Category: Author Interview

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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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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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