Awesome Author Interviews

Interview With Author Terri Dixon

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve self published seven full length novels; three of which are a trilogy. I’ve been writing my whole life and studied English and journalism in college. Most of my novels are action adventure. Most of them take place in several countries and normally end up spending a little time in Russia, because I’m a Russophile and have visited and studied their history for years. I like to write female leads, because I’m a girl and it makes sense to me. I also like to give my ladies a bit of snarky attitude to go along with their capable personalities. I’ve recently written a bit of humor and character driven stories, and I’m enjoying that. With age comes some knowledge that makes for great humor and stories that women in particular; although my husband likes the character driven stories a lot; can identify with.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Alice” is my latest novel. It’s available on Amazon and Kindle as are my others. Strangely, my husband inspired this book. He told me that my humor was amazing and I should write something funny. So, Alice came to be in her midlife crisis, time for a life change, awakening. She feels she’s the most boring woman in the world, and she discovers that maybe she’s wrong about that. I always look to the future and that had a lot to do with Alice.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes! I almost never plan a story to the end. I let it meander around and allow the characters to develop naturally. I almost always change my mind in the middle. I don’t use outlines often, and I just write from the heart. Whatever looks ridiculous gets worked out in editing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by so many authors it’s difficult to narrow it down. Kurt Vonnegut immediately comes to mind. Louisa May Alcott made me want to be a writer in the first place. In my current phase of life, Janet Evanovich, Jennifer Weiner, Marie Benedict, Sharyn McCrumb, Susan Elizabeth Phillips are probably the culprits of my cynical humor and need to keep it light.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on “Bourbon”. Yes, that’s a woman’s name. She’s a woman who’s spent a lot of time distancing herself from her family and being a loner, only to meet a man at the same time that her family lands right back in her lap. Once again, lots of humor and strong female characters.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It depends. I like Reedsy Discovery, because they cover most genres and do a good job. I love Book Adrenaline for mysteries and thrillers. Just running a free giveaway on Amazon normally puts my Kindle in a top 10 list for long enough to generate significant buzz.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. You will be rejected, ignored, criticized, overlooked and tested to the nines. Listen to your inner muse and your friends. Friends won’t tell you it’s good if it’s not. It’s hard out there, but it’s worth it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up. The same advice I give others.

What are you reading now?
Jennifer Weiner “In Her Shoes.” I love how she handles difficult subjects with humor.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to some day go beyond self publishing. I still beat on doors, so to speak, for an agent or traditional publisher. A lot of people say my stories are so visual that they should be movies or TV series. I wouldn’t poo poo that.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“Breakfast of Champions” and “Slaughterhouse Five” of Kurt Vonnegut. “Two for the Dough” by Janet Evanovich and “The Hunt for Red October” by Tom Clancy.

Author Websites and Profiles

Terri Dixon Website

Terri Dixon Amazon Profile

Terri Dixon Author Profile on Smashwords

Terri Dixon’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

Pinterest Account

Interview With Author Emilia Ramos Samper

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, my name is Emilia Ramos and I am one of the youngest people to ever publish a book. I published my debut novel, “Crown of Scales and Wonder” on Amazon when I was ten, and my second book, “Heir of Time” is coming out next year. I love sharing my work with the world and supporting young authors!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Crown of Scales and Wonder” is my debut novel, inspired by various trips to exotic locations, as well as the stories of real-life people. The idea that people can be so blinded by their own corrupted world that they can’t see through the lies around them… It really made a difference in my characters’ journeys.

Here is a quick description:

In a kingdom torn apart by dark magic and a million year war, Princess Naomi Elistaire searches for answers amidst the facade of her palace imprisonment. With an irreversible gift ready to destroy her and a martyred father buried in a web of lies, who’s to say which way fate will turn?

Deep underground, Agent Ez Shores trains everyday at the dragon base, waiting for the revolution, the day to kill the Queen. But as dangerous bloodlines reveal themselves and a seemingly suicidal mission is handed to him, Ez finds himself locked in the palace dungeons, facing the daughter of his worst enemy.

Lies.
Love.
Revolution.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I often wake up in the middle of the night with a burning story idea and can’t go to bed until it is on paper. I love the rush of writing, the pure joy of creating a world no one else knows exists yet.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As far as books that have influenced me, I’d say that “Six of Crows” and “Eragon” were big sources of inspiration for me because of their brilliant worlds and characters.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on the editing of the second novel (Heir of Time) in my trilogy.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When it comes to promoting my book, I’d say that in-person marketing has been the best for me. I love organizing book readings at schools and attending artisan fairs. Really, interacting with readers makes the promotion process so much more rewarding than staring at a screen.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Even though I’m a bit of a new author myself, I’d say that you’re never too young to pursue your dreams, despite what anyone says. Also, whenever you are worried about the promotion of your book, remember who you want to connect with and why you love writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard probably came from Abbie Emmons. Her philosophy that internal conflict and character goals drive a story was a big revelation for me when writing. It helped me approach my plot and story in a new and unconventional manner that I wouldn’t have before.

What are you reading now?
Now, I am reading “Girls at the Edge of the World” by Laura Brooke Robson.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, the next thing for me is publishing my second book: “Heir of Time”.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. “Six of Crows” – Leigh Bardugo
2. “Heartless” – Marissa Meyer
3. “Scythe” – Neil Shusterman

Author Websites and Profiles

Emilia Ramos Samper Website

Emilia Ramos Samper Amazon Profile

 

Interview With Author Dee Rose

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Dee Rose and reside in Denver, Colorado, by way of Gary, Indiana. I’ve been a professional writer for ten years, but I started writing in high school. I’ve written romance novels, science fiction novels, and thrillers. However, my true love is fantasy/supernatural. Characters with powers and special abilities have always fascinated me.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Forbidden Love is the title of my latest book and my sister, who was gay and died of cancer, was my inspiration for writing the book. I hate a deep and liberal connection with LGBTQ issues and denounce any bigotry of towards towards it and the POC communities.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write as much as I can and worry about editing much later in the process. The story is the most important thing to me

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King is the main author that has influenced me.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on a spinoff for one of the main characters in my series, The Hangman called Jericho Caine, Vampire Slayer: Love, Lust, and Blood.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use mostly social media like facebook, intagram, and twitter.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice new authors is to just write until your hands start to hurt. Get the story out of your head first and worry about everything else later.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard was, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”.

