Category: Author Interview

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Interview with author M Thomas Apple

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

A1. My name is M Thomas Apple. I’m originally from Troy, New York, but my family moved around a lot when I was a kid. We ended up in a small village in the Adirondack Mountains, and I still have a strong love of forests and mountains, hiking and camping, everything Nature. After college, I also moved around a lot, trying to find my way (Michigan, Indiana, Massachusetts…). I ended up teaching English in Japan, where I fell in love and started a family and living, you guessed it, in the mountains.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Bringer of Light”?

A2. Trying to stay motivated despite a busy work schedule! I’m not a full time writer, but a full time teacher. Also, the original story idea and concepts came from a friend whose background was much more science-oriented than mine. So I had to do a lot of research to make sure things made sense.

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

A3. I’ve read most of the work by the “Big Three” of science fiction (Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Robert Heinlein), but Ray Bradbury’s Martian Chronicles and Frank Herbert’s Dune are probably the most influential.

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

A4. I love taking my family to visit Natural Stone Bridge & Caves, in Pottersville, New York. It’s a massive natural cavern with a walking trail along a small creek with loads of outdoor activities for kids. And the handmade ice cream store nearby is the proverbial icing on the cake!

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Bringer of Light’?

A5. An old friend of mine and I came up with the idea after reading about the possibilities of mining asteroids for rare and valuable metals. But we wondered what would happen to the people who actually went looking for the asteroids, how others would react to changes to the way they viewed the universe and their place in it. And naturally how this would affect the politics that inevitably wind up tangled together with space exploration and settlement.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Bringer of Light’?

A6. From start to finish, nearly ten years! It was slow going in the beginning, since it was originally a joint project, and when my friend gave me everything, I needed to start over to make the characters my own.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Nearly everywhere! It’s of course on Amazon, in paperback/hardcover and Kindle, and the ePub is available through multiple online platforms such as Smashwords and the Apple Store. Just visit Books2Read.com (https://books2read.com/b/bp1yqE)

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

A8. I went through many iterations of the book cover — most of them way too complicated — before settling on a simple photo of Mars, which, after all, is where most of the characters end up and whose water needs to drive the plot. The book title is a reference to the Greek god Apollo, who brings both light and pestilence. However, many other mythologies feature a light bringer and thus the title draws together beliefs from multiple cultures.

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

A9. I read constantly — especially things of a mythical, mystical, and scientific nature. Keeping up to date with NASA, ESA, JAXA etc discoveries means I can make sure my writing stays as accurate as possible, and maintaining a mystical connection to nature means (I hope) I can continue to maintain a sense of wonder in my writing.

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

A10. “Just do it.” At some point, more outline or plotting or character backgrounds just keeps you from doing what is necessary — just write, and let the words flow.

Book is available on Amazon

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Interview with author Portia Y. Clare

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

A1. My name is Portia Y. Clare. I am a left-handed only child who loves spending time with family, bowling, singing, and writing children’s books. I am the author of three children’s books – Best Friends Forever: A Puppy’s Tale, His Name is My Daddy, and Life is More Than This Covington Pond. I am a citizen of the United States and The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I am grateful to be in my 32nd year of teaching. Simply put, I teach because I love children. I believe that I was born to teach.

  1. What is your inspiration behind your book “Life is More Than This Covington Pond”?

A2. My inspiration for writing Life is More Than This Covington Pond is two-fold. First, this story is inspired by true events in the life of My Mommy, Jane Ann Easterling Clare. It is her story. Second, it is a story that inspires children and adults to dream big, to see beyond their immediate surroundings, and to imagine the endless possibilities that are available to them and through them.

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

A3. I realized at a young age that I enjoyed creative writing. My writing journey began in second grade when I wrote a story about my visit to The Statue of Liberty. The story won first prize in a writing contest, which made creative writing even more special, and helped to spark my genuine interest in becoming an author!

  1. Please tell us something about your book “Life is More Than This Covington Pond”?

A4. Life is More Than This Covington Pond by Portia Y. Clare is a heart-warming story about a little girl named Nann who wonders and dreams with her eyes wide open, always imagining the possibilities. It is a story that sparks the imagination and motivates readers to dream big and believe that their dreams really can come true!

  1. For which age group is your book “Life is More Than This Covington Pond” suitable for?

A5. I believe that Life is More Than This Covington Pond by Portia Y. Clare is suitable for children between the ages of six and ten. It is also truly inspirational for those who are children at heart!

