Category: Author Interview

Book: Funny Farm Friends Frolicking Freely

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

Hi there, my name is AJ, a nickname given to me as a child. My given name is Adrienne.I began writing 5 years ago but have been drawing all mylife.As a 9-year-old child, I would spend hour upon hourdrawing cartoons and images I saw in books. My parents supported my interest in drawing by getting me books onhow to draw and making sure I took art classes in school. I believe my love and talent for drawing is a gift from God, and do my best not to take this gift for granted. My main goal with my writing and drawing is to bring joy and hopeto others. Most of my artwork is joyful and filled with bright, happy images.

Q2, What is your inspiration behind your book, “Funny Farm Friends Frolicking Freely”?

There were a few inspirations behind my children’s book.I’ve been wanting to write a children’s book for a long timebut then my friend Lu, commented to me that my art wouldbe great in a children’s book. This lit a fire under me and Igot to work on “Funny Farm Friends Frolicking Freely”,immediately. I didn’t rest from working on it until it was completed, staying up all hours of the night to work on it. Another inspiration for writing this book was the image you see on the cover of, “Funny Farm Friends Frolicking Freely”, I had drawn that image and wanted to make astory incorporating that image.

Q3. When did you realize you wanted to be an author of a children’s book?

This is something I had thought about for a few years but Ididn’t know how to make that dream a reality. I had noidea how to get the book created and published until Icame across the website Bookemon (where, “Funny Farm Friends Frolicking Freely”, can be found). Once I foundthis website things progressed pretty quickly and soon my dream of becoming a published children’s book author became a reality.

Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?

Right now I’m in the thinking stage of my next children’s book. I would like to get another children’s book out early next year, in January 2023.

Q5. For which age group are your books suitable?

I would say my books are most suitable for infants – 4years old. Kids will love the colorful images and fun easy-to-read vocabulary.

Q6. What is your favorite quote?

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” -Lao Tzu

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

The great people in it. I know this world can seem dark and hopeless at times but if you look around you will find there still are good, kind-hearted people, whose light shines bright and bring joy and love to this world.

Q8. What suggestions do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding their reading habits?

Start young. Talk and read to your baby when they are in your womb and read to them daily when they are born. Cherish your time reading with them, they grow upincredibly fast. You’re making wonderful memories withyour child and creating an intelligent little human. When they begin learning words have them read to you.

Q9. What does literary success look like to you?

Believing in yourself and going for it. So many people have dreams of being a writer but we let our own false beliefs hold us back; we’re not good enough, no one willread our work, I don’t know how etc. Once we challengethose beliefs and just do it we will be successful in my opinion.

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

My husband and daughter are my greatest inspiration.They make me want to be the best version of myself. Theyare both hard chargers, when they want to succeed at something they go all in and give it everything they’ve got. I admire and love both of them madly and deeply. My heart and soul.

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Funny Farm Friends Frolicking Freely

Book: My Race For Life

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

My name is Alison Delgado. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and now live in Park City, Utah. I have been a runner since I was 12 years old and I work full time as a primary care pediatrician. My family has a love for the outdoors and we enjoy going on off road trips through the many parks in our state.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘My Race For Life’ book?

This book is about an injury that I survived back in the fall of 2010. It was an injury that I was not supposed to survive. In writing this book I had to go back and get details regarding moments that were very scary and painful for myself, friends and family. I spent some time on the phone with others in tears as they described and re-lived those times. It was hard to do this but I knew I needed to hear from them so that I could do my best to make sure those emotions were felt in my writing. The process again made me so grateful that I was surrounded by people who were always by my side, always cheering me on.

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

I don’t know if there are any particular books or authors that influenced my writing but I have read many excellent books and the best always left me wanting to keep reading. I tried to end each chapter in such a way that the reader would hopefully want to keep reading. I have also read many memoirs in which I felt the writer added a lot of “fluff”, details that were not really necessary for the story, so I tried to be concise with my writing and I tried to ensure that everything I wrote was pertinent.

