Awesome Author Interviews

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Jim Musgrave’s work has been recently featured in Best New Writing 2011, Hopewell Press, Titusville, N.J. He was a semi-finalist the Black Lawrence Press 2012 Chapbook Awards. He was also in a Bram Stoker Award Finalist volume of horror fiction, Beneath the Surface, 13 Shocking Tales of Terror, Shroud Publishing, San Francisco, CA. His short story, “Zeru,” is published in Mixer. His science fiction was recently published in SciFi Short Story Magazine, Baton Rouge, LA. He has also published six novels and three collections of short stories at English Majors Publishing. He is owner of English Majors Reviewers and Editors, LLC.

I live in sunny San Diego with my lovely wife, Ellen, and our two Siamese (not twins), Menasha and Lilah, who allow us to live here. We have four children spread around California (it’s a big state), and we enjoy exercising, traveling and teaching (aren’t we all teachers in one way or another?).

I hope you enjoy the novel and perhaps, if you enjoy it enough, you can even recommend it to your friends over the glorious Internet social highway. I wrote this novel because I suddenly, with the help of my students, realized that we are all freaks beneath the skin, and we must learn to understand how to live together without pain and violence.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Freak Story: 1967-1969. This is a book that is part alternate history and family drama. I was inspired to write this book by hearing a song by Marissa Nadler called “Daisy, Where Did You Go?” I then read the biography of the famous Hilton Siamese Twins by Dean Jensen. I have lived these turbulent times in the Sixties (one of the so-called “survivors” to whom I have dedicated this book), so I’m also an “old guy.” However, as I teach college writing and reading, I believe my students may be interested in this book because it examines, in a very personal way, these tumultuous times in the late sixties, and the theme is very prescient for today. For example, I have often shown a film to my classes, from 1932, Freaks directed by Tod Browning, and it is quite popular with them. The featured stars of my novel, Daisy and Violet Hilton, are also in this film, so I believe this generation of young people may be able to understand my theme quite well.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Since I teach, I must write during breaks, so my books tend to be written in “mad rushes of coffee-induced passion.” Luckily, I have enough experience to not believe in the Jack Keroac school of writing and just let it be. I get my work edited, and I also have readers to tell me where I have gone off the beaten track or screwed-up a character’s motivation.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In genre fiction, I am most influenced by writers like Lawrence Block (mysteries: he taught me to “spring forward and fall back”), James Patterson (thrillers: he taught me to write “bite-sized chapters full of action”), and Thomas Harris (horror: he taught me that villains need not be stupid).

In literary fiction, I think Brian Evenson and Tobias Woolf have influenced me the most.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the second historical mystery in my Detective Pat O’Malley series set in post American Civil War New York City. Here’s a synopsis: Long before the Nazis dreamed of their “final solution,” there was the kidnapping of genius inventor and businessman, Dr. Arthur Mergenthaler, in New York City. He was the richest Jew in the United States, and he was being forced to create the first gas chamber and crematorium to secretly purify the races in the South during Reconstruction. Detective Pat O’Malley is hired by the Mergenthaler family to find this man, and O’Malley soon discovers there are bigger players involved in this world-wide “eugenics movement” than he could have ever imagined. Who is behind this crime, and how will O’Malley stop the perpetrators?

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like Createspace and Amazon Kindle because they allow the best distribution opportunities for independent authors. They also have a cool spot to get your book recorded for audio book sales. That’s where I met Shandon Loring, who is recording my first historical mystery in the Pat O’Malley series: Forevermore, about the murder of Edgar Allan Poe in 1849.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up on your dreams. The best way to write is to keep doing it until it compares with the writers you admire. Also, always get other writers who have been published to critique the content of your work. Never, under any circumstances, get friends or family involved in your work! They will not give you the “tough love” you need to succeed at your craft.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When I was getting my Masters Degree in Creative Writing at San Diego State University, my advisor at the time, Jerry Bumpus, told me that I would not begin to write my best stuff until I was five years away from college classes. Boy, was he right! It was more like ten years, but I think I’ve finally made him proud.

What are you reading now?
Murder on the Mind, a mystery, by L.L. Bartlett. Also, The Meaning of Children, short stories by Beverly Akerman.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to keep pounding the keyboard and work more on the marketing end of the business.

What is your favorite book of all time?
1984 by George Orwell. I get to live it in 2013!

Author Websites and Profiles
Jim Musgrave Website
Jim Musgrave Amazon Profile
Jim Musgrave Author Profile Other Bookseller

Jim Musgrave’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a biologist and a biochemist and I’ve written four books and many articles over the years. The first three books, however, were textbooks. Although I have written fiction and biographies in the past, this is the first that I have published. “The Only Real House of Mirrors” is my first literary work.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Only Real House of Mirrors” grew out of a personal crisis. I had always defined myself as a research scientist and, many decades ago, funding crises and other things led to the loss of my laboratory. A remarkable psychiatrist recognized very quickly that I had a very active imagination and that I was quite open to suggestion. We used that ability to begin the journey that is described in the book.

The journey also took place in dreams, meditations, and long hikes and climbs in the California mountains.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
In the case of “The Only Real House of Mirrors” I can honestly say that I did not write the book. The book wrote me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury was a very early guide for me. I remember in high school that I wrote him to ask questions about _Dandelion Wine_. He replied with a multi-page hand written letter. His very human view of life took hold of me and never departed.

Similarly, I sent M. Scott Peck (“The Road Less Traveled”) an early draft of “The Only Real House of Mirrors”. I had written “Mirrors” as fiction and he replied that I had written of a genuine mystical experience. Perhaps he was right. It’s certainly true that I have since come to recognize that “Mirrors” is an “inner autobiography”. Dr. Peck introduced me to his agent (who was about to retire) and I ultimately ended up in the hands of another agent, who was also a Middle Eastern scholar. The scholar offered to help me publish the book, but he recommended that I wait. “The book isn’t finished”, he said. “Wait until you have lived longer.” He was so right! Now it is ready.

I’ve always been fascinated by Carlos Castenedas and his “Don Juan” books. I doubt that Don Juan lived in the “real” world but that never mattered to me. When I also began to experience the confusion that can exist between the inner and outer worlds these books took on new meaning for me. Many people get angry and call him a fraud. I can personally guarantee that his early books are not frauds — they are very, very real!

It might seem strange that Carl Jung and Douglas Hofstadter were simultaneous guides for me, but perhaps “The Only Real House of Mirrors” can explain it to you :).

And so many others!!

What are you working on now?
Wait and see 🙂

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Ask me later.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Not yet.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If you don’t fail ninety percent of the time, you aren’t aiming high enough.” — Alan Kaye

What are you reading now?
I’m re-reading Neal Stephenson’s baroque cycle — beginning with Cryptonomicon.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not certain. I now spend more time in Jakarta, and the world here is very different. “Mirrors” was intended to be a journey into the anguish and joy that joins science and religion. My background, perhaps, made “Mirrors” a Christian book. Indonesia is not only Muslim but also Christian, Hindu and Buddhist. There is also a strong animist tradition. I have no doubt that my second journey into “The Real House of Mirrors” will be strongly influenced by this world.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Lawrence Durrell’s the Alexandria Quartet — “Justine”, “Balthazar”, “Mountolive”, and “Clea”.

