Category: Author Interview

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Interview with author Roxanne Seubert

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

A1. My name is Roxanne Seubert and Sasquatch is my debut novel. I love telling stories and particularly love fantasy, any books that include Dragons, Witches, Faries, etc. If I open a book and there’s a map in the beginning, then I know almost immediately that I’m going to be a fan. My dream is to continue to publish books for both middle-grade and young adults to read and enjoy.

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

A2. To write the story, I had to do a lot of research about Sasquatches. Where do they live? What do they eat? What do they look like? How big are their feet? etc. There is a ton of information, books, tv shows, folklore, which I had to sort through. I spoke to several people who had encountered real-life Sasquatches to learn what their first-hand experiences were like. And I took my family out to Money Creek Campgrounds to get a lay of the land. We hiked around the campsite and up a few trails and took hundreds of photos. The research was both interesting and inspiring.

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

A3. There are too many to count, but my favorites are Rick Riordan, Johnathan Stroud, Michael Crichton, Taran Matharu, Holly Black and Margaret Rogerson.

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

A4. I love going to the Oregon Coast around Cannon Beach where, “The Goonies” was filmed. I love walking along the beach, looking at the tidepools, smelling the ocean air, and listening to the waves crash against the shore. It’s a beautiful place especially with the view of Haystack Rock and the Needles, which are geological formations of large rocks standing out in the ocean. It’s a peaceful place and always brings me joy.

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

A5. I’ve always believed there are creatures out there which we haven’t encountered yet. Scientists are always discovering new species or finding out that we were wrong about previous beliefs. The folklore of Sasquatch has always fascinated me. There are so many people who swear they’ve seen one. So why can’t they exist?

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

A6. It took a year to write and collaborate with an amazing illustrator J. Pares to create the cover and internal illustrations. Then it took another year to edit, and a year to publish the book. So approximately 3 years in total from start to finish.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Right now, the e-book, paperback, hardcover, and audio book are available through Amazon. The e-book is also available through Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and IngramSpark. However, I’m getting the paperback and hardcover available through these additional platforms soon.

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

A8. I’ve always loved the Roger Patterson and Robert Gimlin Bigfoot footage. The unidentified creature was filmed in 1967 in a grainy black and white movie. It is the only real-life Bigfoot footage that experts haven’t been able to debunk. The most famous section of the film is slide # 352 of the Bigfoot looking back towards the camera. This was the inspiration for the cover. It’s a well-known image and seen in lots of merchandise. I decided to call the book Sasquatch because I grew up knowing the creature by this name. It wasn’t until much later in life that I learned there were many other names for the same creature, Bigfoot, Yeti, Yowie, Tek Tek, etc.

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

A9. Once I had the idea for the book, to tell a story about a group of young kids finding the Sasquatch in the woods, the story blossomed from there. I had a great idea for the ending but when I pitched the idea to my friends, they told me that it had been done before in the movie, “Harry and the Hendersons,” which I hadn’t seen. So, I watched the movie and decided I had to rethink the ending to my story. My friends said I still could use fake Sasquatch prints in the snow to lead the hunters away. But I felt it had been done before and I needed to produce something new. This is how I came up with the chase seen for Connor running away from the hunters.

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

A10. The best writing advice I have ever given is that while you are writing and realize you don’t know the name of something or need to research a place, just add a placeholder. This way you can keep writing until the scene is done and you have momentum. Then later, you can go back and research the object or location you need to add. This way you don’t interrupt your flow and keep yourself from getting sidetracked. It really helps.

Buy 𝐒𝐚𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 on Amazon

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Interview with author Ronald Hunter

Q1. Hello, please introduce yourself.

Hello, I’m Ronald Hunter, author of Angel Finally Found His Wings. I’m 64 years old. I was born and grew-up in New York City and currently reside in the Tampa Bay Florida area. I’m retired from US ARMY and American Airlines.
Many people are shocked when I tell them that I’m the youngest of 22 children but that’s only a small part of my life. Dad died when I was five years old, and mom soon went to a mental institution due to her severe schizophrenia and I went to an orphanage. After several years, she was released, and I went to live with her, but she “gave” me to a neighborhood Boy Scout Leader. Tragically, he forced me into the child prostitution sex trade in New York City by continuously blackmailing me. If caught, he promised to have my mother sent back to the mental institution. Years later, I escaped his control and started my new life.
Angel Finally Found His Wings is my story and how I survived it all. After being a part of the Oprah 200 Men Who Survived Sexual Abuse show, it inspired me to write my book.

Remember, never allow the past to define your future. I AM A SURVIVOR!

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your memoir, Angel Finally Found His Wings?

As with any writing project, I spent a lot of time determining the flow and how best to tell my story. For me, my memoir is about a horrific childhood that includes my years on 42nd Street in New York City as a child prostitute. Writing my memoir forced me to relive many difficult times. There were numerous times I put the pen down because I needed time to further process what happened to me. In fact, writing Angel Finally Found His Wings took 13 years to complete.

