Category: Author Interview

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Interview with author Leith C MacArthur

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

A1. My name is Leith Campbell MacArthur. Leith is the name of a river in Scotland, and I’ve always been thankful to my mother for having had the courage to give me a unique moniker. I live in Greene, RI, on a beautiful piece of land surrounded by woods and water. I love animals, most particularly dogs. I’m of the belief that dogs were put on this planet to show us oft-confused humans the true nature of love and devotion. Speaking of love; I’ve been blessed by the most amazing woman I’ve ever known (beyond my mother, of course). After having spent five of my eight decades feeling lost, my wife Katira has gifted me with true love. I was lost, and now I am found.

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

A2. The most difficult aspect of writing my memoir “An Artificial Life” was telling the truth. I am a recovering addict. I abused drugs for nearly five decades, and telling the truth about the insane and sometimes terrible things I did while using drugs took a kind of courage I did not know I possessed.

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

A3. As a child, I was profoundly influenced by Robert Louis Stevenson. His stories of humanness, heartache, and triumph temporarily relieved me of my suffering. Because of Stevenson, I began writing short stories at the age of eleven. As a teenager, Dashiell Hammet, Ross Macdonald, and John D. Macdonald helped me to express, through writing, my anger about injustice. When I was older, Robert B. Parker helped me to round out my fictional protagonist, William Snow, for my series of suspense thrillers. Although my writing pales by comparison, I learned how to create vibrant scenes by reading every book ever written by James Lee Burke, Master Storyteller.

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

A4. The area around the White Mountains of New Hampshire contains some of my favorite places on earth. Before our family fell apart, my father took us on epic driving trips throughout New England. Whenever we were in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, I did not want to go home. I loved those mountains. As an adult, I went on to climb many of them.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Man On The Moon’?

A5. For three consecutive summers, I vacationed in Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia. Because Pleasant Bay is the most tranquil place I’ve ever been to (the population is about 100), I wondered what it would be like if I were to uncover some unspeakable horror buried in the town’s history. Out of that wondering came the fifth book in the William Snow series, “The Man on the Moon”.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘An Artificial Life’?

A6. Writing “An Artificial Life” was a grueling process. I began writing about the havoc I’d wreaked in my life (while dodging my own bullets and praying they wouldn’t kill anyone else) in the fall of 2012, which was when, at the age of sixty-six, I finally got clean. I finished “An Artificial Life” in May, 2026. Therefore, it took fourteen years to complete.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. My books can be purchased at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, or at my website LeithMacArthur.com

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

A8. Coming up with the cover design for “The Finding Man” was easy. All six books in The William Snow series have the exact same image on the covers. The only difference is the color. The image of the hand coming up out of the water on those six covers is the opposite of the hand coming down out of the sky on the cover of “An Artificial Life”. The common theme is, “getting a hand”.

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

A9. Keeping my writing fresh is easy. I write “the truth”, whether it be the actual truth in the story of my life, or the created “truth” of the stories in my head. Even though I have been blessed with an active imagination, I do my best to write stories that come across as possible.

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

A10. The most valuable piece of advice I’ve ever been given regarding writing is this: read, read, READ!

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Interview with author Bob Brill

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

A1. I’m a long-time author and radio veteran. I’ve been in radio broadcasting for 55 years mostly as a newscaster, reporter, journalist and formerly a disc jockey in my younger days. I’m a sports fan and got into radio to do sports back in 1972 and am a hopelessly devoted fan of my hometown teams from Pittsburgh. I love gaming but not video gaming and have written 17 books, produced a feature length documentary, several short films while writing 20 scripts and pilots. Yes I’m always busy.

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

A2. Experience, creativity and an endless stream of ideas and that I’m willing to do several things at the same time.

Q3 What is your favorite part from your book ‘Lancer: Hero of the West: The Virginia City Affair’?

A3. The fact Lancer is a good guy who rarely loses, his love for Turkish Delight and of course his running into someone who really was a famous person at the time in almost every book.

Q4 How do you handle literary criticism?

A4. Like most people, not well, but I get over it figuring this is MY story, not theirs.

Q5 What do you like about audiobooks?

A5. I’ve only done two. I’m not a fan. They are necessary. Some people use them while driving, others who are visually challenged buy them because they love books but are unable to read them.

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

A6. It’s brought about the realization that I really am a creative. I was always bothered by the wondering how I would face the challenges of being a writer but now I don’t fear it, I just tackle it.

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

A7. Certainly not spelling as I’m the worst. I was known as the worst speller at UPI when I worked there. Thank the Good Lord for spellcheck. Good writing means breaking barriers, sometimes forgetting about the norms and do what you feel makes your story better. Punctuation and all that other stuff will fall into place but while you will always get challenged by editors on your creativity, I believe their job lies mainly in the corrective process.

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

A8. I sit and write until my eyes go buggy or my wife says she needs some help with something. I write in the morning and the evening and in the afternoon and often just push through.

Q9 What is the significance of the title ‘Lancer: Hero of the West: The Virginia City Affair’?

A9. Each Lancer book is called an “Affair” meaning his challenges happen in a different city where he took the job. Prescott, AZ, Los Angeles, Broken Bow, New Orleans. Wherever he goes the Affair part follows. To be honest I stole (uh, borrowed) that from a great TV show in the 1960’s, which probably stole it from somewhere else. The Man From U.N.C.L.E, labelled each episode “the Affair” and I thought it was a good way to separate the Lancer stories.

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

A10. A Major League Baseball Player.

