Category: Author Interview

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Interview with author Carol Ann Bradley

Q1 Please introduce yourself so readers will get to know you better.

I grew up in a small village in Dudley and still live in the area. It lies on the border of South Staffordshire quite near to Himley Hall. Which was once the grand ancestral home of the Earls of Dudley, and where King Edward VIII and his wife Wallis were known to have stayed.
Like many of my generation I didn’t have the opportunity of a formal education. I left school at fifteen and duly attended the university of life. For several years I worked as a seamstress and was later employed as a sales person in a bridal salon, advising on choice of wedding attire.

Yet, I always had a passion for reading books, and now a newfound enthusiasm as I begin the journey of writing books of my own. And I hope children will enjoy reading my books as much as l’ve loved writing them. As I want to entertain, inspire, and spark the imagination of young minds.

My favourite authors and books include, Daphne Du Maurier and her irresistible Frenchman’s Creek; Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte; The King of Elfland’s Daughter by Lord Dunsany; and Moonfleet by John Meade Faulkner.

I like walking, countryside and nature, as an animal lover I have two adopted donkeys and sponsor one moor pony! I enjoy watching old film noir on tv; and I frequent the venues of Himley and Lower Penn as I like to dine out.
Children’s picture book titles published thus far are: A Puppy’s Tale, The Wych Elm, and The Haunting Tale of The Wood-Nymph.

Q2 What is the inspiration for your book ‘A Puppy’s Tale’?

My picture book A Puppy’s Tale is an amusing and fun story about two rascally pups, and the mischief they create! As the daring puppies set out on a quest to fulfil Snuggle’s dream. The pair delve into the world of fearsome dog tricksters and the dangerous game of magic tail-tricks! The concept was to indicate to young children to value themselves and their own attributes.

Q3 When did you realize you want to be an author.

Sometimes an insignificant incident can be a turning point in a person’s life. I realized quite late that there was something I had to do…intuition and my inner voice played a part.
Writing had been waiting for me; awaiting my recognition. I just had to take the first step.

Q4 Please tell us something about your book ‘The Haunting Tale of the Wood-Nymph’?

The fairytale tells the story of a beautiful wood-nymph queen and what befalls her after an encounter with a strikingly handsome hobgoblin. I will give an excerpt from the book:

The realm of the wood-nymph queen had basked in abundant and harmony for years without number. All that the woodland kingdom yielded was her bounty. The tall cloistered trees of shade, the dells of wild flowers and corn, the rushing water of the rill. This was her realm, the moon her orb, and the wych elm her sceptre.
Her powers of enchantment encompassed all the wooded territories, extending to the furthest corners of the kingdom. But beyond the utmost boundary the way was barred to her. Long ago, it was preordained, if she ventured to pass the ancient ley lines belonging to nature and unexplained, this would be a violation of the Law. To breach its covenant was forbidden, and brings into play unforeseen forces. Throughout time, the Law of Consequence, the judgement of cause and effect has remained absolute. Therefore, the gifts once bestowed, would be diminished.
On a night when the moon, myth, and magic aligned with destiny’s design, a stranger on horseback stumbled upon the hidden path to the secret wood. At the water’s edge the two meet. Whether by chance or by design, it was as though she had been waiting for him. Like a leaf is blown on a scurry of wind no one can foretell where it may fall.

She inclined her head to meet his gaze, and though unbidden, he stretched out his hand to help raise her up. It was as if a cold hand clasped her heart. He introduced himself as Bojangles. He was a member of a wandering tribe of hobgoblins of some notoriety, aimlessly they roved from place to place. Never staying too long in any village or pasture.

He had a swarthy face, and his nose had the curve of an eagle’s beak. His dark blue eyes were deep-set with a certain gleam; and his mouth twisted into a wry gnomish smile. A quiff of a curl fell on his brow, and a pigtail of raven-black hair skimmed his shoulder. Showing his perfectly formed pointed ears, a hoop of gold dangled from his earlobe which glinted as his head turned. He was a tad too handsome by half, and many a sprite and fairy had swooned at the sight of the errant hobgoblin.

Moonlight can play tricks and deceive a kind heart, and one can be blind to the demon seed in disguise. Bojangles used soft words to cajole and flatter. Just like the wheat worm moves up the stem to destroy the wheat ear, so he made his way into her heart.
The appointed time had come, midnight, on the witches sabbath. That bewitched hour of allotted time when witches stir and spirits dance. In the midst of the revelry, the wood-nymph queen appeared. Bedazzling in a garment of emerald green satin with a flounce of white lace at her ankle. Abruptly, Bojangles stepped out of the shadows. His eyes riveted and his lip curled as he looked upon the wood-nymph queen. Like a moth to the flame; he coveted her above all others. With a look of amusement in his eyes, the nefarious hobgoblin led the merry dance. The wood-nymph’s gaze followed him with feline, catlike jade-green eyes.
Gradually, she began to meld into the verdant greenery of the wood. The brilliance of her emerald gown matched by the fervour of her stark green eyes. It was as though the two became one, unbounded, and the twain could not be severed. The mystic goddess of the tree straddled both worlds, her earthly body to roam the earth plain; and the unknown, her spirit existing within the tree. Its mysteries known to her alone, and to no other.
Beneath the hallowed boughs of the haunted tree, the misalliance ensued. With the backdrop of the setting sun; the rites of the ceremony were witnessed by her subjects and the leery eyes of the woodland. Their custom was to exchange a pledge of devotion; she gave him a set of jewelled buttons. In return, he offered a silver key on a chain saying it was the key to his heart.

