Interview with author Dawne Marie Strub

1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

A1. I grew up in New Jersey and later moved to Tennessee with my husband and family. My educational background includes legal studies and graduate studies in professional writing, both of which have strengthened my research, analytical, and communication skills. I enjoy creative, academic, and faith-based writing because writing allows me to inform, encourage, and connect with others through meaningful ideas and stories. Along with continuing my journey as an author, I aspire to become a writing educator who helps students develop their skills, discover their unique voices, and recognize the value of their own stories.

2. What is the inspiration behind your book “Clyde the Alien Puppy: Commander of the Galaxy.”?

A2. The inspiration behind Clyde the Alien Puppy: Commander of the Galaxy came from a real experience when my husband and I found six abandoned puppies on a cold, damp evening along a rural mountain road. When we stopped, one puppy immediately jumped into our car, climbed onto my husband’s lap, and acted as though he already belonged with us. We later named him Clyde. As Clyde grew, we noticed his remarkable intelligence, athletic ability, and unusual behavior, which led my husband to jokingly call him an alien. That playful idea inspired me to imagine Clyde as the commander of an alien crew whose spacecraft had crashed in the nearby mountains. By combining our real rescue experience with imagination and humor, I created a story that explores trust, kindness, loyalty, gratitude, and the sense of belonging that can develop when someone offers help during a vulnerable moment.

3. When did you realize you want to be an author?

A3. I realized at a young age that I wanted to become an author. I enjoyed keeping a journal and expressing my thoughts through poems, stories, and songs. Writing gave me a creative way to use my imagination, explore my feelings, and share ideas. As I grew older and continued my education, my love for writing became a serious personal and professional goal. I came to understand that words can inform, inspire, encourage, and connect people.

4. Please tell us something about your book “Clyde the Alien Puppy: Commander of the Galaxy”.

A4. Clyde the Alien Puppy: Commander of the Galaxy is an imaginative children’s story centered on Clyde, a special puppy whose adventures extend far beyond Earth. The story combines humor, excitement, and space exploration as Clyde steps into the important role of Commander of the Galaxy. At its heart, the book encourages young readers to use their imaginations, believe in themselves, and recognize that even an unexpected hero can accomplish something remarkable. I hope readers will enjoy Clyde’s personality and have fun joining him on his galactic adventure.

5. For which age group is your book “Clyde the Alien Puppy: Commander of the Galaxy”?

A5. This book series is for children ages 3 – 8 years old, great for story time, and for early readers.

6. What is your favorite Quote?

A6. My favorite quote is, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you,” by Maya Angelou. This quote speaks to me because I have enjoyed writing since I was young, whether I was keeping a journal or writing poems, stories, and songs. It reminds me that our experiences and imaginations can become meaningful stories, but we must have the courage to write and share them with others.

7. What do you like the most about your country?

A7. What I appreciate most about the United States is the freedom we have to make our own choices and become the people we are meant to be. We have opportunities to pursue our goals, express our ideas, and create lives that reflect our values and beliefs. I believe these freedoms allow people to discover their purpose and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

A8. I encourage parents to introduce reading when their child is ready and to make it a consistent, positive experience. Be patient, kind, and encouraging while supporting your child’s natural curiosity and imagination. Children develop at different rates, and reading should never feel like a punishment or comparison. We are all perfectly imperfect, so children should be supported in their weaknesses as well as celebrated for their strengths. Most importantly, allow them to choose books that interest them and make reading an enjoyable time you can share together.

9. What does literary success look like to you?

A9. Literary success means seeing my writing inspire readers and make a meaningful difference in their lives. Although publishing accomplishments are important, true success is knowing that something I have written has encouraged someone, sparked a child’s imagination, or helped a reader see the world in a new way. If my stories remain in readers’ hearts and positively influence their lives, I will consider my work successful.

10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

A10. One person who inspires me is Melania Trump. I admire her beauty, determination, and the way she worked toward achieving her goals. I am especially inspired by the patience, thoughtfulness, and grace with which she carries herself in challenging situations. Her quiet strength reminds me that a person can remain composed, confident, and true to who they are, even while facing criticism or difficult circumstances.

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Clyde the Alien Puppy

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Clyde the Alien Puppy 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Dawne Marie Strub ✍️
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Clyde the Alien Puppy, Commander of the Galaxy is a heartwarming story that combines adventure, humor, and the simple joy of finding a place to belong. Clyde immediately stands out as a delightful character, confidently declaring himself “Commander Clyde” while leading his fellow puppies through an unexpected adventure. The story is especially engaging because each puppy has a distinct personality, from Ozzy’s playful chaos to the watchful nature of Bucky and Duke.

What makes the book particularly touching is the way the adventure gradually becomes a story about friendship, safety, and family. The puppies begin their journey cold, hungry, and lost, but eventually find warmth, food, comfort, and companionship at the farmhouse.

The final message is perhaps the most beautiful part of the book. Read this book to know the final message. Knowing that the story was inspired by six real rescued puppies makes the journey feel even more meaningful. This is a sweet, uplifting read that celebrates friendship, courage, rescue, and the comforting idea that every lost little soul deserves a safe place to call home.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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Interview with author James L Hill

Q1 Could you please start by introducing yourself to our readers?

