Category: Author Interview

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Interview with author Debbie A. Thomas

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

My name is Debbie and I am a wife of a hard-working and patient husband and a mother of two amazing little girls. When I’m not working my full-time job, chasing my ever-energetic children, or maintaining every nook and cranny of my home, I can be found jotting down creative stories or songs.

  1. What is your inspiration behind your book “King Kenny and the Fox’s Cape”?

As a Christian and a mom, I find deep meaning in the ability to share my faith and important life lessons with my kids. This story was created from the principles used in teaching my children about the Biblical story of David and Bathsheba. Outside of the adult-relatable content lies a tale about a discontent heart that sought after something because of envy. I felt this concept at its core would be easy for kids to understand and quite relatable, which is how the book was born.

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

After spending years writing short stories, songs, and poems, I finally decided about a year ago (2022) that I wanted my children to be able to hold and pass down my books.

  1. Please tell us something about your book “King Kenny and the Fox’s Cape”?

Through captivating illustrations and an engaging plot, this book simply portrays what happens when we choose to not be grateful. While being grateful and content are the overarching themes of the story, it is also a tale sprinkled with the virtues of forgiveness, humility, and redemption. It is a children’s book wrapped with timeless lessons.

  1. For which age group is your book “King Kenny and the Fox’s Cape” suitable?

Ages 4-9

  1. What is your favorite Quote?

“Yet, with your power must come gratefulness. For a thankless heart is a heart always looking for something and is never satisfied.”

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

The core of America was founded upon principles that understood our rights are Creator-endowed.

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

Make reading a daily habit because it is important for vocabulary and overall literary fluency. However, you should also make reading a regular hobby for fun! Reading for fun will let the literature expand your imagination, build upon your bank of knowledge, and internalize what you’re learning.

  1. What does literary success look like to you?

My ultimate goal would be to see my stories become staples of people’s childhood. I’d love to hear young readers tell me years down the road that my stories helped them understand important lessons at a young age.

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

My husband inspires me to pursue being the best version of myself. My children inspire me to dream big. My faith in Jesus inspires me to live beyond myself and seek to serve others and honor Him.

Buy King Kenny & The Fox’s Cape on Amazon

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Interview with author Christopher Nicholas Ciko

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

My name is Christopher N. Ciko. Although I am educated with a Law Degree and a Master’s Degree, my greatest gift is creativity. I have created art, video games, characters and worlds.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Midnight on Fireworks Island”?

The biggest challenge I faced writing this book was that it was my first novel. I have written many screenplays. Each took me about 4 months to write. This book took me 17 years.

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

My favorite book of all time is Illusions by Richard Bach. It is a book that both entertains and will change your life.

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

I love to visit any creek or stream in a forest.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Midnight on Fireworks Island’?

Teen suicide. I saw how kids beat themselves up for so many reasons, it spirals until they see no way out. I wanted to write a book that never talks about specific problems but gives a solution to ALL problems.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Midnight on Fireworks Island’?

It took me 17 years to write Midnight on Fireworks Island. It was like a long journey where I put provisions along the side of the road, forgot about them, and found them years later.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Midnight on Fireworks Island can be bought from my website https://www.fireworksisland.com/ or Amazon. https://a.co/d/4q87reY

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Midnight on Fireworks Island’?

The boy in the story loves fireworks. I think everyone loves fireworks.

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

I keep my writing fresh by passing it by my 5 kids and their friends. Then we talk about it, or I have my kids ask them privately what they thought.

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

The most important advice to give about writing is to know your audience.

Buy Midnight on Fireworks Island on Amazon

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Interview with author Deborah Kent

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

My name is Deborah, I am married to a retired farm worker and live in a farmhouse in North Essex.

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

The challenges are being disciplined enough to keep the routine. If you have one bad day don’t carry it through the night. The first draft isn’t the final result.

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

Books that have influenced me are The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho, The Occult, and Mysteries, both written by Colin Wilson. I loved The Exorcist William Peter Blatty. I also enjoy any true crime stories not to mention my love to soak up anything regarding conspiracy theories. I believe in magic both the dark and the light, and very open minded to its power we are able to tap into.

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

I have two favourite places, although they are complete polar opposites really. I adore Covent Garden, London. The shops, the buskers, people watching, occult shops nearby in the side streets and the general quirkiness. With wonderful creative energy, which is great for people watching.

The other is Suffolk, a beautiful county not too far away from where I live. My husband and I go at least once a year. Last time we found a very and I mean very secluded adult tree house. Deer were playing in the woods, adder swimming in the lake, buzzards flying overhead. It’s where we recharge and switch off from life. Breathe deep and watch mother nature going about its business.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Cabbages in the Smoke’?

