Category: Author Interview

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Interview with author Seth Voorhees

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

A1. I’m a dark fiction author who lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The hills are a great place to draw inspiration. When I’m not writing, I’m either reading, shore fishing, hiking around the hills, walking in the park with my family, or entertaining our family rabbit, Snowball. I’m employed at a non-profit as an evidence-based curriculum educator and trainer, serving youth ages 10-19 who are homeless, living in residential settings, in schools, or in foster care. My work requires travel both in and out of state, taking me all over to meet fun and exciting people. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Psychology from Black Hills State University.

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

A2. Set in the 1940s, right around the time of Pearl Harbor, I wanted to ensure its authenticity and realism. I wanted to ensure that I got the feel right, including the cars, the clothing, and the speech.

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

A3. That list is long because many have inspired me over the years. When it comes to books, there are I Am Legend, The Goosebumps Series, The Shining, and Hatchet. Past authors include R.L. Stine and Stephen King. But lately it has been Jennier McMahon, Darcy Coates, and Catrina Ward.

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

A4. Out of state, my favorite place has been San Francisco. I explored Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fort Point. The ocean is always mesmerizing, and I walked along the boardwalk. In state, my favorite place is Lake Pactola, a wonderful spot to get attuned to nature. I’m a spiritual person, and nature is a big part of how I recharge. It is also my favorite fishing hole.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Mid-Glow’?

A5. I never have a complete picture when I start a project. One idea and scene build on the other. Originally, I wanted to write about the Depression era and my own version of Bonnie and Clyde. But I’m not a plotter, as I said, and eventually the book took on a mind of its own, with one path building on another, and so forth, eventually leading to the finished product.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Mid-Glow’?

A6. With all of the drafts and revisions, it took about a year to get it to a point where it could be published.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Readers can buy my books on any online platform. The two I recommend are Amazon and Barnes & Noble. They can also go into any bookstore and order my books. I encourage them to support their local and smaller bookstores and to encourage those stores to carry my books.

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

A8. I have a friend who is artistic and has more skills than I do, and I had them produce the cover.

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

A9. For me, writing is free-flowing, and the ideas that are good stick with me and can be built on. Usually, the “what comes next” thought occurs during those in-between writing sessions when I’m busy with my other life responsibilities. If it doesn’t happen, the story wasn’t going anywhere, and it gets tossed.

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

A10. Do it for joy and be yourself. Don’t worry about comparing yourself to other authors. Comparison is the biggest thief of joy and can take away your desire to create.

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Interview with author Trevor W. Harrison

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

A1. I’m a Canadian living in the western province of Alberta. I had a long and successful career as an academic, a political sociologist, until retiring in 2023. Earlier in life I dabbled in writing poetry and short fictional stories, and also kept diary notes of my many travels. After retiring, I returned to these interests and have since published a memoir and two poetry books. An academic book dealing with my journey across the Hippie Trail in the 1970s will shortly also be published.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “War and Other Inconveniences”?

A2. The key challenge was to balance outrage about current events and language that could be accessible and immediate to the reader so that they could feel the passion but not sense they were reading a mere rant or a newspaper headline.

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

A3. W. H. Auden is a key influence. He was able in his poetry to use common words and phrases while writing in a directly political manner. But there are other poets, notably e. e. Cummings.

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

A4. I grew up on the prairies and am drawn to the small towns and open spaces. But one of my favourite cities is Halifax precisely because, being landlocked as a youth, I am also drawn to seas and oceans, and ships.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘War and Other Inconveniences’?

A5. Anger. Anger and frustration with how, as human beings, we are destroying each other and the planet.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘War and Other Inconveniences’?

A6. Most of the poems were written over about two years. I am an inveterate editor of my own work so that some poems required reflection and working throughout until I felt I had gotten them right.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. The book is available on Amazon or through Friesen Press, or can be bought directly from me.

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

A8. I had an idea of the cover I wanted used. I worked with the editor at Friesen Press to arrive at a cover that incapsulated the books range of ideas.

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

A9. I keep myself busy reading a variety of books, academic and non-academic, as well as newspapers and articles, both in paper and online. I also engage in activities that allow my brain to float free to think – exercising, walking, travelling, listening to music.

