Q1: Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Martin Nuza and I live in Gibraltar. I am 53 years of age and for the past 30 years I have been involved in the film industry as writer/producer and director on many audio/visual projects, everything from music videos, to documentaries, shorts and feature films. My website has a full breakdown of my work and many International festival awards through the years. https://martinnuzaproductions.com/ and IMDB profile is https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2796333/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Snatched: The Unforgettable Cruise”?
Snatched: The Unforgettable Cruise is based on real events and crimes onboard cruise ships, so the main challenge I had was to gather factual evidence of all the crimes before putting pen to paper and writing this book. I contacted the International Cruise Victims Association in the States and thanks to them and their lawyers, they presented me with all the research into their database from logged crimes, so I could gather the correct information during a three year research span.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
That is a good question as there are many, but my main influence for writing a crime novel such as Snatched: The Unforgettable Cruise is from Stephen King, who I believe to be the master of modern day crime and mystery novels. Snatched: The Unforgettable Cruise touches Mr King’s novels like “Misery” “The Shining” “Christine” and “The Green Mile”
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
As you know I am from Gibraltar, which is located in between Morocco and Spain, so we get the best of both continents. One of my favorite spots is to be at the top of the Rock of Gibraltar on a crystal clear sunset evening, and watch the magnificent sunset, stretching all the way between Africa and Europe, divided by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a magical sensation to watch and experience.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Obviously before I dive into writing a book, the first thing I need is to get the facts correct, so here is where “Research” comes into play and you should get right. Then once you are happy with the information gathered, you need to then structure the book and I like to do it into three parts. How will the book begin? How will the book end? What will the middle of the book reveal? Once I have answered those three questions, I then do a breakdown of the main characters of the book and write their history, so I understand and know everything there is to know about them even before I begin writing them into the book. Once all that work is done and I have researched all the locations I want to introduce in the book, then the writing of the first draft can commence.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Snatched: The Unforgettable Cruise’?
Snatched: The Unforgettable Cruise took three years of extensive research before I even began to write the first chapter. Once all the information had been gathered and I wrote breakdowns for the main characters I then began the writing phase, which for me comes naturally and I wrote the first draft of the novel in just 2 months. The published novel is draft 9, and came 7 months after I first started to write, so to answer your question, 3 years of research and 7 months to complete the book.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your book?
Snatched: The Unforgettable Cruise has been published by Michael Terence Publishing in the UK and can be found on any of the Amazon sites worldwide as a Paperback or Kindle format. It is also available on “Barnes & Noble”
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Snatched: The Unforgettable Cruise’?
The publisher “Micheal Terence Publishing” in the UK works with an amazing designer called Karolina Robinson Zammit who I was introduced to by the Editor of the publishing house Mr Keith Abbott. I explained to Karolina what the vision was for the front cover of the book. It was basically an empty cabin, to give rise to the fact that someone has gone missing. Then it was smooth sailing from then on until she came up with the current design which has been published. As regards to the title, well it clearly describes the fact that someone is taken “Snatched” and their ordeal, as the ordeal of their family members becomes as an “unforgettable cruise” hence the title Snatched: The Unforgettable Cruise because they will always remember their ordeal after being subjected to crime on board their ship.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
This is why the book needs to go through many drafts and in each draft you realise and understand what is working and what is not. I like to write as an author and then read the draft as a reader, so this will always keep things fresh and in perspective.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Oh yes, there are so many secrets from true crimes and ordeals in this book that it will make the reader think twice about going on a cruise again, as the harsh reality is that crimes continue to happen and people, both passengers and crew members, vanish and go missing without a trace. So this book will open up the reality to the reader of what the situation is really like, if you are not careful on a cruise ship, especially if you are travelling by yourself or with small kids.
Q1 Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know both of you better.
I wear many hats – like most women:
1) Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Sister, Daughter, Colleague, friend, mentor 2) Love everything and anything to do with being outdoors 3) I embrace the ability to move my body, every day 4) I love high learning curves 5) I have travelled to over 56 countries for work and pleasure 6) I am a firm believer that all of us can learn to use our Breath to positively alter how we feel and respond to challenging and stressful situations – at any age.
Q2 What is your inspiration behind your book “Bellies to the Sky – A Bedtime Breathwork Book”?
a. Two-part answer:
i. I had a desire to “put out into the Universe” the vision that came to me during mediation
ii. I wanted to create a “tool” to teach children and adults how to use their breath to create a healthier environment for their minds and body.
