Category: Author Interview

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Interview with author Janet Sweeney

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. My name is Janet Sweeney. As an individual with considerable life experience and education, I believe these qualities are valuable assets when it comes to writing my stories. My writing is informed by a breadth of personal experiences, including navigating challenging relationships, being a single mum, caring for my parents, raising five sons, and fostering additional children.

Now, however, I have found a wonderful person in my life who supports me in everything I do. His love and support are something I cherish every day.

These varied experiences have contributed to a rich and occasionally demanding life, which continues to influence my work.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Sisters in Dust”?

A2. Writer’s block proved to be the most significant obstacle, as it is for most writers, I would think. Although I had a clear direction for my writing, progressing further was occasionally difficult; however, perseverance eventually yielded positive results.

Allowing myself breaks to engage in other activities like gardening, reading, and relaxing by the river was beneficial. It is easy to become overwhelmed during the writing process.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. I find pleasure in reading autobiographies and books that offer meaningful substance. I appreciate stories where I can reflect on the characters and their roles throughout the narrative.
I found Rosie Batty – A Mother’s Story truly sad and inspirational; I don’t think I could be as strong as her.

Gwen Wilson – I Belong to No-one
Belinda Alexandra – White Gardenia – a story of a mother and daughter’s bond.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. I have not yet had extensive opportunities for travel. However, my partner Ivan accompanied me to Bateman’s Bay on the NSW coast. I found the area serene and picturesque, offering a relaxing atmosphere, and the local residents were welcoming.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book “Sisters in Dust”?

A5. I have always wanted to write, but life often got in the way. I started several times but lost my notes during moves. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.
I finally reached a point in my life where I had the confidence to pursue it.

The story includes parts taken from my own life, such as:

  1. My sister and I have been estranged for 15 years since my father’s funeral.
  2. I helped nurse my father through cancer.
  3. I was betrayed and deceived by my husband.

Now that I have finished Sisters in Dust, I have the confidence to write My Story about my life. I’m finding it extremely emotional and challenging.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book “Sisters in Dust”?

A6. I made repeated attempts to resume my writing following a work injury, which resulted in a decade-long absence from employment. During this period, I focused on recovery, but my progress was hindered by pain, depression, and a loss of confidence.

I eventually dedicated two years to consistent effort toward achieving my goal, which I am very proud of.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Currently, I am evaluating various platforms. I am in the process of developing my own website and plan to expand to additional platforms in the future.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title “Sisters in Dust”?

A8. The book cover presents the farmhouse central to the narrative, with the two sisters clearly positioned in the foreground. Their evident tension conveys the initial conflict that propels the story.

Selecting the title required careful consideration, during which I evaluated several alternatives before choosing Sisters in Dust. The presence of two sisters is obvious; for me, “Dust” symbolizes struggle, lost time, neglect, and hidden secrets.

Q9. When writing a book, how do you keep things fresh for both your readers and yourself?

A9. When I encounter challenges, I make it a priority to take breaks. My residence includes a large garden and is situated beside a river, both of which provide a restful environment. Additionally, spending time with my pug, Doug, greatly helps me maintain focus.

Maintaining reader engagement can be one of the most challenging aspects of writing. I strive to keep the narrative dynamic by avoiding prolonged focus on any single element. Striking a balance is essential, as excessive detail can overwhelm the story, while brevity often enhances clarity and flow.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. It is essential to maintain authenticity. The characters should be relatable and credible. Although, as I have started to recount my life story, some individuals may perceive certain events as extraordinary or difficult to believe.

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Interview with author Janet Sweeney

  1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. My name is Janet Sweeney.
As an individual with considerable life experience and education, I believe these qualities are valuable assets when it comes to writing my stories. My writing is informed by a breadth of personal experiences, including navigating challenging relationships, being a single mum, caring for my parents, raising five sons, and fostering additional children. Now though I have found a wonderful person in my life who supports me in everything I do. His love and support I cherish every day.

These varied experiences have contributed to a rich and occasionally demanding life, which continues to influence my work.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Sisters in Dust”?

A2. Writer’s block proved to be the most significant obstacle as it is for most writers I would think.
Although I had a clear direction for my writing, progressing further was occasionally difficult; however, perseverance eventually yielded positive results.

Allowing myself breaks to engage in other activities like gardening, reading and relaxing by the river was beneficial.