What are you reading now?
I am not currently reading anything as I am working other projects.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The next thing for me as a writer is to get involved in another series. I like long stories with a great ending.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would take my books The Hangman, The Hangman Returns, The Hangman Vengeance, Cujo, and Bill Clinton’s autobiography.

Author Websites and Profiles

Dee Rose Website

Dee Rose Amazon Profile

Dee Rose’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

 

Interview With Author Natalie Jobity

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Natalie Jobity’s experiences as a market researcher, entrepreneur, image consultant, and business consultant have all positioned her to become the Brilliance Unveiler. In her women’s leadership company, The Unveiled Way, she empowers high-achieving purpose-driven women at career crossroads to unveil their distinctive brilliance, see the possibilities in their purpose, and have ripple-making impact in their leadership arena.

Natalie left her successful 15-year career as a market researcher and founded Elan Image Management, her image consulting firm, building a nationally recognized business and brand in a few years. Natalie worked individually with hundreds of women, helping them understand how to dress intentionally and authentically using her “Presence with A Purpose” framework. She also facilitated workshops and led seminars on professional presence and personal branding for women-focused organizations, companies, and ministries.

In 2011, Natalie wrote and self-published an image empowerment book, Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style, that quickly became a #1 Amazon best-seller in the self-esteem and beauty categories.

In her 15 years empowering women as an image consultant and now as a leadership coach and personal brand strategist, Natalie brings an authentic, customized, intuitive approach to help purpose-driven women unveil their brilliance, so it becomes potent, powerful, and purposeful with ripple-making effects for years to come.

Natalie’s second book titled, It’s Your Time to Shine, Girl: Own Your Brilliance, Step into Your Influence, and Lead Like a Trailblazer, is a leadership and empowerment book that will not only inspire women worldwide to step into their purpose, but also give them the tips, tools, and techniques needed to succeed and thrive as women of influence.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s Your Time to Shine, Girl: Own Your Brilliance, Step into Your Influence, and Lead Like a Trailblazer. Inspired by my own journey to own MY brilliance and my work with women as an image consultant and leadership coach.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love writing! I blog and many of my blogs transform to books over time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Brene Brown–love her books and how she shares her expertise with her stories too.

What are you working on now?
Just published this second book so chilling for a while :0

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Book Promos worked really well for Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in your brilliance. And write from your heart/voice.

What are you reading now?
Believe Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniel

What’s next for you as a writer?
Not sure yet? Thinkin of doing videos of each chapter

Author Websites and Profiles

Natalie Jobity Website

Natalie Jobity Amazon Profile

Natalie Jobity’s Social Media Links

Twitter Account

 

Interview With Author Lillian Archer

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, my name is Lillian Archer, and I am an 18-year-old author. I like to write fiction/fantasy books. I started writing in my junior year of high school during the pandemic and I kept writing ever since. I am currently working, and I am enrolled in college with a major in biochemistry. I am hoping to become a Forensic Scientist when I am done with my schooling. However, I hope I can make something out of this one of these days. I hope I can make my family proud of me for doing something important.
So far I have written 2 books. The first book is a short story called Julie and the Case of the Missing Mother. The second book is called The Portal in the woods.
Thank you for reading this and I hope you have a good day!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is The Portal in the Woods. It got published on December 1st, 2022 on Amazon. I guess the thing that inspired it is a thought that popped into my head after writing my first book and I really liked it. After writing more of that idea, I liked it even more, so I wrote the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I believe I do have some unusual writing habits. However, it’s more of trying to figure out what writing process I like the best. I started writing my recent book with paper and pencil. I felt like I wrote more down on paper than on my laptop. I discovered a couple of chapters in, my wrist would get cramped up often. Then I wrote the book on my mother’s old typewriter. I did that for a while. I loved the little click-clacks that it made. There was one major downside, I had to copy it all down on my laptop afterward. So after that, I just moved to my laptop, so I could finish my book and get onto editing. Sometimes I do get bored with one writing method, so I might just switch between these methods when writing a book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I don’t think any authors or books really influenced me. I just have a great imagination and I’d often find myself daydreaming, captured by the story my brain has made. Eventually, I just decided to make a book because I was bored during the pandemic, having nothing to do. I am happy that I have decided to do that and I am hoping to write more in the future.

What are you working on now?
I am currently extremely busy at college, but I am hoping to write more in my free time and breaks. I do have some ideas on what to write. I just need to have some time to storyboard them and start writing. I am trying to not burn out and I don’t want to write in that condition because I believe that the quality of the book will suffer. Plus, I need to focus on my grades and everything else that is going on in my life.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media is a huge thing that helps to promote books. I post often to try to reach as many people as possible. I am also trying to promote my book on Amazon, I am not sure how well it is going to work, but I will just have to wait and see. I also submit my books to websites like this one, hoping that someone will come across them and will find them interesting.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors is to keep doing what you are doing. Be patient and try not to push yourself too hard. Writing takes time and if you rush through it, you going to be very frustrated and will go through many writing blocks. It is best to take your time and make sure that this is the best book you can make.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard was to keep doing what you are doing as long as it makes you happy.

What are you reading now?
I wish I had more time to read books. The most recent one I tried to read was Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer. I don’t really have too much time to read with everything else I have to do in my life. I mainly read college textbooks for my classes.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not really sure what comes next for me as a writer, but I hope to keep writing in the future. I am going to go with the flow. I think I am going to keep on writing in hopes that people will like it. Even if one person likes it, I am happy.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I was stranded on a desert island, I would take a Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book or Two (These books are my childhood 🙂 ), along with The Magic Tree House (These books would give me comfort), and of course, a few of the Twilight books (I would take the first few because I hate reading out of order.).

