Category: Author Interview

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Interview with author Greg S. Paris

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

A1. My name is Greg S Paris. First and foremost, I am a husband, father, son, brother and friend. I have been blessed to have an incredible family around me, both growing up and now as an adult. That supportive family environment has also allowed me to grow a network of very dear friends that have become extended family. I love the outdoors and spend time there as often as possible, whether it’s golf, biking, beaches, or mountains – I am typically happiest when I am outdoors.

Writing is new for me and it took me until a little bit later in life to find the author inside me, but once I did I fell in love with it. The energy I feel when writing is such a positive force, I have a hard time even taking breaks and often hours flying by without realizing it.

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

A2. This was my first attempt at writing fiction, so there were a lot. Honestly, once I started writing the story, it really seemed to pour out of me, so that wasn’t really the issue. My previous writing experience has been in the financial world, so descriptive language has always been something I tried to minimize. Drawing pictures with words instead of numbers was a big challenge. I would say the biggest challenge for me was finding the courage to give the story to someone else to read. Most of my professional accomplishments have not included my own creative works, so giving this to someone and asking for their opinion was one of the more intimidating things I have ever done.

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

A3. Quite honestly, my reading tastes are typically different from this writing. Personally, Steve Berry, Dan Brown, James Rollins and Clive Cussler are authors I always enjoy. I am a big fan of history as well and I have enjoyed many of David McCullough’s works. For this work specifically, much of my inspiration goes back to reading to my children when they were young. The knowledge that someone could tell a story and have another person transfixed by it, was truly awe inspiring to me. I set out on this writing journey hoping to be able to do just a fraction of the same.

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

Currently, it would be the Savannah/Hilton Head area. Two of my children have gone to school there (one is still there) and my wife and I have both fallen in love with the area. We have had so many wonderful times there and the feeling of knowing we are visiting one of our children whenever we go always leads to happy feelings. It also has many of the attributes we love: nice weather; beaches; history and golf. The warm, welcoming and friendly environment is the icing on the cake.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Greatest Reindeer’?

Again, this goes back to reading to my children when they were young. Like most children, they loved the story of Rudolph and I would tease them that Rudolph wasn’t even the best reindeer, Cedric was. I guess I always had the general outline of who Cedric was and a couple of years ago, during the pandemic, I had surgery for knee replacement. It felt like the world was in a place that needed an uplifting story and I decided that the time had come to write The Greatest Reindeer.

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

A6. The first draft didn’t take long at all, maybe a week. The re-writes and edits took a bit longer, maybe three months in all to complete.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. The book is currently available on most major online outlets including: Amazon and Barnes and Noble. It is also available in eBook copies in .mobi for Kindle, .epub for Nook, and PDF form for download. The book is also available in audiobook form at Google Play.

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

A8. The title has always been in my head and the story really came after the title, so in essence I worked backwards with this story. The cover was a collaboration with my publisher and partner in this work. Karen Fuller, of World Castle Publishing, worked with me to get a general idea of what I wanted for the cover. She then provided me with several options. There were several that were much more “kid friendly”, but I truly feel the cover that we chose captures the essence of the story well.

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

A9. When I am writing a story, I often try to give a unique perspective, and that uniqueness is not typically my initial perspective. I definitely need to adjust my mindset to see how I “normally” see things and then adjust to a different paradigm. Perhaps, seeing things from a “typical” mindset originally makes it a bit easier at times to then ask, “What would be the opposite for me” and then write it from that perspective.

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

A10. Make time to write and just keep putting words on the paper. I am definitely writing by the seat of your pants style author. For me, getting the story out the first time, so far has not been the issue. Re-writing and editing has been much harder. My advice is this, writing the words “The End” is incredibly rewarding but I have come to understand that it is usually only the beginning.

