Vinny O'Hare

Interview With Author Sandra K-Horn

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have worked in education and journalism. I have written five books. My books feature people whose characteristics you can see in yourself, someone else you know, or would like to know.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Lady in Gray was inspired by a ghost who reported haunting Camp Chase Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio. It is a Confederate cemetery from the large prison camp 1861=1865. No one really knows who she was and I wanted to give her a story and a name.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I research intensely. I love to write outside, weather permitting, because I am inspired by nature. I follow leads to enhance my stories and will travel to make sure my settings are as close to the real setting as possible.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In this book, Kristin Hannah (The Nightingale), Eric Larson (Demon Unrest), Stephen Crane (Red Badge of Courage), and Michael Shaara (The Killer Angels). I also read many journals from soldiers who fought in the Civil War, and some were at Camp Chase. These journals were located at the Ohioana Library, the Ohio Historical Society, and the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a project with a well-known abstract artist here in Columbus, Ohio. I will be the featured author in the show “Ekphrasis” at the Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center in the Fall of 2027.

I am reading and seeking ideas for another historical novel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook reaches my demographics the best. Instagram is the second best. I love book clubs, and my books encourage discussion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn as much as you can about writing. Prepare and research your genre. Don’t give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I was told to stay the course and follow my gut as to how I want to publish.

What are you reading now?
The Business of Being a Writer by Jane Friedman, Girl in Disguise by Greer Macallister, The Aviator and the Showman by Laurie Gwen Shapiro

What’s next for you as a writer?
I love working with my artist collaborator. The project is exciting and imaginative. I am also looking for another dynamic idea for a story about a strong woman.

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?
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, Collected Poems by Emily Dickinson, and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Author Websites and Profiles

Sandra K-Horn Website

Sandra K-Horn Amazon Profile

Sandra K-Horn’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

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Interview With Author Paul Christou

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Midnight Multiplayer is my debut novel. I’m a lifelong gamer who wrote it as a love letter to the games that shaped me—blending battle-royale action with the real-life struggles of love and relationships. It’s a raw, fast-paced, and emotionally charged story, sure to impact anyone who loves video games.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Midnight Multiplayer was inspired by my desire to write a screenplay, but that quickly pivoted to writing a novel. I was concerned that a screenplay would get buried at the bottom of some executive’s pile, never to be read. That’s wasn’t good enough for me. So I learned the craft of novel writing. I watched hundreds of videos and read dozens of books on writing before I even placed my pen onto the page.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I use the “Notes” app on my phone to capture ideas before they leave my brain. Then I print out the notes for me to review. It’s not the most effective method, but it works for me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ll give the obvious one here: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. As soon as I read it, I knew that people could be invested in a fun video game like story. Andy Weir has been a real inspiration to me that an indie author can make it. I loved The Martian and am currently reading Project Hail Mary. Cormac McCarthy (The Road). Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinneman. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen was an early influence on me, as well as Stephen King (The Bachman books, Thinner, and The Stand).

What are you working on now?
Trying to get the word out on Midnight Multiplayer since it has just been released. I’ve also been storyboarding some ideas for my next book, which may or may not be about video games. Stay tuned!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
TikTok and Instagram. I’m just starting out, but I hope that people who love video games will gravitate towards the upcoming content I plan to put out soon.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn the craft by reading books on writing and watch YouTube videos for writing tips. There’s a lot of good information out there. For me, I started watching a lot of screenplay writing videos because I was planning on writing a screenplay. At first, I thought that I had wasted my time because I changed my mind and decided to write a novel. But I quickly realized that learning how to write a screenplay was invaluable because it taught me how to write visually. In other words, to “get to the point.”

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I have to paraphrase from Quentin Tarantino, who said something like, “Write the movie you want to see. Write the thing that hasn’t been made before because you haven’t made it.” I would also add “Be authentic.” If you can write in an authentic voice, people will take notice.

What are you reading now?
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir and Awaken Online: Catharsis by Travis Bagwell.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting the word out for Midnight Multiplayer and writing my next book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bachman Books by Stephen King (who wrote them under the name Richard Bachman). All four novellas in there were amazing, including “The Long Walk” (which was recently released as a movie). The Road by Cormac McCarthy. The Count of Monte Cristo (best revenge story ever). The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (one of the greatest stories ever told).