Q3 When did you realize you want to be an author of Children’s Books?
December 2013 following a meditation session at a Bahamas Yoga Retreat.
Q4 Are you planning to release your next book soon?
a. I have two book ideas in mind, but I have not created the complete storyboard.
b. Most likely, I will launch two new books in 2024
Q5 For which age group is your book suitable?
Ideally, ages 3-8. That said, the benefits of practicing breathwork are highly beneficial for all ages.
Q6 What is your favorite Quote?
This is an easy one: “Eat half, walk double, laugh triple, and love without measure”. A Tibetan proverb.
Q7 What do you like the most about your country?
Freedom
Q8 What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
a. Visit your local library, often. b. Have their “book bags” easily accessible for them to use c. Read to them every night.
Q9. What does literary success look like to you?
Very good question: One I need to work on in 2023.
Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
McKenzie Scott (ex-wife of Jeff Besos). The way she is “giving” away her millions to create a better world, is very inspiring to me.
Q1. Hello. Can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Annette Marie Stephenson. I am married with 3 children and 7 grandchildren. My husband and I have been married for 41 years. I love to active biking, hiking, and running. I love fitness and wellness. I am 60 years old and have been writing since I was 10 years old. I started out writing poems and short stories about being loved and having security with someone special. During the times I was raising my family, I dreamed of being a full time author. I was an interior painter and contractor while living in Oregon. I am currently a real estate agent as well. I am originally from San Jose, California and currently reside in the San Diego area.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing The Last Memory?
Coming out of my comfort zone and writing an aggressive character. Antagonists are hard for me to write because I have always written about good natured characters. The man in this story was just someone who was born into a bad life. He wanted the control and he didn’t care about human life or even his own life. He was sly and a sycophant when it came to luring his way into someone who would trust him. He knew he couldn’t be trusted and the main character took a chance trusting him. After reading the whole story, I’m glad I wrote about him and what he was capable of.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I love Nicolaus Sparks and Robin Carr. When I read The Message in a Bottle, I was amazed how someone can put detail into a story. I love emotion and drama that pulls you in. Loss and recovery always make my heart want more. I love to see characters become happy and get their life back and being in love. I started reading Judy Blume when I was11 and I loved the way she appealed to the younger generation. It’s hard to find good books that make you get hooked and you can’t put down to put down. I used to love biographies but learning about true life stories was not something I was interested in writing about. I love fiction.
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I’ve always loved California. I lived in Oregon for 32 years before coming back to California. I love any place that has water. Lakes, streams, the ocean just make me feel calm and give me inspiration to write. I love the mountains and hiking different trails. It’s hard to pick a favorite place since i like to explore new things and places. I’ve been to Bermuda and Canada and I loved visiting and the people were welcoming. I live near the beach so that is a favorite of mine and my husband’s. Oregon is very pretty and green so I guess I could say I liked visiting there. I like to travel any place that gives me inspiration for a good story.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Not really. I write things down on paper to get ideas. I have a big imagination and I play out the characters I write. I love to explore screenwriting and acting out what I write makes it come to life. When I get writer’s block, I let my brain take a break and let the story rest. Rushing a story will make the dialogue boring and lifeless. To put excitement into a story, you have to take your time and read it over and over again to clean out any mistakes or cheesy lines, I am very picking about how the story flows.
Q6. How long did it take you to write The Last Memory?
The Last Memory took me 4 months to write. I knew when I finished my last book what I wanted to write. I thought what would I do if I lost everything I worked hard for and I had to start over and get a new life? What would that be like? As a kid, I didn’t have the best childhood. There were times I wished I could just erase all the pain I felt and be someone else. The character in the story had an extensive resume. She worked very hard to be the person she always wanted to be. Life changed for her and that change had consequences. Since 2021 I have written 7 books and I started another one soon to come out in about 3 months.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
I am on Amazon, Kindle, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Audible.com. If they look at my website, they can order there and it will take them to Amazon. romancebyannette.com I am also on Goodreads.
Q8. Tells us about the process of coming up with the book cover and title The Last Memory.
