Author Interview – Page 2

January 18, 2026January 19, 2026

Interview with author Jim Loughran

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

I was born in Northern Ireland and studied French and Spanish at Queens University Belfast. Following graduation, I spent a year in Paris before completing his Post Graduate Certificate in Education. I taught French in Belfast and then moved to Dublin where I worked for ten years as a Media Planner in one of Dublin’s leading advertising agencies. During this time, I also got involved with Amnesty International and was Chairperson of Amnesty Ireland for five years. I then joined the organisation on a full-time basis as Development Manager before taking on the role of Head of Media. I initiated groundbreaking research into Irish links to the arms trade and produced two major reports: “Ireland and the Arms Trade – Decoding the Deals” and “Claws of the Celtic Tiger.”

I was head hunted by Irish based international human rights organisation Front Line Defenders to take up the newly created role of Head of Media and Communications. Prior to my retirement I was responsible for setting up the Human Rights Defenders Memorial Project, a unique collaborative project involving leading national and international organisations to document the killings of human rights defenders. I was the author of ‘Stop the Killings’ a major report which analysed the patterns of violence that led to the killings of human rights defenders in: Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and the Philippines. These 6 countries collectively account for 80% of the killings of human rights defenders annually. I was jokingly referred to in the office as, ‘Head of Killings.’

I live in Dublin with my husband. Since I retired, I have shifted focus from writing press releases and opinion articles to historical fiction. My first published work, ‘Ill Met by Moonlight’ is a short story published in October 2025 by Briar Press, New York, as part of ‘These Dark Things,’ an anthology of 12 gothic short stories. The Bratinsky is my first novel published by Sharpe Books. My second novel “Syracuse Must Burn” set in Sicily in 407BC is due out this year.

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

The Bratinsky Affair revolves around the stories of two main characters: exiled Russian aristocrat Countess Irina Bratinsky and aspiring investigative reporter Tom O’Brien. Irina’s story starts in pre-revolutionary Russia and travels to Paris in the 1920’s, Paris during the German Occupation and the political turmoil of the 1970’s. On the other hand, Tom’s story starts in small town Ireland and reflects the choices he makes as a young gay man coming to terms with his sexual orientation at a time when homosexuality was still a criminal offence. The main challenge was to convey the complexity of both their journeys and be sympathetic to the choices they make while not getting bogged down in the detail.

Another challenge was that in the first iteration of the book Irina came across as a bit of a monster. I had to recalibrate her as a much more sympathetic figure. On the other hand, I wanted her to come across as a strong independent woman, not a victim. She is someone who has taken control of her life and that is what makes her relevant to a modern audience.

Tom’s journey is more of an emotional one and it also incorporated elements of my own story as a gay man. Both stories reflect how happiness depends on the choices we make and the need for moral courage in difficult moments.

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

Since I was a teenager, I have always been absorbed in history so that is the first area I would look at. Growing up in a small village in Northern Ireland the subject of the famine was not talked about that much. There is a certain category of books which I would describe as light bulb books in that they illuminate an unknown event with the force of revelation. The Great Hunger by Cecil Woodham Smith was one of those in that it described the horrors of the Irish famine in an objective way that left you feeling you had lived through it. He showed me the importance of well researched and well written history.

The Memoirs of the Duc de Saint Simon is essential reading for anyone interested in French eighteenth century history. They have everything that any novel has ever been written about: gossip, corruption and intrigue at court, snobbery and the lust for power, love and devotion. He wrote his diary every day for fifty years and the only break was on the day his wife died, which is recorded by a tear on the page.

Another ‘light bulb book’ is the twin volumes The Normans in the South and The Kingdom in the Sun by John Julius Norwich. The Norman kingdom of Sicily established by Roger 11 in 1130 was an amalgam of Arab, Jewish and Christian culture based on tolerance. He was a Christian king who spoke Arabic and Greek and brought the finest craftsmen from Constantinople to create the Palatine Chapel. To see the most spectacular Byzantine mosaics go to Palermo.

In terms of historical fiction there are so many inspirational writers. Mary Renault, of course is the writer who almost invented historical fiction as a genre and in books like “The King Must Die”, “The Persian Boy” and “The Bull from the Sea” she recreates the world of ancient Greece so that you feel you are reliving it.

CJ Sansom’s character, lawyer Mathew Shardlake, is a wonderful invention as he explores the dark corners of Henry V111’s reformation England. This of course brings us to Hilary Mantel who has set the bar very high for writers of historical fiction with her “Wolfe Hall” trilogy.