Author Websites and Profiles

Paul Christou Website

Paul Christou Amazon Profile

Paul Christou’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

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Interview With Author Wei Qin

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the Head of Global Insights at an Ingredient Manufacturer. I am a Gen X Chinese who immigrated to the US in 2001 for her PhD on consumer perceptions towards new food technologies at Pennsylvania State University. I spent over 25 years as a consumer researcher guiding product innovations and technology development in leading consumer packaged goods companies and flavor and fragrance manufacturers.

This is my first book, but I have eleven peer-reviewed social science journal papers.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is titled “Gen X Asian Americans: From Learning to Thriving”. Gen X (1964-80) is a cohort that has received little public attention and business interest, even though it is not as small of a group as many think. There are 66 million Gen Xers in the US, compared to 72 million Millennials and 70 million Baby Boomers. As a consumer researcher, I studied Baby Boomers in graduate school, then worked for various companies to understand behaviors of Millennials and later Gen Z. In my early 40s, it became clear to me that our generation has never been the center of attention, and probably never will be. I felt it was my duty to use my professional experience to document this cohort. This book is just the start of the Gen X series. I hope to expand my research to other Gen Xers in the US and other parts of the world.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write in the morning when my mind is clear.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a lot of social science books. My book cover is inspired by the cover of my favorite books: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman, and Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.

What are you working on now?
I am working on my golf skills. I did not play as often this year and lost my consistency.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am learning. Currently, I have a Google Site. I am considering book promotion sites and Amazon advertisement. Additionally, I would like to reach out Asian Study programs. My book offers a new immigrant’s perspective about Asian Americans, which is quite different from “classic” Asian American literature.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Spending a few hours per week is a good strategy for someone like me who has a full-time job. When I completed the book, I still adopted a peer-reviewed strategy. I invited people with different backgrounds to review my book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Transitioning from academic writing to crafting a book for a broader audience was both challenging and liberating. Instead of anchoring every insight in data and exhaustive detail, I had to focus on narrative flow—shaping a storyline that felt engaging, relatable, and emotionally resonant. My editor was a great help in guiding me through the process.

What are you reading now?
I am reading “The Innovators” by Walter Isaacson.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to translate this book to other languages before starting my next book project. The next project will focus on Gen X Americans.

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?
This is a tough question. I rarely go back reading a book twice… I have always been curious about the difference between traditional medicine and western medicine. I would bring the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon and the Hippocratic Corpus.

Author Websites and Profiles

Wei Qin Website

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Author Interview Series

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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.

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Interview With Author Jason Williams