Author Websites and Profiles

Lillian Archer Website

Lillian Archer Amazon Profile

Lillian Archer’s Social Media Links

Pinterest Account

Interview With Author Lorna Bycroft

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi there,
I’m new to writing and excited to have my book, Meeting Along the Garden Path, 1st in a 6 book romance series, published. Book 2, Dreams Come True with Flowers, will be published on January 10, 2023 and is on pre-order now.
My passion is gardening and growing flowers, herbs and vegetables as well as reusing and recycling to help lessen the impact of climate change. I also have an interest in social issues such as how people are integrated into different cultures when they emigrate, social housing so people have warm, dry, healthy homes and intergenerational trauma and how it can be addressed.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book is called Meeting Along the Garden Path – Hannah and Matthew, a Second Chance Romance. It is book 1 in a romance series set in the Eugene Veran Community Garden where people come together to find peace and grow food and flowers. The series was inspired by my passion for gardening and interest in how women and children integrate into new communities and new relationships when they flee an abusive partner.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I know about.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was taught to read at 4 years old and have always had my nose in a book since then. Barbara Cartland was my first introduction to the romance genre in my late teens I think. Jilly Cooper’s romance stories were a popular go-to for me later on. More recently I’ve been reading a number of Australian authors such as Liz Byrski and Fiona McIntosh.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on Book 3 at the moment. It’s a romance between Bella and Buford. Bella is an author who suffers from anxiety and is working hard with a therapist to overcome it, supported by her family. Buford is a shy, giant of a man who grew up in an orphanage. They meet at the Community Garden and ………well, I’ll let the readers find out how their story unfolds when the book is published in April 2023.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome Gang is top of my list as well as some of the other promotion sites.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep on keeping on. The journey is like a roller coaster, sometimes you want to get off but have to stay on the ride. I’ve found joining an author community to be valuable for support when times get tough.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s ok to stop, take a breath and refill my tank. Take a break a re-charge the batteries to be able to keep going.

What are you reading now?
Liz Byrski’s latest book ‘At the End of the Day. It’s about an older couple who meet when they are stranded together on a disrupted flight from Doha to Perth. They are surprised to learn they have much in common.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing writing the Romance in the Community Garden Series is top of my list. I’ve still to decide on where the next series will be based, it will also be a clean and wholesome romance series.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, Wordsworth’s poems, Meeting Along the Garden Path and Dreams Come True with Flowers.

 

Lorna Bycroft’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

 

Interview With Author Sofia Essen

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Scandinavia but I spent 30 years of my life bouncing around Asia. Now I live in Athens, Greece. I’ve written 3 books set in some of my favourite locations – Singapore, Paris, and the Greek islands.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
From Paris With Love is my latest book. It was inspired by the idea of wanting to break out of regular routines, experiencing new things, and stepping out of my comfort zone.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to start writing at about 2 AM. I’m a bit of an insomniac. So instead of tossing and turning, I write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tamera by Noel Barber is my all-time favourite book. But in terms of authors who have influenced my writing, I would say Sophie Kinsella, Marian Keyes, Jane Green, and Maeve Binchy.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on trying to turn my 2 AM Insomia-induced scribblings into a novel that I can hopefully publish one day.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I just self-published 3 books simultaneously on Amazon. To be honest, I might have put the cart before the horse considering I have no idea how or where to promote my novels. What can I say? I’m a work-in-progress, much like my next book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, don’t do what I did… Do your research about publishing and promoting your books before hitting the publish button.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your life is your story. Don’t let anyone else write it for you.

What are you reading now?
I’m rereading Tanamera by Noel Barber for the umpteenth time.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Currently, I am working on my fourth novel while trying to figure out how to get the word out about my first three.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
Wings by Danielle Steel
Tanamera by Noel Barber

Author Websites and Profiles

Sofia Essen Website

Sofia Essen Amazon Profile

Sofia Essen’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

 

Interview With Author Sandra Del Cid

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, thank you for the interview. I am an actress, film producer and writer. I written several short books and they are on amazon. I am currently completing one book that is 800 pages, the longest one ever.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Use the Law of Attraction to create the Life of your dreams. This is my last book and I was inspired because I am a witness that the law of attraction really works. I learned about it back in 1995 and have practiced it. I manifested my TV show Hollywood to Houston with Sandra Del Cid. My feature film ” Raquel’s Legacy” and my world travel all over Europe. I am not rich and I was able to achieve this with the law of attraction which I speak of in this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I only write when I feel inspired. I write my own scripts for my films as well.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wayne Dyer has inspired me so much. I read his books back in the 90’s. I also love ” The Secret” and of course my favorite “The Bible”. ” And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. ( Matthew 17:20) in addition, Jesus also said: ” Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit there.” (Proverbs 18: 21)

What are you working on now?
I am currently completing a film that was filmed in the mountains of Utah. Great views. I am also completing a drama book that is 800 pages. Raquel’s Legacy my feature film is being submitted to film festivals.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I only put my books on amazon but not my films.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is therapy. Write when you are happy, when you are sad, when you are angry, let your imagination run wild!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
” Everything happens for a reason”

What are you reading now?
I am reading the Bible right now. Everyday for about 15 min a day

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am completing a drama book that is about 800 pages and needs lots of proofreading.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I was stranded on an island and I could only bring four books , wow
I bring
a book about 1. How to Survive in the wild
2. herbs and natural cures book
3. The Bible
4. The Book of Mormon

Author Websites and Profiles

Sandra Del Cid Website

Sandra Del Cid Amazon Profile

Sandra Del Cid’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

 

Interview With Author Jennifer J. Coldwater

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing stories since elementary school—this is the first time I’ve taken on something as ambitious as this.

I teach journalism and creative nonfiction, so this journey has been a joy I hope you can feel in my first novel. Loosely based on the Bible book of Ruth (but with f-bombs, drunken confessions of adoration, and a spicy sex scene), “Holland, My Heart” is the first in a collection of biblical women’s stories retold as contemporary romances.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
When the world shut down in March 2020, I was living in Tulsa, Oklahoma with a plethora of rescue dogs. (In case you’re wondering, a plethora is two dogs more than a pack. This is not science, but it is nonetheless a fact.) In the absence of anyone but my roommate and our canines, I started writing a novel based on one of my favorite stories: the book of Ruth.