  1. What is your favorite Quote?

A6. My favorite quote is, “Choices are long-lasting and life-changing!”
– Episcopal Pastor John A. Cherry

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

A7. What I like most about our country is that it is a melting pot of many cultures that come together to enhance and create a beautiful tapestry known around the world as the United States of America.

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

A8. My suggestion to parents is to begin to form the habit of reading in your children while they are in the womb. Reading encourages thinking, and everything begins with a thought. Make the habit of reading a family tradition that opens your children’s minds and that nurtures their abilities to dream and imagine and explore the wonder of it all!

  1. What does literary success look like to you?

A9. Literary success looks like a child at play who becomes the main character of a story that was read or heard, and is now acting the part and expanding on that part in his or her dreams and imagination! It is a story that becomes a part of that child and that is requested and selected and recommended over and over again by that child.

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

A10. My inspiration for life and for beginning to write children’s books was My Daddy, Mr. Randolph George Clare, Jr. I clearly remember the afternoon when My Daddy asked, “Scoop, how is your writing coming along? I know that you said you want to write children’s books. Have you begun to write anything yet?” I told him that I had several ideas and stories in my head, but that I had not put them on paper yet. He responded, “Scoop, do it NOW. NOW is the acceptable time. TODAY is the day of salvation. You have so much on the inside of you that will help children to grow, develop, and learn. Begin to share that gift with them NOW.”
So, with My Daddy’s admonition, I began to write children’s books. My Daddy went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 14, 2020. My heart’s desire remains to honor My Daddy and My Mommy through my writing, through my teaching, and through my character.

Buy Life is More Than This Covington Pond on Amazon

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Interview with author Robin L.R. Kellogg

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

A1. Hi everyone. I’m Robin Kellogg. I’m an author, business owner, copywriter, and course instructor residing in Los Angeles, CA. It All Began with a Goodbye is my third book but my first novel. In 2014, I published A Life Put on Hold: My Son’s Journey with a Brain Injury and the Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way. Two years later, in 2016, I published an ebook, 12 Steps to Better Business Communications, which I updated in 2021. My most recent endeavor, It All Began with a Goodbye, is my first attempt at fiction.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “It All Began with a Goodbye”?

A2. The book is set in 1930s and 1940s America, so I had to be sure that all the technology, language, and behaviors reflected that era and that section of the USA. The country was on a roller coaster, first experiencing the Great Depression and then entering World War II. Against this backdrop, Sarah, born a year before the stock market crash in 1929, straddles two worlds: that of her immigrant family and being a young woman in the U.S. I thought about this book for several years before I wrote it, trying to figure out how I would weave Sarah’s adventures with a subplot that enhanced the story and somehow connected with her profession as a bookkeeper.

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

A3. There’s not one author or book that I can reference. The books I love to read are written by authors like Margaret Atwood, Toni Morrison, Charmaine Wilkerson, James Clavell, Viet Thanh Nguyen and so many others.

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

A4. I love the East Coast. I grew up in New Jersey, and the change of seasons is spectacular, especially during the fall. The tree leaves are a palette of colors—shades of burgundy, amber, and rose. I also enjoy visiting New Jersey because I miss having easy access to New York City and all that it has to offer.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘It All Began with a Goodbye’?

A5. My mother passed away in 2005. She had always talked about growing up in that era, which made me feel a connection to it. When I started writing the story, I tried to modernize the storyline, but it still felt like the characters were part of another era. So, I started over and wrote it for that period.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘It All Began with a Goodbye’?

A6. It took about four and a half years. I did a lot of research on that era in my country’s history and was focused on creating three-dimensional characters that resonated with my potential readers.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. A Life Put on Hold (pen name Evie Rosen) and 12 Steps to Better Business Communications are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It All Began with a Goodbye can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Reader House, and iTunes.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘It All Began with a Goodbye’?

A8. I struggled with the title for this book. Finally, one day I started writing down the themes in the book and one was that Sarah kept losing significant people in her life. Her mother died, her brother went off to war and her younger brother was taken from the family for two years. So that’s when It All Began with a Goodbye seemed like the perfect title for this book. Since the story is set in a specific era of U.S. history, I needed the cover to reflect it. The kitchen was the hearth of the home. It’s where all the action happened. Additionally, one of the themes in the book is making or having a cup of tea. It seemed natural to have two teacups set on a kitchen table. There is also a pile of mail on the table, reflecting how hand-written correspondence was a huge part of everyone’s life. And finally, I wanted a sepia tone in the image so that it looked old. I sent pictures and suggestions to the graphic designers at Newman Springs Publishing, and they produced the cover. I’m pleased with how it turned out and I believe that it helps transport the reader back in time.