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

That is tough because I have been to a lot of fun places but I feel my favorite thing is to go camping. We have camped in places like Moab, Escalante, Ouray… all places with beautiful scenery and trails. I feel camping is my favorite thing because that is where I can actually sit down and relax. In any other place I often find myself finding other tasks to do and not truly relaxing.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘My Race For Life’ book?

It took me a little over a year to write the book. I could really only write in the evenings after my son had gone to sleep and when my spouse was working, and I also had to make sure I was in a good mind space to write. I had an outline of how I wanted each chapter to unfold and I wanted to be sure I wrote the details adequately. One of the reasons it took me so long to start the process of writing the book was my fear that I would not write with enough details. One of the biggest deficits I had to overcome from my accident was a speech deficit, so I had a fear that this would hamper my writing but I knew it would be more powerful if it was in my own words. I wanted to give my story justice so I took my time to make sure everything was right.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘My Race For Life’ book to buy?

My book can be purchased through my website http://www.myraceforlife.com, through my publisher’s site http://www.cincybooks.com or through Amazon. It is available by paperbook or kindle. I also have sites on Facebook and Instagram – My Race for Life. I will admit I am not the best with social media but I can be reached through those platforms or through my email: raceforlife1016@gmail.com.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘My Race For Life’?

Well, I wanted to find a picture that went well with the title. That photo is actually a picture of me in the last several miles of the Flying Pig Marathon in the spring of 2012. This was my big comeback race after my accident in the fall of 2010, so it was a good fit!

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

As I mentioned in a previous question, I really wanted to make sure all of the appropriate details were in the book so that my readers could really feel what we all were going through. I spoke with several people who cared for me, I read through my mother’s journal and jotted down some notes before writing each chapter to be sure that I would include everything pertinent. I tried to write in such a way so that all of the emotions got through. I wanted people to feel as though they were there.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

I would say that the book definitely covers my accident and recovery but it also goes through some of the demons I battled during my teenage and college years. I hope that my story also shows how my accident helped me to overcome those worries I had in the past. Life was different. The things that seemed important before weren’t so important. I am lucky to be here. I was given a second chance and I am grateful for each day I have to go to work and do all of the little things that were taken for granted previously. I want people to know that you are worth much more than you often give yourself credit for. Each day is a blessing.

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My Race For Life

Book: Water Your Body, Water The World

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

Hello my name is Amber Tamar Harris and I am a full time mom and entrepreneur. I live in Pittsburgh with my four year old.

Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Water Your Body, Water The World”?

What inspired me to write this book was my daughter Hayden who is a character in the book. Hayden didn’t like to drink water much so I thought I would write a Children’s book that os colorful, educational and fun to explain the benefits of water.

Q3. When did you realize you want to be an author of Children’s Book?

I realized I wanted to be an author once I had my daughter but I’ve always been inspired to write since I was 12.

Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?

I plan to write another book sometime next year.

Q5. For which age group your books are suitable?

The age group for my books are for children ages 0-10 years old.

Q6. What is your favorite Quote?

“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.”

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

Nothing.

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

To never give up reading to your children or teaching them. They can learn so much from reading everyday to them.

Q9. What does literary success look like to you?

The future looks very bright as long as I stay on the right path.

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

My inspiration in life is making an impact and a difference for parents and children.

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Water Your Body, Water The World

Book: The Tenrux Society

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

Hello Readers I’m kyile I’m a author also foodie chef and I love ghost writing. I feel people who know me understand me better. But I just really love writing I’m currently studying for a bachelors degree in creative writing even though I’ve been writing since my younger teenage ages

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Tenrux Society’ book?

The Tenrux Society has so much complexity and for me that is a desire of my mind which which writes these complex deep and technical story’s, I just love baffling my readers where it is the necessity to have a never ending story.

