Awesome Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written. Hi there, thanks for having me here today,. My name is Laura Iding and I’ve written almost 40 books, mostly for Harlequin under a few names, although I have recently published a few indie books as well. I’m a critical care nurse by day and an author by night. I love writing and reading romantic suspense. My hubby and I are celebrating 30 years together and we make our home in Milwaukee Wisconsin.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it? My book is Target For Terror written under L. A. Iding and it’s a fast paced romantic suspense dealing with the Russian mafia and a potential terrorist attack on the US. The story mostly takes place in Washington DC, one of my favorite cities. The heroine of this story is a critical care nurse and her patient tells her he knows who shot him. This exact same scenario happened several times in our ICU since we’re a level one trauma center we get all the gunshot wounds, stabbings and car/motorcycle crashes. I used this scenario as a way to open this story, although certainly Natalia gets into far more trouble than I ever did.

Do you have any unusual writing habits? Hmm, not that I’m aware of (she says with a grin)! Since I still work a full time job, I have to be very disciplined with my writing and I always try to write at least 30 pages per week. Sometimes it’s more if the story is humming along, other times not so much. But I do treat my writing as a part time job and force myself to write even when I don’t want to. Having deadlines to meet makes it easier for me to keep on track. My day job is always interesting and I often get ideas from real life incidents in the hospital.

What authors, or books have influenced you? I loved Suzanne Brockmann’s earlier books where she had a secondary story line that intersected with the main story line and that was the influence for my new release, Target For Terror. I also love Laura Griffin’s suspense books, she really knows how to tell a great story. Other favorite authors are Kay Hooper, and J. D. Robb.

What are you working on now? I’m working on a three book contract for Harlequin but at the same time, I’m also working on Jordan’s story, Target For Blackmail which is the next book in my Security Specialists, Inc. Series. I have a rough idea for the third book as well, Target For Revenge. I have so many ideas that I want to write about, it’s just a matter of time and money. Right now, Harlequin is paying more than my indie books, but I’m hoping that will change at some point.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books? I am the worst promoter on the planet, I would much rather be writing the next story. I do have a website, www.lauraiding.com, but it needs to be updated. I am on Facebook but my best advertising is word of mouth and I often hear from my readers who claim to love my stories.

Do you have any advice for new authors? My advice is that success is 85% determination and 15% talent. I believe that successful authors don’t give up and keep writing and perfecting their craft. I hear lots of people say, “oh I’ve always wanted to write a book” and my response is “Why haven’t you?” There isn’t ever a good reason. Everyone has family issues, job responsibilities and other commitments but if that stops you, then you haven’t made writing a priority. So plop your butt in a chair, power up your computer and get writing!

What is the best advice you have ever heard? See above, LOL. Seriously, I have always written stories from the time I was a kid, so for me it was all about being determined to learn my craft and to get my books out there. It is so much easier now than it was ten years ago when I first became published. Authors have so many options to get their work out to readers and many are hugely successful. The only thing stopping you is yourself. What are you reading now? I am currently reading Far Gone by Laura Griffin. I really enjoy her books. I love to read, but I also need to do a lot of writing so finding the balance is difficult! What’s next for you as a writer? I hope to keep on writing the Security Specialists, Inc. series. In the meantime I will continue to write for Harlequin as well to help pay the bills for conferences, etc. Maybe one day I’ll be able to retire from the hospital (since I’ve already been there for 32 years) and write full time. That’s my dream and my goal!

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 hate this question, because I’d much rather bring three blank notebooks with me so I could write! But okay, I would take a Laura Griffin book, probably the first one in her Tracer’s series and probably the first book in the J. D. Robb series and probably Kay Hooper’s first Bishop series book. But just know that I’d probably be writing my own stories in between the lines of these books.

Author Websites and Profiles

Laura Iding Website

 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written. This is my first book. I was born in 1964, and grew up in Northport, NY. I’ll never forget those days when we would walk to school, ride bikes to the beach, play stick ball in the street, and hang out under the street lights until well past dark. Life was simpler then and I learned something really important (although it took me many years to understand it). Every day of your life is what you make of it. I’ve had my share of good and bad days. No matter what we face in life, how we face it is just as important as the outcome. I like the current phrase “Be Present”, but I would take it one step further. Make the most out of every moment, so that if anyone is your last you can look back in pride at not having wasted it. How we touch the lives of those around us is far more important than what we’ve accomplished. I have been blessed with a wonderful wife and three sons who fill my life with purpose every day. Having traveled around the world for work (more places than some and a lot less than others) I have been blessed with friends all over the globe. I only hope that in some small way I have touched their lives as much as they have touched mine. I found my faith late in life. For a long time I didn’t believe. Then one day, I knew without a doubt that God existed. I knew that he was working in my life in ways I can’t always see, but that he was there. How I knew is one of the things I can’t put into words. It would be like trying to explain how I use the muscles in my hand. It is something that is beyond words. Onto the topic at hand, writing. My sincerest thanks to anyone who reads my work. Writing is my passion, it always has been. My college professor Judith Johnson wrote a poem, “the gift”. what have i got for you? only what i am, and you are not. More than thirty years later her words still resonate and inspire me. What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it? Seal of the King is the result of a few different ideas I had come up with over the years. I had decided I wanted to write a fantasy story that had a compelling love story as part of it. Then the idea of pulling these other elements into it helped it all fall into place. Do you have any unusual writing habits? I tend to write late at night mostly when everyone else is asleep so I can unwind. I see the story play out in my mind as if watching a movie so I often go back to the beginning to re-read it and get the thread and check for continuity. What authors, or books have influenced you? There are a number of authors I really like, but most recently I read all the Harry Potter and Sword of Truth series. JK Rowling did such a masterful job of bringing the characters to life and created an emotional connection to them that every challenge they faced felt so real and compelling. Terry Goodkind also did a fantastic job with his characters and I really enjoyed the relationship between Richard and Kahlan. I particularly liked the fact that we didn’t have to suffer through the will she won’t she, will he won’t he angst. There are plenty of other ways to create meaningful conflict for your hero and heroine. What are you working on now? I am currently working on the sequel Seal of the King into the Heart of Darkness. What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books? In my experience so far I have found a lot of success through all the social media channels and independent book sites. But it requires dedication and consistency. You have to work on it every day. Do you have any advice for new authors? You make your own destiny. It doesn’t matter if you self publish or publish through a publishing house. You have to get out there to get the word out. What is the best advice you have ever heard? Your goal needs to be getting people to read your book, not making money. If you can get people to read it and it is good then it will sell. What are you reading now? I just finished reading a draft manuscript for an author friend of mine so I am focusing now on wrapping up my next book What’s next for you as a writer? As soon as I have the draft of my next book complete I have another book to finish while it is being edited. 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? Books 1, 2 and 7 of the Harry potter series, The wizards First Rule and probably a book on how to survive on a dessert island.