The story is based in Julian, California, a place I love to visit with my husband. It has many orchards and it basically the apple country. I loved the farms and fields mixed in with old barns and country charm. I was looking for a cover that displayed that scenario and I wanted to capture the romance for the character. I also wanted it to be a place of fear for Tess. After all, she had no idea where she was and she was alone not know who she was. I wanted the light to come alive when she meets Kyle. It now becomes a beautiful place for her to call her own. I wanted a cover that had the fields of gold and a world she has never experienced before. This cover was perfect for the story.
Q9. When writing a book, how do you keep things fresh, for your readers and yourself?
I think about what warms the heart. What would a reader love to get caught up in? I don’t write about sex or extreme violent scenarios. I like to put the suspense where it belongs and just grab the audience and help the story flow. As far as keeping things fresh, I just go with what suits me. There are certain subjects I am not fond of like science fiction or psychological violence. I know some of these subjects are appealing to the masses, but I want to write about subjects that move and touch someone’s life, something they can relate to.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that are not in the blurb) you can share with your readers?
Well, I don’t like to give away something that is a surprise. I can tell you that Tess Charlton starts a new life. Does she become a reporter? We’ll see..
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Margaret Lang is a mom, friend, former English teacher of thirty years, real estate agent, and author of Moving Forward: With, Through, and Past Cancer. Grateful for surviving cancer with a greater respect for life and more conscious than ever of becoming 80, she set out to find what it would take to live beyond that number. The result is this book of inspiring stories, her reflections on what she learned, and the discovery that the principles of a long, healthy life can be applied at any age.
Answering the question about how to live past 80 was crucial to me as I turned 80 in August 2022. My sister had just died at 76, the other at 80 and my mom at 83. “What was going to be my fate?” I asked myself.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Moving Forward for a Longer Life ”?
The key challenges were two: The first is the time it took to interview the persons in the book and to translate the interviews into their stories. The second was the tremendous time it took to edit. I had a friend, Lori Dzik, help me with that, and we worked together to get the book in the best form possible.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I taught writing as a High School English teacher for many years greatly influenced by the style of Melanie Hemry who writes for The Believer’s Voice ofVictory about people whose lives were transformed. She always starts the article right in the middle of their stories, riveting the reader. I taught that technique and applied it to my writing. My goal was to be as real as possible while giving the reader something to think about.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favorite spot to visit is close to home, not a place to view nature or eat the best foods, but a place to satisfy my quest for finding beautiful objects for home and table decoration. My passion has always been decorating, and my newest one is setting tables. The place is Sunshine Acres, a resale shop benefitting foster children. I not only find bargains; I find joy in preserving what others no longer need nor treasure. I am very interested in legacy. Perhaps my new adventure for table settings will be the topic of the next book. That hobby certainly has me Moving Forward with joy.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
My writing is inspired. I get an idea and then start working on it. The first book was mandated by my mentor who told me I had to write about my healing from cancer and back surgery 4 years ago. The second book made sense while I was determining my purpose for the next 40 years of my life inspired by a pastor who has committed to living until at least 120 years.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Moving Forward for a Longer Life’?
The writing of the book took about two years- those years interrupted by Covid and my association with a brilliant and exacting editor. I felt the book should do justice to the ones interviewed as well as present a very personal observation of how I was dealing with my future.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your book ?
Readers can purchase the book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and at Xulon Press, the publisher.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Moving Forward for a Longer Life’?
When I was going through my cancer treatment, my friend Sue would take me to all my appointments. I did not complain, but she knew what I was going through. Any time something negative came up, she would simply say, “Moving Forward.” That was our motto. I used that in my first book, Moving Forward With, Through and Past Cancer. Deciding to live a Longer Life, I felt it appropriate to use “Moving Forward” again!
