Awesome Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My passion for storytelling began with reading The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien (doesn’t it always) and marathon weekend long sessions of Dungeons & Dragons and King Arthur’s pizza with a special lifelong group of friends. At the urging of a teacher, I started writing stories for extra credit because, lets face it, my grades were good but my attendance not so much. Over the years I have published short works in various publications and anthologies, winning an award here or there along the way.

I have. worked as a Private Investigator, a front office manager for a professional baseball team, and a member of a helicopter flight crew as I wrote and developed the idea of a series of full length novels.

I am married to my sun, my moon, my starlit sky and have a son grown into a man that I could not be prouder of (and that put up with my endless movie references).

I currently have my Fantasy novel, The Marksmith, available on Amazon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Marksmith (The Tear of Ahl Saga, Book One)

What inspired it? You will have to ask the characters in the book, all they told me was what to write.

The story itself came from several places. There are elements of the adventures my friends and I had during our role playing sessions, real world events, and pure imagination.

Most of all, it came together very quickly so that my father could read it before his passing. He was able to read it and I fulfilled a promise by getting it published.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, but if I told you they would become a trend and then stop being unusual. That would be bad. I prefer to be unusual in my own unique way.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
That’s a long list, but in part I would mention J.R.R. Tolkien, Stephen King, Agatha Christie, Thomas Mallory, Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman.

What are you working on now?
Book Two of The Tear of Ahl Saga and two other novels that shall remain nameless…for now.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My Facebook Author Page, Goodreads, and Twitter.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Trust yourself. Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain with all the answers. Don’t buy an elixir off the back of a peddler’s wagon promising to fix what ails you. This is not a one size fits all craft. Have a passion for what you do, read various genres and authors (both Indie and Established), and get your story on the page. Get some beta readers to do a read through, they will become some of your best critics, publicists, and trusted readers. And get onto the next book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you would like to read yourself.

What are you reading now?
American Gods by Neil Gaiman

What’s next for you as a writer?
After The Marksmith, I will be getting out the next book in the series, as well as branching into other works not related to The Marksmith and the Tear of Ahl Saga. Hint: one is fantasy related, one more literary.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien

Author Websites and Profiles
C.V. Dreesman Website
C.V. Dreesman Amazon Profile

C.V. Dreesman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a writer since I was eight and decided Readers Digest needed my stories. They were most kindly rejected. Never discouraged, I went on to Teen magazine and Seventeen magazine, also without much luck. I kept on going settling for a corporate career as well as a writing career which consisted of some copywriting and PR work.

I penned a play that won awards, but didn’t really like writing plays. I made it to the movie capital, Hollywood, because writing screenplays is my true passion. Finally, it all came together.

Along the way, I’ve written some delicious erotica. Some stories are based on dabbling in the world of the Dominatrix.

I’ll soon be publishing a series of short stories, The Erotic Primer and a novel, Confessions of a Race Dominatrix about a woman who played Dominatrix to the F1 and Indy Car auto racing world. Maybe, I’ll dig out those old Readers Digest stories too!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Mea Culpa, The Sins of Brother Lyons.

I met a man on an airplane, who, at the age of 12, started believing he should become a Roman Catholic Priest. When he turned 13, he entered a kind of junior high for future priests. The trouble was at the same time his hormones were peaking and instead of thinking of God, he was constantly thinking of sex. Although his thought were mostly of women, as time went on, totally secluded from women, he was thinking about sex with anyone and anything. He did remain technically celibate until 17 when he decided being a priest wouldn’t work for him. It was too bad because he had a deep faith, love of God and his extreme intelligence was only second to his heart of gold.

This was one beautiful man. He looked much like the character I describe in “Mea Culpa, The Sins of Brother Lyons. My imagination and fantasies turned him into a 16th century monk in France leaving his order after being cloistered until he was 40. Making his way to Paris, and making up for lost time, his libido went wild and beautiful women and men were everywhere.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t write when I have nothing to say. There are too many bad books and movies out there because writers seemed compelled to write when they have nothing really to say.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anais Nin, Anne Rice, Salinger, Mitchner, Hemmingway,and great screenwriters like Joseph L. Mankiewicz

What are you working on now?
Confessions of a Race Dominatrix….In the world of Formula 1, Indy car and every other form of auto racing, a drivers is always in need of a new thrill, a new rush, a way to lose control without losing their life.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Haven’t found one that’s my favorite, yet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
you’re a writer, write and write more.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
your’re a writer, write and write more.

What are you reading now?
Keith Richard’s Biograohy

What’s next for you as a writer?
working on a TV pilot and a thriller film script.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Wooo, I can’t narrow it down, at all.

Author Websites and Profiles
Cheryl Eckhardt Website
Cheryl Eckhardt Amazon Profile

Cheryl Eckhardt’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a longtime freelance journalist published in more magazines than I can remember (among them Smoke, Chic, Army Magazine, American Way, The Nation et etc). Published books include two novels, two nonfiction books, several volumes of poetry. Some bio details:

As a highschool junior varsity baseball pitcher I threw a no-hitter but lost the game 11-0. (Nine walks, three wild pitches, two hit batsmen, six fielders errors, two of them his.)

As an Air Force enlisted man I received commendations as a bomb wing historian but never received a good conduct medal.

During undergraduate days at Mexico City College I edited the award-winning The Collegian newspaper, received the gold key honoring the year’s outstanding graduating senior and lost numerous arm-wrestling contests in a bar called The Baliliaka.

My journalistic career began as an editor with Western Publication in Austin, Texas, literary career with a poem in The Beloit Poetry Journal and shortstories in Four Quarters and The Georgia Review.

Journalistic adventures were interrupted by a year in Europe, writing an unpublished novel in New Orleans, two marriages and the births of two sons and three daughters, six years as a business and government accountant, passionate participation in Rotisserie baseball leagues and community, fern bar and university appearances as an actor, director and gofer.

