Awesome Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Crime Fiction Writer, specialising in Psychological Thrillers. Through my Agent, Caradoc King, I have book deals in France (Editions les Escales) and Germany (Random House).

As a Psychotherapist working with ex-offenders from infamous secure institutions, I’ve come face to face with the criminal mind. My first two stand-alone novels, THE EVIL BENEATH and GIRL ON A TRAIN, feature psychotherapist, Juliet Grey then journalist, Anna Rothman, in modern, grizzly London settings.

My third book is coming out soon, and I’m writing another one!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
THE EVIL BENEATH is a Psychological Thriller: ‘A cryptic message, a body under a London bridge and Juliet Grey has no idea why she is being targeted and why her own possessions have been left on the corpse.’

Having lived in London for 15 years and then moved away, I wanted to write about the places I loved and knew well. It was a semi-nostalgic process, although of course, the events in the story are far darker than any I experienced living there – thank goodness. I wanted to capture the two aspects of the River Thames; one as a beautiful and majestic presence winding through the city, the other as a sinister force harbouring unexpected offerings. THE EVIL BENEATH has a great deal of atmospheric London about it. I can’t give you a spoiler, but towards the end there’s a really creepy, hidden place right in the heart of the city that few people know about.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only that I can’t stop. I’ve never worked so hard in my life! I tend to start with a single idea or ‘hook’ and I like to get a title early, so that I have a clean focus for the story. I used to wing it from the start – now, it’s safer to do quite an extensive outline of the whole plot, although I do like to leave flexibility.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Minette Walters was an early influence – then a whole pile of novels by Patricia Cornwell, Lynda La Plante, Kathy Reichs – I like novels with a strong female lead who is a professional related to forensics or psychology.

What are you working on now?
My second book, GIRL ON A TRAIN, is another stand-alone Psychological Thriller, featuring journalist, Anna Rothman:

‘When a woman leaves a locket in Anna’s bag before jumping under a train, Anna starts asking awkward questions, but loose ends surrounding an abducted four-year-old boy are only part of the picture and Anna finds herself thrust towards the centre of several chilling revelations.’

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Website: http://www.ajwaines.co.uk/ – you can see a Book Trailer on the Home page!

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-J-Waines/e/B00DI2TLPC/

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/The-Evil-Beneath-ebook/dp/B00CS59W40/

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read, read and read! Analyse the genre you love reading – explore in detail how writers ‘do it’, from opening each chapter to the twist at the end. Examine what works. Then have a go. Start with an incident, says Stephen King, and go from there.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t write what you know – write what you’re most interested in!

What are you reading now?
The First Wife – Emily Barr

What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing – my first novel is out in a French bookclub, France Loisirs (Ressac Mortel) and will be available to the French public shortly as ‘Les Noyees de la Tamise’, through Editions les Escales. Then both books are out in 2014 with Random House (Germany). It’s exciting to see all the different covers!

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?
Am I allowed complete works?!

Dickens, Nicci French, Kathy Reichs

Author Websites and Profiles
A J Waines Website
A J Waines Amazon Profile

A J Waines’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 and editor who coaches other writers to pen and publish their work. With my company’s imprint, CreateWrite Enterprises, I publish e-books and paperbacks.

Before starting my own freelance business, I enjoyed a variety of career foci in the sciences, education, sales and marketing. I was also a creative caterer Once Upon a Time and my studio art, primarily landscapes, hangs in novel locations around the world.

I love my work, whether I am focused on my own or on others’ writing projects. For me, the passionate pursuit of the art of communication – through words, stories and overarching purpose – is bliss.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my most recent book is “Daddy, this is it. Being-with My Dying Dad.” My father lived an inspiring End of Life, a journey of courage, sorrow, wonder and assurances of Eternal Love. And before he passed, he encouraged me to share the story of his transition.

Learning that he had metastatic cancer, Dad faced that fact by choosing to live fully for the rest of his days. When cancer treatments beat him down, he rallied by setting small physical goals and systematically meeting them. Time and again, his doctors preserved the human body where the tumors grew with new methods of treatment. . . until there was nothing more they could do to prevent the inevitable.

When he heard that there were no more medical options, Dad was shocked. He didn’t feel like dying. He felt full of life and longing to live. He was angry and sad, disappointed and confused, scared and brave, unaccepting until, finally, accepting. With courage and amazing grace, he lovingly prepared our family for his passing. As our time together came to an end, I was grateful to be present.

Although death is an inevitable part of life, how we choose to be-with the dying and the bereaved is up to us. I encourage readers to prepare and to embrace the possibility of a lovingly supported transition and, to that end, I’ve included some resources that may help. Being ready to be-with is a wonderful way to live.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When possible, I love to be outdoors next to the water and listening to the sounds of nature. Who doesn’t?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My dad was a writer of his own memoirs and he self-published a book: “Sowing my Quaker Oats” by Armin L. Saeger, Jr. My grandfather was also a writer of a memoir entitled “Memories of Friedens” by Armin L. Saeger (which I will soon publish). They influenced me greatly, as I saw the value for our family, and for a wider audience, to share the stories that make us who we are, the background of what gives shape and meaning to our lives.

I’ve been influenced by many authors over the course of my life as a reader: Robert Heinlein, Neale Donald Walsch, Jackson Burnett (a very dear friend), Barbara Kingsolver, Thomas Hardy, Nelson DeMille, John Grisham, Jeffrey Deaver (oh, yes!), Wally Lamb, Michael Crichton, Tony Hillerman, Rosamunde Pilcher, Malcolm Gladwell, Ken Keyes, Eckhart Tolle, Chaim Potok, and many more.

What are you working on now?
Three family diaries from previous generations are some of my current editing and publication projects.

One client project is a memoir writer from Venezuela whose life story has me very intrigued. It’s shaping up very nicely.

Another is a spiritual fantasy adventure series (“Prince Eli” by C. M. Padilla), now in the midst of editing Book II.

This week I will publish the paperback of an e-book already available, a very inspiring and enlightening how-to book by a channeller of The Soul Guardians: “The Pulse of Awakening How-to Connect with Soul and Life Purpose.” The author, Sue Rumack, is an excellent friend and we have several more publications in the works.

I have several other books and co-author/editing projects on the go and will update when they’re closer to fruition.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found LinkedIn to be very helpful for me to incite interest in my memoir, as the book is quite appropriate for hospice and palliative care workers and anyone who does grief and bereavement counselling. I find those people readily on LI, and now they find me.

I also use NOBC with Amazon and Kindle to connect with other authors and self-publishers to review and share promotions, etc., and find this very effective.

I’m just getting started here with Awesome Gang and look forward to its potential too!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Make your writing a priority. Write from the heart with no concern for who will read it. Put yourself out there. Mentors can be found everywhere. Seek them and use them and eventually be one yourself. Find accountability partners, such as a writing group. Be brave.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you can talk, you can write.

What are you reading now?
“Flight Behavior” by Barbara Kingsolver and “The Dance” by Oriah Mountain Dreamer.

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next? Peeling back the layers of my story. I’ve got lots to share from the realm of reality, let alone where my imagination wanders when I indulge that part of me.