It is easy to become overwhelmed during the writing process.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. I find pleasure in reading autobiographies and books that offer meaningful substance. I appreciate stories where I can reflect on the characters and their roles throughout the narrative.

I found Rosie Batty – A Mother’s Story truly sad and inspirational, I don’t think I could be as strong as her.

Gwen Wilson – I Belong to No-one.
Belinda Alexandria – White Gardenia – A story of a mother and Daughters bond.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. I have not yet had extensive opportunities for travel. However, my partner Ivan accompanied me to Bateman’s Bay on the NSW coast. I found the area was serene and picturesque, offering a relaxing atmosphere, and the local residents were welcoming.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Sisters in Dust’?

A5. I have always wanted to write, but life always got in the way. Having started several times and losing my notes with shifting.
I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.

I had finally gotten to a point in my life where I finally had the confidence to pursue it.

The story has parts taken from my own life, such as.
1) my sister and I have been estranged for 15 years since my father’s funeral.
2) I helped nursed my father through cancer.
3) I was betrayed and deceived by my husband.

Now finished with Sisters in Dust, I have the confidence to write My Story about my life. I’m finding it extremely emotional and challenging.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Sisters in Dust’?

A6. I experienced repeated attempts to resume working on my writing following a work injury, which resulted in a decade-long absence from employment. During this period, I focused on recovery, and my initial progress was hindered by pain, depression, and a loss of confidence. I dedicated two years to consistent effort towards achieving my outcome which I have to say I am very proud of.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Currently, I am evaluating various platforms. I am in the process of developing my own website and plan to expand to additional platforms in the future.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Sisters in Dust’?

A8. The book cover presents the farmhouse that is central to the narrative, with the two sisters clearly positioned in the foreground. Their evident tension conveys the initial conflict that propels the story.
Selecting the title required careful consideration, during which I evaluated several alternatives before choosing ‘Sisters in Dust’.
The presence of two sisters is obvious; for me, ‘Dust’ symbolizes struggle, lost time, neglect, and hidden secrets.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.

A9. When I encounter challenges, I make it a priority to take breaks.
My residence includes an large garden and is situated beside a river, both of which provide a restive environment. Additionally, spending time with my pug, Doug, greatly assists in maintaining my focus.
Maintaining reader engagement can be one of the most challenging aspects of writing.

I strive to ensure the narrative remains dynamic by avoiding prolonged focus on any single element. Striking a balance is essential, as excessive detail can overwhelm the story, while brevity often enhances clarity and flow.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. It is essential to maintain authenticity. The character should be relatable and credible. Although as I have started to recount my life story, some individuals may perceive certain events as extraordinary or difficult to believe.

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Interview with author Lynn-Steven Johanson

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. My name is Lynn-Steven Johanson, but my friends and acquaintances know me as “Lynn.” I hold an MFA degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. My career has gone from stage director to playwright to novelist. I am currently focused on writing the Joe Erickson Mysteries, a series of police procedurals that follow a Chicago detective as he solves homicides. The seventh installment, Wreaking Vengeance, is due out this spring. I have been married to my wife for over fifty years, and we have three adult children and four grandchildren. One of my hobbies is attending car shows with the street rod I built, a 1932 Ford Coupe.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Corrupted Souls”?

A2. The challenge I experience with all my books is outlining the plot before I begin writing. I have to work from a detailed plan, and creating a paradigm for the story is time-consuming and requires a great deal of thought. It’s not something that comes easily or something I can do in a few days. It evolves over a period of weeks.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. That’s an interesting question because I don’t really know. My favorite novelists are David Baldacci, Anne Perry, and Jonathan Kellerman. People say my books remind them of Michael Connelly’s novels, but since I’ve only read one of his, I think any similarity is coincidental. I suppose I could have absorbed elements and techniques from all the authors I’ve read. Being a playwright has certainly influenced my novels, as they feature a lot of dialogue and minimal description.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. It’s not an exciting or romantic place. It’s more personal. I have lived in Illinois for the past 35 years, but I grew up in Marathon, a small town in Iowa. I like to return there each summer for the town picnic and the school’s alumni banquet. It gives me a chance to visit with old friends and visit the cemetery where my parents, grandparents, and other relatives are buried.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Sins Revealed’?