Writing credits include:

Nonfiction

The Blood of the Serpent, Algora

Why Immigrants Come to America, Praeger

Novels

Miss Sally, Bobbs-Merrill

Running Out the Hurt, Black Rose Writing

Poetry

They Still Play Baseball the Old Way, White Eagle Coffee Store Press

A Perfect Throw, Aldrich

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Two books published in the past year: The novel Running Out the Hurt was inspired by my associations with a Mexican semipro baseball team in a little town in Tamaulipas. I wrote a humorous article or two about them, then a series of biographical poems that won a chapbook prize. A fellow writer who read the chapbook suggested I develop into a novel. Ironically the book pf poetry just out, A Perfect Throw, includes the poems in that chapbook that gave rise to the novel. The poetry book’s second section deals with marriage, my mother-in-law’s death and separation; the third with a 19th century Jewish peddler and Welsh miner’s widow inspired by writing and research I did in Nevada history.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
According to my ex-wives all my habits are unusual. Basically I’m a journalist accustomed to pushing against deadlines and getting things done but also enjoying lax periods when I can ease along and play with concepts and ideas. How unusual my habit of cursing MicroSoft Word might be I don’t know, but along with talking to myself while I write it might be a bit off-beat.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Fiction: D. H. Lawrence, Doestoevskii, Richard Wright, Wally Stegner, many others.

Nonfiction: Simone de Beauvoir, Hannah Arendt, Swami Vivekenanda, Richard Halliburton, many others

Poetry: D. H. Lawrence, Hart Crane, Garcia-Lorca, many others

What are you working on now?
Finishing/revised a nonfiction book on Mexico-U.S. danger points and a novel based on social protest and government repression in Oaxaca where I live. Plus writing poetry, some political essays and a few pieces of satire.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Times have changed drastically. Except for my new novel my books were published by hardcover publishers and promotion was based on giving readings, library sales and appearances, magazine reviews. The so-called indie world is a very different (and sometimes disagreeable) hustle that’s often based more on marketing than on book quality. Expanding a network of personal contacts that includes writers and readers for me is paramount.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Enjoy what you’re doing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From my highschool football coach: “Don’t think, Stout! You’re hurting the team!” (i.e. do, don’t theorize.)

What are you reading now?
A new book on drug-related violence in Mexico called Morir en Mexico, poetry by Alan Britt and incomprehensible instructions for promoting books on Amazon.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I concurrently work on nonfiction, fiction and poetry so there’s always a lot ahead: essays and maybe another nonfiction book about Mexico once the current one is published, short stories for literary magazines (again primarily with Mexican settings), poetry. I love writing and a lot of what I launch into evolves spontaneously.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Unanswerable. I’ve never been much on “one favorite” anything: drinks, movies, baseball players, lovers, pets.

Author Websites and Profiles
Robert Joe Stout Website
Robert Joe Stout Amazon Profile

Robert Joe Stout’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I discovered a talent for writing at age 14. I was heavily into SciFi at that time, and later sword & sorcery fantasy. I devoured all the books I could find. I was born in Idaho, raised in Arizona, grew up in Los Angeles. Over the course of my life I’ve been a Vietnam Veteran, a musician, a Hollywood taxi driver, a computer programmer, a single parent, and ran my own Internet marketing business. I havean associate’s degree in computer science (from 1972).

I’ve written and published eight books in four different genres; Sword & Sorcery Magical Fantasy, SciFi, Western Detective, and one Erotica. I’m currently working on a fifth genre-A Tuff Guy Adventure. All eight books are available in all eBook formats and paperback online.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Prophecy of Tara is a mystical fantasy where a hot chick kicks butt! She’s trained by monks and sent across the land to deliver information to an ancient wizard that will defeat a newly risen ancient evil. Along the way she picks up a stranded star traveler with a laser sword, a drunken giant, and ancient warriors from the time before.

I don’t know where these ideas come from. Something I read inspired it and the mind runs rampant. The ideas develop.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t follow any of the classic teachings. I don’t make outlines nor map out the course of the book. Nor do I write the ending and fill the rest in. I just write. Along the way I make notes when an idea strikes me to add to a section already written, or where the story should go. The muse strikes, I obey. I write and let the ideas flow.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Issac Asimov, Terry Goodkind, R.A. Salvitore & Ed Greenwood, Bart Davis, Nelson DeMille, Lee Child, and I must mention Robert Aspirin, who inspired me to start this whole process. He writes fantasy adventure (Myth Conceptions, Another fine Myth) and I wrote a western. Absolutely no connection but he was the inspiration for me to start writing again.

What are you working on now?
My current WiP (Work in Progress) is a Tuff Guy adventure called St. Intrepid, the type of guy you do NOT want to mess with. A former ‘government employee’ who some higher up tries to intimidate into doing wet work, eliminating a pretty DOJ investigator, by threatening to kill innocent civilians if he doesn’t take the job. He shows them the error of their ways in a ‘Take No Prisoners’ way.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to figure that out. Websites like this one that list an author’s books and have author interviews are most helpful. There must be in excess of two million recently self-published new authors (thanks to Amazon and Smashwords) and trying to get your book noticed among all those is a daunting task. Promotion is the most difficult part of the self-publishing process.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, write! Just write it down, get those ideas out of your head and onto paper (or screen). You can deal with all the mechanics, grammar, sentence flow, all that once it’s written. The most important part is to get those ideas onto paper. Just write!

Both Amazon and Smashwords have good information on formatting. That’s important to put your book in the proper format for publishing. Createspace (an Amazon company) has good info for print formats.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The same advice I’m passing on now. W r i t e i t d o w n !

What are you reading now?
I have two books going. Odd Hours by Dean Koontz, the most prolific author I know of, and Without Fail, a Jack Reacher novel by Lee Child. Can’t get enough of him.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing, keep learning promotion (a never ending task), and sell some books.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Ah, man, there are so many good books it’s hard to have just one favorite. J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings stands out as having the most influence.

Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series, The Dark Elf series from R.A. Salvatore, Cathedral by Nelson DeMille, the list is endless.

Author Websites and Profiles
R.L. Kiser Website
R.L. Kiser Amazon Profile
R.L. Kiser Author Profile on Smashwords

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

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am certified medical practitioner, author and public and motivational speaker with over 20 years of experience specialising in health, relationships, and in educating our youth.