Buy The Greatest Reindeer on Amazon

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Interview with author Jennifer Manocherian

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

I have had more careers than a cat has lives. I went to Barnard College but dropped out anxiously to get a job. Instead I got married. By the time I was 27, I had four children and my focus was on parenting. The women’s movement hit I was close to 30 and I wanted in, but without a degree and with several children, I wasn’t sure how or what my path might be. With writing in my DNA, I began by writing a few articles for local magazines. However my time was limited and I found it too frustrating to continue, so I turned to creating a small import-expert business with goods from Iran. I hated it, so instead I decided to go back to college. I got my BA the same year I had my 5th child and started working part time in public relations. Two years later I decided a master’s degree in counseling, which I followed with two years of clinical training in family therapy. I had a private practice and was on faculty at Family Institute of Westchester. I took training in divorce mediation and had a private practice as well as developed a training program at FIW. A decade or so later I made a big career change and became a theatre producer. Over the years I produced over 30 shows on Broadway, off Broadway, one in London, several of them Tony award winners. At the same time, I returned to writing. I wrote a book of two musicals, both of which were filmed for and available for streaming. My composer/director team and I are currently developing a third. I also wrote a film with one of my sons that I produced in 1996, and more recently a film now being edited that will hopefully be available in 2024. I taught screenwriting at the Sarah Lawrence Writing Institute for several years and now teaches/script doctors privately. During COVID I wrote Alpha Bette. My next novel, based on one of the characters in Alpha Bette, is partly on the page but mainly in her head at the moment.

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

Having been mainly a screenwriter for the past few years, I started the book having no idea if I could write fiction, a very different medium. While my strengths are developing character and writing dialogue, both of which are important in a novel, I had to learn how to rely less on dialogue. Harder still was becoming the camera, so to speak, allowing the reader to envision the people, the place and action, often intertwined with dialogue.

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

I am kind of a snob about good writing. I can’t say that any particular writer influences my style per se but I learn from many writers. Barbara Kingsolver is a giant in my book. Amor Tolles. Ruth Ozeki. Kristen Hannah. I need the characters to be well developed.

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

Cape Cod. We have had a home there for many years and it is a true antidote to NY living. For several years I went there for a week with several writers friends for a writing retreat. We write all day, then at night someone cooks, then we share what we’ve written or do prompts.

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

It was more a process than an inspiration. I created a few characters in a writing group. When I first wrote about Bette, whose name has changed about 100 times, it was about her being in a wheelchair in a department store seeing herself in a mirror for the first time in years. It wasn’t until I started to think that maybe the characters could be linked that the thought of a novel came to me.

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

It would never have been written without covid. Theatre shut down, as did my office. Being cloistered at home allowed me the time to focus on a series of stories I had written over a period of a few years and find ways to connect them into a novel.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

All online book platforms. Booksellers who think there’s a market can order copies from Ingram.

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

Great question. This is my first book so I knew I needed a great title and cover to garner attention. I had many many titles and asked around for suggestions but nothing really clicked. It played around in my mind all the time for a long time, and one day it just came to me – Alpha seemed a good fit. But her name was not Bette at the time, so I changed her name to Bette, which I liked because another Bette, Bette Davis, was another tough woman. Having been a theatre producer, I feel strongly about the poster as a sales tool. I knew from some writer friends that traditionally published authors often don’t have full control over the title and artwork, which is partly why I chose to go with a hybrid publisher. I sent their design teams some covers I liked as well as ideas I had come up with using AI. Once I had chosen a design with the old woman’s profile, I worked closely with them on the font, the color choices and the layout.

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

I’m not sure how to answer that, especially how it relates to readers. But for myself, I am always looking for ideas, listening to conversations, gleaning anything that I can use in some way.

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

Share your work with people you trust and listen to feedback. When it resonates, incorporate it.

Buy Alpha Bette on Amazon

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Interview with author Renee Scarrott

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

As a Human Resource Manager and mother of two, I’ve always had a fascination with the written word. Throughout my life, I’ve explored my passion for writing by creating fictional worlds filled with fast-paced action, intricate plot twists, and complex characters. My writing style is heavily influenced by the mysterious layers of psychological thrillers that delve into the unknown, exploring the darker side of human nature. I enjoy cooking, horseback riding, and spending time with my uber-handy husband and five quirky dogs in South Dakota.