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

A9. I read it aloud to myself over, and over again, and then pass it along to members of my writing group to get their feedback. When writing this book, I wanted to set each chapter up so the reader would be left guessing what would happen next.

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

A10. Read, read, read. Writers, at least decent writers, are also readers. Reading others’ works not only gives you a sense of how to develop your own style but also opens you to other storylines and writing approaches.

Buy book on Amazon

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Interview with author Michael C. Higgins

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

A1. For more than twenty years, author, photographer and wine expert Michael C. Higgins has been the publisher of Flying Adventures, a lifestyle travel magazine for food and wine lovers who own and travel on private airplanes. As a private pilot, travel enthusiast and food and wine lover himself, Higgins continues to live the story he’s been sharing for decades.

Between the magazine and this book series, Higgins has participated in some of the most extraordinary experiences. He has virtually done it all: from pruning vines, picking grapes, working alongside winemakers, to participating in blind tastings, food and wine pairings, judging Cru Bourgeois wines, and sharing many meals with world-renowned winemakers over countless hours, discussing everything wine. His time in wine regions adds up to thousands of days and counting. And as an accomplished photographer, he has captured even more spectacular images of the wine world.

Higgins has participated in many unique wine experiences, indulged in the most exclusive culinary affairs, been pampered in highly luxurious destinations and jumped into the wildest of adventures. His goal is to inspire his readers to join him in exploring the wine regions of the world and experiencing the unimaginable. Higgins has a BA in Commercial Art, an MBA and a PhD in Business Administration. He is a California native and lives in Pasadena, California.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Exploring Wine Regions: Argentina”?

A2. Since this is my first book, I was faced with all the challenges of beginning a new business. I know a lot about print publishing from the publishing of my magazine Flying Adventures over 20 years. So, producing the Argentina book I completely understand creating a beautiful physical publication. However, the distribution is different. Fortunately, I was able to create a relationship with the largest book distributor in the world, Baker and Taylor Publisher Services, so this created a large distribution in small and large bookstores across the country.

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

A3. My books are unique. There is nothing else like them. Spending four years to create the content to produce a book makes them quite special and unique. And being a photographer, this is my favorite part of the book. Creating spectacular beautiful photographs unlike anything else you would ever see.

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

A4. The California Wine Regions are some of the best in the world. And with my current book being on the Central Coast of California, this is a very special place for me. The wines are extraordinary. The food is amazing. The tourism is awesome. And the landscapes are ever so beautiful. All types of wines are made here, so I can indulge in whatever I desire at the moment.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Exploring Wine Regions: California Central Coast’?

A5. After completing my first book on Argentina, my distributor and I looked at what would be the most important wine regions to produce books. The two that we decided on were Bordeaux France and California USA. Bordeaux became my second book and California became my third book. The reason for the Central Coast is simple. Napa Valley and Sonoma are very well-known and so the Central Coast gets lost in the shadow of their success. The Central Coast Wine Regions are amazing and they produce some of the best wines in California. So I wanted to show my readers what an amazing place this is to visit.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Exploring Wine Regions: Bordeaux France’?

A6. The Argentina trip took four years. Bordeaux France took another four years. The California Central Coast took three years. And fortunately, my next book on México is only one more year.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. My books can be found in physical bookstores, as well as ordering them online at all the major venues you can think of. The big ones like Barnes & Noble and Amazon, as well as the small local bookstores, which are very important to support. We also produce a Travel Edition e-book, which is available through Apple and Amazon.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Exploring Wine Regions: México’?

A8. The overall look, design and graphics of all the covers remain the same, including México. What is different on the México cover is the photograph, which is a beautiful hacienda in Valle de Guadalupe. It just felt very stylish México. The other difference on the México cover is the subhead: Exploring México’s Quality Wines And Phenomenal Cuisine. People think of Mexico for tequila as this is where the trademark tequila region exists in the world. People don’t normally think of México for wine. However, México produces high-quality wines and I have found those quality wineries and pointed them out in the books. The other great part of México is the food. And I’m not speaking of necessarily Mexican food. You can eat some of the best cuisine you’ll ever taste in the world.