Graduating from the University of NSW school of Medicine in 1989, I was the youngest Neurosurgical trainee in Australia at the time. I went on to study nutritional, environmental medicine, phyto-naturopathic medicine, and anti-ageing hormonal medicine.

After twenty years in medical practice, I posses a wealth of knowledge and experience thereby being a position to truly understand an individuals needs .

As an educator of our Youth I have a keen interest in protecting the integrity of the family unit. I have a deep interest in helping our children achieve their dreams. I have a unique style and ability to communicate with the young in their language and without patronising them.

I give them a clear path to achieving success in their lives.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called how to get a 100% and enjoy life. ( http://tinyurl.com/ntjjfwf )

It was inspired by my need to motivate young minds into making their dreams a reality. Showing young minds how knowledge is powerful.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, most of my great ideas come early in the morning; I go to sleep at night with an idea and then I dream about it. When I wake I am ready to go; through some magic of dreaming my mind can get up and just create and the magic ends up on paper. I call it creative dreaming.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
T S Eliot the poet has played a major role, his diverse ideas in his poetry about the human condition have allowed me to incorporate it into my writing and my teaching of both young and old.

Bryce Courtney has also inspired me when it comes to creative ideas about human hardship, courage and behaviour.

What are you working on now?
Currently I am working on a small handbook of wisdom it is the story of my father and his way of thinking. His life is inspiring, his thinking is life changing, and his wisdom comes with no pain and maximum effect.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth tell everyone give them a copy and tell them to tell a friend what they got out of reading it, what they learnt, how it made a difference to their life, it’s like a virus once one person gets it, it will soon spreads to everyone and you will have many copies of your book making a difference to many.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up; rejection of your work is the norm. You must keep sending it out there and eventually it will end up in the right place your dream will become a reality.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Concentrate on the second you find yourself in and do what you can to make a difference and the future will come despite anything you plan for or even imagined.

What are you reading now?
Cutting for stone; by Abraham Vergese Inspiring thought provoking powerful

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keeping Writing

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Power of One; by Bryce Courtney

Author Websites and Profiles
Themi Garagounis Website

Themi Garagounis’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a new Christian author. I have just recently finished my first book. I had never thought of writing until I was given the assignment by God to write my conversations with Him to share with others to help them through the things that I have already been through and how I was able to make it through.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is titled “My conversations with God”. To really say what inspired it was that it is exactly what it is. I wrote down the conversations that I had with God and what He wanted us to learn from them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say that I have any unusual writing habits. I just turn on the computer and the words just flow.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The people that have influenced me are Joseph Prince, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Dr. Charles Stanley. Their writing style and the wisdom from God imparted from them has helped me to grow as a person both as spiritually and as a writer.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on my second book which is a continuation of the first. It is more conversations though in a deeper way as I believe that you cannot stay where you are but need to continually grow and get deeper in your understanding and relationship with God. As scripture says in 1 Peter 2:2 we need to crave pure spiritual milk to grow. I am offering things in a more basic way for people to understand and grow

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best way I have learned to promote is to search and take advantage of all sites that will help you put your name and book out there. There are many sites that will help you do this for free and there are others that may charge you but they are usually reasonably priced. Its a matter of being willing to invest the time to search, signup, and fill out everything that will help put you into the view of as many readers as possible.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The advice I have to new authors like myself is to be prepared to spend a lot time finding ways to get your name and book out there. Yes some publishers will help with that part but not until the launch date of your title so know that it is up to you to do your own promotion to start out. How much work you put in will help determine how many people buy and read your book. Also make yourself available to people. Being closed off is a turn off for many people.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
How hard you are willing to work will be the deciding factor to how successful you will be.

What are you reading now?
Dr. Cindy Trimm’s Rules of Engagement and her other book When Kingdoms Clash

What’s next for you as a writer?
For the next thing for me as a writer is of course to continue writing but also to continue growing and expanding who I am that I may in turn be able to help others grow as well through my future writings. When the Lords blessings come I plan on being able to turn around really help others beyond just my writing but in physical and financial ways.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Holy Bible, this book is the ultimate in writing and the basis for everything in life.

Author Websites and Profiles
Carlos Aranda Website
Carlos Aranda Amazon Profile

Carlos Aranda’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 teacher from Chicago, Illinois. I love my family, friends, books, movies, coffee and wine. These things pretty much sum up my life. I’ve written two books. My first, This Moment was shelved when I could not get it published. Funny thing is, I want to keep it there. This story is so personal to me that I’m happy to keep it to myself. My second, Tortured Soul is published and set to release September 13th, 2013. I am currently working on my third, the next book in the Tortured series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Tortured Soul, a paranormal romance.

My first novel was a contemporary story loosely based on my life. Once I finished my first manuscript, I immediately began researching publishers. Unfortunately, I started this process when the recession hit. I received great feedback, but no contract. One publisher suggested I find what’s hot on the market and throw my hat in the ring. Trueblood and Twilight were all the rage and I thought, why not try out paranormal? I had just finished a paranormal series and being the avid reader that I am, was sad to see it come to an end. That night, an image of a beautiful woman and a werewolf sitting by a tree came to mind and I knew the brute had kidnapped her. It was amazing how fast this world came to me. For several weeks it felt like I was watching a long movie in my head, wondering what would happen next. Tortured Soul, my first novel was born.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I listen to classical music when I write at home, which isn’t unusual. I can also write an entire scene in my Notes app on my iphone when I’m not at home. When inspiration strikes, I have to act.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love romance and fantasy. Judith McNaught is one of my all time favorite authors along with Brenda Joyce. I fell in love with romance novels because of them and now several other authors have joined the list. (Way too many to type.) I got hooked on fantasy thanks to J.K Rowling. I’m always my happiest when I’m reading a Harry Potter book. These three authors are just a few of many that have inspired me over the years.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second book in the Tortured Series.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
A few things that I can suggest:

1. Edit, edit and then edit some more. Don’t submit until you’ve edited at least a dozen times.

2. Write a stellar query. Check online or in Writer’s Digest for examples.

3. Be sure to do your research. Writer’s Digest was a very helpful tool.

4. Follow the publisher’s guidelines when submitting.

5. This may sound corny, but don’t give up. Really. It’s honestly the best advice I can give.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do the best for where you are.