Additionally, there was so much to tell, I had to structure the memoir so that I didn’t overwhelm the reader to the point they would put the book down. I purposedly did not want to sensationalize my story nor embellish it.

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

John Knowles A Separate Piece
John Steinbeck Of Mice and Men
James Frey A Million Little Pieces
James Baldwin Giovanni’s Room

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

New York City because it’s where most of my life took place. I can reconnect to places and streets. It’s therapeutic because I visit places and try to understand how they played a part in my life.

Q5. What inspired you to write Angel Finally Found His Wings?

For years, my friends and family that knew my story encouraged me to write Angel Finally Found My Wings. But it wasn’t until I was part of Oprah’s 200 Men That Survived Sexual Abuse Show, that I began writing. That experience opened my eyes to the amount of pain and suffering that victims of sexual abuse have and the daily struggle they live with each day. Yes, others and I were victimized but I’m a survivor and I saw the real need for others to see themselves as a survivor and not a victim.

Angel Finally Found His Wings was written so that other survivors have a voice through me, and I want them to know we’re not broken, we can love and be love and we can trust others.

Q6. How long did it take to write Angel Finally Found His Wings?

A total of 13 years but that does not mean I wrote continuously for 13 years. There were numerous times I took a break from it to emotionally get to a better place. In fact, I wouldn’t write for a year or two. I had to seek the professional help I needed to move forward.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy Angel Finally Found His Wings?

It can be purchased on Amazon and Barnes & Noble as a hardcover, paperback, or Kindle as well as many other sites both here in the USA and internationally. The audiobook will be available soon.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and title Angel Finally Found His Wings.

The Boy Scout Leader that took me away from my mother and forced me onto the streets had destroyed every I had including pictures and other personal items. This was one of the many ways he controlled my life. But there was one single picture of me that I kept from him and that is the photo on the cover. This is me at 11–12 years of age. In fact, until recently, it was the only photo of me from the age 6 to my late teens. It’s also the picture I took with me to when I was a member of Oprah’s 200 Men That Survived Sexual Abuse.
The torn edges of the photo represent my life. The blue cover background represents the sky.

The title Angel Finally Found His Wings was created after listening to Martina McBride’s beautiful song,” angel with a broken wing.” My street name was Angel and there’s was no doubt my wings were broken BUT I found my wings and escaped that life!

My dear friend Shayne Mackey designed the cover.

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

To be honest, I’m not sure. I know my story so well and it never changes. So, for me, I simply just wrote it as if we were sitting at a table together and I’m telling you, my story. I also wrote it as if it were being told by me as a child. I had poor grammar and sentence structure and wanted the reader to understand how I spoke at that time. The more realistic I could place the reader at that time in my life, the better. It was interesting when the editors began reviewing my memoir. They came back with hundreds of edits because of my intentional poor grammar and writing style. I told them not to change any of that because it’s part of telling my story!

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

Write about what you know. If it’s a memoir, don’t embellish it. Just tell the story.

Buy Angel Finally Found his Wings on Amazon

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Interview with author Charlene Raddon

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

A1. Hello, or howdy, as they said in the old west, which is my regular genre. I have twenty-four western historical romance books published and one fantasy. I began writing one day in 1980 when I woke from a dream I thought should be in a book. I have very vivid, detailed dreams. Before this time I had been in college studying fine arts, but in 1971 I got divorced and moved to a small town in Utah. I always wanted to live in a small town (I grew up in South LA). I was eager to paint watercolor landscapes. There aren’t any in So. Cal. unless you drive a long way. I never had the chance. My sister introduced me to romance novels and my life changed. I had never even thought about being a writer, although I can see hints that I might have leaned in that direction now that I look back. That first book nine years because I had to learn to write, learn the industry, take classes and make connections. In 1989, I attended a writers workshop. An agent there read my first chapter, asked me about my second book I was working on, and told me my ideas were too unusual to sell to a publisher, that I should go home, write a regular romance, get it published and maybe then I could write what I wanted. That’s a bit simplistic, but I took her seriously. I wrote a romance, entered it in a contest and won first place in the historical division. That gave me the courage to enter it in the Romance Writers of America’s yearly competition, which is huge. I never expected to get anywhere in the contest, I just wanted feedback. To my surprise my book became a finalist. It didn’t win but it did get me an agent. A year and a half later, I received a three-book contract from Kensengton Books. My first book was published in 1994. I wrote five books for them before the historical market crashed in 1999. After that, my agent died, and I became discouraged. No one was selling western historical romance. One day, I was struck with an idea, sat down and wrote a book totally different from anything I’ve written before or since. Pure inspiration. That book was A Kiss and a Dare.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “A Kiss and a Dare”?