To all intent and purpose, the pair seemed happy for a while. But like an inconstant wind things can change fairly soon. He became restless, with what he thought a humdrum life in the quiet of woodland. For Bojangles, the chase was over. A wanderlust ran through his veins. He had an urge to travel, and taste all the fruits of life on offer. His influence was strong; he persisted that the wood-nymph discover lands that lay beyond the secret wood.

Wakeful and undecided on her course. To relinquish her throne and powers, and leave her woodland companions behind; or to adhere to her vows. For she had sworn an oath to stay by his side. At long last, the wood-nymph determined for good or ill, she would follow where he led. Intrigues of the heart are hard to figure. Perhaps, she had a strategy.

I hope you enjoyed this abridged taster!

I wanted to explore the myth of wood-nymphs transforming into animals. Rather than just write that the wood-nymph had changed into a vixen. I wrote from the perspective of the she-fox. What she ate, her deadly fears of being hunted, and her fight for survival in the wild.

The moral of the story: Don’t put your trust in handsome hobgoblins…for sure as not, they’ll let you down in the end!

Q5 For what age group is your book ‘The Wych Elm’ suitable for?

My book The Wych Elm was written to bridge the gap between early reader picture books and chapter books. Age 6-8 years plus. I am pleased that it has been called an online bestseller!

Q6 What is your favourite quote?

The line actor Alan Ladd said to actress Veroncia Lake in the film The Blue Dahlia.

Quote: ‘Every guy’s seen you somewhere before…the trick is finding you.’

Q7 What do you like the most about your country?

I recently received a message from an author in the US. She prefers setting the scene for her novels in Old Europe, as she thinks it gives her books a better perspective. The influence of culture and the scenery of lands steeped in rich history.

From John o’ Groats to Land’s End we have amazing scenery and people. Our forefathers gave the world the Magna Carta, language, literature, and more recently the internet!

Q8 What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

I would not profess to make any suggestions to parents. They are best placed to decide on their child’s reading habit.

Q9 What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success to me would see my children’s books inspiring and nurturing young minds for many years to come. I would also be thrilled if they were made into animated films!

Q10 Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

In my early life I was lucky to have the guidance of two wonderful grandmothers; I loved them equally and dearly. My grandmothers were resilient, both had hard lives working long hours in trade. They instilled in me the work ethic and a sense of never give up…don’t look back and don’t look down. Their names were Leah and Matilda.

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Interview with author Billy Hanson

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

A1. I’m an author, filmmaker, husband, and dad, originally from Maine, living in Los Angeles. I’ve worked on several types of projects over the last twenty years, from short stories and comics to feature films and TV. I’ve written multiple issues of Grimm Tales of Terror for Zenescope comics, I was a writer/story producer for the Eli Roth series The Legion of Exorcists, and in 2023, my debut feature film, Bone Cold, was released by Well Go USA.

My first book, Spider Season, was published in 2018, and received the Gold Medal for Anthology Fiction at the Readers Favorite Book Awards. One of the short stories from that collection, Everyone Else is Asleep, was adapted into a digital series for the Rizzle app and won “Best Vertical Drama Series” at the IAWTV Awards in 2022.

My work is mainly in suspense, thriller, and horror, although I do venture out into other genres from time to time. I love telling stories, and I’m constantly working on multiple projects at a time, so hopefully my name is one you will see again and again in the future.

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

A2. I had already gone through the publishing process once with Spider Season, so I had a much clearer sense of what I had and what I needed. The whole process moved much faster, especially when it came to working with editor Rob Weisberg.

The real challenge I faced for this book was figuring out how to write during a pandemic with a toddler and a newborn, while the film industry completely imploded twice and all the work dried up. It was exceedingly difficult to focus and make the time to write during such a tumultuous time, but I stole as much time as I could between 2020 and 2023. I was also working to get Bone Cold through the post production process during that time, which took most of my creative energy during that stretch, but I was determined to get Long Term Damage across the finish line.

Once Bone Cold was finished and delivered, I was able to shift my focus to Long Term Damage and get the stories edited and in shape for publication. It’s not often that writing is the hard part for me, but times were tough for a lot of reasons.

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

A3. It’s difficult to be a horror writer raised in Maine without gravitating toward Stephen King, so I consider him to be the greatest influence on me as a storyteller. But I’m also in awe of people who are able to tell a powerful, memorable, meaningful story in a short amount of time, especially working across mediums. People like Richard Matheson, Shirley Jackson, Jonathan Lethem, Raymond Carver, and the king of The Twilight Zone himself, Rod Serling. Their work has shocked me, thrilled me, confounded me, and enlightened me.

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

A4. I’d say going home to Maine is always a joy for me. I left my small town home when I was 18 to attend the Film School at Florida State University, then made my way out to Los Angeles, one of the biggest cities in the world. So, every time I go home to Maine, it feels like a break from the hustle of everyday life and a way for me to reconnect with the world, not to mention seeing family and old friends.

I also appreciate Maine more as an adult than I ever did as a kid. The great food, Portland’s art and music scene, some fantastic breweries (looking at you Allagash), and the vast forests and coastline all provide a sense of freedom and wonder that never ceases to amaze me and bring a sense of peace. It’s rare that I visit Maine and don’t leave with at least a few new story ideas.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Long Term Damage’?

A5. I’m the type of writer who writes constantly, so I’ve got kind of a stockpile of rough ideas, half-cooked characters, and outlines that I just haven’t had the chance to sit and work through. So, when I realized that a handful of these pieces fit well together and each revolved around a central theme, that’s when I started thinking of them as one book. So, there wasn’t really one spark of inspiration for Long Term Damage, but several sparks that came together to light a much larger fire.