A1. I am an award-winning multi-genre author and publisher. I started out as a sci-fi writer and penned books in adult urban crime, fantasy, and I am now working on a horror novel.

Q2 What would you say is your strength as an author?

A2. The ability to describe thrilling events quickly that build a story. It also creates an emotional bond with my readers.

Q3 What is your favorite part from your book ‘The Emerald Lady’?

A3. When Shera, a mermaid, is trying to save Jeremy and he in turn must keep her from drowning. It shows that each of them is willing to sacrifice for the other out of true love.

Q4 How do you handle literary criticism?

A4. All criticism is good, you must realize everyone will not like what you write. Finding out what they don’t like is important too. And if the criticism is valid it is a good way to improve your writing.

Q5 What do you like about audiobooks?

A5. When done well it can transport you into the story. Unlike movies and TV, audiobooks open your imagination to visualize the scenes.

Q6 How has the experience of writing and publishing a book influenced your perception of yourself?

A6. I have been writing for such a long time my perception of myself is set. However, writing and publishing allows me to live different realities.

Q7 What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

A7. Clarity and imagination, to be able to create situations and relate them so anyone can understand, is what writing is all about.

Q8 What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

A8. When I am actually writing I pour every free minute into working at the keyboard. And when I am not at the keyboard, I am running dialogue and scenes in my head.

Q9 What is the significance of the title ‘The Emerald Lady’?

A9. The Emerald Lady is the first book in the Gemstone trilogy. Emeralds are precious and so are ladies. They are green which signifies the start of something great. 

Q10 What did you want to be when you grew up?

A10. A scientist. A chemist to be precise. But I like all the sciences, now I am a computer scientist and a software engineer.

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Elaine

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Elaine 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Cor Smuts ✍️
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The novel begins with heartbreak, self-doubt, and the emotional aftermath of a controlling relationship, allowing readers to connect with Elaine on a personal level. As strange and terrifying events begin to unfold, the emotional foundation established early on makes every decision she faces feel meaningful rather than simply serving the plot. 

Cor Smuts creates an unsettling sense of isolation through the remote cabin, silent forests, and the growing realization that the familiar world has become dangerously unfamiliar. The gradual unveiling of mysterious phenomena and terrifying creatures is handled with patience, allowing suspense to build naturally. Elaine’s resilience and determination stand out throughout the story, and watching her adapt to impossible circumstances is one of the book’s most rewarding aspects. 

Elaine blends emotional drama with survival horror and speculative science fiction in a way that feels original. The novel isn’t afraid to take risks, introducing complex mysteries that leave readers eager to discover the larger truth behind the events unfolding around Elaine. Readers who enjoy character-driven thrillers with a strong sense of mystery and escalating tension will likely find Elaine to be an engaging read.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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The Family Mask

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Family Mask 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Dr. Steve Hudgins ✍️
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The Family Mask, part of The Mosaic Family series, offers a thoughtful exploration of the roles we unconsciously adopt to survive within our families. What makes the book particularly compelling is its explanation of how these “masks” are formed. The idea that a mask can protect us while simultaneously erasing parts of who we truly are is both powerful and deeply relatable.

The discussion of the four survival masks: the Strong One, the Peacemaker, the Invisible One, and the Messenger adds a useful framework for understanding familiar patterns of behaviour. I especially appreciated how the author extends these ideas beyond childhood and into marriage, parenting, and leadership. The book makes an important point: masks form because honesty once carried consequences that the body could not survive..

What I found most valuable is the book’s emphasis on moving from survival toward authenticity. The reflective questions encourage readers to look honestly at the roles they have been playing and ask whether those roles still serve them. The Family Mask is a meaningful read for anyone who wants to understand family dynamics, recognise inherited patterns, and reconnect with the self beneath the mask. It reminds us that what once protected us does not necessarily have to define us forever.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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A Splinter of Black and White

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Splinter of Black and White 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: R. Peter Ubtrent ✍️
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As Aurora moves through a world shaped by ancient prophecies, political conflict, betrayal, and violence, she is repeatedly forced to question whether she is truly a savior or the destroyer everyone fears. The prophecy surrounding the “Destroyer of Worlds” adds an ominous layer to the narrative, particularly because Aurora gradually realizes that the future may already have been written for her and that those closest to her may know far more than they have revealed.

What I particularly enjoyed was the contrast between the epic scale of Aurora’s journey and the very human way she reacts to everything happening around her. Her relationship with Cassandra is especially entertaining because Cassandra refuses to let Aurora hide behind her powerful “goddess” identity. At the same time, Aurora’s compassion repeatedly complicates her decisions. Even when she insists that she does not want followers or worshippers, she cannot simply walk away from people who need her help.

A Splinter of Black and White feels like an ambitious chapter in a much larger saga, one that leaves the reader questioning how much of Aurora’s destiny is truly hers to control.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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Interview with author Ira White

Q1 What is your favorite part from your book ‘The Children of Raven’s Reach’?