 

Author Websites and Profiles

Ralph Smith Website Ralph Smith Amazon Profile

 

Ralph Smith’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I recently contracted with Write Integrity Press for three series. Stalking Willow and Better than Revenge, the first two novels in the Amazing Grace romantic suspense series are currently available for purchase, as are Charisse and Libby, the first two releases in her The Ties That Bind contemporary romance series. Serenity is the third series contracted, and Storms in Serenity is slated for release summer 2014.
I’m a past-secretary for American Christian Fiction Writers. I served for four years as the moderator for ACFW’s critique group, Scribes. For my volunteer efforts for ACFW, I received the Service Members Award in 2010. I was influential in the creation of the Central Florida ACFW Chapter known as Sonshine Scribes, and I’m a past-president and will serve as secretary in 2014.
I reside reside in Florida with my husband, Marc, where multi-generations of our families have lived. The legacy continues with our two married sons and six grandchildren.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Libby is my newest release, which is the second novel in my The Ties that Bind series. Libby jumped into the pages of Charisse’s story, and she won my heart. I didn’t realize until I’d written her tale that Libby is a lot like me, only better. Though Libby can’t see that about herself. Her lack of self-esteem is where I was several years ago. A poor image our herself keeps her from experiencing life to its fullest, and that’s what Libby’s story is about.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not habits really. I write. I love to write. Story world is where I go to get away from my every day problems. However, I’m also an editor for a well-known Christian publisher, and that keeps me busy and out of my story world more than I would like. However, I love working with authors. It’s a passion of mine.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been a James A. Michener fan since the tenth grade of high school when my history teacher assigned me Centennial for a book report. I shrugged it off, read off of the tome, and did my report. I aced it, but the book, and Michener’s writing remained with me, and I again took up Centennial, read it completely and then advanced to reading every one of Michener’s novel. His novel, The Drifters, has a great influence on a novel that I’m writing in which the backdrop of the story is professional surfing. Other writers who have influenced me are Sharyn McCrumb, John Grisham, and Margaret Daley.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on the third book in my romantic suspense series, Amazing Grace. The book is entitled Everybody’s Broken, the story of four individuals completely undone by the death of someone they love. His death leaves them at the whim of a psychotic killer. They must discover not only who the murderer is but what he wants from them.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find that I’m most comfortable with interviews. I love them. I’m able to be myself, and I can share about my writing journey and the journeys of my characters with ease. As I mentioned, I love working with writers, but I also love connecting with readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
As cliche as they sound: 1) Don’t let anyone steal your dreams, but on the other hand, remember that not everyone who offers constructive criticism is trying to steal your dreams. That person might just be trying to hand you your dreams on a silver platter; and 2) Don’t every give up. No matter what. Take the criticism you receive, evaluate it, and move on accordingly. As an editor, when I send a rejection letter, I always try to provide a reason for the rejection. Editors want authors to succeed. They’re the reason we’re in this business.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I complained once about networking. I didn’t like the concept of siding up to someone because they had something to offer me. A wonderful mentor told me I was looking at the concept all wrong. I should be looking for people that I could side up to who needed me, and I should give without thinking of what I could get out of the scenario. This opened up so many doors for me, doors of service, doors of friendship, and also doors of opportunity that had I been seeking something specifically from an individual, I would have missed altogether.

What are you reading now?
Well, I’m always reading. That’s my job. I also read for contests and for my blog, Inner Source, in which I interview authors and characters and help authors promote their work. The last story I read was a novel by Christine Lindsay entitled Captured by Moonlight. Christine takes the reader into 1920’s India, and the image is fascinating.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m awaiting the release of the first book in my third series, Serenity Key. Storms in Serenity is the novel that literally took my lifetime to write. I started it nearly thirty-five years ago. The story is a modern-day retelling of the aftermath of David’s sin with Bathsheba. When I began the novel, I realized that our sexual relationships, when improper, aren’t just personal sins. As David’s story shows, there are far-reaching consequences. Storms in Serenity takes the adultery of one man, thirty years before the story begins, and shows how it can affect generations of family, even friends, into the future. Since they tell you that most first novels are never published, I’m excited to prove that theory wrong.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Oh, wow. I’m not sure. Surprisingly, I think they would be how-to books on the craft of story writing. The elements of storytelling fascinate me. I believe that there are key elements that every author most learn and relearn in order to tell a great story. That’s the reason I wrote my non-fiction tutorial, The Art of Characterization, which shows authors, by example, how to craft unforgettable characters by using all of the elements of storytelling.

Author Websites and Profiles
Fay Lamb Website
Fay Lamb Amazon Profile

Fay Lamb’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 singer-songwriter and a vocal coach from West London. I’m married with two sons. I released my second album in September 2013 and I will be releasing a single soon too.
Writing is relatively new for me but I’ve come to love it as much as I love my music. In fact I’m in the middle of writing my second novel and loving every minute of it.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called ‘Holding Paradise’. I would say it was inspired by the stories my mother told me about her life in the Caribbean and what life was like for them when they first came to London. There were a lot of ups and downs and it was not easy for them. The idea for a female character created a spark in my mind and I invented a lot of obstacles for her to overcome or try to cope with. I tried to contrast her life with a second character from London who had quite different problems of her own to deal with.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not unusual as such but I do like to write in different rooms in my flat. I don’t know why it is. Sometimes I’ll write in my office, sometimes it just feels right to write in bed. I write in front of the television and I’ve even brought my laptop into the kitchen. I haven’t tried the bathroom – maybe for obvious reasons. Yes, I don’t want to get shampoo in the laptop.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m influenced by authors whose styles and genres are very different from mine. They influence me because they all really know how to tell a story and transport you to a different world with great effect. My favourites are Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Maya Angelou and Alice Walker.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m half way through novel number two. It’s working title is ‘When Skies are Grey’. It’s about a woman with a secret. It’s brimming with lies, jazz music and an unlikely love triangle.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well they say there’s nothing better than word of mouth so I’ve tried to get my friends and family to act as my megaphone to shout about Holding Paradise to everyone they know. But the truth is, this is my first book so I don’t have a tried and tested method. I’d love to know the secret of some authors’ success stories.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would say to write the story you want to write and don’t try to follow trends. Readers will know when a writer is faking it and they also know when you clearly believe in what you write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My best piece of advice came from writer Stephen King in his book called ‘On Writing’. It’s actually a memoir and a very interesting read. In it he tells writers to write their first draft with the office door closed. Meaning keep your head down and don’t discuss your book until you really know what you’re trying to say. Get it finished. He goes on to say write the subsequent drafts with the office door open. In other words, this is the time to take advice, have people read your book and give you feedback. It’s amazing the things you don’t spot when left to your own devices!