When I need some light relief there are the adventures of Commissario Guido Brunetti by Dona Leon. Set in Venice this is the antithesis of scandi noir. He is not a divorced alcoholic. He has a happy marriage, loves his children and navigates the politics of his job with skill. Finally, there is one book which I have read many times: “The Historian” by Elizabeth Kostova. It is a brilliant reworking of the Dracula legend, so embedded in history that it is entirely credible.

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

My favourite place in Ireland is Woodstown Beach, outside Waterford City. It is a shallow bay bordered with sand dunes and a discreet fringe of pine trees. Here and there you can catch glimpses of elegant villas sheltered from the wind among the trees. Due to some anomaly of the tide the beach is littered with tiny pink shells and if you close your eyes all you will hear is the sighing of the wind and the tinkling of the shells in the surf. I have gone there many times with my oldest friend, and it is a place of great comfort and peace. Woodstown House also happens to be the place to which Jackie Kennedy retreated after the assassination of JFK.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Bratinsky Affair’?

In Irish history there are many stories about Irishmen who during the penal laws in seventeenth century Ireland fled repression at home to seek fame and fortune in the armies of Spain, France, Austria and Russia. At one point I met a descendant of one those families. Baron Brian de Breffny, Count O’ Rourke was the descendant of one such family. His ancestors had been generals during the wars against Napoleon and one of them even has his portrait in the Hermitage Museum. They survived in Russia until the revolution and ended up coming back to find refuge in Ireland three hundred years after their original departure. I thought there had to be a novel in that story! Years later, I discovered that there is a village in Wicklow called ‘The Russian Village’. It had been built by another Russian refugee whose family had fled to England. An architect, he married an Irish woman and ended up in Wicklow. This was the perfect place to start my story.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Bratinsky Affair’?

It took about three years though I wasn’t working on it all the time. It happened in fits and starts.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

It is available on Amazon.

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

I can claim no credit for the cover as this was designed by my publisher, Sharpe Books. The title was suggested by all those reports of scandals and crime such as ‘The Drefus Affair,” “The Profumo Affair” the “Affair of the Diamond Necklace.” Once I got that title stuck in my brain I couldn’t think past it. Nothing else quite worked, despite numerous attempts.

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

You have to be open to changes. For example, we were on holidays in the south of France and stumbled on an exhibition of the portraits of Suzy Solidor a controversial singer from the 1920’s who was painted by all the great artists of the day. She also ran the most fashionable night club in Paris in the 20’s and 30’s. She was also openly lesbian. Her story was so outrageous that I thought this is what we need to make Irina more human, and more fun. You also need to accept when something, a character or a section, simply doesn’t work. This stage of the process is not called ‘killing your darlings’ for nothing.

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

I would quote Stephen King (and recommend his book on writing): ° keep reading, keep writing and keep submitting. The other piece of advice I got was get it finished rather than obsess on making it perfect, otherwise you will never get past the opening paragraph.

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January 18, 2026

Interview with author Alex Gerrick

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

A1. I am a former senior government official and political adviser who left the Australian government in 2018. Since then I have been the CEO of a charity dealing with PTSD and on the board of another charity that deals with animal assisted therapy. I live in Canberra, Australia with my wife and pet beagle, Louie. I have just completed my first draft of my third book, The Cry of the Lyrebird. My interests include history, travelling, music, animals. and football, being a mad supporter of Liverpool FC.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “A Season of Thunder”?

A2. Although written as a novel, the book is based on fact, dealing with my shooting as a four year old boy and the possible connection to my father’s war service in the former Yugoslavia. Exploring such a traumatic event had its challenges as I discovered that many things I was told about the shooting were untrue. Dealing with that was difficult. Also discovering the background to my family’s escape from Yugoslavia (way before I was born) was also very challenging as I finally understood the terrible situations they experienced.

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

A3. I read widely, so I enjoy many authors. In terms of weaving together a story, I think Stephen King’s early books were a big influence on me, especially with character development. I also was influenced by writers such as Le Carre, Leon Uris, Herman Wouk, Robert Ludlum, and more recently, Robert Harris and Mick Herron. Catch 22 and To Kill a Mockingbird are still my two favourite novels of all time – I would love to write an Australian version of Catch 22 one day. I am also greatly influenced by the American film director, David Lynch, and how he portrayed the mysterious undercurrents that lurk within small towns.

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

A4. I am more of an international traveller these days – the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia and California are probably my two favourite places in the world because I love the sea and scenic, rugged coastlines. In Australia, Sydney is still my favorite place to visit – it is a historical city that offers everything, from fantastic beaches to brilliant restaurants and bars. Even for a large city, it relaxes me. Never get tired of visiting.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘A Season of Thunder’?