Author Websites and Profiles
David Barkley Website
David Barkley Amazon Profile

David Barkley’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Connecticut where I attended Central Connecticut State University, majoring in English Literature. Although I lived on the west coast for several years, I relocated back to my roots and birth place of Connecticut, where I presently resides with my two pugs, Mimi and Milo and our cats, Louise and Harry.

As a young girl growing up in Connecticut, I spent my summers writing stories and often times, together with neighboring girls my age, would present original plays for an audience of our parents. When I moved back to Connecticut, I took a job that required me to commute 4 hours a day by train to and from work. After a year of reading a book a week, I decided to make the time work for me, when one night after a strange dream about a dream catcher, I was inspired to write my first book, According to Legend. I have also written A Pirate’s Ransom which was published in August, 2012 and To Kill a Monarch which will be released over the summer.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is According to Legend, which was inspired by a very vivid dream. Maybe I need to stop eating those pepperoni pizzas late at night.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it would be considered unusual, but I sit in a recliner with the lap top. What’s unusual about that? Well, my pugs are usually laying on the recliner with me and one of my cats, Harry, likes to lay on the arm of the chair. As you can see, I have pleanty of muses.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter Series. It was when watching Goblet of Fire that I was inspired to try my hand at writing.

What are you working on now?
My present work in progress is a YA. I call it “Son of a Witch.” I have only written a few pages, but have some really cool ideas for this book. I hope my readers will love it as much as they seem to love my other work.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. I have my accounts linked and so far it seems to be working. I have a website which is http://www.gerribrousseau.com and I blog every Thursday on Nights of Passion. I enjoy being on social media, making friends and building relationships. Word of mouth is still the best method of sales.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Write what you love and never, ever give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not to ever give up.

What are you reading now?
I’m one of those lucky people who can read a few books at a time. I’m nearly finished with Green Fire by Joy Smith and I’m starting Thirst by Mary Donnarumma Sharnick. I’m also researching and reading several books to help me with my current work in progress.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Right now I’m published with Soul Mate Publishing, and although I love them, my goal is to get an agent and move to a large publisher (one of the big six). I will keep writing and putting out books that my fans enjoy.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Oh – I could never pick just one.

Author Websites and Profiles
Gerri Brousseau Website
Gerri Brousseau Amazon Profile
Gerri Brousseau Author Profile Other Bookseller

Gerri Brousseau’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve lived in Minnesota all of my life. Writing was a choice while I spent many hours in music, almost going for performance. In college, I wrote for the college newspaper and after jobs in publishing and reporting, I obtained an M.A. in writing at the University of Minnesota. Now I have three books published and another forthcoming in July. I also manage an internet bookstore.

The House in Windward Leaves was my first published book, self-published. It’s a comic fantasy for children.

Curiosity Killed the Sphinx and Other Stories won the Prize Americana and was published by Hollywood Books International. It’s a collection of short stories.

Newly released by Silver Knight Publishing is The Wide Awake Loons, a middle grade novel that unites two stories, those of kids at a lake and a family of loons.

In July, The Swan Bonnet will be published by GMTA Publishing. A historical novel, it is set in Alaska when swans were much endangered.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Wide Awake Loons was inspired by my lake stays in Northern Minnesota. My grandparents had a cabin there and eventually, there was another family cabin nearby. During my childhood, I also spent vacations at resorts and during college, I worked at two resorts. I listened to loons all of my life and I think it is the loons and their setting that inspired the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I recently bought a tablet that can fit in my purse. All the time that I was writing, I would say after an hour or so of creative work in the morning, “Don’t think about it until tomorrow. It’s too hard to think without a keyboard.” But while walking or going about my day, I would decide on something in my book. That would seem like a revelation. So now I have a tablet with me. Walking is often a time when I decide the next day’s lines.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many. Roald Dahl and E. B. White influenced my children’s work, besides others. I would say that Katherine Anne Porter and D. H. Lawrence influenced my short story work.

What are you working on now?
I am actually working on a nonfiction book for children. The project was outlined years ago but now I find, with the internet, that research has become quite interesting. But especially, there is recent archeology concerning the project that makes it even more challenging. I’m not certain how this book will work out because I usually write fiction. I might get started soon on a historical fiction project I’ve been planning for awhile, set in the Midwest.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Blogs. When I self-published, I went to book review blogs. Some featured my book and that, with reviews, might have been the best boost.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
This is a piece of advice I got when I first began taking classes: “Write on something you care about. That’s the most important thing.” A new writer might emulate another writer, as painters study a great painter, but they will learn authorship finally by writing their own story.

After a story is done, it needs editing. It doesn’t seem that great writers needed editing but I suspect they did. You’ll want to do as much as possible at your end. That will impress editors.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’d have to say that it came from editor submission guidelines: Send your best work. That meant finally to me that everything I sent should be my best work. It wasn’t about picking my best work. It was about doing my best work before submitting. It took a long time to understand that.

What are you reading now?
I usually read three or four books. I sell used book because I still love books before our time. I’m reading Lost Illusions by Balzac and King Solomon’s Mine by H. Rider Haggard.

The two new books that I’m reading are Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff and The Doll Collection by Joanna Stephen-Ward.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not sure. The projects I mentioned above are in process or planning. I’m writing children’s work right now. But I’m involved with other books being published. I have other books that are seeking a publisher or my decision to self-publish.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Wow. So I’ll just say Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.

Author Websites and Profiles
Katherine L. Holmes Website
Katherine L. Holmes Amazon Profile

Katherine L. Holmes’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My life rotates around travel. If I don’t have a plane ticket booked, I turn funny. I have travelled around all the continents and have plenty of my own stories, but I love to read and write fiction. I didn’t want to write a book about myself, that’s not my thing.

I am currently writing my second novel, after my first came out earlier this year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘The Misadventures of a Reluctant Traveller.’

When I was a kid I had this friend that used to sleep-walk. It got so bad that his parents had to lock him into his bedroom every night. One night he went missing, which terrified his parents, but luckily they found him at the train station in his pyjamas.

One thing that always stuck with me over the years was: where was he going? Did he have a plan or a destination?

That is the inspiration for this novel.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know. I don’t really know how other authors write. I do most of my writing in my head when I day-dream. Then when the beginning and the end are solid ideas I carry a little book where I write down little ideas as I have them. If they fit I include them in the story. I need quiet to write…I like to wonder in my mind and type what I see.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to number, I guess. I like authors like Jeff Long, Chuck Pahlaniuk and George R.R. Martin and Salman Rushdie, authors that can transport you into their stories.

What are you working on now?
My second novel is a complete change from the first in style, but it is still Travel-fiction. Its a horror story based on a Pacific island. I recently travelled to the Pacific and I had a story stick in my head while I was over there. I’m hoping this story will flow once I get into it.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads is an excellent place to bridge the author-reader gap. All authors are readers anyway…so it’s good to be able to talk directly with people about what you are reading and writing at the moment and get fair reviews and constructive crticism so that you don’t practise your mistakes, but learn from them. You may even become a better writer.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Patience, I guess. It’s a very slow process writing and releasing a book. Writing the book is only a third of the work…..then you have to submit, edit and design it and then comes the marketing. There is no rush, release the book when it is ready and don’t expect success to happen right away. Your book needs momentum…it could take years before it is noticed properly, but if your story lasts longer than you do then you have a success.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Always carry toilet paper with you.” A travellers motto.