What are you reading now?
I’m reading a book of poems by a young writer called Warsan Shire. Very inspiring for one so young and I’m not really a fan of poetry.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well I’m hoping to finish writing the second novel this year and I will then try to find an agent. It’s a tough road to take on your own. I’m not the best at promoting myself and could do with the support and guidance of an expert on my side.

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 think it would have to be Maya Angelou’s autobiography which is a bit of a cheat as that is actually six books. But that is such a difficult question to answer, I’ve got too many favourites. I think I might have to smuggle a couple of others I’ve just remembered – sorry I’d need Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel and Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird. Wait – I can bring chocolate too, right?

Author Websites and Profiles
Fran Clark Website
Fran Clark Amazon Profile

Fran Clark’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I currently live in a small mountain town in Northern Utah with my husband, son and two spoiled cats. I love writing, reading, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and recently running. After eight years in the Air Force, I hung up my uniform and moved overseas to work for the Army, then the Army Corps of Engineers. After six years between living in Belgium and Germany and lots of traveling in between, my family and I decided to settle down in Utah. Currently I have only written one book, but I am working on the second one as we speak.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Key. The Key is book one in The Arcadian Series. I have always been fascinated with wizards so when I came up with the idea for The Key the story flowed very easily. I have always been a fan of Young Adult books, so I knew that was the genre for me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Before I write, I have to have something to drink and music. Music really speaks to me, and it is the key to helping me write the passionate scenes. I want my readers to truly feel what the characters are feeling.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Some of my favorites are: Jennifer Nielsen, Cassandra Clare, Veronica Roth, Suzanne Collins Cinda Willimas Chima, Marie Lu, J.K. Rowling and Jason Cheek.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the second book to The Arcadian Series. The name and cover has not been released soon, but I hope to have the book out by August 2014.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads has been the biggest promoter of my book so far. I also use facebook, twitter and I started a blog.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up on your dream. For years I felt my work wasn’t good enough, so I never tried to finish anything. Finally I had to prove to myself that I could do it. I have to say that waiting to complete a full manuscript actually helped me become a better writer. Some things in my book actually came from past experiences. Keep writing, you will get there.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I once asked Catherine Coulter for advice, she said “just write.” I also asked Jennifer Nielsen, and she told me to stop worrying and keep writing.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare. I normally fall for the bad boy, but I have to say I am head over heels for Jem. Sorry Will fans.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish The Arcadian Series, I will be finishing up a childrens book that I started to write for my son. It will be for those a little younger in age that crave a good adventure book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would of course take The Key. I can read it over and over again. I would then have to take The Ascendant Trilogy with me. I absolutely loved Sage/Jaron’s character in the series.

Author Websites and Profiles
T.L. Coulter Website

T.L. Coulter’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m retired from the Federal Court System and can now spend much more time writing and never have to worry that somebody may come up on my blind side and give me a pink slip. LOL. I live on a quaint wooded acre in NW Ohio with my wife. I’ve written most of my life but only seriously since mid-90s. To my credit, I currently have 4 books plus 1 co-authored book and 14 anthologies or how-to books. Unfortunately, one of my publishers went under and 2 other anthologies are no longer available.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Actually, I’ve just released 2 books – 1 on April 4 and the other on May 1. The first book is a adventure/fantasy type story titled “Pangaea, Eden Lost” and the second book is “52 Weeks of Writing Tips.” The inspiration for Pangaea was pure imagination and a ‘what if” situation. The other book was suggested by a friend of mine since I do weekly writing tips on my website that I share. Having all my innovative ideas in one place was her suggestion that I decided might be a great idea.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Other than the fact that I can’t decide what genre I want to write? I write science fiction, fantasy, horror, adventure, thriller, Christian and now non-fiction. Sometimes you can find me leaning against a headstone in a cemetery or prowling around an empty, dilapidated house. Of course, I also write on the road while traveling in the RV with my wife. I have found outside stimuli is great for the imagination.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My original influence was Edgar Rice Burroughs and his Tarzan books, then his John Carter of Mars series and finally, almost anything by ERB. I enjoy JRR Tolkien’s tales but don’t enjoy writing high fantasy. My horror endeavors tend to be more “soft” horror in the psychological aspect vs. the blood, guts and gore style.

What are you working on now?
My current WIP is in the style of the 60s/70s epic novels such as Conan or Fafhrd and Gray Mouser. My lead is a female princess/assassin attempting to claim her long-lost realm. Also, my Christian Amish novel is currently working its way around via my agent. And, I have about 11 other novels to finish. My goal is to publish 4 books this year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still learning that aspect and trying new things constantly. I feel that I shouldn’t spend too much money at the beginning. My co-author had some great ideas about promoting our vampire book “Ancient Blood: The Amazon” but quickly eased off the $5-10K ideas when our first royalty check arrived. I use Twitter, GoodReads, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Facebook plus my website – www.bobnailor.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
No matter how much you’ve edited your work, allow a professional editor to go over it and correct the errors that you’re too close to catch. I do editing on a professional level and I send my work out to another editor before I even consider publishing – either via an agent, publisher or myself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write your first novel and then stick it in the drawer and forget about it for the next few years. In the meantime, write another 3 or 4 novels and see them published. THEN bring out the first love and go over it, fix it and give it the proper launch. It is your first book, your deepest love, and it deserves to have the best promotion and care.

What are you reading now?
“Write Your Novel from the Middle” by James Scott Bell AND “Hunt for Xanadu” by Elyse Salpeter

What’s next for you as a writer?
I had an idea pop into my head last night and am currently writing down possibilities and plots for the novel. I want to get 2 more books published yet this year but this idea is being unreasonable and I may have to squeeze in time to write the rough.

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?
First book – “Survival on a Tropical Island” — if such a book even exists!
Second book – Any book by Edgar Rice Burrough such as “At Earth’s Core”
Third book – “2BR02B” by Kurt Vonnegut
Fourth book – (cheating here) “The Island” series by Michael Stark.
Also, if I could, a very large stack of lined paper and several pencils so I could write!