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

A9. This is a very interesting question. I am often asked why write about different wineries because they are all the same. A winery makes wine and the process is the same from one winery to the next. To me, each winery is unique. I tell people to read my books and then I get the responses of wow, it’s amazing how different each winery can be. When visiting wineries, I only do one winery per day. This way I can focus on what makes that winery unique. I spend time with the winemaker, the vintner/owner, and the agronomist if they have one, and I explore their vineyards, winery, cellar, tasting room, and restaurant, and get involved with all of their activities, which collectively makes each winery it’s own unique special place. This is how things stay fresh for me. On every trip, I always learn something new.

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

A10. That I have a great voice. That I should keep this style of writing. I received this feedback from some of the judges who have judged my books and honored them with awards.

Author’s Profile on Amazon

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Interview with author Deborah Threadgill Egerton

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

I describe myself as a matriarch, a mentor and a mystic.

As a Matriarch, I’ve cultivated a global sisterhood, providing a nurturing space for women from all walks of life to explore and celebrate their diverse cultures, customs, and values. I offer the gift of guidance and support, offering the wisdom I’ve obtained from my experience to women of varied backgrounds.In my role as Mentor, I’ve dedicated myself to shaping the future generations, not through wealth or power, but through the sturdy foundation of love, wisdom, and respect for humanity. I aim to leave behind shoulders strong enough for them to stand on, inspiring them to craft something truly extraordinary.

As a Mystic, I traverse the world with a heart filled with joy, embracing the beautiful tapestry of humanity. My faith is my anchor, guiding me to trust in the power of love as the ultimate source of strength.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Enneagram Made Easy”?

The key challenges were distilling the Enneagram down into understandable terms without losing its essence or power. I could easily have written hundreds of more pages!

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

I too am a voracious reader so my interests are very broad. In this vein of thought it would have to be. C. G.Jung, Richard Rohr, Pema Chodron, Russ Hudson and Beatrice Chestnut.

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

I was born there. It will always be home and the city energizes me.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Know Justice Know Peace’?

There is great power in looking at the way you are showing up in the world. I believe if people slow down and take a look at the consequences of their actions, they might change their behaviors. The Enneagram helps you to do that, and with all the ways that we marginalize people all over the world it’s important to have some tools in place that will help us to look at the way we are “othering“ people, as in treating them like objects. Kindness matters.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Enneagram Made Easy’?

About a year.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

My books are available everywhere books are sold. Amazon, Barnes and noble even target Walmart. The easiest way to access my books and audio books is to go to my website Deborahegerton.com. The links to the books take you directly to a purchasing option.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Know Justice Know Peace’?

The book cover, is really part of the creative genius of my co-author Lisi Mohandessi. Lisi is a graphic artist. We both wanted something that represented Beauty and strife at the same time. The colors of the book are beautiful and yet there is something somewhat twisted and tortured in the graphic depiction of the human terrain. It’s what we look like beneath the surface of the skin.

The title came quickly. We will never be able to elevate the consciousness of the human species if we do not understand Justice and Peace. We must take the time and get to Know Justice and Know Peace if we are to move forward.

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

I make sure that I remain very present. I don’t try to force words to come I actually let the words come through me. When the words are not there, I let it be until they come back and then I will resume the writing. Everything comes in its correct time and season  I trust that,and that is how I write.

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

someone told me once, (and I don’t remember who) that anything that was meant to be written by me would come through me. I have found that to be true. Writing is something that I enjoy. I do not labor over it. I do not stress during the process of trying to allow a book to be born. A book cannot be born before it is ready, and I have the wisdom in this season of my life to recognize that.

Author’s profile on Amazon

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Interview with author Richard

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

A1. My name is Dick (Richard) Contino and I am an attorney / businessman, specializing primarily in the finance area. I founded and co-founded a number of businesses as well as joint ventures with major companies, and currently I am the CEO of a relatively new business that sets up finance companies for equipment manufacturers, the Managing Director of a specialized investment banking company and the founder and managing partner of an equipment leasing specialized law firm.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Emotional Intelligence at Work”?

A2. I was writing about an aspect of the business process that is generally not recognized as existing, and a topic rarely addressed in business schools or in life in general. Most people are indoctrinated by their parents, teachers, mentors and society in general to believe emotional issues do not belong in the business process and therefore we are lead to believe do not exist in business. So, in writing about emotional issues in business, I needed to identify examples that the reader could relate to notwithstanding what they believe.