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Life and its experiences keep us fresh because they always change. That is why I feel the book is “fresh.” The book is filled with different life stories and has questions at the end of each chapter to challenge the readers to reflect on their decisions to Move Forward.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
The “secrets” from the book are ones that are not written. Why? Because as the reader interacts with the characters in the book and answers the reflective questions at the end of each chapter, the reader will reveal to himself/herself what perhaps will be life changing revelations. That is what I love about the book most. It has its own future with each reader.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
33 years old , living in Deltona Florida. Author of money Mac murder, Project Baby, Married to the mob and Confessions of a side nigga. Owner of a vegan meal prep company in Florida called vegan takeout (@vegan_takeout) and a vegan skin care line line called Liv Aesthetic (@liv_aesthetic) Currently signed to gang tales publications and outlining the sequel to project baby as we speak I’m originally from Florida but I spent a great deal of my life bouncing back and forth between Long Beach, California and Deltona/ Deland, Florida.I started writing as a way to cope with the loss of my Grandmother. I went crazy. I started talking to myself. I missed her so much that I would try to daydream as vividly as I could. My first novel (Money Mac Murder) started off as a diary. I tried to remember the earliest conversation that I ever had with her. I told her that I wanted to be rich. Not sure what that meant, but I knew I wanted it.After the success of my first urban fiction novel, Stanley James from Gang Tales Publications reached out to me to sign me. After a couple of conversations, we came up with the concept for the story “Project Baby”. I was skeptical at first because we are from rival gangs and I could’ve swore he was trying to set me up. In an act of good faith he cut me a check before the story was even finished. This was the first time that I received a lump sum of money for my work, so the check he cut me felt like a million dollars. I didn’t have much faith in myself as an author, but the faith that Stanley has in me made me a believer in myself and my work. We went platinum in the streets coast to coast with Project Baby and we’re just getting started.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Confessions of a side N*gga”?
Confessions is one of my softer stories. I’m used to writing stories with alot of violence. This was my second romance novel that I ever wrote so there were alot of kinks that I worked out by finishing this story.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Stanley James from Gang Tales Publications and Barbie Amor from The Plugs Daughter Presents….. When I first started writing I was just a ball of raw talent. The two of them took the time to shape and mold me into an author
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Anyone who knows me personally knows that I in fact have four favorite places in the world. 1. The Ritz Carlton in Orlando, Florida…. 2. Tiago Coffee in West Hollywood, California….. 3. 17th street in Long Beach, California….. 4. My Grandmother’s house in Deland, Florida
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Yes! I have a whole creative process that begins as soon as I wake up in the morning. After a 30-45 minute workout I sit and meditate to clear my head. Then I’ll light some incense and put on some music. The music could range from RnB, Afro beats, Reggaeton, Dance hall, Drill, Trap, or west coast “Nervous” music. It really depends on the vibe of the book.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Confessions of a side N*gga’?
It only took me about 90 days to finish Confessions. That might sound like a long time to some people, but it usually takes me six months to a year to finish a project.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your book ?
You can find me on Amazon or you can direct message me on social media.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Confessions of a side N*gga’?
The cover was a premade cover that I bought from a graphic design artist (Tamara Butler). Once I purchased the cover I took a long look at the cover and let it speak to me. There’s alot going on. From the look in the man’s eye, you can tell that he’s been wanting her for some time now. And also by how the room looks, there’s a vibe that suggests that they probably shouldn’t be doing what they’re doing. The woman is standing in a way that suggests she feels empowered….. appreciated. Maybe this was something that she was missing at home. That’s when the titled popped in my head. Confessions of a side nigga.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I’m my worst critic. I make sure to be as vivid as I possibly can when describing scenes. I also will throw in a random action scene if I feel that the story is getting too boring.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I do a little shameless plugging in the book. On one of the dates that the main character takes his woman on, I had them pull up to a vegan pop up where my catering company Vegan Takeout was set up.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi everyone! I’m pleased to be doing this interview, and I hope it helps you to gain a bit more perspective of me as an indie author. I write under the non de plume, Rusty Blackwood, and it’s an honour to meet each of you. I write in four genres, poetry, children’s short stories, adult comedy, and romantic fiction drama, my favourite genre, and the one for which I am best known. I became a serious writer in 2001, and published my very first piece in 2009, titled Feelings: A Rhythmic Journey in Thought, a first collection of traditional and contemporary poetry that is no longer available nor are these three titles that followed, Young Minds, Passion in Paris: Connections to the Past, and Passion in Paris: Directions of the Heart. However, the contents of these publications were republished under different titles with additional content, and all are available on Amazon along with the many titles I have since published. I invite you to check them out: Impressions, poetry, Through the Eyes of Innocence, a children’s short story collection, my Derwood Tugbottom Comedy series, and my romantic fiction dramas, Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary, Willow’s Walk, The Perils of Autumn, Return to Autumn Pt 1, and Return to Autumn Pt 2 which will be releasing this coming March. I love to write, I have always loved to write, it is my passion, and I reap the greatest satisfaction from it whenever I’m contacted by a reader who has enjoyed my work. As a professional writer and author, I find this the most rewarding of all. I grew up on my paternal grandfather’s farm in rural south-western Ontario, Canada, and have resided in the Niagara area of southern Ontario since 1985. I invite you to visit and check out my official website https://rusty-blackwood.com for more information surrounding me, my work.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Return to Autumn”?