A5. As the youngest of four children, I wanted to record the story of my family’s escape from Yugoslavia for my siblings and their children. It is such an amazing story that I felt it needed to be retold within our family for decades to come so that those that live after us continue to honour the sacrifices that my parents and my oldest sister made.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘A Season of Thunder’?

A6. It took me about six months to conduct all the research for the book, and about eighteen months to write it.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. You can purchase the book through Amazon or order it online through your favourite bookstore such as Barnes and Noble etc. In Canberra, some bookshops carry the book.

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

A8. As for the book cover, I wanted something that conveyed a tree burning following a storm as that was an image my father recollected from the final days of the war. Fortunately I was able to find and purchase the perfect photo. My publisher who helped me with the book turned it into the perfect cover. As for ‘A Season of Thunder’ the title comes from my discussions with a Filipino Marist brother who I met in the Philippines in 2001. He explained to me about the Four Seasons of Life – the first being the Season of Thunder which details the events that led to your birth. That title fits perfectly with the essence of the novel.

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

A9. Always have a surprise or twist ready to go! Sometimes I didn’t even know what the twist would be until it came to my head.

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

A10. Stay calm, trust your instincts, don’t be scared to seek and take feedback, and don’t give up!

Buy book on Amazon

January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Interview with author Alexandra Longfellow

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

Hi! I’m Alexandra Longfellow, a mom, wife, lifelong book lover, and proud dog mom to two golden retrievers named Doug and Todd. By day, I tell real-world stories as a U.S. Air Force Public Affairs professionals. By night (and especially at bedtime), I love creating stories filled with heart, humor, and a whole lot of love. If there’s a dog nearby or a book in my hand, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Q2. What is the inspiration behind your book The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond?

Doug and Todd inspired the book simply by being themselves. Doug is the wise, older brother who knows all the rules, and Todd is the joyful whirlwind who learns them as he goes. Watching their bond grow (through tail wags, patience, and plenty of mischief) felt like a story that needed to be told. I wanted to capture that magic and share it with families everywhere.

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

I realized I wanted to be an author when I noticed how powerful stories are, especially the ones we read aloud together. Stories can calm busy minds, spark imagination, and turn ordinary moments into special memories. Once I saw that, I knew I wanted to create stories that children would ask for again and again.

Q4. Please tell us something about your book The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond.

The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond is a cozy, heartfelt story about two dogs learning how to share love, space, and life together. It’s about growing bonds, gentle lessons, and discovering that family isn’t just about who was there first It’s about choosing each other every day.

Q5. For which age group is your book The Tail of Doug & Todd: A Golden Bond?

The book is perfect for children ages 2–10, but it’s really written for lap reading. It’s the kind of story meant to be read with a child tucked under one arm and maybe a dog curled up at your feet.

Q6. What is your favorite quote?

“One day you will read books you once loved to someone you love.”
It’s a beautiful reminder that stories don’t just stay on the page, they become part of our lives.

Q7. What do you like the most about your country?

I love the sense of possibility. The idea that stories, dreams, and creativity can come from anywhere (and that everyone has a voice worth hearing) is something I truly value.

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

Keep it fun! Let kids pick the books, read the same story for the hundredth time, use silly voices, and don’t rush. Reading should feel like a treat, not a chore; and the memories you create will last far longer than the lesson itself.

Q9. What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success is hearing a child say, “Read it again!” or seeing a book get a little worn from being loved. If my story becomes part of someone’s bedtime routine, that’s the greatest reward I could ask for.

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

My biggest inspirations are my family, and yes, that includes Doug and Todd. They remind me every day that love is loyal, patience matters, and joy can be found in the simplest moments… especially when tails are wagging.

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January 12, 2026

Interview with author Larry Culliford

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

A1. Hello. Yes, I trained as a doctor in England then worked in hospitals and as a GP in New Zealand and Australia before training to be a psychiatrist. After returning to the UK, I became a Consultant Psychiatrist in the NHS in Brighton for almost 20 years, retiring so I could write more, publishing a long-time blog on Psychology Today and several books about happiness, wellbeing, spirituality and wisdom. My wife Sarah and I live in a beautiful small town in Sussex close to the South Downs National Park. I keep fit, go to the gym once a week, play golf, and enjoy things like reading, going to the theatre, watching films and documentaries. I think of myself as an ordinary kind of person, just like everybody else.

Q2. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

A2. One of my favourite spots is the golf club near Pulborough where I am a member. It is special for several reasons. Firstly, it is a beautiful, tranquil place. The scenery and wildlife are exceptional. Secondly, it is a friendly club with a welcoming atmosphere where I have many friends. Thirdly, the golf course is fair but challenging, requiring players like me to focus on each shot and deploy a testing range of skills; very satisfying when things go well, and character building when they don’t. They also serve excellent food and liquid refreshment.