I also want to write a next book about grief. So many people have sent me their own stories in response to my book, and I think there is another book calling out to be compiled in that collection of heart-opening tales.

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?
Eckhart Tolle, Neale Donald Walsch, and Ken Keyes — one from each author, but it would be hard to select which. More importantly, I’d want lots of paper and pens/pencils so that I could write, write, write.

Author Websites and Profiles
Julie Saeger Nierenberg Website
Julie Saeger Nierenberg Amazon Profile

Julie Saeger Nierenberg’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Dane Swan, I’m a Bermuda raised, Toronto based internationally published poet, writer, and musician. His first collection, Bending the Continuum was launched by Guernica Editions in the Spring of 2011. The collection was a recommended mid summer read by Open Book Toronto. In 2013 Dane was short listed for the Monica Ladell Award for his poem “Stopwatch.”

My second collection with Guernica is slated for a 2015 launch, and I am currently looking for a publisher for my first novella.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“L _ _ _”: A poetic study of relationships. I was inspired by the immediacy of the new digital music industry and wondered if I could provide a similar opportunity in literature for associates of mine. Some are poets who had never been published, while others are well into their journey as respected poets.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think most writers have their idiosyncrasies. I often write notes on my cell phone when I’m out. My friends joke about my need to isolate myself to write. It’s about creating the right head space.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I try to read a diverse collection of authors. Everything from post-modern poetry to classic literature.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m promoting “L _ _ _”, getting ready to submit the final draft for my book with Guernica and hunting down a publisher for my novella.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
LOL…I’ll let you guys know.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read, read, write, fail, and repeat.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A very famous author I admire was surprised that I was a poet who did’t drink…lol. Sorry that’s not advice. The best advice you can get is by reading books. That’s where I find the best advice.

What are you reading now?
The Coyote Kings….by Minister Faust

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m presently working on a multi-media one man show.

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 guess a bible, probably a Boondocks anthology, and a blank notebook to write on(assuming I have a pen).

Author Websites and Profiles
Dane Swan Website
Dane Swan Author Profile on Smashwords

Dane Swan’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a 26 year young professor at the University of Houston and even though I majored in science and teach science majors, I am secretly a huge fan of the fine arts. I enjoy everything from painting to poetry and could never imagine living in a world where art majors and naturally creative people did not have a means to express themselves and enrich our lives with their vast imaginations.

Animus is my debut novel. I currently have a novella (The Tip of Eternity) in the process of editing and a sci-fi novel (Hellecon) in the works with an estimated release of mid 2014. If I dig up my past far enough, I’d have to say I wrote my first book when i was in the 3rd grade. It was my own childish take on a graphic novel which became a series my fourth grade teacher adopted into her class to share with my peers. I was something of a super star author in my school, I suppose, as ridiculous as it sounds. 😛

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my debut novel is Animus. I once read in an article that the inspiration for a story should come from the place “where dreams are made.” Strangely enough, the short stories within my novel were heavily inspired by Greek mythology, but the overlaying plot was a fantasy I flirted with in my dreams. I often woke up with ideas so surreal and unbelievably imaginative that I knew I had to jump out of bed and write them down immediately if I was going to successfully incorporate them into my world. I eventually found myself looking forward to bed every night, hoping the powerful landscapes of my dreams and nightmares would guide my creativity when I woke the next day to write.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I am writing, I am lost in the world of my novel. This essentially means that I will typically stare into space as I think and completely ignore the people around me with a sort of “look of wonder” lingering in my eyes. I’ve been called out for it oh so many times.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are countless authors and books that have influences my writing everywhere from classical authors like Oscar Wilde to modern day authors like Veronica Roth and Suzanne Collins. But to credit writers and books and fail to recognize the classical musicians, painters, film directors, and illustrators that have stirred my imagination as I colored the world of my novel through language would be unjust. I find my influence comes not only from books, but from every form of art.

What are you working on now?
Now–as in just this moment? The most I’ll tell you is that I’m DEFINITELY not stuck at home in my pajamas with an unkind case of the flu.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My favorite method of promotion is applying for featured spots on some of my favorite e-book websites. I also love to give out free copies to interested readers! Anyone who would like to enter to win a free copy of Animus can email their name and reason for wanting to read the book to ksrafiquebooks@gmail.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read every day. Write every day and indulge your every sense in the fine arts when searching for inspiration.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be the person your dog thinks you are.

What are you reading now?
Allegiant by Veronica Roth

What’s next for you as a writer?
To release my novella, The Tip of Eternity, and finish working on my sci-fi, Hellecon.

Author Websites and Profiles

Kiran Rafique Website
Kiran Rafique Amazon Profile
Kiran Rafique Author Profile on Smashwords

Kiran Rafique’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 a background in marketing, and have written two full-blown musical plays that were produced by independent investors. I wrote the music and script. I now write full-time in the midwest.

Political thriller “Itsy Bitsy Spider” is my debut novel. Courtroom drama “Hush” will out in December of this year, and “Lottery” will be available in the spring of 2014.

I am an upbeat, positive person that is a continual student as there is so much to see and so much to learn. Every person I have met has an unbelievable story not only worth listening to, but telling.

I have three grown sons that still keep me busy, and my house companions are George and Gracie Burns – a Bichon Havanese and Yorkshire who sit at my feet as I write.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Itsy Bitsy Spider” was inspired by hearing stories about those who took their power back after living in an abused environment. I have always been, and continue to be, in awe of what survivors have gone through if they live to tell their story. However, I thought about it for some time and, knowing that abuse has no boundaries, I wondered how many of the rich and famous had gone to their grave with their dark secrets? How many victims have been silenced by those who held power over them? Thus the birth of the powerful Boston Mayor Jack McCallin and his step-daughter Claire who had been a victim since she was three-years-old. And when Claire hears her three-year-old-daughter Lizzie singing “Itsy Bitsy Spider”, the nursury rhyme song Jack McCallin sang to her behind closed bedroom doors, she knows she has to protect her daughter.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write from five a.m. until 2 p.m. every day – seven days a week. I take a break from 2 until 3:30 and then begin editing what I’ve written for the day. I treat my writing as I have my previous occupations as it is not only a passion, but something I feel I have been given the opportunity and gift to do.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Grisham – Patterson – I love a fast-paced book with a solid foundation that sweeps you into the story and keeps you captive.

What are you working on now?
Courtroom Drama thriller “Hush” is in the final editing process and will be released in December of this year. A young couple falls in love not only feeling they’ve known each other all of their lives, but have finally found their soul-mate. After they marry and are expecting their first child, when lawyer Ben Grable unseals his adoption papers, their lives are thrown into nightmare from which their is no escape. Forced to opposite sides of the courtroom, when the world becomes involved in the silent protest of HUSH – the brainstorm of Ann Grable’s lawyer Michael J. McConaughey – this angst courtroom thriller will leave many asking what price they are willing to pay for a cause.