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

A3. Initially I was most influenced by business self-help books and books on psychology; that is, until I actually began my own businesses and encountered issue after issue that seemed to block progress. And the more I encountered business challenges, the more I realized that business self-help books in the market did not address how to really overcome the hurdles and negativity resulting from progress roadblocks. So, I found that the many suggestions offer by business self-help books, although theoretically appealing, did not in fact solve challenges I faced almost on a weekly basis. And as I became more aware of my feelings in the business process I realized that what I have been taught, emotions are not a part of the business process, was not in act the case and that there was a lack of books that effectively addressed how to succeed/prosper in business and address the underlying feelings and emotions that we are rarely aware of and that dictate how we progress or do not progress in the business environment.

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

A4. The Outer Banks water community in North Carolina, USA—hands down. Spending time by the water provides the ultimate relaxation time.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Emotional Intelligence at Work’?

A5. As I progressed in various startup businesses and consulted for other businesses where management struggling to progress, I began to see not only where my unconscious emotional roadblocks were but where they existed in others. And how the unconscious roadblocks either slowed progress down or completely blocked it. And this reinforced my emerging belief that society’s well-meaning cultural and socialized beliefs imposed on each of us as we grew up were clearly a self-limiting issue.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Emotional Intelligence at Work’?

A6. I spent 8 months, part time, 2 to 3 early mornings hours per day, every week.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Amazon

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Emotional Intelligence at Work’?

A8. The book publisher provided a book cover designer and the title was based on what I was advancing as an awareness concept.

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

A9. I try to address in a simple and understandable way the various aspects that the book was conveying—not going into any more detail than necessary to advance an idea that would benefit people in business, both for themselves and in working with and for others

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

A10. If you want to write do it, even when your writing at first is not accepted—keep on going and eventually you will succeed. And convey your ideas simply and in plain English. Do not use fancy words in an effort to make yourself look smart.

Author’s profile on Amazon

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Interview with author Amy S. Peele

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

A1. Born in outside of Chicago, I am a RN with a 35 year career in organ transplantation & retired from UCSF in 2014. My Mystery series has been referred to as page turners – Mysteries with a Mission and a side of humor. I love improv and graduated from Second City in Chicago. In addition to killing people I didn’t like at work and using their organs for transplant I enjoy practicing yoga and teaching it. I also love swimming and meditation.

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

A2. It was my first work of fiction so it was a steep learning curve and I was grateful to have a coach and a wonderful developmental editor and copy editor.

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

A3. Louise Penny – Janet Evanovich – Loved the Artist Way by Julie Cameron – really enjoy historical fiction by C.W. Gortner,

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

A4. There are many but Chicago is my favorite city since I lived there for 31 years – the food – the people the music so much to do and see – love it especially in the Fall and Spring

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

A5. I wanted to tell the story of kidney transplantation and how many options there are now – also to highlight the challenges the dialysis can pose.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Hold’?

A6. It took about a year – it was the hardest to write as I lost two close friends while I was writing it so that was tough.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. My books are available everywhere both on audio and paperback. I always encourage people to buy books from their local independent bookstores whenever possible.

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

A8. My publisher – She Writes Press worked closely with me to finalizing the cover – I also checked with some colleagues who are surgeons to be sure the blade on the scalpel was right.

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

A9. I created two best friends, who are the main protagonists – Jackie Larsen and Sarah Golden who face a new challenge in each book – their friendship gets them through tough times and they know how to have fun – sometimes they surprise me. Also each book goes to different geographic locations and they meet new characters.

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

A10. Consider taking a creative writing class at your local community college – they are so fun and helpful. Read the type of books you want to write and if possible have an accountability partner who can help you achieve your goal.

Author’s profile on Amazon

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Interview with author Sebastian Morris Lee

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

A1. Hello. My name is Sebastian Lee. I am from Korea and moved to Malaysia when I was seven. I have lived in Malaysia for 12 years and moved back to Korea in 2016.
I have always liked reading books and writing since I was young. I identify as demiman, meaning I identify mostly as a man, but not fully as one. My pronouns are he/him and they/them, and I like to use them interchangeably. My current interests are K-pop, neurodiversity, and LGBT issues.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “A Queer Penguin’s Survival”?

A2. The key challenge I faced while writing my book was my procrastination. One of my weaknesses is starting a project recklessly without thinking about whether I can finish it. This project was done recklessly. I struggled because I was unsure what or how to write. There were times when I feared not being able to finish this book. There were also times when I became doubtful whether this book was worth publishing. I never thought I would be able to finish it, and finishing this book gave me hope that I would be able to write more books.