A5. In 1975, one of my high school classmates was murdered, and the case has never been solved. I used the circumstances of his death and wrote a fictional story around it. There are a few factual things in the book, things that only I know about, but most of it is fiction. I always thought his tragic story would make a good book, but I wanted to wait until his mother passed before I tackled it. She was a sweet lady, and I didn’t want her to think I was profiting off her son’s death.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book, ‘Havana Brown’?

A6. My first book, Rose’s Thorn, was adapted from a screenplay I had written several years earlier, so the story was already written. Havana Brown, my second book, was one I had to write from scratch. I had to create a story and structure it before I could begin writing. Because it was a prequel, I drew on references from Rose’s Thorn, such as the serial killer and my main character’s mental breakdown. It was challenging, but the first draft eventually came together in about six months.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Amazon has all of my books available for purchase. And they are available at most major bookstores, such as Barnes & Noble and Books-a-Million. Other online vendors, like Kobo and World of Books, also have my books for sale.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Rose’s Thorn’?

A8. My publisher creates the book covers based on my input. If I find an image I would like them to use, they will consider it. The cover to Sins Revealed was one I found online, and my publisher obtained permission to use it. The title of Rose’s Thorn references a character avenging the death of a girl named Rose. I use two-word book titles because they are concise and easy to remember.

Q9. When writing a book, how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

A9. Every story begins with a homicide, and I try to find an interesting and unique way the victim was killed. Once I have that established, it comes down to developing the characters and the plot elements. Each book has its own story, and I try not to repeat anything I have written about in previous books. Some of the police procedures remain the same, but I make sure the who, what, where, and why are unique. Each book is written as a standalone story rather than a continuation of one in a previous book. That way, they can be read out of order.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. Read, read, read. Read the masters of the genre in which you intend to write. You learn a lot from them. In addition, read the works of great writers such as Hemingway, Twain, Steinbeck, and others. And as you read, think about what makes their writing great. They can be your greatest teachers. I have never had a class in playwriting. Tennessee Williams, Anton Chekhov, Samuel Beckett, and others were my teachers.

Buy book on Amazon

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Interview with author Melissa Bridgelal

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. My name is Melissa Bridgelal, and I am the author of the Awakening the Remnant series. I write from a place of conviction, testimony, and deep reverence for the Word of God. My work focuses on spiritual discernment, truth, and encouraging believers to stand firm in a generation that often blurs the line between conviction and compromise. Writing is not just a creative outlet for me it is an assignment rooted in obedience.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Awakening the Remnant II: Thrones of Lies Are Falling”?

A2. The greatest challenge was not research or structure it was weight. The subject matter confronts deception, cultural compromise, and spiritual confusion. I had to ensure that what I wrote was not driven by emotion, but by clarity and responsibility. There were seasons where I stepped away to pray, reflect, and refine the message. This book required maturity and careful discernment before release.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. Above all, Scripture has been my greatest influence. The structure, tone, and authority of biblical writing have shaped how I approach truth — direct, uncompromising, yet rooted in love. I am also inspired by authors who write with conviction and purpose rather than performance those who value substance over popularity.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. I find peace near the water especially places where the ocean meets the horizon. There is something grounding about standing in stillness and reflecting on the vastness of God’s creation. It reminds me that perspective matters and that clarity often comes in quiet moments.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Awakening the Remnant II: Thrones of Lies Are Falling’?

A5. This book was born out of urgency. I sensed a growing confusion within culture and even within the church a blending of truth and compromise. Thrones of Lies Are Falling was written to confront that mixture and call believers back to discernment, courage, and obedience. It is both a warning and an invitation to stand.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Awakening The Remnant: Awake, O Dry Bones’?

A6. The writing process unfolded over several years. While the physical act of writing took time and discipline, the message itself was developed through seasons of personal growth, study, and spiritual refinement. It was not rushed. It was prepared.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Awakening the Remnant: Awake, O Dry Bones is available on Amazon.

The sequel, Awakening the Remnant II: Thrones of Lies Are Falling, is available online and in stores through major retailers, including Barnes & Noble. Readers can purchase in paperback and hardcover formats.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Awakening The Remnant: Awake, O Dry Bones’?

A8. The title is rooted in Ezekiel 37 the prophetic vision of dry bones coming back to life. It reflects spiritual awakening and restoration. The cover design was intentionally bold and symbolic, capturing themes of confrontation, exposure, and rising from spiritual dormancy. Every visual element was chosen to reflect the gravity of the message.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

A9. I remain rooted in prayer and reflection. Freshness does not come from trends it comes from clarity. I do not write to impress; I write to communicate truth responsibly. When the message is sincere and aligned with purpose, it remains relevant.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. Write what you are willing to stand by. Not what is safe. Not what is popular. Truthful writing requires courage, and courage requires integrity.