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

The key challenge I faced while writing “Finding Paige” was finding the right balance between the suspenseful plot and character development. I wanted to create a thrilling story while also making my characters relatable to readers.

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

Some of my favorite authors who have influenced my writing include V.C. Andrews, Freida McFadden, and Taylor Jenkins Reid. Their writing styles have inspired me to create compelling stories with complex characters.

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

My favorite spot is right at home in the country watching the sunset on my front porch with my husband. It’s a peaceful and beautiful moment that we both cherish.

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

Lying in bed one night, the concept for “Finding Paige” dawned upon me. I was contemplating about the bond between two friends who share an extraordinary connection. This made me think about the possibility that perhaps these friends could perceive things that others couldn’t. So, I jotted down all my thoughts on paper until they materialized into a story outline.

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

It took me almost two years to fully develop the characters and figure out the direction I wanted the story to take.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Books A Million, and Apple Books

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

The process of developing the book cover and title for “Finding Paige” just came to me as I wrote the first chapter. I wanted something with a twist that would capture the essence of the story and draw readers in.

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

When writing a book, I try to keep things fresh by constantly challenging myself to explore new themes and characters. I also like to incorporate unexpected plot twists to keep readers engaged.

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

I believe the most valuable advice I’ve ever received about writing is to never give up. Writing can be an arduous and frustrating process, but it’s essential to keep pushing forward and have faith in yourself. There were countless times when I wanted to throw in the towel, but I persevered, believing in my ability to see my story through to the end. I was ecstatic when I finally crossed the finish line and was able to share “Finding Paige” with the world.

Buy Finding Paige on Amazon

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Interview with author R. Peter Ubtrent

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

Hi. My name is R. Peter Ubtrent. I live in New Mexico with my wife and three dogs (Filamooz, Thunder, and Sushi). I have a BS in Astrophysics, a BA in History and Sec. Education, an MA in Military History, and a PhD in Military History. I repair watches and clocks as my main job, having my own company I run. I have been writing since high school and enjoy gardening, hiking, seeing new places, and reading.

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

I think the biggest challenge I faced was that the main character is a female, starting out as an infant and growing through her teen years and as a male, I really didn’t know all that much about such things. That was where my wife came in very handy.

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

Tolkien and Eddings I would have to say. I love Tolkien’s style.

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

I have two of them, one on the East coast and the other on the West Coast. I love Yosemite National Park and I really like New England in Autumn. Yosemite is just such a showcase of nature and the hiking and fishing in the area are wonderful. New England has that whole different vibe to it that is laid-back and easy and carefree and I love the ocean in that area and the small communities along the coast.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘An Auroral Flame’?

I actually had to write up a short history on my character in a Roleplaying campaign I was in and her early years in the Monastery came all from that. Then I realized that I had the makings of a book in all that and there it was.

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

Not that long. The dang thing kind of wrote itself really so I would have to say that the first draft was done in about two months and then another month for two read-throughs to get rid of errors.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Smashwords.com if you want an E-book. Lulu.com and Amazon if you want a physical book.

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

I’m not really sure where the title came from except for the fact that her name is Aurora. It just kind of came to me and I thought, hey that’s not bad. As for the cover art, I looked around for copyright free images and that one just struck a cord with me. At the moment, however, I have a really good artist who is remaking all the covers for this series for me.

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

I don’t use an outline. I have a general idea in mind with respect to what direction I want everything to go but when I sit down to the right, I usually have no clue how the chapter is going to really end. I let the characters write the story and I find that’s the best way to make sure that it stays true to them all and to where I want it all to go. I figure that if it surprises me, then it will most likely surprise the reader also.

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

Keep writing. Try to write every day even if you don’t feel like it. Just write on your story and it will sort itself out in the end. You might be surprised with what you put on paper….

Buy An Auroral Flame on Amazon

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Interview with author CK Sobey

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

Oh my gosh, where to start? To keep this short, I have lived and visited many parts of the US as well as Central America and Europe. I have always written and been a creative person. I am becoming an Elder and I want to share parts of my thoughts, my heart through sharing my writing with others. Stepping into my inner world. There are many types of writers, and other forms of creative expressions that have the power to touch us through exposing their courage by being vulnerable.
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Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Outpourings: Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts, Volume II”?