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

A3. I loved reading fantasy, mystery and horror. My favourite writer was Rick Riordan, the writer of the Percy Jackson series. Not only does he write his books interestingly, but he is also quite inclusive. The series representation of ADHD may not be perfect, but it was surely a positive one. It portrayed ADHD not as something that needed to be cured, but as a difference that should be embraced. The series also included a lot of queer people. Some contents have a queer character, but mostly it would be a gay side character, and they would be the only queer character that ever exists in the entire book. However, this was not the case for this series. The series contains a lot of queer characters including Nico who is gay, and Alex who is genderfluid. And as a queer person myself, it inspired me to be more inclusive in my future books.

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

A4. I don’t travel around often, I stay indoors or just go to places that I am familiar with. My favourite spots to visit in Malaysia are Coffee Bean, Golden Screen Cinema in 1Utama, and my school, Garden International School. I like Coffee Bean as I enjoy eating Break O’day. It is my favourite food. I am sad this is not available in Korea. GSC is my other favourite spot as I love watching movies, and I chose my school as I have a lot of memories with that school.

My favourite spots to visit in Korea are coffee shops and Yongsan I’Park Mall. Although I cannot eat Break O’day, I enjoy drinking a green tea latte, and writing is a lot easier when I do it in a coffee shop. I enjoy going to Yongsan I’Park Mall as I can go to the cinema and go to the bookshop as well.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘A Queer Penguin’s Survival’?

A5. A teacher told me it would be nice if I wrote a book about myself. Since then, I have been thinking about how I should write a book about my life. I knew I wanted to write a book about myself, but I was unsure how to write it. Should I make it hundred per cent fiction, should I just write it as an essay? In the end, I decided to write it as fiction, changing many names, and events to make it more interesting.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘A Queer Penguin’s Survival’?

A6. It took about a year to get it finished. I

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. You can find it on the Partridge Publishing website, and Amazon. You can buy a hardcover version, a softcover version, and an e-book of my book.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘A Queer Penguin’s Survival’?

A8. The cover was chosen by the publisher after I expressed the want to have a penguin in the cover. As for the title, It was inspired by a K-pop Idol, Kyuhyun of Supre Junior. According to him, penguins approach humans thinking they are one of their kind, then get confused, and shocked when it finds out the human is not the same species as human. This resonated with me a lot as I always felt like an outsider trying to find someone who was similar to me. That is why the title is “A Queer Penguin’s Survival.”

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

A9. I am not sure how to answer this. I just write an overall plan for the book such as what would happen in the beginning, climax, and the end. Then I would write about what the main characters are like (their personality, their appearance and such). After writing the rough plan of what would happen at what stage, I write the rough draft of my writing, and then go over it to make sure if there are any corrections I can make. There are still areas that I miss, but I still try my best to correct as many mistakes as I can.

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

A10. Just write. I am not the best person to be advising people about writing. I am not the best writer. All I can say is just write. I know this is not the best advice, and it would feel quite unrealistic. Still, this is the only thing I can say. There would be days when you would not be able to write any words, and there would be times when you would be so immersed in writing that you would forget about your surroundings. Whatever it is, you will earn something if you don’t give up. I wish you luck.

Buy A Queer Penguin’s Survival on Amazon

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Interview with author Keith B. Perrin

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

A1. Hello there, my name is Keith B Perrin, well that’s my pen name anyway. I have a vivid imagination and I’m always day dreaming and thinking of things to write or just daydreaming period. Growing up on a steady diet of monster movies, cartoons, science fiction movies , Anime, Ultraman, Astroboy, comic books, fantasy books and films, Pro Wrestling, Bruce Lee and martial arts flicks. I had no choice of kind of being a slight geek or nerd in a sense. The Outer limits and In Search Of with Leonard Nimoy were 2 of my all time favorite television series. Godzilla is my all time favorite though. no question period. The most important aspect of my youth and growing up is having a loving family unit that was blessed to have a foundation in the bible and Jesus Christ. We were not perfect by any means but having that knowledge and relationship with Him was the best and most important part of our lives.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Road to Chidarra”?

A2. Great question. I would say weaving the characters and storylines together. Also fighting that ever present enemy called procrastination. that was a big thing for me and also one of the most fun but also more difficult tasks was world building and making God the center of the series without being compromising to His word or character and also not being to preachy at the same time. A lot of fasting, prayer, work and patience went into this book. In the end it all payed off!