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

A10. Write large, then edit. The secret of good writing is editing. This especially true of poetry. Ezra Pound said that poetry should be “hard as stone and white as bone” – that is, concise and clear. Good advice for all writing, but especially poetry.

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Interview with author Maria Jane

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

A1. Hi, I’m Maria Jane, award-winning and best-selling author of the Perfect romance series. This series follows a group of college friends as they graduate and launch their adult lives in search of their happily-ever-afters. I’ve been writing for almost twenty years and publishing for over ten.

Q2. In your view, what distinguishes a writer from an author?

A2. I distinguish an author as someone with a published work and a writer as someone who writes for their own enjoyment. 

Q3. Which part of your book “Perfect Secrets” proved to be the most challenging to write, and why?

A3. The most challenging part of Perfect Secrets was the “how they got back together” script. As the name suggests, the characters discover many hidden secrets. I worried that the fissure created would be too much of a hurdle for the characters to realistically overcome. But so far, reviews seem to suggest I hit the mark with the happily-ever-after.

Q4. How do you typically celebrate once you’ve completed a book?

A4. Book writing is an adrenaline rush for me. So, after I finish a book, I’m usually pumped to start brainstorming the next one.

Q5. How do you leverage social media to connect with your audience as an author?

A5. I love connecting with readers. This is my favorite aspect of writing. Most of my readers connect with me via my newsletter. I create additional groups for ARC and BETA readers.

Q6. On average, how many hours a day do you dedicate to writing?

A6. My goal is an hour every day. Writing every day helps my writing move along easily as I’m in tune with the characters and their next moves.

Q7. What kinds of books did you enjoy reading during your childhood?

A7. The first series I remember loving is Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz by Frank L. Baum. I was that kid who didn’t like to follow fads, so when everyone else was reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, I resisted.

Q8. Is there an author within your genre whom you particularly admire?

A8. I love all of Abby Jimenez’s romances. For me she strikes the perfect balance between poignant and fun.

Q9. How has the experience of writing and publishing a book “Perfect Secrets” influenced your perception of yourself?

A9. My romances seem to be getting darker for lack of a better term. Maybe darker isn’t quite the right descriptor, maybe dramatic is fits better. This has me wondering why, is there some instinctual draw towards darker subjects?

Q10. If you had to describe yourself using just three words, which would you choose?

A10. The three words I would use to describe myself are driven, obsessed, and dedicated.

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Interview with John Goodwin

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

A1. JOHN GOODWIN BIO:

John Goodwin, President Galaxy Press, has been involved with book publishing since 1986, initially publishing all the works of bestselling author L. Ron Hubbard, and from 2002 focusing on his fiction works which includes the internationally acclaimed Writers of the Future anthology, now completing its 42nd year. He is host to the globally syndicated Writers and Illustrators of the Future Podcast, now in its seventh year. He has been a board member of both the Audio Publishers Assn and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

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

A2. I am the publisher of Writers of the Future and host of the Writers & Illustrators of the Future Podcast and my strength is in continuing the legacy as first announced by L. Ron Hubbard in the opening essay in volume one, “A culture is as rich and as capable of surviving as it has imaginative artists….It is with this in mind that I initiated a means for new and budding writers to have a chance for their creative efforts to be seen and acknowledged.”

Q3 What is your favorite part from your book ‘Writers of the Future Volume 42’?

A3. As the publisher, it is meeting the writer and illustrator winners and hearing their story on how they created their story/art, and what it means to have won this competition. I have a better feel for the significance when I look at the art and read/listen to the story.

Q4 How do you handle literary criticism?

A4. I accept and appreciate honest criticism. Of course I prefer praise for the books. But if someone doesn’t like one of the stories, then  as long as they are not hateful about it, I accept  that they do not like that story or type of story.

Q5 What do you like about audiobooks?

A5. They provide a different dimension to reading a story. I usually have a print book, at least 2 eBooks, and an audiobook going at any given time. With my podcast, I read a book a week usually. The audiobook is strictly pleasure as I read much faster than listen.

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

A6. I feel good when I can help other writers and artists achieve their dreams.