Letting go of “Should I?” and “What will people think?” It takes a leap of faith to trust there is sympatico among human beings. I believe this and shared my vulnerability through my stories. Everyone has life stories to share.

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

Harper Lee, Rumi, Barbara Wood, Wayne Muller, JD Salinger, Mary Oliver, Frederico Lorca. So many, it depends on what I am in the mood for.

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

Favorite anything is not an easy word I can use…favorites work better: Valley Forge Park, Chicago, Grand Canyon, Pacific Grove…….A drive in the Autumn…Blue Ridge Mountains.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Outpourings: Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts, Volume II’?

I had written the original; Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts during the very beginning of the Pandemic. It was a tragic and magical time. This was a wake-up call for me in many ways. I decided to publish that book and my photographs. This new book is volume ll. It seemed right. There are always thoughts and musings we all have. I wanted to continue sharing mine. I wrote another book in between. A different type than Outpourings. It is called; Tiny Stories.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Outpourings: Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts, Volume II’?

I spent about a year writing, editing and publishing.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

On all platforms, Amazon, B&N. Kobo. Google, Apple…all of them. Paper Books, E-books, Audio is coming out shortly. Because of the type of writing, I decided to have it translated into Spanish. Working on that with someone now. I’d like to make it available to as many as I can.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Outpourings: Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts, Volume II’?

I love photography, creating collage cards, and doodling. The cover photo was taken in Ireland. It just seemed to say outpourings.

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

I re-read and I find I have a rhythm of editing and sometimes deleting what doesn’t click with me any longer. A writer needs to be able to wear different hats. Becoming the reader was something I learned from a wonderful teacher that I still engage with. To read our writing out loud is even more revealing in what it says and staying fresh.

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

To keep at it. Don’t think, “This has been done before,” or, “Who will read it?’

Just enjoy and write what comes. Put your inner critic in the back seat and tell it to be quiet.

Buy Outpourings: Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts, Volume II on Amazon

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Interview with author Roger Doucette

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

Hello, my name is Roger Doucette. I just published my first book called, “The Broken Storm.” I’m a beloved husband and father of two wonderful girls. I do enjoy watching a good baseball game as well as a decent thunderstorm. I have a huge enjoyment of long walks to clear my head for writing. I was a former banker at heart that couldn’t take the ever so changing world of banking rules and regulations anymore and so here I am sharing my story on how I got started.

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

I would have to say the only key challenge that I faced while I was writing “The Broken Storm”, was forcing myself to stop when I needed a break. I had all of these ideas to get out and well I had the urge to keep writing and keep pushing so they stay fresh.

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

I would have to say there are two authors that have inspired some of my writing, one being Stephen King as he is captivating in his work. The other is Stephanie Myer. They both have a certain way about their writing that has me keep reading.

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

Oh, a favorite spot of mine to go visit in the country, I would have to say up in the mountains of New Hampshire at Lake Winnipesaukee. It is very peaceful up there at the lake.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Broken Storm’?

My inspiration for writing this book was myself. I found enjoyment creating my own thoughts in a journal during the pandemic. My wife, Christina, is my other inspiration as if it was not without her love and honesty as well as persistent to tell me to keep working, I’m not sure if I would’ve finished it in the time that I had.

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

The time it took to write “The Broken Storm” was six months with total time including editing, it was around ten to eleven months.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

There are multiple platforms that readers have for a choice to buy the book. Amazon, Barnes and Noble as well as multiple other sites within the US and internationally.

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

It was a difficult process of coming up with the cover of “The Broken Storm” as I am a perfectionist by heart. Going back and forth on which tornado scene I wanted to create until I found a girl staring down a tornado and I knew that was it. I would say it was a good month or so creating a few scenes that I could choose from.

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

When I was writing or when I did write the book, I try to keep things fresh for all with different perspectives as well as real ideas that come to me. Ideas change daily so there is a bit to write down. I try for the ultimate surprise.