What are you reading now?
I have just started the monster task of reading the Game of Thrones series. Should take me a couple of years to get the time to finish them all, but I will sneak the odd book in just for a change.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The more I travel, the more ideas I get. So I think that as long as I keep travelling there will always be another book in progress. Hopefully people will understand and enjoy my style and if one person loves a book…then I will see it as a success.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Too hard! I love ‘The Descent’ by Jeff Long…very intimidating. That is definitely one of my favourites. Any book that gets the blood pressure up.

Author Websites and Profiles
Dean MacAllister Website
Dean MacAllister Amazon Profile
Dean MacAllister Author Profile Other Bookseller

Dean MacAllister’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
It’s been quite a journey. Once upon a time I owned a feed-and-harware store but decided that I wanted to do something different–so I went to school. I graduated from the University of California with a Ph.D. in chemistry and now work in agricultural formulation. At night I am the managing member of Luna Risen LLC. Between my two jobs I squeeze in spending time with my family and trying to teach myself Latin.

Most of my publications are in peer-reviewed scientific journals. “The Lightness of Dust” is my first published work of fiction and the second novel is on its way!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Lightness of Dust” explores the idea that not only do the gods walk among us but that they have hopes, dreams, and regrets just as we do. The lives of three couples intertwine through ancient Anatolia, 1940 Seattle, and modern-day California.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Scent is very important. Sometimes I burn incense, but I usually like to have perfumes handy. Each of my characters reminds me of a different scent (Lily Ostendorf, for example, smells like Chanel No. 5).

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury’s “Something Wicked This Way Comes” is, for me, the perfect example of how words should be pput together to form sentences. I also enjoyed Stephen King when I was younger, but I’m getting too old to scare myself intentionally!

What are you working on now?
“The Lightness of Dust” is the first book of my series The Meronymy. Each book will be stand-alone; readers won’t need to start with book one. All of the books will, however, share a few common themes.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, Pinterest is working quite well. I have quite a few boards, some of which are dedicated to individual characters from “The Lightness of Dust.”

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Re-write. Re-write. Re-write. But keep in mind that your book will NEVER be finished–but you have to publish at some point.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t just extend the curve by another five percent.” This came from my research advisor in grad school, who cautioned me against adding incrementally to well-studied subjects. He wanted me to create an entirely new curve.

What are you reading now?
Since I’m in the middle of drafting a novel I’m avoiding fiction. So mostly things like Inked magazine and a few Latin textbooks.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The second book of The Meronymy will be published late this year and in early 2014 the third book will begin to take form.

What is your favorite book of all time?
“Something Wicked This Way Comes.” I have a very old copy (1972) that I pull out every once in a while.

Author Websites and Profiles
M.L. Weaver Website
M.L. Weaver Amazon Profile
M.L. Weaver Author Profile Other Bookseller

M.L. Weaver’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Berkshire then moved to Middlesex after my parents were divorced. After the move it took time for me to settle into my new surroundings and I was bullied for about a year. During these times, I would just read any book and escape into my own little world and forget about everything. In fact the characters were always so courageous or carefree of others opinions it helped I guess during that brief time of my life. I guess from them on I just developed a creative imagination, where I would see scenarios playing out in my mind and seeing how far I could stretch the story until I was distracted by a teacher or my mum! But life kind of became busy and I hadn’t really thought about writing again, although I was still an avid reader. But then I became redundant whilst on maternity leave to my twin daughters and then all of a sudden I had time to write and I really loved every moment of it! So far I have written one science fiction / Fantasy Romance book and it is part of a series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Danfians Prophecy (scifi/Fantasy Romance ebook). Whilst looking after my 9 months old twins I just kept daydreaming about the opening paragraph of the first Chapter Insight. I explained this to my husband and he suggested I should start writing and see what happens from there. Feeling encouraged I did just that and I was unable to stop until I finished the story!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Um, not that I can think of LOL

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I guess my main love is historical fiction, writers like Manda Scott through whom I got to know of Boudica have helped me to relate to stronger females. And Conn Iggulden, who wrote about Genghis Khan. I loved their way of telling stories and writing about real characters who would not go down without a fight, but with their own twists. But the one that really reached out to my adventurous side would be JK Rowling where she would pull me in there with Harry potter and the gang and have me on edge of my seat waiting to see where we would go next! Stephanie Meyer from a romantic point of view. Oh the feelings that her books of Twilight opened up were amazing, you know like losing your first love and how sweet and lovely it is to be in love at that age. They have all weirdly influenced me in my way of telling my story The Danfians Prophecy as it has elements of very brief history, adventure and romance in a fantasy setting during a time of war.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the second part of The Danfians Prophecy: Julian. I have done about 4 chapters so far and I must admit I have been distracted, so I need to really sort it out!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There isn’t any one way a combination of everything that I do works ok, I’m still learning, so I’ll be open to any advice. But what I use are my blog, twitter, facebook and Goodreads.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am still quite new at this, but I did attend the London Book Fair and had really valuable information in terms of marketing from Joanna Penn from The Creative Penn it is worth visiting her site to read her blogs and get the right advice.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never expect anything from anyone that way disappointment will never touch you.

What are you reading now?
T.J Cooke’s Defending Elton. It is a crime thriller, not my usual type of read, but i’m actually really enjoying reading it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well work on my second book get that published. I have so many novels in me that are waiting to be unleashed!

What is your favorite book of all time?
Boudica Dreaming The Eagle by Manda Scott

Author Websites and Profiles
L Sengul Website
L Sengul Amazon Profile
L Sengul Author Profile Other Bookseller

L Sengul’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’d started writing dozens of stories, but it wasn’t until I finished my first romance novel (with the encouragement of NaNoWriMo) that I felt like a writer. When Just One Spark came out (Mills & Boon, 2006) I felt like an author. I’m a dozen books in now, the writing of each story teaching me more about some facet of myself.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Drive Me Crazy was sparked by a road trip my best friend and I took to get her settled for dental school. Our journey was motels, a four door with no air conditioning and the only male in sight was her cat which we had to sneak into motels. So of course in the book money is no object, there is a hot guy with a sexy accent, and a red convertible.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a firm believer in house pants, which I call writing pants since I work from home. I’m trying to break in a pair of frog print writing pants, but they don’t seem to bring on the words the way my leopard pair do.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love character driven stories. It started with the Little House books, then Judy Blume. I read Tom Clancy and Dan Brown when everyone else did and tried to get into Oprah’s book club selections. But for me, I’m always drawn to the happily every after guarantee of romance. I’m a raving fan girl of Vicki Lewis Thompson.

What are you working on now?
I’m waiting on the edits of Caribbean Crush, the third installment of my Under The Caribbean Sun series. I just started a new story yesterday and was thrilled to be able to work in “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours” in the first scene.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I knew the magic behind it. My best-selling book to date (Compromising Positions) probably had the least amount of promotion behind it. It resonates with readers and the only way to do that is to write the best book you can.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read. Write. Repeat.

