Awesome Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I don’t think your line of questioning is appropriate. You are going to have to talk to my attorney if you want the answer to that.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The House That Smelled Like Urine and other short stories.”

It’s a collection of super-shorts written over the course of nearly 2 decades. I found them all in my files in December of 2012 and crafted an interluding tale that takes you through them and hopefully through yourself. I feel like it should be listed as a self-help book.

As for inspiration… What inspires a madman to murder? I don’t fucking know. I’m terrible at being a madman. I couldn’t tell you what inspires my writing. It just happens. It is organic. I don’t even really think I am writing them. As with all things on this plane of who-gives-a-fuck, I am just a vessel and this is one of said vessel’s many purposes… I guess.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to wear the skin of a chicken on my unmentionable areas and put Vaseline on my fingertips when writing. It’s a great way to get those around me accustomed to my behavior, that way when I get caught doing weird things in the dark I can just tell them I am writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors who suck influence me. In fact they are my inspiration if you will, to answer the question above. I read shit. I watch garbage on TV. I see these things and wonder, why the fuck am I failing myself so profoundly? The only reason these dirt-squirming, filth merchants have products on the market are because they put it there. It sells because they sell it. They do their jobs and work hard at it and for that reason alone, no matter how great I may think my content is, no matter how high I view my art, these jerkoffs are 50 thousand times better than me. Because they fucking do it! They listened to Nike. So, those are the authors who “influence” me. The hacks. Hats off to the lot of you.

Beyond that, I love the work of Douglas Adams, Franz Kafka & Stephen King. Those are probably my three favorite authors, maybe Lovecraft is in that mix. I read a slew of Elmore Leonard books over the last year or so and found myself loving his style and stories. I was a huge fan of Poe as a kid. Read his entire life’s work about a dozen times over. Haven’t read a word of his in at least a decade and a half.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a six volume series of Novellas called “Meet the Moseleys.” It’s a horror series. My first time sticking with one genre for an entire story. The first volume is due out next month with a new volume following bi-monthly or better for the next year or so. Just look for it on amazon or goodreads or wherever you do your book looking stuffs.

I’ve also been editing and now proofreading a book since 2012. I wrote it during the 2012 National Novel Writers Month. “They Call Me Jesus” It is a victorian/western epic retelling of the life and times of Jesus Christ. It is due out Christmas 2013 through Rotting Horse Publishing.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
www.RottingHorse.com or my author page on Goodreads. You can also reach me on Twitter @SteamPoweredMan

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yeah. Just do it. Get over yourself and commit to getting your dreams done. When you finish your first book… IT’S NOT DONE! Do not publish it. EDIT. EDIT.EDIT. PROOF. PROOF. PROOF. A few errors are acceptable and almost expected even in the biggest of publications but publishing first drafts is not only stupid but dangerous. For you and the entire industry.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Someone once told me to go fuck myself. I did and it was AWESOME!

What are you reading now?
I am reading an Alien Nation book written back when people still knew what the hell that was. It’s pretty good. I’ve always been a fan and this is a nice backstory to the slaveships etc.

I’ve been reading alot of indie ebooks lately as part of review exchanges in order to increase my visibility and maybe even spark some word of mouth action. The results have been mixed as expected.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Probably going to take a shower while talking to my lawyer about filing a harassment suit against you guys for barging into my house like this while I am on the toilet with all of your fucking questions.

What is your favorite book of all time?
That’s a hard one.

Unless you agree to stop wiping me like a baby, this conversation is over.

Author Websites and Profiles
Giovanni Russano Website

Giovanni Russano’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
“Goldie Alexander’s 70 books are published both here and overseas. Her novels for adults include “The Grevillea Murder Mystery Trilogy” plus many prize winning short stories and articles.

For children she is best known for, “My Australian Story: Surviving Sydney Cove”, is now in its 10th edition and about to be released as an ebook.

Amongst her latest work are three collections of short stories: ‘Killer Virus’, ‘My Horrible Cousins’ and ‘Space Footy”.

Newly released for Young Adults is ‘Dessi’s Romance’; and ‘The Youngest Cameleer’, for middle grade readers: ‘eSide: A Journey into Cyberspace’. Coming shortly are ‘Gallipoli Medals’, ‘Cybertrix: Back from the Future’, and ‘Cassie’s Big Swim’. She authored the how-to-write ‘Mentoring Your Memoir’ and ‘The Business of Writing for Young People’, this with Hazel Edwards. She facilitates creative writing workshops and mentors emerging authors. Her website is www.goldiealexander.com.”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Dessi’s Romance’ aimed at young adults was a sequel to an earlier YA set in 1939. Though the protagonists live in different eras they are asked to consider similar issues, those of freindship, emerging sexuality and attitudes towards ‘foreigners’.

End of school is a crucial time for life -making decisions.Eighteen year old best friends Dessi Cowan, Lilbet’s grandniece, and her best friend Emma Simpson have planned a celebratory trip to the Gold Coast. Emma is an artist, Dessi a poet; their mothers long term ‘best friends’. In the past the girls have always been there for each other and this relationship is central to their lives. However, when Emma meets charming Adbul Malouf and Dessi is forced to stay in Melbourne to recover from a car accident, Emma asks her friend to look after Abdul while she is away.

On the Gold Coast Emma meets up with her father and participates in some of the Schoolies activities. Her closest male friend Sasha, convinced he might be ‘gay’, takes her to a ‘gay’ club and then realises he is really ‘straight’.

In Melbourne Dessi is totally infatuated with Abdul who takes her home twice. Though his parents are openly appalled at his taking up with a non-Moslem girl, for Dessi his ‘stop-start’ behaviour only makes him more desirable.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only that I suspect I am unusually persistent. Even when ill I still work. I try to avoid going to the fridge to keep myself going. I tend to work most mornings and will keep at it until I feel quite ill from staring at a screen too long.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My childhood’s obsessive reading in every way. I suppose the ‘classics’ were my primary influence. as a teen I read Dickens, Austen, Zola, Tolstoy etc. I possibly didn’t understand everything I read, but they remained a strong influence.

What are you working on now?
I have just had published my YA novel ‘Dessi’s Romance’ as an ebook and a middle grade fantasy ‘eSide: A journey into cyberspace’. I am also completing the first draft of an adult romance ‘Penelope’s Ghost’.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my website www.goldiealexander.com and my blog www.goldiealesander.com/blog

I also use facebook and have a card which I hand out to anyone interested which displays my latest books and a list of current publications.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, one word: PERSISTENCE.

Also, read as much as you can. And try to write what is currently popular because it will be old hat by the time it is published. I use my blog to run ongoing advice for emerging authors and strongly recommend that anyone interested log into www.goldiealexander.com/blog

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The above! It’s too easy to give up. I don’t believe in ‘writer’s block’ only ‘writer’s despair’. The market is so fierce and so competitive I can certainly understand why some major talents no longer write. It’s a solace to remind oneself that most of what is currently being published probably won’t last the distance.

What are you reading now?
I have just completed Andrea Goldsworthy’s The memory trap, and am halfway through Questions of Travel by Michelle De Kretsner and the Glass Room by Simon Mawer. I have just downloaded ‘Gone Girl’ by Gillian Flynn to find out what all the fuss is about.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I intend starting book 2 of eSide. I will call it eSide 2. I like my characters and their impossible and unlikely adventures leave me heaps of room for imaginative scenarios

What is your favorite book of all time?
Can’t answer that. Pride and Prejudice maybe because it is the most perfectly structured of all novels… and the funniest.

Author Websites and Profiles
Goldie Alexander Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have a fantasy/ paranormal romance book published and a historical romance which will be released this Monday, July 29, 2013. I have written and completed eight novels and have five more in various stages of completion.

I have always been a storyteller. When I was younger, kids would come up to me asking what we were going to play that day. I set the characters and the plot. Once, I had us all pretend to be fighting Space Vampires. Of course, so the ‘vampires’ wouldn’t bite us, I had their fangs be their first two fingers.

I am a wife, and a mom to three kids.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Viking Fire. It was inspired by my great-grandfather’s name of McLaughlin and I read that some historians say that it is derived from Lochlann which is the Gaelic word for Viking. And that this Viking married an Irish princess.