Thriller “Lottery” is due to be released in the spring of 2014. Caleb Gillespie has found the love of his life, and will do anything to protect Ling from finding out the truth obout how he came to claim the largest mega-million lottery ticket worth seven hundred and thirty six million dollars. And when one person knows the truth, there is usually another…and another… and another. Greed turns murderous in this San Francisco cat and mouse thriller.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I started marketing “Itsy Bitsy Spider” six months before it was published – on facebook, twitter and linked-in. Gathering a group of friends and then telling them about your book has been a successful venue. However, there is a fine line between friendship and ‘peddling’ your wares. First and foremost, I want to care about the friends I meet online or in person.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
This is a business for those who are thick-skinned and not for those who will crumble when they are rejected or receive bad reviews. If you’re going to write, and everyone says they have a book to write, write for the right reasons and not to become famous. Grab a partner who wants to read what you say and listen, listen, listen to the positive AND the negative because readers know better than you what works and what doesn’t. Above all, make your writing honest. Feel what your character feels – go into their head – get into the situation, and then tell what you are smell, hear, feel, or see.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you write to become rich and famous, chances are you are writing for an audience, and not being true to yourself.

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

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing “Hush” and finishing “Lottery.”

What is your favorite book of all time?
“Of Mice and Men,” “A Time To Kill,” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” : )

Author Websites and Profiles
Kimberly Shursen Website
Kimberly Shursen Amazon Profile

Kimberly Shursen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Wrote my first story at age 5, after I learned to read. My mother typed it for me. When my hands got big enough, she taught me to type. Always knew I’d be a writer, even poetry. Won Poet Laureate of my high school. My career included writing marketing copy, but I also wrote essays and travel notes. My first book, on bad bosses, was published in the mid-90s, but I wasn’t satisfied with nonfiction. My agent/friend all but commanded me to write fiction, and I got started. It took me a long time to figure out how to tell the story of a woman’s desperation in dealing with family secrets. MASON’S DAUGHTER is the first in the “MASON” series, with MASON’S KEEPER coming next (early 2014).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
MASON’S KEEPER will follow MASON’S DAUGHTER, as a prequel, but the books can be read in any order. Crazy family stories inspire me. I wonder how our relationships would be different if we knew the secrets our parents and other family members kept. Most of the time, these secrets have influenced their behaviors, which shapes us. It’s a cycle that knowledge and compassion help break.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I listen to classical music while I write, but first I pray to get myself out of the way. The characters need the freedom to tell their stories in their voices. When they’re talking to me, I forget to eat or shower. I try to remember to go outside for 15 minutes every day, but I don’t take phone calls (except from certain family members). After what seems like several hours, I look out my office window and the darkness surprises me. How did all that time pass?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jane Austen for heroines who get things wrong, Barbara Kingsolver for beautiful language, Larry McMurtry for settings and descriptions, Pat Conroy for relationships. O. Henry for the unexpected, Mark Twain for humor, Ernest Hemingway for sparse prose, John Irving for intensity, Kathryn Stockett for POV … the list goes on.

I also shouldn’t leave out my writers’ critique group, which I call “the Master Class.” My fellow authors have helped me with novel structure and verisimilitude, among other issues.

On writing, highly recommend: Swain, Gardner, Stein, Vogler, Truby, Lamott, et al.

What are you working on now?
Finishing MASON’S KEEPER, historical fiction, and plotting the next one, a romantic comedy (also with family secrets). There are about 7 other stories that keep my creative carousel spinning, so I’ll have to choose which painted horse to jump on next.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like to use websites (such as this one) that know what the authors need (readers) and what the readers need (good books). It helps to be able to promote by genre and offer a discount. Showing the cover image is vital, because the subscriber makes an impulse decision most of the time.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Join a critique group and listen to the reactions — if you get the same one more than once, pay attention. Get professional editing (you can’t edit your own story — no, really, you can’t). Read books (see recommended list above) and take classes on writing. Attend writers’ conferences for workshops. Keep writing. Read your stuff out loud. Kill your darlings. Don’t write with your mother or grandmother over your shoulder. Be fearless. Learn the rules before you consider breaking them. Don’t write for the money. Keep writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Go indie!

Something like, “We never finish editing our novels. We just abandon them.”

Once I asked a composer friend when he knew a piece was finished. He said, “When the music sounds right.”

How about editing? His answer: “Mostly I take out notes rather than add them in.”

Same for writing.

What are you reading now?
A wonderful and dramatic nonfiction book I can visualize as a movie: THE TIGER, by John Vaillant. Fascinating setting, inciting event, characters, backstory, with cultural, political, geographic, and socioeconomic insights as interesting building blocks.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publish more books. Goal is one/year. Ideas come faster than time allows. What can I give up? Vacuuming! Washing my car.

What is your favorite book of all time?
My Kindle! Loaded with classics (Tolstoy, Austin, Fitzgerald) and current authors. My Bible, in case I’m not rescued. My mascara, in case I am.

Author Websites and Profiles
Cynthia J Stone Website
Cynthia J Stone Amazon Profile

Cynthia J Stone’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Africa, following my father’s footsteps as a journalist. I had no idea that I would write one day, until the day he passed away mysteriously. I decided to write a book about his life and that became my first book as ‘The Writer Died.’

I had my education at Accra High School and later did some courses at the Ghana Institute of journalism. I wrote as a freelance journalist for Daily Graphic, The Times and the Spectator in Accra, Ghana. I am a member of the Flemish Journalists Association in Belgium.

I became a Belgium nation in 2008. Since then I’ve published seven books, all inspired by true events.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Passion of Reggae and African Music is my latest project. I love listening to pop, soul and rap music, but my favorite is Reggae. Listening to religious lyrics of Reggae music inspired me to meet some of the artists behind the music. I enjoyed communicating with them and I shared with readers.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
One thing I observed about my life in regard to writing is restlessness. I don’t sleep well because what ever comes into my mind must be written down immediately before it escapes. But I enjoyed my career as writer because I do well on various topics.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Norman Vincent Peale, the author of ‘The Power of Positive Thinking.’ I enjoyed reading the book more than any book I’ve ever read. Then ‘Cry My Beloved Country, ‘ by Alan Paton, followed by Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart.’ They are great books which influenced me in a good way.

What are you working on now?
“Anthology of African Stories for Children” There are many story books for children written by Europe and American writers. Much of these book are read daily to enlighten African children. Unfortunately, there isn’t much African story books on the international market. It is therefore my ambition to work on that project to share diversity of culture.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Real book promotion or marketing cost a lot of money. I don’t have much money for that, I therefore expose my books on social sites and book clubs.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I humbly ask successful writers sometimes must respond or answer question asked by up-coming or new writers. Some feel too big to communicate with new authors. I was very happy when the great author Joel Friedlander followed me on twitter.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That’s an African proverb. When you are in the bathroom and a madman comes for your clothes, don’t run after him, because both of you are now seen as mad men.

What are you reading now?
‘I, Michael Bennett.’ by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will always be a writer until I’m called to eternal rest.

What is your favorite book of all time?
My favorite book is ‘Overseas Chronicle:The Rome and Amsterdam. It’s a book I faced hard life and hostility, as illegal immigrant in Europe, sleeping at the train station in Rome and my detention in Amsterdam.