I finished my first book before learning much about craft. Of course there is a value in workshops, classes and conferences. But there isn’t a class out there that will teach you more about writing than actually finishing a book. Nothing will teach you more about storytelling than reading.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
On writing? Write every day.

On life? Just do it.

What are you reading now?
I just finished One Perfect Word by Debbie Macomber. Bob Harper’s Skinny Rules is playing in the minivan.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have young kids at home. I thought as they got older, they’d be able play while I worked. I never counted on spending so much time running them between activities, helping with projects and playing. My boys have a stomp rocket and the girl loves bubbles. I can’t resist either.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Bible. Not for religious reasons, but for the richness of story.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jenna Bayley-Burke Website
Jenna Bayley-Burke Amazon Profile

Jenna Bayley-Burke’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m married to a man I adore (when he isn’t driving me crazy) and am the mother of FIVE amazing kids, who (surprise!) also have a habit of driving me crazy. My best guess is that it’s genetic. In addition, I founded a local network for women in 2012, which has grown to almost 700 members. But to further prove that I may in fact be certifiably insane, I’m scheduled to publish my debut novel entitled, Bedrock in May of 2013. Then and only then, will I consider my training to be an expert (life) juggler complete.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Bedrock. I love novels that entertain such as Fifty Shades of Grey, The Twilight Series and The Hunger Games. That said, I wanted to read a story about a character who was a little bit further in life. I wanted a protagonist who was in a similar stage of life (married, with children) and to see how her story would unfold as obstacles are put in her way because of the fact that every decision she makes affects not only her but those she loves most in this world.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have five children so I write when and where I can. 🙂

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Syliva Day, E.L. James, Stephanie Meyer, Emily Giffin, Nicholas Sparks, Stephen King, Jodi Picoult and many many more.

What are you working on now?
The sequel to Bedrock. Which is interesting because Bedrock was originally only supposed to be a stand alone novel. But towards the end of the writing the process the characters threw a wrench in the story; letting me know that I wasn’t done with them yet.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love Goodreads. And bloggers. Bloggers are amazing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. And never, ever give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends. In the end, it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well.” – Stephen King

What are you reading now?
Bared To You by Sylvia Day.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The plan is release the sequel to Bedrock in September 2013 and my third novel in January 2014.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Charlotte’s Web.

Author Websites and Profiles
Britney King Website
Britney King Amazon Profile
Britney King Author Profile Other Bookseller

Britney King’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 born and educated in Austria which I left for the first time at 18, headed for a year in London, then Paris. There, I saw a job advertised; interviewed for it, and got it–at the French Embassy in Moscow (not a small feat during the Cuba Crisis). Back for the Olympic Winter Game in Innsbruck (yes, a long time ago)…then Vienna from where I was transferred to Chicago. For one year…and never went back. After living/working on both coasts, I am now retired in a bucolic lake-community in Arkansas (never say ‘never’).

So far, I have five books published, with a sixth novella due to come out in early May. While there are threads that bind them together, times and genres are quite different.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Actually, my so far two-book series “Legends of the Winged Scarab,” rose practically out of nowhere.

KHAMSIN, The Devil Wind of the Nile,” a 3080 BC Egyptian saga full of intrigue, warfare, murder and treason under King Aha’s reign.

SIROCCO, Storm over Land and Sea, the second book in the series, fast-forwards to 2012 as some of Khamsin’s treasures are unearthed. I call it a thriller, as things get dicey when unscrupulous art dealers stop at nothing. (As a matter of fact, the FBI just put out a wanted-poster for a stolen painting that I used as my cover image).

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have practically become a hermit. Since I am no longer young, sitting by my large picture window (typing) and looking out over the golfcourse suits me. Green has become my favorite color.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
From early on, I read a lot of “good literature” (all in German at that time), a preference that has spilled over into English. I love a convoluted saga, filled with detailed descriptions that completely transport you into the milieu and landscape of the novel; the more exotic, the better.

James Mitchene as well as Somerset Maugham were masters in that (reading patience required).
James Clavell–in Shogun, you can literally ‘hear’ Toranaga think and plot.
For fun, I love Peter Mayle’s light-hearted Provence series and often reread them just to get into a good mood (glass of wine required).
Then, who can escape the wondrous journey taken with Mary Renault’s “The Persian Boy.”

I fear, if I let these writers “influence” me, I’d get intimidated and give up. But we always need to learn from them.

What are you working on now?
My imminently-t0-be published novella, “Clouds in the Heart,” has been rattling around in my head so long that my overly dramatic mother (who is unfortunately no longer alive) once declared: “Ach, mein Kind …that’s you!”

Of course, I vehemently denied that my protagonist resembled me. Well, she is attractive and successful–but she also drinks (needed to make the story plausible).

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Ah, promoting. The curse of the writer. From what I read most of us hate it and would rather get back to what we love to do: To write, of course.

I have two blogs (does anybody read them?) but have been singularly reticent to go on Facebook, Twitter, and what not.

I do enjoy the exchange of ideas and exposure to many interesting writers and interested readers on GoodReads–but that brings only few sales.

Therefore, blogs like yours are such a wonderful means to “get out there.” Thank you for that.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be honest about your writing. If you can’t honestly say that you love your words, who else will?

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
CUT IT DOWN!

Separate the wheat from the chaff…those beautiful empty fillers, which those with poetic souls like me are apt to slide into the action. My KHAMSIN was originally 250,000 words…and I had to chisel it down to 150,000. That’s almost two full novels! It was hard. But it is a better book for it.

And then, EDIT, EDIT, EDIT. I am always amazed how many little “nits” slip through the cracks.

What are you reading now?
“Atlantic” – by Simon Winchester—it’s about ships…I love sailing and I miss the ocean. SERVER THAILAND

What’s next for you as a writer?
The next two books in the “Legends of the Winged Scarab” Series:
1) SOUTHERN TRADES (plays out in South America–where there is more to trade than sailing those southern winds–with the stolen Egyptian loot of course).

2) KHEPRI, Legends of the Winged Scarab. Going back to 6000 BC–where did those Egyptians really come from…

What is your favorite book of all time?
Really, there is no such book for me…as I have read so many great ones and look forward to reading more–Indie authors are coming out with some real gems; new and fresh treatment of old themes.

Author Websites and Profiles
Inge H. Borg Website
Inge H. Borg Amazon Profile
Inge H. Borg Author Smashwords Bookseller

Inge H. Borg’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
“Love Poems for Cannibals” is my first volume of poetry. I am also the author of a drama, “The Private and Public Life of King Able,” which will be published later in 2013. My poetry has been published in 23 literary journals.

I was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado. I was educated at Case Western Reserve University and the University of Oklahoma. I spent three years as a Navy clinical psychologist with a year in Vietnam (July 1967 – July 1968). Since that time I have worked as a school psychologist and licensed mental health counselor in the USA and overseas, until my retirement in 2006. I am a credentialed school psychologist in the states of California and Washington, and a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Washington. I live with my wife Kemme in Sahuarita, AZ. We have two grown children, Anne-Elise and Michael.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest and only published book is “Love Poems for Cannibals.”