Author Websites and Profiles
Bob Nailor Website
Bob Nailor Amazon Profile
Bob Nailor Author Profile on Smashwords

Bob Nailor’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was a little old piano teacher in tennis shoes for forty years. Then I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I wrote “Goodbye, Beloved Breast” the night before my first mastectomy. Poems continued to spill out. My oncologist said, “You must do something with these.” Like a good girl, I minded my doctor. Fine Black Lines: Reflections on Facing Cancer, Fear and Loneliness was born.

As my mother lay in hospice, dying from her cancer, I journaled, reflected, and wrote poems for her. The Last Violet: Mourning My Mother, Moving Beyond Regret explores my relationship with my mother, prior to, during, and after her death.

This Path We Share: Reflecting on 60 Years of Marriage fulfilled a promise to my husband.

He and I live in Englewood, Colorado. We have four children, eleven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is This Path We Share: Reflecting on 60 Years of Marriage.

For our 50th wedding anniversary, my husband gifted me with two anniversary bands – eleven diamonds on each because that was the size of our family at that time. I gave him a packet of poems I’d written for him over the years. Thirty-six poems for twenty-two diamonds. What?!

It took me twelve years to deliver. Perhaps I feared that finishing the book would be the end of our story. Our story will indeed end before too long, but the book is done and we love it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I procrastinate a lot. I generally write when the spirit moves me. However, I am very disciplined about rewriting and editing. I edited one of my books forty-seven times. I also employ editors. I want my final work to be as well done as possible.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Hemingway, Anne Lamott, Mitch Albom, and Malcolm Gladwell.

What are you working on now?
I am documenting and reflecting upon my husband’s illness. I am trying to prepare myself to lose my love.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I sold thousands of books by speaking over 600 times in all 50 United States, Canada, and England.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do the best work you can do, get the best help you can get, and then work as hard as you can to get your work out. Never quit trying.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It is our job to follow our heart and do the best work we can and put it out into the Universe. What happens next is not in our hands. I have no idea who said it.

What are you reading now?
Speaking Christian by Marcus Borg.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to love and take care of my husband. Who knows what will come next?

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?
Necessary Losses by Judith Viorst, Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, and Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time by Marcus Borg

Author Websites and Profiles
Lois Hjelmstad Website

Lois Hjelmstad’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
was born in the north of England in 1973. I currently live in the beautiful Austrian Lake District teaching English language in college to young and adult learners, where I share my life with my abstract artist husband, and gorgeous rabbits. I graduated in computer software engineering and worked as a systems administrator before I went into teaching.

My mother inspired me from a very young age to write as she wrote a number of successful screen plays that were sometimes aired on the television when I was a child. I drink tea copiously read fiction and autobiographies avidly always seeking new ways to improve my writing style. I am also learning the art of calligraphy writing.

I have self-published four books and currently writing my fifth book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Surgeon´s Son
My inspiration to write this book came from a number of recurring dreams I keep having. I thought it would be interesting to mix the two genres – Horror & Thriller.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes if I wake up in the middle of the night with a new idea I get up and record it into my Dictaphone.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My influences come from a number of books I have read over the years. I particularly enjoy Dean Koontz and Stephen King.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a sequel to my last book which features the same detective team.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think social media such as Facebook and Twitter are good sites to promote my books aswel as promoting them on my own website.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, never get discouraged and always try to be the best at what you’re writing about.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From one of my editors asking me to go through the whole of my manuscript with a critical eye, particularly paying attention to dialogue.

What are you reading now?
Karin Slaughter – Fallen

What’s next for you as a writer?
Mastering my skill to the best of my ability & enrolling in more creative writing courses.

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?
It would have to be the following:
Lord of the Flies – William Golding
Moby Dick – Herman Melville
Intensity – Dean Koontz
The Shining – Stephen King

Author Websites and Profiles
Catherine Putsche Website
Catherine Putsche Amazon Profile

Catherine Putsche’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Authored General Laws and Interpretaton , Sultanate of Oman, Part 1, which happens to be the first perspicuous edition specifying certain legal provisions in the Omani labour law.

It serves as a guide even for the expat community in Oman.

Presently working on two more books

1. Part 2 of the above book

2. Philosophy of law

3. FIction : Love locked on the Rock

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
General Laws and Interpretation, Sultanate of Oman-Part 1

Having spent 3 years in Oman and serving as a legal consultant, I observed alot of confusion in understanding of the laws among the masses and the interpretation of it by my colleagues in the legal field and the implemenation of the laws by the coprporate structures.

Corporate structures in Oman,place illogical reliance solely on internal HR departments even for interpretation of laws which according to me is a folly. The HR personnel within these structures are compelled to decide on issues relating to interpretation of statutes sans proper qualification to achieve its purpose,thus snowballing a spark conflict within the organsiation into a raging disputes compelled to be refered toexternal adjudicatory mechanisms/courts.Thus the book lays down some principles to be incorporated in the system to obliterate the prevalent legal quandary.

What authors, or books have influenced you?

The Bible, General books on laws, General books on judicial precedents.

Hart’s book on “The Concept of Law”

What are you working on now?
1. Part 2 of General laws and interpretation, Sultanate of Oman.

2. Philosophy of Law

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Google , and now awesomegang.com included in the choice.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Authoring a book becomes effortless when the subject to be dealt is the subject of your heart.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“All wisdom comes from the Lord, so it does not matter upon the size of your army men or the strength of your horses, the battle belongs to the Lord”

What are you reading now?
The Concept of Law- Hart

Battle field of the mind -Joyce Meyer

What’s next for you as a writer?
Create a difference and build lives

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

Author Websites and Profiles
Henrietta Newton Martin Website
Henrietta Newton Martin Amazon Profile

Henrietta Newton Martin’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m from Connecticut, married and we have a little girl. My degree is in Philosophy and I still have an active interest in the field. I work two jobs. One is in insurance compliance and the other is as a writing tutor for a local college.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is “What Happened to Mommy’s Boobs?”. For a while now, I’ve written humorous poetry for fun to share with some of my friends. One of these friends would give me assignments like, “Write a limerick explaining the problem of free will,” or, “write a haiku that sums up Russell’s views on religion.” This friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. When I asked her if there was anything I could do, she asked me to write and illustrate a poem in the style of Dr. Seuss called “What Happened to Mommy’s Boobs?”. I wrote it and realized that if I put it on sale, I might be able to raise some money for breast cancer research. So I did.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, but I do like writing from prompts. It makes it easier to get started and easier to finish.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a fan of short stories and humor. Some of my favorites are Hemingway, Austen, Steve Martin and John Swartzwelder.