Author Websites and Profiles
Joel Savage Website
Joel Savage Amazon Profile
Joel Savage Author Profile on Smashwords

Joel Savage’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Carol Mark is a certified tea sommelier who is an author and she has written The Best of Tea Drink & Food with recipes incorporating tea as a component ingredient in cooking ranging from tea eggs, tea salt encrusted fish and tea infused cocktails. Her second book A Modern Afternoon Tea inspired by Downton Abbey brings the tradition of afternoon tea into the modern age.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Her latest book, A Modern Afternoon Tea inspired by Downton Abbey brings a modern twist to preparing a one stop afternoon tea gathering whether for a special event or just to connect with friends over a cup of tea.

Like so many fans of afternoon tea, we can sometimes be overwhelmed by what we need to create a special afternoon tea without fuss. Carol presents a complete repertoire of what is needed for a complete afternoon tea including tea cocktails. So the reader can make the complete afternoon tea of recipes or just select two or three items knowing it will be a success. Traditional recipes such as scones marry with modern recipes of date and orange on brown bread or a banana chocolate loaf with a jug of warm chocolate sauce.

Afternoon tea has reminded the importance of taking time in a time honored ritual to connect over tea especially in a hectic world.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always test my recipes before launching and always finding ways for improvement on pairing, taste, aroma and mouth feel.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Cookbooks I have collected for the past few decades have influenced me but it is mainly smaller publications such as family recipes tried and true reflecting the love of food connecting through time that have influenced me the most.

Also, my childhood books by Beatrice Potter and the C.S. Lewis books on Narnia and the lovely descriptions of tea by a warm fireplace evoke wonderful memories.

What are you working on now?
A new collaboration with a chef on amazing recipes on Drink & Tea.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth and a love of food and tea.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stay true to yourself. It is hard work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Believe in yourself.

What are you reading now?
Le Cookie by Mickael Benichou

What’s next for you as a writer?
More adventures in the world of tea and food.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.

No matter your age, the book brings you such enjoyment.

Author Websites and Profiles
Carol Mark Website
Carol Mark Amazon Profile

Carol Mark’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an advertising and marketing coordinator by day and a writer by night. I live in Newfoundland, Canada with my three man-beasts and one cat. Toooo much testosterone in my house. o_O

I’ve released only one novel to date. Bound to the Highlander is the first in my Highland Chiefs series. Book two, Promised to the Highlander, is written and almost ready to submit to my publisher. Cross fingers!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Bound to the Highlander is my debut novel and was inspired by a conversation I heard between two friends gushing over Gerry Butler and Hilary Swank in PS I Love You. Their description of the lovely first meeting of these two characters is the inspiration for my H/H’s first one as well. Not that they’re alike. It just set my mind in motion.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a nomadic writer. Everything I have is portable. If I’m not feelin’ my muse in one spot, I go to another. That could take me anywhere from my dining room table to the local Starbucks. I also hand write a lot. Of course that means I have to transcribe my notes to my master doc later. I think better when I write by hand.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Johanna Lindsay, Stephen King, and Julie Garwood are some of my fave fiction writers. I have not come across one of their books yet that I didn’t love.

What are you working on now?
I just finished the 2nd draft of Promised to the Highlander which is the second book in my Highland Chiefs series. Hopefully it will be all shiny very soon and ready to submit to my publisher.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think chatting with folks on facebook tends to work best for me. I’m on there a lot chatting with friends and family who live all over the world so it’s a good place to find me. 🙂

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. First and foremost, you are the only person who can write your stories. Start believing it. Second, you will never write a perfect first draft. Don’t be afraid of rewrites, that’s where the magic happens. 😀 Third, find yourself one or two good crit partners and stick with them. Learn how to properly critique someone’s work (there’s oodles of good articles out there on how to critique). Finally, just write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you can look in the mirror and find no fault, then you may judge someone else.

What are you reading now?
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. LOVING it. But it’s quirky. Although that’s why I love it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have to polish Promised to the Highlander and after that (after Christmas) I’ll be starting the third book in my Highland Chiefs series, Enemy of the Highlander.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexander Dumas. Best story of revenge ever.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kate Robbins Website
Kate Robbins Amazon Profile
Kate Robbins Author Profile on Smashwords
Tirgearr Publishing

Kate Robbins’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Whenever I go into a bookstore my mouth waters. Does this happen to anyone else or am I just weird? : )

Anyone who knows me is aware that books are my life. I love writing and I’m constantly reading. I can’t imagine a life without books! I’ve written fourteen stories so far, volumes 1 – 13 in the BAD BOY BILLIONAIRES series and volume 1 in the NAUGHTY AND NICE series. Volume 13 in the Bad Boy series is brand new – The Billionaire Next Door, which just launched on November 3. I hope my readers enjoy it.

I’m so grateful to my fans who supported my books such as ‘Her Indecent Proposal’ which hit #23 in the overall store in April. Right now I can call myself a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, thanks to the love and support of my readers. Thank you all so much!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘The Billionaire Next Door’ which was inspired by the life of Steve Jobs of Apple Computer. I read his biography and was impressed by the way he lived, not letting the trappings of wealth dictate how he raised his family. I was tickled when I read how his son was so impressed with a yacht owned by one of Steve’s friends, not realizing that his own dad was way richer than that man was. It made me think, what if my heroine falls in love with a billionaire who decides to just live like a regular guy, right next door to her? That was the start of ‘The Billionaire Next Door’.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unlike most writers who type their stories directly onto a computer, I write long-hand in a notebook, record it in segments on my iPhone then e-mail it to a friend who types it for me. This may not seem like the most efficient process but my thoughts flow better with a pen in my hand. Call me old-fashioned : )

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Kathleen Woodiwiss (the late historical romance writer) as well as Jane Austen and Emily Bronte ( I did say I was old-fashioned, didn’t I?). I love the brooding, alpha male hero. I also love a touch of humor, which I try to insert in my stories.

What are you working on now?
I’m just finishing up a novella to submit to a group of authors with whom I’m doing a holiday collection. My story in the collection is called ‘Rome for the Holidays’ and our holiday box set is called ‘Hot, Sexy and Bad’ – featuring 8 best-selling authors, including Melody Anne, Ruth Cardello, Shadonna Richards and many more. Readers can visit my Facebook page for details on our release party (November 17). After the novella I’ll be publishing ‘Billionaire’s Blackmail Wife’ and ‘Rome for Always’ (sequel to ‘Rome for the Holidays’) – all before Christmas!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find that Facebook is my best tool as it helps me connect with my readers. I’m trying to organise a ‘new book notification’ system as well but, I have to admit, I’m a bit slow where technology and social media are concerned. In the meanwhile, if there are readers who would like to be notified when my next book is in stores, I ask that they simply drop me an e-mail at judyangelotreasure@gmail.com with the subject title ‘Yes’. That’s all I need. I’ll shoot them an e-mail when my next book it out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The e-book market changes so rapidly that my advice tends to keep changing as well. Right now, my suggestion to new authors is to find a genre they absolutely enjoy, read voraciously in that genre to get a feel for what will connect with readers, and write the best story they can (one that they would enjoy reading – if you’re bored with your story, the reader will be, too). Write in a series, if possible, so that those who enjoy book one will have something to look forward to. Try to put out a new book regularly, at least one every few months, if not every month. Connect with readers through social media. Facebook is good, and so are writer-friendly websites like this one, which keeps readers posted on the world of e-books, what’s new and what’s fresh. And last, be disciplined. Take your writing seriously and don’t give in to distractions. Just write!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write, write, write!