Q3. What inspired you to write the book ‘Happy as Larry’?

A3. My friend Matt and I often share stories about our lives when on the golf course. One day, he suggested I write it all down, including some of the lessons I had learned along the way. That’s how the idea for my spiritual autobiography was born. My motive is not self-aggrandisement. Far from it. I simply want to share my experiences and thoughts about good mental health, and how I came to develop them into a coherent scheme (called the Kairos Theory of Emotional Healing and Personal Growth). If I am confident that this will help many people, it’s because it already has done. My aim now is to spread the hopeful message to a much wider audience.

Q4. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Happy as Larry’?

A4. I wrote the 28 chapter first draft at a steady rate. It took 14 months, so two weeks per chapter. This needed editing, to make it shorter and more readable, so I employed Susan Watt from ‘The Writing Coach’ to help me. The final version took about another six months to complete.

Q5. In your book, you say people can mature towards wellbeing and wisdom throughout life. What do you mean by wisdom?

A5. Wisdom can be thought of as a form of knowledge. It’s not like scientific knowledge, the knowledge of facts. It is, rather, the knowledge of how to be and behave for the best, both for yourself and for other people, in various situations. It is immediate, intuitive, on-the-spot knowledge, and depends on what I call our ‘wisdom minds’, which people can train themselves to access in simple ways. I should add that wisdom, kindness and compassion go together.

Q6. How can people develop their capacity for wisdom and compassion?

A6. There are several ways, as for example outlined in the World Wide Wave of Wisdom website (www.wwwow.net). One of these is to spend time reading wisdom literature, such as religious scriptures, philosophy, classical literature and poetry. Another is to spend quiet time every day in reflection, meditation or silent prayer.

Q7. What is the secret of wisdom?

A7. The secret of wisdom depends on people thinking for themselves and taking responsibility for their thoughts, words and actions. It also depends on such a person experiencing a feeling of unity, of a deeply personal connection with every other person, despite apparent differences of age, gender, nationality, faith tradition, political affiliation, favourite sports team, or anything else; and the same seamless degree of connection to nature and the planet, so that you always want to help, and cannot possibly do harm to anything or anyone, knowing intuitively that somehow you would reap the consequences, beneficial or otherwise. Your relationship to others, to all living things and to the wider cosmos develops a sacred quality of inviolability,. This is what it can mean to be a spiritual person, whether you happen to be religious or not.

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

A8. The expression ‘Happy as Larry’ refers to Larry the Lark, a nickname for the bird with a bright cheery song that we hear in the summer months. My name is Larry (not Lawrence), and I have been interested in the subject of human happiness and wellbeing since the 1970s, when I was a trainee psychiatrist and there did not seem to be an overview available to help us understand what supreme mental health might entail. Looking into this, as the book describes, helped me grow in terms of happiness and tranquillity I was carrying a lot of anger following a traumatic childhood and adolescence. Nowadays, I am a happy person, and I am also happy… in the sense of ‘content’… to be Larry, to be the person I have become. ‘Happy as Larry’ was the obvious title for the book. It then made sense to put my photo on the cover, and to put a photo from 1975, taken on the day I received my medical degree in Cambridge, on the back cover. The subtitle, ‘A Psychiatrist’s Quest for Mental health and Wellbeing’, summarises what the book is about, and hints that my personal journey could be interpreted universally; that I have been professionally interested in, and have discovered truths about, wellbeing for everyone else.

Q9. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

A9. It may sound arrogant, but I consider myself to have been blessed with the gift of writing ability. It was there when I was at school. My teachers remarked on it. So I have never felt the need to seek advice about writing.

Q10. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

A10. a) Read a lot; b) develop your vocabulary, learn new words every day; c)hone your work, revise everything multiple times; d) keep descriptions short, avoid repetition except occasionally for emphasis, less is usually more; e) write with confidence, especially non-fiction, avoiding words like ‘maybe’ or ‘perhaps’; f) try reading your work aloud, ideally to a sympathetic listener, make sure it sounds good, almost like poetry; g) persevere, become resilient, do not give up on your dreams and ambitions; h) writing is a form of self-development, use challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth. I had five books rejected before my first successful publication. Finally, i) believe in yourself, and good luck!

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January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Interview with author Terry Kruser

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

Hi. My name is Terry Kruser. I am 67 years old and live in Renton, Washington (just SE of Seattle). Wow, there is so much! I was born and raised in Iowa. At 18, I joined and served 9 years in the Air Force, stationed worldwide, and this is when I gained most of my “people experience”. In 1986, I started school at the University of Iowa and graduated with a BS in pharmacy. I retired in 2014 for medical reasons. I’ve been very happily together with my husband over 25 years. I started writing when I was 18 and concentrate now on “life learning experience” essays instead of poetry.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Uncommon Poems Common People”?