Buy Melissa’s books on Amazon

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Interview with author Dr. Steve Hudgins

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. My name is Dr. Steve Hudgins. I am a counselor, professor, author, podcast host, military veteran, and cancer survivor who was once told I had a 34 percent chance of living. Those experiences changed how I see life, relationships, and what truly matters. I spend most of my work focused on families, trauma, attachment, and identity, especially within blended families, which I now like to call mosaic families because no two look the same and every piece matters.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy traveling and have been fortunate to see many parts of the world. I am an avid photographer and love capturing moments that tell a story. I actually left the engineering field to do this work because helping people make sense of their lives felt far more meaningful than anything I was building on paper.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Piece by Piece – My Blended Experience of a Mosaic Family”?

A2. The biggest challenge was staying transparent and true to the story without letting outside voices shape it for me. There is a lot of research, opinion, and expectation around blended families, and it would have been easy to let other researchers, models, or popular narratives influence the direction of the book. I had to be intentional about not writing from a place of bias or pressure to fit an existing framework.

I wanted the book to reflect lived experience as it actually unfolds, messy, layered, and unresolved at times. That meant resisting the urge to overexplain, defend, or correct the story with theory. The goal was not to prove a point, but to tell the truth with clarity and respect, allowing readers to find themselves in the pages rather than be guided toward a predetermined conclusion.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. I am drawn to writers who communicate depth in a way that feels personal and accessible. Authors like Sarah Young and Max Lucado have influenced me because of how they blend reflection, hope, and honesty without making things feel heavy or complicated. Their writing creates space for the reader rather than telling them what to think.

I am also influenced by stories, conversations, and lived moments more than any single book. Listening to people, sitting with real experiences, and paying attention to what resonates emotionally has shaped my voice just as much as anything I have read.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. My favorite places to visit are anywhere with mountains, streams, and lakes. There is something grounding about being near water and wide open spaces. The pace naturally slows, the noise fades, and perspective returns.

After seasons of military service, cancer, and navigating complex family dynamics, those environments give me room to breathe, reflect, and reset. I also enjoy photography in those settings because nature tells its own quiet story, one that does not need explanation.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Piece by Piece – My Blended Experience of a Mosaic Family’?

A5. I was inspired to write Piece by Piece because I kept seeing a gap in how blended families are talked about. There is a lot of pressure for families to fit into the “blended” label, but that term often flattens people into roles instead of honoring them as individuals with histories, losses, and identities of their own. Many existing books approach blended families from a clinical or instructional angle, but they often miss the voices of people actually living inside those families.

What felt missing was conversation. Real stories. Lived experience alongside clinical insight, not as a set of directions, but as shared understanding. I wanted to bring together personal experience, public voices, and research in a way that felt human and relatable, not prescriptive.

The mosaic concept emerged because it allows every person to remain whole while still becoming part of something new. This book is not meant to tell families what to do. It is meant to sit with them, name what they are experiencing, and remind them that complexity does not mean they are doing it wrong. It often means they are doing something honest.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Piece by Piece – My Blended Experience of a Mosaic Family’?

A6. The book took several years to come together. It was shaped over the course of my three-year doctoral program and research process. Much of the material was inspired by my doctoral work, and I was able to thoughtfully adapt portions of my dissertation into the book. Alongside that, I spent time collecting stories from individuals who were willing to share their experiences, always with protected identities and respect for their privacy.

While the final writing happened within a more focused window, the heart of the book was formed over years of listening, research, reflection, and lived experience. It truly came together piece by piece, both academically and personally.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Readers can purchase my book on Amazon, as well as directly through my website. I also recently held an in-person author signing to promote the book, which has been a meaningful way to connect with readers face to face. I keep several copies in my office that are available for purchase and can be personally autographed for those who would like a signed copy.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Piece by Piece – My Blended Experience of a Mosaic Family’?

A8. The title and cover came from a desire to move away from labels that no longer tell the full story. Terms like “blended family” or “stepfamily” often fail to describe what is actually happening inside these homes. They do not capture boundaries, individuality, or the reality that people come together carrying past hurts, histories, and hope. In many ways, those terms flatten something that is deeply personal and complex.