That’s one thing I really love about anthologies. They tend to cover a wide range of the author’s work, like fishing with a net in a lake of ideas and only keeping the biggest and the best.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Long Term Damage’?

A6. All in all, it took me about four years to complete the entire book. Keep in mind though, that’s four years of life, as well, which for me included the pandemic, two kids, a feature film, the death of my father, multiple jobs, and other projects that came and went while I was chipping away at this book. But that’s how I knew this book was important to me, because no matter how busy or stressed I got I always came back to it and pushed it forward, little by little. The fact that the book was finished at all is a small miracle.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. You can find my work pretty much anywhere that sells books and movies. If a store doesn’t have it stocked, it can easily be ordered. The easiest way to find the books is on Amazon, available in print, ebook, or audiobook formats. Long Term Damage will be available there as well, upon its release on November 12th, 2024.

The film that I produced, wrote, and directed, Bone Cold, is currently streaming on Tubi, and is available everywhere on Digital/DVD/Blu-ray.

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

A8. The title came to me when I put the stories next to each other for the first time. I knew they were all connected and similar but had to put them together to nail down the central theme of the whole book. It became a collection of stories about disastrous moments that change the course of the characters’ lives, whether that moment was happening in real-time, or it was a decades-old memory that won’t let them go. All of us have moments in our lives that cause long term damage, whether we know it or not. That’s the fear and anxiety that these stories explore.

As for the cover, that was the work of fantastic artists over at BookBaby, who handled the publishing and distribution process for both of my books. The only direction I gave was to avoid any horror clichés, and they did an amazing job with it. I absolutely love the cover. And the best part is that Long Term Damage looks great next to Spider Season, which they also designed. So, it’s safe to say I’ll be going back to them for the next book, as well.

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

A9. I read as much as I can to make sure that everything I put out into the world is unique and I do my best to avoid crutches and shortcuts that help me through difficult sections of writing. Anything to avoid useless repetition. Readers will pick up on that kind of thing immediately.

As for fresh ideas, I don’t really think too much about it. I’m lucky in the fact that most of my ideas have such a specific approach that any similarities are overshadowed by a new perspective or style and tone. I usually roll with whatever story I’m inspired to write, regardless of similarities to other stories from myself or others. If a story works and it’s important to you, it needs to be written. I mean, does anyone really fault Stephen King for so many psychic kids?

That being said, readers and audiences want originality and they’re keen on the way things are made. I still catch myself using some crutches in my writing and I do my best to remove them so that readers will never see them. That’s a big part of my editing process. I think the way to keep things fresh is really just to be aware of how your work fits into the grand scheme of stories out there. It’s easier said than done, of course, but certainly good to ground yourself and make sure you’re telling interesting stories. Nobody wants to be boring.

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

A10. The best advice I ever received was actually two pieces of advice from two different film producers. 1) Always have a lot of irons in the fire. 2) You have to strike while the iron is hot. Those two bits of advice have driven the majority of my career.

That mindset put me on a path to success and really helped me to understand just how much writing has to happen for any projects to break through. Because not all of it will see the light of day, but when something hits, you have to take advantage of the momentum and be ready to ride that wave.

Buy Long Term Damage on Amazon

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Interview with author Dakotah Sanders

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

A1. My name is Dakotah Sanders. I am a person in long term recovery from substance use disorder, with seven years of recovery. I scored a 9/10 on the ACE’s test. I was born and raised in Kansas. I currently work for a community mental health center as a peer support specialist on the assertive community treatment team. I am also a social work student working towards my license for addictions counselling

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “ENDURE: To Suffer with Patience”?

A2. Probably the most difficult aspect was the conversations that had to happen with my family. I sat down with them and told them every story that was going to be in the book. It was difficult for everyone to dig up our past, however, they all understood what I was trying to do with it and were very supportive.

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

A3. “The Way of the Superior Man,” is probably the most influential book I have ever read. That book influenced me beyond measure as a man. Other influential authors would be Friedrich Nietzsche and Carl Jung. These individuals influenced my thinking which I believe shows in my writing.

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

A4. My favourite place to visit in my own country would be Jack Creek in Arkansas. It reminds me of time spent with my little brother. It is like a fifty foot cliff where people jump off of the water. I just have a lot of special memories there.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘ENDURE: To Suffer with Patience’?

A5. I honestly never meant to write a book. It was a series of events that seemed to push me in the direction of writing. However, I read a book called “The Courage to Create,” by Rollo May. This book inspired me to be creative in some fashion and I chose writing which led to the creation of my book.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘ENDURE: To Suffer with Patience’?

A6. I wrote this book in three months. Then I spent about six months editing it.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. It is on quietstormservices.com and the E-book version is on the Kobo app.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘ENDURE: To Suffer with Patience’?

A8. The book cover is actually one of my son’s baby pictures with my stomach tattoo in the background. I have “endure” tattooed on my stomach as a tribute to my friends who have passed from overdose or street behaviors. In the world of addiction you constantly have friends die. Which poses the question: what is the difference between me and them? Why did I make it out and they didn’t. I have thought long and hard about this question and the only answer I can come up with is that I have the ability to endure great suffering patiently. There isn’t anything magically special about me. I just have the ability to sit with my suffering which is a result of what my childhood was like. So, I got it tattooed on my stomach. I felt like my son’s baby picture was a great symbolism for my book. I am holding a new born baby as a man who endured much in life. My son represents hope, an opportunity for healing in my bloodline of trauma. He represents a clean slate. Me holding him represents the future of my bloodline. I hold within my hands the opportunity to break a cycle.