The comedy, tragedy, absurdity and beauty of life inspired me to write.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My poetry evolved from notebooks kept on daily observations, and a collection of sentences that struck me with their beauty and surprise.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The tragedies of William Shakespeare and Samuel Beckett have been most influential.

What are you working on now?
Publishing my play, “The Private and Public Life of King Able,” and writing a novel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website: http://raymondkeen.com/

and the LinkedIn website: http://www.linkedin.com/in/rayboykeendapoet

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in yourself, and write. Critique of your writing comes later — after you have freely set down what is on your mind and in your heart.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Think before you speak, and then be as calmly honest as possible.

What are you reading now?
“REMF Diary” by David A. Willson

“Waking Up Naked: A Memoir” by Grant Handgis

“Truce” by Saïdeh Pakravan

“The Poetry of Robert Frost” edited by Edward Connery Lathem

“The Kooks, the Nuts, & the Crazy: A Collection of Short Stories” by Steven Hough

“Around the Sun Without a Sail – Poems” by Richard Fenwick

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publish my play, “The Private and Public Life of King Able.” Then, hopefully, begin and complete a novel.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”

Author Websites and Profiles
Raymond Keen Website
Raymond Keen Amazon Profile
Raymond Keen Barnes and Noble

Raymond Keen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I published a collection of poetry in my teens but that desire faded as I got older. I came close to having a teen ‘peacenik’ novel about protest over French A-bomb testing in the Pacific just before that. In my later years, facing the possibility of being re-structured out of my job at the time, I took up writing novels again.

I’ve since published 6 thriller-suspense novels.

I live in the capital city of New Zealand. I’m married (one wife for life) and have many grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

I retired young. My last fulltime job was in the Department of Conservation.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Green Expectations”. The inspiration?

First of all it was my love of writing. Secondly, I was following the literary maxim that an author should write, as uniquely as possible, about what he or she is familiar with. At the time of writing my first draft I was working in the Department of Conservation and, among other duties, dealt with the government agency responsible for management plans under the Forests Act and followed developments in the forestry industry. Years earlier, I was a branch committee member of a large non-government conservation organization and, over years of public service, had a lot to do with national conservation and environmental organizations.

All this experience came together in writing Green Expectations. I wanted to dramatize a footnote in environmental management in New Zealand to make an entertaining story. All characters are a total fiction, of course.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Before the computer came along I used to do almost all my writing in bed.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Clancy, Ludlum, Chrichton, King

What are you working on now?
I would have liked to pick up a 7th manuscript I’d finished but the document was irretrievably corrupted in the computer and a large part lost. Somehow I missed out on saving a paper copy. I don’t have the heart to try and re-create it.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use many social & writer websites – I blog post on Goodreads & tweet on Twitter. as my main methods. I hope my association with Awesomegang will be fruitful.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Work hard, get professional advice, strive for the best.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You don’t fail until you stop trying” – St Theresa of Avila

What are you reading now?
One thriller after another – spiced occasionally by something different.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve got to find a plot for my second novel as soon as I get through promoting my 6th.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The last one I read – I usually have a good nose for books that will interest & entertain me. There are so many over so many years that I can’t really say I have an all time favourite.

Author Websites and Profiles
Thomas W Devine Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve published six books with two more on the way in the coming weeks. I’m writing the Dave Haggard Thrillers, two of which are available: Butterfly Knife and Brass Knuckles. Dave Haggard is a Washington, D.C.-based street reporter. The series offers an opportunity for readers to follow not only Dave’s involvement in thriller plots, but to follow the interplay between reporters and their sources in the Nation’s Capital.

Buttery Knife has Dave at the center of a hunt for an insane priest who is a serial murderer, doing work he believes is “holy.” Brass Knuckles finds Dave at the center of a plot involving a crooked member of Congress (imagine that!), a professional hit man, and missing millions in federal dollars.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest Dave Haggard Thriller is Brass Knuckles. It was inspired by my own career as a broadcast journalist in Washington.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a fast writer. Years as a working journalist trained me to work fast, meet deadlines, and think on my feet.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite author if David Brooks, the columnist for the New York Times. I admire his style, his ability to concentrate serious ideas, and his intellect.

What are you working on now?
I am preparing for the release of Take A Rifle From A Dead Man, a novel based on the life of my father, who led an extraordinary, if difficult life. He thought in three wars and worked as a field agent for U.S. Army Intelligence during the height of the Cold War.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am on all of the usual sites: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Goodreads and so on. My own website, www.larrymatthews.net, draws many readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The more you write, the better you get.

What are you reading now?
My Way by Paul Anka

What’s next for you as a writer?
The third Dave Haggard Thriller, Detonator

What is your favorite book of all time?
Narcissus and Goldmund by Herman Hesse. It is the classic story of the tension we humans feel between spirit and flesh, safety and adventure.

Author Websites and Profiles
Larry Matthews Website
Larry Matthews Amazon Profile

Larry Matthews’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 born and raised in St. Albans, VT moving to RI in 1983. I have written four books so far, along with several poems which I published in the early 80s.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Fatal Cache and was inspired by my own enjoyment of the hobby of Geo-Caching as well as my love for the woods.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get my inspiration while walking. I enjoy walking along the East Bay Bike Path which runs parallel to Bristol Harbor.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love a good mystery/thriller. I enjoy reading John Saul, Mary Higgins Clark as well as Agatha Christie.

What are you working on now?
I am about to start a new mystery which will take place in Wells, ME.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid, just do it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t write for profit, write because you enjoy writing and have something you want to share.

What are you reading now?
While I’m working on a book I never read someone else’s work.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to continue to build an audience and continue to write.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Anything by Edgar Allen Poe and other American Classics.

Author Websites and Profiles
Cheryl Kennedy Website
Cheryl Kennedy Amazon Profile
Cheryl Kennedy Author Profile Other Bookseller

Cheryl Kennedy’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired deep cover Detective and operative. During my career as a detective, I’ve worked with many federal, local and State Police agencies. My name is Ernie Lijoi Sr., Italian born, raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Air Force Veteran and graduate of Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.

I began writing at age 65, after retirement. Now at 69, I have several books published, “Street Business” “Meth or Myth”, “The Cash Mule”, “Destructive Obsession”, “The Preyers”, “The Butcher of Boston”, “The Tunnel” and more with several short stories and many poems.

I have several other books committed for publication, but I am holding them for movie projects, some of the names are “The Preyers”, “Delicious Poisons” and “The Green Tide” with more to come.

As of this date I have been able to develop a movie script, business plan and budget from my work on a book named “The Preyers.”

We have several other books that will make great movies; all are based on factual incidents.

My current position is executive producer for The Preyers and we are in the funding stage with a tremendous amount of interest in this project. http://www.thepreyers.com

“The Preyers”….. Log-line:

In New York is the Joey Bats Borgazino family. In Massachusetts is Detective Ernie Lijoi Sr., when multiple murders’ connect these adversaries the explosion occurs……. (An Eddie Pannoni Thriller—“THE PREYERS”)

Our new Movie site is up and ready for viewing

http://www.thepreyers.com

We are in the funding stage of this project.

