Vinny O'Hare

Interview With Author Tammy Aiken

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Northampton, Massachusetts. I have lived in South Deerfield Massachusetts most of my life before moving to Montague. I love nature I love walking, love horses and love singing my favorite Holiday is Christmas. I am a farm girl hung around on my grandparent’s farm growing up loved everything about farming. I have written 12 books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My books are inspired by kids who have celiac disease. This is what really inspires to me to help these kids so they can have a safe dessert. The more I create my books the more inspired I get.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Must have my water on the right my phone on the left. I do get emotional sometimes when writing my cookbooks knowing I am helping someone to have safe desserts.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Alex Guarnaschelli, I love the way she puts herself out there and she fits right in with everyone. She is a great author and chef.

What are you working on now?
I am working on at this moment a new gluten free food cookbook. And a gluten free food cookbook.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Any website or platforms, social media or even if a friend wants to get the word out on their social media.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, be careful for scam they seam so real. Here is a website you can go to and get so much information.

Overseas Scams

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Before my mom passed, she said to me do not ever give up on your cookbooks.

What are you reading now?
My old cookbooks and one of Alex Guarnaschelli cookbooks.
Old cookbooks that I have love the older recipes

What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting my own show up and going and to continue creating my cookbooks. Or maybe make an appearance on Food Network.

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?
Old recipes or a cookbook I can use on the Island.

Tammy Aiken’s Social Media Links

Twitter Account

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Interview With Author Tammy Aiken

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Northampton, Massachusetts. I have lived in South Deerfield Massachusetts most of my life before moving to Montague. I love nature I love walking, love horses and love singing my favorite Holiday is Christmas. I am a farm girl hung around on my grandparent’s farm growing up loved everything about farming. I have written 12 books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Kids Gluten Free Christmas Cookbook I was inspired when seeing kids, not being able to enjoy their desserts on their Holidays. I want to put a smile on their faces so they can enjoy the Holidays with their families. My book give these kids shared Holiday activity with their families.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Must have my water on the right my phone on the left. I do get emotional sometimes when writing my cookbooks knowing I am helping someone to have safe desserts.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Alex Guarnaschelli, I love the way she puts herself out there and she fits right in with everyone. She is a great author and chef.

What are you working on now?
I am working on at this moment a new gluten free food cookbook and a gluten free dinner cookbook.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Any website or platforms and social media.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be careful of the scams there are so many that look so real. I was scammed by a publishing company they stole all my royalties and my books so please be careful.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Before my mom passed, she said to me do not ever give up on your cookbooks.

What are you reading now?
My old cookbooks and one of Alex Guarnaschelli cookbooks.
Old cookbooks that I have love the older recipes

What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting my own show up and going and to continue creating my cookbooks. Or maybe make an appearance on Food Network. I was on Mass appeal twice and would try to be on there again.

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?
My old cookbooks and cookbooks I can use on the Island.

Tammy Aiken’s Social Media Links

Twitter Account

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Author Interview Series

To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!

If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.

If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.

Interview With Author Penelope-Ann Ashbourne

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Penelope-Ann Ashbourne, and I write atmospheric fiction with a strong sense of place, mystery, and that quiet kind of tension that sneaks up on you. I’m fascinated by what we don’t say out loud—those unspoken histories, odd silences, and the shadows that seem to stretch just a little too far. So far, I’ve written three books: The Bones Beneath Blackwood, The Guest Who Never Left, and most recently, Dark Lullabies: Twisted Bedtime Stories for Adults.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest is Dark Lullabies, which is a collection of unsettling short stories meant to be read at night—ideally when you’re just a little too tired to convince yourself there’s nothing under the bed. The idea came from my own love of bedtime stories, but I wanted to twist the concept. Instead of soothing tales, these are ones that unsettle you just enough to make you think twice before turning out the light. Each story is a little different—some are psychological, some folkloric, some quietly supernatural—but all of them sit in that eerie space between waking and dreaming.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write best when it’s quiet—but not silent. I often have storm sounds or ambient noises playing in the background. And I tend to write in bursts, usually late at night, which is probably when I feel most connected to the eerie energy I try to channel into my work. I also scribble ideas on anything within reach—envelopes, receipts, margins of books—so my writing desk always looks like a soft paper explosion.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Shirley Jackson is a big one—her ability to build dread with such subtlety is something I always go back to. Sarah Waters, for how richly she builds character and setting. And I’ll never stop loving the quiet unease in Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black. I also find inspiration in folklore and old ghost stories, especially those that leave more questions than answers.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a novel that leans a bit more into gothic suspense—still mysterious, still atmospheric, but with an even deeper exploration of isolation, memory, and the question of whether we ever really leave the past behind. It takes place in a crumbling coastal estate that may—or may not—be haunted. (Spoiler: something’s definitely not right.)