Return to Autumn is the first part of a 5-star-awarded, two-part sequel to The Perils of Autumn that was published by Tellwell Talent Publishing in 2019. While writing The Perils of Autumn, which garnered me not only a 5-star rating from Readers Favorite Books, it was awarded one of six Finalist in Romance awards for the 2019’s International Book Awards in Los Angles, CA, along with the 2019’s American Book Fest Best Book Awards, also out of Los Angles. When I was writing The Perils of Autumn, I had decided to extend the story because I wanted to say more, as well as introduce a few new characters into the drama, and to do so would have turned the novel into another grand scale, like my 2013 romantic fiction drama release, Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary, that of which included the original 2-part Passion in Paris that I revised while including new content. I realized that title was going to become a grand scale while creating it, however, I wanted to tell the story in one novel. It did well enough, garnering a 4-star rating from Amazon, but I also experienced the pitfalls of publishing a grand scale, which was why I decided to write the continuation of The Perils of Autumn into a two-part sequel, that I published myself with the assistance of my long-time Publicist/Producer, Don McCauley. My projected timeframe for the release of the sequel was 2020, but that was unfortunately interrupted by the pandemic, and I finally fulfilled this goal on November 16, 2022, with the release of Return to Autumn Part 1; the second part, Return to Autumn Part 2 will be released this coming March.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
There are so many, however, I love descriptive prose that can sweep you into the pages and hold you within throughout the entire story. This isn’t always found, but when it is, it is enthralling. One of my very favourite authors is my fellow Niagara author, Gina Iafrate, a fantastic weaver of words set in exotic places that hold you captive from page one through to the last page.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I adore Prince Edward Island located off the east coast of Canada between the Northumberland Strait, and the Atlantic ocean. This small, engaging island is a writer’s dream, or for that matter, any person in the Arts or who loves the Arts in their many favorable forms. This beautiful island is Canadian authoress Lucy Maude Montgomery’s birthplace, and it’s not difficult to see why her descriptive writings were so captivating. The red clay soil, open blue skies, and the Atlantic ocean sprawled at your feet. I have spent memorable time there, and I have never been disappointed.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
This question is a bit difficult to answer, as the majority of the fourteen titles I’ve published so far contain their own story and characters, with the exception of the original two-part Passion in Paris, my Derwood Tugbottom Comedy series, and my ‘Autumn series’ consisting of The Perils of Autumn, Return to Autumn Part 1, and the coming Return to Autumn Part 2, which I’ve already written. I usually begin with creating the characters to live in an idea I’ve conjured from my mind. I often borrow a lot from my own life experiences, and through doing so, make the stories uniquely my own.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Perils of Autumn’?
It took me the better part of two years. I had released Peril’s forerunner, Willow’s Walk, in the summer of 2015, briefly called it back for a swift revision, and then reissued it in early 2016. It was after that that I began The Perils of Autumn, so I would say 2017, and it was released in January of 2019.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
My work is available on all Amazons in Kindle and paperback – The Perils of Autumn is also available in Hardback, certain titles, including The Perils of Autumn are available at Barnes and Noble, and Indigo. All available titles may be obtained at all Indigo order desks, and in Niagara area, paperback copies of The Perils of Autumn, and Return to Autumn Part 1, are exclusively available at Lakeshore Books & Art in Ridgeway, Ontario.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Return to Autumn’?