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Christian writer and story coach with a background in story development and developmental editing. For years, I’ve helped other writers shape their ideas into meaningful narratives, and that passion for the craft eventually led me to step forward with my own work. Ink and the Forge is my first published book, created to guide writers through the process of turning raw sparks of inspiration into fully forged stories. It blends practical tools with encouragement so writers at any stage can feel equipped to build characters, plots, and worlds that last. While this is my debut, it is also the foundation of a series of resources I plan to continue developing for authors who want their words to endure.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Ink and the Forge: Building Stories One Element at a Time. It was inspired by years of working with writers who had powerful ideas but struggled to transform them into complete stories. I wanted to create a guide that breaks the writing process into clear and manageable elements such as character, plot, theme, and worldbuilding so writers can approach their craft with confidence instead of overwhelm. The image of the forge became central because writing is a refining process where sparks of inspiration are hammered into something strong, lasting, and meaningful.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
One of my unusual writing habits is that I often reverse engineer a story before I ever begin drafting. Instead of starting at page one and writing forward, I like to break a story down into its key elements — characters, themes, conflicts, and turning points — and then rebuild it piece by piece. I’ll create detailed templates, outlines, and even custom tools to map out how each element fits together. For me, the framework is part of the art. Once I know how the pieces interlock, the actual drafting feels more natural and focused.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been deeply shaped by both classic and contemporary voices in storytelling and writing craft. From a craft perspective, authors like Stephen King (On Writing), Donald Maass (Writing the Breakout Novel), and James Scott Bell (Plot and Structure) have influenced the way I think about story mechanics and writer mindset. I’ve also drawn inspiration from C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, whose works showed me the power of story to carry both imagination and truth. On the Christian side, Max Lucado’s writing style has been a model of clarity, warmth, and encouragement. Altogether, these influences have reinforced my conviction that stories can both entertain and transform, and that writing guides should aim to empower as well as instruct.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on two new books. The Samaritan’s Road is a biblical adventure novel that retells the parable of the Good Samaritan through a fresh, modern lens, exploring what it means to truly live out compassion. I’m also writing In the Quiet: Between Grief and Grace, a reflective Christian work that looks at how faith meets us in seasons of loss and how God’s presence brings healing even in silence. Both projects are very different in style, but they share the same goal of encouraging and strengthening readers through the power of story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
One of the best methods I’ve found is connecting directly with readers where they already spend time. Amazon’s Author Central and Goodreads have been important for building a presence, while sites like Substack and my personal author website give me a place to share updates, reflections, and behind-the-scenes content. I’ve also had success using targeted Facebook ads for specific launches and joining online book communities where I can talk about writing and faith in a natural way. For me, promotion works best when it feels less like advertising and more like building genuine connections around stories.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to focus on progress rather than perfection. Too many writers get stuck waiting for the perfect idea, outline, or first draft, but writing is a process of discovery. Start small, write consistently, and give yourself permission to make mistakes along the way. Use tools and techniques to guide you, but do not let them replace your unique voice. Above all, remember that your story matters. Someone out there needs the words only you can write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard is to treat writing as a daily practice rather than a rare burst of inspiration. Talent may open the door, but consistency is what carries you through to the end of a book. Even on the days when the words feel flat or the ideas seem stuck, showing up matters. Each page adds to the last, and little by little, those small efforts grow into something much larger than you thought possible. Waiting for the perfect mood or perfect conditions only delays the story that is inside you. But if you make writing a habit, the inspiration will come more often, and the work will take shape. The lesson is simple but powerful: discipline creates freedom, persistence builds momentum, and every word written is a step closer to finishing the book only you can write.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I am reading The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is one of those rare stories that feels fresh every time I return to it. The journey of Bilbo Baggins is simple on the surface, but beneath the adventure there are layers of courage, growth, and the surprising ways ordinary people can rise to extraordinary challenges. As a writer, I pay attention not only to the characters and plot but also to how Tolkien builds a world that feels both vast and intimate at the same time. His ability to weave humor, danger, and wonder within a single story is something I study closely. Reading The Hobbit reminds me why I love stories in the first place because they invite us into something bigger than ourselves while still reflecting truths about our own lives.

What’s next for you as a writer?
What is next for me as a writer is continuing to build on the foundation I have started. I am working on The Samaritan’s Road, a biblical adventure novel, and In the Quiet: Between Grief and Grace, a reflective Christian work about finding God’s presence in loss. At the same time, I plan to expand the Ink and the Forge series with more resources for writers, digging deeper into areas like character arcs, worldbuilding, and story structure. I am also developing The Ascendant Chronicles Series, an epic fiction project that explores themes of faith, resilience, and the human struggle for meaning in a broken world. My hope is to balance both sides of my calling by creating books that strengthen faith while also equipping other writers to tell the stories only they can write.

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 would want books that both feed my soul and keep my imagination alive. I would take the Bible, because it provides comfort, guidance, and strength in any situation. I would bring The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, since its sense of adventure and courage would remind me that even the smallest person can face great challenges. I would also take On Writing by Stephen King, because it blends memoir and practical advice in a way that always recharges my passion for the craft. Finally, I would choose C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity, which has been a steady voice of faith and reason in my life and would keep me grounded in hope.

Author Websites and Profiles

Jason Williams Website

Jason Williams Amazon Profile

Jason Williams’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 Autumn Rivers

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Autumn Rivers

Hi! I’m Autumn Rivers, an inspirational-romance author who writes heart-mending stories about ordinary people choosing courage, kindness, and second chances. I’m obsessed with the small things that make life feel like home—porch conversations at dusk, a well-worn quilt, a handwritten letter tucked in a kitchen drawer—and those details always find their way onto my pages. My books are clean/wholesome (closed-door), hope-forward, and rooted in community, found family, and quiet acts of love.

How many books I’ve written:
I’ve written two novels in my Willows Creek world—The Dawn Within and The Dawn Within: Finding Light After Darkness—with a third book, Hope at Willows Creek, in the works. Readers can expect slow-burn chemistry, faith-tinted healing, and endings that exhale.