I changed the princess to a spoiled Laird’s daughter and the characters did the rest.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write whenever I can. Being a mom to three kids, I have little writing time. The good thing is, I never get writer’s block, because I’m frantically trying to squeeze in time during the day (or night) and it lets my mind think up stories.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series, Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels series, and Kim Harrisons’ The Hollows series have been a great influence on me. There are many more, but these are my top three.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the revisions of the 2nd book in my Garnet Dagger trilogy. It is called Son of Dragons and carries on where Brock and Celeste left off in the last book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My method is my website: http://www.andreaRcooper.com, Facebook, Twitter, Reviews, Blogs, and occasional PR.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read, everything. Good, bad – and know why you like it and why you don’t. Take writing classes, join a critique group. And keep trying! If someone turns you down, move on. Read inspirational stories of writers (many famous ones) who were rejected multiple times.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Start with the action. Fill in the backstory little by little.

What are you reading now?
JR Ward’s Dark Lover

What’s next for you as a writer?
Since I have many people asking, to get Son of Dragons published before the end of 2013. I also want to finish some of my incomplete manuscripts.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind. Why? Because this book introduced me to the world of fantasy fiction and I have never turned away.

Author Websites and Profiles
Andrea Cooper Website
Andrea Cooper Amazon Profile

Andrea Cooper’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started out in the newspaper business right after college and spent the next 25 years covering everything from local school boards to the return of the hostages from Iran. That last statement probably gives a pretty good clue to my age. But then, when I started in the newspaper business I wrote on a real typewriter. On that you didn’t plug in.

I started writing novels and got really lucky and sold my first one. I figure, hey that was easy. Ooops. Well, I’ve written six books, not counting the ones that are still in the desk drawer. After the first one sold to Walker Published I sold the next two to Harper Collins. Everything was going great except i didn’t sell many books. That’s a bit of a problem for a publisher. So the next three have been self-published.

I was writing mystery/thrillers and, while I thought they were good, they too languished. Despite good reviews, I didn’t sell many. Finally I decided just to entertain myself and write something I really enjoyed.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my my latest is Free Booze Tonight. I was at a concert at the Hollywood Bowl one night and the first line popped into my head. The next night I started writing the book, no knowing where it was going. But by the time I was finished with the first chapter I knew the name.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ve found that for me the most productive way to write is to go to a coffee shop near my house on a Sunday afternoon when there are a bunch of people coming and going and sit and write for a few hours. Then I spent the rest of the week rewriting what I wrote on SUnday.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow, where to start? Michael Connelly, Carl Hiaasen, Elmore Leonard, Ross Thomas, Lee Child, John Steinbeck, Daniel Woodrell, Kent Haruf. The list just keeps on going and going.

What are you working on now?
I’m just starting another book in the vein of Free Booze Tonight. It’s called Born Every Minute. My goal again is to entertain myself and make myself laugh. If I can do that, I think the reader will enjoy it, too.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve tried a lot of things but so far the best method seems to be going to friends, family and acquaintances and asking them to help spread the word. I’ve had good reviews from independent reviews and that helps too. To tell the truth, though, I’m still looking for the silver bullet on this one.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
First, I’d say don’t give up. Second, try to set your ego aside and look at your work objectively or listen to those who offer advice. Weigh it and either take it or reject it. Always remember, it’s about the reader it’s not about you. Third, read everything you can in a wide range of books. Make sure you’re engaged. If the material doesn’t grab you, or keep you engaged, odds are the reader won’t care much either. Finally, remember that as frustrating and hard as writing can be, it should be fun. If you’re not enjoying this, perhaps you should step back for a week or two.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Start each scene as late as possible.

What are you reading now?
I just finished In The Garden of Beasts and am now reading “The Survivor” by Gregg Hurwitz.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to try to master the art of blending humor and suspense. Right now my books are one or the other. I’d like to try to blend them.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Great Gatsby

Author Websites and Profiles
Chuck Freadhoff Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written two books. The first, The Little Book of Muses, is a collection of original inspirational phrases.

This eBook is an inspiring read to influence daily writings and enriching one’s work — a good-feel guide to make a writer feel passionate and motivated about their craft.

Some of the phrases will tickle your funny bone while others offer nuggets of wisdom condensed into a few lines.

The second, Smokescreen, is a fast-paced thriller that is due next year. It was acquired by a publisher. The novel ushers us into a world of global intrigue and sinister, far-reaching alliances between the US, Israel, and Singapore.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Little Book of Muses. I have a habit of day dreaming, and one day, I decided to tweet some of it. I started getting more followers and someone suggested that I compiled them into a book, which I did. Readers will find them quirky, funny, clever and inspirational.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to travel and explore places, and soak in the moment. If there’s something that appeals to me, like a place, I try to work it into a scene. I don’t have a particular time when I write. I just write whenever I feel like.

I am not one who writes based on a number of words in a day. After all, it’s going to get edited, and you’ll lose chunks of what you’ve written. I try to visualize the scene in my mind thoroughly and then produced what I am thinking.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, so many, as a kid, I enjoyed reading Enid Blyton and Alfred Hitchcock’s The Three Investigators, and Franklin. W Dixon’s Hardy Boys series. As an adult, I would read cross-genres from literature to thrillers. I also like reading foreign books.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the second volume of my book of phrases. At the same time, I am also working on my second thriller novel, which is set in Europe.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still exploring. This social media thing is new to me, so I’ll take it one day at a time.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t quit.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Good writing is rewriting.

What are you reading now?
Snow Escape by Roberta Goodman.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll follow where life takes me.

What is your favorite book of all time?
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I must have read it at least 15 times.

Author Websites and Profiles
Khaled Talib Amazon Profile

Khaled Talib’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As an editor and literary consultant, I help hundreds of writers complete their manuscripts each year. My book ’52 Dates for Writers’ is designed to help writers overcome common sticking points whilst writing or revising their manuscript. Each of the 52 writing challenges or ‘dates’ take the writer away from their desk in order to shake up their ideas and replenish their creativity. Each writing date is accompanied by an essay on the writers’ craft, plus examples from well-known novels – such as the plot of ‘Atonement’ laid out as a maze, in order to help the reader think about the different potential endings for their novel, and pushing their plotline in new and unexpected directions.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name is really inspired by my son. Having been immersed in the written world of others, once I had my son, I felt an itch to get writing myself. I had slowed down enough from my day job of working with writers to have this thought, but being a new parent I needed an idea I could fit into my new schedule. It had to be something I could write in the pockets of time I had available – it wasn’t as if I was going to have the luxury of 4 hour writing stints for a few years! So I hit on the idea of 52 mini writing masterclasses. And then I thought of what was working already – the writing ‘dates’ I set the writers I mentored over longer periods, to help keep them motivated and passionate about their work, whilst focussing in on the aspects of the writers’ craft we needed to discuss that week or month. And so ’52 Dates for Writers’ was born slightly after my son, and the longer subtitle ‘Ride and Tandem, Assume an Alias and 52 Other Ways to Improve Your Novel Draft’ came as we were about to publish.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Before I had my son, I would likely have awoken in the night with any ideas, but these days I value my sleep too much! I do tend to get ideas at the theatre. Something about being in a sealed creative space, perhaps.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many! All the writers I have worked with, wherever they are on their journey. I feel lucky to enter the creative world of writers at such an early stage. But my English degree too, and even the books I studied at school – those are the ones I read many times, and I feel are always with me. F Scott Fitzgerald was an early passion.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing a second book in the same series – ’52 Missions for Children’s Writers – Learn a Circus Skill, Go out in Disguise, and 50 Other Ways to Inspire your Children’s Novel.’ Children’s writers face unique challenges – in appealing to the right target readership, in writing for today’s young reader rather than the young reader they themselves once were, in replenishing their sense of play. Both of my books are based on encouraging the writer to play – but it becomes even more vital in writing for an audience for whom play is natural and essential.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ll get back to you on that! There are so many different forums and opportunities the task can become dizzying. I think it’s important to take it all at your own pace, to set as many of the right things in motion as you can, and then get on with writing the next book! SEO is vital, though. Trying to make sure your book is visible by understanding how people search for books and blending that knowledge into writing your book descrition and other marketing material. If this sounds daunting, there are some step-by-step guides out there to help.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Know your market well. What’s already out there, and where do your books fit it? Goodreads is great for this, of course. While you are writing, have a realistic writing schedule, write key dates in your diary, and make sure you stick to them – or at least have a good reason when they slip. Take care of yourself. It’s hard to be creative when you are feeling burnt out. The same for promoting your work. Have a realistic schedule – one that lets you get back to writing within a few months if possible – and here, make sure you are genuine in your actions. Just like the writing part, try to enjoy the process of promoting your work and connecting with readers. Don’t fake it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t try to do it all. Follow what you are passionate about. You have all the time in the world. (This is from Sol Stein’s ‘Solutions for Novelists’ and I always think of it when I meet writers in too much of a rush with their work.) Enjoy the process.