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

My teachers like Hannah Lowe Frazer lee, or writers like, Ronald dahl, Jessica Fletcher, Mark Twain and Alfred Lawrence.

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

Alexandra palace , one of the greatest spots in London if you want to hug the views during summer with a picnic basket and a book then look no more further this is the spot for chilling.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

Yes like find your own writing space in your mind, clear your mind of all objects and become fully passive to your chi energy’s. Keeping out the negative perseverance of persistence and go with the flow keeping following the Yang and chi energy’s sometimes a bowl of sun colored flowers in the center of the table, flowers also harnesses the chi energy’s from the sun which releases a scent to keep out the negative spirits. Find your moment then take down key notes which are needed firstly and foremost before you start to drive it

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Tenrux Society’ book?

Truly a secret but it took me to a very long time, to make it work the way it does.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Tenrux Society’ book to buy?

Amazon, Waterstones, foyles, Blackwell’s, kobo. And many more.

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

Had help with the cover from my publisher but the title was my idea

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

Write from your own and not from others ideas or thoughts of others who say it or have said it.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

The whole secret in inside the book waiting for you to open then all will be revealed. Nothing to show from a blurb you must never judge a book by its cover.

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The Tenrux Society

Book: Letting God’s Word Speak: Lessons on Deepening Your Faith

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

I’m Tony Crouch, Christian by choice, accountant by trade. I’m currently serving Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas as the Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer, however I am fortunate to work from home and reside in Catoosa, Oklahoma. I have been married for 35 years to my lovely wife Vicki and we have four kids, nine grandkids, and five great grandkids.
I grew up in Alva, Oklahoma where I was introduced to Jesus at First Christian Church. I was baptized at the age of 10 and have spent most of the rest of my life trying to learn God’s Word and His will, but only in the last few years have I learned to surrender myself to Him. He is the one in whom I place my full trust and confidence.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Letting God’s Word Speak: Lessons on Deepening Your Faith’ book?

Actually, I didn’t know I was writing a book when I started. I set out to answer a calling the Holy Spirit and write a regular article on Facebook devoted to Christian thought. During my daily Bible study, I would note verses or parables that spurred ideas. I wrote about them as they came. Sometimes, the articles were timed close together, sometimes days apart. As the number of articles and readers grew, one of my good friends suggested it was a book I was writing. I dismissed the idea, but she wouldn’t stop insisting that was what was happening. To show her it was not, I sent the book to a Christian publishing company, and it turns out she was right.
The hardest thing for me, once I was done and everything submitted to the publisher for editing was accepting the editor’s suggestions. She did an incredible job, but she took out many of my prepositional phrases. As it turns out, I really like prepositional phrases.

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

I specifically like the Book of John in the Holy Bible, but also James. I appreciate how they make understanding who Jesus is practical and relatable, but they also offer room for personal thought and exploration for deeper meanings.
In secular writing, I appreciate Andrew Wommack and his straightforward, no sugar-coating style of teaching. Greg Mohr is another writer who is very good with relating scripture to life.

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

I don’t know that I have a favorite spot. I live in an incredibly diverse state – Oklahoma – where you can find national forests, sand dunes, flat plains, salt beds, caverns, mesas, lakes and hills. But I’ve also lived in Montana and Kansas. Montana is a beautiful state as well, especially from the Rockies and west. Forced to choose, I’d probably go back to my childhood and pick my granddad’s farm in early morning when the cattle are asking for breakfast and the sun is peeking up over the cedar trees a few canyons away.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

As noted above, I didn’t set out to write a book, so in my case, the real preparation was opening my heart to hear God’s voice.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Letting God’s Word Speak: Lessons on Deepening Your Faith’ book?

The chapters are mostly from my Facebook writings, but several are unique to the book. The process was about a year from the first article until I send the final text to the publisher, and then about six more months through the editing and creative process.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Letting God’s Word Speak: Lessons on Deepening Your Faith’ book to buy?