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

The most valuable piece of advice I have been given to myself would be to stick with my idea to the end. Keep pursuing it even as the story evolves.

Buy The Broken Storm on Amazon

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Interview with author Chris Morehouse

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

I’m Chris Morehouse. I’m 62, serve as a deacon in a Presbyterian church in West Virginia, where I live with my family. And I just published my first book!

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible”?

When you self-publish, you are your own finance and accounting departments, your own legal department, your own art department, and your own marketing department. So that can be a lot! One of the advantages is that you have a lot of freedom.

When I started, I was apprehensive about getting permissions for quotes. I am pleased to say that was not nearly the challenge I expected.

Another challenge was keeping things short! I am known for run-on sentences, but wanted the writing to be concise yet insightful, like a proverb. I hope I’ve achieved that.

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

I return often to the insights of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and James Baldwin. Additionally, I have enjoyed books by Fr. Richard Rohr, Fr. Gregory Boyle, Rev. Marcus Borg, and Neil Douglas-Klotz. I’m a great sermon reader, too, and have deep appreciation for the reprinted sermons of people like Rev. Wilda Gafney and Lisa Sharon Harper—and those of my own pastor, Rev. Gusti Newquist.

I read very widely, though. In addition to religion and spirituality, I love history and science. I’m currently reading a book about how jellyfish are taking over the world (Stung!, by Lisa-Ann Gershwin).

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

Wow. So many wonderful places! I’m a mountain person. So Charlottesville, Virginia, and Asheville, North Carolina both come to mind. They’re in the mountains (or foothills) and have great food and great bookstores!

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible’?

If you’ve ever seen the “Golden Rule” poster, comparing versions of the Golden Rule across the great faith traditions, you might have noticed they leave out the African versions. That puzzled me.

I’ve been interested in Africa since I was a kid. I actually planned to work in African development. My career took a different turn, one that I am grateful for. But when I was in graduate school, where I met students from several African countries, I started collecting and reading compilations of African proverbs to try to understand the cultures better.

Then, about 7 years ago, I came across the “Parallel Sayings” books, which explored the great faith traditions and their teachings on specific topics, such as compassion or forgiveness. That’s when I got the idea for the book. I looked around, and didn’t find anything quite like this at the time.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible’?

Well, I started compiling the proverbs from various sources in 2018, and began writing in 2019. It was a little bit at a time!

Once I had the basic structure, I decided to reach out and find African collaborators. I ended up with about 30, representing multiple cultures and countries (but not all those referenced in the book). I asked them to confirm that these were proverbs from their cultures and requested information about context—how are these proverbs used? Additionally, in several cases, I asked about translation issues to English that could enhance our understanding. I also shared with them the verses I intended to compare the proverbs to. The collaborators enhanced the book tremendously. I could not have done it without them! They became true partners, suggesting additional proverbs or verses. Several of them mentioned access to special resources, such as the national library, a royal family (in one case), or rural women—the keepers of knowledge!

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

You can find the book at the online bookstore of my publisher, iUniverse, as well as on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Legacy: Wisdom of African Traditions and the Bible’?

I worked with a Portuguese designer, João Rego, on the cover. We considered a few alternatives, but settled on the baobab tree. Somehow, he read my mind! It was his first project. It’s a stunning design, and really invites the reader in. It recalls an Akan proverb, “Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it.”

Regarding the title, I settled on “Legacy” because the word refers to precious things that are passed down to the next generation. Just like the wisdom embedded in the proverbs!

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

It was a labor of love, and with so many topics to explore, it was always fresh for me. I hope readers may find some insights.

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

Don’t rule out self-publishing. It’s increasingly an option in a market where recognized names capture the lion’s share of attention. I think if you have a clear vision, self-publishing may work for you. Find a reputable publisher.

At the same time, however, I’ve been told that, when you self-publish, be careful about unsolicited marketing appeals. They can be pricey.

Buy Legacy by Chris Morehouse on Amazon

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Interview with author Don Sevcik

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

My name is Don Sevcik, Creator of the Fastest Math Tutor on the Planet which serves 8.1 million parents and students around the world. I’ve also written a few books.