What are you reading now?
For my work, I am reading a promising novel draft for a mentorship I am about to begin, as well as an unusual non-fiction manuscript. Much of my reading for pleasure at the moment is the reading I do with my son. I love discovering new books for him – and they have to be good, as we read them so many times. A new favourite is Otto the Book Bear by Katie Cleminson. In a way, it’s actually a very early introduction to the idea of authorship.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll finish ’52 Missions for Children’s Writers’ and then I expect I’ll start working in earnest on the novel I’ve been carrying in my head for several years.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Probably my tattered old copy of ‘The Complete Poems and Plays of TS Eliot’, which was given to me the summer I left school and was full of anticipation for my first term at university.

Author Websites and Profiles
Claire Wingfield Website
Claire Wingfield Amazon Profile

Claire Wingfield’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After 23 romance novels (published by Harlequin and Dell), I was ready for a change. I spent a few years banging my head against the wall, trying to break into the Hollywood world of insanity as a screenwriter and taught media writing courses for advance level college classes. I realized that most of the books I enjoyed most were YA, so my husband and I decided to join forces and created a YA time travel mystery series. Having the freedom to choose the era, the place and the plot is so much fun. And we love our characters. They are the kind of people I’d like to hang out with every day. I still use Kathy Clark for my romantic suspense novels (“After Midnight” and “Cries in the Night”-release date fall, 2013), but we’ve chosen the pen name of Bob Kat for our YA and New Adult books which is a combination of our names.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“BION” (Believe It Or Not) was just released on August 31st. It’s the third book of our CUL8R (See You Later) series. When we created the series, we wanted something current and relevant, so we went with the text lingo that teenagers use every day. The first book “OMG” (Oh My God) introduced the characters and set them off on the path of their first mystery after they discover a little-known, but very real invention of Thomas Edison called “The Telephone to the Dead”. Voices from beyond the grave call out for help, and our teenagers must come up with a way to get back to the past to help them. Luckily, there’s an app for that. In “OMG”, they go back to 1966 to keep a popular cheerleader from committing suicide, but find out she was actually the victim of a serial killer. Book #2 “BRB” (Be Right Back) takes them back to 1980 when they rescue a Cuban family who are living on an island off the Florida Keys. They all barely escape with their lives. “BION” was a change of pace as they go back to 1927 and join a circus to solve the mystery of the disappearance of a farm boy. An unexpected romance complicates matters.

We’ve been lucky enough to receive several awards for this series, including Best Indie Book of the Year 2013, finalist in the Beverly Hills Book Awards and finalist in the Reader’s Favorite Awards with the winner to be announced in September.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am definitely a creature of the night. No, not a vampire, just a person whose creative juices don’t start to flow until after dark. I believe in the whole right brain/left brain theory of creativity, and my creative right brain works at night while my critical, detail-oriented left brain works during the day on edits and re-writes.

But I think the most unusual element of our YA series is that my husband and I write it together. He and I develop the plot, make a detailed chapter-by-chapter synopsis. Then he writes the first draft. It’s an incredible bonus not to have to start off with that dreaded blank first page. He says he is providing the bones. Then I go in and add the flesh and blood. It might not work for everyone, but it works great for us. He’s also doing this with our next big project, a New Adult series called Scandals.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was younger, I read almost every book in my school library that centered around horses and dogs and have become a collector of “Misty of Chincoteague” memorabilia. I was even lucky enough to actually go to a Pony Penning Day a few years ago. If I ever hit the lottery, I want to buy a pair of Misty-heritage ponies and keep the line alive. When I started writing romances, I admired Janet Dailey because her characters weren’t wimpy and her plots were interesting, unlike most romances of that era. Currently, my favorite authors are Karen Robards, Linda Castillo, Amanda Hocking, Stephanie Meyer and Sandra Brown.

What are you working on now?
My husband and I, again under the pen name of Bob Kat, are working on Book #4 of the CUL8R series titled RIP (Rest in Peace) that takes place in 1912 at the Stanley Hotel. And we’re also working on Book #1 of the Scandals series for New Adults. This one, of course, will be a lot wilder, crazier and hotter than our YA series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
www.NightWriter93.com for all of our work and www.CUL8Rseries.com for our YA series. We’d love to hear from our fans, especially about places they’d like our time travelers to visit. Our email address is REW7616@gmail.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find your best creative time and work your schedule around so that’s when you write. Books are so much better when they don’t feel forced. And don’t manipulate your characters. If you’ve done your job well and created multi-dimensional characters, then they should be able to tell you, the author, what they’re going to do. Listen to your characters. Don’t make them do something they wouldn’t do.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t try to follow the trends; create them. There is no way you can ever catch up to a trend, so try to figure out what’s next and get there first.

What are you reading now?
I’ve jumped into the New Adult market, so I’m checking out several of the more popular authors. I’m really kind of tired of vampires, witches and zombies, so I’m looking for something fresh and character-driven. No more CG!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on my next romantic suspense “Cries in the Night” which is the second book of the Denver After Dark series. It should be released in the late fall. My husband and I are working on the first book of the Scandals New Adult series. It’s called “Baby Daddy” and should be released in early fall. “RIP” the fourth book of the CUL8R series should be ready in December or January.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Wow! Tough choice. I never pass up a Carl Hiaasen book, but that’s sort of like cheese between wine tastings because his style is so different from mine. Everyone should take a look at his books to see how to truly create memorable characters. Then dial it back about half.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kathy Clark aka Bob Kat Website
Kathy Clark aka Bob Kat Amazon Profile

Kathy Clark aka Bob Kat’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 an avid reader/writer who adores her grandchildren. Don’t we all?

Since my passion is historical romance, my favorite place to visit is Charleston, SC where history abounds. I can sit on a park bench under the swaying beards of Spanish moss and slip into an era long gone. Those of you who are lucky enough to call the low country home are fortunate indeed.

Of my three grown sons, one still lives at home. He loves his music, enough said?

I have written four books so far. Lynna’s Rogue and Lynna’s Beau in the Tropical Paradise Series. Lynna’s Promise should be published around Christmas 2013. I have two other books. A contemporary/women’s fiction titled Midsummer’s Eve, and a middle grade book, Beware the River, in the Middle School Haunts series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Lynna’s Promise is the book I am working on now. It is part three in the Tropical Paradise series. I have received so many wonderful emails from fans asking when it will be released and I am so grateful for your emails. I’m still debating if this will be the last book in the series. Alas, there is still so much to tell!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have found that my most productive writing comes between the hours of 5:00 am and 9:00 am. I guess my mind is well rested at that time without the usual jumble going on up there. Also, in a chair under an umbrella on the beach, on the riverbank, or a historical spot such as the Battery in Charleston all put me in a great writing frame of mind. To be honest, I can write anywhere as long as I have my laptop.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I cut my teeth on Kathleen Woodiwiss, Jude Devereux, and Johanna Lindsey. In my opinion no writer of historical romance will ever compare to the talent of those three ladies. My first book was Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss and I have been hooked on the genre since.

What are you working on now?
Lynna’s Promise.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth is always the best promotional tool available.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Put a great deal of effort into choosing the best cover you possibly can. I personally do choose a book by its cover. Then I read the blurb and a few reviews to decide whether or not I want to buy the book. But if the cover doesn’t grab me, I keep scrolling.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t let anyone take away your dreams.