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

A7. For fiction writing, story is king. A reader will forgive a lot of writerly sins if it is an excellent story.
If it is an excellent story and it is also well-written, then that is all the better. If you are going to present known technology in your story, make certain you are accurate.

And lastly, if you think you can simply put it out there and they will come, you are sadly mistaken. There were over 5M books published in 2025 and discoverability has become your second biggest challenge following having written a good book.

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

A8. I am a book publisher and I only work half days – meaning 12 hours/day. 😉

Q9 What is the significance of the title ‘Writers of the Future Volume 42’?

A9. It is the 42nd year of publishing winners of the international Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests. This year we surpassed the 1,000 writers and illustrators published in the series. We have had winners from 52 countries, entries from over 175, and thousands of entries each quarter. The podcast has over 4M listens per episode. The forum has been #1 the past 3 years in science fiction writers.

The Contest was founded and endowed by L. Ron Hubbard. So there is no entry fee, no age, ethnic, nationality, or any other requirement other than you can’t be a pro (defined on the website www.writersofthefuture.com) and it is judged blind by several of the biggest names in science fiction and fantasy writing and illustration. All the judges ever see (until the book is published) is the story/illustrations and a number assigned to it.

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

A10. A fireman or cowboy, then when a bit older I wanted to be a city engineer. But then I found that helping people was the most fulfilling so have been doing that for most of my life.

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Interview with author Maria Gallucci

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

A1. My name is Maria Gallucci, and I’m a Colorado REALTOR®, author, and advocate. I’ve spent more than 30 years helping people buy and sell homes, but my story started long before real estate. I grew up as the hearing daughter of Deaf parents, and that experience shaped who I am. It taught me about communication, empathy, and seeing the world from a different perspective. Those life lessons became the foundation for my book, Raised in Silence, and they’re something I carry into everything I do.

Q2. In your view, what distinguishes a writer from an author?

A2. I think a writer writes because they have something they want to say. An author takes that idea all the way to the finish line and shares it with the world. Writing the book is only part of the journey. Publishing it, putting yourself out there, and connecting with readers is what makes you an author.

Q3. Which part of your book “Raised in Silence” proved to be the most challenging to write, and why?

A3. The hardest part was writing about my family. Those memories are very personal, and I wanted to honor them while also being honest about my own experiences. Reliving some of those moments brought back a lot of emotions, but I knew they were important to tell because they’re what shaped me into the person I am today.

Q4. How do you typically celebrate once you’ve completed a book?

A4. Honestly, I don’t think it really hit me at first. It was more relief than celebration because writing a book is a huge project. Once I finally held it in my hands, I took a moment to appreciate how far I’d come. Then it was right back to work sharing it with readers.

Q5. How do you leverage social media to connect with your audience as an author?

A5. I try to keep it real. I share stories, behind-the-scenes moments, reader feedback, and pieces of my everyday life. I want people to get to know me, not just my book. Social media has been a wonderful way to connect with readers and hear how Raised in Silence has impacted them.

Q6. On average, how many hours a day do you dedicate to writing?

A6. It really depends. While I was writing Raised in Silence, I’d spend several hours at a time working on it whenever I could fit it into my schedule. Since I’m also a full-time REALTOR®, I had to write around my business. Some days it was a few hours, and other days I was simply jotting down ideas or memories so I wouldn’t lose them.

Q7. What kinds of books did you enjoy reading during your childhood?

A7. I’ve always loved a good mystery or suspense novel, and honestly, I still do. There’s something about trying to figure out what happens next that keeps me hooked. Even now, if I have time to pick up a book just for fun, chances are it’ll be a mystery or suspense story.

Q8. Is there an author within your genre whom you particularly admire?

A8. There are so many authors who tell meaningful personal stories, but what I admire most isn’t a specific person. It’s anyone who’s willing to be vulnerable enough to share their truth. Those are the books that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading them.

Q9. How has the experience of writing and publishing Raised in Silence influenced your perception of yourself?

A9. It gave me confidence in a way I didn’t expect. For years, people encouraged me to write my story, and I always thought, “Maybe someday.” Finishing the book showed me that I could do something that felt overwhelming. It also reminded me that our stories have value, even when we don’t realize it. Hearing from readers who say the book opened their eyes to the Deaf community has been incredibly rewarding.