  1. What is your inspiration behind your book “Animals with Superpowers”?

My kids asked me to tell them stories at night before bed. They love animals and they love superheroes. So one night, on a whim, I combined both of those topics into a story. AFter telling it, they asked me to tell another one for 2 weeks in a row. My wife suggested I write a book about some of these stories and turn it into a series.

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

After publishing a few articles online years ago and seeing the reaction, I figured why not write books? I feed off the audience energy, and the idea of a book drove me to help more people.

  1. Please tell us something about your book “Animals with Superpowers”?

Think of it as a combination of animals and superheroes. Some of these animals you may know of, but you didn’t know the special powers they possess.

  1. For which age group is your book “Animals with Superpowers” suitable for?

Ages 4-10. But parents may find it fascinating as well.

  1. What is your favorite Quote?

“Life is largely a matter of expectation” – Horace

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

The United States has and always had an entrepreneurial and problem solving energy. I like this. While other countries have a stigma with failure, we encourage it here. Because as Napoleon Hill said, “Every failure carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” Once we reframe failure as feedback, we turn a negative into a positive. You iterate your way to success.

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

Three things in life compound to your benefit: Knowledge, networks, and wealth. Reading provides the materials to compound knowledge which builds networks and wealth. I don’t know of any successful person who isn’t a voracious reader. Reading shortens your learning curve. Since there is “nothing new under the sun”, any problem you have in life has been solved by somebody before. So why not devour books and compound your knowledge.

  1. What does literary success look like to you?

When somebody finishes my book, puts it down, and says, “I can’t wait to read what else Don wrote.”

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

Russell Brunson of ClickFunnels. He’s built an incredible business with ClickFunnels. He’s written multiple books, spoke from the stage, and inspires millions.

Buy Animals with Superpowers on Amazon

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Interview with author Hailey Kathleen Hall

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

Hello! My name is Hailey Kathleen Hall, I am an author and artist based in St. Louis, Missouri with two published books. The first, which was published by Mater Media last September, is a collection of religious poetry and art entitled “Passion Flowers in Bloom.” I just released the first of my many children’s books: “An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet” on October 4th.

  1. What is your inspiration behind your book “An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet”?

“An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet” was originally created as a Christmas gift for my nieces almost a decade ago! I wanted to give them something special, and this just came to me. It took very little time to come up with the idea and the original artwork, but years in getting it released. So long, in fact, that I had to update my dedication to include seven more nieces and nephews!

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

Hmm. Good question! I’m actually not sure. It just sort of happened that way! Though people have told me for years that I should write a book, I never really wanted to be in the public eye. I mean, I originally wanted “Passion Flowers” to be an anonymous work, but when Mater Media picked it up (without my submitting it!) we came to the conclusion that it would be better to have my name on it… That thrust me out into the open pretty quick!

  1. Please tell us something about your book “An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet”?

Sure! I can tell you a few things: First, all of the artwork in “An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet” is hand-drawn by yours truly, save for a couple of backgrounds that were designed using a computer. Second, I want to encourage people to go all the way through the book. It doesn’t end with “Z!” There are a few more pages I added to the end of the book, one is the section on reader engagement, inspired by a little friend of mine who found out that I had made the book as a gift for my nieces, and she in turn made one for her little sister. It was so sweet that I got permission to use it in the book to encourage others to do the same!

  1. For which age group is your book “An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet” suitable for?

The book is fun as a read-aloud for kids 3 and up and can also be great for middle readers.

  1. What is your favorite Quote?

This one pretty much sums up how I feel about everything right now:
“You’re ‘nervous-cited!’ it’s like you want to jump up and down and yell ‘YAY ME!!!!’ but you also want to curl up in a teeny tiny ball and hide at the same time.” – Pinkie Pie

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

I love that Freedom of Religion, the freedom to not only worship but to live my faith publicly in my everyday life, and the Freedom of Speech are enshrined in our constitution as fundamental rights of our citizenship. I know that most of the world does not have those freedoms, and so I cherish mine… who knows? We may lose them some day. I also love and am grateful for all those who fight for our freedoms and protect us: our military, especially our veterans and those we’ve lost on the battlefield; as well as our police, firefighters, nurses, and EMTs who give of themselves every day to keep us safe!