What are you reading now?
Not reading anything currently. I’m too deep into Lynna’s Promise.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish book three in the Tropical Paradise Series and decide if there will be a book four.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Why did you have to ask me that? Until a few years ago my unequivocal response would have been Gone With the Wind. Now, it would have to be the entire Twilight series. I confess, I am addicted to Edward and Bella. If I could sit down with Stephanie Meyers I would ask her to please, please, please write Jacob and Renesmee’s story.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kitty Margo Website
Kitty Margo Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a headhunter for the biotechnology industry for 30 years. A few years ago I started writing, and last year published my first mystery book, MURDER TAKES TIME. Since then, I’ve launched two more mysteries, and a novella dealing with one of the characters featured in them. Earlier this month, I released the first non-fiction book, No Mistakes Resumes, which is the first in the No Mistakes Careers Series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The most recent book is No Mistakes Resumes, and I wrote it because I’ve seen so many people struggle with how to put a resume together. I figured I can help more people by writing a book than I can one-by-one on the phone.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I know of, other than writing very late at night, but I’m sure many authors do that.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The storytellers. I love Alexandre Dumas, and was always fascinated by how he told stories.

What are you working on now?
I am polishing the first book in a new series I’m starting. The book is called Necessary Decisions, and it’s about a detective in Houston who tends to push the lines of the law.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
If I find a best method, I’ll let you know first. I think the most difficult thing for all authors today is visibility, and there is a huge need for someone to fill that gap with a good service.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Obviously write the best book you can, but more importantly, have a marketing plan, and be patient.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t listen to any rules of writing.

What are you reading now?
A book by Christopher Bartley, called Sleep Not, My Child. He’s got about 5 or 6 books out, and they’re great.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing my three mystery series, and the non-fiction series. That should keep me busy.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Count of Monte Cristo. Hands down. Didn’t even have to think about it.

Author Websites and Profiles
Giacomo Giammatteo Website
Giacomo Giammatteo Amazon Profile

Giacomo Giammatteo’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a computer professional and a proud father of four teenage children. I wrote my first book in 2007 for my son, Michael, who was nine at the time. I don’t know how many authors would admit they wrote a book unexpectedly but this was the case for me. I wanted to get my son interested in reading and to that end developed a plot with him. I started to write out the plot for fun, and 50,000 words later had a book! It was passed to a local author, who read it, critiqued it, and encouraged me to publish it. It’s been a six year journey of critiques, revisions, and learning, and I published it in April of this year. I’m very pleased with the response I’ve received from readers thus far. This book is the first in the “Boulton Quest Series”. I’ve completed the sequel and am working on the third book in the series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Brothers, Bullies and Bad Guys is the name of my latest and debut novel. It was inspired by my son Michael, who at nine years didn’t read books because he “couldn’t find books that interested him.” This is a fast book, loaded with action, and was written to meet Michael’s style. The book has four characters – Christopher, Michael, Thomas, and Katherine. My four children were the inspiration for these characters and though not a direct reflection of my children, many of their characteristics are shared with the characters in the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmmmm…writing habits reflect the needs of the writer so I’m not sure what would be considered unusual. I’d say I write quickly as I develop the chapter in my head before I pick up the pen. Of course, revision is a different story. That takes forever!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
JK Rowling’s personal story is inspiring. Dreams can come true! I really enjoyed Scott Westerfield’s “The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel” series. He’s amazing.

What are you working on now?
I’m revising the second book in the Boulton Quest series and have started on the third. I plan to publish the second book this fall and expect to work on the third over the following year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
GoodReads and Facebook are my favourite websites. My best method is time and patience.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Have your work critiqued by as many people as possible and take all critiques seriously. Writing is most important so even if you don’t agree that “the wrong character is the protagonist” re-write the book with a different protagonist anyway. At a minimum you’ll gain experience and mastery, but more importantly you’ll find a better angle you’d have never thought of.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Revise, revise revise and when you’ve finished revise again.

What are you reading now?
City of Glass by Cassandra Clare.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing! I hope to get the second book in the Boulton Quest Series published this fall, and complete the third book in one year.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

Author Websites and Profiles
N.D. Richman Website
N.D. Richman Amazon Profile
N.D. Richman Author Profile on Smashwords

N.D. Richman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In total, I have written three books. Two are from the Romance genre, and one (the latest one) is from the Spiritual Fiction genre. The two romance novels are entitled “Always in my Heart” and “Searching For Sabrina Fair.” My Spiritual Fiction novel is actually a five part series that I began writing back in 1999 as part of a conversation I had with one of my spiritual mentors. The title of that series is “The Last Prophet” and the first book is “The Last Prophet: Guarding Sophia.” The remaining four books are currently in the works and I’m already having a lot of fun working on them.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book that is already out is “The Last Prophet: Guarding Sophia.” The idea for “The Last Prophet” book series came as a result of a very profound and deeply moving spiritual conversion I went through back in the summer of 1998. I was at a crossroads in my life then, having completed my undergraduate degree the year prior, and still searching for what my calling was after college. I was blessed to have met, worked with, and befriended a group of individuals whose faith journey and practices spanned a wide range of experiences. Through the sharing of their life stories and their personal journeys I reconnected with my faith and found myself drawing closer to God and having a lot more peace. The embodiment of that journey for me was the idea of the book series I am continuing to write.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write in darkness, with only the light from my computer screen illuminating the room. I realize that doing so is actually doing more harm to my eyesight than good for my writing, but it just seems to focus my attention on the story I am telling. Other times, it feels like I am truly in an intimate setting with the characters of the story, in a place where no one will disturb us. The only other quirk I have when I write is that I seem to do my best writing in the late hours of the evening or the early morning hours. I’m not quite sure why this developed as a habit, but it may be a remnant from my old college days when I would do my best writing for research papers and essays in the late evening and early morning hours.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In the romance genre, I have become quite fond of Cat Johnson’s books. When it comes to writing in the spiritual fiction genre, I am largely influenced by Frank Peretti who has written one of my favorite spiritual fiction novels on angels and spirituality. In general, I find myself drawn to authors and books that can take my everyday experience of the world and make it believably extraordinary. One can read about a person’s experience, for example, of going to a coffee shop and ordering their daily latte. The difference between just recounting what happened, and telling a story is the detail and the emotion the writer/author brings out in even the most ordinary events.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the second book of “The Last Prophet” series. Where the first book in the series deals with the Archangel Gabriel and Sophia (the Last Prophet), the second book deals with the Archangel Michael and a woman he is given special care over. The second book is also a continuation of Sophia’s journey as the Last Prophet and her relationship with the angels and God. Each of “The Last Prophet” books will deal with the Archangels and a special “charge” for which they have care over.

Although “The Last Prophet” series is in the works, I have already begun developing ideas and stories for a few other book series I hope to write. One is a continuation series from “The Last Prophet” series, which I have begun referring to as “The Remnant” series. Another series I have wanted to write since the onslaught of paranormal and werewolf movies among the younger generations is a paranormal series about shape shifters seeking sanctuary. That series I have begun calling “Redemption Ridge.” That series also ties in with a potential paranormal romance series I hope to write soon called “The Sanctuary.” As you can see, my mind works a million miles a minute and in a thousand different directions. The end results are all stories I want to share with readers.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Thus far, my publisher has kept me abreast of all the latest sites and promotional items through her website. Both of us have worked on updating Facebook pages, my own personal website on Weebly.com, Twitter, Google+, and through getting to know other authors through social media sites. Finding websites that allow authors to promote their books for free and posting that information widely in sort of snowball effect has been what seems to work thus far.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
In the altered words of Dory, the fish in Finding Nemo with absolutely zero short term memory… Just keep writing. If you love the story you are telling or are just dying to tell it, think about the story you want to tell rather than worrying about whether it will sell or not. I am in a place and age in my life where I am comfortable in my own skin and the only thing about writing that matters to me is to tell the story inside my heart and mind. My desire is to tell the stories, not just sell the book. We buy books because we like the story, or the story caught our attention somehow. If you have a story to tell, then tell it. A good story will sell itself. Be happy to just write and tell the story in your writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I recently watched a webcast through YouTube with Jimmy Thomas and a few book cover designers and book reviewers and the best piece of advice I heard so far was really very simple. That piece of advice had to do with promoting your book through social media. A book reviewer on that webcast simply said to be yourself. She said that people are more likely to check out a book or website or blog of someone they genuinely find interesting or simply like, as opposed to someone who keeps pushing and pushing and promoting and trying to aggressively sell their book. When we like a person, or respect them, or find them interesting, we will naturally be inclined to trust their word on something. Constantly putting something in a person’s face does not always work, especially if it is done in a forum where the atmosphere is supposed to be social. We equate social with being around people we like or would like to know. When you try to pitch something that seems out of place in an arena it is not designed for or welcomed, it could backfire. Be yourself. Likewise, however, if your true self is someone who has a grating personality all around, you have to learn to reel it in and keep yourself in check.