About me (the human behind the pages):
I’m a sunrise person and a slow-coffee believer—most of my writing sessions begin after an early walk and a page of scribbled prayers. When I’m not drafting, you’ll probably find me:

tending a tiny herb garden (basil that somehow survives my enthusiasm),

baking something citrusy (lemon loaf is my love language),

browsing antique shops for vintage teacups and old letters,

volunteering at community projects that keep neighbors fed and seen, or

rewatching feel-good shows while outlining the next chapter.

I love stories where home is something we build together—board by board, kindness by kindness. That’s why my characters rebuild porches, reopen diners, make soup for the tired, and learn to trust again. If you enjoy small-town settings, gentle suspense, and that warm “you can sit with us” feeling, I wrote these books for you.

What you’ll find in my books:

Clean, uplifting romance (closed door; lots of heart)

Second chances, forgiveness, and healing after loss

Found family and strong community threads

Letters, recipes, gardens, and porch-swing wisdom

A promise that light does, in fact, follow the darkest night

Thank you for being here and for giving new authors a chance. If you pick up The Dawn Within, I hope it meets you exactly where you are—and leaves you a little lighter than it found you.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
he Dawn Within: Finding Light After Darkness

I wrote The Dawn Within: Finding Light After Darkness because I kept meeting people (neighbors, readers, even strangers in the grocery line) who were quietly rebuilding after a hard season—grief, disappointments, plans that didn’t survive real life. I wanted to tell a love story that honors that kind of courage: the slow, ordinary, everyday kind. The book follows a guarded heroine who comes home to a small town that remembers her kindly, a patient carpenter who shows up with work gloves and a steady heart, and a house full of hidden letters that teach both of them how to hope again. There’s a porch to rebuild, a community that keeps bringing casseroles, and a sunrise that always shows up—eventually.

What inspired it:

Real letters & thrifted history. I collect vintage letters and postcards from antique shops. The way a few sentences can hold a whole life inspired the “found letters” thread in the book.

Acts of service as love. I’m drawn to stories where love isn’t loud—it’s showing up with soup, mending a step, listening without rushing. That’s the heartbeat between my leads.

Home as a verb. I believe we build “home” board by board and kindness by kindness. The fixer-upper setting let me show healing on the page—inside the house and inside the heart.

Faith-tinted hope. My own sunrise walks, scribbled prayers, and the small mercies of community shaped the novel’s gentle, hopeful tone.

If you like clean/wholesome, small-town romance with found family, letters from the past, a slow-burn connection, and a bright, redemptive finish, this book was written for you. I hope it meets you where you are—and leaves you lighter than it found you.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sure! Here are a few of my quirky (but effective) writing habits:

Dawn pages + slow coffee. I draft right after a sunrise walk, when the world is quiet and the coffee is still steaming. If I miss that window, I’m slower all day.

Index-card storyboard. Every scene gets its own card with goal, conflict, and an “emotional color.” I shuffle them on the floor until the story breathes.

Pomodoro sprints. I set a kitchen timer for 25 minutes on / 5 off. During the five, I stand, stretch, or water my little herb garden.

Letters from the characters. Before big turning points, I handwrite a letter “from” each character to the other. It unlocks subtext and keeps the romance honest.

Read-aloud pass. I read chapters out loud to hear the rhythm. If a sentence trips my tongue, I fix it—readers will feel that bump too.

“Senses pass” in edits. One revision is only for sight/sound/scent/touch/taste so scenes feel lived-in (coffee steam, porch wood, rain on tin).

Soundtrack + scent trigger. Each book gets a short instrumental playlist and a single candle/tea scent. Pavlovian focus.

Teacup + lemon loaf. On draft days, there’s a vintage teacup on my desk and something citrus baking. Cozy fuels courage.

Dialogue porch test. If a conversation sounds natural while I’m pacing the porch, it stays. If not, back to the notebook.

Blue-pen paper edit. Final pass is on paper with a blue pen—my eyes catch different things off-screen.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jan Karon (Mitford Series) – Small-town grace, neighborly humor, and the dignity of ordinary days. She showed me that community can be the main character.

Francine Rivers (no relation!) – Deep, redemptive arcs and tender, closed-door romance; she gave me permission to put faith right on the page.

Charles Martin – Quiet men with big hearts; love that arrives as service before speech.