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

A9. My story already existed so I didn’t have to make anything up. I just needed to organize the memories in a way that made sense. My life has been chaotic from the moment I was born until the moment I got sober and even then there’s still some chaos. I think working with editors helps me keep from being repetitive with words but the story itself does not get boring from start to finish.

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

A10. The first type doesn’t need to be perfect or pretty, you just need to write!

Book is available here

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Interview with author Kristin Payne

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

A1. My name is Kristin Payne! I have been a public performer for over 20 years in the Dallas/Ft Worth metroplex as an actor/voice actor, stilt walker, living statue, aerial artist, dancer, mermaid, princess, and clown. I have been teaching musical theater and stage combat to children for 15 years, and have 3 beautiful children myself. My life’s purpose is to inspire and motivate children to believe in themselves, and create more beauty for this world.

  1. What is the inspiration behind your book “Pinki & Boots: Alleyway Circus”?

A2. In 2021, I attended a clown camp training with my performer friend, Rita. She wanted to create a clown character that was feline- I originally told her that wouldn’t work.. an animal clown? That’s weird! She created Boots, anyway. Everyone in the clown community LOVED the concept! And since we had very little resources in creating our show, we just worked that into our act and made the theme around – creating something amazing out of nothing. A little girl meets an alley cat and they join forces to make a circus out of the garbage! I wanted to write it into a book so that our message could reach more children. Our clown show can only travel so far- it just made sense to bring these characters to the page, and have our story resonate everywhere it needs to!

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

A3. I never imagined that I would be an author, honestly. I always wanted to be an actor and that’s it. I’m a spiritual person, and a psychic told me in a session that I would write and illustrate a kid’s book- initially, I laughed. I had never thought to do that. So, I’m not sure if it was a prophecy or, because someone told me I would, I decided to- but it happened so quickly! It’s still odd to call myself an author, though I’ve been in multiple published works throughout my life.

  1. Please tell us something about your book “Pinki & Boots: Alleyway Circus”?

A4. Pinki is relatable to all children. She’s happy and passionate, but faces adversity to then get crushed by life’s happenstances. She finds a feline friend to help her re-focus her efforts, and not give up on her dreams. It was important for me to get that message across to my young audience; preparing children for obstacles and reassuring them that they can overcome anything. I believe it is important to motivate our kids through the media they consume. I want chicken’s entertainment to be enriching, inspiring, and also- HILARIOUS! I think Pinki & Boots really does that.

  1. For which age group is your book “Pinki & Boots: Alleyway Circus” suitable for?

A5. My target audience for this book is 5-11 (though, most adults who’ve read it enjoy it, too!

  1. What is your favorite Quote?

A6. “Rules Shmooles! We don’t need that silly ol’ circus! Look around, we can make our own circus!”

  • I love that Boots is so quick to challenge “the system” and is also quick with a solution. It shows what a great friend he is. It is also subtle in suggesting to kids that – they don’t need anything but the will to go on, to create magic, and obtain their hearts desires.

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

    A7 The USA is a complex country- I was born here, and I’ve enjoyed the spirit of… well I guess it’s similar to the message in my book. Life, liberty, and (i)the pursuit of happiness(i) – I also really like cheeseburgers and BBQ, and we do that very well here.

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

    A8. I think that the minute a child learns to read, they should focus on one book at a time. Dr. Seuss, Jacks Prelutsky, Shell Silverstein, Suzanne Collin’s and Stephanie Meyer was some of my favorites.

    1. What does literary success look like to you?

    A9. I think I’m already living it! If you’re able to create a literary work and bring it all the way through the publishing phase, in that little success lies a whole lot of congratulations. I’d sure like for my audience to grow- but even if it’s a few hundred kids that read my book, that’s still a few hundred kids that have been inspired (instead of none).

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

    A10. Fred Rogers. That’s an easy answer. He saw an opportunity to use visual media to reach children on a massive scale- and his content was so loving and wholesome that he changed lives. He was truly a remarkable man and I looked up to him in every way.

    Buy Pinki & Boots on Amazon

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    Interview with author Antonia Agbonkpolor

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

    A1 Hello, my name is Antonia Agbonkpolor. I’m a wife, mother of two sons, and an accountant by profession. I recently transitioned into the world of writing and published my first book, SPEAK Life: Healing the Hurt of Verbal Abuse. Through my work as a finance business partner and my passion for helping others, I founded Antonia Creative Writings, a ministry dedicated to using the power of words to uplift and heal. This book is part of that vision.

    Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book SPEAK Life: Healing the Hurt of Verbal Abuse?

    A2 One of the main challenges I faced was hearing the stories of people who had endured verbal abuse. Many individuals shared with me how hurtful words impacted their confidence, self-esteem, and mental well-being. Listening to their experiences was difficult, but it became my motivation to transform their pain into a message of healing. Putting their emotions and struggles into words that could comfort others required sensitivity and a deep understanding of their emotional journey.

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

    A3 I’ve been influenced by authors like Joyce Meyer, particularly her book Battlefield of the Mind, which opened my eyes to the power of thoughts and words. I also admire Max Lucado, whose ability to communicate profound truths in a simple, relatable way has greatly shaped my approach to writing about faith and healing.