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, connecting directly with readers has been the most rewarding and effective thing for me. That said, I’ve also found niche communities—especially those focused on gothic fiction or atmospheric horror—to be incredibly supportive. And a good-looking website helps as a central hub where everything lives.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the book you’d want to read, even if you’re not sure anyone else will “get it.” Also: finish the draft. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to exist. You can’t revise what isn’t written. Oh, and give yourself permission to write badly sometimes. That’s how good writing begins.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Trust the reader.” You don’t need to explain everything. In fact, a little ambiguity often sticks with people longer than a fully spelled-out answer. Let them fill in the blanks—and they will, often in more interesting ways than you imagined.

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield. It’s gorgeously strange—quiet, sad, and eerie in all the right ways. I love books that blur the line between genres and leave space for interpretation.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d love to explore more cross-genre work—stories that mix mystery, folklore, psychological suspense, maybe even a little speculative fiction. I’m also thinking about a second collection of short stories, this time centered around urban legends and modern myths.

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?
Oof, that’s hard! I’d take Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, The Secret History by Donna Tartt (because it rewards re-reading), and probably something comforting and familiar like The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, for a little magic.

Author Websites and Profiles

Penelope-Ann Ashbourne Website

Penelope-Ann Ashbourne Amazon Profile

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Author Interview Series

To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!

If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.

If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.

Interview With Author Alysha Ito

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m Alysha Ito, a French-Japanese romance writer who believes love stories should have the perfect mix of sweet, salt, and spice—kind of like the best snacks (or relationships).

I was born in Hong Kong, where my French dad and Japanese mom met. Thanks to my dad’s work, I grew up bouncing between Hong Kong, Tokyo, and France, which means I’ve had my fair share of culture shock moments and way too many airport goodbyes. I later moved to Chicago for university, where I studied Cinema and Media Studies—basically an excuse to watch movies and call it “homework.” Now, I’m back in Hong Kong for work, but I still travel a lot between cities, which is both exciting and exhausting (shoutout to airport coffee for keeping me alive).

Spending so much time on planes, trains, and in random hotel rooms made me fall in love with reading—because what else do you do when you’re stuck in transit for hours? Eventually, that love turned into writing, and now here I am, officially an author.

I’ve written one book so far, my debut rom-com Love’s Mischief, which is full of witty banter, swoony chemistry, and a touch of magical chaos. It’s been an absolute dream bringing it to life, and I can’t wait to write more.

When I’m not writing, I’m probably binge-watching Korean dramas, curating oddly specific playlists, or fueling my existence with way too much coffee.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest (and debut!) book is Love’s Mischief.

The idea first sparked when I was visiting a park in Italy and came across this beautifully carved Cupid statue. Something about it caught my attention, and later, while wandering through a museum, I noticed a series of paintings depicting Cupid in the most mischievous situations—getting stung by bees, riding dolphins, causing all kinds of trouble. It made me wonder: What if Cupid wasn’t just a symbol of love, but an actual, meddling force who didn’t always get things right?

That thought stuck with me, and before I knew it, Love’s Mischief was born—a rom-com about a love-skeptical surgeon who accidentally saves Cupid’s life, only to have him “thank” her by sending three irresistible suitors her way. It’s full of witty banter, slow-burn tension, and just the right amount of magical mayhem.

At its heart, the book is about love finding you when you least expect it—something I think a lot of us can relate to. Plus, as someone who has spent way too much time traveling, I wanted to write a story that felt like a fun escape, the kind of book you can get lost in, whether you’re curled up at home or waiting for your next adventure.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say unusual exactly, but I definitely have some quirky writing habits!

For one, I can’t write in complete silence. I always need background noise—whether it’s a coffee shop playlist, a looping rainstorm, or my latest hyperfixation K-drama playing in the background (even if I don’t understand half of what’s being said). Somehow, the chaos helps me focus.

I also have this weird habit of drafting major scenes out of order. If I get stuck on a chapter, I’ll jump ahead and write a scene I’m really excited about—like a big confession, a heated argument, or a swoon-worthy moment—then work my way backward. It’s a bit of a messy process, but it keeps me motivated.

Oh, and I do a lot of writing in transit. Since I travel so much for work, I’ve written entire chapters on planes, trains, and in random airport lounges. Something about being on the move actually helps me get into the right headspace—maybe because it feels like I’m living inside my own rom-com montage.

Also, I drink an alarming amount of coffee while writing. Not sure if that counts as unusual or just standard writer survival tactics!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many authors and books have influenced me, but if I had to narrow it down, I’d say it’s a mix of romance, classic storytelling, and a little bit of magical mischief.