The book is essentially composed of two parts. The first part “The Edge” was mostly written when I was in my teens in early 20’s and concentrates mostly on the emotionally immature side of myself. The second part builds on the first with more mature life outlooks. The most difficult part was trying to find a way to coherently reconcile the two into a single body of work in a way that would achieve my overall goal, that of a guide to living that would show others that they, too, can achieve a sense of self-peace in their lives regardless of whatever challenges life may throw at us.

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

I’ve long been a sci-fi reader. Stephen Donaldson’s Thomas Covenant series (starting with Lord Foul’s Bane) is a series that’s been re-read several times. Probably my all-time favorite book has been The World According to Garp by John Irving because it pegs people so well and accurately reflects life and people in all of their idiosyncrasy and absurdity. My own life has been strange, challenging, and wonderful and I like writing that reflects those qualities. That would include Stephen King, because he writes about what makes people tick and why they act like fallible people so well, but for some reason I’ve gravitated away from that genre. My own writing now is not influenced much by other authors, but (as its mostly always been) much more related to my own real-life lessons-oriented relationships and experiences.

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

For the early part of my adult life, it was Glacier National Park in NW Montana. I really love places of natural beauty. Later, after moving to San Antonio, TX, it was our almost yearly fall trip to South Padre Island in far south Texas (not regular Padre Island, central TX coast), which has the best stretch of beach in the state. I tend to gravitate to places that feed my sense of spirituality, self-peace, and serenity. Nature and ordinary everyday things (as metaphorical symbols) appear a lot in my poetry simply because they are relatable and are things that people can key on and find personally relatable and as such, can more easily be tied to one’s mental and emotional state and well-being, in times of both the good and not very good.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Uncommon Poems Common People’?

Occasionally, I’ll pore over my old writing, and I found that I had a lot of really good stuff that was worth sharing and that people could relate to. More importantly, I think that because of my own personal experiences, others might be helped (because of what I’ve gone through, both good and bad) to find their own way. It took me literally decades to find answers and solutions to my own lifelong personal issues. There were things that I wished I could have known or thought of when I was younger, that it would have been nice if people who truly cared would have passed onto or told me as to the lessons in life we all could use, or even need. My hope is that others might gain and find their own ways through life more quickly and easily by knowing about my experience.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Uncommon Poems Common People’?

I had to laugh when I saw this question. I’m 67 now and the vast majority of the material in the book was written before I was 25. The first half of the book was already written by the time I was in my mid 20s. I just had to fill in the blanks, organize, and get it all pieced together to say what I really wanted to say. Essentially, it only took a few months to put it all together once I decided to do a book. It took just as long for the editing process and the back and forth between my publisher and I to iron it all out. Even then, when it was published, somehow the printer managed to put in an all too obvious typo in it.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

I self-published, so not in some of the obvious places like your corner bookstore. The book is available through the publisher Dorrance, and naturally Amazon in softcover and Kindle formats. It’s been a few years since originally published, so I’m not sure if Barnes and Noble even stocks it any more. Amazon is a reader’s best, quickest, and easiest bet. I don’t think the e-format does poetry writing justice; I’m not a big fan of it. I’m really lousy at marketing so popular it isn’t.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Uncommon Poems Common People’?

The book cover was easy, entirely driven by Dorrance the publisher. They came up with a couple of designs and I wasn’t really picky. One they came up with was appealing enough. For the title, I wanted something that reflected the book. The type of poetry style I use is fairly unique to myself and is out of step with a lot of modern poetry. C’mon, it’s about the writing itself and not how you spread the words all over the page. A lot of my poetry is deeply and intimately personal and relatable. I write about emotions and experiences relatable to most everyone, so that what makes it for “common people”. An interesting side note is that the original title I had pegged was “Uncommon Poems for Common People”. While putting the book together, I found out that a writer in Spain had coincidentally recently published a book “Uncommon Poems for the Common People”, so I ditched the “for” out of my own title to help ameliorate any possible confusion. (I saw enough of it to realize… completely different). I’m happy with the result.