This advice has gotten me through those hard times when I feel my work is crap.

What are you reading now?
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

I’m addicted to this book. Can’t put it down.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m almost finished with the second novel in the Tortured Series. I have several other stories that are dying for their chance to shine, outside of the Tortured Series. I just need to find the time to work on my babies. There really isn’t enough time during the day.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by J.K. Rowling. She’s a genius!

Author Websites and Profiles
Julia Laque Website
Julia Laque Amazon Profile

Julia Laque’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi everyone! I’m Brian Rathbone, and I might be a tad eccentric. As a kid, I was taught the mystical ways of horse training by my father, uncle, grandfather, grandmother, great-grandfather and great grandmother. It was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. In my twenties, I left it all behind to find my own way. I found computer technology in 1991 and have seldom looked back. The Internet fascinated me, and I became a part of the dotcom revolution and later a part of a national effort to bring affordable high-speed Internet to everyone, especially rural areas.

During all that time and change, one thing remained constant: my love of fantasy fiction. For years I’d said I would one day write my own stories, I even told my wife of twenty-years that I would write fantasy novels on our first date. Finally the chance came in 2005 and I’ve written eight novels in the years since. The eighth book is in editing, and I’ve started writing my ninth.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is THE FIFTH MAGIC – Book One of the Artifacts of Power trilogy. This book is the seventh in the Godsland fantasy series, which consists of a series of trilogies, each with what I hope are satisfying endings.

I’ve wanted to write this book for some time. It is the culmination of much planning and building that took place in the first two trilogies. This new age of power that has engulfed Godsland is stretching toward its peak, and the stakes have never been higher. When I first envisioned this series, I was these parts I was most excited to write. You can imagine finally getting to write something that’s been in your head for fifteen plus years. It’s immensely gratifying.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write with wild abandon. When I first started writing, I would agonize over the right words or turn of phrase, and I would get stuck often. I later abandoned that approach and gave myself permission to write horrible first drafts. Now I don’t slow for much of anything. At the very most I’ll drop in a comment that I come back to later. I abbreviate long character names and do a mass replace when I’m done. The funny part is that I give myself permission to write terrible first drafts, and yet each successive one I write this way gets better and better. And it really doesn’t take all that long to clean things up.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
It’s a pretty long list, but I’ll give you the highlights of my early influences: David Eddings, Terry Brooks, Weiss and Hickman, Tolkien, Melanie Rawn, Piers Anthony (Incarnations of Immortality), Terry Goodkind, GRRM, Raymond Fiest.

Later in life I started exploring indie authors like M.R. Mathias, Scott Sigler, JC Hutchins, Collin Earl, Nicholas Taylor, Chris Snelgrove, Philippa Ballantine (now traditional), Michael J Sullivan (now traditional), and a host of others I probably should’ve mentioned here.

I try to keep my Goodreads shelf up to date, and that’s a great place to check out my other influences.

http://goodreads.com/brianrathbone

What are you working on now?
I’m currently editing THE FIFTH MAGIC and writing BLACK SPIKE. The premium audio read by Chris Snelgrove is due soon, and I’ll be proofing that. I’m also working on the video game I developed with my 10-year-old nephew. I’ve got most of the bugs worked out and will son begin testing on Android, iPhone and Windows Phone. You can check out the first version we created during a 9-day code-a-thon.

http://grumpydragons.com

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter. No contest.

When I first started using Twitter, I didn’t really get it. I stuck with it, though, and the longer I used it the more useful it became to me. And once I realized I needed to reach out to people and follow people rather than just waiting for them to follow me, things started happening. When I figured out that finding other fantasy authors on Twitter and looking at who they followed would allow me to find thousands of people who share my interests, it was all over. I’ve made lots of great friends and, without shouting ‘buy my books’, I’ve introduced myself to thousands of readers. Sometimes the best promotion is the non-promotion. Come on out and join me!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Cast aside fear, worry and doubt. Write as if no one will ever read it. Later you’ll have the chance to edit as if everyone will read it. When you’re done, write more. #repeat

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Hire an editor who loves the kind of books you write.

What are you reading now?
I recently finished Rule of Thumb by Scott Baughman. This science fiction story will make you stop and think about the direction technology is taking.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m just a little over halfway through the primary story arc in the Godsland series. My goal is to focus on the job I started eight years ago and see it through to its completion. Sometimes the hardest part about ideas is focusing on them for as long as it takes to reach fruition.

At the same time, I will be working on a non-fiction title focusing on the challenges and possible solutions to providing high-speed Internet access in rural areas. In general, it cost more to provide the service in these areas than can ever be made back. If we don’t change the economics of rural broadband, the digital divide will only widen.

What is your favorite book of all time?
A Wrinkle in Time. This was the book that introduced me to speculative fiction and I will be forever grateful.

Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Rathbone Website
Brian Rathbone Amazon Profile
Brian Rathbone Author Profile on Smashwords

Brian Rathbone’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In 1995, I wrote my first children’s book. Back then there was no notion of self-publishing. No Kindles; no iPads. I wrote another story in 2005 and stuck it in a drawer. Last year, I decided I would self-publish both stories. Truth was, one story was not fit for publication. A truth revealed to me by two honest editors. Lol! The other story, “Mort the Fly” was the first book I had illustrated. I did not plan to be a publisher. But, in a fit of inspiration I wrote several stories for a series called “Kitten and Friends.” Then I started collaborating on other books. Since my grandson is being raised bilingual, I decided to offer all the books in English, Spanish and bilingual versions. Which is funny because I can barely speak Spanish. To date, I have completed 12 stories with several more in development. Four are for sale in Amazon’s Kindle library: amazon.com/author/avivagittle.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“In Nana’s Arms” was written for my first grandchild, Louis. I fell in love with the work of two different artists and ended up publishing two versions of the book. One features the soft watercolors of Seattle artist Karissa Hunter. The other features the bold and colorful art of Brazilian illustrator Carlos Brito. The poem was written while my grandson was sleeping on my chest. I held him with my left arm and wrote a rough draft of the poem holding my iPhone with my right hand. Babies always look like angels while they’re sleeping. Lol! The poem was re-written several times, but one line remained the same: “Nana believes I’m her moon and her stars, wrapped in the energy of the universe, and held tightly in her arms.”