Becky Wade / Denise Hunter / Joanne Bischof – Clean, emotionally rich romance; steady pacing and heartfelt payoffs.

Lisa Wingate – Found family and the ache of memory; how the past can heal the present.

Wendell Berry (Port William stories) – The holiness of work, seasons, and shared tables. He slows my sentences down in the best way.

L. M. Montgomery (Anne books) – Wonder, wit, and the courage to choose joy; she taught me to notice the bright thread in an ordinary afternoon.

“The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” (Shaffer & Barrows) – Letters as lifelines; how epistolary voices can carry warmth, wit, and history.

Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs) – Post-war resilience and compassionate sleuthing; how to write strength that is gentle.

Julie Klassen / Lynn Austin / Roseanna M. White – Historical atmosphere without heaviness; faith woven through character, not lectures.

Mary Oliver (poetry) – Seeing with all five senses; she reminds me to put steam on the coffee and rain on the porch roof.

Anne Lamott, “Bird by Bird” & Stephen King, “On Writing” – Craft courage: one honest page at a time, clear prose over clever prose.

Ursula K. Le Guin, “Steering the Craft” – Music in sentences; how rhythm carries meaning.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m juggling three happy things:

1) Hope at Willow’s Creek (Willows Creek Series · Book Two)
I’m drafting the next novel—new heroine, new town, the same heart. The story carries a thread from The Dawn Within across the ocean to a riverside community “under the willows,” where a bundle of old letters, a struggling family café, and a patient craftsman collide. Expect found family, porch-light hope, and a slow-burn, closed-door romance that earns its sunrise.

2) The Dawn Within — Hardcover & Audiobook
I’m putting finishing touches on the glossy hardcover you’ve been asking for and outlining the audiobook production so you can read or listen however you love. I’m also prepping a short bonus epilogue for newsletter readers.

3) Reader Extras & Book-Club Kit
I’m building a free packet with discussion questions, behind-the-scenes notes (“letters from the characters”), a cozy recipe (yes, lemon loaf!), and a printable quote page. Perfect for buddy reads or book clubs.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
“Protect a tiny, daily window. 45–90 mins beats “a whole free day.” Use 25/5 sprints and stop mid-scene so tomorrow has a runway.

Plan lightly, then draft fast. Index-card your scenes (Goal → Conflict → Outcome) and write a messy “discovery draft.” You’ll fix it later.

Revise in layers, not all at once.

Pass 1: Story logic (motivation, stakes, timeline).

Pass 2: Character & chemistry (what they want, what it costs).

Pass 3: Pacing (chapter endings = questions/hooks).

Pass 4: “Senses pass” (sound/scent/touch details).

Pass 5: Read aloud, then line edit.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You can’t edit a blank page.” Draft messy, then polish. The courage to write badly for a little while is the fastest path to writing well.

“Write the truest thing you can say today.” Not the cleverest—just the honest thing. That’s where readers feel seen.

“Small kindnesses change whole stories.” Love shows up with soup, a toolbox, a listening ear. I try to let my characters prove love with actions first.

“Make it smell like rain.” Engage all five senses. When I add steam to the coffee, sawdust on the porch, or the sting of cold air, scenes breathe.

“Leave the light on.” Even in hard chapters, give readers a glimmer—someone knocks at the door, a letter turns up, dawn edges the horizon. Hope isn’t an accident; it’s craft.

What are you reading now?
Lately my nightstand looks like a little book club:

At Home in Mitford — Jan Karon
A cozy re-read. Small town, neighborly grace, and the dignity of ordinary days—this keeps my own stories grounded.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society — Shaffer & Barrows
Letters, wit, and found family. I study how it builds warmth on the page without rushing.

Before I Called You Mine — Nicole Deese
Contemporary inspirational romance with real-world stakes and a tender heartbeat—great for pacing and emotion.

Where the River Begins — Charles Martin
Quiet, service-first love and men with steady hearts. I underline sentences for voice and restraint.

Bird by Bird — Anne Lamott (craft)
A few pages before dawn writing—keeps me brave and honest.

What’s next for you as a writer?
1) Book Two — Hope at Willow’s Creek

I’m drafting the next Willows Creek novel now: a riverside town, a family café that needs saving, and a slow-burn, closed-door romance threaded with letters from the past. Expect found family, porch-light hope, and the kind of love that shows up with work gloves first.