I wanted the cover of Return to Autumn Pt 1 to reflect and retain the equestrian theme of The Perils of Autumn. I had found a photograph that fit this purpose beautifully, so I purchased it, and my producer designed and completed the cover. I used the same method in coming up with the title for Return to Autumn, as that is what the reader is doing, returning to Autumn Leeves-Landon, the protagonist, for whom the story revolves.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I very often have more than one writing project in progress as I find that it helps to keep each one fresh, especially if I find myself in a bogged-down area. By stepping away from the project to work on something different I find helps me put things in prospective when I return. I can’t speak for other writers, but that process has always worked for me. This process also helps to keep my readers entertained through the four genres that I write.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book ‘The Perils of Autumn’ (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Landon Lawns’ exclusive jockey, Duff Taylor, continues to build on his page of deceptive, under-handed, disgusting secrets. As time continues, the page grows longer, and much of it revolves around his despicable actions involving Autumn, who is the wife of English equestrian master Cyril Landon, the owner of Landon Lawns Stables, and Autumn’s husband. As stable foreman William Brown, and Manfred Montgomery, head groom and trainer, continue to uncover the jockey’s secrets, Duff doubles down, determined he will not be exposed. Through doing so, his vile actions threaten Autumn along with the flawless reputation of Landon Lawns Stables.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Mark Swan. I’m a producer, reporter, musician, and author from Denver, Colorado, USA. I’m a Gemini and I like petty crime. When I’m not writing and stressing out, I’m on the radio as a traffic and weather reporter. When I’m not doing either of those things, I’m playing music with my best friends in Pretty. Loud., a three piece weird rock band. I love dogs and when I am outside and see a dog, I will smile at the dog. I have been writing professionally for about 12 years but only recently published my first novel, Death and Human Resources. Now that the book is out, I have absolutely no idea what to do with my life.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Death and Human Resources”?
The largest challenge I had came nearly a year into writing the initial manuscript. I had a detailed idea of events within the story and how and when I wanted them to take place. I was well into writing the twenty-second chapter when I decided to check my word and page count. To my horror, I had written nearly five hundred pages and I wasn’t even halfway through the story I wanted to tell! Since this was my first novel, I didn’t want to bog potential readers with an intimidatingly thick book. So, I found a stopping point in the story and, remorsefully, began to cut out elements of the plot that were either unnecessary or could be used in future installments of the series. Death was never meant to be a series but, who knows, I may revisit those cut details at a later time.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Anyone who reads the book will find Neil Gaiman’s, Christopher Moore’s, and Stephen King’s finger prints within. This trio taught me as a young reader that you could inject humor into the religious and mythical. Gaiman and Pratchett’s Good Omens is an enormous influence on every creative thought that I have. Moore’s Lamb is the reason Death and Human Resources exists at all. I grew up with a certain reverence for organized religion, and felt as though it was somehow “above” being the subject for satire or irreverent writing. Lamb changed my world and I invite anyone of any religious background to read it.
I also want to express my adoration for Diana Wynne Jones, who taught me through her writing how to think with both whimsy and pragmaticism. Her series are full of magic and fantasy that somehow makes sense to the reality-obsessed reader. I always wanted to emulate her style.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I’m fond of my basement because it keeps me from the sun. If I have to give a more traditional answer, I enjoy going to any coastal city in the US and finding excuses to be on the beach during the night time. When I can find the time, I like to escape to rural Maine where my family lives. If I can ever make it back, I’d like to visit New Orleans again and take in the general ethereal energy of that sleepless city. Any haunted forest throughout the continental US will get my attention. I won’t say no if someone invites me to Disney World.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Answering from experience, decades of work goes into writing a book. I spent years considering nebulous ideas and how to stitch them together into a coherent story. There are multiple journals filled with chapter snippets, character biographies, and hastily scribbled notes that all contributed to the final product. I have at least two work documents with semi-organized descriptions of locations, histories, and designs. This was a story that I first imagined when I was twenty years old. I am now thirty-five.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Death and Human Resources’?
I wrote the first two chapters in the Summer of 2019. The draft was a distraction against the worst office job I had ever worked. When the Covid pandemic hit in 2020, I suddenly found myself without that awful job and a lot of newfound free time. Stuck at home, I committed to writing a chapter a week and finished the rough draft in May of 2021. I published the complete novel in June of 2022.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your book ?
Death and Human Resources is available in paperback from Amazon. You can find the ebook on almost every major retailer. Check out DeathandHumanResources.com to read the first chapter and to purchase the whole thing if you like it.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Death and Human Resources’?
The title, Death and Human Resources, came to me as I was writing the first few chapters of the manuscript. Incidentally, I was working in an HR department for a major corporation and having a miserable time. I had been mulling around the idea for a story about the more mundane workings of Heaven, Hell and the supernatural world for years (see above.) The title, Human Resources, popped in my head as I imagined the paperwork a demon would have to file away after tricking a human into signing over their soul. I thought the pun was pretty funny and wondered to myself what the manager of a supernatural Human Resources department would look like. The answer was almost too obvious: the Angel of Death would manage such a department! The official title and major workings of the story came quickly afterward.