What are you reading now?
I am reading several books at the same time right now. I’m the type of reader who likes to do more than one book at a time. On my current “reading list” I have quite a few short romance novellas by various authors, “Luke’s Tale” by Carol McKibben, “Caged” by Cameron Conaway, “The Pope’s Stone” by Mark Kuhn, “Piercing the Darkness” by Frank Peretti, “A Princess of Landover” by Terry Brooks, and “The Pursuit of God” by A.W. Tozer. As a mother of two small boys, I am always looking for new children’s books to read to them. They both love to listen to me read to them and they both love holding the books themselves, so I am very conscientious about the types of stories they read. I want them to hear and listen to stories that help them grow as individuals and ultimately good people.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to continue writing in various genres. I love Spiritual Fiction, but I am also a fan of Romance, Suspense, and Science Fiction. Ultimately, I just love telling a good story. It’s my hope that as story ideas come to me, that I will be able to write about them and tell those stories. I’m really just enjoying being able to write the stories I’ve always wanted to tell to multitudes of people.

What is your favorite book of all time?
I’ve heard a lot of people say that they don’t have a favorite book of all time, and I myself have been guilty of that. I do, however, have favorite authors and because I enjoy their books I go back to them often. Frank Peretti is one of my favorites and the book I enjoyed most that he has written was “This Present Darkness.” Peretti is a Spiritual Fiction and Spirituality author. Two other authors I enjoy reading is Cat Johnson, as well as Christin Lovell, both of which are romance genre authors. When it comes to classics, I really enjoy C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkein, Jane Austen, the Brontes, and even Shakespeare. My husband and I both have one author in common that we love to read, and that is Terry Brooks, the author of the Shanara series of books, as well as the Landover series. I just love to read, which is one of the reasons I love to tell stories through my writing.

Author Websites and Profiles
Claire Gager Website

Claire Gager’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was 18 years old, I’d just left school and got a job in London, working in an insurance company. I was working inside – in an office! My mother thought that was like being CEO of Shell Oil.

I was late one morning, I took a short cut through the church yard to the station to catch my train. I’d just finished reading The Sun Also Rises the night before; and here I was looking at all these gravestones, I remember thinking: Gee, we’re not here very long. Better make it count.

So I went home, told my mother I was quitting my job and going to Morocco. She damned near fainted.

After traveling through Spain and Africa, I hitch-hiked across Europe to Sweden to visit a girlfriend I’d met the year before on a football tour. When I finally got back home, I was still restless. After failing to make the grade as a professional football player, I traveled around Asia; my experiences in Bangkok and India later inspired my thriller VENOM, and my adventures in the jungles of the Golden Triangle of Burma and Laos were also filed away for later, the basis of his OPIUM series about the underworld drug trade.

I emigrated to Australia where I helped a mate establish a new advertising agency. We could only afford this derelict building for an office. Once we were pitching to a client during a thunderstorm and the roof flooded. A piece of the ceiling fell down and just missed his head. Fortunately he had a sense of humor. We got the account!

After a couple of years we were doing much better. We could even afford to pay ourselves a wage! But I really wanted to be a writer, not a copywriter. When I told my mate I was leaving to try my luck in the Big Smoke, he offered me 40% of the business. It was 40% of nothing at the time. I saw him a couple of years ago, and he’d just sold the agency for twenty million dollars. I worked out what 40% of that was on a pocket calculator. It’s quite a lot of money, apparently.

I went to Sydney and worked in TV and radio and freelanced for many of Australia’s leading newspapers and magazines. But he got his dream, publishing forty books under three different names in the UK and US and having my work sold into translation in Brazil, Belgium, the Czech republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain and Turkey.

I lived for many years in the beautiful Margaret River region in WA, and helped raise two beautiful daughters with my late wife, Helen. While writing, I also worked in the volunteer ambulance service. I’d be at my desk typing, then thirty minutes later I might be crawling into an overturned car or running along a beach with the oxygen for a near drowning. It was an interesting time.

My marriage ended in tragic circumstances, a story I told in ‘The Naked Husband,’ and its non-fiction sequel, ‘The Year We Seized the Day,’ written with my good friend, Elizabeth Best.

I travel regularly to research my novels and this quest for authenticity has led me to run with the bulls in Pamplona, pursue tornadoes across Oklahoma and black witches across Mexico, go cage shark diving in South Africa and get tear gassed in a riot in La Paz. (I was actually trying to cycle down the Death Road. In the end I had to abandon the attempt and take the bus down.) I also completed a nine hundred kilometer walk of the Camino in Spain.

A few years ago I stopped writing. I suddenly found I couldn’t do it anymore. It was after‘The Year We Seized the Day.’ I remember standing on a beach in Thailand late one night, and I said to God: ‘Okay I’ve had enough now.’

A week later I was in a Thai hospital, only time in my whole life I’ve ever been sick, I’d got some sort of tropical infection and I was close to multiple organ failure. I remember praying again (that’s twice in one year!): “Hey I didn’t know you were listening, Big Guy! I didn’t mean it! I have two girls to look out for!”

I survived but when I got home I started drinking too much and I couldn’t find my writing mojo. It got ugly there for a while. Thought I’d never write again.

Then he published SILK ROAD, and won a three book contract in London, and my love affair for life and for writing returned. For me, the two things are inseparable. My passion for one infects the other.

My fiction comes from dedicated research and what he calls a quest for Hemingway’s ghost; characters with a passion for life, for love and the courage to face down their demons.

When I was walking through that graveyard I made two promises to my gawky 18 year old self; one – that I would not die feeling that I had not lived, and two – that I would follow my siren call to write, no matter where it lead. I feel like so far I have kept that promise and I intend to see it all the way through.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
ISTANBUL is my Casablanca, a love story set against the byzantine backdrop of one of Asia’s most beautiful cities during the Second World War.

‘Nick Davis first saw Daniela Simonici in the American Bar of the Athenee Palace Hotel in Bucharest in June of 1940. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. The city was full of beautiful women, penniless countesses and fox-furred demi-mondaines looking to be rescued, and until that moment he had spared them only an appreciative glance. But this woman was different . . .’

The story is fiction though the plot – the sabotaging of the peace process in 1944 by Britain’s MI6 in order to help Stalin – well, that’s all true. And the love story? Let’s just say that Nick took a long time to uncover the mystery about the girl. And so did I.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When it’s time to write my book I sit down and I work very, very hard for very long hours. That’s it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Every week my Aunty Ivy took the train down from London to visit with us in (what was then) rural Essex, bringing with her a collection of Classics Illustrated comics. She must have picked them up in the markets in London.

There were some Beanos and Victors mixed in, but I threw them out. My treasure was the cartoon versions of some of the world’s greatest literature.

I read all of Jules Verne in an afternoon.

It’s how my love affair with literature began. By the time I was eight I had read Moby Dick, Doctor Jekyl and Mister Hyde, The Moonstone, The Black Tulip and Ivanhoe, was familiar with most of the major works of Alexandre Dumas (Père), Mark Twain and William Wilkie Collins and had even read most of Homer’s Odyssey (although I never found out how it ended because the last page had been ripped out.)

I don’t think that back then Aunty Ivy knew she was giving me primers for my future career, for no one in my family had ever used their hands for doing anything other than making pies or fixing corner cupboards.

But those comic books were vital to me. I was an only child and though not particularly bookish – I was then, and still am, a sports tragic – it nurtured in me a thirst for great stories painted on broad canvas.

So Aunty Ivy did not just give me the gift of something to read when it was raining too hard to play football.

Classics Illustrated stirred my nascent imagination and at the same time gave me an undying thirst for travel and for adventure.

These little gems of comics also made me want to time travel, because many of the places I was reading about no longer existed.

The only way I could revisit them was to recreate them in my head. Imagining them onto a page was the next logical step.

When I left school the first thing I did, to the consternation of both my parents, was to go hitch-hiking around Europe.

After all, why go to university? I’d read The Iliad and everything Shakespeare ever wrote by the time I was eight.

After Europe I headed down to Morocco, where me and my mate were the only white faces (then) wandering the Djema El-fna’a, the Place of the Dead, in Marrakech.

Not too long after that I found myself in the middle of a typhoon in the South Java Sea, and wandering the Golden Triangle of Burma, shaking hands with CIA agents and drug smugglers.