The book is available in print from Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and as an e-book on Barnes & Noble. I see it on other online book retailers as well.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Letting God’s Word Speak: Lessons on Deepening Your Faith’?

The cover was created by the publisher. We talked through ideas, but the design was truly all theirs.
The title morphed a bit as we finished up the editing. I didn’t have a name (because I didn’t’ set out to write a book). My friend who suggested the book had mentioned the phrase “when God speaks, listen” as she encouraged me. I feel God’s greatest attribute is His grace, so I had tentatively titled it “When God Speaks Grace”. As the editor finished her work, she suggested the book was really more about hearing God speak. As we talked back and forth, it became “Letting God’s Word Speak: Lessons on Deepening Your Faith”.

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

In my case, every chapter is its own story. There is some references back to previous thoughts or experiences, but as a rule, each chapter is fresh and stands on its own. Because I was inspired by scriptures throughout the Bible, the topics are many and varied. But, of course they all tie back to God working in our lives and how we should respond to that.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

God is speaking to each of us through the Holy Spirit, but we have to be an active listener to hear. His voice may come to us in scripture (often for me), through song lyrics, through teachings, or maybe something someone randomly says (although God’s work is never random). If our minds are open and seeking, we will hear His voice and grow in relationship with Him as we respond.

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Letting God’s Word Speak: Lessons on Deepening Your Faith

Book: Paying With Fish

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

My name is Viv Cockram but I write under my maiden name of Viv Booth. I live on the North Norfolk Coast with my husband, two opinionated West Highland Whites and a deaf cat. We have five children and twelve grandchildren.
I have had a varied career as a Shop Assistant, Buyer, Business Analyst and College Lecturer.
My love of writing started as a child and has continued throughout my life but I only released Paying with Fish in February this year. Since then I have written my second book which is with my publisher and I am currently awaiting the final proofs.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Paying With Fish’ book?

The main challenge I faced was maintaining focus, life tends to get in the way and changes your direction constantly.
Running concurrently to the focus challenge is belief. Belief in myself, that I can actually achieve what I started, that it is good enough and that other people will want to read it.

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

I love books that are slightly ridiculous in the way that they use language so I absolutely love all Georgette Heyer novels, plus she always portrays strong women. My favourite book of all time which I would love to emulate but have absolutely no chance of achieving is ‘To Kill a Mocking Bird’ by Harper Lee.

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

As I live on the North Norfolk Coast my favourite place to visit is the sea, it is definitely my happy place and things always seem to shift into focus and right themselves when I am there.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

Indeed as I write memoirs I firstly have to get to a point where I find the key to unlock the filing cabinet in my mind , once this is achieved memories come tumbling out in no order whatsoever. I do not start at the beginning of the book and write to the end, I write what ever pops up first. I then start to place the pieces of the book into a sensible order.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Paying With Fish’ book?

Longer than I expected. I started in 2014 but then I lost focus and life events took over as they often tend to do. I completed the book during in lockdown in the COVID pandemic.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Paying With Fish’ book to buy?

Paperback is available online at Amazon, Austin Macauley, iMusic, Waterstones, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Flipkart, Booktopia, and at many more online booksellers
E-book is available through Amazon, Kobo, Apple Books, Scribd

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

The book cover for me was easy, it is a combination of real images of two of my favourite places in France, the beach and the secret garden of the house we lived in.
The title of the book is what I said when paying at the vets, I was over confident with the use of my new language. Instead of saying I was paying with cash I confused the word ‘cash’ with the verb for ‘to fish’ and so the title of the book was born.

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

I try very hard to write in the way that I speak. I am originally from the north of England and therefore have a specific way of speaking which I try to transfer into my writing. I am a great believer in focusing on the positive and have a very direct and descriptive style which hopefully engages the reader.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

As I write memoirs and therefore about real people and events, albeit from my perception and view of the world I change the names of the characters involved. However, if you know, then you will know.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Paying With Fish

Book: SUB-CON

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

My name is Henry Lunceford and I have grown up in Overland Park, Kansas. I am currently attending the University of Kansas pursuing a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering, so finding a good balance between writing, schoolwork, and other activities is a constant goal I’m trying to achieve.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘SUB-CON’ book?