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing habits are probably not unusual to other writers. We tend to be an interesting bunch; driven by often inexplicable things. Yet, we’re writers and we’re supposed to figure out a way to explain these things. Children’s stories, so far, have been the most natural way for me to communicate my feelings and views to the world. My writing tends to be in fits and starts. I tend to have multiple projects going on at once. Deadlines work well in some instances to force me to get it done. Partnering with other writers has really helped me to be much more productive and creative. I always thought of myself as a loner; it turns out I’m a collaborator.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
“The Sneetches” and “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss. “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster. Of course, “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak. All are stories that have a moral and a message, but tell it in a way that is entertaining to both children and adults. I hate preachy books. I understand that there are tough things that kids have to deal with today and it’s important that there are books out there to help them. But, kids can hear lectures at home and in school. My goal is to find imaginative and entertaining ways to be a messenger.

What are you working on now?
I have three projects going on now. A tween novel I’m writing with Mark Megson (we’ve written 3 stories together). An animation project with Colombian animator/artist Jean Paul Iragorri. Finally, I’m developing a book series with one of my key editors, Sara Dean.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still pretty new at this marketing thing, since I just published my first book at the end of July. I think a multi-pronged approach is best. There’s no magic bullet. Tweet, post on your official FB page, build and maintain a website with good content, connect with others in the publishing business (authors, editors, illustrators, book reviewers, bloggers, etc.) The key thing is to do a little marketing every day. Sometimes that’s just reaching out to people you know to tell them what you’re doing, ask them to let others know about your work, etc. I think Amazon’s KDP program is probably the most efficient way to sell your books. And use your darn author site; they give it to you for free, for goodness sakes!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My best advice for new authors is to find great editors. Find beta readers. You don’t have to follow every bit of advice, but listen. Some of the best lines in my stories came from my editor, Sara Dean. The first time she basically rewrote one of my scenes, I was pretty teed off. But then I realized that I was letting pride get in the way of a better story. Does it still hurt sometimes when someone doesn’t like my work? Yup. Get over it (I tell myself regularly). It’s getting easier. 🙂

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard came from Christine Messier of Your Voice, Inc., a great marketer here in San Diego. She said my social media interactions should be 70% valuable content for my audience and 30% promotion of my own stuff. All you have to do is think about how you feel when every tweet is trying to sell you something.

What are you reading now?
Mostly I read other people’s children’s books. But, I’m slowly getting through an excellent book, “Nine Lives of A Marriage” by Mickey Goodman about the amazing life of a 92-year-old holocaust victim. You can buy it in digital or print on Amazon.

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me is to really get serious about my website (www.AvivaGittleEbooks.com or www.GoToGittle.com). I hired a web designer and my revamped site should be up in mid-September. I’m lining up great interviews with authors and illustrators. There will be children’s book reviews, product reviews, children’s video reviews and much more. I’ve been working on my content calendar. Everyone should have one. Email me at GoToGittle@gmail.com and I’ll share the Excel workbook I’m developing to manage my website content.

What is your favorite book of all time?
George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” is my favorite book of all time. It speaks the terribly sad truth about humans and power. Probably why I write children’s stories. Far less depressing.

Author Websites and Profiles
Aviva Gittle Website
Aviva Gittle Amazon Profile

Aviva Gittle’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Namibian citizen born in an Angolan refugee camp, where I spent the first eight years of my life. Since then I have lived in four different countries, Namibia, South Africa, Germany, and Austria. I had only been passing through Austria but I met my husband and he convinced me to stay. I now live in Vienna, with him and our daughter.

My travels had offered me the opportunity to gather useful material, from both my own experiences and those of others. I am a firm believer that memories, both good and bad, are worth cherishing. The roads we’ve travelled lead us to the people we are today.

As a result, I enjoy breathing new life into some of those experiences, and sprinkling them with snippets born of my imagination, to write fiction novels. My aim as a writer is to both thrill and inspire readers.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My upcoming novel, Honeysuckle and Jasmine, a women’s fiction novel, will be published on the 30th of September, 2013.

This novel is very dear to my heart as it was partly inspired by true events. It’s the product of memories pieced together from the seven years (1999-2006) I lived in Berlin, Germany. During a fraction of this time, as a student, my best friend and I experienced firsthand the difficulties encountered in a land far away from home. The one thing that held us together was our friendship. To spice up the story, I’ve added a little suspense and a love story. And the towns the characters live in are all fictional.

Here’s a description of the novel:

The past is never far behind.

Senia Loato’s life has been needled by disappointment, and the wounds that fester go beyond skin deep. She is certain if she puts miles between her and her tainted past, she will somehow outrun it. When she’s offered the chance to leave her island home of Mintang to become an au pair for three boys in Germany, she takes the opportunity to start running.

In Germany, she meets Miina, another African au pair. What builds between them is a life-defining friendship, one they will risk everything for.

And soon, they’ll be asked nothing less.

When Miina is betrayed and left stranded, Senia stands by her, risking much more than just her stay in Germany. She also stands to lose rich, handsome, turquoise-eyed Roman Dorenwald, the first man she has allowed into her heart.

But they’re risks worth taking.

Eventually, Senia makes a sacrifice that catapults her back to her past, where she’s forced to draw back the curtain and discover the shocking truth of her history.

Can she confront her nightmares, reach deep into her soul, and forgive those who have hurt her? Or is it easier to just keep running?

If you’re interested, you can already add the book on Goodreads.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m more productive when I sit in a certain corner of the couch (worn-out by now) surrounded by all my favorite snacks and drinks (anything salty, sour, spicy).

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite authors are Jodi Picoult, John Grisham, Nora Roberts, Nicholas Sparks…and so many more. But these authors have touched me most, but I can’t really say who influenced my writing. I think all the books I’ve read and really enjoyed had a combined effect on me.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a contemporary romance novella series. I can’t say much at the moment, except that the cover of the first book is absolutely gorgeous.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Marketing is hard work, and I’m learning as I go. I think the most effective to me at the moment is Goodreads.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Always. Never write what you think you should write. Write something that sets your heart on fire. Only then can you pour all of you into it. And your readers will know.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up on your dreams. My dream is to one day work as a full time author.