All thanks to Aunty Ivy and Classics Illustrated. Wherever she is in heaven, I hope the angels are making her a nice cup of tea.

 

What are you working on now?
A new romantic historical trilogy set in 1958-1969.

I’ve almost finished. In September I’m starting a new historical series as an eBook series.

I’m working harder and loving writing more today than I ever have.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Yours.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Remember that almost everyone in the western world can write. It’s something we are taught to do in school. Word count is nothing.

To be a writer is to take yourself back to a school of another kind and study the crafting of story.

Don’t ever stop learning. Study the authors you like, study the authors you don’t like. Understand the craft that lies below the words. Learn to see what is not seen. Become a student of story.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
1. Writer in the morning, businessman in the afternoon.

2. Sit at your desk at nine in the morning and wait for inspiration. If it’s not there by ten past, start without it.

What are you reading now?
Carl Ruiz Zafon, The Shadow of the Wind. Madrigal’s Key to Spanish. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, Carson McCullers. The FBI Files on Frank Sinatra (current research) and my sister in law’s last email, which is five pages long and which I have bookmarked halfway through.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a print book coming out in the UK and US next year (under another name) and two new series which will be released online this year. I’ll see how they go then make up my mind.

What is your favorite book of all time?
1. THE POISONWOOD BIBLE

2. WORD OF HONOUR

3. WOLF HALL

Author Websites and Profiles
Colin Falconer Website
Colin Falconer Amazon Profile

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

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in California and raised there and in Utah. I first wrote horror fiction as a young adult, but kept writing throughout the years. My first published novel was “The Bank of the River,” and my latest is “A Haunting in Oregon,” both published in 2013.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“A Haunting In Oregon.” I had created some interesting characters in “The Bank of the River” and wanted to see them take on a different geography and meet new characters. People seemed to enjoy them from my first book, “The Bank of the River,” and there were plenty of options to see them continue on. I see several more books about the two characters of Steven and Roy, and their ability to deal with ghosts. Steven’s relationship with Roy is complex and I think there’s plenty to explore, in ways that other people can relate to. The father/son relationship can be a real love/hate thing. Steven’s found a way to love his dad in a way he had never thought of before, due to their inherited psychic abilities, but is that the only reason they’ve become close after all the years of estrangement? Roy seems fearless, but are there things that really scare him? And they’re not killers, so the enemies they defeat are still out there, built up over generations.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing at all unusual. I like to write first thing in the morning until mid afternoon. I’d do it every day if I could! Pour a cup of coffee and open the laptop!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In my youth Stephen King and Peter Straub were huge influences. Later, other authors such as Updike, Roth, Vonnegut, and Phillip K. Dick became favorites. “The Shining” and “Ghost Story” remain the most frightening books I’ve ever read, but Clive Barker and Lovecraft have given me good chills over the years. Kazuo Ishiguro is one of my all time favorite authors – what he does blows me away. I wish I could write like him!

What are you working on now?
Getting “A Haunting in Oregon” out the door is the main goal for the next few weeks. The outline of the next book in the series has developed, and I’m working on that now. I would expect a third book in the months ahead. “A Haunting in Oregon” was more expansive than “The Bank of the River” and the next book will continue that trend.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t found any particular site or service to be “the one”. I keep trying different methods I learn from blogs, and tracking my results to see what works best. I keep picking up from others that no one method is foolproof, and that patience is key. I’ll bet I have a different answer to this question a year from now…we’ll see.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every day.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I remember hearing Ray Bradbury talk about the discipline of writing, how he’d write even if he didn’t feel like it. Because writers write. I’ve found that advice to be what motivates me.

What are you reading now?
A new book, “Viral House” by Joe Sharp, and the new Dan Brown.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to continue the series started with “The Bank of the River.” I think the characters have interesting histories, and there’s a lot of fun stuff that can happen as I explore their history. So the next book will be a continuation of those characters. But I’d like to start a new subject as well, something else in the horror/thriller genre. I think that will come after the third book is done.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Absolutely impossible to say. That’s like asking me my favorite movie of all time. The best I could give you is a list of 10 books, but it would change next week! An Ishiguro would be in the top three, for sure. But even then my favorite of his changes from time to time.

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Richan Website
Michael Richan Amazon Profile

Michael Richan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have over 25 years of writing experience for the Christian market. My writing career began, in the 1980s, when I was hired by a Christian publishing company for their book department. Since then, I have worked as a full-time staff writer for two international ministries and was once named Christian Writer of the Year (San Antonio, TX) by the American Christian Writers Association. My credits include writing for Christian radio, television and the Internet. I have contributed to three books and have written numerous magazine and newspaper articles. I am the author of Mystic Dreams and Dusty Roads which was released this year, 2013. I am writing its prequel, Black Mesa Magic which is due to release in 2014.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Mystic Dreams and Dusty Roads. I’ve always enjoyed the movie, Fried Green Tomatoes, so I wanted a strong female for my main character. The challenge was to write from a female perspective — however, not only from a female perspective, but from a child female perspective. After I got the basic idea for the plot, the characters and story began to flow effortlessly. Many books have been written about the Dust Bowl years of Oklahoma. But few have been written from a child’s perspective and from those who chose to stay and endure one of the most devastating periods in American history. This story is about loss and life, tragedy and triumph, sorrow and strength. Even though I call it a fictionalized memoir, many of the emotions and events are all too familiar to a lot of us. I hope my main character, Peep, inspires others to believe that good things truly can come from whatever hardships, failures and disappointments come their way. I wrote the story for three reasons. I wanted to show others that: 1) Tragedies happen. Tragedies may disrupt our lives, but we don’t have to allow them to destroy our lives; 2) All is not lost. When facing a difficult situation, cling to the hope that we are created for something far greater than any negative thing that we may be experiencing. 3) Friends are important. They help us get through tough times.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I never outline my novels or articles. If writing a book, I allow the characters to dictate the story, their conversations and behavior. For either a book or an article, most the time I only have a title, a beginning and a probable ending. Most authors/writers are probably cringing right now, but that’s how I write. I may have somewhat of an idea in my head of how I’m going to get from point A to point B, but it’s not concrete.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love all book genres, so I’m not restricted to any particular one or any one author who may have influenced me. Since my strength lies in Christian writing, I like a lot of Pastor Max Lucado’s work and Christian novelist Frank Peretti.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a prequel to my debut novel Mystic Dreams and Dusty Roads. The prequel is called, Black Mesa Magic. Most of my readers wanted to know more about the love relationship between Peep Holler’s dad, George, and Peep’s best friend’s mother, Savannah Bluecoat (Palmer). Twelve-year-old Peep Holler is my main character in Mystic Dreams and Dusty Roads, and her best friend’s name is Jodi. George and Savannah grew up in the same area where my debut novel’s story takes place. Here’s the summary/back cover copy:

The Black Mesa, in northwestern Oklahoma, is an enchanting backdrop to Savannah J. Palmer’s quest for true love. Before she is Jodi’s mom and Peep Holler’s object of distrust in Mystic Dreams and Dusty Roads, Savannah spends her childhood among the fields and rock formations of the Oklahoma Panhandle. Her best friend, a young George Holler, joins her, and the two of them grow close. At seventeen, Savannah’s feelings for George deepen, and she thinks their friendship can become much more. Unfortunately, a series of unexpected events interrupts her quest…leaving a trail of unanswered questions behind her.

In the midst of her confusion and chaos, Savannah meets a handsome stranger who ignites her passions and gives her hope of a match made in heaven. He helps her to see life from a different perspective, but not before his mysterious past catches up to him.

Will Savannah’s hopes and dreams of love become reality? Or will they be dashed by a disaster that descends upon her − like a fury − from the depths of hell? ©2013 Robert Valleau

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would have to say Amazon.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, two words: persistence and patience. Be persistent in the pursuit of your passion and patience will be the key to unlocking your potential.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep on keeping on. In other words, don’t quit. Don’t give up. Keep on knocking. Keep on asking. Keep on seeking. Above all, keep on writing.

What are you reading now?

What’s next for you as a writer?
Completing the prequel to my debut novel. Plus, I have ideas for three other books.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Bible, of course.