Cabbages In The Smoke seeded very quickly. Rewind my job London Probation working on community service projects all over North London. My job was extremely edgy and thick on your feet. Gangs are a huge problem, and the seed planting was the office ringing to inform me I was to expect a gang member needing his hours to be completed quickly.For our own safety noone was to leave the project or go outside for any reason, adding plain clothed police officers would be circling the perimeter in unmarked cars. A young man entered, polite, and smart. As I looked into his blood shot eyes I saw further than the huge trouble he was in. Where material ruled his world and danger cash was his bread and butter. I wanted to write about a spiritual journey he didn’t know he was on. A chance to change his journey for the better. To turn things around, brushing shoulders with the darkness, and nothing is coincidence.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Cabbages in the Smoke’?

All in all the book took seven years and many re-writes. I enjoyed every moment. Heading into my world, my characters.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

The book is available on Amazon.

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

The title funnily enough was the first name I thought of. Cabbages In The Smoke. An unlikely setting of a cabbage farm. The smoke part is both spiritual, and the connection to spirit, and London used to be nicknamed as The Smoke because of the coal fired homes made everywhere smoky and foggy.

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

I keep things fresh by watching everything and everyone, youth what they are doing and communication on the internet. The trends and understanding it isn’t easy growing up.

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

The most valuable piece of information that has been rubber stamped for me is write what you know. I have never forgotten that, forgot who wrote it and voiced it though!!

Buy Cabbages in the Smoke on Amazon

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Interview with author Helen Lawrence

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

My name is Helen Lawrence. I’m a current university student, in English and Piano, and I’ve dreamed of being an author ever since I could write. Seriously, I started writing before I even understood what a paragraph was. This is my first published book!

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

One of the biggest challenges was the re-writing of it. I started my second draft about a year after finishing the first, and it was basically a complete rewrite. I knew I had good bones of a story, but it needed to be written better. The challenge was figuring out how- what plot points needed to be changed, and how scenes needed to be fleshed out or deleted.

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

Hmm, that’s hard to say. I’ve read a lot of classics, Austen and Dickens are favourites. My current favourite book series is The Lunar Chronicles, by Marissa Meyers. And I’ve always loved the way L.M. Montgomery writes in Anne of Green Gables, especially the way she writes the dialogue so that it really feels like it’s different characters speaking.

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

My favourite spot to visit is my home, and the island my home Church is on. I go to university in Toronto, so going back home to the country is so refreshing and beautiful. All seasons, it’s just gorgeous. Nothing beats it.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Cards of Power’?

My pastor, in a sermon, said the phrase “holding all the cards of power”, which I thought would be a good book title. Then I was thinking about how multiple people can go through the same situation and be affected differently. These came together and formed the idea that has turned into my book.

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

Many years. I wrote the first draft in about a year, and up till that point, I’d only ever written first drafts. In my mind, the book was done. After about a year, I re-read it, and realized how great some parts were and how cringy others were. It took a while to re-write, especially since I’d just started university. Then the editing process, which was long. All in all, I’d say it took me 4-5 years to get to where I was sending it out to publishers.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Most online book-buying platforms, most notably Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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

The title, as previously mentioned, was made for me, I just recognized it and chose to take it. For the book cover, I had no idea what I wanted. Luckily, I was only asked to provide general ideas, and it was turned into a cover that is super cool!

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

In the first writing stage, it’s really fun for me. I don’t plan everything out exactly, I just have a general sense of where the story’s heading, and what needs to happen. But I’m almost discovering it as I’m writing it. And if a plot option doesn’t interest me, or flat-out bores me, I don’t write the book that way. If I’m bored writing it, the readers will be bored reading it. Then, in the re-reading, and editing stages, I give myself breaks. If you read something too many times, you lose your perspective and ability to judge.

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

It’s the dedication to this book. “Never stop writing.” I was told that by my eighth-grade English teacher. Your skills, your voice, your abilities, they all can be developed in only one way: writing. If you want to be a writer, you can’t stop. My first books, which I still have, are so cringy. I can hardly read them now. But they were necessary. Don’t freak out that you might not be writing at the quality you want, keep writing till you are.

Buy Cards of Power on Amazon

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Interview with author Chuck Presti

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

I’m Chuck Presti. I used to be a physician, but these days, I find my joy in simpler things—being a husband, a stepfather, and a brother. The moments I cherish the most are the quiet ones spent with the people I love, including our Wheaton Terrier.

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

Translating thoughts to paper was a humbling process. “Covered in Flour” was always there—in my memories, conversations, and personal experiences. The real challenge was giving it structure, making it a story that others could relate to. And as a first-time author, that was daunting.