What are you working on now?
I have a children’s book I’m trying to finish and I have an idea for some short philosophical fictions.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is my first book, so I’m trying to figure that out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
No, but I’ll happily take any advice that’s out there.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Say what you need to say and then shut up.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading Emile by Rousseau and Last of the Mohicans by Cooper.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not sure. I’ll see where this takes me.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d take Hemingway’s complete short stories, Emma, and The Great Gatsby.

Author Websites and Profiles
Gene Glotzer Website
Gene Glotzer Amazon Profile

Gene Glotzer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a former teenage mom and wife, the divorced mother of two young adults and one teenager, and the grandmother of one precious little boy. I have a degree in biological science and I am a licensed RN. I worked as an RN for over ten years before quitting to write full time. I have written and published 11 books in the genres of Women’s Fiction and Inspirational Romance with many more on the way!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent release is the latest installment of my Been So Long series: Been So Long III (Whatever It Takes). It is the ongoing saga of a woman torn between two men who have been a part of her life for a long time. It is really about her battle of love vs. lust. What inspired me was the fans of the series who were clamoring for more of the story and the characters who spoke loud and clear about what they wanted to happen.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I can write anywhere and at anytime. I can tune out noise and I don’t require any certain setting.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Alice Walker’s The Color Purple was a big influence on me. I also love to read books by Terry McMillan, Bernice McFadden, and James Patterson.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a Been So Long prequel and a book that will be a continuation of my Bluesday series. I also have a couple of other things I’m working on. I can’t seem to work on just one book at a time, lol.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve had a lot of success with Facebook. Twitter is good, as well.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what feels right, not what’s popular. Stay true to your voice and follow your heart. And NEVER give up!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Never forget why you started.” Not sure who said this.

What are you reading now?
Believing God by Beth Moore

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books written and published, and hopefully, more readers.

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

Nowhere is a Place by Bernice McFadden

Mama by Terry McMillan

Author Websites and Profiles
Adrienne Thompson Website
Adrienne Thompson Amazon Profile

Adrienne Thompson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In the fourth grade, I wrote down the vague goal of becoming a “writer and an artist” when I grew up. On a journey that led from philosopher to graphic designer to stay at home parent and even a stint as an Investigative Specialist with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, I finally got around to that “writing” part which I now pursue full time.

I live in Denton, Texas where I write beside my unnervingly quiet dog, my history-obsessed son and my extremely patient wife. I volunteer my time to community issues and I’m currently the scoutmaster for my son’s Boy Scout troop. I’m a regular at the North Branch Writer’s Critique Group and I’ve taken creative writing courses through Stanford University’s continuing studies program and workshops at local cons.

I hold a black belt in Tae Kwon Do which was marginally more useful in a former life not making my living from behind a desk. I enjoy the outdoors and when I’m not leading my scouts on virtual campouts in Minecraft, I’m making them haul their gear across any number of state parks in the North Texas area.

My first book, Crimson Son will be released on June 14th, 2014. I have published stories in numerous venues both online and print.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My new book, Crimson Son, is a superhero novel that isn’t entirely about superheroes.

The novel deals with complex issues of family and heroism all wrapped in a non-traditional superhero story. This book was deeply inspired by my own experiences as a father and the strains a demanding career can place on a family.

I was also driven to write a “superhero” story where it was okay to not be super – okay to be imperfect, physically weak, or unable to solve every problem on your own. Spencer, the book’s main character, learns that real heroes are the ones with something to lose. The blurb:

Nineteen-year-old Spencer is the son of the Crimson Mask, the world’s most powerful Augment. But Spencer’s only superpowers are a quick wit and his ability to constantly be mistaken for a “kid”. Since witnessing his mother’s abduction two years ago, he’s been confined to his father’s arctic bunker. Now, he’s wasting away in the “Icehole”, waiting for his father to defeat the Black Beetle and rescue his mother.

With nothing but a multi-tool and a boatload of emotional trauma, Spencer leaves the bunker behind seeking to uncover his mother’s fate and confront his absentee father. As he stumbles through a nest of conspiracy and top secret facilities, gathering together a team of everyday people and cast-off augments, Spencer soon discovers that the Black Beetle isn’t his only enemy, nor his worst.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a pantser, which means minimal to no plotting (not that I write without pants, though I will not argue that definition). Often, I start with a prompt, put my fingers on the keys and see what happens. For a novel, I usually have a general overview of the world and a broad idea of the direction I want to see the plot head, but the details all get hammered out on the fly. Often, this leads to interesting discoveries and I rethink the entire direction. It’s very liberating. And maddening.

I manage to pull this off almost entirely thanks to a roleplaying hobby that predates my professional writing by a few decades. I was always the guy selected to be the gamemaster because I could pull off a cohesive plot line while reacting to player decisions on the fly. Writing is in many ways easier because I’m the only one with input into the story!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Like most writers, I was an early bloomer when it came to reading skills. My mom really encouraged this because as a child she made reading to myself and my twin sister a priority. We repaid her by asking her to stop reading to us so we could devour books faster. (Precocious and callously practical then – now I’m just a smartass.)

I recall many of those early readers, from Seuss to the poetry of Silverstein. But the first real chapter book I ever read that left a lasting impression was C.S. Lewis’ The Magician’s Nephew. I was so entranced by his style, imagery and even the British spelling of things, it sunk deep into my subconscious.

I didn’t realize how deeply that story affected me until I started this full time writing journey and sat down to re-read that book. I’m not an overly emotional person, but I was nearly moved to tears when I read the description of the Wood Between the Worlds after so many years. When the children surface and you realize that they came from a single pool and the wood is filled with more and more pools and the possibilities are endless. He created a place where every writer stops before picking a pool and jumping in head first. (Note: This was prior to reading Grossman’s “Magicians” which will also make you cry about the portal realm but for very different reasons.)

What are you working on now?
A fantasy novel. It’s epic fantasy but like Collateral Damage the story focuses on an unlikely hero at the center of the maelstrom. The book does have a quest of sorts and other typical elements of fantasy but the real story explores the nature of identity.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ll tell you when I find it. Honest. I’m very new to this process and am learning so much everyday. At the moment, I’m still in search of that magic formula. Right now, the best thing seems to be not just one site, but visiting a new resource everyday and giving it a shot. I’m pretty open about my adventures and misadventures in the world of writing and publishing and you can read about it at my website: http://russlinton.com/category/writing-blog/

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My biggest piece of advice would be – work hard. If you ever find yourself not working hard at this, you’re doing it wrong.