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

Like any writer, recurring themes in composition and content often come up, especially when it’s personally emotional and there’s some internal axes that need to be ground. I had my own set of issues when I was a lot younger and that was a rut that it was easy to fall into in my writing. This results in boring and repetitious writing. This final set I think is pretty darn good. I’ve had some reviewers not liking my repeating themes between the first and second parts who didn’t recognize the shifts in tone, (the sometimes slow) growth, change, and maturity; some did). That being said, I’ve done some truly bad carry-on forever writing, and composed some real stinkers in my time. To keep things fresh, you have to keep things real, honest, and straight to the point, or else it’s too much of a burden to the reader. Young and inexperienced writers (like me at one time), being so eager to get their message across, tend to make these kinds of mistakes.

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

There’s several (see above). Keep it real, honest, and to the point. Write about things you know about and have experience with. Don’t make it too auto-biographic, unless that’s the point. If you’re not familiar enough with the subject matter you want to write about, do your first rough drafts to get your ideas down and fixed, then educate yourself on the potential holes in your writing and knowledge base. We may think we know all about some things, but those who actually do know and have the experience, they will have the last laugh every time. And above all, DO NOT write “above the heads” of the people in your target audience. In some feedback from my first book, I was told that I wrote at a post-graduate level and only then did I realize I needed to tone it down if I wanted to write something that people would actually want to read.

Buy Uncommon Poems Common People on Amazon

January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

Interview with author Rusty Austin

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

A1. My name is Rusty Austin, I got the nickname when I was a kid because of the shock of red hair. I grew up in Colorado, where the lifestyle is to spend as much time in the outdoors as possible. All the weekend hiking and backpacking and rock climbing led me to a love of nature and animals. I graduated from UCLA in 1988 and went on to spend 30 years as a reality TV producer in Hollywood, where I worked on shows like Survivor, Big Brother, Nanny 911 and Hell’s Kitchen. In reality TV we take many hours of footage and hone it down and down and down until we get to the smallest kernel we can find that still tells the story the way we want it to be told. That experience has come in quite handy in my writing career. I retired in 2018 and now I write children’s animal poetry books and the occasional non-fiction book for adults.

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

A2. My lifelong friend Dave died unexpectedly at age 60 and I wanted to pen a memoir to honor him. I had to make sure it was as accurate as possible to my memories of our times together. The biggest challenge was trying not to feel too much grief while writing so the joy of life could come out over the pain of death…what resulted was a lot of short stories recalling specific events, both humorous and serious.

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

A3. Charles Bukowski is one of my favorite writers, I try to pay homage to him in every one of my short stories. One of my favorite books, believe it or not, is Ulysses by James Joyce. I like it because it successfully breaks almost every writing rule known to man. It took me 10 years to get through it, I would read and reread several pages then put it down for a month or two.

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

A4. My favorite spot to visit is Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where they have one of the largest natural hot springs pools in the world. My whole family learned to swim there, and I’ve passed it on to my nieces and nephews, and I plan to do so soon to my grandchildren.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Dave and Me’?

A5. My lifelong best friend Dave passed away unexpectedly at age 60 and I wanted to write something for both myself and our extended family to remember him. I had a drawer full of short stories that I had written over the years, many of which had him in them, so it seemed like a good place to start.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Dave and Me’?

A6. In a way I’ve been working on it for 30 years because many of the stories I wrote while the events were still fresh in my mind. It took me about 2 months to go through the archives (many of which existed only in print and had to be transcribed) and cull out the best of it, then another two months to fill in the gaps and select the photos (again many of which only existed as hard copies and had to be scanned).

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Amazon.com, the series on Amazon is called Goofy Things by Rusty, also on Barnes&Noble.com and IngramSpark.com. They are also available on my website, rustyaustin.com

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

A8. I wanted the simplest title I could dream up that still described accurately the vibe I was looking for. The title came quickly, but, I went through many iterations of the cover before I landed on the abstract pattern and green color that I think really speaks to what I was trying to say.

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

A9. I write when I feel like it and stop when I no longer do. Then the next time I sit down I do a fair piece of editing to make sure I’m not repeating myself or even worse boring myself! I figure if it bothers me it bothers my readers.

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

A10. There’s a few, Stephen King said writing is applying the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair, which kind of contradicts the way I write now that I’m retired but is still true, Winston Churchill said the work of the world is done by people that don’t feel very well, which also rings true. Bukowski said the days run away like wild horses over the hills. I have that on my license plate frame…

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December 17, 2025

Interview with author Dr. David Oxley

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

David grew up in London, UK, and now lives in Austin, Texas. In his early career, he was a management consultant before spending the last 20 years in various senior HR and business reorganisation roles around the world. He spent a significant amount of time in India, where he worked with BP’s partner, Reliance Industries. Today, he spends his time researching and writing articles on the future of careers for publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, The Times, The Belfast Telegraph, The Observer, People Management, and HR Today, where he is also a member of the advisory board. David earned his doctorate from Cranfield University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.