A2. I’d say my biggest challenge was knowing nothing about writing or marketing a fantasy. Actually, the writing came easily. It just flowed out of me. Even so, after having a couple of friends read it, I became discouraged and set aside. It wasn’t until two years ago that I dragged it back out and took another look. I was mesmerized by what I read and knew I had something good, no matter what my friends said. I re-edited and published it.

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

A3. Many authors have inspired me, Nora Roberts, Linda Howard, Kristin Hannah, Penelope Williamson and many more who wrote westerns. In Fantasy, my favorite author is Lynn Kurland. She writes fantastic books, some contemporary, some historical, many time-travels, and all magical.

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

A4. My favorite spot in America is a tiny village on the Oregon Coast. It’s not a town, just vacation homes, but some friends (other writers) and I would rent a house there, go for a couple of weeks, walk the beach, watch the waves and write, write, write. I went there for about seventeen years before the owner died and the house became unavailable. We couldn’t find as good a deal as she gave us and I haven’t been back since. I miss it terribly. There was a lighthouse nearby on a bluff and I placed one of my western historical romances there, Forever Mine. It received a Reviewer’s Choice Nomination from RomanticTimes and won other contests.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘A Kiss and a Dare’?

A5. A Kiss and a Dare was, as I said, pure inspiration. An image popped into my head one day of a handsome man finding a hidden garden and lying down on some grass by a boggy pond. He fell asleep and woke up to find a frog on his chest. As he stared at the creature, it leaped and kissed him. Suddenly, a gorgeous naked young woman with long black hair lay across him. The idea so tickled me that I sat and wrote the book. It’s a reversal on the frog prince fairytale which I set in Wales. It’s been too long since I wrote it to say why I chose Wales, but later I decided to tour the UK. My sister had always dreamed of going to Ireland (we’re part Irish). When she was dying, much too young, of cancer one winter, I told her if she could live until spring, I’d take her to Ireland. She didn’t make it, so I decided to go for her. I put out the word that I was seeking a travel mate. A friend in my writers’ critique group agreed to go. Before going, I found a website for leaving messages for Welsh people. I asked for someone to help me research my book. A man answered and we became friends. When he heard I was coming, he and his wife invited us to stay with them. It was fantastic. He took us everywhere, especially the castles, and I learned so much. We even found a rugged knob of land where a Welsh castle had once stood, climbed up to see it, and it became the setting for A Kiss and A Dare.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘A Kiss and a Dare’?

A6. As I said before, I wrote the book, then let it lie, almost forgotten, for years before picking it up, dusting it off and re-editing it. I’d say it took a few months to write it initially, a few more when I reworked it.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. My books are available only on Amazon, free on KU. I tried going wide (selling in actual bookstores) but people aren’t buying books like they used to. Most authors make more from KU than from going wide. Readers can borrow the books on a special program and we get paid for pages read.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘A Kiss and a Dare’?

A8. Coming up with a cover for A Kiss and a Dare is still a sort of work in progress. I keep trying to find a design that will more accurately depict the magic involved. There’s a witch, spells, two deadlines, one for the hero and one for the heroine, a newt and a dragonfly, who are friends of the heroine and are people from the 14th century put under spells. There’s even a dragon. My covers come from my vivid imagination and I use my artistic skills to create them.

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

A9. Keeping my writing fresh is always a challenge. I try reading books by authors I haven’t read before, and consult friends and my critique partners. I get sparks of ideas from small things I see on TV or read in books, maybe things heard in a restaurant or store. I try to use unusual characters unlike any I’ve created before and do the same with the situations I put them in. In my current western historical romance, the hero and his foreman (on a ranch) grew up in a circus. They keep an old lion as a pet. He’s lost his teeth and is tame unless the hero is threatened. Then he can become ferocious even without teeth. I find characteristics for my characters from a vast supply of sources, TV, books, friends, overheard snatches of conversations in public places, the list is endless.

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

A10. The most valuable advice I received was probably when that editor told me no publisher would take a chance on an unusual story from an unknown author. All authors try to come up with something unique. Another was to keep dead bodies dropping. Not literally. It means to keep interesting and unexpected action going so readers won’t get bored (or the author). One bit of advice I have for beginning authors is not to expect too much from a first book. It’s best to get a few books written before you even think about publishing. Learn the craft, make connections, visit online sites where you can get your name known, participate in online groups and chats. First books rarely succeed. I’ve seen a few. One author I saw become an overnight success when a husband was in the promotions business. He made her a success with advertising that most authors can’t afford. Even after all these years, I still couldn’t afford the platform he used for her book. Promoting books is the most difficult part of publishing. It’s expensive, there are a lot of cheats out there offering the moon and giving nothing, and it keeps a writer from doing what she wants to do most–write.

Buy A Kiss and a Dare on Amazon

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Interview with author Robert Starnes

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

A1. I was born in a small town in Northeast Texas, where my journey with the written word began. In middle school, I discovered a love for writing short stories, a passion that blossomed despite the challenges I faced with dyslexia. To overcome my learning disability, I immersed myself in reading books that were adapted into movies, exploring the differences between the written and visual narratives. This practice not only improved my understanding of language but also enriched my appreciation for storytelling.