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

A3. Oh without a doubt the bible first and foremost. If people truly read the bible for what it truly is they would realize it is full of all the things we love in science fiction or fantasy books or movies. the only difference is it is absolutely true and real. Giants, witches, warlocks, magic, angels ,demons, good and evil, mythological beasts like dragons and lands lost to antiquity. Even the legends of vampirism and lycanthropy and quote aliens have been referenced in the bible in a way. The bible tells you exactly what these things are and how to put them in their proper context though. And these things mentioned are just the tip of the iceberg of what is in the bible I’m telling you. Tolkien, CS Lewis, Robert E Howard, Marvel comics, Conan the barbarian, books on different mythologies and so forth helped shape my desire to write.

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

A4. Let’s see. I’d say Martha’s Vineyard. It is a very quiet, laid back, relaxing place to just enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. Plus it has the ocean , great food and a historical flavor to it. Our friends have a secluded cabin that they are kind enough to let us stay in and it is very nice. You may even see a famous person there as it is a getaway for celebrities’ as well!

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Road to Chidarra’?

A5. The inspiration was God breathed so to speak. My desire was to write a series that would entertain while giving the reader insights to the loving nature of God and how much His desire is to help care for and redeem those in need. While also making it clear that the great adversary of the dragon Lucifer himself desires no more than to deceive ,rob,kill and destroy and he has no mercy in that quest. Also showing that the spiritual battle of light over darkness is real and that the forces behind the invisible machinery that are at work manipulating the inhibatants of our world are truly mysterious and incredibly potent! To give hope to those without and encourage any who will to give God a try if all you tried has failed. You won’t regret it. And also to avoid the trappings that tempt us all that will leave us in misery and despair! The key is to do this without being preachy or over bearing with it. Yet not compromising the truth of the Word and God’s Holy nature.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Road to Chidarra’?

A5. The inspiration was God breathed so to speak. My desire was to write a series that would entertain while giving the reader insights to the loving nature of God and how much His desire is to help care for and redeem those in need. While also making it clear that the great adversary of the dragon Lucifer himself desires no more than to deceive ,rob,kill and destroy and he has no mercy in that quest. Also showing that the spiritual battle of light over darkness is real and that the forces behind the invisible machinery that are at work manipulating the inhibatants of our world are truly mysterious and incredibly potent! To give hope to those without and encourage any who will to give God a try if all you tried has failed. You won’t regret it. And also to avoid the trappings that tempt us all that will leave us in misery and despair! The key is to do this without being preachy or over bearing with it. Yet not compromising the truth of the Word and God’s Holy nature.

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

A6. Once I stopped procrastinating I would say about 4 months or less.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Audible, Christian Faith Publishing, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Ibooks and most retailers.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Road to Chidarra’?

A8. I wanted something with a serious fantasy feel to it. Something mysterious and foreboding. Henceforth the book cover, and the title is definitely a fantasy title so I went with it.

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

A9. I pray a lot and let the Holy Spirit lead me. sometimes I’ll want to go one direction but I do not get the function to do it so i have to regroup. Or I have to scrap certain things entirely and ponder things before I start to write again. It can be a challenge but in the end it is worth it. Also i look at crazy things that have happened in my life and current or past historical events. Mythology and anything I can think of to make a great exciting story for the reader and one that I am proud of. True life events are often the most exciting and unbelievable to fathom so it’s good to draw from any and everything you can within reason of course.

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

A10. Honestly, just write and be disciplined about it and work on your craft. If you don’t do that you will start but never finish your work and the days months and years will fly by without any results .If you know you have a passion for writing and using your imagination then do not sleep on it, discover hone your gifts and use them. Another thing is to not lose faith or perspective when things get rough or when people do not like or get excited about your work. Everything is not for everyone so remember you have an audience that will like your work, you just have to get it to them so they can experience it. Get others perspectives as well, those you trust who will be honest with you about your work. They may see things you do not see to help your project.

Buy The Road to Chidarra on Amazon

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Interview with author Wayne L. Wilson

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

A1. My name is Wayne L. Wilson. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. My father was a policeman and homicide detective, and my mother an executive secretary for L.A. County. I received an MA in Education from UCLA and a BA in Sociology from UCSB. Prior to becoming a professional writer I owned and operated for well over a decade a manufacturing company that pioneered and published innovative multicultural greeting cards and related gift items. Since then I have authored novels, short stories, screenplays, PSAs, memoirs, biographies, history books, college textbooks, and a wide array of books for children and young adults. Furthermore, I’ve served as a ghostwriter and researcher for various book projects and publications. I’m also a member of the Writer’s Guild of America. More importantly when I’m not writing, you can find me playing with my German Shepherd, Koda.