What are you reading now?
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To publish at least two or three novels a year.

What is your favorite book of all time?
A little princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It always takes me back to my childhood. I can’t wait to read it to my daughter.

Author Websites and Profiles
Liz Grace Davis Website
Liz Grace Davis Amazon Profile
Liz Grace Davis Author Profile on Smashwords

Liz Grace Davis’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in San Diego born and raised. I’m married to a wonderful man for the past three years and we have two children. My stepdaughter and our youngest who was born in 2012. I love to read, ever since I was a kid my mother instilled a love of reading in me that never went away even as I grew up. I started writing creatively in high school as a way to express myself. I stopped for a few years and had the urge a couple years back and decided to pick it up again and I haven’t looked back since. To date, I’ve written two full length novels, a novella and one novellette.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is Diviner’s Curse which is the sequel to my current series. The first book being Diviner’s Prophecy. The inspiration behind the series was me wanting to be able to see into the future and wondering how that would effect a person and would they feel like it was a blessing or a burden?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My most unsual writing habit is staying up very late to write. I work a full time job plus I am mother and wife so usually when I have time to write it’s late at night because that’s when I have time. No other real quirks that I can think of though.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There’s so many but I think the biggest influences for me would be Juliette Marillier, Jaqueline Carey and Anne Bishop, they have a way of writing prose that is absolutely captivating and I love the intertwining of magic, mystery and romance that is in all of their stories.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the second book in my novella series. A young woman moves to a new town after a quick courtship and realizes that her marriage may not be real and magic might be real.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t found a best method yet, I’m still relatively new to publishing. I’ve being trying my hand at different things but I’ve noticed some great feedback from blog tours.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My favorite piece of advice is just keep writing! There’s nothing to it other than that. Do what you love and don’t forget why you started when the sales race gets you down.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best marketing strategy I ever heard was to keep producing more content. And that’s my basic aim, to keep producing.

What are you reading now?
I just finished the Invisible Ring by Anne Bishop which is a side story in the Black Jewels Trilogy and I also just read The Seventh Son by Orson Scott Card. I’m planning on starting the Wayfearer’s Redemption by Sara Douglas soon as well.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. It seems kind of straight forward but that’s the ultimate goal. I’m planning on releasing at least one more novella this year and hopefully the third book in my trilogy by the beginning of next year.

What is your favorite book of all time?
If I had to choose just ONE it would be The Golden Key by Melanie Rawn, Jennifer Roberson and Kate Elliot. Just a beautiful book and the levels of the story just blow me away. I found it by chance at a borders going out of business sale and I couldn’t put it down once I picked it up.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nicolette Andrews Website
Nicolette Andrews Amazon Profile
Nicolette Andrews Author Profile on Smashwords

Nicolette Andrews’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My love for words began in first grade. I had learned vowel sounds i.e. A is pronounced like it is in man, or if there is an E at the end, the vowel says it’s name (name, sane, etc.) Then, one day the teacher said it could also have other pronunciations, as in father. That did it! It was my Rosetta Stone. I have never stopped reading since.

I first began to get the writing bug in fifth grade when I won the county essay contest. In high school and college, Creative Writing was my main interest. But, then came the real world, having a job and kids. No time to write. So, I got a late start. It was probably just as well. Experience is a great teacher.

I wrote my first book Heart of the Wild Beast, in the early 1970’s, but was afraid to submit it–smart decision, it was awful. In 2009, I decided to start over. I completely rewrote it, keeping the same plot. I submitted it to ebook publishers. I got seven rejections before a publisher sent me a contract. The book was published in 2010.

My second book, Red, White, and You, I sent to another publisher, Soul Mate Publishing. The supposed turn-around time of four to six weeks for a response, was cut down to two weeks. I had a contract! That’s the book you see here.

Soul Mate picked up my third book, For the Love of Laurel, in four days. It’s due out in November. Then, since the contract on my first book expired, they’ve also picked up that one. It will be published next year.

I have been married 50 years, have three kids, seven grandkids, and one great grandson. So it’s never to late to follow your dream.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is in the editing stage. It is a romantic suspense titled, For the Love of Laurel. I guess it was inspired by, of all things, law enforcement. I live in a border town, San Diego, California. A lot of drug trafficking goes on. My nephew is a California Highway Patrol officer and has worked with the DEA. I admire the men and women who put their lives on the line every day for us.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Let’s see. This is a loaded question for me. The short answer is no, but my quirky mind wants to say, “I type while standing on my head,” or “I type everything sdrawkcab so you can only read my books with a mirror.” I love this question, Awesome Gang!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
That’s a broad question, since I’ve read hundreds of books. But the author who has influenced me the most is Rod Serling. His books and screenplays are jewels.

What are you working on now?
Editing my third book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I could say I have one. I am trying all the sites that promote books to see how that works.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read your book at least ten times before submitting. Get a couple of friends or relatives to read it just to find typos and things that don’t make sense. You want it in the best condition it can be. Don’t take the easy way out and self-publish until you’ve submitted to all the ebook publishers that publish in your genre. Whatever they ask for in a submission, send exactly that–nothing more and nothing less. If you want to submit to a print publisher, understand you may need an agent. Even if you don’t, it generally is a much longer time from contract to print.

Self-publishing? Well, I won’t do it, personally. You have to pay all expenses yourself and, chances are, you won’t make enough in sales to cover the expenses.

Most of all, if you believe in your product, don’t give up. As they say, “All it takes is one yes.” And that “yes” might be the very next one you planned to submit to.

Good luck!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never. Give. Up.

What are you reading now?
Hanta Yo by Ruth Beebe Hill. I read it years ago and wanted to read it again. One fine book.

What’s next for you as a writer?
With editing two full-length novels in my immediate future, I’m not even thinking about my next book at the moment. I do have a few chapters written on two different books, but first things first.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Collector by John Fowles.