For as long as I can remember, the story of Ruth and Naomi has resonated with me.
Something about Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law grabbed my heart and would not let go. As I spent twenty months with this text, I realized my own mother is the reason I am so connected to this story. As a military brat raised by a military brat, I can say with certainty wherever my mom goes, I will go. And yet, she also taught me that anywhere I am, she is with me. When you regularly have to pick up everything to move thousands of miles away, you learn to keep the important people in your heart.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a pantser in many ways. But I do like to do a lot of research before I start (and as I go along, really). My research starts with the Bible. I use Sefaria.org: A Living Library of Jewish Texts Online. After writing “Holland, My Heart”, I added listening to the chapters read in Hebrew at Mechon-Mamre.org. (I wish I’d thought to look for it when I was writing my first novel.)
Anyway, after I am very comfortable with the Bible story and the storytelling, I research the other aspects of the contemporary romance novel. I find that my journalism training is useful in this part of the writing process. For example, for “Holland, My Heart”, I read several Forbes and Fortune magazine articles about the paths and successes of young, female CEOs so my descriptions of Holland would be relatable. For my second book, I’m currently researching how world-famous bands like Coldplay and Radiohead—as well as solo artists like Camila Cabello and Alessia Cara—craft songs, plan and execute extensive tours, and live with fame.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
A.J. Hackwith’s “The Library of the Unwritten” inspired me to complete my first novel–her version of Hell quickly became my worst nightmare. I owe her for lighting fire and brimstone under my writerly buns!
My other favorites include Lev Grossman’s The Magicians trilogy, all of Penny Reid’s series, and anything my friends recommend.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing “Hannah’s Song” based on 1 Samuel 2 with an eye toward Deborah (both a prophet and a judge), Eve (yes, *that* Eve!), and the five daughters of Zelophehad (who raised the case of a woman’s right to inherit property).

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring this part out, but so far I’ve had good luck with author interviews like this one.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My first recommendation is that you read A.J. Hackwith’s “The Library of the Unwritten”. I don’t know A.J. I’m not getting a cut of her sales. I just know this book inspired me to complete my first novel–her version of Hell quickly became my worst nightmare. I owe her big time for lighting fire and brimstone under my writerly buns!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Live by the Platinum Rule. Do unto others as they would want done to them. I think the Golden Rule only gets us so far. We have to meet the people we love where they are. It’s about learning each other’s love languages, Enneagram type, Zodiac sign, whatever–and then behaving accordingly.

What are you reading now?
I am reading Avery Flynn’s Last Man Standing series and they are cracking me up! Very funny and super spicy. 10/10 would recommend

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m revising my first draft of “Hannah’s Song: An emotional, problems-in-paradise, witty, sexy romance with a love triangle twist” which is based on 1 Samuel 1-2. Once I turn her over to beta readers and editors, I’ll probably start work on the sequel to “Holland, My Heart”. I find I miss those characters and would like to get back into their heads for a while. My friends and family really want to know what happens for Holland’s sister-in-law Ximena; so I will start there.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d have to take The Magicians trilogy by Lev Grossman: “The Magicians”, “The Magician King”, and “The Magician’s Land”. Maybe the fourth should be “Ten Trends to Seduce Your Best Friend” by Penny Reid — I read it recently and it was an instant favorite.

Author Websites and Profiles

Jennifer J. Coldwater Website

Jennifer J. Coldwater Amazon Profile

Jennifer J. Coldwater’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

Pinterest Account

Interview With Author Fr. John Bullock, LC

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Catholic priest in the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ. I was ordained in 2002 and have worked in youth work, campus ministry, and adult ministry with our lay Movement, Regnum Christi. Since ordained, I have lived 10 years in California, 9 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and now one in Houston – my hometown.
I have only written 2 small books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘A Cyclist’s Spirituality: Spiritual Lessons Learned from Riding a Bike.’
When younger I aspired to be a professional cyclist, and while that didn’t get very far, the passion for riding, road riding, remained. For the last several years I’ve begun riding again.
This book is a union of my two loves: Jesus Christ and cycling. I actually believe there are many parallels between cycling and the spiritual life. This book is a short reflection on that connection.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
As a priest I often have to preach – much more than write. However, I do write out my homilies – although I don’t read them while preaching. I’ve been told I write as I speak. I guess I see the two as very connected. Writing is preaching that remains.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a big fan of Pope Benedict XVI, C. S. Lewis, G. K. Chesterton, Peter Kreeft – principally their work in apologetics. I love contemplating the reasonableness of the Catholic faith.
I also enjoy reading conversion stories – seeing the experience of faith from the author’s perspective such as Jennifer Fulwiler’s
‘Something Other than God’ and Holly Ordway’s ‘Not God’s Type.’
However, I have begun reading, or listening to, many classical authors in the last few years. I’m most impressed with Dostoyevsky’s ‘Crime and Punishment.’ However, I’ve also appreciated works like – Dumas’ ‘The Count of Monte Cristo,’ Melville’s irony in ‘Moby Dick,’ and Hemmingway’s ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls.’
I love the poetry of St. Cardinal John Henry Newman.
I enjoy James Patterson novels, like the Michael Bennett series, for a fun romp.

What are you working on now?
I’m actually giving a series of talks on St. Paul, which I hope to convert into a small book. The talks are covering his conversion, discipleship, ministry, and personal transformation.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not particularly good at it, and to some degree pretty new at the process.
One of my books, ‘A Heart Like Jesus’ is on the ‘RC Spirituality’ website. My most recent book, ‘A Cyclist’s Spirituality’ is simply self-published on Amazon.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Let your message resonate with the human soul. The timeless values of truth, goodness, justice, and love will speak to all people – regardless of their experience or religious persuasion.

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

What are you reading now?
I’m reading ‘Kristin Lavransdatter’ by Sigrid Undset.
I’m listening to St. Augustine’s ‘City of God,’ and ‘The Fall of Crazy House’ by Patterson and Charbonnet.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to finish the St. Paul book by the Fall of 2023.

Someday I would like to try my hand at fiction.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible. The Summa Theologica by Aquinas. The Collected Works of G. K. Chesterton. The Collected works of Dostoyevsky.