Most of the challenge associated with writing Sub-Con is making sure the pace is the novel is kept fast so as to engage the reader, but not too fast so that the dramatic and emotional moments still have weight to them. On a more relatable note, when I was writing the novel during high school, I did find it difficult to make time for writing especially when I wasn’t on break.

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

Writers like James Dashner and Anthony Horowitz were of great inspiration for me. I like the sci-fi, fantasy elements that Dashner plugs into his dystopian novels and I like the way Horowitz frames his action scenes to make them the most tense they can be.

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

My favorite spot that I’ve visited in my country is probably either Vail, Colorado or Palm Springs, Los Angeles. Vail is very cozy and vibrant with the town itself being full of personality and history, not to mention the skiing during the winter and fall and the hiking during spring and summer.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

Of course. You need to have the entire novel storyboarded, know what theme you’re going to center around, know who each character is, their motivations, their personality, their stake in the plot and how each of them fits into the theme. Most importantly, however, the novel must be something your passionate about, something that will motivate you to keep writing. Afterall, while you are writing for an audience, this is your story and it should be fulfilling to you first

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘SUB-CON’ book?

A little bit over a year. Approximately 13 months.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘SUB-CON’ book to buy?

You can find the book on essential sites like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, my publisher’s website, Austin Macauley, as well as Blackwell’s, Booktopia, and Books A Million (BAM), among several others.

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

I wanted the cover and title to be simple enough so as to not spoil the surprise of what the novel is about, but the vibrancy of the cover entices the reader into picking up the book to really gage what story is about.

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

To keep things fresh, I am constantly thinking of new ideas for stories on top of developing the novel I am currently writing. I also try to think of ways to surprise the reader in ways that not only subvert their expectations, but also in a way that is believable and sensible. I have to write stories that are interesting to me, stories that reinvent the wheel or feel like something I’ve never seen before.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

I would say that the only secret I can share is that in this novel and the two that will follow it, as the story develops further, it will become darker, more mature with each installment as you dive deeper into the world that this narrative poses and uncover the horrors that the protagonist uncovers along the way.

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SUB-CON

Book: Lifestyle Manners To Drive Success

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

Thanks for inviting me. I’d describe myself as a conflicted extrovert/introvert who can act up as the life and soul of the party but, like most writers, really appreciate solitude. When I’m with people, I always make them laugh and fancy myself as a stage-shy comedian. I’m cursed with a sense of the ridiculous and always look for the mischief in formality.
I retired from my job in pharmaceuticals a couple of years ago and moved to a very small hamlet in Norfolk. I spend my days wearing jeans and country boots, but with good makeup, hair and jewellery. I grew up with horses and dogs in the countryside of Buckinghamshire and now love the big skies and coastline of Norfolk and Suffolk. My first love is my two weimaraners and they were huge inspiration in my move here.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Lifestyle Manners To Drive Success’ book?

When I was writing Lifestyle Manners to Drive Success, my key challenges were keeping it accessible to everyone without appearing superior or elitist. Because the phrase ‘Mind your Manners’ has a bossy overtone to it, I challenged myself to make the book fun to read and hopefully a little bit insightful. My challenge was always to express my playful side by referencing little elements of humour without undermining the key messages.
The other challenge was to translate embedded good manners that would be transferrable across our fast-paced and often digital presence.