As a self-published author, these are the best and worst of times to be a writer. Too many people are rushing the process and getting their book out there as soon as they possibly can. If you want this to be a career and you want to succeed, you HAVE to take the time to do things correctly. You have to work hard.

Critique partners, beta readers, editors – someone other than a relative needs to check your work. You will also need to pay someone to do these things. You have to treat writing like a business and if you produce a professional product, more likely than not, people will come back for more.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write.

What are you reading now?
Currently, I’m reading “The Golem and Jinni” by Helene Wecker. So far, I’m enjoying the book and it is pretty closely aligned with my own style. The tale follows two unwitting immigrants to New York, both of which have their own incredibly unique background. As the title suggests, one is a Golem, the other a Jinn. They both go about trying to have normal lives while recognizing they are indeed inextricably tied to the extraordinary which constantly pulls at their inner selves.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My upcoming fantasy novel, working title “First Song”, should be out mid 2015 and I hope to have a few more short stories published between now and then. Until then, my writer side is battling my underdeveloped marketing side and trying to get the word out about “Crimson Son”.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d take a portable solar charger and my Kindle. When and if either device died, only then would I then seek to escape said island.

Author Websites and Profiles
Russ Linton Website
Russ Linton Amazon Profile

Russ Linton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello. I am a 15 year veteran with the United States Postal Service, and I wrote my first book after I compiled the wacky, hilarious, and shocking things that happens to postal workers–things the public never sees. I meant for it to be nostalgia for my co-workers, but they laughed so hard, they asked me to publish it. Since then I have published six ebooks, my second paperback is coming out next week, and I have three audiobooks in production. One of the audiobooks is a collection of women’s erotic fantasies entitled 10 Shades of Blush: The Softer Side of Kink. The guys at work really loved hearing that one!

I truly care about community service and charity organizations, and would like to donate some of my profits to help others. During the month of May, I will be holding a campaign where $1 of every sale I make, regardless of website, price, or format, will be donated to National Military Family Association in honor of Memorial Day.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Jane’s Journey: McClusky Series Book 1 will be out by May 1st

I had researched my family tree, and found that a young woman named Jane came to Philadelphia from Ireland, alone, and started a new life. She was the first in our family to do so, and I admired the courage she must have had. I just ran with it. That is the only thing in the book that is true… the sexual abuse, murder, and other tragedies are all in my head.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do! I have this uncanny way of writing in my head before it hits the paper. I often have to jump out of bed in the middle of the night just to get it out. I do no outlines, no preparation. I like it this way, because when I write, I am not sure what is going to happen, or which characters will do what. So there is no way for the reader to know! Plus, I don’t write myself into a corner, where I want one thing to happen, but need to rewrite to make it work.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King but in a bad way— I hate all the description he uses. Taking 40 pages to describe a room drives me nuts. I think this makes me extra cautious to not be too verbose. Style wise, I would probably say Danielle Steel, and I love James Patterson as well.

What are you working on now?
I am working on “Still Postal: More Stories of a US Postal Worker” and “Newborn Nazi”. That is a book about a family with four siblings, the youngest of whom was forced into the Hitler Youth organization. The older siblings are split on their loyalties, while one of them starts helping Jewish families escape Germany. The youngest eventually become a Lieutenant in the SS, and finds out about his sister’s activities. Will he turn her in? Will he help her? You will have to wait until July to find out!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have found that interaction makes the best promotion, whether online or in person. When people get to know you as a person, rather than just some words on a screen or page, they are more receptive. I hand out business cards everywhere I go, offering those who visit my site a free ebook. I have given books for free, and I have been using Facebook and Twitter. Goodreads has been a great source or networking as well. Visit me at www.rhodadettore.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Research, and don’t take no for an answer. If twitter doesn’t work for you, then try facebook. Don’t listen to nay sayers, and try not to pay for anything. I published a paperback, printed business cards, have a website and have literally spent $10 of my own money doing it. Vistaprint is excellent for anything in print, they will give you 250 business cards and you only pay for the shipping ($4). Createspace is great to print your book and you only pay for the proof copy, the customers pay for their own printing– my proof $4. Vistaprint also has a great website package, they give you the first month for FREE, and then a monthly fee depending on the options you choose, and whether you pay for the entire year.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
No one can stop you, but YOU.

What are you reading now?
Happy Birthday by Danielle Steel

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to continue to publish a new book in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook every two months. I plan on joining the book fair circuit, and doing some meet and greets at local libraries. Once I make it big, I’m going to buy an island off the coast of Aruba, and any former postal workers are welcome to stay for free 🙂

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?
Lies My Teacher Told Me – AWESOME book that compares what history textbooks say, and what they purposely leave out.

The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers — You never know when you might run into one, and you need to be able to identify them.

Flight of the Romanovs – A sad tale of the last czar’s family.

Author Websites and Profiles
Rhoda D”Ettore Website
Rhoda D”Ettore Amazon Profile
Rhoda D”Ettore Author Profile on Smashwords

Rhoda D”Ettore’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a British author and scriptwriter. I’ve been writing fiction for two decades now – both my own stuff and work for tie-in worlds like Doctor Who, The Sarah Jane Adventures and Friday The 13th. I’ve also written a horror feature film called Stormhouse, which was released by Lionsgate US.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The most recent book of mine is A Sincere Warning About The Entity In Your Home, which is a 10,000-word short story available via Kindle. Quite simply, I wanted to write something scary and had the idea for a story which is set in the reader’s own home. I like things which are exclusive to each medium and which only one medium could do, and this is one of them! I like the way books are essentially a collaboration between author and reader. Authors give readers the information, then the readers put it all together in their heads. And I love the fact that everyone reading A Sincere Warning About The Entity In Your Home is imagining their own home.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. Everyone writes hanging upsidedown from the ceiling while chanting Satan’s name, right?

No? Okay. Wow.

Nah, I don’t think I do. I tend to spend hours on every writing day, trying to psyche myself up to write. And failing. I get more and more frustrated until finally I write intensely and furiously for a couple of hours. I think a lot of writers are like that. Word volcanos.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Let’s see now… Terrance Dicks, who wrote most of the Doctor Who Target novels. Chuck Palahniuk. Stephen King, who isn’t just a master of horror but of storytelling, full-stop. My favourite novel of his is probably Pet Sematary because it’s so dark and has the courage of its convictions. Funnily enough, King dislikes it himself. I also like his son Joe Hill’s work very much. And staying recent, I’ve been inspired by the work of Lauren ‘The Shining Girls’ Beukes and Sarah ‘The Three’ Lotz, who are both fantastic writers. And in comics, I love Warren Ellis’ stuff and Garth Ennis’ Preacher and Hitman series.