And check out the advice in these books that helped me a lot:

Techniques of the Selling Writer – Dwight Swaiin

Writing the Breakout Novel – Donald Maas

Goal, Motivation and Conflict – Debra Dixon

What are you reading now?
‘Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success’

(I read a lot of self-help books, too, not just romance novels)

What’s next for you as a writer?
In 2014, in addition to contemporary romance, I plan to try my hand at historical romance. I love historicals.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Author Websites and Profiles
Judy Angelo Website

Judy Angelo’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The first story I wrote was “Quaker, Dog of the West,” which I penned in fourth grade. After several decades of writing college papers, academic articles, and research reports, I can now write what I want–memoir, essays about daily conundrums, and fiction. My first book was a memoir about the emotional journey I took with my father as he faced the end of his life. “Treat Gently, This Gentle Man” is really a love story about a special father. My debut novel, “The Ups and Downs of Miss Margaret Landings,” is my first work of fiction (after Quaker, Dog of the West, of course!).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel is “The Ups and Downs of Miss Margaret Landings.” It is an unusual motif, but not for me. My grandfather was the founder of Rudin’s Department Store, which was located in my hometown of Mount Vernon, Ohio. “While the characters and plot are purely fictional, I drew upon my experiences growing up in a retail family. I was fascinated by the concept of closing and opening elevator doors – hiding or revealing secrets and truth. I spent many hours in the store as a child shopping with my mother and as a teenager working in gift wrap or the elevator. Wondering what happens behind elevator doors or in the stockrooms fueled my imagination. As a teenager I ran the elevator, and I did get it stuck a couple of times. My father had to climb up into the elevator shaft to get it going again. I used one story in a chapter of a friend told me about spitting from the third floor down to the first floor. I just had to use those scenarios. Of course, the town Santa, Jiggs Henry, was a beloved icon in Mount Vernon, and he would chase a particular clerk for a kiss. It was all good-natured fun. In reality, I was never aware of any ‘hanky-panky.’ A novelist gets to invent those things!”

What authors, or books have influenced you?

I was a voracious reader growing up, and I remember being captivated by “Heidi,” “Black Beauty,” and Pearl Buck’s “The Good Earth.” The most recent powerful books I’ve read are “The Things They Carried,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Mudbound,” and “Crossers.” Here in Tucson we have a wonderful Festival of Books, and I’ve been fortunate to hear the lessons and wisdom of Lisa See, Elmore Leonard, Thomas Cobb, and Larry Watson, and many others.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a sequel to Margaret Landings’ story. The setting of the first novel was a small town in 1955, the next book, “Margaret’s War,” takes place in the mid-sixties with a backdrop of the Vietnam War.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning how to promote my writing. The most successful so far has been Facebook. I belong to a couple of groups whose focus is the topic of my book, and announcing the launch of my book on Facebook was successful in a small time, beginner way.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in your story, listen to the experts, and remember that the word “write” is a verb!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Resist the urge to explain.

What are you reading now?
The Roundhouse by Louise Erdrich

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing!

What is your favorite book of all time?
My favorite book of all time is a tough question. I’m going to say “To Kill a Mockingbird” but I’m not sure how influenced I am by the scene in the movie where Atticus leaves the courtroom and Jean Louise is told to “…stand up. Your father’s passin’.”

Author Websites and Profiles
Patti Albaugh Website
Patti Albaugh Amazon Profile

Patti Albaugh’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, first off, I’ve written two books now, both for The Dreams of Sara Knight series. Book two is due to be released on 11/11/13.

As for me, I’ve been studying life’s mysteries for a long time now. That would be things like universal law, or what some would call cause and effect, the subconscious, the power of intention, the different states of mind which can be partially looked at through the brain wave patterns of delta, theta, alpha, and beta, and I could go on and on. Each of these can be subdivided and looked at from various angles. For example: the powers of the subconscious can looked at through hypnosis, the hypnagogic state, where many of the famous people of science and art got their inspiration, through healing and the placebo effect, etc. To sum it all up quickly, through these years of study and application, I’ve come to a place where I actually live a better, richer life, with expanding joy and expanding beauty as the result. Well, that’s why I write, to reveal some of life’s mysteries, and to present the potential for a human life. I use a lot of real examples in my books, too.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
That would be book two of The Dreams of Sara Knight series, and it’s called Eight Days of Transformation. This whole series is inspired by a desire to reveal some of the highest aspects of human potential; which aren’t talked about much in main stream media. We really are amazing beings, and once someone gets a glimpse of some of the things that people have accomplished by daring to be extraordinary, well, it opens up a whole new world to them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Actually, some of the things I put in my books have come to me from the hypnagogic state. There’s a place right between being awake and sleeping where magic happens. Anyone that researches this will learn some amazing things. I even reveal some things about it in my books. For me, many times, I would be in that place where the veil is thinnest, get an inspiration, and have to get up and write it down before I forget it. It’s not only helpful, but it’s quite fun to have these moments.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There’s so many. I’ve read hundreds of books, mostly non-fiction, that deal with these subjects. I guess some of the early ones I read should get the credit for peeking my interest in this area. One that comes to mind would be the series by Carlos Castaneda, which started out with The Teachings of Don Juan. I also studied the life of Edgar Cayce quite a bit, and there were many different authors that wrote about him. So, those were a couple of the ones that influenced me many years ago.

What are you working on now?
I’m actually working on a different kind of project right now. It’s called Virtual Treasure Hunt. I will be hiding $500, $300, $200, and $100 on the internet. Other people have contributed items like clothing, jewelry, and art to name a few. For $5, people can enter and have a chance to go on a real treasure hunt. It takes place on 11/30/13. If anyone one is interested they can go to: virtualtreasurehunt.wordpress.com for more details. The website should be online by 11/7/13. It’ll be a lot of fun, and people just may learn a few things along the way.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think the best method just started. I made Changed Forever free. That’s book one of The Dreams of Sara Knight series. I want to give everyone the opportunity to take a look and see if this series is something that interests them. Hopefully, many will like what they find, and give me a reason to keep the series going for a long time.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Enjoy the moment! Be in the moment! Savor the moment! Live in the moment!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Live in the moment! Oh, I just said that. Can I use the same answer for two questions? Just kidding.

As far as writing goes, write about what you know.

What are you reading now?
I haven’t actually started it yet, but the next book I want to read is Zero Point. It’s by an amazing Hawaiian mystic.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan on keeping The Dreams of Sara Knight going for a while, but I do have another project coming up shortly. It will be a non-fiction book which will be more like a journal of an experiment I will be conducting. That’s about all I’ll reveal right now.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Since nothing comes to mind right away, I don’t think I have one that would be classified that way. I’ve read so many really beautiful books. I do like ones that inspire me and teach me at the same time, so I’ll say that’s my favorite type of book of all time.