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

A2. Since the novel takes place in the early 1960s, one of the key challenges was to thoroughly research that period of time. To me this is critical in order for the reader to walk down that same path as the narrator and understand his truth. The New Frontier is in the realm of historical fiction so it was essential to be as accurate as possible to capture the era’s mood, ambience, politics, the way people spoke, dressed, music, and historical events pertaining to the story.

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

A3. There are a plethora of writers who have greatly influenced me. The ones that immediately come to mind are James Baldwin, Ray Bradbury, Frederick Douglass, Thomas Paine, Nadine Gordimer, Playwright August Wilson, Pat Conroy, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Harper Lee.

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

A4. One of my favorite spots to visit is Carmel, situated on the Monterey Peninsula in Northern California. It is a beautiful quaint city with its white-sandy beach, picturesque natural scenic bluff paths, museums, libraries, art galleries, fairytale cottages, and historic Carmel Mission. It’s meditative and a great place to walk, hike, and think creatively.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The New Frontier’?

A5. It was inspired by my own life journey as a child whose family moved into an all-White neighborhood and experienced racism followed by White flight into suburban areas. However, this is not a memoir. It is a fictional tale with completely different characters, situations, and incidences that Samuel Cole experiences. And it is injected with quite a bit of humor within the narrative.

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

A6. About 30 years of gestation in my mind… And then finally sitting down and writing the story, which took about 6 months.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, Joyride Bookshop, Hicklebees, Independent Publishers Group (IPG), Browse About Books, Chaucer’s Books, Book Culture, One More Page Books, Thriftbooks, Wild Rumpus, Google Books,
Bank Square Books, Penguin Bookshop, Target, Powell’s City of Books, Tattered Cover, Rakuten Kobo, and many more.

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

A8. The title of the book is derived from Presidential candidate John F. Kennedy’s acceptance speech during the July 1960 Democratic National Convention held at the Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California. The speech outlining his goals and policies later became famously known as “The New Frontier.” It was a plea for Americans of the twentieth century to be pioneers and to rise to new challenges such as achieving equal opportunity for all of its citizens. This served as the sparkplug for Samuel’s father to act as a pioneer and move the family into a nice new home in an area where Blacks had never lived with the hope that in this new era they would eventually be accepted.

The concept for the book’s cover design was to capture the mood and the feel of the book within the illustration. The publisher and I feel that artist and illustrator Hillary D. Wilson did a magnificent job of conveying that ambiance with her cover. As you can see, Samuel approaches this “new frontier” with both trepidation and hope as illustrated by the dark clouds and dawning of a new day.

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

A9. I try my best to be original, but not for the sake of going way out there to find something that’s never been done before. It still has to be something that fuels me with the desire to want to write it and allow myself to be vulnerable, yet proud enough to put my work out there for critical eyes to review. There are thousands of Westerns out there, but it’s your voice that can make it different from all the others. It’s important to read inside and outside whatever you may consider your genre to be. I try to maintain freshness in my work by reading a variety of books and articles, not only out of interest, but also because you may never know how they might interact and merge unexpectedly into something you are writing. Sometimes it’s important to walk away from the book you’re working on whether it takes days, weeks, or months so you can come back with new ideas and add a fresh and more unique vision to enhance your work.

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

A10. When you start writing a book, don’t stop to spend time perfecting it as you’re moving along in the work. Focus on getting the entire idea and story of the work out in the first draft. Otherwise, you may lose your thought process and momentum in trying to perfect and correct words and sentences in the process. Moreover, you may find yourself getting stuck and unable to proceed forward. Before you know it, you’ve spent a year on two chapters, forgot where you were going in the first place, and lost your steam! It doesn’t matter how bad and absurd it may look while you’re writing the story. Don’t let your ego rule you. The point is to get all your ideas and thoughts out and finish the story. Revision is the “real” writing. Now that you’ve laid out the whole narrative, you can truly work with it. Revising and reconstructing the work is where you will find your buried gems and treasures that will provide you with the impetus and motivation to advance your writing and pursue your vision.

Buy The New Frontier on Amazon

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