Author Websites and Profiles
Robert Valleau Website
Robert Valleau Amazon Profile

Robert Valleau’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Brian Terenna grew up in Doylestown, PA. He is a Fantasy, Sci Fi, and Paranormal romance writer. His first fantasy novel is, “Talent Storm.” He is also writing a book review blog. He is an avid chess player and meditates regularly.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Talent Storm is my latest novel. It was inspired by my love of fantasy and comic books, as well as modern political events.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I use an audio recorder as part of the process. First, I plan and record the scene. Second, I audio record the prose of the scene. Third, I transcribe and rewrite the scene. It’s a lengthy process, but it allows me to come up with well-done and interesting writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Brandon Sanderson has been my favorite author for years and is a strong influence. Steven Erikson’s Malazan Book of the Fallen series is another influence. I also grew up reading x-men comics and watching the cartoon.

What are you working on now?
Besides marketing “Talent Storm” I’m in the early stages of writing a fantasy mystery novel. I’ve been looking forward to moving on to a new project for some time.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My plan is to first use KDP select and release my novel for free. I’ll make sure to post my promotion on every book website that offers the service.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The process is all about dedication. Each step of the way needs to be given as much attention as the last. In the end, even if you have a perfect book, you will not sell without marketing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Work tirelessly.

What are you reading now?
I’m rereading “The Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss. The first two books of this series are amazing. I can’t wait until the third book comes out.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll continue to produce fantasy and sci-fi novels, while increasing the size of my marketing network.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Right now it’s “Warbreaker” by Brandon Sanderson. I listened to the audio book and absolutely loved it.

Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Terenna Website
Brian Terenna Amazon Profile

Brian Terenna’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
At the age of ten months, my mom and dad moved our family from Milwaukee to a town not too far away with a whopping population of 1000 people. Our party-line phone number was 52 and my sisters and brother and I walked the mile and a half to school each day. I’ve basically been a small-town girl all my life, partly because my husband likes the peace and quiet of a small-town setting.

I graduated from WSU Stevens Point with a major in English, a minor in psychology, and a B.S. in Secondary Education. After deciding teaching wasn’t for me, I worked as an executive secretary before I met and married my husband Denny. Now we have two, terrific grown kids, Kathy and Jeff, who put up with us and make us proud.

There are roughly one hundred short stories in my files, and in 2005 I wrote Flight 419, a one-act play, which was produced and performed by Darknight Theatrical Productions in Chicago, Illinois. Since then I contributed five short stories to a ten-author anthology titled Mosaic: A Collection of Short Stories.

Since then, I’ve become an Indie author. To date I’ve written two in a series of mystery/police procedurals. The third in the series is underway.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book Shadow Tag, a mystery/police procedural, has just been released. It’s the second in my Ray Schiller Series. I guess you could say Dear Crossing, the first book in the series, is what inspired Shadow Tag. The main characters, and even the less prominent ones, are so multi-dimensional and the possibilities so endless, it seemed natural to provide a new stage for their continuing performance.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
It may not be unusual, but I don’t outline my stories. On the other hand, I have to know how it begins, the approximate direction it will take, and how it’s going to end before I even write the first sentence. I’m not a fast writer for the simple reason that, despite the admonition that a writer should write every day, I don’t. I seldom stop thinking about the story, but if I have to force myself to sit in front of the computer, the results are rarely what I want to see.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The list is pretty long-ranging. Authors: Ernest Hemingway, Dean Koontz, Peter Benchley, Stephen King, Tami Hoag. They’re on my short list.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on the third novel in my Ray Schiller Series. The title has already changed four times, but the current working title is Death Penalty. I already feel guilty for what I’m going to put Ray through this time.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to do a little of everything: social networking, Goodreads, helpful promotional sites like Awesomegang, Twitter, doing interviews, giveaways, even a blog site, which I neglect terribly. Variety keeps it more interesting.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up! That’s it–short and simple. If you need prodding, and even if you don’t, try to find a good writing critique group. That will work wonders.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Silence is the friend of the fool. — Sir Francis Bacon

What are you reading now?
Spilled Blood by Brian Freeman.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m starting to participate in more library events and book signings to promote Dear Crossing and Shadow Tag. Beyond that, I have an idea for Ray Schiller’s fourth case.

What is your favorite book of all time?
A lot of books popped into my head with that question, but the one that sort of came to mind first was Immoral by Brian Freeman. So many are neck-and-neck.

Author Websites and Profiles
Marjorie Doering Website

Marjorie Doering’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write simple and sweet romance stories and an occasional fantasy. I have been writing most of my life and have dozens of books started. I just need the time to finish them! I have three books that I have self-published on Amazon and two more that I have finished but just don’t feel they are ready to be published. I have recently started working on a mystery/romance novel. This is my first foray into that genre and I am looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

I am the author of the Holton romance series and The Good, a contemporary fantasy novella. I love reading books, writing books, and traveling wherever and as often as time and money allows. I live in Texas with my sisters and my cat, Darcy.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Notice Me is the second book in the Holton Romance Series and the latest book I have self-published. I was inspired to write it because I introduced the characters in the first Holton book, Convince Me. The main character in Notice Me, Victoria Carson, really spoke to me and I knew she needed her own story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I do anything that is exceptionally unusual. When an idea hits me, I typically just start writing but somewhere along the way I create a basic outline. It is never very detailed – just enough to allow me to see the process through to the end.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I loved reading romance novels growing up and still do today. One of my favorite books was “The Grand Sophy” by Georgette Heyer. Today, I enjoy reading more contemporary books by authors like Jenna Bennett, Lois Greiman, Ilona Andrews, and Patricia Briggs.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the third book in the Holton Series, Trust Me, which is the story of Paul Hart and Rachel Lewis. The characters were introduced in the first and second books. I have also recently started working on a mystery/romance novel. This is my first foray into that genre and I am looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning the process of promoting my books. I do use twitter and it was great for advertising my free promotions.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, and write some more. This is the hardest thing for me but I force myself to write at least a little bit everyday. I would also advise any aspiring writers to not get caught up in a “right” way to do things. Follow your own path.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As cliche as it sounds, the best advice I have ever heard is don’t give up.

What are you reading now?
I am re-reading the Mercy Thompson books by Ilona Andrews in preparation of the release of her newest book.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to expand from a traditional romance writer to a mystery/romance writer.

What is your favorite book of all time?
To Kill a Mockingbird

Author Websites and Profiles
B. L. Blair Website
B. L. Blair Amazon Profile

B. L. Blair’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in the north west of England and work as a data analyst for one of the local Health Authorities. I have been a prolific reader all my life, and for many years have spent the majority of my free time writing. As well as being educated up to degree level, I have completed courses and received diplomas from ‘The Writing School Ltd’ and ‘The Academy of Children’s Writers’. My aim in life has always been to write, and I have had a sideline of freelance writing for more years than I like to admit to having lived. This has mainly involved published articles in such magazines as ‘Prediction’. I have also completed two children’s novels, ‘Caution: Witch in Progress’ and ‘Zac’s Destiny.’ ‘Caution: Witch in Progress’ was published by Ghostly Publishing in 2013 and is available in paperback and on kindle on Amazon worldwide. I am currently working on a very different children’s humorous fantasy, ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’, and a fantasy novel for young adults titled ‘Dimensions’.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My children’s humorous fantasy,’ Caution: Witch in Progress’ was published this year by Ghostly Publishing, and launched at Earl’s Court Book Fair in April. I have always loved to read fantasy. It is escapism into worlds we can only imagine, full of colour and fascination. Terry Pratchett introduced me to humorous fantasy, and I have never looked back since. What a writer. I like to think that he has been my inspiration for my humorous writing, and my witches of course! As to witches in general, I feel they have had a hard time of it over the years. There may be some bad ones (though mine are not!) but throughout history alleged witches just seem to have borne the brunt of other people’s misfortunes. If someone’s crops failed, they blamed the little old lady with the hunched back who lived down the road for walking past. If their cattle died, the cross-eyed woman stared at them funny. Tell me, how else could she stare at them? I thought it was time to follow in the footsteps of my hero, Terry, and try to raise an appreciation for witches for a change. Many of the persecuted ones in our dim and distant past were probably little more than healers and herbalists. ‘Caution’ is mainly just a story that was inside me. I love to write humorous fantasy, and even if I’m not trying to be humorous, my writing has a habit of turning that way unless I keep a very tight rein on it. I began the story and it developed quickly. Before long the characters took over, and kept me going until they had reached their last page.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to approach writing in a way that some might find long-winded and time consuming, but it works for me! I like to scribble my ideas down quickly using pen and paper in long-hand. I write each chapter in this way, then before I get on with the next one I type up the chapter on my computer. At this point, I take more care with spelling and punctuation, and tend to add bits, or even take them away. Once completed, I read through the chapter and make any more necessary changes. I then send the chapter to a friend who proofreads for me. In this way, I feel that the first draft of my book has already had at least some polish along the way saving time in rewrites later.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Terry Pratchett has to be my main inspiration these days. He is a legend in the world of humorous fantasy. I was also greatly inspired and introduced to fantasy by JRR Tolkien in my teens. Since then my favourite genre has stayed firmly in fantasy. I feel that authors are likely to want to write in the same genre they enjoy reading. This is certainly true in my case, anyway. Along with Terry Pratchett I currently love to read Terry Brooks, Joseph Delaney, Angie Sage and F.E.Higgins, to name but a few.