More Info on all of my books at: Http://www.erniesr.com

 

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book:

THE BUTHCHER OF BOSTON

The Butcher of Boston
~~The Butcer of Boston~~

The Butcher of Boston did in fact exist in the 1980s, in Boston and Quincy Massachusetts. The villain was a person that took joy and sexual satisfaction from stabbing people as he ran along a jogging area in the those cities.
This is a fictional glimpse into the life and experiences of Detective Ernie Lijoi Sr. who during his career as a DCI agent under the guise of Eddie Pannoni, drug dealer and gun runner encountered numerous investigations from narcotics to murder. Read about the exploits of Eddie Pannoni whose life is always hanging by a string. Read about Detective Ernie Lijoi Sr. as he is placed in a position where he is forced to shoot and kill a serial killer who was responsible for the deaths of eight people.

In this latest Eddie Pannoni thriller, you will meet the assassin James Cooper, who was hired to kill the (DCI) Deep Cover investigator, Det. Ernie Lijoi Sr. You will actually witness the undercover deals that went on between Detective Lijoi and the people of the illicit world of Narcotics. You will encounter narcotics dealers that are likeable, others that are not, as well as a police officer who falls in with the wrong crowd, a man who gives his allegiance to the kingpins of the drug world. You will encounter drug dealers and organized crime figures, who think nothing of taking a life. People who are responsible for several murders and several attempted murders. Witness the shootouts between the Police and the drug crazed illicit narcotics dealers.
Book Title: The Butcher of Boston

Author: Ernie Lijoi, Sr

Mystery/Detective

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I just sit down and start writing…The information comes to me, As I write, I remember different sequences in the story.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ernest Hemmingway…..OLD MAN OF THE SEA

What are you working on now?
A MOVIE PROJECT CALLED…..THE PREYERS…BASED ON REAL INCIDENTS

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Http://www.erniesr.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you don’t start, you will never finish.

Have confidence in yourself. I wrote the following about work and regrets.

REGRETS

Regrets are thoughts

that haunt the mind

Regrets are teachers

If you wish not to be blind

Learn from the mistakes

Move on to whatever it takes.

By:

Ernie Lijoi Sr.

March 12, 2013

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Listen to others, but believe in yourself.

What are you reading now?
My own books and movie scripts. I don’t have time to read anything else.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A few books and three movies based on my books.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Don’t have one.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ernie Lijoi Sr. Website
Ernie Lijoi Sr. Author Profile Other Bookseller

Ernie Lijoi Sr.’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing when I was in second grade. If I count all the “books” I wrote since then it would be LOTS. And my mom even saved a bunch of them (ha ha). When I got back into writing as an adult, I started by working on both novels as well as short stories and essays. If I got frustrated or bored with one, I could switch to something else.

The first thing I had published was a short essay in a book about first-year teachers. Then I entered a short story contest for a Ray Bradbury anthology and won and got my story published in the anthology. The book is called “Body Smith 401 and other stories”. My story was called, “The Return”.

During that time was still working on novels. I finally finished “Run Away Home” and self published it on Amazon last August. It received really good reviews so I entered it in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest. It made it all the way through the quarter-final round and got a super great review from Publishers Weekly! Super exciting!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book I am working on right now is called “All We Are” and I actually got the idea one day when I was donating blood. I was sitting in the chair, looking around the room, and I started wondering what it would be like if donating wasn’t something people did voluntarily, but instead were forced to do. And then I started wondering what would happen if it wasn’t just blood, plasma or platelets, but what if people were FORCED to donate other things? Or participate in clinical research trials? And what kind of society would we live in where this might happen? The title comes from a conversation Kinley has with her boyfriend when she is beginning to discover more about the society they live in.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I don’t know if they’re unusual or not. I do know that I ABSOLUTELY cannot write on the computer. It’s like my brain goes into hibernation or something and all the creative ideas just disappear. So I write in notebooks with a special pen and then I type everything up later. It does take longer, I’m sure, but it’s the only way I can write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love so many authors. In the adult realm, I adore Maeve Binchy, Torey Hayden, Kristin Hannah, Ann Tyler and many others. In Young Adult, my current favorites are Veronica Roth, Colleen Hoover, Suzanne Collins (loved her even before the Hunger Games), and Ally Condie.

What are you working on now?
Still working on “All We Are”. I finished it a few months ago, but am basically rewriting the whole thing as I changed several major plot points. So I still have a ways to go.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I really don’t know. I haven’t done much marketing and I’m hoping to find some good ideas out there!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing. The more you write, the better you get (it’s like practicing the piano).

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be mean to your characters! It’s so true. New writers often have trouble being mean to their characters (I know I did). But if nothing bad happens to them, then you don’t really have a story.

What are you reading now?
Just finished Slammed and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series (Point of Retreat). I am also reading Unpredictable and Sister of My Heart. I tend to read several books at one time (Kindles are great).

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing up “All We Are” and trying to find a publisher for it. And then I’m going to go back and take a look at some novels I wrote a few years ago and see if any of them call out to be reworked. If not, I have lots of ideas for new stories so I’ll just start another one!

What is your favorite book of all time?
This question is too difficult! I love so many books…..but if I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be one of Torey Hayden’s books. I just reread those over and over and have for years. One Child, or Tiger’s Child, or any of her other ones. They’re all great.

Author Websites and Profiles
Robin Amada Tzucker Website
Robin Amada Tzucker Amazon Profile

Robin Amada Tzucker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Nic. I’m a journalist, a luchador, and a habitual liar. I also write novels.

I’m having trouble keeping a tally. I’ve written close to eight, nine books, but they’re mostly worming their way through the rigorous editing process I put them through.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Dag. It was inspired by an environmental lit class- largely by the fact that a full two-thirds of the class involved Native American stories, and as a white male of privilege I can’t stand the idea of minorities have a louder voice than mine. Kidding- though I did find the dearth of nonnative environmental lit disheartening, and stereotype-reinforcing. And in combination with the tea party movement, which I felt had difficulty understanding the difference between what governement should/shouldn’t do and anarchy, it all lined up to become a tidal wave of toxic mountaintop removal slurry rushing down a hill towards the safe parts in my psyche where I hide all of my stuffed animals.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I never write so much as my name on something without the most recent issue of Sports Illustrated jammed into my shorts to form a glossy banana hammock. But given my conversations with other writers, I don’t think that’s unusual, at all.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My first published book (sixthish written), Whores was pretty heavily influenced by 1984- with the obvious difference being that Orwell worried about a suppression of human rights, and Whores contemplates a loss of women’s rights. I think Orwell, overall, has a ridiculously simplistic view of people, and an overly fatalistic sense of the world, but the sense of creeping oppression in that book is perfect. I imagine, if he understood the paranoid fever dreams he’s inspired over the years, he’d probably chuck his manuscript in the waste paper bin and write children’s stories, instead, but it’s a fascinating work.

My influences are a little wide ranging. Preacher engaged my burgeoning fecalphile, at an age where I was told it was no longer acceptable for me to giggle about poo. But it also talked about the nature of God and faith, and whether or not friendship could weather people being truly horrible to one another.