2) New Formats & Extras for The Dawn Within

Hardcover (glossy): final files are ready so readers who love keepsake editions can add it to the shelf.

Audiobook: lining up production so you can listen on your morning walk.

Reader goodies: a free book-club kit (discussion questions, behind-the-scenes notes, a “letters-from-the-characters” extra, and my lemon-loaf recipe).

3) A Cozy Novella (Bridge Story)

Between Books 1 and 2, I’m drafting a short, heart-warming bridge story—perfect for a weekend read and a gentle on-ramp to the 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?
Fun one! If I’m stranded with a tiny bookshelf, I’m bringing:

The Bible — for steady hope, wisdom, and the kind of company that makes even a quiet island feel less alone.

At Home in Mitford (Jan Karon) — small-town warmth, neighborly grace, and reminders that ordinary days are holy. I’d ration chapters for morale.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Shaffer & Barrows) — letters, wit, found family; it’s a masterclass in human connection when you’re isolated.

Bird by Bird (Anne Lamott) — craft courage and honest laughter. If I’m stuck, I’m writing—this keeps the pages (and my heart) moving.

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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 A.K. Kubica

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is A.K. Kubica, and I’m a writer who has been enamored with fantasies like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter since I was old enough to read. These stories led to my fascination with Norse, Greek, and Roman myths and legends, so much so that I wanted to create a few of my own. I have written one book so far, and am in the process of writing my second.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel, Creed of Legends: Book 1 of the Tales of Fear & Fortitude, blends mythology, philosophy, and political intrigue with an unhealthy dose of magick. There were a lot of inspirations for this series, but the main ones were a blend of Ancient Greece (particularly the Trojan War) and medieval England. The story’s structure of alternating viewpoint characters is largely a result of my love for books like the Farsala Trilogy by Hilari Bell and Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels Trilogy. And, as with everything I create, there is a great deal of inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien (huge Tolkienite here, and very proud of it).

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My biggest writing quirk is that I need to be confined in order to write, whether that is locked in a library study room or on a long car trip. I do my best writing when I’m physically unable to go elsewhere, and I inevitably hunker down and write my most and best when my brain can be solely focused on the page. Also, the presence of a Starbucks Refresher goes a long way in stirring the creative juices.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Since I was 11 years old, I have been a huge Tolkienite, re-reading The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings almost religiously every year and collecting every volume I can find. The stories propelled me into another world, and I knew that I wanted to engross my readers in my world-building as much as Tolkien had. However, I think that reading Dave Duncan and his Tale of the King’s Blades Trilogy made me realize how exciting and interesting it could be to play with the politics of that world, making the stakes for my characters a little more… obscured, more gray, than the black and white of good versus evil. Duncan also made me consider the concept of duty versus morality, which plays a large part in my books.

What are you working on now?
Book 2 of the Tales of Fear & Fortitude is well in the works. I’ve finished the (very rough) first draft and plan to confine myself for the second shortly. At the moment, I am working to fulfill my Kickstarter backer rewards after launching a deluxe special edition of Creed of Legends, which is available on my website. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the artists and graphic designers to create this beautiful 1st edition. The not-so-pleasant task of marketing it has been… less thrilling, though I think the majority of writers can agree that we did not become writers to sell our books. So is the curse of being an indie author.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For me, it has been Kickstarter. Create a beautiful version of your book and let it sell itself. But I have also found that Instagram is a great way to get readers involved in your stories. Using updates to thrill, polls and Q&A’s to engage, and reviews to intrigue all go a long way in building a strong readership. I am thankful to every follower who answers a poll or asks a question. I may not have many followers, but their interest is obvious, and I’m grateful for it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Doubt is the killer of creativity. Once you shed yourself of the doubts that your writing is not good enough and allow yourself to write for the sake of the joy that it brings you, you will not only be happier, but you will become a better writer.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I know many authors who have said this, and I used to roll my eyes at the simplicity of the words: “Just write.” But ultimately, that is the most important advice that I have ever received; it just took me a long time to understand that it was not a command or sarcastic or flippant in its essence. What it means, rather, is that you are the creator of your own story. Allow yourself to create, and that is all you will ever need.