With a professional background in customer service and property management that spans over 24 years, my experiences bring depth and authenticity to my writing. My diverse career has given me a keen insight into human nature, which is reflected in my characters and storylines.

My first published work was The Multifamily Housing Guide – Leasing 101 in 2016, a guide aimed at assisting new leasing professionals in the multifamily housing industry. This guide provided practical tools and advice to help them succeed in their new career, making their transition easier and more efficient.

Building on my early success, I ventured into the world of fiction, writing the Saving History Series, a young adult historical fiction series. The five-book series has earned me the title of #1 best seller on Amazon, and the second book of the series debuted at #64 on Barnes & Noble’s top 100. My novels draw inspiration from the past, present, and future, offering readers captivating and thought-provoking narratives.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “A.N.D.R.E.”?

A2. My challenges while writing A.N.D.R.E. were mostly researching AI in general. There are so many types of AI in the world today, another challenge I ran across was how was I going to be able to make my AI different than others. I didn’t want my Artificial Intelligence Beings (A.I.B.) to be a typical bot or android being. I wanted them look human, while not having feelings or emotions in their programming. Then figuring out a way for one of the original A.I.B.s to have human feelings and emotions without a need for his creators programming, but to be more organic. Which I believe I have managed to achieve in A.N.D.R.E.

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

A3. I can tell you John Grisham is one of my favorite authors, though I also find inspiration in the works of Suzanne Collins, Stephenie Meyer, Dan Brown, and Jobie Hughes. One of my all-time favorite books is ‘A Painted House’ by John Grisham. The way he was able to tell such a unique story and for me to be able to imagine each character fascinated me. I wanted to be that created in my writing, which is a working process to say. I was inspired for ‘Saving History Series’ from reading series by Stephenie Meyer for her ‘The Twilight Saga’, Suzanne Collins’ ‘Hunger Games’ collection, Dan Browns collection of ‘Robert Langdon’ books like ‘The Da Vinci Code’, ‘Angels & Demons’, ‘Lost Symbol’, and ‘Inferno.’ Then I fell in love with Jobie Hughes collection of ‘Pittacus Lore’ books like ‘I am Number Four’ all the way through ‘United as One.’

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

A4. I love to travel, but one of my favorite spots to visit is the big island of Hawaii, Kona. It may be the big island; it really is a small place. The beaches are amazing, the people are friendly, food is excellent, and so many tourist spots like volcanos and waterfalls.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘A.N.D.R.E.’?

A5. My inspiration for writing ‘A.N.D.R.E.’ came from my mom actually. She works as a movie producer and has been working on several sci-fi movies, and shorts, with her best friend for the past few years. Seeing the films they create inspired me to see what I could do if I applied myself to try writing different genres. I have written business books and a YA Historical Fiction Series, so I figured my next stop was science fiction.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘A.N.D.R.E.’?

A6. I began writing ‘A.N.D.R.E.’ in May 2023 and finished it the end of March 2024, so almost a year to complete it.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. My books are sold on almost all platforms. You can find my books on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble online, Books-a-Million online, and my website for links. http://www.starnesbooksllc.com

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘A.N.D.R.E.’?

A8. The over art was a collaboration between my editor, Pat Carpenter with Carpenter Editing Services LLC, and myself. We spend a weekend in Florida brainstorming and bouncing ideas off each other until we found a concept we both liked. From there we just continued to change one thing or another with the buildings above ground or how humans were living underground. We spent days on the cover art and after three days of work in Florida, we had a finished product. We wanted to incorporate as much of the story in the cover as we could without giving too much away. The cover becomes obvious once you read the book.

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

A9. To keep things fresh for me is to keep an eye out for anything new happening in the world to see if it my pertain to what I am currently writing at the time. I also like to post updates on my WIPs on my social media platforms, My Facebook pages, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. I like to let my followers and fans know when they can expect my upcoming projects.

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

A10. The most valuable piece of advice I have been given was to never stop writing. If you have a story in your head, write it. Every story has an audience, you must get out there and find the right audience for your story. If you have a book that you think is a failure, before writing the book off, try changing your audience. You may fail with one group of readers and excel when you find your true audience. Research categories you can place your book in. It could find into several markets. I sci-fi novel would find in Science Fiction and Romance at the same time, depending on the content. Find those different areas of your book and market it again with new audiences.

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Interview with author Mark K. McClain

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

A1. Hello one and all! As a teenager I wrote short stories for pleasure and relaxation. My passion for stories has never faded.

As a former columnist/staff writer for a local newspaper I have penned more than forty outdoor-related articles. I have also published several full-length pieces for magazines, including local history articles, parenting column,s and articles in both China and Uganda.

Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Horror hold special places in my heart. Currently, I have two published YA Fantasy novels (Books 1 & 2 of the series: The Ruinous Curse) with the third and final installment being written now. In addition, I have one short story horror collection. (Passages of Peculiarity.)