Author Websites and Profiles
Steven Misosky Amazon Profile
Steven Misosky Author Profile on Smashwords

Steven Misosky’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a former Indiana Hoosier Track Champion and Canadian Track Team member in the 100 meters, the 200 meters, and the 4×100 meter relay. I’ve also written several essays on my blog, The Big Picture, one of which was published in the online Op-Ed section of the National Post in early 2009. My debut novel, Pandora’s Succession, has received rave reviews from book reviewers, and from espionage and from thriller fans. Unsavory Delicacies and the recently released thriller, Chill Run, have also been well received by thriller and mystery fans. I currently live in Montreal, Quebec.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Chill Run is my latest novel. The inspiration behind it was the Norbourg scandal that rocked Quebec similarly to the way the Bernie Madoff scandal impacted investors in the United States. I also poked fun at celebrities who gain fame, and certain politicians who gain infamy, through scandals and publicity stunts. Throw in an author who’s having difficulty selling his books and you have the perfect mash-up.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Don’t we all? lol. I tend to edit too much as I write, which slows things down. There’s nothing wrong with being meticulous, is there? lol.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Vince Flynn, Barry Eisler, and Joseph Finder were a huge influence for my love of the spy genre. In fact, until I had read Term Limits by Vince Flynn, I never thought action-thrillers existed in books, but only in movies. Lately I’ve been drawn to the works of Eric Jerome Dickey. He has such a powerful poetic author’s voice in his works. It’s no wonder the ladies are crazy about him. I’ve been reading more of his books in order to help evolve my own author’s voice.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on THE DEMETER CODE–the sequel to PANDORA’S SUCCESSION. I’m currently 87% done with the first rewrite/edit. All I’ll say about it is that it’ll reunite CIA operatives, Ridley Fox and Nita Parris, and even have a character from UNSAVORY DELICACIES. The story will be a lot deeper than its predecessors, and will have enough plot twists to keep readers guessing.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love to engage with readers in discussions on my Facebook page (Russell Parkway or Russell Brooks Thriller Author), and sometimes I hosts contests where the winner could win a free copy of one of my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be persistent and persevere. The payoff will eventually come.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Joseph Finder once told me that it’s important to keep writing. Even when you finish your novel, write a blog post, an essay, anything. It’s important to keep doing so in order to improve your craft.

What are you reading now?
Dead of Alive by Tom Clancy.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I’m finished with THE DEMETER CODE, I’m going to work on getting my books translated into graphic novels. The next step would be screenplays, and keep my fingers crossed that someone will see the potential in them and invest in me.

What is your favorite book of all time?
A TIME TO KILL, by John Grisham

Author Websites and Profiles
Russell Brooks Website
Russell Brooks Amazon Profile
Russell Brooks Author Profile on Smashwords

Russell Brooks’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a hybrid romance author (traditional and indie published) with seventeen books published, number eighteen already scheduled for release early next year and at least two more to be written in 2014. I write contemporary and paranormal romance under the name, Gina Ardito, and historical romance under the pen name, Katherine Brandon. I’m also a freelance editor, a wife and mom, a mentor, and I hold down a full-time day job to keep myself in writing supplies. Yes, in case you were wondering, I drink *a lot* of coffee.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is In Your Dreams, Book II of the Afterlife Series. It’s the story of Sean Martino, a former NYC police officer who committed suicide after killing an innocent teen and winds up in the Afterlife, keeping others on Earth from making his mistake. The catch? He can only communicate with the living in their dreams. And he’s unprepared for Isabelle Fichetti, a former child star, who;s determined to kill herself no matter how charming and persuasive this man of her dreams tries to be.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write like a crack addict. I get up early in the morning to write, print out pages to work on during my lunch hour, write when I come home until it’s time to cook dinner, then write after dinner until bedtime. Every day, five days a week. On the weekends, I write around laundry, errands, and “date night.” I truly love to write and would rather write than do almost anything else in the world.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My list of influences constantly evolves because the book world is always evolving. I cut my teeth on works by Elizabeth George Speare and Madeleine L’Engle before moving on to Kathleen Woodiwiss, Johanna Lindsay, and Jude Deveraux. Over the years, I’ve respected the work ethic of Nora Roberts, admired the heroes drawn by Suzanne Brockmann, envied Shana Abe’s worldbuilding skills, appreciated the humor of Susan Elizabeth Phillips, wept over the emotional upheaval of Kristin Hannah’s stories, and yearned for the small town coziness of Jill Shalvis’s Lucky Harbor. And it’s not just in romance! I’m a huge fan of works by Jeffery Deaver, Stephen King, Jeff Lindsay, Christopher Moore, and Carl Hiassen. I always loved the twists and turns in Olivia Goldsmith’s women’s fiction. Every time I choose a new book or a new author, I find something new to learn in style or story-telling. That’s the beauty of all books. Each time you turn the page, there’s magic to discover.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on edits for Book II of my contemporary series, The Calendar Girls. This one is Reunion in October. Two very different ladies in two very different stages of their romantic lives, each at a crossroads and facing new decisions that can alter their futures. It’s fun and flirty and full of life lessons and I absolutely love this story. I can’t wait to bring it to my readers! I’m also deep into my third Afterlife series book, Waiting in the Wings. This time around, we’ll visit a new department in the giant bureaucracy of the Afterlife: Children’s Services. These books are very emotional and bring a new perspective to the ideal of what happens to love after we die.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use a lot of different methods: Facebook, Twitter, my own blog and website, and of course, Amazon allows readers to receive notifications when I’ve released a new book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Master your craft and, even after you’re published, continue to hone your skills. Always challenge yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never blow a deadline. I’ve always respected that advice, which I heard many years ago. No matter whether it’s to a publisher, a blogger, a reviewer, an editing client, or in my own personal life, if I promise something on a date, I always deliver on or before that date.

What are you reading now?
I just started Act II of the Immortal Circus by A.R. Kahler. Act I was unique and I thoroughly enjoyed the story line so I’m really looking forward to discovering where the story goes this time around.

What’s next for you as a writer?
That’s what’s so exciting! I never know. I firmly believe the advice I cited earlier for new writers: challenge yourself. Each time, I begin a new book or a new series, I dare myself to step to the edge and find a new twist, a new angle, a new world. I never want to be one of those authors accused of “phoning it in.”

What is your favorite book of all time?
In what genre? I have so many! For me, a favorite is a book I can revisit time and time again. With each read, I find some new gem I never noticed before. I have hundreds of favorite books, beginning as far back as The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare (which I probably first read when I was about eight years old) and A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. These days, I eat up JD Robb’s In Death series and can’t wait for a new one to be released. Whenever I’m really blocked, I’ll pick up an Olivia Goldsmith (Fashionably Late or Flavor of the Month, usually) to figure out what about them stays with me decades after I first read them. I can re-read Carl Hiassen’s or Christopher Moore’s books and still laugh at the same lines over and over. Silence of the Lambs still gives me tingles, no matter how well I can recite the ending. I even have favorite children’s books I used to love to read to my kids (and can’t wait to someday share with my grandkids). Choosing one favorite book of all time, for me, is like choosing one favorite moment of all time. There are too many in a lifetime to choose just one.