For romance, I absolutely love Emily Henry and Sophie Kinsella. Emily Henry’s books, like Beach Read and Book Lovers, have this perfect balance of humor, depth, and chemistry that I aspire to create in my own stories. And Sophie Kinsella’s rom-coms? Iconic. Can You Keep a Secret? and I’ve Got Your Number are two books I’ve reread countless times because of their lovable heroines, fast-paced humor, and swoon-worthy romance. The way Kinsella writes witty, chaotic situations that somehow still feel deeply emotional definitely inspired Love’s Mischief.

I’ve also been influenced by Japanese and French literature. Growing up between cultures, I read everything from Haruki Murakami to Amélie Nothomb, and I love how both capture emotions and relationships in such unique, sometimes surreal ways. Murakami’s Norwegian Wood left a huge impression on me with its quiet melancholy, while Nothomb’s Fear and Trembling showed me how sharp, clever storytelling can make even the most frustrating situations oddly hilarious. That mix of introspection and whimsy is something I try to bring into my own writing.

Beyond romance, I’ve always been drawn to stories with a touch of magic and mythology. Books like Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus and Madeline Miller’s Circe influenced how I think about weaving magic into everyday life. Morgenstern’s dreamy, atmospheric storytelling made me want to create a world where love feels a little enchanted, while Miller’s beautifully written take on mythology inspired me to play with the idea of Cupid as more than just a symbol of love, but an actual, meddling force.

I also have to mention Jane Austen—because what romance writer isn’t influenced by her? Pride and Prejudice is a classic for a reason, and the way she writes sharp, witty dialogue and slow-burn romance is something I could study forever. And, on a more modern note, Helen Hoang’s The Kiss Quotient and Ali Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis both reminded me how much I love stories with awkward but brilliant heroines who find themselves in unexpected love.

At the end of the day, I’m drawn to books that make me laugh, swoon, and think a little deeper about love, and I hope my own stories do the same!

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on my next book, Love’s Genome—a nerdy, slow-burn romance that mixes science, sarcasm, and just the right amount of awkward charm.

The story follows a love-deprived, romance-novel-obsessed genetic scientist who has spent most of her life buried in research rather than relationships. She doesn’t believe in love scientifically—but she’s secretly addicted to reading about it. Enter her geeky, blunt, sarcastic yet awkwardly charming PhD student in computer science (yes, younger boyfriend alert!). As they work together on a groundbreaking genome project using big data, their intellectual battles turn into something neither of them expected—an undeniable attraction that defies all logic.

I’ve always loved romances where two brilliant but socially clueless people slowly realize they’re completely perfect for each other. Think grumpy x sunshine, but in an academic lab, with a lot of witty banter, awkward flirting, and accidental late-night research sessions that turn into something way more intense than DNA sequencing.

This book is my love letter to nerds in love—to people who overanalyze everything, who believe logic rules the world, and who still (somehow) manage to be utterly clueless when it comes to their own feelings. If you like brainy chemistry (both the science and the romance kind), age-gap dynamics where the younger guy is just as sharp as he is sweet, and a heroine who’s about to have her carefully structured world turned upside down, Love’s Genome is for you.

I can’t wait to share more soon!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly? You tell me, because I am terrible at that!

Marketing and self-promotion don’t come naturally to me—I’d much rather be buried in writing than figuring out the perfect Instagram caption or Twitter thread. But since books don’t magically promote themselves (tragically), I’ve been trying to find what works for me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am also a new author, so I just remind myself one thing:

Every author was once a beginner.

Every book I love, every writer I admire—they all started with a blank page and doubt. The only difference between them and me is that they kept going. So, I remind myself: keep writing, keep learning, and keep believing in the stories only I can tell.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is “Done is better than perfect.”

As a writer, it’s so easy to get stuck in endless revisions, self-doubt, and the fear that my work isn’t good enough. But a finished, imperfect book will always be more powerful than a perfect book that never leaves my laptop.

Perfection is an illusion—but progress is real. So now, I try to focus on finishing, improving, and letting go of the idea that a story has to be flawless to be meaningful. Because at the end of the day, the books that change us aren’t perfect—they’re just written.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.

It’s dark, intense, and completely absorbing—the kind of story that pulls you in with its raw emotions and turbulent characters. The relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine is so haunting and complex, and the moody, atmospheric setting of the Yorkshire moors makes everything feel even more dramatic.

It’s not a light read, but there’s something timeless about its passion and tragedy. Have you read it? What do you think?

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next for me as a writer? Growth, persistence, and new stories.