Author Websites and Profiles

Fr. John Bullock, LC Amazon Profile

 

Interview With Author Madison Taylor

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi there,

I’m a self-publishing author who has always written short stories. My lifelong dream is to be an author, but with my day (and night) job being a Ph.D. student, I haven’t had much time to dedicate to it. I’ve been able to write more recently and wrote my first novel, which is out now! I plan to write for as long as I breathe, knowing my ultimate happy place is in my office, typing away at whatever fictional story I cook up.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Thief of Stormwell. I was inspired by medieval and royalty stories, coming up with my own and adding a few different twists that make it unique. I wanted a main character that would empower readers, showing them that having flaws and making mistakes doesn’t make you the villain. She goes through her trials (a few of them unfair) and comes out the other side, although not unscathed, but better. I look up to my main character, knowing if I was ever thrown into an unknown world, I would want to act like her.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have ADHD, so in the first few months of writing my novel, I would hyper-fixate, then leave it alone for a few weeks. I’ve since been put on medication which has helped me greatly! I also use writing sprints, where you write as much as you can in a given time period (I go for 20 minutes) and you worry about the editing later. It helps get the content out, which is often hard to do.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Kerry Maniscalco has been one of my favorite authors for years. I’ve torn through each of her books and have used her as a role model in my writing!

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the sequel to The Thief of Stormwell, but I also have a secret pet project that I’m working on when I can.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found using email lists and promoting through others’ lists very helpful. It’s helpful to have other authors read and review your books, so growing a community is key.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s a daunting challenge. Sometimes stories flow and sometimes they don’t. The best thing I ever did was let the story flow. It’s okay to write chapters that suck and you know are going to get cut later. Sometimes that’s what it takes to get where you need to go. Don’t force anyone to do anything. Characters do grow a sense of independence, so try to let them figure out where they’re going next.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My favorite saying is “a first draft’s only purpose is to exist”. This has helped me immensely in overcoming my imposter syndrome. Just get it on the paper. You can rewrite, edit, tear it apart, or whatever you need you to do later.

What are you reading now?
I’m listening to Love at First Spite by Anna. E Collins.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m currently taking courses to help refine my writing skill. I’m always looking to learn so I see myself doing that forever.

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

A Secret History by Donna Tartt, Survive the Night by Riley Sager, and The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren.

Author Websites and Profiles

Madison Taylor Website

 

Interview With Author Tanupriya Kalita

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Tanupriya Kalita, born and brought up in bongaigaon district of Assam, India.I was born on 12th Oct, 1988. I did my BA from same city where I was born. I also did B.Music from Bhatkhande and Kalabid from Nikhil Bharat. I am lucky to be daughter of Subhash Chandra Kalita and Mamata Choudhury.

I have published 1 book as of now.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my first book is Emuthi Sagar, which is collection of my best poems. It has been published in 2021.

Well, I was inclined to writing and reciting poems from my childhood. I got a prize for recitation in my childhood when I was only 3 years old
To be more specific to question, I was inspired by my mother Smt. Mamata Choudhury.

I get inspired to write when any incident touch my heart. My pen transforms the memories and images of those incidents into letters.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, that is a pretty tough question to answer. To be honest, I do not follow any process, I write whenever I get emotional. Whenever some feelings, thoughts come to my mind, i just note down on a piece of paper. The main uniqueness about my writing can better be described by my readers. I just express my emotions and thoughts, in the form of poem. Ofcourse, I write more on real things, irony about human life.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Yes, Infact I have many favorite books which inspired my writing apptitude and some of them are – “Mrityunjoy” written by Gyanpeeth Award Winner Birendra Kumar Battacharya, “Dotal Hatir Ui E Khoa Hawda” by Dr. Mamoni Roysom Goswami and all books of Homen Borgohain and Partha Chattopadhyay are my favourite book.

What are you working on now?
I am working on another poetry book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
To be very frank, I have never planned for any book promotion other than some of my author interviews published in various online and offline international magazines and web portals.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Always write from your heart and note down even if a single line comes to your mind, just note it down. Every single drop makes an ocean, similary every words, every line makes a book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I get regular advices from my well wishers and my elders. The best advice comes from my parents, especially my mother Mamata Choudhury.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I am reading an assamese novel, maharathi written by Chandra Prasad Saikia

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to continue to write. What ever comes next will be decides by my destiny. I am just focussing on my writings. Rest I leave in the hand of almighty.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. Mrityunjoy” written by Gyanpeeth Award Winner Birendra Kumar Battacharya.

2. “Dotal Hatir Ui E Khoa Hawda” by Dr. Mamoni Roysom Goswami.

3. Assamese novel, maharathi written by Chandra Prasad Saikia

 

Interview With Author Zoe Mayen

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing full-time for a little over a year, since leaving my job as a litigation lawyer in central London to pursue my dreams of being an author. In that time, I’ve written two self-published mystery thrillers, the second of which was released last week:

‘Enter the Forest: Murder in Taman Negara’ – a light-hearted whodunnit centred around a group of people who meet on an organised holiday in the Malaysian jungle (one of the world’s oldest rainforests). The splendour of their surroundings soon turns menacing as people inexplicably start to disappear.

‘Wicked Games’ – a twisty psychological thriller told from a multi-character perspective, centred around a group of friends staying in the English countryside, at a mysterious house with a dark past. The fun and games take a sinister turn and anonymous messages become threatening…then friend turns murderer.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Wicked Games. The name was inspired by a theme of the book, which is a sequence of various games played throughout the story that soon bring out darker aspects of the characters and their pasts. The narrative is interspersed with an anonymous voice who appears to be one of the characters with a deadly purpose, unknown to the rest of them. All of these things lead to strange incidents and bad things happening to various characters, culminating in a murder in the house – hence the ‘wickedness’.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure how unusual it is, but I like to eat/snack whilst writing, which helps me think! As well as listening to music, which helps me focus and can inspire me (that one’s not unusual!).

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is one of my favourite books. I just love the passion with which she wrote, the dark edge and the humour in her writing (I know WH isn’t a comedy!). I’m aiming to work up to that level of writing.