Q10. If you had to describe yourself using just three words, which would you choose?

A10. Compassionate. Determined. Genuine.

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Interview with author Mandy Eve-Barnett

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

A1. Hi, my name is Mandy Eve-Barnett and I am an expat from England living in Alberta, Canada. I came to the art of writing later in life and since then have embraced it with passion, some would say fanatically but hey. I write fiction as a way to get a multitude of stories out of my head, as well as write non-fiction in a variety of ways as a freelance writer. I love the natural world and spend as much time as I can in embracing the gloriousness of our world, whether walking in a local park, road tripping, or vacations throughout England or Canada and beyond. To date I have eleven books published and one more launching this September. I am a fierce writing community advocate and love helping new writers find their niche and style.

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

A2. As a new comer to the world of rodeos, ranches and especially barrel racing, I wanted to ensure I reflected the life correctly. I was lucky to connect with a champion barrel racer, who was kind enough to give me specific details on all the aspects of the story in relation to how Madison lived and reviewed the passages regarding the quarter horse, ranch and rodeo life and circuit. Without her help the narrative would not have been as authentic. Researching any story leads to gaining an abundance of knowledge and this story gave me a deeper understanding of how many Albertans live.

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

A3. This is a tricky question as I write in multi genres and age groups, so my reading is as eclectic. My number one is Stephen King, he is the ultimate storyteller, but I also love Kate Morton, M.J. Arlidge and Felix de Palma to name a few. Apart from the famous, I also enjoy books written by authors I have come to know personally within my extended writing community. It is the diversity of style and imagination that is so captivating. In addition I am extremely lucky to have a wonderful local writing group who give constructive critique, support and encouragement. Without the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County, I don’t think I would have written so much, or indeed been published.

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

A4. Well, there’s a question as I have ‘two’ homelands the list would be exceptionally long. I love the ancient sites and historical estates of England and visited many while I lived there. A couple stand out (well as I write, it may change) York Minster Cathedral, stayed in an old coach house above the entry arch in a huge four poster bed with a feather mattress. The room overlooked the cathedral which was lit up at night. And the Royal Albert Hall in London, where I experienced a superb evening concert of Beethoven. The domed building is striking and magnificent. As for Alberta, I have enjoyed numerous road trips from west to east, north to south and have discovered wonderful places, such as Spirit Island, the town of Jasper and Pyramid Lake in the Jasper National Park. Also the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, which has an incredible museum of Blackfoot culture and Elk Island Park, where bison roam free. For me anywhere there is water: a lake, a river, or a waterfall, I am happy, as Alberta is landlocked I miss the ocean a lot.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Willow Tree Tears’?

A5. On one of my road trips we came across an enormous ranch, the Bar U Ranch, which is the largest in the province. As we drove alongside the miles of land I spied a couple of cowboys. Now, as an English person the only cowboys I had seen up to that point were on the TV. So I was thrilled to be able to see ‘real’ cowboys looking after the cattle. In addition, when I experienced my first rodeo it added another layer to my story idea and the characters germinated from there. I wanted a character to struggle between her traditional ranch life and a nonconformist exotic one. I suppose it echoes the huge differences I experienced coming to live in Canada from England. The countries are so different.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Willow Tree Tears’?

A6. I actually began writing it as a National Novel Writing Month project back on 2013. Yes, that long ago. I wrote the qualifying 50K words for the challenge, but then I made multiple revisions for a few months until new ‘shiny’ stories caught and demanded my attention. I would return to it periodically during the subsequent years and refine the story, the characters and the plot. That is until I thought it really needed to be out in the world. So in 2025 it was published. I think it is better for the extension, as my craft improved year upon year.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. They are all available as print or e-books across all the online purchase sites, including Kindle, Amazon, Kobo, Smashwords, and more.

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

A8. The cover was actually an idea of mine to have willow trees present and the horse ranch in the background, with the three main characters positioned, however the publisher refined it somewhat and then commissioned the image as you see it today. The title was due to my wanting the weeping willow to reflect Madison’s previous heartache and her indecision and emotional struggle when faced with a choice, but also as a hint at the name of her family ranch.