I wanted language that honored the individuals, not just the structure. While some cultures use terms like “bonus family,” that still did not fully reflect the lived experience. The idea of a mosaic felt different. Each person is a distinct piece, shaped by their past, yet capable of letting light pass through. The boundaries matter, just like the grout in a mosaic, because they hold the pieces in place without erasing their uniqueness.

The phrase Piece by Piece reflects how families are formed over time, not all at once. The cover was designed to visually echo that idea, individual shards coming together within clear boundaries to form something meaningful, unique, and resilient.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.

A9. For me, keeping things fresh starts with staying curious. I try not to write from a place of having all the answers. Instead, I write from a place of discovery. When I am learning or reflecting honestly on something, readers can feel that. It keeps the process alive rather than mechanical.

I also move between story and insight. Real-life experiences, whether my own or those shared with permission, keep the writing grounded. When you stay connected to real conversations and real people, the material does not become stale.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. The most valuable advice I have been given is to write honestly before worrying about how it sounds. You can always refine words and structure later, but you cannot edit authenticity into a page if it was never there to begin with. When writing comes from a real place, readers feel it. Even if they cannot explain why, they recognize the truth when they encounter it.

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Interview with author Jason P. Dryer

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. I was born and raised in Covington Ky. I was one of seven children raised with a strong Catholic foundation. Faith was an enormous part of my upbringing and remains so today. All my brothers entered the military after high school and so did I. I enlisted the Air Force Special Operations as a Combat Controller in 1994 and served in that capacity for 27 years. I deployed to support combat operations 5 times and deployed in a command role twice. I held the rank of E-9 before retiring in 2021. Now I try to recapture as much time with my children as I can, having missed so much time with them while they were young and I was enlisted. I also do volunteer work donating time and beautiful wood cases I make for fundraisers. My passions are my family and writing.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “A Walk In Death’s Valley”?

A2. On the most part finding time or blocking out time to write is the most challenging issue. There is always something to do, always something the family needs you to do. You just need to chop away some of the insignificant things in your life and prioritize the important.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. I grew up reading Brian Lumbley, Stephen King, Shakespear, Dean Koontz, Marvel and DC comics for fun and relaxation. The more descriptive the book is about character and scene building the more I could dive in that world they created. I tried to adopt this into my writing, so the reader wants more as he or she read.

Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. I really don’t have a favorite spot in the world. Home is where the heart is so wherever my wife and children are that is my favorite spot. Right now it just happens to be in Texas.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘A Walk In Death’s Valley’?

A5. I initially wanted to write a horror novel that was full of gratuitous violence and scare the reader even as they put the book down for a break. As I matured spiritually my aspirations to write changed. What is scarier than Satan, possession, and all his minions? I can’t think of anything scarier. Then you have Satan’s opposition, God. I always wanted to tell a great story, scare people and bring people closer to God. If I can do all of this at the same time, I have accomplished what I set out to do.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘A Walk In Death’s Valley’?

A6. This endeavor took me seven years of messing around writing an action sequence here and there when I finally blocked of some time. But around October of 2024 A friend of mine said that I was not serious about being an author if I wasn’t writing at least a page a day. He said I was a tourist at best. It hit home with me, so I stopped being a tourist and stated writing at least a page a day, then it became more as the ideas started to flow.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Right now, A Walk in Death’s Valley is available Kindle and Amazon. I hope to have
more copies in stores in the near future.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘A Walk in Death’s Valley’?

A8. The cover is of the hero and his close circle of friends that have been there with him since the beginning. There are a bunch of retired Special Ops soldiers and a priest, and they are walking through the aftermath of the apocalypse and hell is unleashed on Earth. The cross represents Charles and the other’s only hope of salvation but is revealed to them after a mass exorcism is conducted by Father Carson. I wanted to capture all these aspects in the cover. It was actually my daughters who listened to my ideas and created the entire cover.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.

A9. I reread for error and for flow. I tighten things up if things don’t flow as well or if there are significant dead zones. I also use speechify to reread for flow and understanding. The biggest deal is detail. If you can bring the book to life for a reader, which I hope I have, it keeps things interesting.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. Just write every day, no matter the mood, no matter the quality of writing, just write. Put ideas on paper then come back to fix and improve. If there is no progress, then you are wasting time.