Also, I advocate for animals rights and love the outdoors, especially the mountains.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Passages of Peculiarity”?

A2. Honestly, the creative process for PoP was thrilling. It was my first venture into short stories and my maiden voyage into horror, as well. My key challenge was forcing my mindset into a ‘short story’ mode. Along the way, I discovered I love that style of writing more than I would have believed. I am proud of my end result.

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

A3. My writing style developed due to authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien, David Eddings, Isaac Asimov, Agatha Christie, Stephen King, and others too numerous to mention.

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

A4. I love the mountains. I do not have a particular spot as I have traveled quite a bit and it would be quite difficult to pick just one. I feel at home around wildlife, trees, and the tranquility certain spots can bring. With that said, I do gravitate toward the ancient forests of Washington state.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Passages of Peculiarity’?

A5. I often tell my clients, especially if they are stuck writing their current genre, to ‘step outside of what you know and try a completely different project.’ (As I did by delving into horror) This can guide you into a wonderfully creative adventure and lead you down paths you never realized where inside you.

Stepping outside my comfort zone gave me inspiration for PoP. (I actually took my own advice!)

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Passages of Peculiarity’?

A6. Surprisingly, the stories flowed one after another. There are 11 stories within PoP. I kept it short on purpose to gauge reader reception to the collection. However, PoP 2 will contain 15 or more stories. (I have already completed four of those.)

As a proud side note, some of my stories from PoP were accepted for publication by several different presses. I am thrilled to see my work in upcoming anthologies.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. All my works can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Nook, Apple Books, and more. I also have an LIB (Link in Bio) on my social media sites like LinkedIn and FB. Simply click on that and you will have a direct link to Amazon if that is your preference.)

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Passages of Peculiarity’?

A8. I LOVE my cover. (I know I am admittedly biased) Jess LaGreca, who is a fabulous designer, came up with the final version after we discussed what ‘feel’ I wanted. (I wanted a Gothic, creepy feel.) I am so pleased with the results.

As for the title, PoP was to be unique. It took me quite some time to find the right wording that fit my stories. Keep in mind, this collection is not themed. Meaning they are not simply a collection of slasher stories or the like. These stories range from modern day to gothic era. Some characters even have a Sherlock Holmes mentality and personality, while conversely, there are a pair of murderous teenagers, or a young grave robbing trio.

My characters are what I love most. Even though these are short stories (aka Shorts, as I call them) you can relate to them in one aspect or another.

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

A9. I gravitate toward fantasy and horror because nothing is out of bounds, so to speak. Take Stephen King for example. He has written about possessed cars, an alien clown, and more. Very original and well done.

Fantasy and Sci-Fi wise, you have otherworldly creatures and races, talking dragons, light sabers, and so on. These imaginative genres feels like playgrounds for your mind. Nothing is really out of bounds and that is thrilling. (Tolkien is my fantasy ‘hero’ by the way.)

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

A10. The best, and truest, advice would be: Your first book will not be perfect. It may be close, but as your experience grows, you will look back on it and understand just how far you have come and see the flaws in it.

Salman Rushdie say he took his first novels and shoved them in a drawer years ago. He never published them. Now, when he looks at them, he is very thankful he did not. I believe that is a natural progression for writers.

I tell that story to my clients, especially those seeking instant fame or fortune with their first novel. Writing is a very humbling, and often frustrating, experience. Which is why I formed my own editing /writing coach business. It is my way of being here for any authors who need a guiding hand. Simply put, I adore the written word and helping writers come into their own is what I love to do.

Buy Passages of Peculiarity by Mark on Amazon

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Interview with author Jô Zanardini

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

A1. Hi! My name is Jô Zanardini and I’m a Municipal Attorney and have been working since 2011. I have a postgraduate degree in Contemporary Law and training in Leadership from Harvard University.

In addition to my legal career, I am a Writer and Researcher, passionate about topics related to personal and professional development, spirituality and Christianity.

I published the “Transformation” series, which received several recommendations from literary critics and influencers.

Book 1 : 📚Transform your life and inspire people

Book 2 : 📚How to maintain stable and lasting relationships

Book 3: 📚 Principles for a life with more happiness and love

Volume I was a finalist for the Book Brazil award in the 2021 – non-fiction category.

It also received reading recommendations from magazines such as Exame magazine, which chose the book as one of the bedside books to inspire entrepreneurs.

My goal is to contribute to the positive transformation of people and society, through law, writing and research.

I believe that knowledge, ethics and faith are powerful tools to achieve this purpose.

And finally, I live in Curitiba with my husband and son and love traveling and connecting with people.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “How to maintain stable and lasting relationships”?

A2. One of the biggest challenges I faced when writing my book was balancing time to dedicate to writing and work, family and other responsibilities such as speaking engagements and events. It really wasn’t easy to find consistent moments to focus on my project.