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

A9. I enjoy creating unexpected twists in my stories, so the reader cannot guess the outcome, or the journey toward it. Although, I write in many genres I do not want my narratives to be too generic to that specific genre, so modify them. My characters are always steering me in directions that are not only surprising but fun. When I begin writing I write to the story rather than the genre, or age group, that becomes evident as the narrative develops.

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

A10. To write authentically, and ensure the story is yours alone. Each story is unique to you even if it is in a popular genre. Your life experiences and imagination make it special. You write like no one else.

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Interview with author Nzondi

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

A1. I’m Nzondi, the first African American to win a Bram Stoker in the novel category for my book Oware Mosaic, and I write stories about young people trying to survive the things that should have broken them. My novels may contain horror, mystery, science fiction, or the supernatural, but those elements are really vehicles for exploring trauma, resilience, grief, identity, and survival. As an educator, I’ve spent years working with teenagers and empathizing with their stories of pain, loss and dysfunction.

When you read my latest novel, DeathCon: A Zombie Story, you may pick up that I love writing with a female character as my protagonist. It’s because I’ve also watched many of the women in my life carry heavy burdens that were often invisible to everyone else and that deeply inspires my writing. So many of the women in my life had mental health issues that they fought through every day to raise their children properly or still perform well at their jobs, or just to survive life, in general.

Those experiences of seeing people face their struggles and live with trauma, shaped me as a writer. The monsters are symbolic of the emotional struggles I face, and my friends and family face, every day but fictionalized with vampires and zombies and the supernatural.

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

A2. My strength, my superpower, as an author is empathy. I write characters whose pain feels authentic because much of it comes from real-life people I’ve known and cared about. Readers may come to my books for the mystery, suspense, or horror, but I think they stay because they recognize something relatable in the characters, that pain, that grief and struggle of every day life. I’m interested in what happens after the worst thing imaginable occurs. How do people keep going? How do they get out of their own way? How do they find meaning in loss? How does someone who is young and immature handle great power? They’re bound to make terrible mistakes. Are they the kind of mistakes that are redeemable? Those are the questions that drive nearly everything I write.

Q3 What is your favorite part from your poem ‘The Devil’s Blood’?

A3. My favorite part of the poem is when Nurse Gnat asks, “Does she not know who she is?” Up until that moment, readers believe they’re following a curious mosquito searching for answers about the devil. Then the story reveals that the seeker and the subject of the search may be one and the same. I enjoy that moment because the poem suddenly becomes larger than a discussion about good and evil. It becomes a story about identity, memory, self-discovery, and the possibility that we spend our lives searching for truths that already exist within us. As a writer, those are themes that continually fascinate me.

The other passage that I hope resonates with readers is:

“What’s fed, grows.”

Because that line quietly becomes the theme of my entire fable.

Not just evil. Not just goodness. Whatever we feed grows.

Fear.

Faith.

Hatred.

Compassion.

Curiosity.

It’s one of those lines that keeps echoing after the story ends.

Q4 How do you handle literary criticism?

A4. I don’t lose sleep over it. Letting something like that weigh me down could affect my energy. It’s okay to have grief, or anger, or pain when I write. Some of the best works came from heartbreak. I just don’t want someone’s opinion to make me not want to write. I have to protect my muse at all costs.

Q5 What do you like about audiobooks?

A5. They’re awesome, aren’t they? Audio books give many people who don’t have the time to read, the opportunity to be exposed to many horror authors and their works.

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

A6. I thought teaching eighth grade English was challenging, and believe me, it was, but writing a novel, one that gets traditionally published is a hundred times more challenging. It took me writing a million words, and reading 50 novels in my genre(s) to innately get a grip on writing compelling stories.

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

A7. I just spoke about this in a panel I spoke on at StokerCon in Pittsburgh.

There are many elements to writing a good story. Sometimes, as a writer we get caught up in mechanics but there are stories out there that I personally, couldn’t get past page ten because the writing was so bad but you know what? The readers didn’t care as much about writing mechanics as they did about the story. If they could relate to the characters, their situations and the plot, they fell in love with the story. That showed me that writing a good novel is more than just learning mechanics. That very same story that I couldn’t read, sold millions of copies, and was adapted to a string of films. It had many of my friends in a frenzy to read cover-to-cover, fiending for more.