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

    A4 I love visiting spas for relaxation or spending time by the seaside. There’s something soothing about the sound of the waves and the calm of the ocean. The beach is a place where I can unwind, reflect, and find peace, which helps rejuvenate my mind and spirit.

    Q5. What inspired you to write the book SPEAK Life: Healing the Hurt of Verbal Abuse?

    A5 The inspiration for SPEAK Life came from a burden I’ve carried for years, after listening to numerous people who have been affected by verbal abuse. Hearing their stories and understanding the impact it had on their lives especially their confidence and self-worth moved me deeply. I felt called to write this book to help others heal from the wounds inflicted by words and find strength through faith. I also believe this book is also important for the coming up generation to spread awareness of the importance of speaking positively into their lives and the lives of their family.

    Q6. How long did it take you to write your book SPEAK Life: Healing the Hurt of Verbal Abuse?

    A6 It took me about a month to write SPEAK Life. The ideas had been on my mind for a long time, and I had done some research beforehand. Once I sat down to write, the process was relatively fast because the message was clear, and I was eager to share it.

    Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

    A7 My book SPEAK Life is available on platforms like Amazon and soon to be on Barnes & Noble, and it will be available on Waterstones as well. Currently, readers can purchase it in both paperback and e-book formats.

    Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title SPEAK Life: Healing the Hurt of Verbal Abuse?

    A8 The title SPEAK Life is inspired by Proverbs 18:21, which states, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” I wanted the title to reflect the power our words have to either build up or tear down. The cover of the book features a silhouette of my face, which symbolizes the personal connection I have with the topic, as well as the broader message of identity and healing that the book conveys.

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

    A9 I keep things fresh by drawing from real-life stories and personal experiences, which ensures that my writing feels authentic. Prayer and reflection also play a huge role in the process, helping me stay connected to the message I want to share. Additionally, I make an effort to write in a conversational tone to keep the content engaging for readers.

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

    A10 The most valuable piece of advice I’ve received is to write from the heart and not worry about perfection. Authenticity resonates more with readers than anything else. When your writing comes from a place of purpose and passion, it speaks directly to the soul.

    Buy Speak Life on Amazon

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    Interview with author Mandy Nicholson

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

    A1. Hey, I’m Mandy the Creative Genius Consultant, artist, author and owner of a Creative Retreat in Scotland. I help creative women to launch, grow and scale their businesses and make more money.

    This book was part of my mission to bring the voices of creative and neurodivergent women to the world.

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

    A2. The key challenges while writing the book have been juggling 30 co-authors, some who struggle with confidence in their work. Getting everybody to keep on track with deadlines and doing revisions etc was hard, but we got there! I had an author drop out at the last minute and I had to find a replacement to keep the number at 30. I always find a way.

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

    A3. I adore the Lord of The Rings and always have but also many key influencers in the self-help genre such as – Jack Canfield, Glennon Doyle, Brendan Burchard etc. I like a story when I am helping people with self help guides and I have included personal anecdotes in every chapter of this book.

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

    A4. I have moved to my favourite spot in Scotland – Dalbeattie in Dumfries & Galloway. My late husband and I holidayed here all the time and after he passed I sold our house and moved here to my ‘Mini castle’ (that’s a story all of it’s own) and created my amazing creative retreats. Scotland has always held a special place in my heart since I went to University in Edinburgh, I have been trying to get back here for thirty years. And now I’m home.

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

    A5. I was inspired by the women I have worked with over the years. Observing their struggles and how overlooked they had been as creative and neurodiverse business owners gave me the motivation to step into the spotlight and bring them with me. Amplifying their voices and stories became part of my business mission and it has been so rewarding.

    Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Beyond the Ordinary’?

    A6. The book has been an ongoing project over the past couple of years for my part. The past 6 months have been about finding and bringing together the right women to collaborate with the project. All in all just under three years.

    Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

    A7. All of my books are available on Amazon under Mandy Nicholson or A J King (my pen name for my fiction stories) and on Austin Macauley Publishers as A J King. You can also find them on my website www.mandynicholson.co.uk

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

    A8. The title was the easiest and it came to me almost immediately as these women are beyond the ordinary. I worked with a cover designer for the cover and graphics and wanted to include the neurodiverse and creative right brain and all of its colours and connections. She did a wonderful, striking job of capturing my brief by including a tree with the brain.

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

    A9. I keep myself up to date with how people are feeling. Tapping into feelings and exploring what people want rather than need has always been my driving force. If you can give them what they want and also reach what they need, you are onto a winner.

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

    A10. Write how you speak. Don’t try and be over-wordy nor try to compete with people who are not you. You are unique. Be you.

    Buy Beyond the Ordinary on Amazon

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    Interview with author Trina Kennedy

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

    A1. Hello! My name is Trina Kennedy, and I am 52 years young, living in Blackfalds, Alberta, Canada. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 28 incredible years, and we are the proud parents of two amazing children, Tayler, 26, and Keaton, 24, who both live just a short 1.5-hour drive away in Calgary.

    I have spent the last 30 years as a social worker, where I’ve had the profound privilege of walking alongside many individuals on their healing journeys. There is no greater honor than creating a safe space where people feel seen, heard, and understood. I truly believe that once someone feels safe to share their story, healing begins.

    Beyond my career, I am passionate about fitness and the outdoors. One of my favorite pastimes is hiking in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, which are just a few hours away. I also enjoy playing pickleball, working in my yard, and spending quality time with my incredible tribe of friends and family.

    Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between”?