What are you working on now?
I have a new agent, Oliver Munson at AM Heath – who also represents Lauren Beukes and Sarah Lotz, which impresses the hell out of me – and we’re shopping a new novel around.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think Twitter’s pretty powerful if you have enough followers, but it’s vital not to do it. And especially when you have a new book out, that temptation is great! But you have to be strong and keep your self-promotion as part of the mix rather than the dominating factor.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t forget to read novels and lots of them. It’s important to practice writing, endlessly, but it’s also vital to know your medium and have a really strong feel for it.

What are you reading now?

Various non-fiction books about exorcism! Currently ones by Father Gabriel Amorth, a ‘real’ exorcist.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to finish this new novel, which I’m looking forward to. It’s important to be excited about your work – I’d really hate to feel like I was on a treadmill, pumping out words for cash. I also have a TV series idea on the go with a UK production company, so work will continue with that. Thanks for the interview, AwesomeGang!

 

Author Websites and Profiles

Jason Arnopp Website
Jason Arnopp Amazon Profile

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

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m twenty-seven years old and have written nine novels.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Sometime, Maybe and I’ve always loved dealing with complex, emotional issues. It’s hard to pin point what inspired me to write it, I think it was mixture of different things I’ve read and seen over the years!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Penny Vincenzi, I LOVE her books. Its amazing how much she’s able to write and the number of plots she puts in.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently in the middle of Playing For Keeps which should be out late May/ early June. It tells the story of a complex love triangle. Two of the characters are related to each other so it gets a bit messy and there’s plenty of drama!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do all I can, I have a site: http://carlagodfreyebooks.iconosites.com and I fill out interview forms such as this one, I’m hoping it all helps!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read! Read as much as you possibly can. But don’t t read any old thing, you have to be passionate and enthusiastic, so jut read books in the category you wish to write for.

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

What are you reading now?
A New York’s Winter Tale by Mark Helprin

What’s next for you as a writer?
A rest! I’ll chill for a while until I think up my next one!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Best of Times by Penny Vincenzi
The Second Footman by Jasper Barry
The Innocents by Francesca Segal.

Author Websites and Profiles
Carla Godfrey Website
Carla Godfrey Amazon Profile

Carla Godfrey’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
“Green Card Soldier” is my first novel. For almost 40 years, I worked as a military journalist, newspaper editor and public relations practitioner around the globe. From drafting feature stories during the Vietnam era through coverage of the Lake Placid Olympics, I’ve documented service members at work worldwide with my writing, editing and photographic skills.

Today, I live in Fort Worth, Texas. I retired three years ago as the civilian public affairs director at Fort Hood in Central Texas. That was after serving 11 years as the Army’s spokesperson in the “media capitol of the world” – New York City. I like to describe myself as a freelance writer and quality management consultant, pursuing a creative writing future in both fiction and non-fiction.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My inaugural novel is titled “Green Card Soldier.” Since the Revolutionary War, it’s not been uncommon for refugees to take pride in America and want to show their patriotism by serving. Although newspaper, magazine and Internet coverage of “green card” troops has been extensive, little has been done to tell their stories through the heart and mind of a Green Card Soldier. That’s what my literary voyage attempts to do.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, there are about 31,000 non-citizens (approximately 1.5 percent of the force) currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. More than 4,100 deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan from all branches of the Armed Forces. These brave men and women may be permanent legal residents, but they are not U.S. citizens. At the same time, they have voluntarily chosen to defend the very country where they now live.

I find it an honor and a privilege to dedicate my book to those who routinely stand in harm’s way and especially the heroes who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of America’s freedom.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The unusual might be that my writing habits are quite regimented. I’m sure that’s a reflection of my decades of military and civil service. I attempt to write creatively at least 5-6 hours daily, but since this is my retirement time, a beautiful day, interesting concert or visit with friends might easily get in the way.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are simply too many great writers out there for me to attempt identifying a specific group. I enjoy a wide variety of literary work with a focus on great writing style over genre.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently attempting to market my first novel through developing a comprehensive and integrated social media platform – something that’s much easier said than done. I can already tell this will take as much discipline as my attempts at writing. I can already see how people can find book marketing to be an all-consuming effort that such one into a black hole of publicity while the creative writing effort must wait it’s turn.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m trying to develop an integrated platform to publicize my new novel. A strong Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GreenCardSoldier), Twitter (https://twitter.com/Bruceznyc) and Pinterest (http://www.pinterest.com/brucezielsdorf) presence is intended to compliment and drive visitors to my novel website (www.GreenCardSoldier.com). I’m proud of the website and what it has to offer those who view it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you’re doing your own virtual marketing, be prepared to exert as much effort in its development and maintenance as you did in the writing and editing of your book. I was fortunate to have the assistance of a traditional publisher in bringing my book to print, but it was made clear to me up front the majority of the Internet marketing activity would be my responsibility.

With that said, the best advice this novice can offer is: Do you homework. If you’re not comfortable with online activities, then become so. There are a myriad of marketing essays, self-help articles, and how-to videos available on the web for free with which to develop your skills and confidence. Bottom line: If I can do it, you certainly can.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Oh, I’m sure it sounds old school and trite, but crusty ol’ colonel once told me to:
1. Clearly define the mission.
2. Set goals necessary to accomplish that mission.
3. Break those goals into manageable parts.
4. Accomplish each aspect of the journey with vigor.
5. Never look back until the mission’s complete.

What are you reading now?
I’ve become obsessed with Niel deGrasse Tyson’s “Cosmos – A Spacetime Odyssey.” I’m overwhelmed by the simple magnitude of each episode in the series and find myself scouring the library and Internet in an attempt to better understand the monumental concepts with which he continues to challenge viewers.

This has resulted in my reading many obscure articles and essays by Isaac Newton, William Herschel and Carl Sagan, to name but a few. If Tyson’s presentations are driving my curiosity to such a degree, I can only hope many young people are also being inspired.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Much of what I’ve read about Internet marketing of creative works, I doubt I will see much from the results of my labor for several more months, but I accept that and will continue to charge forward. At the same time, I feel the creative tug to start writing the next novel and don’t feel that pull should be ignored. I have a basic concept for a follow-on novel, a rough outline and the preliminary character development complete. Now it’s time to engage the creative juices and see what flows.

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?
Again, this is too difficult a choice to make, but if forced to grab a few books and run, I would definitely include “The Holy Bible” (great war stories), Carl Sagan’s “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors” (to make me think until my head aches), David Attenborough’s ” The First Eden” (encourages me to philosophise endlessly) and Kahlil Gibran’s “The Prophet” (for peace of mind).