That tells me, writing a good story, as obvious as it sounds is the basic element. How do we do that?

1. Have a compelling plot that strings each chapter along and has the type of conflicts that play tug-o-war with the reader’s emotions.
2. Develop characters that are relatable.
3. Create an obstacle from the protagonist’s inner demons or past, he or she must overcome to reach a personal goal in the story.
4. Create an impossible conflict for the character to face that delivers pain and turmoil
5. Develop a strong narration

And there are other elements that make a good story but the bottom line is that it all depends on which genre one is writing in and what their goal is in telling the story. Whatever it is, make it compelling and relatable to readers.

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

A8. If I’m not on set, I get up at 5:30 a.m., head to Starbucks and write for four-to-six hours. Hit the gym or go for a run for two hours, and then hit the library for a couple more hours of writing or reading.

Q9 What is the significance of the title ‘Only to Those Who Believe: The Devil’s Blood’?

A9. It’s just an ideology. I had a friend recently that said, “I can’t do that,” and I replied, “I’m going to respond to that in three words—I. Believe. You.”

I would then go on and explain to them most things happen in a person’s life based on belief. If you believe something, then in your reality, it’s probably true. If you believe you can’t do something, you’re probably right. If you believe you can, you’re probably right. If you believe you have bad luck, guess what? You probably do.

The title reflects that ideology. The Devil lives…only to those who believe.

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

A10. I wanted to be Evel Knievel. I wanted to be Muhammad Ali. I wanted to be the Six Million Dollar Man. I wanted to be Sammy Davis, Jr., and I wanted to be Rod Serling. I guess I’ve always been interested in science fiction, horror and storytelling.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://nzondiauthor.com/

Read DeathCon: https://books2read.com/deathcon

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nzondi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nzondiofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ace.antoniohall.1

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Interview with author Kalee Boisvert

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

A1. My name is Kalee Boisvert, and I am an author, financial educator, and mom of two. I love writing stories that help children feel seen, understood, and confident in who they are. Many of my books are inspired by real-life experiences and focus on themes like kindness, empathy, and self-acceptance.

2. What is the inspiration behind your book “Evie who Feels Everything”?

A2. The inspiration for Evie Who Feels Everything came from my own childhood. I was a very sensitive child and cried often. While the people around me meant well, I was often made to feel that being so emotional was a weakness or something I needed to outgrow. Over time, I started to believe there was something wrong with me.

As I grew older, I realized that my sensitivity wasn’t a flaw at all. It allowed me to care deeply, connect with others, and notice things that many people missed. Then, as a mom to two sensitive children of my own, I saw how important it is for children to feel accepted exactly as they are. I wrote Evie’s story to help children understand that feeling deeply is not something to be ashamed of, and that it can be one of their greatest gifts.

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

A3. I loved reading as a child, and even when I was young, I dreamed of one day writing a book of my own. But for a long time, I didn’t think I had the skills to be an author. I was nervous to try because I wanted everything to be perfect before I began.

Eventually, I gave myself permission to write without worrying about perfection. Once I did, the ideas flowed. I realized that stories don’t need to be perfect to make a difference. They just need to come from the heart. Taking that first imperfect step is what led me to become an author.

4. Please tell us something about your book “Evie who Feels Everything”.

A4. Evie Who Feels Everything is about a child who feels emotions very deeply. When she can’t hide her feelings at school, she feels embarrassed and different from everyone else. As the story unfolds, she learns that she is not alone. By accepting her sensitive nature, she creates a safe space for others to share their feelings too. It’s a story about self-acceptance, empathy, and belonging.

5. For which age group is your book “Evie who Feels Everything”?

A5. Evie Who Feels Everything is written for children ages 3 to 7. While young readers will connect with Evie’s journey, I believe the story can be just as meaningful for the parents and caregivers reading alongside them. Many adults grew up being told they were “too sensitive,” and Evie’s story offers a gentle reminder that sensitivity is not something to fix. It can open the door to meaningful conversations and even help heal parts of ourselves we may have learned to hide.