Buy book on Amazon

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Interview with author Richard W. Coad

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. Hi I’m a passionate author who loves to dive into political thrillers. My debut work, Sunflower Underground, explores my own memoir in Kyiv during the late nineties. I believe that the story is very topical today and I’m delighted that readers have picked it up. I live with my wife, three sons and two cats in Surrey, UK. When I’m not writing, I have a very busy sporting family life – especially at the weekends where I love a good parkrun! Professionally I work as a project manager in the energy sector so am also passionate about global energy strategy.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Sunflower Underground: A Kyiv Memoir”?

A2. I had never written a book like this before and it was quite daunting how to find time to write it, especially in the context of a busy family life. Extracting a coherent story from my detailed diaries, with multiple characters and relationships, from nearly thirty years ago was really challenging. After much rewriting, the book does convey the true story while keeping the structure and feel of the diary.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. “The Thirty-Nine Steps” by John Buchan and “Around the World in 80 Days” by Jules Verne are my favourite books and authors. I love the protagonists in both books and how the authors created momentum and tension through to the very last page. I have even given a coded nod to John Buchan on page 18 of my book.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. I love the beaches in the south of England especially along the West Sussex and Cornish coasts. These are places where I can truly relax and be myself, I love eating barbequed food on the beach after some watersports.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Sunflower Underground: A Kyiv Memoir’?

A5. The full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 really motivated me to plan the book as I strongly felt that my story needed to be told. In 2023, I was further inspired to write my story when my parents decided to move away from the village I had lived in since I was eight years old and where I had attended my old school – both feature stongly in the book. Interestingly, my Kyiv professor in the book, who died in the first few months of the 2020 Covid pandemic, always told me that if I were to write about those times I should promise to wait until he himself had passed away – this promise is captured in the opening epigraph.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Sunflower Underground: A Kyiv Memoir’?

A6. It took me 8 months to write the initial draft of the book but it was 20,000 words too long. My editor returned it after another month showing me where it could be shortened and this turned out to be very good advice which taught me how to improve my writing efficiency. Finally my copy editor really helped me polish off the writing and the resulting style fit the tone of the story.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Readers can buy the ebook, paperback or hardback from Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes & Noble and dozens of other platforms.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Sunflower Underground: A Kyiv Memoir’?

A8. The book cover design was very difficult and time consuming. As a new author I envisaged a design which ultimately became overly complicated. A friend of mine who had worked as a comminucations advisor for the British Prime Minister, considered the story and advised a much simpler design with the iconic sunflower and the twelve stars of the European Union flag almost shaking hands. The yellow and blue colours also matched. This was the final cover. The title evolved as the book was written and the two key aspects of Ukrainian identity and the political underground at work through the story were encapsulated by the title – the editor suggested the “Kyiv Memoir” subtitle for clarity.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.

A9. The best advice I received to keep things fresh for the reader was to keep the story flowing, clearly define the chapters, make the characters distinct and identifiable, and keep the reader in suspense until the last page. I was so incredibly motivated to write the book and, with the Ukraine war ongoing, more importantly to finish the book. I wanted to create a book which was easily identifiable, not only by the cover alone, but as a reminder to help keep the war visible around the world. Each chapter had its own identity and I knew exactly the entry and exit point for each chapter.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. The most valuable advice I was given was to write the book in my head first. I knew where I wanted to get to at every chapter when I sat down ro write it and so I never really experienced writer’s block. Of course, it helped that I had lived the experience myself and was able refer to my own diary for dates and events.

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Interview with author Barbara LeForge

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. I’m Barbara LeForge, a writer, editor, and homeschooling mother of four based in the Upstate of South Carolina. While my days are often filled with lesson plans and martial arts classes, my heart has always been in storytelling. I currently serve as the editor for The Golden Strip News, and I’m passionate about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life.

​Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “By Still Waters”?

A2. The greatest challenge was the emotional weight of the “detective” work involved. Balancing the needs of my four children while simultaneously digging through painful family secrets and processing the death of my mother required a level of vulnerability I hadn’t anticipated. It was a constant collision of grace and chaos.

​Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. I’ve always been drawn to authors who aren’t afraid of the “unfiltered” truth. I find myself returning to works that explore the human condition with both wit and depth, much like Jennette McCurdy’s exploration of complex family dynamics.

​Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. While I love my home in South Carolina, the Pacific Northwest holds a piece of my heart—specifically the Tacoma and Steilacoom areas of Washington. The mist over the Puget Sound and the rugged beauty of that coastline always felt like a place where the “still waters” weren’t just a metaphor, but a physical space where I could breathe and reflect.

​Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘By Still Waters’?

A5. The book was born out of the raw silence left behind when my mother passed away in October 2024. I found myself standing at a crossroads of grief and discovery, realizing that to truly move forward, I had to confront the secrets of the past and embrace a journey of radical forgiveness.

​Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘By Still Waters’?

A6. The actual writing took place throughout 2025. It was an intense year of drafting and refining, culminating in the submission of my manuscript for editing in September of that year.

​Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Readers can find By Still Waters through Amazon.

​Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘By Still Waters’?

A8. The title is a reference to the 23rd Psalm, but with a twist—it’s about finding those still waters even when you are in the middle of a valley. For the cover, I wanted something that captured that duality: the peace of the water contrasted with the depth of the shadows we often have to walk through to get there.

​Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.

A9. I lean into the “detective” aspect of memoir writing. By staying curious about my own history and being willing to look at old family photos or heirlooms with fresh eyes, I find layers of the story I didn’t know existed. If I’m surprised by what I find, I know my readers will be too.

​Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. The best advice I’ve received is that you cannot edit a blank page. You have to be willing to write the “messy” version first—the one where the chaos is still visible—before you can find the grace and the structure within it.

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Interview with author True North

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. I approach life with curiosity. I’m a lifelong learner, deeply connected to the rhythm of nature, the whisperings of my soul, and the people I am blessed to love in my life. I am an adventurer at heart, not afraid to take risks (perhaps, because I was allowed to climb trees, wade in creeks, and sit on the roof as a kid). I’ve learned that when fear buddies up to me, it’s there as a friend, not an enemy, to be shushed. It’s asking, why is this uncomfortable? What here wants to stretch, to grow, to be more aligned ?

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Anasazi Vision”?

A2. The book was written in two phases, years apart. The original draft was written immediately following my vision quest. It came by way of nightly excursions INTO the story where I interacted with the characters and landscape. I BECAME a character WITHIN it night after night for seven weeks. By day, for those seven weeks, a “voice” dictated what I had experienced the night before, and Anasazi Vision became that experience. Then, in 2024, I rewrote the story, and it became what it is today. In the years between the first draft and the rewrite, I lived experiences that ripened the emotional fabric of the story. Remember, most of Anasazi Vision is fiction. It was the “voice” that originally wove experiences from my life into the story, and the rewrite gave them lungs and breath. As for my challenge? It was resisting putting too much of myself into the story, but that’s what it asked of me, and in hindsight, it is what makes the story the immersive, intimate, honest, and experiential journey it is.

Q3. The relationship between True and her mama is layered and nuanced. What did you want readers to understand about parent–child bonds through their connection?

A3. I believe in most cases, we need to give our parents a break. They did the best they could, given what they had to work with. No parent goes into parenthood thinking, “How can I screw up this kid?” In my case, my mama is a beautiful human; kind, thoughtful, and quite logical. She wasn’t tapped into her emotions, whereas I related to life through my senses. Adulthood (and unpacking and understanding my relationship with my mother with compassion and honesty) allowed me to see her with fresh eyes. We have high expectations of our parents. In truth, they are humans trying as best they can to raise another human. A little allowance goes a long way to heal our hearts… and theirs.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. I live in Oregon. In a word, it’s stunning. My favorite spot is Tryon Creek State Park. It is on the outskirts of Portland and is home to miles of forested hiking trails. This is where I am most at home, among the trees.

Q5. The Four Corners desert feels almost like a living entity in the book. What drew you to this landscape?

A5. I’ve spent time in Four Corners, have fished the San Juan River, and spent time at the ruins, so am very familiar with the desert. It is a quiet place that invites introspection. As far as the book goes, it is a metaphor of the internal desert True is navigating.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Anasazi Vision’?

A6. The original draft took seven weeks. The rewrite took nine months.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Currently, Anasazi Vision is available through Amazon and Books.by.

Q8. Did you envision a specific type of reader for Anasazi Vision, or did the story guide itself naturally?

A8. This is such a great question. I wrote the story because it asked to be written. Actually, it wouldn’t leave me alone, and it was the one thing I knew I needed to do before I left the planet. It’s always had a life of its own and has wanted to be in readers’ hands, in their hearts, and in their souls. It is finding its way to them — to the ones it belongs to, and that brings a special peace to my soul.