The artist behind the cover for the book is the impossibly talented Justin Gray (burntobuild.com,) whom I met while doing some freelance work. I told him the premise of the story and he was enthusiastic to get the artwork out ASAP.
As for the cover itself, the art depicts Azrael, Angel of Death, looking over a metropolitan Heaven. Throughout the story, Azrael changes his appearance many times, and eventually comes to resemble what many people would recognize as the Grim Reaper: a skeleton in a black cloak with a scythe. I wanted his modern day design to look like the next iteration of that appearance. In a universe taken over by corporate bureaucracy, the Grim Reaper trades his cloak for a three piece suit, and his scythe for a pen. Justin nailed Azrael’s design with his comic book style.
Heaven is depicted as futuristic and almost alien, with contrasting warm and cool colors. People often conceptualize Heaven as this place in the sky where angels play harps on wisps of clouds. I wanted Heaven to look industrial, with every square inch covered in stone and steel. Justin’s use of color brought something that my imagination couldn’t hold a candle to.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
The biggest surprise I had while writing this book was how often I felt my characters were getting away from me as I was writing them. It’s somewhat of a cliche for authors to say their characters “developed minds of their own,” but it is truly a strange thing to see first hand. I do not believe a single one of my characters ended up where I intended. As I wrote them, I would feel a weird pull at my fingertips, as if they were saying, “you want me to do this, but what if I did that instead?” I was apprehensive at first, but I ultimately let these characters do what they wanted to do, rather than try and shoehorn my story to what I had originally intended. The result was I was still surprising myself by the last chapter. That certainly kept things fresh for me and I hope the impulsiveness of these characters keeps readers intrigued as well.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Prepare to get your feelings hurt, especially if you’re coming into this hoping for an honorable interpretation of any one religion. This book is a satire of religious doctrine at best and downright blasphemous at its worst. That’s not to say it was my intent to bash or insult any person’s sense of spirituality; I consider myself a deeply spiritual person. My goal was to bring a bit of humanity to entities in myth and canon that are otherwise depicted as “divine” and “perfect.” If anything, it is my hope that you laugh alongside these depictions and maybe even develop a stronger sense of your own spirituality.
I can’t reveal many secrets without giving away my favorite parts of the story. I will just say that the title of the book ends up revealing a pun and I hope that readers find it as funny as I do.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello, my name is Natasha Butler. Founder of Natty Gyal Productions, a company that independently publishes books through Amazon.com. Ugly Alter Egos – Part I, is the first of a three-part series that touches on the lives of four African-American characters navigating life’s day-to-day challenges at a fictitious HBCU in Tennessee.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book ‘Ugly Alter Egos – Awakening Inner Me to my Enemies’?
My inaugural release, Ugly Alter Egos – Part I, has four main characters instead of one. It was challenging to write seamlessly from four main points of view (two males and two females) while ensuring each character was developed optimally. My goal was for everyone reading this book to identify with at least one character in the story line.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Toni Morrison is a huge inspiration to me! Her Netflix documentary, “The Pieces I Am,” really captures powerful views of her as an author, editor and business woman. She has always promoted staying true to yourself and your original voice when writing.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I love visiting Key West, FL! It is beautiful… There is so much to do and never enough time to do it all.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
For me, I take time to sort out my feelings, goals and objectives on what I am trying to convey with messaging in a book. It is important to develop your characters in your mind and heart first and honor them without placing your own personal filters on how they would respond to certain situations. Write without judgment when it comes to your characters but also use them to convey strong messages within the overarching story.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Ugly Alter Egos – Awakening Inner Me to my Enemies’?
A lot of the content in this first release, which is Part I of a trilogy, is inspired by my own personal challenges I’ve overcome. Some humorous, some inspiring and some painful. There were an overwhelming amount of emotions I had to sort through to get this story on paper and develop my characters accordingly. Because of this, it took me over 10 years to finish the text because I kept putting it down, not wanting to sort through certain things related to my feelings concerning events that inspired the book. But all timing is perfect and I’m glad the first part is now released!
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your book ?