6. What is your favorite Quote?

A6. One of my favorite quotes is, “You are a very special person. There is only one like you in the whole world. There’s never been anyone exactly like you before, and there will never be again. Only you. And people can like you exactly as you are.” by Fred Rogers. I love this message because it reminds children and adults alike that they don’t need to change who they are to belong. They are worthy just as they are.

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

A7 What I love most about Canada is its natural beauty. From mountains and forests to lakes and oceans, there are so many places that inspire a sense of wonder. I also appreciate the kindness and diversity of the people who call Canada home. It’s a country where many different stories, backgrounds, and perspectives come together.

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

A8. My biggest suggestion is to make reading enjoyable, not a chore. Even a few minutes of reading together each day can make a big difference. Let children choose books that interest them, ask questions about the stories, and most importantly, make reading a time for connection.

9. What does literary success look like to you?

A9. Literary success, to me, is sharing the ideas and stories that come to me and knowing they have found the people who need them. I love writing across different genres and age groups because different messages reach people at different stages of life. If a story helps someone feel seen, understood, or a little less alone, I consider that a success.

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

A10. My children are my greatest inspiration. They remind me to slow down, have fun, and enjoy the little moments. Watching the world through their eyes helps me remember what really matters and inspires many of the stories I write.

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Interview with author Kim Lengling

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

A1. If you happen to spot someone walking through a field with a cup of coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other, there’s a good chance it’s me. I’m a author, podcast host, dog lover, nature walker, and someone who genuinely believes kindness still matters in this world.

I didn’t set out to become a writer. In many ways, writing found me through life experiences, conversations, heartbreak, hope, and the stories people carry with them every day. Over time, those stories turned into books, a podcast, and opportunities to connect with people from all walks of life.

I host a podcast called Let Fear Bounce, where I chat with guests who’ve faced hard things, found their footing again, and chose courage anyway. Around here, we call it “tossing nuggets of hope.” Some days those nuggets come through serious conversations, and other days they come from a sunrise walk, a good song on the radio, or something funny my rescue dog Dexter does.

I love real conversations. The kind where people can admit life gets messy, but still find reasons to laugh, keep going, and look for the good. I’m passionate about mental health, veterans, animals, kindness, and reminding people they’re not walking through life alone.

Most of my days are pretty simple and honestly, I like it that way. Coffee refills, long walks in nature, writing notes for future projects, recording podcast episodes, and finding inspiration in everyday moments. I think some of the best parts of life are the little things we rush past too quickly.

At the end of the day, I’m just someone trying to leave my small slice of the world a little better than I found it. If my words, books, podcast, or even one conversation can help someone feel seen, encouraged, or hopeful, then I’d say that’s a pretty good day.

Q2. In your view, what distinguishes a writer from an author?

A2. Those two words are often used interchangeably. I look at the difference between the two pretty simply. A writer is one who writes letters, journals, short stories, articles, and more. I look at an author as one who has been published. 

Q3. Which part of your book “Nuggets of Hope” proved to be the most challenging to write, and why?

A3.  I felt a responsibility to make the stories relatable and genuine and to do justice to a person’s moment in time. I didn’t want the book to sound preachy or unrealistic. Life is messy. We all struggle. We all have moments where we feel tired, discouraged, or uncertain. I wanted readers to feel like they were sitting down with a friend over coffee, having a real conversation about life, kindness, and the small moments that matter.

Ironically, some of the simplest stories were the hardest to write because they carried the most meaning. A smile from a stranger, a quiet conversation, a small gesture of compassion — those moments may seem small on the surface, but they leave a lasting mark on a heart. Capturing those moments in words was both challenging and rewarding.

Q4. How do you typically celebrate once you’ve completed a book?

A4. I don’t celebrate per se, but I do feel a sense of satisfaction, and then the real work begins. Editing, formatting, publishing and all that goes with it. 

Q5. How do you leverage social media to connect with your audience as an author?

A5. I do post on social platforms regularly, but to be honest, I don’t care to spend personal time on social media. It’s too easy to get sucked in to rabbit holes or doom-scrolling.  I use social media as a means to keep the word out about my books and what I’m up to, including my dog Dexter. 