One of my most endearing loves in comics is Transmet. I think the latter third sags a bit; either because the author too heavily embraced the wave of story decompression, or because he simply lost interest by the end, but especially that first third is just packed with ideas and research and lovingly detailed characters. And it introduced me to Hunter S. Thompson, who was even cooler than the protagonist of Transmet, which I never would have thought possible.

I grew up mesmerized by Poe. I wasn’t a goth child, but he spoke of a world that was darker, and and drearier, yet more real, than the one I was walking around in.

I’ll always love the work of David James Duncan, which had I think a spiritual impact on me- though probably not a literary one.

What are you working on now?
Right now, this morning, I’m supposed to be working on Nexus, my original Star Trek if it attempted to make any sense and hadn’t been relegated to only having aliens that could be made with colored lights or people in rubber suits. There’s also a parallel in there about colonialism or something, too, but I nodded off in the middle of writing the synopsis, so I can’t be completely sure. Or maybe the important point is that it’s a reaction to the trend of commercialising space travel, and examines what might happen if only corporations launch deep space missions, once that becomes a feasible possibility- plus just looking at what that possibility might look like. And I suppose I’m putting the finishing touches on the cover to Dag, as well as the formatting of the print edition.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method involves gently soiling myself while my wife fixes it. It’s strange to admit, but when I first entered college, it was as a computer science major. That didn’t last, and now, facebook and twitter terrify me to the point where most clever things I want in either location (or Goodreads or wherever) is filtered through her. Which is probably just as well, because she’s also my proofreader.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Prepaid therapy. Tie people who give you encouragement (or better, criticism) up together like like logs in some kind of human raft, to keep in your basement. Don’t use the raft on the water- or, if you must- make sure the human logs are face up in the water. But to not glibly ignore the spirit of the question, writing is hard. No, that’s wrong. Writing is easy. Most children do it with minimal growling. Writing is easy, and joyful. But that thing you wrote so easily, and that made you cry joyful tears it was so damned good coming out of you? It’s terrible. Just awful. If your mother weren’t such a saint, she’d grab a coat hangar and try to extraordinarily late term abort you for writing it. What it needs instead of loving praise is abuse, mistreatment, and the literary equivalent of abandonment. You have to lock that mutated beast in your basement, and let everyone you can talk into it into the basement with a lead pipe to beat on it. The goal isn’t to get your mother/father/sex-worker to give it token praise- you have to mutilate your story until it’s worthy of their praise.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My grandmother, knowing she was dying, told me to do great things. That was terrible. She knew by then I was a writer. I had already opted out of doing great things. I don’t know if anything anybody’s ever written qualifies as a ‘great thing.’ I think most authors recognize their insignificance, and their writing is an attempt to reconcile themselves with that by either creating a world where they can have an impact, or by sidestepping that concept and just saying, “Well if I had my say, we’d do things this way.” That was going to be my original answer; until this very moment I’d kind of thought it was a sweet if slightly unachievable goal she set for me, but now it seems kind of karmically mean.

Better advice I think came from Adam West, when I was privileged to interview him. First, he said he didn’t think he had advice- which is about the wisest thing you can say (and obviously from my response to the last question, I’m not nearly as wise). And after that he said, basically, that you had to ignore negativity and hypocrisy and try to live your life for you. And I think that’s not bad advice for writers. You will get reviewers who don’t get your story, or who don’t try, and really only showed up to rub your story on their balls. But you didn’t write it for them. You wrote it for that one kid out there it speaks to, who maybe has a better day having read it, or is a little nicer to someone. It’s about trying to have some small, positive impact on people. And using your literary acumen to write those reviewers into the most creatively violent murder scene possible for your upcoming survival horror novel.

What are you reading now?
My wife still has me reading through Tad Williams Memory, Sorrow and Thorn- specifically the Dragonbone Chair. I want to do a long-term fantasy project, somewhat akin to Game of Thrones or the Chronicles of Narnia, published periodically in novellas, and she says before I can do that I have to finish that book. I see it kind of like the literary equivalent of being in a SAW movie, where I have to saw my own arm off with a tube of sexual lubricant to escape. She assures me it gets better after the first hundred pages- to which I should have snarkily asked, “Why would you know?” Except that I’m afraid of her.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Nexus. Then the Necromancer’s Gambit, which is the story of an underground magician government in Portland that has to deal with the equivalent of a coup. Plus, it has necrophilia in it. On the writing front, I actually have sequels planned for Nexus and the Gambit, as well as a survival horror novel, and probably a political novella. I had planned to throw my name into the hat for Pope, as well, but I got a bit bogged down editing the final draft of Dag, and that Popeship has sailed.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Funniest thing I’ve ever read. And in between all the crazy, there’s some intelligent ideas bandied about, too. But mostly it’s a drug-fueled bender about two amoral half-wits trying desparately not to go so far the authorities have no choice but to lock them away, while being so out of their minds that they can no longer grasp the right area code of too far.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nicolas Wilson Website
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a freelance writer with degrees in both creative writing and philosophy, so I try to combine these in my work, whether it’s humorous, erotic, noir, or otherwise. I was born and raised in a suburb of Chicago, but moved around a lot after that, eventually ending up in Montreal, where I received one of my degrees, got my start writing professionally for the local paper, and met my kick-ass husband. We are currently living in southern California with our literary kitty, Ned. It’s quite a change from the crazy Canadian winters, so we love it.

I’ve written a lot of books, mostly centered around sexy happenings in Montreal, which has been described as “the Sin City of the North.” I take that moniker pretty literally with my titles The Montreal Guide to Sex, Where to Get Laid in Montreal, Top 5 Reasons You Can’t Get Laid in Montreal, Double Trouble, The Unbelievably True Story of the World’s Worst Sex (a modified version of which originally appeared in Josey Vogels’ sex column) and my latest, Naked Montreal. I’ve also written a satirical ninja novel for adults, entitled Ninjas of the 512: A Texas-Sized Satire, based on my sojourn in Austin, Texas, which is one of the most overhyped cities I’ve ever visited. I am sure to receive hate mail about this opinion, but I stand by it.

Additionally, I’ve recently started a series of haiku ebooks, the first of which is Haiku For Lovers. I have plans to do a series of city-themed books later on this year. You can find all the details about that at Buttontapper Press (http://buttontapper.com).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Naked Montreal is my latest book. It was inspired by my stint as a sex columnist in the city. I wrote a lot of articles about people in the sex industry and its fringes, which I consider the real Underground City (as opposed to the mall that connects to the metro, which Montrealers refer to as such), but a lot of the material I had didn’t actually make it into the column. So I decided to write a work of fiction, based on some of the people and places in Montreal, with a central character who is a sexy tour guide, introducing readers to all of these places. She’s a bit jaded, having seen it all, but she enjoys her work, showing off the back alleys and bordellos of the city to tourists.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Is procrastination unusual? Probably not. But I will definitely fall down the rabbit hole of internet research, looking for a specific detail and then opening door after door into different websites, learning all this awesome stuff, and then looking up at the clock like “Holy crap, it’s 6 o’clock already?!”