What are you working on now?
I have just completed the first draft of another children’s humorous fantasy titled ‘Be Careful What You Wish For.’ Here is a brief synopsis:

‘Finn is a bored young leprechaun. He wants something exciting to happen, but never having been blessed by the Good Luck Fairy, he soon gets far more than he bargained for. This is no fairy tale…’

I am also working on a YA fantasy titled ‘Dimensions’

‘When Leah first sees the old necklace in the window of an antique shop, little does she know what life has in store for her. Increasingly drawn to the pentacle on a silver chain, Leah finally buys it and soon finds herself having strange dreams about Stonehenge. Trying to put the dreams to rest, she visits the ancient site; only to be transported into another dimension.

Leah arrives in a besieged land of wizardry, magic and demon might. The land needs the help of an Outlander, and to Leah’s disbelief and shock, she has been called.’

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I tend to try to promote as widely as possible. I find new sites by surfing the net and Facebook. I approach any sites that look suitable for promoting my work, and try to get my book advertised and/or author interviews. I must say I am very impressed with the support offered to authors by the Awesome Gang, who not only provide great promotion themselves, but also offer links to other great promotional sites. Well done for that, you guys!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. You are very unlikely to have your life’s work snatched up by the first publisher or agent you send it to. Be prepared for the long haul, but believe in yourself, and don’t lose hope. There could be someone out there just waiting for your book to drop on their desk. The hard part is finding them…

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think the best advice comes from authors who have made it, but are honest about how hard it is to get to the point where your books are published and selling. It is always useful to read famous authors slants on the process of becoming a published author. It is a hard slog, but well worth it in the end.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading ‘Snuff’ by Terry Pratchett. Terry has never disappointed me, and I don’t think he ever will.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next will hopefully be the publication of my sword and sorcery children’s fantasy, ‘Zac’s Destiny’ later this year, then the acceptance for publication of ‘Be Careful What You Wish For’. Who knows, if there could be a film version of any of my books in the future, then my dreams would be complete! If I shoot enough arrows out there, one might hit the target…

What is your favorite book of all time?
I probably have to give credit to Lord of the Rings for that. An epic read, indeed, and still as popular now as it ever was. Lord of the Rings has stood the test of time, and should still be classed amongst the greats in another hundred years or so.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lynne North Website
Lynne North Amazon Profile

Lynne North’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I began writing in a serious fashion at the age of 12 when given an old Royal typewriter and began to learn to hunt and peck.

For twenty-two years I published a weekly newspaper in Maryland and sold it in 2010. The newspaper was represented by Levine, Sullivan, Koch & Schultz in winning a landmark First Amendment decision in 2003. The case Rossignol v. Voorhaar was filed in Federal Court following a raid on newsstands on Election eve of 1998 by a state’s attorney, sheriff and a posse of deputies which removed all available copies of the newspaper to prevent voters from reading critical articles prior to voting. The case was ruled on by the United States Court of Appeals Fourth Circuit and is published opinion and is the law of the land.
There are presently 18 books and 4 Kindle shorts:

Book Title(s): The Story of The Rag; Leopold & Loeb Killed Bobby Franks; Klan: Killing America; Titanic 1912; Titanic & Lusitania; Chesapeake 1850; The Privateer Clause; Return of the Sea Empress; Follow Titanic; Follow Triangle-Vanish; Cruise Killer; Battle of Solomon’s Island; Pirate Trials: Dastardly Deeds & Last Words; Pirate Trials: Hung by the Neck Until Dead; The Chesapeake: Tales & Scales; The Chesapeake: Legends, Yarns & Barnacles; Panama 1914

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Titanic Poetry, Music & Stories….is a collection of some of my poems and those of 100 years ago, along with the music of the Titanic.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Binge writing, up to 10,000 words a day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
H. L. Mencken, Dashiell Hammett, Edgar Allan Poe, Samuel Clemons, Harper Lee, Taylor Caldwell

What are you working on now?
A new book on how to avoid the dangers present as a cruise passenger.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write like its going out of style.

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

What are you reading now?
Humble Heroes

What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish the three books I am writing.

What is your favorite book of all time?
To Kill A Mockingbird

Author Websites and Profiles
Ken Rossignol Website
Ken Rossignol Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an international bestselling Canadian author who loves to say, “I kill people off for a living!” You can imagine the looks I get from people. Sometimes I’ll tell them, “Fictitiously, of course. I’m an author.” Sometimes I won’t say anything; I’ll let them wonder…

I have 12 ebooks and 9 paperbacks, plus my work is featured in a variety of anthologies.

Submerged, my latest novel, is a psychological suspense thriller with a hint of supernatural, and it promises to leave you breathless. But I am probably best known for Children of the Fog, a supernatural suspense thriller that has sold over 60,000 copies and made Amazon’s Top 100 bestsellers list (#4 in overall list) multiple times out of nearly 2 million ebooks; and Whale Song (and Whale Song: School Edition), a much-loved, inspiring family tale with a hint of mystery, which is now available in its third edition–plus a school edition with a discussion guide.

My other titles include: The River, Divine Intervention, Divine Justice, Divine Duo, Skeletons in the Closet & Other Creepy Stories, Remote Control (novelette), and Lancelot’s Lady (pen name: Cherish D’Angelo), plus one non-fiction work: How I Made Over $42,000 in 1 Month Selling My Kindle eBooks.

Booklist calls me “a big hit in Canada…a name to reckon with south of the border.”

Born in Vancouver, BC, I was a “military brat” and a “military wife” who has lived all across Canada and in Bermuda. I now reside in Edmonton, AB, with my husband Marc and our Pomeranian Princess, Chai.

I am represented by Erica Spellman-Silverman from Trident Media Group.

My links:

http://www.cherylktardif.com

http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cheryl-Kaye-Tardif-novels/29769736630

http://www.twitter.com/cherylktardif

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent novel is SUBMERGED, a psychological suspense thriller with a supernatural twist that will leave you breathless. It was inspired by my fear of being trapped in a submerged vehicle. Glub, glub! I’ve since discovered that I am not the only one with this fear.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write for about half of the year; the rest is spent publishing other people’s books at Imajin Books, my company.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Dean Koontz, JD Robb, John Saul, James Patterson and far too many others have influenced my writing greatly. I am an avid reader of all of them!

What are you working on now?
Book 3 in the Divine series – DIVINE SANCTUARY. This time Jasi McLellan and her covert team of psychic investigators are investigating a suspicious death at Sanctuary, a cult colony in BC, Canada.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Cheryl-Kaye-Tardif/e/B002C4V542

My website also helps: http://www.cherylktardif.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read, write, edit, edit, edit. Then learn the business of publishing and expect to work hard and invest in your career.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t worry if it gets published. Write it for yourself. Write it because you have to.” This came from a friend, and her words started my career as a novelist.

“Dare to Dream…and Dream BIG!” That’s mine. 🙂 Feel free to borrow it.

What are you reading now?
This interview?? LOL. Right now I’m in publish mode at Imajin Books so I don’t have a book on the go.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The New York Times and USA Today bestsellers lists! Seriously, that’s my goal for August. 🙂

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Mists of Avalon! And Misery. It’s a tie.

Author Websites and Profiles
Cheryl Kaye Tardif Website
Cheryl Kaye Tardif Amazon Profile
Cheryl Kaye Tardif Author Profile on Smashwords

Cheryl Kaye Tardif’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account