What are you reading now?
I’m actually reading a few books. I like to have my options open with both a fiction and non-fiction book, for when I’m not in the mood for one, I’m inevitably in the mood for the other. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is my fiction book. The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England by Ian Mortimer is my non-fiction.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My series, the Tales of Fear & Fortitude, will be three or four books (dependent entirely on if I can make the last one work). It’s taken me a long time to reach this point, so my main focus is completing the series with enough room for additional stories within this world that I’ve created.

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?
That’s easy. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, the Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop, and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling. I know I cheated slightly by using the omnibus versions, but can you really blame me? Who knows how long I’ll be stranded for? And I will never get tired of these books and these characters.

Author Websites and Profiles

A.K. Kubica Website

A.K. Kubica Amazon Profile

A.K. Kubica’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile

Facebook Profile

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Interview With Author Morris Tenny

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an author, investor, and psychological practitioner obsessed with how beliefs shape behavior—especially around money, performance, and confidence. I started investing at 20 with deposits, property, shares, and bonds, and built financial independence through boring, repeatable systems rather than hype. My background blends economics and psychology, so I write at the intersection of mindset and practical action: how to change what you do by first upgrading what you believe. I coach entrepreneurs and professionals to dismantle self-sabotage, negotiate without guilt, and build simple systems that stick. I’ve written one book so far—Money Mental Traps—with a companion printable workbook, and I’m outlining my second now.

Outside of work, I travel to study how different cultures think about success, I practice languages for the joy of connection, I play golf for focus, lift weights for resilience, and spend quiet time on the water to reset. I believe wealth starts in the nervous system: calm creates clarity, clarity drives action.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Money Mental Traps: 12 Hidden Beliefs That Sabotage Your Finances—and How to Break Them.
It was inspired by watching smart, capable people repeat the same patterns: undercharging because “I don’t want to seem greedy,” delaying launches out of perfectionism, avoiding money conversations out of shame. They didn’t need more spreadsheets—they needed a clean, practical way to identify and remove the beliefs running the show. The book distills years of coaching into short chapters with step-by-step exercises so readers can feel change in minutes, not months.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I “rehearse” chapters on walks. If an idea survives a 30-minute walk without notes, it’s clear enough to write.
I write the exercise first, then the chapter. If there’s no useful action at the end, the chapter isn’t ready.
I keep a “reader’s voice” sticky note: “I have 10 minutes. Make this count.” It keeps me honest—no fluff.
I do a nervous-system check before edits: breathe, release shoulders, then cut 20% of words. Calm improves clarity.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Carol Dweck — Mindset, for the simplicity of belief → behavior.
James Clear — Atomic Habits, for systems thinking and friction design.
Brené Brown — for shame work and emotionally safe language.
Ramit Sethi — for candid money conversations and scripts.

What are you working on now?
Two projects:

A follow-on guide: a 12-week system of tiny, repeatable actions to lock in calm, clarity, and consistent earning.
A short book for creatives and consultants: scripts, anchors, and micro-systems to ask for your worth without the guilt hangover.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Conversations over campaigns. I prioritize:
Useful freebies that actually get used: scripts, checklists, and a printable workbook.
Consistent, no-drama newsletters with one idea, one story, one action—readable in 3 minutes.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for one person with one problem. Clarity beats clever.
Build your exercise first; the prose should serve the outcome.
Ship small and often. A finished 120 pages beats a perfect 600 in your head.
Don’t outsource your voice. Edit hard, but keep your edges.
Protect your nervous system. A calm writer writes clearer books and finishes them.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Make it easier to do the right thing than the wrong thing.”
In money, habits, and writing, design beats discipline: lower friction for the behavior you want, raise friction for the one you don’t.

What are you reading now?
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel (story-driven money wisdom).
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman (time, limits, and what matters).

What’s next for you as a writer?
Deepening the practice: more field-tested scripts, more short, practical books. I’m building a library of “micro-systems” that help people negotiate, price, save, and decide—calmly.

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?
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (portable sanity).
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (perspective under pressure).
The Complete Works of Seneca (letters for long days).
A durable field guide to edible plants—philosophy is great; survival is better.