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

Here’s a good one: If you have a little one who is struggling to learn to read, have them read to you! If they start stumbling over words or making mistakes, resist the temptation to do it for them. Instead, gently ask them to slow down and sound the word out and ask them if they know what it means. If they say yes, have them use it to prove it! If not, explain what it means and then have them use it. This helps build vocabulary and reading comprehension and gives the little ones more confidence too!

  1. What does literary success look like to you?

Well, I think seeing the delight in a young child’s eyes and hearing them cry “Again! Again!” when they finish a book would be the very definition of literary success for me. I’m not one who wants fame or fortune. (In fact, I would rather be a fly on the wall than up on a stage!) My greatest desire is just to make kids smile!

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

Now that is a tough question! I would have to say my husband. Not only has he been my greatest support, he is such a beautiful, prayerful, intelligent man with a heart of gold and humility to spare! I am so grateful to know him!

Buy An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet on Amazon

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Interview will author E.C. Maurer

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

Not that extraordinary. A retired US Air Force Master Sergeant, a little left of center politically and just can’t figure out why so many on the right (not all, mind you) can’t just mind their own business and let people be. I’ve been writing for years starting with outdoor and historic magazine work to publishing two online publications – Florida Fly Fishing magazine and Canoe Sailing/Skinny Hull magazines, as well as a number of fiction pieces, Jus Talionis being my novel.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “JUS TALIONIS : For The Girls”?

Research, research, research. When using factual information in a story, in this case weapons, the types of injuries, and time period items, it’s essential to get it right. An example is one very popular British author who writes about an American protagonist didn’t seem to bother researching America-based facts in his first books, and the errors were glaring.

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

The author mentioned above as an example of sloppy writing to be avoided. Le Carre of course for insight into characters’ mindsets and not overwriting them. At the same time, though, I have begun to skip many of his passages that seem to drone on needlessly just to increase word count. I regard it as having “writing diarrhea”; disgusting, I know. James Patterson, The Thomas Berryman Number, for carrying the theme seamlessly between chapters.

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

I live on Florida’s Gulf Coast and look for a complete change of climate and geography when I visit elsewhere, thus, western North Carolina in the Asheville area. I love the mountains and it gives me an opportunity to fish in environments entirely different from my own.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘JUS TALIONIS : For The Girls’?

Around 1997 a US cabinet member, who among his political peers was anti-military, used the US Air Force as his personal air taxi service to haul him around Europe on government business. On one trip, the place crashed killing everyone on board. My reaction to that was thinking how I would react to such an abuse of power. It’s a stretch but Jus Talionis is based on that, even though the plot is worlds apart from the original theme.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘JUS TALIONIS : For The Girls’?

Well as I mentioned, the seed was planted around 1997 but the actual writing started and stopped between then and when I made time to sit and begin seriously applying myself to it. I guess it took me four months to write the draft then several more rewriting. 

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Amazon both as paperback and Kindle. More if the opportunity arises of course.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘JUS TALIONIS : For The Girls’?

I used a couple publicly available resources for the basic images and then worked them up in Adobe Photoshop. The idea of the cover is to engage the potential reader in the concept of a horrible tragedy involving two young girls playing.

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

I write for pleasure though I would like to be well read by a readership. So, I aim to employ a simple plot that at the same time has many nuances when it comes to the message. Part of it also illustrates my disgust with a certain type of person (of whom I am descended) without being preachy. A deep reading of this story would discover many sub-themes while a simple reading for pleasure should keep the reader involved with the characters and their motivations and emotions.

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

Jackie Collins: “If you want to be a writer, stop talking about it and sit down and write!” Also, someone else said stop worrying about what others think of you, write what you want to and don’t concern yourself with offending people. (I count my first writing success when I got hate mail from a reader of one of my history articles who was offended by the facts as I wrote them.)

Buy JUS TALIONIS : For The Girls on Amazon

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