Q2. Why did you choose fiction as the vehicle for such a timely and serious career topic rather than a traditional advice book?

Well, our books aren’t strictly fiction or non-fiction. We tell a story and then provide explanations for the themes we embedded in the story. But, storytelling is such a powerful way to reveal truths, spark imagination, and inspire introspection on important themes.

Our brain uses stories to help us organize our memories, deal with emotions, establish our identities, and transmit our culture across generations. And its eternal. From cave paintings and oral myths to books, films, and digital media.

It’s also distinctive at least when it comes to business and leadership books. That’s a key point for us.

Q3. Which part of your book “Artificial Death of a Career” proved to be the most challenging to write, and why?

Oh gosh. Writing is a complex process and takes a lot of time. My reflection is that there were two main challenges with our latest book. The first is consistent with all our books, and that’s deciding where to start. We know what we want to write about and why, but the how always proves to be the biggest first step. What is the story that conveys our points in the most powerful way?

The second was making sure we didn’t fall into the trap of becoming transactional—of viewing AI as the problem to solve. We humans are very versatile, and technology moves every 10–20 years. So, it was important for us to help people put that in perspective, to gain confidence from how we navigated other significant changes.

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

We have breakfast and eat croissants and black raspberries. That is our indulgence. To return to the place we first discussed writing a series of books. Obviously we have had public book launch events that have become their own big thing. But we like to spend time just reflecting on the journey.

Q5. The title Artificial Death of a Career is striking. What does “death” mean here—an ending, a transformation, or a wake-up call?

Ah. We debated whether Death in the title was a good idea. What we mean here is that our careers are in danger of artificially or unnecessarily being interrupted, unless we wake up and do something about it. It is of course a metaphor. No one dies in the book. But, we believe that the world frames the urgency and dangers of putting your career on auto-pilot.

Q6. Who do you hope this book reaches the most—early-career professionals, mid-career experts, or leaders already navigating AI adoption?

All of the above. We read a lot about people suffering from “boreout” or “quiet quitting.” The phenomenon of people doing only what is necessary to earn a salary. We want to help those people find the motivation and practical steps to take charge of and own their destiny: to reinvent themselves not just to avoid the ravages of AI, but also to find something more compelling, more rewarding, more vital. We believe work is such an important influence on how we feel about the world. It can be a positive and liberating thing.

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

Jules Verne was a favorite of mine. I loved his imagination. It was inspiring, compelling, and so distinctive.

Q8. The book emphasizes being “future-ready.” If readers could adopt just one mindset shift after finishing the book, what would you want it to be?

Well, beyond going to buy and read our other books? Yes, I think we try to provide our readers with frameworks and reflection for them to find their own path. We do believe everyone is unique, and it is important not to offer one solution. However, yes, the punchline might be to embrace our CAFFEINE and TICK mnemonics. These are the tools we suggest for people to stay engaged and always looking forward to what’s next.

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

I have loved writing with David. And learning the publishing business. My main take away is how much fun and unwork like doing something you care about can be. Writing a book is a business venture. It has meetings, deadlines, administration. It’s not without a share of chores. But, like Mary Poppins said “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and—snap!—the job’s a game.”

Q10. You’ve said your goal is to help at least one person navigate a difficult career challenge. What kind of message or feedback from readers would make you feel this book truly succeeded?

We love hearing from people who have read our books and tell us they meant something to them, even if it was just a few hours of entertainment. However, my favorite story was from someone who said they had never felt able to express their deepest reservations and fears about work. After reading one of our books, they felt braver, more liberated, and less alone. They said we seemed to have written about something they thought only they felt. Now they realize that almost everyone is struggling with the same themes.

Buy Artificial Death of a Career on Amazon

December 17, 2025December 17, 2025

Interview with author Dr. Helmut Schuster

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

Dr. Helmut Schuster grew up in Austria and now lives in London, UK. He was previously Group HR Director of BP plc and Chairman of the Board of Ivoclar Vivadent. Today, alongside writing books focused on offering a distinctive new option for NextGen entrepreneurs and leaders, he serves on the boards of several dynamic start-up businesses, including ExpectAI, a Greentech enterprise. He is an active entrepreneur and investor, and a frequent contributor to leadership and AFS Intercultural programs. He earned his PhD in Economics from the University of Vienna.

Q2. Why did you choose fiction as the vehicle for such a timely and serious career topic rather than a traditional advice book?

It’s also distinctive at least when it comes to business and leadership books. That’s a key point for us.

Q3. Which part of your book “Artificial Death of a Career” proved to be the most challenging to write, and why?

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

Q5. The title Artificial Death of a Career is striking. What does “death” mean here—an ending, a transformation, or a wake-up call?