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

When I was 11 years old, I was given The Handbook of Etiquette by Barbara Cartland. I immersed myself into it, thinking I would need to know how to manage visiting dignitaries and avoid being vulgar at all times. It devotes chapters on dining with or without staff and gave me hilarious expectations of how my adult life would become. It inspired me to write a more contemporary and relatable interpretation.
The authors I really admire are Howard Jacobson for his exquisite grammar and intellect, Terry Hayes (I am Pilgrim) for his ability to write such intricate and flawless plots and Paula McLain (When the Stars Go Dark) for her visceral emotional investment into her characters. It is humbling and inspirational to read their work and they influence me to work harder at my other projects.

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

It’s hard for me to recall one favourite spot I like to visit in my own country but I love the soft landscapes of Chichester and Goodwood.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

My internal dialogue is far more extensive and complex than my external dialogue so writing is the perfect outlet for me. My books are my way of emptying my mind of thoughts.
For novels, I have to map characters’ ages before I start writing or they age at different rates throughout the book.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Lifestyle Manners To Drive Success’ book?

It took me around six months to write Lifestyle Manners to Drive Success because I constantly criticise everything I write and re-write it multiple times.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Lifestyle Manners To Drive Success’ book to buy?

Lifestyle Manners to Drives Success can be bought from Amazon or ordered from bookshops.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Lifestyle Manners To Drive Success’?

I can’t take credit for the book cover. I knew I wanted pale blue with white writing but the image was suggested by my friend, Helen and I liked it on sight – simple and clean looking.

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

I try to keep things fresh for myself and my readers by exploring common threads of conversation on social media, social observations and constant rewriting to stay relevant.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

I think the biggest secrets in the book are influenced by some of the people I know. I suffer moments of clarity when I wonder if they’ve worked out that I was referring to them.

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Lifestyle Manners To Drive Success

Book: Better Gnomes & Gardens

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

Thank you to Sassy Reviews and their subscribers for the opportunity to learn more about Better Gnomes & Gardens and the Mysty Haven Series.
About Casey Cardel, living in a small town of Wisconsin has its benefits to explore the quiet life and enjoy hobbies like gardening, cooking, lakeview sunsets and the ever-so- hyper squirrel life. As much as hobbies are enjoyed, reading books when time permits are a treasure. I’ve been a fan of mysteries, paranormal romances, science fiction and horror for a long time and found that cozy mysteries are my favorites.
My first writing began when I was sixteen after my high school teacher suggested I consider writing as a career. Though many years had passed, I held onto the idea and wrote a few short stories here and there, but never followed through with publishing. I felt the work wasn’t good enough, so I ‘practiced’ and learned more about the art of writing as time passed.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Better Gnomes & Gardens’ book?

There were only two key challenges that were faced while writing Better Gnomes & Gardens. 1. Timing and placement of clues, and 2. Research.
For us, writing this book consisted of many hours of collaboration and research on the characters. We wanted a unique cozy mystery series where the elements of myths and legend lore blend with fiction. The timing and placement of particular clues

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

There have been many books I’ve read over the years, and perhaps only a few authors have influenced my writing. Katherine Smith is one of my favorite authors who has greatly influenced my writing with her style. Each author develops a unique style over time. Smith has a very smooth writing style that I love. She has a way of making you fall in love with her main characters. Morgana Best has the witty sassy style I enjoy reading with her main characters. Stephen King, of course has the suspense and twists that influenced my writing from an early age.

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 would be Orange Beach, Alabama and Pensacola Beach, Florida. I love the sugar white sandy beaches and the emerald, blue waters. The beach is a soothing getaway, and I do love the water. I’ve even been lucky enough to see a few dolphins at play.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

Yes. Researching history, legends and mythology for the characters. Writing the characters out in detail before the book even starts. Next, there is the plot planning and of course the twists.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Better Gnomes & Gardens’ book?

Better Gnomes & Gardens took about 2 months to write from start to finish, after all the background work had been completed.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Better Gnomes & Gardens’ book to buy?

Better Gnomes & Gardens is available worldwide at different book retailers, such as Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Apple iBooks, Books A Million, Target and many international book retailers.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Better Gnomes & Gardens’?