Also Agatha Christie with her classic whodunnits, JK Rowling with Harry Potter (the entertaining, easy way in which she writes and the humour) and George RR Martin with his epic Game of Thrones books. In the thriller genre, I loved Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and Shiver by Allie Reynolds – both brilliant books.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on my third novel, another psychological thriller which I’m really excited about. The plot is still in the making but the idea so far revolves around a troubled woman who is forced to recount conversations from a virtual relationship with a lover, to a mysterious psychotherapist. As she struggles to come to terms with what she is being told was never real, the relevance of the information starts to become clearer (and more ominous) and she strives to decipher fragments of vital memories that are the key to all of it.

At some point, I’m also planning to write a romantic mystery inspired by Wuthering Heights and my great grandmother’s memoirs about fleeing Russia through Europe in 1904 as a child, by the Trans-Siberian Railway, after the Japanese invasion of her hometown, Port Arthur, and the Russian Revolution.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still very much in the learning process when it comes to promotion. So far I’ve found Booksprout to be brilliant for getting readers to review my books and BookSirens seems very good too. I need to up my game a lot when it comes to social media and promoting myself as an author on there!!

Kindlepreneur is absolutely brilliant with the wealth of information about self-publishing and promotion, and I’m still making my way through all the information and resources available there. Your First 10000 Readers also seems to have a lot of very helpful marketing information and resources, which I need to take a good look at.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a new author and I’m still on a steep learning curve, but I would say: Don’t be afraid to get things down onto the page, however good or bad you feel it is. It’s more important to get things out and get the creativity process flowing – no one has to ever read what you’ve written if you don’t like it, you can come back and edit and refine as many times as you like until you’re happy with it! But just get the flow going and it’ll help the momentum to kick in.

Also, complete something without seeking absolute perfection – done is better than perfect. You’ll get a lot more experience that way, once you start inviting feedback and learning more about the publishing process through doing. That’s not to say not to pay attention to quality, of course – that’s very important – but there’s a balance to be struck.

One thing that I’ve recently been learning to deal with better is negative critique. Negative feedback is scary, and can hurt, but it’s good to think of it as free advice on how to improve and get better as a writer. In some ways, that’s better than someone just telling you you’re doing all the right things. There is always room for improvement. And it’s all part of the fun!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ooh, this is tricky as I’ve received so much good advice and wisdom over the years, and I’m probably forgetting something really good.

Someone once said to me, ‘Wouldn’t it be so much easier if you just dropped it?’ Meaning the harsh self-criticism that is pointless and self-destructive, and wastes so much thought and energy that could be used somewhere else more usefully. It could apply to many things – worry, fear, replaying negative past events or worrying repeatedly over things to come. Caring about what other people think so much. All the ‘noise’ that is always going to be around us and in our heads that we need to learn to let stay in the background and not let it assume more importance than it deserves.

‘Don’t dread it, experience it’ is another one.

What are you reading now?
It’s been a habit of mine since I was little to have a whole pile of books on the go at the same time – now a virtual pile on my Kindle. So I’ll pick one non-fiction and one fiction for now! The Silva Mind Control Method by Jose Silva. And I’ve started re-reading Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (first read when I was at school).

What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I’ve done some promotion for my second book, Wicked Games, which I released last week, I’ll be writing my third book, another psychological thriller. I’m really looking forward to getting started on that one!

I have so many ideas for future books and various drafts on the go, so it’s a matter of getting through the writing as quickly as I can and getting lots of books out there, hopefully!!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, one of the Harry Potter books, The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and one of my books on natural vision improvement.

…Just wanted to say thanks for all these questions, they’ve been really interesting to answer!

Author Websites and Profiles

Zoe Mayen Website

Zoe Mayen Amazon Profile

Zoe Mayen’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

Twitter Account

 

Interview With Author Rachel Rafferty

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I hail from Ireland and live in Dublin with my husband and three little girls. I work part-time as a primary school teacher and write in the evenings and on my days off. I’m a member of two writing groups, one in a local library and the other in the Irish Writer’s Centre in Dublin city. I’ve self-published three novels on Amazon. Each one is about the trials and tribulations of turning forty and the new life choices that come our way in midlife. Each story follows the journey of an Irish woman flitting in and out of relationships and juggling family life. Drama, intense emotion and light-hearted humour combine to make each story a jaw-dropping page-turner.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Somewhat Satisfactory. It was inspired by an Irish charity single released by thirty-nine female singers from Ireland. Watching the video made by the group inspired me to create the characters of Claire and Anita and the story grew from there.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am lucky that I never suffer from writer’s block. My only obstacle is finding the time to write and fitting it into my hectic schedule. This means I keep my mini laptop in the kitchen within reach and whenever I have a second such as the last few sips of my morning coffee or waiting for potatoes to boil, I reach for it and tap away for that golden few minutes between the demands of kids, dinner, school work and house-work.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the quirky characters that Liane Moriarty creates and how most of her books are laced with humour. She never fails to make me laugh. I also took huge inspiration from the writing style of Kelly Harms in her book, The Overdue Life of Amy Byler. I found the character of Amy very relatable and lovable and again, the story made me chuckle.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the book cover of my fourth book which I am hoping to release at the end of January 2023. It’s about a librarian with a difficult relationship with her mother. She also feels like she’s getting left behind on the dating scene as her friends seem to meet guys with ease. It is only when she meets Mark that her life changes immensely and she realises who her true allies are.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning about book promotion techniques and I haven’t nailed it yet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Share your work and talk to other writers. Consider investing in an author coach if funds allow. Take advice from trusted, successful people only and stay positive.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Trust yourself. Only YOU know what right for you.

What are you reading now?
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

What’s next for you as a writer?
To release the final two books in my Midlife Secrets series. Book Four at end January and hopefully Book Five in spring/summer 2023.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes
What I know for sure by Oprah Winfrey

Author Websites and Profiles

Rachel Rafferty Website

Rachel Rafferty Amazon Profile

Rachel Rafferty’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

 

Interview With Author Lewis Ritter

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired teacher from Bergen County NJ. I started writing in the late 1980’s. I have written several screenplays that have done well in screenwriting competitions. I worked with Crossroads Entertainment in L.A on several projects including a sci-fi series and book adaptations, I’ve just published my first novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Turbulence: Dispatches from the Student Protest Movement Rutgers 1970. I was a student at the time and witnessed many events of the era. I used it to create a television script for a series in 2013. It has evolved and is now published in the first of a series of historical fiction novels.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try and write every day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
R.L. Tecklenberg, Harlan Coben, Erica Spindler for mystery fiction. Erica Spindler wrote a book called Justice for Sarah that I could not put down. I was a member of the Mystery Writers of America .