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

A3. Many authors influenced me in my writing, but to name the main ones I can say that C S Lewis and his excellent books and, of course, the Holy Bible, as well as several scientists such as John Carson Lennox.

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

A4. I love the cities of Santa Catarina for various reasons: beaches, sunshine, lots of nature.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘How to maintain stable and lasting relationships’?

A5. I sought to create an informative, inspiring and practical book. So, my inspirations went beyond personal experiences, and observation of everyday life and surroundings, I focused a lot on research and academic studies to understand how to build a solid foundation of fundamental principles that support healthy relationships, seeking empirical evidence and practical strategies to maintain stability in relationships and also in success stories that worked for many people.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘How to maintain stable and lasting relationships’?

A6. Between writing and revising it took about 12 months.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Amazon

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘How to maintain stable and lasting relationships’?

A8. As the book is part of a series, the first concern was to have a connection with the first book.

I thought about adding people in deep connection and seeking to convey a feeling of peace around them.

As for the title, before I even started the book I already knew that I wanted the title to represent the essence of the book’s content.

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

A9. Each author has their way, but I always tried to take notes, and always reread the text so that things were fresh in my mind.

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

A10. The advice that I consider most valuable was that we should love what we do and always be practicing, this way we can overcome any creative block, or desire to give up on the project.

Buy How to maintain stable and lasting relationships on Amazon

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Interview with author Kathleen Welton

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

A1. I advocate for beaches, birds, and wildlife and write picture books and screenplays. I began my book publishing career as a college textbook sales rep. Since then, I have served as senior editor for Dow Jones-Irwin, publisher for Dearborn Trade, vice president and publisher for IDG Books, director for H&R Block, and director of book publishing for the American Bar Association. As publisher of aka Associates, I collaborate with authors and organizations on book and writing projects. After serving as a book publishing professional for many years, I am excited to begin the next chapter of my career as a writer. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with amazing editors and illustrators on the publication and debut of my first picture books. When I am not writing, I enjoy meditating, reading, and exploring the Lake Michigan shoreline.

  1. What is your inspiration behind your book “The Magic Sea Turtle”?

A2. I love sea turtles. I got more involved with them when I first “adopted” a sea turtle nest from Outer Banks Forever. Sea turtles are an endangered species and their habitats are threatened. I wanted to write a book that celebrates the majesty of these creatures and hopefully helps support them. A portion of the revenue from the sales of “The Magic Sea Turtle” go to SEE Turtles to help protect sea turtle habitats around the world.

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

A3. It wasn’t until a few years that I truly believed in my own ability to be a writer of my own work. In addition to the support and encouragement that I received in my writing classes at UCLA Extension, a friend of mine kept asking to read my stories and then suggested that I write books for kids. So…I reached out to a couple of picture book publishers and while some rejected me outright there were two who loved my ideas and gave me the opportunity to move forward. I was fortunate to find great editors and publishing pros to project manage the entire publishing process including choosing illustrators and providing wonderful ideas throughout every step of the way. While it was a long time coming for me to be a writer, I finally feel like I have found my true purpose!

  1. Please tell us something about your book “The Magic Sea Turtle”?

A4. In The Magic Sea Turtle young Myrtle, who, like so many youngsters, dreams of being a queen in her world, tumbles into the sea, and is rescued via a magic carpet to their friends in the ocean. There, she meets dolphins, swordfish, an otter, flying fish, swans, and a magic sea turtle. Myrtle feels so welcome and at home in the sea that she decides she would like to stay and play. Myrtle learns that sometimes you can find an even better place than you first imagined and that everything is possible if we believe in ourselves.

  1. For which age group is your book “The Magic Sea Turtle” suitable for?

A5. My publisher, Bookfox Press has chosen the age range of 4-9. I wrote it for anyone who wants their wishes and dream to come true.

  1. What is your favorite Quote?

A6. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

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

A7 The beauty of the USA is amazing. I was lucky to grow up near the beaches in Southern California. I love beaches, birds, and wildlife and support organizations that have a passion for sustainability and work to keep “America the Beautiful” the best it can be for today and for future generations.

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

A8. Start early. One of my first memories is reading books. My mother gave me a copy of “A Friend is Someone Who Likes You” by Joan Walsh Anglund. That book is still one of my favorites and inspired my love of books at a very early age. I have a picture of myself as a young child holding a book upside down in the back of the family station wagon while I slept. So having a book in a child’s hands has always been vitally important to me.

  1. What does literary success look like to you?

A9. Literary success to me is enjoying the journey. I love to learn new things and the world of picture books is a big world filled with wonderful people. I am happy to be a part of everything. My dream is to have a feature film made based on one of my books one day,

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

A10. Women writers including Eleanor Roosevelt. Emily Dickinson. Joan Walsh Anglund, Mary Oliver, and Kay Ryan. All these writers worked diligently at their creative craft. Eleanor Roosevelt was dedicated to writing 500 words a day at times in her life. Joan Walsh Anglund wrote and illustrated her books in her kitchen while she cared for her children. The poet including Mary Oliver, Kay Ryan, and Emily Dickinson were also dedicated to their craft for many years as well as the joy of sharing the wonder of words and wisdom.