Q6. Who do you hope this book reaches the most—early-career professionals, mid-career experts, or leaders already navigating AI adoption?

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

Jules Verne was a favorite of mine. I loved his imagination. It was inspiring, compelling, and so distinctive.

Q8. The book emphasizes being “future-ready.” If readers could adopt just one mindset shift after finishing the book, what would you want it to be?

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

Q10. You’ve said your goal is to help at least one person navigate a difficult career challenge. What kind of message or feedback from readers would make you feel this book truly succeeded?

Buy Artificial Death of a Career on Amazon

December 6, 2025

Interview with author Crash Le Comique

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

A1. The Nom de plume of Crash Le Comique blends fun, kindness, and humor into timeless beast fable classics.

What is the inspiration behind your book “Santa’s Audit”

A2. Rumor has it that the tale was written on an afternoon in August on a 105-degree day.

When did you realize you want to be an author?

A3. Crash wrote his first poem when he was in first grade. What an impression he did set out to make.

Please tell us something about your book Me Be Thinkin’

A4. Stan, from what I understand, likes to jam. But depending upon which way the wind blows, the crowds come, and they go.

For which age group is your book The Debonair Square?

A5. Crash refuses to suggest that storytime has limits.

What is your favorite Quote?

A6. Art is Love, Love is God.

What do you like the most about your country?

A7. A land where anything less than exceptional is unacceptable.

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

A8. Reading and Bonding time must be routine, where nothing comes between.

What does literary success look like to you?

A9. Crash wrote his stories and locked them away in a safe; he trusted they would find their place.

Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

A10. God, because he saved me.

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December 1, 2025

Interview with author Jodie Bonville

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

Hi, I’m Jodie Bonville—BookFest Award–Winning Author, educator, life coach, ISSA-certified fitness trainer and nutritionist, and proud entrepreneur. With over 26 years of experience supporting children, adults, and families, I’ve dedicated my life to uplifting others through teaching, wellness, and storytelling. I’m passionate about personal growth, nature, and helping people discover the beauty in life’s everyday moments. Writing has become another way for me to inspire others on their journey toward joy, strength, and self-discovery.

What is the inspiration behind your book A Journey to the Summit: Learning Life’s Peaks?

The book was inspired by my love of hiking and the powerful life lessons I’ve learned on the trails. Every peak, every challenge, and every breathtaking moment mirrors something we experience in life.

I also dedicated this book to my beloved colleague and friend, Frederick Schaefer, who passed away. He loved hiking and rock climbing, and honoring that passion felt deeply meaningful. I asked his daughter, Isabella Schaefer, to illustrate the book, and she brought the story to life in the most beautiful, heartfelt way.

When did you realize you want to be an author?

I realized I wanted to be an author when I noticed how people connected with the stories I shared—in the classroom, in the community, and on the trails. Writing became an extension of my desire to help others.

I also believe it’s important to practice what I preach as a teacher. If I tell students every day that reading and writing matter, then I should be modeling that passion myself. Becoming an author allowed me to live that message authentically.

Please tell us something about your book A Journey to the Summit: Learning Life’s Peaks.

This book is an inspirational children’s story about a young girl who goes hiking and discovers meaningful life lessons along the way. Through her journey, children learn about courage, perseverance, gratitude, and the beauty of embracing challenges. The illustrations bring nature, adventure, and reflection together in a gentle, uplifting way that young readers can connect with.

For which age group is your book A Journey to the Summit: Learning Life’s Peaks?

The book is best for children ages 5 and up, though older readers often enjoy its message as well.

What is your favorite Quote?

“Every mountain teaches us something different—patience, strength, or simply how to pause and enjoy the small, quiet moments along the trail.”

What do you like the most about your country?

I love the natural beauty of this country—the mountains, forests, lakes, and trails that have been the backdrop for so much of my healing, growth, and creativity. Nature has a way of grounding and inspiring us, and I’m grateful to live in a place where those landscapes are so accessible.

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

Let reading feel magical, not mandatory. Create cozy moments—bedtime stories, library visits, nature journals, or simply letting kids choose books that spark their curiosity. When children associate reading with connection and joy, it becomes a lifelong habit.

What does literary success look like to you?

Success, to me, is hearing that something I wrote made someone feel seen, encouraged, or inspired. If my words help even one person feel a little more hopeful or a little less alone on their journey, that is success.

Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

My biggest inspirations are the people I serve every day—students, families, and community members who continue to show up with courage and heart despite life’s challenges. Their strength and resilience remind me that every story matters and that we are all capable of rising to our own summits.

Buy A Journey to the Summit on Amazon