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Interview with author Dawne Marie Strub

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. What is your favorite Quote?

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

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

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

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

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

9. What does literary success look like to you?

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

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

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

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Interview with author James L Hill

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q4 How do you handle literary criticism?

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

Q5 What do you like about audiobooks?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Interview with author Ira White

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q4 How do you handle literary criticism?

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

Q5 What do you like about audiobooks?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I’ve always wanted to be a writer.

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Interview with author Ann Charles

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

We are Ann Charles and Sam Lucky, and we co-author the Deadwood Undertaker series. We have been working on projects together for over twenty-five years—from rebuilding houses to raising children to herding cats. It was only a matter of time before we started telling stories together.

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

It’s mostly about the storytelling. If we can improve that a little with every novel, that’s a good thing. To ice the cake, we’ve spent a lot of effort on polishing things that pull a reader away from the story, mainly, formatting and editing. Those things should be transparent, make the experience seamless, not get in the way.

Q3. What is your favorite part from your book ‘The Backside of Hades’?

The characters spend the entire time in a creepy settlement called Slagton. This book is pretty close to non-stop action the entire way through. Monsters die. Characters may or may not die. Knock down drag outs a plenty. It’s very actiony with not too many breathers to slow down the story. That’s fun. We learn more about the characters too, so that’s good.

Q4. How do you handle literary criticism?

Ha! It might sound flippant, but the quick answer would be, we don’t. At first, we thought it might make sense to read criticisms and reviews to gauge the reactions to the books, to see if the stories were hitting the way we wanted. Then, we pretty quickly realized that there are a lot of fun, good people who were enjoying what we do. Great! But, there are also those out there who seem to enjoy cutting authors down, and those reactions can sting a little. With a little experience, the skin gets tougher. In the end, we’ve decided to keep doing what we’re doing—bringing some fun and lightness, even if it’s just a little, to the readers who like our books. The rest? They can move on.

Q5. What do you like about audiobooks?

Oh boy! So many things. The voice talent makes a big difference, and Jason Culp is a humdinger. He’s nailed the characters in the Deadwood Undertaker Series in a way we doubt anyone else could. The connection is there now, when we read previous Undertaker books as a refresher or for particular phraseology or cadence. We hear his characterizations. We also hear them when we’re writing new scenes.

Narration really is a cool thing. It adds wonderful dimensions to every story and enables listeners to turn dead time into reading time. Driving, exercising, yardwork, and all those other times that require your eyes, become listening time. Is there anything better?

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

ANN here—I have a quote on my wall that an author friend once said, which pertains to this question: There’s nothing like authorhood to keep a person humble.

There are no truer words for me. There is no end point on this journey to create great stories (well, except for death). Every book is hard to write in a new way, especially if you like to change up themes and premises, like I do, in order to keep the readers satisfied and coming back for more. At the start of every story, I question my ability to deliver a well-crafted tale. At the end of every book, I am amazed with what ended up being on the page.

And then I have to send it out for readers, reviewers, and critics to judge. This process ends with ever-thickening skin.

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

Know the craft. It takes experience to bring all the components together in a way that’s entertaining. Sam’s mother, an English teacher, always said you’ve got to learn all the rules in order to know how to break them. That one sticks with him. Ann took English classes all over the place in college. Now, she’s breaking the rules like crazy.

Also, try to tell a story that resonates. A story that a reader will think about for hours or days after finishing the last page. Good stories will stick with a reader forever.

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

If you’re familiar with Downton Abbey, we chuckle every time one of us pops the phrase “What is a week end?” into a conversation (this line was delivered by the Dowager Countess played by Maggie Smith). We didn’t really get into that series, but the line makes us laugh.

Really, our schedule entails writing into the evenings and weekends. Unlike an 8 to 5 job, we are able to schedule things with a lot of flexibility. Dentist appointment at 10AM or a visit to the car at the mechanic? No problem. Dropping off and picking up the kids to/from school? Covered. (Thanks be our kids are now in college, so no more daily drop offs/pickups!). But writing for a living also means discipline is needed. Otherwise, it’s pretty easy to get behind. Start late? Write late. There is no quitting time and sliding down the dinosaur’s back like Fred Flinstone.

Q9. What is the significance of the title ‘The Backside of Hades?

SAM here—I’m not sure I’ve thought of it in terms of it being significant in some revelatory or life changing way for me or anyone else. At its base, it’s just a part of a continuing story of some people I know well who’ve had some interesting adventures. It does occur to me, some of the responses my wife (Ann Charles) has received from her readers has had an influence on the way I think about what we do. To hear that her work has helped quite a few people through some difficult times, with laughter and connections with the characters in some way or another … well, come on. To brighten someone’s day, even by just a little? That seems significant to me. If I can do that, too? That’s a success. 

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

This has been a deceptively simple question for us since we were pipsqueaks. It was always asked, usually in an offhanded way, by someone (an aunt or a mother’s hairdresser) who isn’t really that interested in the answer. But, boy, did it put us on the spot.

SAM:  I remember I used to steal other kids answers for that one. In grammar school, I think ‘astronaut’ filled that slot a lot.
There are too many possibilities. How is someone expected to pick just one? I’ll get back to you.

ANN: I can tell you what I didn’t want to be—an author. Sure, I loved books, but writing them? Eek, that was a lot of work. I loved to read, though, often daydreaming about books I read and how I might change them a little to fit my liking more. That led to me trying my hand at a book in my mid-20s. From there, the desire to keep telling stories grew.

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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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