Author Websites and Profiles
Bruce Zielsdorf Website
Bruce Zielsdorf Amazon Profile

Bruce Zielsdorf’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 Christina Hoffman.
I was born in England and later hop-scotched across the globe (or, rather, I was exposed to multiple wonderful cultures and adventures!) with my family until we finally settled in the United States.
I have put my suitcase down, for now at least, in blissful San Francisco.
If that wasn’t good fortune enough, I am finally making my dream of writing meaningful romances come true. I love sexy stories with heart, relationships that are sweet and insanely erotic. Enough with the chains and the degradation. I need some romance in my Romance!
I have known so many intelligent and driven men and women who have felt they could be smart OR sexy. Seriously, my when my best girlfriend, who is gorgeous, was in medical school, the women were beautiful. But they didn’t know it. Or they suspected they might be, and worked extra hard to cover it up. They had to take on the role of serious grown-up, and acting like sensual beings was practically a career ender.
Okay, well, we can’t change the world overnight! But after-hours, we can do what we like with our minds AND our bodies. Why not have some amazing adventures? That’s what I write about in my books, and I hope you’ll see yourselves in my heroines or my heroes, and know that you, too, are allowed to feel amazing.
Welcome to the world of smart and sexy. I’m so glad you’re here!!

Love,

xoxo

Christina

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel is called “Invitation”.

The story really just came to me over the course of a couple of days. I knew I wanted to tell the story of a person who had once been very passionate and open to life’s experiences, but who had been shut down. I wanted to show the value of sexual intimacy as something good and even healing. Once I had that part of the story, I had to create characters that could make this happen.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, this is a bit embarrassing. You know, I procrastinated so long trying to set up this perfect little “office” area for myself — flea market desk, cute shelves, bulletin boards. You get the picture. But when I finally just kicked myself in the butt and got writing, it turned out that the only time there was really any peace was at night with everyone asleep. And it’s freezing where I am, so I write in bed with my little laptop on my knees! It’s giving me wicked backaches, though; so maybe if the book’s a success, I’ll be able to write in the daylight at my desk.

 

Author Websites and Profiles
Christina Hoffman Website
Christina Hoffman Amazon Profile

Christina Hoffman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in a condominium unit overlooking fabulously inspirational Northside Park in Minneapolis MN. I subside and reside with my wife who is also an artist; the ones with colored pencils or brushes in hand. I earned a BA degree in English from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 1989. Success, having my writing read and possibly bought, was always the plan. To implement it, I began writing stories, poetry, snippets of everything I saw. Before I was married, I lived (and made it out alive) in a very much crack-infested urban area of South Minneapolis. I dealt with roaches, crack-heads and shrill siren sounds every night. The days, hanging out at Brit’s Pub, gave me insight to how the have-nots live.
I grew up in the relatively tranquil suburb of Richfield, Minnesota. During and after college I traveled. Germany, France, Egypt, England, Israel, Norway can be claimed as places I’ve visited, derived poems from, recorded my benign experiences. My first Poetry book, Scenes the Writer Shows {forty-one places a poem can go} conspires to retell the snippets of life abroad.
My pose has so far manifested itself in the genres of nonfiction, creative nonfiction, and historical fiction. My first novel, The Orthodoxy of Arrogance (Trafford, 2013) is historical fiction. My second novel, Agent of Orange (Trafford, 2014) also fictionalizes history in a way James A Michener never did.
I relate fads, trends, and news events of the time to my characters. I write how they live, what they learn, and how the events affect their lives.
My first effort was a small nonfiction book called Would God Move a Ping-Pong Table: a cumulative analysis of faith and religion (Loft Press, 2005). This book follows religion, and the faith it requires, from the Inquisition to the September 11 terrorist attacks. It is full of factual information dealing with everything from faith healing to the Golden Rule. The only part that borders on creative nonfiction is the chapter from which the title comes. At UMD I prayed for a Ping-Pong table to be moved, and it was, ostensibly by supernatural forces.
My other shorter stories have been published in paper and online magazines, anthologies, and journals. My first occurred in 1998. I currently participate in a writer’s group at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current novel is titled Agent of Orange. One day, at my former “career” in Medical records, I was for some reason thinking of the line from Apocalypse Now “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” I am fond of word play, and said the line over in my mind. I wanted to relocate it, to after mass it, and distance it from that horrific weapon. I came up with “I love the smell palms make when they sway in the morning.” The story kind of grew from that line, that idea, the location of Palm Beach, Florida.
The novel grew to involve the Marine Corporal, Chauncy T. McClarren with the baggage of a disabled friend (who was his Sergeant) and a goddess-like woman who only his friend suspects is a fugitive. The story has grounding in my own life as far as being biracial, having known my mother, and having never met my black father who was killed in 1997.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write the moment I awake. I’ll begin with a haiku. It is something I began posting everyday on Facebook a few years ago. I write the morning off. I sometimes get so involved I’ll be eating breakfast for lunch. I write a poem Saturday and Sunday. I post them on my blog under the heading “Weekend Line,” perhaps a bad pun. Although, I do see poems as broken lines, just right, that are meaningless alone, unlike a prosaic sentence.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Charles Bukowski, O’ Henry, Salinger, Fitzgerald, Laura Hillenbrand, Lennon (John)

What are you working on now?
I am getting ready to publish my second book of poetry. The poems share a common link. They deal with relationships. Sixty poems explore how the human race has evolved. They look at how it relates to fine or benign aspect of politics, religion, technology, friendship, and ageing

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-P-Amrams-public-author-page/589032447848062?ref=hl

www.mbmoshe.blogspot.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
write, write, write, write, write Edit as much. Develop a thick skin. Believe in yourself. Persist and don’t let any one crush your ambition

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I read once that one reason many people will diminish hopes of your becoming a writer is that they don’t have the nerve to try

What are you reading now?
books to research for my next project, including Political Upheaval

What’s next for you as a writer?
A family memoir. My folks were heavy into politics in my youth. They, along with many others, took steps to end the War in Vietnam. Bold moves were made to force Johnson out of office in 1968. They succeeded in that. You know the rest. A contingency of McCarthy Democrats wanted a concise end to a war that tore America apart. My book is fact; it all happened, whether it was about Chicago’s 1968 convention, to which my dad was a delegate, or me seeing the moon landing at three years old.

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?
Catcher in the Rye, Catch me if you can, Factorium, One Flew Over the cuckoo’s Nest

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Amram Website
Michael Amram Amazon Profile

Michael Amram’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account