Author Websites and Profiles
Patricia Harreld Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My first publication was in Boy’s Life in 1962, having written a humorous definition to ‘Silverware’. Thus began my interest in humor writers of the time. My first serious attempts at writing began ten years later when I began writing poetry, which I have continued over the years. Life as it tends to do so often sucked the air out of my writing urges until my retirement, as a commercial photographer. However, it was the very things that I struggled with over the years that was rich fodder for the two memoirs I wrote. Sometimes life tends to be far more interesting than anything one can make up for a story. I was blessed in that way. I currently have six books in print, including two books of poetry, a fully illustrated children’s book, two memoirs and a book for long term travelers in Mexico. I am currently writing full time, having the time and freedom to do so. I have twelve books with titles and outlines in the queue, awaiting my attention. Thus far I have worked mostly in non-fiction, however that is about to change with the upcoming books mostly in fiction.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is “A Gringo’s Tour of Mexico” The Practical Traveler’s Guide. I wrote this book while I was living in Mexico with my then future wife. My original intention at the time was to begin writing fiction, however, I was being immersed in the trials of a life of Mexico, along with the balancing act of keeping a recalcitrant partner as happy as was possible at the time, such that I wouldn’t be smothered to death in my sleep. The mantra of “write what you know” was the loudest voice in my head at the time, and the book came together suprisingly well over the course of four months of daily writing. A Gringo’s Tour of Mexico is an inside account of life in Mexico, what to expect and what is expected of the traveler. It is not a “Travel Book” or primer on how to travel. It is a personal tour through thirteen states of Mexico, with insights into the differences between states , travel demands and opportunities, as well as all pertinent information on necessary travel documents, methods of available transportation/costs and other valuable information for those long term travelers wishing to experience all that Mexico has to offer.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not one who believes creative writing is a cognitive exercise. I do believe that a certain amount of cognitive preparation much take place for a funtional book, however, when I write it is not in any logical sequence or rational approach. For me, inspiration takes place when I am able to focus out the noise of daily affairs long enough to devine what I am really trying to say through my words. That takes place when I immerse myself within the setting or characters involved, feeling the stream of thought to see where it takes me. That is a rational way of saying that to find inspiration one must go deeply inward to find Mu, which is where the little Muse live, to bribe one of the little miscreants to follow you home to your story. Apparently the little Muse can be bribed, but it isn’t cheap.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite authors are playful. My earliest influence was with humor writers like Erma Bombeck and Dave Barry. More recently the authors who have influenced my writing the most thus far are Tom Robbins, David Sedaris and Augusten Burroughs, all of whom induced me to write my two memoir books. Other writers who have had a great influence on my style of writing were Latino writers like Isabelle Allende, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Luis Urrea to name a few. The penchant for writing in minimulist form in the past thirty years is not something I ascribe to. I prefer the rich discriptive sentences these writers utilize. Possibly this is reflective of the original Spanish being translated into English. One Latino writer who has influenced many other writers is Juan Rulfo, with his book “Pedro Paramo” which began the use of magical realizm, which Marquez embraced and utilized in his book “One Hundred Years of Solitude”. I plan on using this technique in an upcoming book.

What are you working on now?
My next book will be a work of fiction. Being I have twelve future books titled and outlined at this time, I have options of where to begin the next project.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I currently have a website representing my books in print that I had created two years ago, a facebook page as well as two blogs, one relating to POD publishing subjects and a second blog used for posting exerpts from my existing books. At this time I find the facebook page elicits more responses from potential readers than the other forms. Marketing my books is something of an ongoing learning process.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Indie writers publishing their own books need to be able to understand the many variations of POD publishing platforms, and how that will relate to their books as well as their ability to get their books to market. This demands a learning curve to fully understand the ramifications of their choices. Such topics as ISBN number assignment and the name of imprint that it implies, formatting issues, file conversions and numerous other logistical demands for the writer in the process of getting their book to print. The biggest help that can be offered for this process is determination and patience. Getting it right the first time is the task, otherwise the task becomes starting over to rebuild the process correctly after the fact. That takes much longer and demands so much more patience and energy.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always, always purchase your own ISBN number for every book you have in print. Simply create your own publishing ‘brand’ and spend the ten dollars to purchase the number. That publishing ‘brand’ will appear on the books listing, instead of the publishing platform name where the book is being listed.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Amit Goswami’s “Quantum Doctor”. The subject of quantum thinking is finding more quantum physicists writing on this subject, altering forever the thinking on the term we lovingly refer to as ‘reality’. The cumulative learning from these books have altered the way I perceive things in general, as well as offer up rich material to be used for upcoming books.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am retired now, and am writing for my pleasure. I have enough future books outlined to keep my busy until I am too weak to work a keyboard.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Fictional book would be Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ “One Hundred Years of Solitude”. Non-fiction book would be Amit Goswami’s “Quantum Doctor”.

Author Websites and Profiles
Grant Handgis Website
Grant Handgis Amazon Profile

Grant Handgis’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Bart J. Gilbertson. I spent most of my youth and growing years in the northern part of Idaho in a small town called Troy. It was largely a farming and logging community. Our school (back then) Elementary thru High School sat up on a large hill overlooking the small town. I spent countless hours in the school library which, amazingly, had a pretty good variety of books for such a small school. I went on to wear many hats throughout my lifetime career and have learned many trades to include – fast food, semi-conductor fabrication, kitchen designing/counters and cabinets, pharmaceuticals, technical help desk for various businesses to name a few. I received my Associate in Applied Science Degree for Computer Networking Systems and graduated with honors from ITT Technical Institute as well. And now, I can add Author to the list! I have had one book published through Cozy Cat Press, a cozy mystery titled “Deathbed & Breakfast” with plans for more.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It is titled “Deathbed & Breakfast”. It is the first in a planned series of books called The Pookotz Sisters Mysteries. My sister and I were sitting up late one night catching up on things (as it had been a long time since we’d seen each other) and she was telling me about a Cozy Mystery she was reading at the time by Joanne Fluke. Soon, we were coming up with ideas for our own Cozy Mystery, laughing, having fun. What we didn’t know was that we were laying the foundation for what would later become “Deathbed & Breakfast”. Since I had never really read any cozies before, I weaved together pieces of Agatha Christie, Jessica Fletcher (Murder, She Wrote) and Alfred Hitchcock into the novel giving it a nice cozy feel with elements of humor, drama and of course, “whodunit” mystery! It takes place primarily in a bed & breakfast, hence the title.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if I would call them “unusual”, but I prefer to write late into the night by candlelight. There is just something about losing yourself from the real world, firelight reflecting off the walls around you that really helps to bring out the creative juices. Free from the distraction and the sounds of every day life filtering through the windows. It’s quiet, peaceful…it’s go time!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading the works of fantasy authors Lloyd Alexander, Terry Brooks and Piers Anthony among others. In the mystery genre (and I know this may seem a bit generic because of their far reaching effect, but) I also had read and was influenced by the Hardy Boys Mysteries by the collective writings under the pseudonym of Franklin W. Dixon. It was the work of Lloyd Alexander in particular that really first opened my eyes and heart to the written word. His 5 book Prydain Chronicles so captured me that I have since read them over and over again. I was about 10 years old the first time I read them and never before had I been so enamored with any book, let alone more than one. It was about that time in my life that I decided I wanted to be a writer.