Author Websites and Profiles
Gina Ardito Website
Gina Ardito Amazon Profile
Gina Ardito Author Profile on Smashwords

Gina Ardito’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Author Bio – Mary Elizabeth Coen
Living in Ireland, Mary Elizabeth Coen is a former Home Economics teacher and lifestyle journalist.
Though she always dreamed of being a writer, Mary Elizabeth took a rather circuitous route getting there. You could say she has had several incarnations in this lifetime from Home Economics teacher to Fashion Editor of a magazine, along with being mother to three wonderful children, Mark, Janet and Emily. Due to demand from clients she opened her own pr consultancy firm specializing in fashion; – the dream job for a fashionista, availing of great discounts on wonderful shoes and vintage clothing.

Unfortunately the five inch stilettos had to go when Mary’s health deteriorated and she received a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Work too, had to take a back seat as Mary sought to maintain optimum health and became interested in holistic medicine and personal development. In the process, she developed a passion for mythology, philosophy and the study of ancient spiritual traditions. As a spiritual seeker, she travelled to Mayan sites in Mexico, visited a famous healer’s ashram in Brazil and undertook a shamanic journey through Peru. Mary’s book Love & the Goddess is based on her travels.
Mary is now in robust good health, working as a full-time author and stress management lecturer, while also running a website called Goddess MECA. The acronym is for Mary Elizabeth Coen Assists the Goddess in everywoman through sharing her love of cookery fashion and mythology. Mary brings her experience from teaching, using tools that are practical and easily integrated into every day busy lives. Her clients range from private individuals and businesses, to larger corporate bodies.
2“nd bio below author central

Mary Elizabeth Coen is a former teacher, lifestyle journalist and public relations consultant.
After receiving a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, Mary became interested in holistic medicine. As an avid researcher, she travelled to Mayan sites in Mexico, visited a famous healer’s ashram in Brazil and undertook a shamanic journey through Peru.

‘Love & the Goddess’ is Ms. Coen’s first work of fiction: – It is based on the author’s travels and draws on her extensive studies into various spiritual traditions, lightened by the humorous aspect of internet dating.

Mary is now in robust good health, working as a full-time author, coach and stress management lecturer, while also running a website called Goddess MECA. It is a celebration of the goddess in all women. Interactive with her book, it is a celebration of the goddess in all women with separate sections on mythology, lifestyle, ccokery and blogs.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Love & the Goddess by Mary Elizabeth Coen

Eat, Pray, Love’ meets ‘Sex and the City’

Love & the Goddess
One woman, One myth, Three Goddesses

A woman’s voyage of self discovery and search for love begins on the internet leading all the way to Brazil and onto the Andean highlands of Peru.

Devastated from her relationship break- up, Kate Canavan is at a loss until she re-discovers a hidden painting of the triple Goddess from Greek mythology. Her interest in mythology and spirituality is re-ignited. A voyage of self discovery begins with internet dating using the names of each of the Goddesses in the triple myth.
When a health scare intervenes Kate and her friends go together to visit a famous healer in Brazil and a spiritual guru in Peru, where all three friends begin spiritual journeys of forgiveness, gratitude and learning to live in the now. But will Kate find love on her way?

Ferdia Mac Anna (author of cult book to movie Last of the high Kings) says:-

“Funny, informative heart-warming and wildly entertaining. This novel takes the reader on an exhilarating roller-coaster ride though modern romance, internet dating, Peruvian Gurus, wannabes, has-beens and lotharios and brings them home safe and almost sound. This book rocks!’

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes I can be either all on or all off. When really seized by a writing project I can write for up to twelve hours at a time, almost forgetting to eat.
I don’t have an office , preferring to write at my dining table. Needless to say, it gets untidy and a mad clear up is necessary every time I have visitors.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Paulo Coelho’s books.

Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love. I am presently reading her new book ( The Signature of all Things)and love it.

Oscar Wilde.

Author Joanne Harris

The following books – Jane Eyre, Madame Bovary and Anna Kareninia

What are you working on now?
A novel set in the Fashion world that also incorporates goddesss mythology.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own http://wwww.goddessmeca.com/ and Twitter

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read more than you write and write every day.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write a first draft straight through to the end before editing. You will have plenty of time for editing in later drafts.

What are you reading now?
The Signature of all Things by Elizabeth Gilbert

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing lots and becoming a better writer as I go along.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Picture of Dorian Gray by oscar Wilde

Author Websites and Profiles
Mary Elizabeth Coen Website
Mary Elizabeth Coen Amazon Profile

Mary Elizabeth Coen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Lyman, South Carolina, a town with good red dirt and easy access to Greer via the dual-lane. My childhood was unremarkable except for a brief stint as a geography prodigy in the seventh grade. I enjoyed drawing, which motivated me to major in Art at Furman University. A couple of years later, I earned a graduate degree in Cognitive Psychology (the motivation for that is still a matter of debate). Since then, I’ve done a good deal of technical writing and instructional design in the corporate world. I’ve also written 16 books, ranging from word play (Acronymonics) to mysteries (Murders by the Book) to self-help (101 Things NOT to Do Before You Die) to memoirs (The Nine Faces of Boo). If I knew what dystopian fiction was, I would probably give that a try as well.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is the first in my new Do it Now! series. It’s called Write Effectively Now!, a straightforward guide to developing good writing habits. Unlike many other books on writing, it doesn’t address isolated problems in the neatly segregated categories of punctuation, syntax, diction, and style. Instead, it focuses on common mistakes and misjudgments that make writing uninteresting, unclear, and unconvincing. I hope that this approach will help writers learn to take a broader view and aim for the general goals of clarity, conciseness, correctness, and persuasiveness in their writing.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, but I’m willing to learn.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I try to be influenced by every book I read. Sometimes, I see techniques worth trying, and sometimes I see techniques to avoid.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on more titles for the Do It Now! series: Think Clearly Now!, a guide to protecting yourself from spin, misinformation, and deceit; and Maximize Creativity Now!, a collection of proven techniques for releasing creative thought and focusing it to make dreams a reality.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to digital publishing, so I’m still learning about the best ways to promote books. I’ve found a number of sites that let you list a new book for free, but at this point I really don’t have any favorites.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give attention to criticism unless it is motivated by a desire to help you achieve your writing goals.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If your human relations are on a smooth course, it is probable that one of two alternatives is in effect: either you are not being creative or you have conditioned yourself and the others in your environment to accept your abnormal behavior.” (Don Koberg)

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading one of Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe books, Too Many Clients.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I haven’t given up on traditional publishers, but for the near future I’ll continue to explore opportunities in digital publishing.

What is your favorite book of all time?
I have several favorites: Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises; Maltz’s Psycho-cybernetics; Phillips’ Your God is Too Small; Koberg and Bagnall’s The Universal Traveler; Riley’s The Book of Bunny Suicides. And I’ll throw in one of my own books, Nerds Among Us.