I’m working on honing my voice, pushing my characters deeper, and crafting stories that resonate. Whether that means finishing my current project, diving into revisions, or exploring new ideas, my goal is simple: keep writing, keep improving, and keep sharing stories that matter.

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 were stranded on a desert island, I’d want a mix of comfort, adventure, and something to keep my mind engaged. Here are my picks:
1. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien – An epic journey, rich world-building, and deep themes of friendship and resilience. Plus, it’s long enough to last me a while!
2. How to Survive on a Desert Island (or any practical survival guide) – Because let’s be honest, I’ll need all the help I can get.
3. A massive blank journal – To write down my thoughts, stories, and maybe even a survival plan.

Author Websites and Profiles

Alysha Ito Website

Alysha Ito Amazon Profile

Alysha Ito’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

 

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Author Interview Series

To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!

If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.

If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.

Interview With Author Narcissus Blue

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Being a writer was never something I thought I could accomplish. My whole life I tried different things, from studying criminal justice to childhood education, and none of it was for me. The only constant was my love for reading and writing.

I published my first book in September 2024, called Sedna’s Anchor, it’s the first book in a series of urban legend romances. Right after, I started writing Chasing Souls, a paranormal dark fantasy romance. I wrote the first ten chapters so quickly; I hit a writer’s block and took a few months off from the book. During my break from Chasing Souls, I wrote two short stories. Spirits of the Night is a short Halloween romance and Ride to Redemption is a Christian romance novella.

I finally finished Chasing Souls this month and it was released on March 14th, 2025. I felt victorious because it was by far the hardest book I wrote, even though I loved the story.
I have also published two Children’s books under the pen name Kori Knight. It’s a series inspired by my three sons and their crazy antics.
Three’s Wild and The Case of the Missing Chocolate Cake
Three’s Wild and The Fitness Test
And there’s more to come!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Chasing Souls was released this month on March 14, 2025 – and it was my goliath! I’m not sure why it was so difficult to write, I loved the story and characters so much, I just wanted to bring them to life. But it fought me at every turn!

I was originally inspired by an episode of The Twilight Zone! It was about a man that could jump from one person’s body to another and assume their identity and get away with crimes. So, I said to myself, let’s turn this into a romance. The main characters are Rory, a lost soul who is trapped between life and death. She lives her life through other people’s eyes, people she considers to be her only friends. Then there’s Koji, a soul eater with a killer appetite. And now, he has his sights set on Rory. It’s an intriguing romance novel, perfect for fans of fantasy and paranormal genres with a little Japanese mythology thrown into the mix!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a process! First off, I write down every single idea that pops into my head. When I choose one to write about, I create all of my character profiles. What’s their personality like? Are they a villain or a hero? Should they be a morally grey character? What should they look like? Do they have special qualities?

Then I outline ALL of my chapters. I focus on big parts mostly. If there’s something specific I want a character to say or do, I write it down. I construct how I want each chapter to play out and sometimes they change and that’s okay, I just need a guide. Then using my guide, I write each chapter by hand, filling out notebooks upon notebooks. When that’s done, I type everything and then edit. It’s a process, but it works for me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There is only one, and this author doesn’t even know it – but she’s what started it all for me.
Her name is Lydia Hope, and her first book was a full-length novel called Homebound. It’s a sci-fi fantasy romance and it truly touched my heart. The love story was epic. The characters were so likeable, and the villains were so easy to hate. And her world-building really immersed me into the story. When I found out that it was her first novel and her family had no idea that she was even interested in writing, I became so inspired. That’s when I really started to play with the idea of becoming an author.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a Sci-fi adventure romance, but I don’t want to give too much away. You’ll have to wait and see!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m going to be honest; I’m not on any social media sites except Goodreads and Pinterest. I have given away my books for reviews, sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t- but it’s all about exposure right now since I am a new author. I’m planning on visiting libraries in my area and giving them free copies of my books as well. If I had to choose, I’d say Goodreads has really boosted my visibility to readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never compare yourself to any other author. You have your own writing style that is uniquely you and someone is going to love it. Never give up – I don’t care if you hit rock bottom. Pick yourself up and keep writing! And lastly, it’s okay to take a break from a book. If you’re not in the right headspace when you write, your words are not going to have the same impact.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write like no one will read it.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to continue writing. I never want to stop learning how to improve my stories. Hopefully I can do more interviews like this in the future, too.

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?
Homebound by Lydia Hope
The Missionary by Jack Wilder
Wounded by Jasinda Wilder
Verity by Colleen Hoover

Author Websites and Profiles

Narcissus Blue Amazon Profile

Narcissus Blue’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Pinterest Account

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Author Interview Series

To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!

If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.

If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.