What are you working on now?
Book 2 & 3 of the Turbulence series of novels

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Going to local libraries and bookstores to set up book events.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Its a process and a craft that must be developed over time.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Treat it as a hobby at first and do a little bit every day and within a short period of time, it will be written.

What are you reading now?
An old mystery thriller by Bill O’Reilly about murders in the Cable News business. Its old, but gripping and very visual.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Book 2 & 3 of the Turbulence series

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Sci-Fi by Robert Silverberg, Mysteries by Agatha Christie and C,J Box

 

Interview With Author April White

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a film producer, private investigator, bouncer, teacher and screenwriter. I climbed in the Himalayas, survived a shipwreck, and lived on a gold mine in the Yukon. My husband and I share our home in Southern California with two extraordinary kids and a lifetime collection of books.

My first novel, Marking Time was the 2016 winner of the Library Journal Indie E-Book Award for YA Literature, and all six books in the Immortal Descendants series have been on the Amazon Top 100 lists in Time Travel Romance and Historical Fantasy. I’ve written twelve books, including Code of Conduct, an RWA Vivian Award finalist for romantic suspense, a Next Generation Award finalist for romance, and RONE Award finalist for suspense, and Death’s Door, a Grand Prize winner of the Next Generation Award, an Edgar Allen Poe Saturday Visiter Award winner, and a Foreword Reviews Award finalist. More information and my blog can be found at www.aprilwhitebooks.com.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’ve just updated my Immortal Descendants series for the 10th anniversary editions, including new epilogues and a sixth book. It bridges the gap between the end of Cheating Death, and the beginning of An Urchin of Means – a historical mystery series starring a 19th century street urchin who became the unintentional inspiration for Sherlock Holmes.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t write without access to the internet because of the sheer quantity of research I do for every book. I love historical mysteries, and I’m a fantatic about getting the details right. The browser tabs open on my computer right now include a University of Edinburgh maps department overlay of Victorian London, a Google book about the Lord Leighton artwork displayed at the Winter Exhibition, floorplans of both Cragside House and Whitehall Palace, and a New Yorker article about the Peacock Room.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Author Penny Reid writes wonderful romantic comedy, is a marketing genius, and an amazing friend and mentor. Amy Harmon can’t write a bad book (and she writes in ALL the genres), Laini Taylor’s creative instincts are as fascinating as her stories, and Patrick Rothfuss’s insistence that “it’ll only be late once, but it’ll suck forever,” is a cautionary tale for the ages.

What are you working on now?
I’m finishing A Lady in Waiting, book two of the Baker Street Mysteries. It’s why all the tabs are open, and will jump between Victorian and Elizabethan London. Ringo, my 19th century former street urchin who time-traveled to both future and past in the Immortal Descendants series, is my absolute favorite character to write, and being in his head is like playing chess with a master, inventing electricity, and channeling Sherlock Holmes with every person he meets.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a wonderful, private Facebook reader group called Kick-Ass Heroines, where we recommend books, tell dad jokes, and post things about extraordinary women doing fascinating things. But I’ve come to realize that my best promotion happens in person – in conversation with readers – so big book events are actually a marketing investment for me, as well as a chance to travel and spend time with other authors.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you want to read, because I promise, you’ll read it 1,682 times. If you find yourself skipping over a sentence, a paragraph, or a part, cut it. If your eyes are glazing, you can be very sure your reader’s eyes will too. And be generous with your book recommendations – when readers like the books you like, they find common ground with you and might take a chance on your book too.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Again, from Patrick Rothfuss: “It’ll only be late once, but it’ll suck forever.” And from Neil Gaiman: “I hope in this year to come you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re Doing Something.”

What are you reading now?
I’m listening to book three of Naomi Novik’s Scholomance series – The Golden Enclaves. I’m reading book two in T.L. Huch’s Edinburgh Nights series – Our Lady of Mysterious Ailments, and I’m writing book two of the Baker Street Mysteries – A Lady in Waiting.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After A Lady in Waiting, I have a short story / novella due to an LGBTQ+ anthology called Pride Not Prejudice, publishing in June 2023, book three in the Baker Street Mysteries, and a paranormal romantic suspense series for Smartypants Romance.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A Sherlock Holmes anthology, because it’s long enough to keep me entertained and supply me with toilet paper, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, because I could spend years figuring out how he’ll end it, anything by Penny Reid, because laughter really is the best medicine, and an encyclopedia / recipe book for edible and medicinal herbs just in case the desert island has any.

Author Websites and Profiles

April White Website

April White Amazon Profile

April White Author Profile on Smashwords

April White’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

 

Interview With Author L.N. Hunter

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an ex-software engineer who took far too long to realise that writing fiction for humans is much more satisfying than making up stuff for computers. My short stories have appeared in places such as Short Édition’s ‘Short Circuit’ and the ‘Horrifying Tales of Wonder’ podcast, as well as a number of anthologies, and ‘The Feather and the Lamp’ is my first novel. There have also been papers in the IEEE ‘Transactions on Neural Networks,’ which are probably somewhat less relevant and definitely less fun. When not writing, I unwind in a disorganised home in rural Cambridgeshire, UK, along with two cats and a soulmate.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘The Feather and the Lamp’ was less an inspiration from but a reaction to so many serious YA fantasy novels, and is a light-hearted romp through a humorous fantasy world, where the main character isn’t battling evil, but merely trying to get on with her life, and – if I say more, I might be guilty of giving spoilers.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
We all work differently, so I wonder what’s ‘unusual.’ One thing I do do is read my material on a different device than the one I use to write (it used to be on paper, but I treated myself to a nice e-ink tablet recently). That way, I approach the story as more a reader and I’m not tempted to edit as I read.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My absolute favourite authors are Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams, and the influences they’ve had in ‘The Feather and the Lamp’ are definitely evident. I’m also a fan of British comedy such as Monty Python, and that probably shows throughout my writing.