I also write best in the nude, but I suppose that’s true for most writers, if they are being honest.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been heavily influenced by humorous works like The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and anything by David Sedaris, literary fiction like Leonard Cohen’s Beautiful Losers (check out the sentient vibrator scene and you’ll understand) and Jeanette Winterson’s many fantastic books, and of course Nabokov’s Lolita. I enjoy all kinds of books, so I draw from a pretty broad range of influences. Ray Bradbury, Dorothy Parker, Charles Bukowski, Anaïs Nin, Paul Auster, Friedrich Nietzsche, George Orwell, Inga Muscio, Mary Roach…. It’d probably be easier to just check my Goodreads shelves to get an idea. I love to read, so anything that catches my eye will be given a chance.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on finishing up part two of my Naked Montreal series. I have plans for four parts, so there’s a lot left to write, but part two is in the editing phase. I’m still pretty immersed in that, but I’m also writing a lot of flash fiction these days, so I’m hoping to send those out for publication and perhaps collect them all into one big volume at some point.

I’ve also been participating in the A to Z Blog Challenge during the month of April, so I will most likely release an ebook of all those posts. I have been writing on the theme of Montreal from A to Z, so that’ll be a good introduction to the city for those who are looking for something with a little less racy material.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promoting my books is always a challenge, since they do tend to be on the more scandelous side. So you can’t just walk up to a total stranger and ask if they’d be interested in reading some of your erotica. Similarly, a lot of websites are anti-erotica (which is funny, because it’s such a cash cow these days), so it does take more persistence. I would say that the best method is just to keep on writing and putting out new books, so that readers have more to choose from. I also think blogging and guest blogging is really beneficial, as it helps me reach new audiences every time I have a new post, and if they like what they read, it’s easy for them to find my website and buy a book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to just keep writing! The best way to improve is to keep writing, even when you don’t feel like it. As the writing group Book In A Week puts it: BIC HOK TAM – Butt In Chair, Hands On Keys, Typing Away Madly.

I would also suggest chipping away slowly at big goals. Write short pieces, and string them together. Eventually you’ll have a novel. Writing is definitely more like a marathon than a sprint, in that respect: you just have to keep on going. Train every day, stretch those imaginative muscles, and keep your eyes on the prize.

Also, I would definitely avoid that old phrase “write what you know.” Get away from everything that you know and let yourself play. See where your mind takes you. Go crazy. Be bold. But don’t just write a transcript of something that really happened. The worst stories I’ve ever read have been defended with the phrase, “But it really happened!” If I wanted what really happened, I’d read the paper. Surprise me!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be a snob: read everything. Good or bad, it will teach you more about writing. It’s never a waste of time to read a book.

What are you reading now?
I’ve always got several books going simultaneously, so right now I’m finishing up the book version of Sex and the City (very different from the TV show), starting Gilded Lili: Lili St. Cyr and the Striptease Mystique by Kelly DiNardo, and I’m about halfway through By the Balls: The Complete Collection (a noir collection by Jim Pascoe and Tom Fassbender). I’m also trying to get a copy of Neil Gaiman’s Fragile Things for a book club I’m involved with, but “A Study in Emerald” and “How to Talk to Girls at Parties” are both online on his website, so at least I’ve read those!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Wow, that’s a big question! I would ideally like to be able to write fiction full-time. Right now I do have a day job, some of which involves writing and some of which doesn’t, but being able to write novels or short stories for a living is definitely the dream. To that end, I’m researching small presses and looking for publishers that I can work with, even though I do also enjoy self-publishing a great deal.

As far as ideas in the pipeline, I’d also like to write another ninja story, so I’m pondering storylines for that. My ninja is a very reluctant assassin, so she’s a complex character to begin with, and I’d like to continue to explore that in additional books.

What is your favorite book of all time?
I can’t pick just one, so I would say that my favorite humorous book is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. My favorite literary book is Beautiful Losers by Leonard Cohen. And my favorite novella is Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote.

Author Websites and Profiles
Laura Roberts Website
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a an author and poet by day and still the same thing at night. Poetry is my comfort zone but lately I have expanded my writing horizons. When I’m not writing I enjoy watching sports and sometimes playing them if I’m so lucky. I live in Massachusetts and would like to travel the states and country someday.

I have written 2 books so far. My first book was a book of horror poetry entitled “The Macabre Masterpiece: Poems of Horror and Gore” published in 2010. My second book is a western horror entitled “A Bloody Bloody Mess In The Wild Wild West” Its set to be released within the next week or so.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is as I said “A Bloody Bloody Mess In The Wild Wild West”. How I was inspired to write it came to be from two aspects. First I had seen a clip of a western movie and out of no where I thought of the title. Then a small idea for a story came together but nothing too major. When I began watching old western shows like Bonanza and The Rifleman my ideas got bigger and soon enough I had an excellent concept for a story and then I began writing it. I think there was a zombie movie in there as well which brought the horror part in there. I started writing here and there and though I hit a snag in the middle I picked up and got even more inspired and came out with a finished western horror.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
if by unusual you mean stupid mistakes then yes. Sometimes I forget to do simple things when writing like using the wrong words(although I pick up on them after I got over it). As for an unusual writing habit itself sometimes I notice that when I’m writing a blog such as my opinion on something I find myself using the same words but words that aren’t normally used, is this because my vocabulary is above average? Heavens no! I guess I just try to be unique and change things up.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Elmore Leonard was and is a big influence for sure. I read two of his books “Riding the Rap” and “Pronto” which the show Justified is based of off and I loved them. I would say after reading them that that was also what inspired me to want to write a western. Edgar Allan Poe is of course a big inspiration of mine as I consider him to be the Godfather of Horror. Also Rod Serling, I love watching The Twilight Zone and I have even read some of his stories which have inspired elements in some of my works.

What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on getting ready for the release of my second book “A Bloody Bloody Mess In The Wild Wild West”. As an author you gotta prepare and while I am totally ready I am also scared even though I’ve done this once before but I just want to make sure everything goes smoothly and accordingly this time.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads. My cousin told me about Goodreads about two months into the release of my first book and at first I was lost then when i caught on I totally fell in love with it. It’s such a good way to meet new people, fellow authors and potential readers. There’s so much to do, I find Goodreads to be very sufficient.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
When people are down on your work or tell you you can’t, push them aside and just keep on writing. Don’t be afraid to take a chance and be yourself. If people like your stuff they’ll tell you, if they don’t they’ll tell you too only difference is you don’t let those who don’t get to you down.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Well I can’t think of one particular piece of advice I have ever heard but I can think of one outrageous one that sticks out. When I was in 7th grade out teacher told us that if any of us had ADD or ADHD that we should consider taking up boxing when we grow up…yeah don’t ask I to this day still get weirded out thinking about it.

What are you reading now?
I am reading a steampunk book from a fellow Goodreads author called “Clockwork & Old Gods Book One: Incursion and a poetry book I won in a giveaway on Goodreads called “From Within”.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Oh god I don’t wanna think about that right now! Haha. If you must know, after my second book I have my third all set and ready to go. It’s another book of poetry. It’s a book of mixed poetry. I may also write a few short stories as well but we’ll see..

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Endlands by Vincent Hobbes and Vlad: The Last Confession by C.C Humpheries.

Author Websites and Profiles
Justin Bienvenue Website
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