The audiobook is available on Audible. Hard copies can be purchased on Amazon.com. Autographed books can be purchased at http://www.nattygyalproductions.com
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Ugly Alter Egos – Awakening Inner Me to my Enemies’?
I wanted to develop something meaningful. The art resembles a yin-yang symbol indicating even though the characters are polar opposites, there’s still similarities between them on each end of the spectrum. They all come together to form one complete circle.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Within this book you get to experience the story through four main points of view so that you can decide right and wrong and what resonates with you for yourself. It’s not always as black and white as it seems 🙂
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
The characters Jada and Vicky are loosely based upon my personality in college versus becoming a full-fledged working adult. One is anxious and one can be callous at times, but it is merely a defense mechanism. Writing this story allowed me to see how much I’ve grown from both and that I am still a work in progress. Thank you for this opportunity!
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello I’m Arthia Nixon and I’m the author of several books in adult, romance, children’s and business genres. I’m a journalist/publicist and mom to an actress. Writing has always been a big part of my life since I was a child. My parents still have stories I wrote at age 4 and 5 and essays and writing awards or newspaper clippings from my childhood. I’m talking boxes of them.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book ‘The Bishop’s Beard’?
Whew! The biggest challenge was not to directly name names and to ensure I didn’t identify precise incidents. Because this book was ministry based and I came from a background that had mysic and ministry, alot of people were wondering who it was about. Some people still guessed and I will never say if they guessed correctly. Yes, the book draws from some real incidents and people and when I said I was writing it, the person laughed and said it was perfect. People who know me know that my novels tend to have some real life experiences. I simply never confirm who, what, where, when or why. But I’ve had some people I didn’t even know read my novels who wondered. But it’s all fiction.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
My parents had the task of raising a creative and weird child as their oldest and didnt know wgat to do with me. Writing was my escape from their arguments and other things. However, there were always books and I was told I began reading at age 3. My grandmother Florence Mingo was the reader. She had me on most weekends and I was very advanced in reading and I used to read her Danielle Steele and Harlequin books. She was the first person who would let me read her my own writing books. I remember sitting through a hurricane with her just listening to the wind and writing while she read. My aunt Velma Petty, who is a pastor’s wife and minister of the church I grew up in mostly also ensured I read when I was with her on Sunday. She gave me my first diary to write in and we left it at her house because my mother was the type to just assume I was writing real things. Even at school, I got into trouble for writing instead of taking notes. I didn’t have a favorite genre and had everything from The Babysitters Club to Anne of Green Gables to Stephen King and my grandmother’s Alice in Wonderland and Arabian Nights. My writing today is influenced by my observations, real life and just imagination.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I am originally from Eleuthera, an island in the Bahamas I am fiercely protective of. Our house is on the beach so that is my most favorite spot in the world. I also love an area along the gulf coast of Florida, and South Carolina. I just sneak off for waterviews and pull out my Tiffany pen that was gifted to me and write by hand.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Not really. I’ve written books in 3 days or a week. I just sometimes see the whole thing in my dreams and write it out, the outline, characters and more and it comes together.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Bishop’s Beard’?
One week. I thought about it and emailed the idea to myself but never had time to write it. I ended up in the hospital due to my illness and wrote it during my rest and recover time.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your book ?
Amazon, Payhip.com, ArthiaNixon.com and multiple bookstores and libraries. Google search it. However my mailing list is best for new releases and behind the scenes.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Bishop’s Beard’?
I thought the title was very self explanatory but apparently it wasn’t for people who did not know the term. I explained it inside the book. I knew how I wanted my characters to look and when it becomes a film, I already see some things. But the cover l, I put in my graphic designer’s hands and she did a great job.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I’ve been told I have a signature style for plot twists. I don’t intend to keep things fresh. I just tell the story and think I don’t want to make this obvious and let ne think of something I wouldn’t expect of thus character. And it worked. You can’t be afraid to let characters go and you have to learn to end a series or stand alone.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
There are so many secrets! There is the secret as to why Lavinia and her sons never got along and why appearances in church are so important. There’s the secret as to why Judah and Dereka get along so great as a couple and why they fight so hard to not ruin things even though they both have secrets. There’s the secret as to why Shay the goddaughter is so protected and why the father, Bishop Darold was ready to pass along the church to his sons. Church hurt is real. Music ministry has drama. And there is an Alphonso in every church hidden or in plain sight.
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