What are you working on now?
Right at the moment, I’m concentrating on getting the word out about ‘The Feather and the Lamp,’ but I’m also gestating a couple of short stories, and I’ll soon be getting stuck into a sequel to the novel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
If only I knew…

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find some people to critique your work, since it’s too easy to read the words you have in your mind and not the ones on the paper.

Persevere! Be prepared for rejection – heck, even in the face of rejection, keep writing and keep submitting. An awful lot of luck is involved in finding a home for your stories, whether novels or short stories, so a rejection doesn’t mean the work’s bad.

Oh, and do check grammar and spelling before submitting. Even when people say they don’t care, obvious errors are still distracting.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t stare at the page, waiting for the perfect words before starting. Just write *something* – anything!

What are you reading now?
I’ve just finished ‘A Decade in Tory’ by Russell Jones – a shocking but hilarious look at recent British politics, which should be essential reading for all potential voters before the next UK general election!

The next books on my heap are Stephen King’ ‘Fairy Tale’ and T. Kingfisher’s ‘The Twisted Ones.’

What’s next for you as a writer?
Book 2 of Imperceptibility’s adventures!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Huge waterproof ones that I could make a raft from.

Author Websites and Profiles

L.N. Hunter Amazon Profile

L.N. Hunter’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

 

Interview With Author Christopher Campbell

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a writer for a long time, but this is my first book. I’ve mostly written privately, or for a small groups of people, because I wasn’t really doing it for anything other than self expression. Now that I see I have a chance at professional writing, I wanted to try to do what I’ve always done, just in a bigger presentation. That doesn’t mean I threw everything I ever wrote in this book, by any stretch of the imagination. I selected a few things while writing new things, and then I threw it all together into organized chaos. And so my book was born.

As far as who I am as a person, I like to remain a little mysterious, but I’ve always been drawn to self expression, and I’ve always been drawn to the strange and unusual. I try to be an understanding person, and I think that my ability to empathize and sympathize with people helps me to be a better writer. If I know what I’m going through is what other people are going through, then when i write about it I know people can relate. At the same time, i try not to get so hung up about my feelings that I don’t write about anything else. If I’m writing about aliens, or ghosts, or even history, that can make people think. If i get people thinking, that can tap inti other levels of emotion that often get neglected in poetry. I want to be diverse. I want people to get interested in things I’m interested in. To me thats refreshing. I like the strange and unusual. Where I’m from, being a writer is strange and unusual!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is titled A Web of Ghosts. I came up with the title first because as I looked through my older stuff, I realized that a lot of the people I was inspired by in the past aren’t even a part of my life anymore. It wasn’t even an intentional thing, people just go off in different directions, get new jobs, move away, any number of things. Some people have died, and perhaps become real ghosts. If so I hope they watched over me writing about them for my book…

Also while considering that as a title, a friend of mine swore she seen a person walk down my hallway. I’ll admit, something passed by my door and dimmed the light from the hall, and I looked up and caught what looked like the tail end of something. When I got up and rushed to see what it was, there was nothing. Perhaps it was ghost. Perhaps it made an appearance because it liked my title… and maybe not, but I think that left an impression on me too, and it got me think about some of the strange things I’ve seen in the past. With that, I knew I wanted to keep the title. Since I do love strangeness, I wanted that to be reflected in my title too. It’s part of who I am.

As for the web, that’s kind of a metaphor for my ambition that was created by the people who’ve passed through my life. Also it serves as an explanation as to why I put such a variety of topics in a book that is based around a central theme. The people who passed through my life are the ghosts who strung up my ambitions to write, and the inspirations that got caught in that web are the other topics, but if there were no people to inspire me, to be that Web, then there wouldn’t be poems about anything else either.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Being a writer is an unusual habit!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite poet and author of all time will probably always be Edgar Alan Poe, not to sound cliché. I love H.p. Lovecraft almost as much, but he’s not really known for poetry. As far as other poets, Emily Dickinson was surprisingly relatable and thought provoking. I feel like if we were alive at the same time, she might have been my soul mate! Plus, with her, I admire the fact that she never wrote for fame. Most of her poetry was only published after she died. I like a lot of the older poets really, because they’ve withstood the test of time. That’s the kind of poetry I want to be known for.

What are you working on now?
For my next project I want to incorporate some short stories and poetry together. I want it to come out like something close to a book I had when I was a teenager. It was a book that had short stories and poetry by Edgar Alan Poe. I left my first book strictly poetry, because it was my first book, I was at a point where I was ready to get stuff out there, and I just figured it would be easier to format while I was getting the hang of everything. I knew I could put out a great poetry book, and that would help me become known as a writer. So that way as I move into more difficult things, I will have the eyes on me to make it worth it.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I hate to sound like an amateur, but I’m still learning about all that stuff. As far as the format, so far, this one. It’s really giving me a chance to dive deeper into things I want to say about my book. I hope I get equally powerful results.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stick with it. Don’t get discouraged. Do it for yourself and keep zero expectations. My book hasn’t become a bestseller in a couple of days. People don’t even know who I am. Right now I’m putting myself out there, and trying to build a following. Hopefully I can circle back around in a few months and say see, it works. I really believe it will though. If there’s one thing I finally realized, it’s that no one is going to make my dreams come true but me. I mean, I might get lucky and get my stuff published after I die by some mourning friend, much like Emily Dickinson… or the clean up crew might mistake all my old notebooks for trash and through them all away! So to be sure, I just keep telling myself no one will do it but me. I would advise others to keep that same mindset.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just be yourself was great advice for me, but it might not work for everyone!

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading a book with the stories of H.P. Lovecraft in it. I read a lot of different poetry too, I just finished a book that had a bunch of poems by Emily Dickinson in it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
That almost feels like the same question about what am I working on now. Which I do want to make progress with my next book, but I also want to spend some time getting this first one out there, so I’m working on getting it promoted and hopefully the people that read it will like it and want to see what else I can do.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would want to bring something that featured h.p. Lovecraft, and something that featured h.p. Lovecraft, for sure. I’d love to bring some Stephen King with me. If I could add another it would be a book on how to survive on a desert island, but let’s make sure we have some classics first!

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