My favorite part is the love between Chase and Pearl. Love is the most wonderful feeling in the world and my description of the love between these two goes beyond physical and into the realm of metaphysical.

Q2 What would you say is your strength as an author?

My descriptive skills are the strongest arrow in my quill. Some of the comments I have received back this up.

Q3 How do you typically celebrate once you’ve completed a book?

I will go out for a special dinner and then sleep in as when I am working on a book or other large project, I get up at 4 a.m. because early morning is the time I work best.

Q4 How do you handle literary criticism?

I try to understand it and why my book prompted what was said about it. I want to be a better writer, and understanding the criticism you get is an important way to understand your creation.

Q5 What do you like about audiobooks?

I haven’t done an audiobook yet, but I plan to. What I don’t like is some of the readers have such flat tones with little inflection. I am trained in speaking and in oral interpretation, so if I do get an audio book out, it will be much more stimulating than some of the ones I have listened to.

Q6 How has the experience of writing and publishing a book influenced your perception of yourself?

Writing has given me more confidence in myself. I know I have the ability to write as my readers tell me that through their comments on my work.

Q7 What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

Good writing is composed of knowing your subject, having a good vocabulary and a sense of what words to use in different situations, a creative mind, and a sense of the audience you are writing for.

Q8 What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

I get up at 4 a.m., pet my dogs for a few minutes, make coffee, then dive into writing. I will continue until about 8 a.m. when it’s time to feed the dogs and chickens and make something for me to eat. I will write again after breakfast until about 11 a.m. when it’s time for a walk with the dogs. Late in the afternoon, I will meditate and visualize what I will write next.

Q9 What is the significance of the title ‘The Children of Raven’s Reach’?

“It’s all about the children.” Raven’s Reach is the name of the property where the children are held. In the story, Raven’s Reach becomes transformed into a very different place.

Q10 What did you want to be when you grew up?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer.

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A Glimmer of White

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Glimmer of White 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: R. Peter Ubtrent ✍️
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Aurora and her companions become entangled with the terrifying forces surrounding the City of Whispers. The exchanges between Cassandra, Al, and Vudrun provide some welcome comic relief, while the introduction of characters such as Skóda adds fresh energy to the group dynamic. 

Aurora remains the emotional center of the story, and her journey is as much about confronting herself as it is about defeating external enemies. Her struggle to understand the relationship between Black and White magic, her extraordinary powers, and the many conflicting forces within her gives the novel a deeper thematic dimension. The supporting characters remain memorable, with the loyalty of Vudrun, the chaotic humor of Cassandra and Al, and the arrival of new figures helping to keep the narrative unpredictable.

The novel’s greatest strength is its expansive imagination. From undead armies and terrifying Devourers to mysterious forest guardians, magical realms, dragons, and powerful deities, the book continually expands its mythology and gives the reader a sense that Aurora’s world is full of unexplored possibilities. 

A Glimmer of White is a dark, adventurous, and emotionally intense addition to the series, offering plenty of action while pushing Aurora toward a deeper understanding of her identity and immense power.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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Voided

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Voided 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ace Parlier ✍️
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At the heart of the novel is Commander Nena Videt, a gifted pilot whose return from a decade-long imprisonment thrusts her into a mission that could decide the future of an entire civilization. As she reconnects with familiar faces like Captain Gevin Toll, earns the confidence of Admiral Kirpich, and adapts to cutting-edge technology under Commander Nalwist’s guidance, readers witness a woman rebuilding both her purpose and her identity.

Nena’s wit and resilience provide welcome relief amid the tension, while conversations with Kirpich and Gevin reveal the emotional burden carried by those forced to make impossible wartime decisions. The diverse alien cultures, advanced technology, and detailed military structure enrich the narrative, making the universe feel believable.

Ace Parlier has crafted an ambitious space opera that balances thought-provoking themes with compelling storytelling. The pacing gradually builds toward larger revelations, rewarding readers who enjoy vivid world-building and layered political intrigue. Voided is a story about redemption, resilience, and the difficult choices that define true leadership. It is an engaging read that will appeal to fans of intelligent, character-focused military science fiction.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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The Blackest Flame

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Blackest Flame 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: R. Peter Ubtrent ✍️
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The story follows Aurora as she navigates a dramatically changed world where she is viewed with suspicion and fear because of her magical abilities and unusual appearance. One of the book’s biggest strengths is the way it constantly places Aurora in unfamiliar situations, forcing her to question what she knows about her own world and the consequences of her actions. The opening involving Al’s accidental magical transportation also adds an entertaining parallel storyline and gives the reader another perspective on the consequences of power and poor choices.

Aurora’s instinct to help others, even when they fear or misunderstand her, gives her character genuine depth. The sequence involving Maggie is particularly effective because Aurora’s decision to bring the child back from death highlights both her compassion and her willingness to challenge divine authority. Al’s journey is also engaging in a different way, as his insecurities and struggles with magic provide humor while showing his movement toward greater self-awareness.

Aurora’s journey develops into something much larger than a simple quest, raising interesting questions about fate, identity, free will, and the unintended consequences of changing the past. The narration is smooth. I had a great time reading this book.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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