What are you working on now?
I always seem to have more than one project going at any one time. Some have been started and find their way to the proverbial “back burner”, but always they are being worked on somewhat. My main effort currently is on the 2nd of the Pookotz Sisters Mystery series. All your favorite characters will be back in action again, some with more of an enhanced role. I am also working on a short story compilation (4 stories) which I will have available for kindle only on Amazon. The title of the book will be “Wax Hypnotic … and Other Tales From Beyond”. I have ideas for another possible series, and also for standalone novels. There is just SO much I want to write about.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For “Deathbed & Breakfast” I have found the best website for reaching out to others and promoting the book has been Facebook. Goodreads has also been a great resource to me. From there, I have been able to meet others, both authors and reviewers and have had several Author Interviews, Book Reviews and Book Highlights posted on other webpages and blog sites online. Always, I am on the lookout for more opportunities to talk about my book. My first book signing was actually at the local Dairy Queen and it was very successful! “Come down and grab your favorite blizzard or fruit smoothie and while you are there, be sure to get your very own signed copy of Deathbed & Breakfast from local author, Bart J. Gilbertson! Now there is more than one reason to visit your Dairy Queen!” We actually aired that commercial on the local radio station. I went in with 40 books and walked out with 1. I sold 39 in 4 hours. It was a great day! I believe that sometimes thinking outside the box is fun and exciting.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never think that what you are writing is worthless or not important enough for others to read. Every person has their own voice. Let yours be heard. Live up to your OWN potential and be happy with your writing. Write for yourself. Love what you do. Don’t give up.

Also, reading is just as important as writing. Read other books. Gain insight, learn. Enjoy.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It was given to me years and years ago by author Terry Brooks when I met him at a book signing in Albuquerque, NM (and I doubt he’d remember this, but I do…haha!). I asked him for advice to me as an inspiring author. I asked him, “What should I do?” He said to me, “Just write.”

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading a book that has been highlighted on your website in fact. I’m reading “Sherlock’s Home: The Adventure of the Contentious Crone” by Pamela Rose. I am very much enjoying it. She is a natural story teller.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just to keep doing what I love. Write good stories. The 2nd in the Pookotz Sisters Mystery series is my emphasis right now. I would love to be able to meet others and continue to grow in my chosen craft.

What is your favorite book of all time?
“Where The Red Fern Grows” – Wilson Rawls. My 4th Grade teacher read this book to our class. It got me interested in books. Then the aforementioned Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander (The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, and The High King) are all near and dear to my heart. Even after all the many, many books I’ve read in the years following, these are still my favorite today.

Author Websites and Profiles
Bart J. Gilbertson Website
Bart J. Gilbertson Amazon Profile

Bart J. Gilbertson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember! After a long stint in freelance journalism and screenwriting, I returned to my first love, fiction. I used to have the very bad habit of writing a book, finishing it, and then overanalyzing it until I basically destroyed it. I think I did this with at least six books! Finally, I decided to go a little easier on myself. Once I finished what has become my debut book, Calculated, I put it in the hands of some beta readers and trusted their opinion that the book was good enough. I recently published it and am enjoying the feedback. I have nine more that I’m working on and plan to release before the end of 2014.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Calculated, and it’s the first in a series of three.

Working as a journalist gave me first hand experience in how the media is censored and manipulated, which kind of became the inspiration for the core of the story. The subplots developed organically from there, and before I knew it I had an entire cast of very vivid, very troubled characters who’s stories needed to be told.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if this is unusual, but I seem to need complete and utter quiet to be able to write. No music, no sounds in the house. I just shut myself in my office and let it all flow out.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh there are so many brilliant authors! I’m a big fan of Stephen King, of course, but I can’t say that there’s any one person who influences my writing. I seem to take little pointers, noting the good and bad, of every book I’ve read and I try to learn from that and use it in my own writing. I like to think I’m a student of the written word, and I learn something with each new reading experience.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on the second book in the series, Driven, as well as a short story I hope to release sometime in October.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think I’m still figuring that out. 🙂

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read everything you can get your hands on. Do your research in the industry. Write, write, write, and when you think you have something good enough to put out there, give it one last edit to be certain. But most of all, follow your dreams! If you want to get published, you will. Never give up, just give the dream time.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My great uncle, Jesse Stuart, has said that if you write something to suit yourself, many people will like it. But if you write something to suit everyone, scarcely anyone will care for it. I’ve found this to be very true, and now I follow my gut when it comes to story lines and characters.

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m in between books. I’ just finished Stripped, by Jasinda Wilder, which was a really fun read. Next I’d like to get my hands on something dark and spooky, so we’ll see what’s out there. I have my eye on a couple Joe Hill books.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next is to crank out all these stories I have in my head, and hopefully provide readers with some really good experiences.

What is your favorite book of all time?
I can’t say that I have “one:, but I’m a big fan of all the creative books I read as a child that allowed me to bend my concept of reality – the Narnia series, Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass, etc. Books that go beyond what we know into the possibilities of what could be really appeal to me.

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