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Interview With Author Vanessa Amohia Jones

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Vanessa Amohia Jones, a Tasmanian-based author, ghostwriter, and indie publisher with a deep love for haunted landscapes, ancestral stories, and evocative fiction. I live in rural Tasmania, where storytelling is woven into the rhythm of the land. I write historical fiction and spiritual tales rooted in Australasian history. I’ve written and published two works available in paperback and ePub—including Heart of a Warrior, a haunting novel set during the New Zealand Wars, and They Dwell With Us, a collection of creepy Tasmanian short stories. I also write regularly on Medium, where I share reflections on writing, publishing, and the emotional journey of creative life. Through NorthWitch Press, I’m actively building a literary brand that honours both history and heart.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is They Dwell With Us—a chocolate box of eerie tales drawn from the haunted soil of Tasmania. It’s a collection of short stories that explore the uncanny, the ancestral, and the quietly terrifying presences that linger in rural landscapes and family memory. The inspiration came from living and working across two farms, where the veil between past and present often feels thin. These stories are rooted in folklore, grief, and the strange beauty of isolation. They’re my way of honouring the whispers in the bush, the shadows in old houses, and the spirits that dwell just out of sight.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I suppose my most unusual writing habit is that I always have multiple tabs open—both on my laptop and in my brain. My friend Heather and I joke that it’s like running several novels, historical rabbit holes, and emotional plotlines simultaneously. One tab might be a 19th-century map of New Zealand, another a quantum theory article, and another a half-written scene about a haunted orchard. It’s chaotic, but it’s how I weave depth into my stories. I write in layers—letting ideas simmer across tabs until they collide in unexpected, beautiful ways.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My influences are eclectic—ranging from the lyrical historical fiction of Hannah Kent to the dark psychological landscapes of Stephen King. I’ve long admired Anne Rice’s lush, gothic sensuality and Nora Roberts’ mastery of romantic tension, especially when she blends the paranormal with emotional realism. As a child, I was deeply shaped by Tove Jansson’s Moomin stories—I hope her quiet magic, philosophical undertones, and empathy for solitude echo in my work.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on a trio of wildly different projects. One is the tale of a malevolent entity lurking in a small Tasmanian town—an eerie story steeped in local folklore and psychological tension. Another is a transgressive, sensual chronicle of vampires in early Van Diemen’s Land, exploring colonial power, desire, and the monstrous. And in between, I’m dabbling with erotica—experimenting with poetic language, emotional intimacy, and the seductive pull of the unknown.
Want a version that leans more literary, more mystical, or more playful? I’m ready for the

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am very active on Facebook as Vanessa Amohia Jones and Instagram where my tag is vanessa_amohia_jones. I also have a website https://www.vanessaamohiajones.com/

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors? Firstly—just do it. Write the book, even if it’s messy, even if you’re unsure. The act of finishing something is powerful. Secondly, research everything. There’s a growing ecosystem of support for indie authors—grants, consignment opportunities, platforms like Ream, and communities that want your voice. And thirdly—never stop. Writing is a long game. Some days you’ll feel like a genius, other days like a ghost. Keep going. Your stories matter, and the world needs them.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard comes from Stephen King: “To write is human, to edit is divine.” First drafts are wild and raw, but editing is where the story finds its soul. That quote reminds me that the real magic happens in the shaping, the refining, the quiet chiseling of words until they sit perfectly on the page.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Black Convicts by Santilla Chingaipe—a powerful and necessary work that sheds light on the overlooked stories of African convicts transported to Australia. It’s deeply researched, challenging the dominant colonial narratives and expanding our understanding of who shaped this country. As someone drawn to hidden histories and ancestral echoes, I find it both inspiring and unsettling in the best way.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next for me as a writer is wrangling my haunted Tasmanian novel into shape—a slow-burn story steeped in folklore, grief, and the eerie beauty of isolation. It’s a project that’s been whispering to me for years, and I’m finally ready to give it form. Alongside that, I’m exploring sensuous material more thoroughly—leaning into poetic language, emotional intimacy, and the magnetic pull of desire.

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 soul-nourishing reads. The Good People by Hannah Kent for its eerie beauty and historical depth. Finn Family Moomintroll by Tove Jansson to remind me of childhood magic and philosophical whimsy. The Bone People by Keri Hulme—raw, spiritual, unforgettable. And The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams, which celebrates the emotional weight of language and the stories that slip between the cracks of history. That stack would keep me company beautifully!

Author Websites and Profiles

Vanessa Amohia Jones Website

Vanessa Amohia Jones’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.