    A2. Writing “From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between” was a deeply personal journey, and there were a few significant challenges along the way. The most difficult one was finding the balance between being truthful to my own story, particularly around my childhood trauma, while being mindful of my parents. I have two loving parents who did the best they could with the tools they had at the time, and I knew that some aspects of my story might be painful for them to hear. It was a delicate process, but in the end, I’m happy with how it turned out.

    Another challenge was deciding what to include, especially when it involved not just my story, but also the stories of my husband and children. I had to be very mindful of what was mine to tell and what wasn’t, and respectful of my marriage by not sharing too much personal information. At the same time, I wanted to give readers enough insight to understand the profound impact that my unresolved trauma had on those I love.

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

    A3. I primarily read nonfiction, as I am constantly seeking to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. I am fascinated by trauma—not just my own, but the broader understanding of how it works and how we can help ourselves and others heal. One of the most influential authors for me has been Brené Brown. I own all of her books, but “The Gifts of Imperfection” was particularly life-changing. It helped me confront my trauma response of perfectionism, and I can now proudly say that I am a perfectionist in recovery, thanks to her insights and my own hard work.

    In addition to Brené Brown, I am greatly influenced by the works of Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. Stuart Shanker, and Daniel Siegel. Their books have been invaluable to me, both personally and professionally, offering profound insights into the human mind and the healing process.

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

    A4. Besides the mountains, my favorite spot to visit in Canada is Osoyoos, BC. I’ve been going there every summer since I was a little girl, and now my own children have been visiting since they were babies. My parents have a summer place right on the lake, and it’s a place filled with joyful memories that span generations.

    For me, Osoyoos is more than just a vacation spot—it’s where we gather as a family, spending our days on the lake enjoying water sports, sharing meals, and soaking up each other’s company. The mornings often start with the boys heading out to golf, and the evenings end with games and ice cream. It’s a magical, special place that holds a lifetime of memories for us, and will continue to do so for decades to come.

    Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between’?

    A5. I had wanted to write a book for two decades, but no one knew that because the “monster in my head” kept taunting me, telling me I had nothing worth writing about and that no one would read it. For years, I wasn’t even sure what I truly wanted to say. Then, in January of 2023, while hiking with my husband Steven, I had a moment of clarity. It felt like a message came to me, as clear as day: “Trina, it’s time to write your book. You have a message that many need to hear.” There was no hesitation after that. That very night, I told Steven about my long-held dream, and I committed to making it happen.

    By May 2024, my manuscript was complete. By then, I had come far enough in my own healing journey that I could clearly see the structure of the book. The writing flowed quite naturally once I embraced it.

    Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between’?

    A6. From the beginning of the writing to process the manuscript completion it took me 14 months. Editing, book design, etc took 4 months.

    Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

    A7. My book is available on Amazon in both paperback and eBook formats, and I hope to release an audiobook in the near future as well. For readers who would like a signed copy, they can reach out to me directly through my website at trinaleekennedy.ca, and I’ll be happy to sign and mail them a copy.

    Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between’?

    A8. As soon as I committed to writing the book, the title came to me before anything else. I knew I wanted to tell the story of my traumas—how the unhealed parts of me lashed out and hurt those I loved, how I began to heal, and all the incredible things I’ve been able to achieve because of that healing. The title From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between beautifully captured that journey.

    Once I had the title, I envisioned the cover almost immediately: the image of a woman standing on a mountaintop, hands raised triumphantly in the air. Mountains and hiking have been incredibly important to me throughout my life, symbolizing strength, resilience, and accomplishment. The cover image also ties in perfectly with the last paragraph of my book, creating a full-circle moment for readers.

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

    A9. When I was writing, I didn’t focus on keeping things “fresh” for myself or the readers. Instead, I focused on telling my story with as much vulnerability and authenticity as possible. I believe that when a writer comes from that place, it naturally creates an impact. Authenticity resonates, and that’s what keeps the story engaging and meaningful for readers.

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

    A10. The most valuable piece of advice I received about writing is that the easy part is writing the book—the hardest part is the marketing. I was told to spend time building my brand, website, and social media presence so that when the book was ready, I would already have a strong foundation and an audience in place. This advice has been invaluable in preparing me for the journey after the writing was done.

    Buy From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between on Amazon

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    Interview with author Helmut Schuster and David Oxley

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

    A1. Drs Schuster and Oxley are long time collaborators and former work colleagues.

    Helmut Schuster is Austrian by birth, educated as a PhD economist in Vienna, before pursuing a business career that ultimately led him to travel the world and lead the HR Function for BP PLC. He is based in London. An active start-up investor, entrepreneur, and award winning author.

    David Oxley, is a British by birth but now lives in Austin TX. David was a management consultant in his early career, but went on to do significant corporate restructuring projects with BP, where he worked with and became lifelong friends with Helmut. David earned his doctorate in organizational change from Cranfield University.

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

    A2. A Career Carol emerged from a long-standing concern we shared about existing business, and in particular, career advice literature. Our observation was that it wasn’t written with today’s audience in mind. We set about correcting that. Our goals were to write a career advice book that engaged the reader in storytelling. In stimulating left and right brain thinking. Ultimately, we think it’s false that business books can’t be entertaining, relevant, and practical. A Career Carol was our proof of that concept.

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

    A3. We’d list a mix of entertaining and engaging stories that have deeper meanings, like Who Moved My Cheese, The Trolley Problem, or The Little Prince. And then add to those the behavioral science aspects of Thinking Fast and Slow, Good to Great, and Plato and a Platypus Walk Into A Bar. We are eclectic and inclusive readers. We’d finally add a dash of Douglas Adams, Richard Osman, and, of course, Charles Dickens.