Q9. When writing a book, how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and yourself?

A9. Anyone who knows me knows I have a close relationship with my spirit guides. That may be too woo for some people, but it is where I write from. See, words carry a vibration. A frequency lives between the actual words, and when I connect with my guides and write from the space where all exists, readers feel it. They may think they are connecting with the story, but in truth, they are connecting to the aspect of us that is shared. That’s why it feels so personal, so intimate, and transformative. I hope that answers your question.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. Write to just one person, not ten thousand people.

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Interview with author Mary Ganim

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

A1. I’m a bohemian. I’ve lived sort of an unconventional life. I began drawing comics at an early age. I couldn’t read or write yet, so I narrated picture stories to my family. In high school I experimented with acting and playwriting. I was a fine arts major in college, where I painted landscapes, continued with comics, and portraiture. I was especially fond of figure drawing. I wrote an early precursor to Bastymania, a series of short stories intended to be a book, but in the 1970’s publishers were not interested in “comics for adults.” I tried my hand at children’s book illustration but was not successful. I went back to school and obtained a certificate in Art Therapy. I used that to teach art to at-risk children and nursing home residents. I got married, moved to a small town and took up gardening. I tried my hand at turning one acre of woodland into a botanical garden. I don’t recommend trying to force wild Mother Nature into something tame and pretty, unless you can afford to have someone come in and do it for you; but then it’s no fun.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Bastymania: Love is Strange”?

A2. I was diagnosed with nacular degeneration, an age related eye disease that leads to legal blindness. There are treatments, but no cure. I realized my eyesight was going, and if I ever wanted to write and draw the graphic novel I always wanted, it would have to be now. That was 2023. I had to work large, use several different magnifying lenses, and a mirror to check for distortion. I also had to rely on a very simple drawing style, giving the artwork a “raw” look, which was not ideal, but I wanted it to be hand-drawn.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

A3. Michail Bulgakov is my idol. The Master and Margarita was written during the Soviet Era, and he rewrote it many times out of fear of censorship and imprisonment. Everyone can now read the book unredacted, and it is a masterful work of political and social satire! It is often hysterically funny, even if you don’t know the history of the time, but it’s better if you do. John Fowles’ The Magus is another favorite. I’ve reread it many times over the last forty years, it always seems new to me.The Becoming Fair One, a short story by Oliver Onions, is a great Gothic horror story and a psychological thriller from the 19th century. Bulgakov’s sense of satire especially rubbed off on me. Fowles’ characters are real and three dimensional. You want to know them.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A4. I haven’t traveled much. My favorite spot is the Catskill Region in New York State. My husband and I spent many years hiking the rocky mountains of the Catskills. I liked being in the wild, the quiet, the scent of hemlock and the discovery of an occasional waterfall.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Bastymania: Love is Strange’?

A5. My brother Louis and I grew up during the era of rock and roll. We spent many hours in his room spinning 45’s on his record player. We called ourselves amateur musicologists of 20th century pop. I always wanted to write a graphic story pertaining to the era.
An early form of Bastymania was written in 1971. It was a series of short stories featuring fictionalized rock stars.
It percolated in my head off and on for forty years.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Bastymania: Love is Strange’?

A6. It took two and a half years. My eyesight was an issue, so it was a bit rushed. Normally it probably would have taken four. I was working against time, so I put in six hour days six days a week. I don’t recommend working like that.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Bastymania is available on Amazon KDP in ebook and paperback.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Bastymania: Love is Strange’?

A8. Bastymania is more like a novel than a comic book, and it contains a riot of characters who appear over a span of years. The main characters also change and grow over time, so I thought I would do sort of a collage of their past and future, showing them in all their personas and moods. The title is derived from the frenzy that accompanied the Beatles’ debut, called Beatlemania. The name of my band is the Bastion. Their fans call them the Basties. Hence, Bastymania!

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself.

A9. I have never published anything before, but I like to write, and I write a lot. I have been keeping a journal since the 1980’s. I don’t just write anything. I carefully curate all my entries, subject matter, everything. I write as if a reader might want to read it, even if I am the only one.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A10. Always write from what you know. You are a treasure trove of experiences, memories of people places and things, and emotions, knowledge acquired over years. Don’t be fantastic. You don’t have to make anything up. An instructor told me this many years ago.

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