The book cover went through many changes before reached its resting point. Lol No one could agree on the right cover layout. My editor finally started suggesting a few cover ideas and to ‘keep it simple”.

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

While writing, I keep in mind my personal likes and dislikes. I try to keep each chapter interesting and captivating for the reader by creating something new for the readers and myself to explore. If at any given moment, I find myself ‘skipping’ paragraphs during the re-reading phase, I immediately stop and begin deleting and rewriting.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

The inhabitants of Mysty Haven identify as “Mysticals”, rather than paranormal. Hint, the name Mysty Haven. Each of the characters have an interesting background and role to play in the little town that’s hidden from the human view. Readers will find a combination of twists on mythical creatures and legendary lore within this tight net little community.

Book Is Available On Amazon

Better Gnomes & Gardens

Book: Lethal Woman

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

I am a part-time author and full-time caregiver at a retirement community. I have two dogs and a rabbit.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Lethal Woman’ book?

Some challenges that I faced while writing ‘Lethal Woman’ were, I was young. I was in high school when I wrote it, so my experience was limited. But I had an idea and many loved it, so I had to keep faith in myself. But I also lost my need to write the book for a while. Not writer’s block, particularly, but maybe… writer’s confusion. After a year I picked up the book idea again and then finished it.

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

Honestly, I just have favorite writers. Some like Jodi Meadows, Cassandra Clare, Veronica Roth, and Nora Roberts have taught me wording skills and the simple act of ‘Don’t overdo it’ when it comes to writing. What I read doesn’t influence what I write. I wish it would. But all the books I’ve read throughout my years, they have all taught me one thing; enjoy the process of your own work and don’t force a story that doesn’t come.

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

I live in California but I haven’t traveled much within it. I went to Fort Bragg when I was young, and the crispness of the air and the sound of the water was very relaxing. It wasn’t a mind blowing experience, but it brought me peace for a few hours.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

It all depends. With each book I have a different process. Lethal Woman was the first book I wrote that I was proud of, and I didn’t plan or outline until I went back through and did edits. But lately I do draft and format where the story will be going as I write. Many of my ideas come to me while writing, so I will write everything out and then change a chapter or so later. I tend to go with the flow of the words as I write.
But before I can even think about writing I have to have the right type of music and I have to be in the right mood. It’s tricky, but I attempt to get inside the head of whatever character the chapter is in the point of view of. I also lack focus at times and writing helps me stay in tune with my own life. Writing gives me control of life when I have no real grasp of what’s in front of me.

Q6. How long did it take you to write a ‘Lethal Woman’ book?

Lethal Woman was a long process, I started it at the end of my freshman year of high school and finished it my Junior year. But edits weren’t done until I had graduated and started submitting it for publishing. So in total… about five years. But I learned a lot and bettered myself for the next books in the series.

Q7. On what platforms readers can find your book to buy?

My book can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and on the Wild Rose Press catalog page.

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

The title was probably the easiest part of the book. She was labeled as the Lethal Woman, so I decided to have that be the title of the book. The cover, that was tricky for me. I had preferences and wants, and the cover artist, Kim Mendoza, did what I asked. For the cover I filled out a form about what I want, what elements would be good for a cover, and the main character. Everything was pieced together, and once the cover was done, I saw it and I loved it.

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

To keep things fresh for myself and my readers, I take a break. When I feel like everything is being repeated or dragging more than it needs to be, I seperate myself from my work. I walk my dogs. I read. I go for a run. Anything to make me think but not allow me to write. When I’m separated from the keyboard, my mind is forced to think and remember. But ultimately to keep things fresh I just take a step back. Forcing what’s not right, it just causes more issues down the line.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

My publishers would say no… but as a rebel, all I can say is that nothing is as it seems. Trust must be earned and not everyone keeps their word. Do what you will with that information, but above all else, I hope those that read Lethal Woman enjoy it and stick around for the sequel!

Book Is Available On Amazon

Lethal Woman