Swistak Website
Alexandra Swistak Amazon Profile
Alexandra Swistak Author Profile on Smashwords

Alexandra Swistak’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account