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

    A4. We both have a special connection with St James Park and the area around Piccadilly in London. We spent decades of our lives in or around that area with its rich history, vibrant street scenes, and wonderful restaurants. There is a breakfast place on Pall Mall where we invented the first concept for A Career Carol. It’s croissants are particularly inspirational.

    Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘A Career Carol’?

    A5. Well, beyond the desire to write a Career Advice book that was distinct and different? Probably, our love of ghost stories and social satire. We both enjoy books that combine humor with deeper thought-provoking questions. A Career Carol includes the irresistible combination of a ghost story, a central character filled with late teenage angst, and pokes fun at graduation speeches.

    As we worked through the manuscript, we were fortunate to interview about a dozen young NextGen entrepreneurs. In many ways those interviews reinforced the why and what. They were brilliant.

    Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘A Career Carol’?

    A6. About 15 months. From concept, first draft, through the research and interviews to the final publication. We started in June 2022, and it was published in Oct 2023.

    Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your book?

    A7. Amazon, our publishers website Austin Macauley, and all the big online retailers (Waterstones, Foyles, Barnes & Noble).

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

    A8. We worked with Andy ‘Doodles’ Baker to design the cover. Andy is an extraordinary artist based in Birmingham, UK. The concept emerged from our collaboration with him. We are contemporary ‘pop’ art enthusiasts, but we also wanted a ghost story/Christmas carol aspect. Central to the whole thing was picturing Shey Sinope. The character in the book who experiences the prophesized career crises. We love how it came out.

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

    A9. It can be complicated. Our view is that you have to write your book, not someone else’s. We focused on writing in a style, and in a format that really appealed to us. Perhaps other people do it differently. It’s a difficult task writing a book. For us, a key was feeling fully engaged and committed to the tone, style, and story. So, the answer is just that… We wrote from our experience, what we know, in a fashion that really spoke to us.

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

    Don’t let anyone tell you can’t. However, if you’re going to do it… Do it well. Commit. Make sure you are very clear why you want to write and how what you want to say is important, at least to you. Then… open Word… And tap your keyboard. See what emerges…

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    Interview with author Gloria D. Gonsalves

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

    A1. I was born and raised in Tanzania, and I have paternal ancestry from India and Congo. In 1997, I migrated to Ireland for further studies. After completing my studies, I moved to Germany to obtain my master’s degree. I live in Germany and occasionally in Tanzania. I am a multipotentialite who is an author, poet, illustrator, philanthropist to potential and fellow writers, former United Nations staff, and former tourism and travel professional. I am still learning to discover more abilities in myself.

    1. What is the inspiration behind your book “Flowers, Plants and Fascinating Facts”?

    A2. My book portfolio involves collaborations with children and adults. I feel more rewarded when unknown people with creative gifts work with me. My work is not famous either, so that is a fitting match because I consider myself not writing for a living but for servicing.

    With that background, I have harboured a deep wish to illustrate a book myself. After our son was born, I sketched a lot using wax crayons. Occasionally, I shared some flower sketches on Instagram. A fellow writer and educator in Tanzania suggested writing a book using those sketches. Because I love botany, I tested the waters by publishing Alphabet of Flowers. The success of that book encouraged me to embark on a more significant project and the result was Flower, Plants and Fascinating Facts”.

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

    A3. I don’t recall having a specific intent to be a writer. However, I loved to read a lot. At home, we did not own many books except those catering to my mother’s profession as a teacher in home economics. During the holidays away from boarding school, I enjoyed reading the same books we owned. My favourite was Safari za Gulliver, a Kiswahili translation of the classic Gulliver’s Travels. It awakened great curiosity about possible worlds in words.

    My first writing was a school play in school from the English class. Years later, while living abroad in Germany, I sent a rant prose to an online magazine in Poland. In fact, I didn’t know it was a poem until it was picked as the Editor’s Choice of the week. From there on, I became courageous enough to learn and write poetry. Since then, I have written books in the genre of poetry, children’s fiction and education, and adult non-fiction pieces. Occasionally, I write opinion pieces for newspapers in my motherland Tanzania.

    1. Please tell us something about your book “Flowers, Plants and Fascinating Facts”?

    A4. It is a comprehensive botanical book for children. The book invites children to explore nature and their surroundings with simple and colourful wax crayon drawings. This first reference book will awaken their sense of adventure and curiosity about different flowers and plants. They will also discover interesting facts such as colours, names, behaviours and their uses for humans.

    1. Which age group is your book “Flowers, Plants and Fascinating Facts” suitable?

    A5. This educational book targets children from age four to adults. Since the book is not text-heavy, it is suitable for any child who can read a few pages at a time. The whole family will enjoy it too. One reviewer revealed that it can be made into a reading game with friends or family, making them guess which plant they’re describing.

    1. What is your favorite Quote?

    A6. It varies according to my personal circumstances and what is going on globally. Sometimes, I also write quotes when taking a break from writing or experiencing a light bulb moment. As a poet, I have found many lines from poems that are wisdom nuggets. For example, the poem titled I, May I Rest in Peace by Chana Bloch and Chana Kronfeld (translated from the Hebrew by Yehuda Amichai). Many lines in that poem are relevant quotes for current times.

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

    A7 For various reasons, I consider both Tanzania and Germany my homes. Ireland was once my home too. These countries have all gifted me with love, failures, understanding, caution, kindness, opportunities, biases, professionalism, and other precious life lessons. I treasure Tanzanian hospitality. My spirit is sated by the German tradition of forest walks. I have transcended to other realms with Irish music.