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

Harper Lee’s sincerity, Mark Twain’s keen observations, Dr. Seuss’s imagination, and JK Rowling’s storytelling have been cornerstones in my understanding of what literature can achieve.

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

The place I hold dearest is my own home. There’s a sense of belonging there that I find nowhere else, nurtured by my spouse and the company of our beloved dog. It’s not just a physical place but a haven of emotional connection.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Covered in Flour’?

The inspiration for “Covered in Flour” came from the people closest to me. They encouraged me to put to paper the stories I’d often share around the dinner table. The setting of the 1960s adds an extra layer of complexity, mirroring a period that was pivotal for me and my generation.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Covered in Flour’?

Though the ideas have been marinating for years, laying them down in a coherent manner took about a month. That month was a cycle of writing, feedback, and editing, made easier by the unwavering support of my husband and friends, as well as some help from AI.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

I’ve self-published “Covered in Flour,” and it’s currently available on Amazon.

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

The title and the cover were born from intense brainstorming. We wanted to encapsulate the Italian-American experience, the importance of family and food, and the messy journey of growing up. “Covered in Flour” seemed to say it all.

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

Freshness comes from authenticity. I draw from life, from people I know and experiences I’ve had. Maintaining my own voice amidst the narrative is perhaps my way of keeping it real—for both the reader and myself.

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

Being a novice in this field, the advice that resonates with me the most is to be authentic and to be a good listener. Authenticity ensures that your voice remains yours, and listening carefully makes that voice worth hearing.

Buy Covered in Flour on Amazon

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Interview with author Sheila Malsam

  1. What is your favorite line from your book ‘Growing through the Storm’?

One of my favorite lines from my book, “Growing Through the Storm” is a quote from Anais Nin, “And the day came when the risk of remaining tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

I had been under an attack from the enemy for far too long. After discovering the truth about God and experiencing an awakening that changed my life, hope burst forth in my spirit to bloom and live the life God created me to live.

I knew there’d be challenges to face, but I could no longer live the painful life I had been living.

I came across this quote upon my awakening. It inspired me to have a vision of a life fulfilled!

  1. What would you say is your strength as a writer?

I believe my willingness, confidence, and passion to share from my heart are strengths of mine as a writer. I don’t hold back when expressing myself. I allow myself to be vulnerable. I also have a creative imagination to add variety to my writing!

  1. How do you manage your work schedule?

When focused on writing, my work schedule involves taking time to write in the morning after reading my devotionals and working out. This is a good time to connect with any thoughts or ideas that may have entered my sleep during the night. When the weather permits, my favorite place to write is outdoors, usually in my backyard on the patio.

Taking a break, whether it’s going for a walk, spending time with the Lord, my family, or a friend or tending to chores, helps to keep my writing fresh as the break allows my imagination to be creative.

The best time for me to write is late at night when there’s no distractions interfering with what my heart wants to express.

  1. How do you handle literary criticism?

I rely on God’s Word, the truth, to handle literary criticism. Others may say and think what they will. But God knows the truth behind my motives, actions, and words I speak and write.

  1. What do you like about audiobooks?

I like audiobooks because I am a multi-tasker! I can hear a good story while I clean my house!

  1. What inspired you to start writing?

I believe my sensitive spirit is what inspires me to write. I developed a passion to express myself through writing as a young girl already. I find writing to be therapeutic. It is a way of releasing my emotions and allowing healing to take place.

  1. What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

Elements that I think are important for good writing are proper grammar, captivating sentences, clarity, creativity, organization, staying focused on the topic, and having a good flow of content. When it comes to non-fiction writing, I believe honesty, authenticity, vulnerability, and confidence is essential. The more vulnerable you are, the more your reader will relate and connect with you and what you’re writing.

8 What is your schedule like when you are not writing?

When I’m not writing, I’m focused on marketing my book and the Prayer Capsule, a keepsake I co-designed to hold a personalized prayer or encouraging note written for anyone in need, even yourself! The Prayer Capsule can be found at prayercapsules.biz

When I’m not writing or marketing, you’ll find me spending time with my family or gardening, cooking, baking, cleaning, sewing, scrapbooking, taking a walk, riding bicycle, working out, or sharing conversation with a friend over a coffee or lunch date.

  1. What is the significance of the title ‘Growing through the Storm’?

The title of my book, “Growing Through the Storm” is significant because we have the opportunity every day to either grow or to die. John 10:10 (NIV) says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Upon the awakening I experienced, I chose to grow through my storm rather than die!

  1. What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a counselor when I grew up. As a young girl already, I was passionate about encouraging others to believe in their dreams and become everything they wanted to be. It was my desire to offer hope, help, inspiration, and healing to all the hurting people.

Buy Growing through the Storm on Amazon

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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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