Q6. On average, how many hours a day do you dedicate to writing?

A6. I don’t keep to a specific schedule. If I have an idea that pops up, I need to get to my laptop and get that idea down, or if I am out on a walk with my dog Dexter and inspiration hits, I’ll record my thoughts because I know I’ll forget that brilliant idea before I get home!  LOL 

So, short answer, I write when inspiration hits. I believe if I were to keep to a schedule, I would eventually feel stressed and I’d eventually not want to write.

Q7. What kinds of books did you enjoy reading during your childhood?

A7.  I have always been an avid reader, 2 – 3 books per week. As a child I remember loving the Nancy Drew series and the Little House on the Prairie series. As I got into my teen years, I remember reading Steven King, but also I think I read some Sweet Valley High books.

Q8. Is there an author within your genre whom you particularly admire?

A8. I typically write non-fiction, and funnily enough, I don’t read much non-fiction. When I do read, I read fiction for pleasure.

Q9. How has the experience of writing and publishing a book “Nuggets of Hope” influenced your perception of yourself?

A9. It was interesting while writing the book, which included some research and delving into my memory, how much I realized we as humans take for granted. It’s the little things that are often overlooked or the people you pass on the street or in a store, you don’t “see” them.

Writing Nuggets of Hope was a lesson to myself, or a reminder if you will, to keep my eyes and heart open to my small slice of the world and try to make it a better place, if even for a moment for one person.

Q10. If you had to describe yourself using just three words, which would you choose?

A10. Compassionate, resilient, hopeful.

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Interview with author Michael Stephen Daigle

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

I’m Michael Stephen Daigle. I grew up in the Northeast U.S.. I live in New Jersey, and have lived in Maine, Massachusetts, and New York. I don’t recall when I started writing, but it feels like I’ve been doing it forever. I wrote two books when I got out of college, one of which became part of the 6-book Frank Nagler Mystery  series. I’m a life-long Boston sports fan, and was at the game in 1975 when Tony Conigliaro hit his last-ever home run.

Q2. In your view, what distinguishes a writer from an author?

Semantics. Whatever you call yourself, the task of creating written works requires imagination, discipline, attention to detail, and hard work. I’m not a suffering artist type. I’ve  been doing this a long time and have written in many forms, including a long career as a journalist. To be productive, which can lead to success, requires the ability to stay on task and manage your time.

Q3. Which part of your book “Nagler’s Secret” proved to be the most challenging to write, and why?

Parts of the  story take place in different decades, so making sure all elements of the story and characters stay in order took planning. The challenge for any story, and for any mystery, is to make sure you get it right, the right pacing, the characters in the right place, saying the right things so the reader feels satisfied when they are done reading.

Q4. How do you typically celebrate once you’ve completed a book?

Actually, start the next one. Which is hot as hard as I seem,. Because, especially with the Nagler mysteries, one story flows into the other. The satisfaction of finishing one is knowing that you’ve given the readers a worthy reading experience.

Q5. How do you leverage social media to connect with your audience as an author?

That is all under review. After Facebook was hacked two years ago, I had to rebuild  the social network. I’m planning to explore Tik Tok and Substack and start over with other mediums. In the meantime I rely on my website, www.michaelstephendaigle.com.

Q6. On average, how many hours a day do you dedicate to writing?

Four to five, and more if I’m on a journalism deadline. It’s a job.

Q7. What kinds of books did you enjoy reading during your childhood?

Very young, I read sports books and newspapers daily, I later moved into historical fiction then literature.

Q8. Is there an author within your genre whom you particularly admire?

For mysteries, Walter Mosley, who writes exquisite fiction. For literature, Markus Zusak, whose stories border on magic. I’d add Kristin Barr, who writes ferociously and fearlessly about women.

Q9. How has the experience of writing and publishing a book “Nagler’s Secret” influenced your perception of yourself?

The writing of Nagler’s Secret was taking place while I was republishing the other five books in the series. There was a lot of learning going on.

Q10. How would you sum yourself up in just three words?

I’m a storyteller.

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