Buy The Magic Sea Turtle on Amazon

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Interview with author M Thomas Apple

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

A1. My name is M Thomas Apple. I’m originally from Troy, New York, but my family moved around a lot when I was a kid. We ended up in a small village in the Adirondack Mountains, and I still have a strong love of forests and mountains, hiking and camping, everything Nature. After college, I also moved around a lot, trying to find my way (Michigan, Indiana, Massachusetts…). I ended up teaching English in Japan, where I fell in love and started a family and living, you guessed it, in the mountains.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Bringer of Light”?

A2. Trying to stay motivated despite a busy work schedule! I’m not a full time writer, but a full time teacher. Also, the original story idea and concepts came from a friend whose background was much more science-oriented than mine. So I had to do a lot of research to make sure things made sense.

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

A3. I’ve read most of the work by the “Big Three” of science fiction (Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Robert Heinlein), but Ray Bradbury’s Martian Chronicles and Frank Herbert’s Dune are probably the most influential.

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

A4. I love taking my family to visit Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, in Pottersville, New York. It’s a massive natural cavern with a walking trail along a small creek with loads of outdoor activities for kids. And the handmade ice cream store nearby is the proverbial icing on the cake!

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Bringer of Light’?

A5. An old friend of mine and I came up with the idea after reading about the possibilities of mining asteroids for rare and valuable metals. But we wondered what would happen to the people who actually went looking for the asteroids, how others would react to changes to the way they viewed the universe and their place in it. And naturally how this would affect the politics that inevitably wind up tangled together with space exploration and settlement.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Bringer of Light’?

A6. From start to finish, nearly ten years! It was slow going in the beginning, since it was originally a joint project, and when my friend gave me everything, I needed to start over to make the characters my own.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Nearly everywhere! It’s of course on Amazon, in paperback/hardcover and Kindle, and the ePub is available through multiple online platforms such as Smashwords and the Apple Store. Just visit Books2Read.com (https://books2read.com/b/bp1yqE)

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Bringer of Light’?

A8. I went through many iterations of the book cover — most of them way too complicated — before settling on a simple photo of Mars, which, after all, is where most of the characters end up and whose water needs to drive the plot. The book title is a reference to the Greek god Apollo, who brings both light and pestilence. However, many other mythologies feature a light bringer and thus the title draws together beliefs from multiple cultures.

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

A9. I read constantly — especially things of a mythical, mystical, and scientific nature. Keeping up to date with NASA, ESA, JAXA etc discoveries means I can make sure my writing stays as accurate as possible, and maintaining a mystical connection to nature means (I hope) I can continue to maintain a sense of wonder in my writing.

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

A10. “Just do it.” At some point, more outline or plotting or character backgrounds just keeps you from doing what is necessary — just write, and let the words flow.

Book is available on Amazon

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Interview with author Portia Y. Clare

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

A1. My name is Portia Y. Clare. I am a left-handed only child who loves spending time with family, bowling, singing, and writing children’s books. I am the author of three children’s books – Best Friends Forever: A Puppy’s Tale, His Name is My Daddy, and Life is More Than This Covington Pond. I am a citizen of the United States and The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I am grateful to be in my 32nd year of teaching. Simply put, I teach because I love children. I believe that I was born to teach.

  1. What is your inspiration behind your book “Life is More Than This Covington Pond”?

A2. My inspiration for writing Life is More Than This Covington Pond is two-fold. First, this story is inspired by true events in the life of My Mommy, Jane Ann Easterling Clare. It is her story. Second, it is a story that inspires children and adults to dream big, to see beyond their immediate surroundings, and to imagine the endless possibilities that are available to them and through them.

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

A3. I realized at a young age that I enjoyed creative writing. My writing journey began in second grade when I wrote a story about my visit to The Statue of Liberty. The story won first prize in a writing contest, which made creative writing even more special, and helped to spark my genuine interest in becoming an author!

  1. Please tell us something about your book “Life is More Than This Covington Pond”?

A4. Life is More Than This Covington Pond by Portia Y. Clare is a heart-warming story about a little girl named Nann who wonders and dreams with her eyes wide open, always imagining the possibilities. It is a story that sparks the imagination and motivates readers to dream big and believe that their dreams really can come true!

  1. For which age group is your book “Life is More Than This Covington Pond” suitable for?

A5. I believe that Life is More Than This Covington Pond by Portia Y. Clare is suitable for children between the ages of six and ten. It is also truly inspirational for those who are children at heart!