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

    A8. Do not force children to read. You can gently coax them towards it by setting an example of reading. It surprises me when a parent expects a child to love reading while they don’t read themselves.

    Allow children to pick what they want to read. Reading should be entertaining and enjoyable. As parents, we should be open-minded and allow children to read even what is not considered beneficial as long as it is appropriate for their age. We must strive to make reading and writing fun. Reading and writing shouldn’t be made as a punishment, especially in school. We should encourage and support reading and writing for pleasure.

    1. What does literary success look like to you?

    A9. Numbers do not play a role in my writing. I create to service, not to prove that I am better based on my book sales and follower numbers or shares. Success is to have the courage and discipline to show up in writing because, besides myself, there is always one person out there who needs to read what I have penned. As a writer, I need my own writing. It is a medium for me to learn, teach and advocate. As I have intentionally opted out of public speaking, you can hear me speak through my writing.

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

    A10. I believe inspiration is found once an individual knows and accepts their life mission, i.e. why you are here and what you are supposed to fulfil. There was a time when I was on the bandwagon of wanting to be famous and celebrated like my favourite writers: Maya Angelou, Paulo Coelho or Beatrix Potter. It was bad for inspiration because you write to compare results with someone else’s. But now I know that my part is to add to the literary continuation, i.e. continuing, adding or inventing. While responding to this question, I searched online to find out how many writers there are worldwide. The numbers provided by different sources are millions. We cannot all fit into the same celebrity writer status. As a writer, I must focus on maintaining, passing, and adding to whatever genre I choose so it lives on. I see myself as one who aspires to inspire others without focusing on numbers. There are many readers, too, who have varied hunger for words. It is up to us writers to feed our chosen readers’ niche.

    Buy Flowers, Plants and Fascinating Facts on Amazon

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    Interview with author R. S. d’Arcy

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

    A1. I’m R. S. d’Arcy. I was born and raised on Long Island in New York. I started with a career in movies. First as an usher and then a movie theater manager. It’s working in a movie theater where I discovered my love of storytelling. I used to see so many movies over and over, and started thinking of ways to improve them or come up with my own. I first wrote screenplays just out of college. The internet was just in its infancy, so the first way I learned how to write was through a correspondence school in Hollywood. I used to read a lot of books on how to write screenplays too. Soon enough the internet was booming with companies that would offer to read what you had and critique it while, other companies that would post you work helping you find a producer who was interested.

    Needing money to support my screenwriting venture, and to pay other bills and expenses in life, I started working for a government agency with an “I” in its three-letter acronym. I worked there twenty-two years, not in a row, before finally leaving after having driven cross-country with my wife, of a little over a year, to move just outside Las Vegas, Nevada. The reason I left was to be a stay at home dad to my newborn daughter. With encouragement of my wife, I decided to write my first of, hopefully, many books, Sorcery & Sin in the Second World.

    Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Sorcery & Sin in the Second World”?

    A2. Finding the time to write and wishing I could type faster. I never struggled with the story itself. It was more just finding the time to put the story to paper. My newborn daughter’s sleeping habits turned into a blessing in disguise because even though I would be up late, it’s when I found the time to write.

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

    A3. There’s so many, but I would say Edgar Rice Burroughs is a big influence because I like his style of being fast paced and having a creative mind where he could write about a person in the jungle or on Mars. I also like modern day writers like George R. R. Martin, who pushes the envelope with the normal sword and sorcery fantasy stories.

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

    A4. The city of Las Vegas, Nevada. I actually love it so much I moved just outside the city four years ago. I think it’s special to me because of the many sunny days and warmth, which I love because it energizes me. I think I find it special also because it seems like a creative idea with how the desert acted like a blank canvas and then an exciting city was painted on it.

    Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Sorcery & Sin in the Second
    World’?

    A5. I think having read a lot of fantasy books and watch a lot of sword and sandal movies over the years it encouraged me to come up with my own story.

    Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Sorcery & Sin in the Second World’?

    A6. If you condense the actual writing time, it took a little over two months, but life happens (mostly good stuff😊), so it became more like 10 months.

    Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

    A7. It’s available on Amazon.

    Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Sorcery & Sin in the Second World’?

    A8. I wanted the cover to show how two normal, everyday people get thrown into this wild fantasy world, so I had the main female character, Rena, wear some sexy warrior outfit with a castle in the background, while the main male character, Pal, wears business casual attire while standing in an office. Thankfully, I found an artist online who was able to capture my vision.
    Since this was my first book and no one knew what kinds of books I was going to write, I wanted the title to let everyone know that I wrote a sword and sorcery fantasy set in a different world than the one you’re familiar with as well as having some sexy scenes. I almost called it Sorcery and Sex in the Second World, but thought the word Sin had a deeper meaning. Also, Sorcery and Sex in the Second World reminded me too much of the title, Sex and the City, which I didn’t think quite fit.

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

    A9. I think making the characters just regular people you would know in everyday life keeps it fresh. One main character, Rena, is a gamer and into the fantasy genre so she’s totally into this new world, while the other main character Pal is the practical one in the relationship as opposed to the dreamer, so he feels lost and wants to get back home. Also adding humor by having real world reactions, like how would you act if you met a magical gnome, army of corpses, or a sorcerer.

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

    A10. Write first, then edit later. If you try making the sentences read perfectly, and look for every spelling and grammatical error at the same time, then you’ll never finish. It’s important to get the idea down first then go back and fix it up.

    Buy Sorcery & Sin in the Second World on Amazon

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