Author Websites and Profiles
Robert Harris Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in a suburb of Los Angeles, close to Hollywood. I’ve always been intrigued by the film, entertainment business and story telling as a whole and I’m excited to finally realize a dream I’ve had since I was in my early twenties. I’d said I wanted to write a book some day, and I did. There really is no secret to it, you just have to do it and take the time to make it happen.

I’m a lover of wine (too much), yoga, music, gray areas, John Hughes flicks and anything that stimulates and elevates the senses.

My debut novel First Kiss, the first in my Heavy Influence Series, has recently released and I couldn’t be more happy with the reviews.

Skid Out, its prequel novella teaser, is now available for free on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is my debut novel, FIRST KISS. It’s silly to say that I had a dream, but I did. I’d taken my then 8-year-old daughter to a Jonas Brothers concert and had a dream that night. The whole Heavy Influence Series was inspired by that one dream. It helps that I’ve lived an interesting life as well, so I’ve been able to pull from my experiences and from witnessing life unfold around me.

Music is the back drop of the Heavy Influence Series – It’s a modern day “Walk The Line” meets John Hughes Classics (i.e. Pretty In Pink, Sixteen Candles). First Kiss is accompanied by an original soundtrack – recorded exclusively for this series, by musicians who I’ve traveled with and who’ve inspired the story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual? *laughs* I’m not sure. I wake up REALLY early though, sometimes before 5am to begin writing. By noon I’m usually done and want to “play”. Coffee is HUGE in my process…as well as wine 🙂

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Simone Elkeles has been an influence – those were the first YA books that I’d read that were gritty. My Heavy Influence Series is an edgy read. Sex, drugs and the music scene – family issues etc. I’d written my first book before I even read a YA book. I’d only been a fan of Thrillers, Robert Ludlum type books.

I since then devour YA books from too many authors, I love them all, fantasy to contemporary.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on book 2 in my Heavy Influence Series, Broken Notes. Also, tinkering with my next series, The Zodiac Wars, which will be an urban fantasy series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best I’ve found is Twitter and Face Book. But really it’s been the blogging community! It spreads from there, whatever methods they use to get their reviews out to the readers… I think Twitter the most though.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
*Sigh* Boy this has been such a learning experience. Being an indie author I didn’t have anyone in the beginning to tell me what to do. I shot from the hip, haha. I was really fortunate that the bloggers I reached out to, loved my book. It then cascaded from there. I’m still learning though.

Don’t rush the process – as in take the time to edit your book. This was a big deal for me, I’d been working on my debut novel for so long, and finding people to read it was easy, but finding a proof reader/ editor is A MUST! If you spend any money on anything at all – FIND A GOOD EDITOR.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’ll reiterate – FIND A GOOD EDITOR – and just write. Writing is the only way to be a writer/author. Just do it.

The only way to build an audience is to keep releasing material.

What are you reading now?
I am reading Magic Study (book 2) by Maria V. Snyder – I need a little fantastical inspiration. My publicist recommended this series and it’s awesome.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, in addition to penning books. I also love producing and writing video/film projects. Because my Heavy Influence Series revolves around music, I’ve been producing music videos for it.

Currently I am producing the second video to promote the series, a film short/ music video and I’m excited to begin filming in Dec through Jan.

As well as finishing the series books.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Oh man… this is a tough one… but right now… the book I always have next to my computer is The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. It’s so not the genre I’m currently writing… but it’s written so beautifully. I aspire.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ann Marie Frohoff Website
Ann Marie Frohoff Amazon Profile
Ann Marie Frohoff Author Profile on Smashwords

Ann Marie Frohoff’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write This Week in Christian History, a blog covering an event in history each week. I have also self-published two biographies about Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Junior. I also self published a book of apologetics geared towards a Jewish audience, a collection of genre short stories and a horror novella. I have also written two more novels that are not really anywhere. I have published over 1,000 articles, short stories and poems in magazines, literary journals and websites. I install accounting software for The Back Office in West Des Moines and train people how to use it. I have lived in Des Moines all my life and have degrees from DMACC and Upper Iowa University in Accounting and Business Information Systems.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I just had my new book “would You Do What They Did? Great Christian Leaders From Our Past published by Crosslink. I have gradually made a transition from fiction to nonfiction since I have heard it is easier to get nonfiction published, so this is where the celebrity biographies came in. I have sold a fair number of copies for self published books, but overall I thought I could do better.

I heard a few stories of famous Christians and knew that I would be able to tell their stories well. I learned about creative nonfiction in a class at DMACC, and I love the idea of it. Creative nonfiction, if you are not familiar with it, is like a movie script that is based on a true story, there are parts that a fictionalized to make the story flow better. In writing this also means adding details, in this case the book is written in the third person from the perspective of the main character of the biography other than a few small portions. So I tried to visualize what each character would see and I added a lot of details to the story, a history book wouldn’t tell you what a room that Francis of Assisi was in looked like, unless it was an important room, so I had to invent this. When I am reading a book like this or watching a movie I am always afraid that what I will remember will be the part that was made up, so I have included a small article after each biography about anything major I have changed. I have tried to be true as much as possible to the original narrative, but sometimes you just have to change things to make it a better story. Too many people are just confusing.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I was writing this book if I had a free day I would divide the day into three sections and give myself a quota for each section, which was 500 words a section, which on a free day would be either 1,500 or 2,000 words depending if I split the afternoon into two.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have never tried to imitate any particular author; I try and write how I would like to read. I think that the words should be invisible, interesting or beautiful. There are places for each and I think being able to tell where is a good start towards writing a good book. I have read a lot and I probably read more Stephen King than anybody else so he has to come out a little. Probably not what you would expect form a Christian writer, but I did used to write horror, although mine was usually funny horror.

What are you working on now?
I am not working on a lot now since I am in the marketing mode, but a story came into my head so I will have to finish putting it down on paper so I can get it out again. It is called “Going Native” I thought it would be funny to have a person use that phrase in space.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have not been promoting the new book very long and I have not tied any sales to a particular marketing method. For my other book I didn’t have to market them much at all, I was the first person to write a full length biography about each person so if you searched for them you found the book. I have heard that someone self published biographies of almost all celebrities using their Wikipedia articles, so this might be harder now, but if anyone reading this can use it, go ahead.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s hard to make a great product, whether that is a book, poem, novel or whatever. It is harder to get anyone to read your book. Once published you also have to work hard to get anyone to read it. There is an enormous amount of competition; you have to commit yourself to a lot of work if you want to succeed.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Show not tell, but it is harder to apply than you would think.

What are you reading now?
I am always reading the Bible and I am reading Full Dark No Stars by Stephen King.

What’s next for you as a writer?
If this book goes well I am going to write another book like it. I don’t have any subjects picked out yet, although I might use some of the stories I had to cut to make the word count they wanted. I also might craft my This Week in Christian History articles into a book.

What is your favorite book of all time?
A Confederacy of Dunces by O’Toole. Very funny book, but incredibly depressing.

Author Websites and Profiles
William Dean Hamilton Website
William Dean Hamilton Amazon Profile

William Dean Hamilton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account