  1. What is your favorite Quote?

A6. My favorite quote is, “Choices are long-lasting and life-changing!”
– Episcopal Pastor John A. Cherry

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

A7. What I like most about our country is that it is a melting pot of many cultures that come together to enhance and create a beautiful tapestry known around the world as the United States of America.

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

A8. My suggestion to parents is to begin to form the habit of reading in your children while they are in the womb. Reading encourages thinking, and everything begins with a thought. Make the habit of reading a family tradition that opens your children’s minds and that nurtures their abilities to dream and imagine and explore the wonder of it all!

  1. What does literary success look like to you?

A9. Literary success looks like a child at play who becomes the main character of a story that was read or heard, and is now acting the part and expanding on that part in his or her dreams and imagination! It is a story that becomes a part of that child and that is requested and selected and recommended over and over again by that child.

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

A10. My inspiration for life and for beginning to write children’s books was My Daddy, Mr. Randolph George Clare, Jr. I clearly remember the afternoon when My Daddy asked, “Scoop, how is your writing coming along? I know that you said you want to write children’s books. Have you begun to write anything yet?” I told him that I had several ideas and stories in my head, but that I had not put them on paper yet. He responded, “Scoop, do it NOW. NOW is the acceptable time. TODAY is the day of salvation. You have so much on the inside of you that will help children to grow, develop, and learn. Begin to share that gift with them NOW.”
So, with My Daddy’s admonition, I began to write children’s books. My Daddy went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 14, 2020. My heart’s desire remains to honor My Daddy and My Mommy through my writing, through my teaching, and through my character.

Buy Life is More Than This Covington Pond on Amazon

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Interview with author Robin L.R. Kellogg

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

A1. Hi everyone. I’m Robin Kellogg. I’m an author, business owner, copywriter, and course instructor residing in Los Angeles, CA. It All Began with a Goodbye is my third book but my first novel. In 2014, I published A Life Put on Hold: My Son’s Journey with a Brain Injury and the Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way. Two years later, in 2016, I published an ebook, 12 Steps to Better Business Communications, which I updated in 2021. My most recent endeavor, It All Began with a Goodbye, is my first attempt at fiction.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “It All Began with a Goodbye”?

A2. The book is set in 1930s and 1940s America, so I had to be sure that all the technology, language, and behaviors reflected that era and that section of the USA. The country was on a roller coaster, first experiencing the Great Depression and then entering World War II. Against this backdrop, Sarah, born a year before the stock market crash in 1929, straddles two worlds: that of her immigrant family and being a young woman in the U.S. I thought about this book for several years before I wrote it, trying to figure out how I would weave Sarah’s adventures with a subplot that enhanced the story and somehow connected with her profession as a bookkeeper.

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

A3. There’s not one author or book that I can reference. The books I love to read are written by authors like Margaret Atwood, Toni Morrison, Charmaine Wilkerson, James Clavell, Viet Thanh Nguyen and so many others.

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

A4. I love the East Coast. I grew up in New Jersey, and the change of seasons is spectacular, especially during the fall. The tree leaves are a palette of colors—shades of burgundy, amber, and rose. I also enjoy visiting New Jersey because I miss having easy access to New York City and all that it has to offer.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘It All Began with a Goodbye’?

A5. My mother passed away in 2005. She had always talked about growing up in that era, which made me feel a connection to it. When I started writing the story, I tried to modernize the storyline, but it still felt like the characters were part of another era. So, I started over and wrote it for that period.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘It All Began with a Goodbye’?

A6. It took about four and a half years. I did a lot of research on that era in my country’s history and was focused on creating three-dimensional characters that resonated with my potential readers.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. A Life Put on Hold (pen name Evie Rosen) and 12 Steps to Better Business Communications are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It All Began with a Goodbye can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Reader House, and iTunes.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘It All Began with a Goodbye’?

A8. I struggled with the title for this book. Finally, one day I started writing down the themes in the book and one was that Sarah kept losing significant people in her life. Her mother died, her brother went off to war and her younger brother was taken from the family for two years. So that’s when It All Began with a Goodbye seemed like the perfect title for this book. Since the story is set in a specific era of U.S. history, I needed the cover to reflect it. The kitchen was the hearth of the home. It’s where all the action happened. Additionally, one of the themes in the book is making or having a cup of tea. It seemed natural to have two teacups set on a kitchen table. There is also a pile of mail on the table, reflecting how hand-written correspondence was a huge part of everyone’s life. And finally, I wanted a sepia tone in the image so that it looked old. I sent pictures and suggestions to the graphic designers at Newman Springs Publishing, and they produced the cover. I’m pleased with how it turned out and I believe that it helps transport the reader back in time.

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

A9. I read it aloud to myself over, and over again, and then pass it along to members of my writing group to get their feedback. When writing this book, I wanted to set each chapter up so the reader would be left guessing what would happen next.

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

A10. Read, read, read. Writers, at least decent writers, are also readers. Reading others’ works not only gives you a sense of how to develop your own style but also opens you to other storylines and writing approaches.

Buy book on Amazon

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