Category: Author Interview

Book: Cape Henry House

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

My name is Jolly Walker Bittick. I am named after my father and grandfather, but we each have different middle names. I was born in Denver, Colorado, but raised in rural western Washington. I served a term in the Navy as a helicopter mechanic, but have worked in numerous fields since, most recently as a communications editor for the Federal Government. I love to write and I also keep a daily journal to log the details of my day. As I entered my 30’s I realized that my life experiences are unique since I have traveled so much and lived in so many different places, so I decided to begin writing about the experiences and people I have met over the years.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Cape Henry House’ book?

The book is officially fiction, but based so much on true events that I had to make sure to protect the identities of people and certain locations showcased in the book. As this was my first publication, I was unsure how much detail I could include as it pertained to brands. Ultimately, I kept details as vague as I could in that realm, and tried to do so without taking away from the overall story. I did some general research and determined that protecting the military elements of the story was most important, and ultimately a few of the locations were real places but as they are no longer in existence I was safe to name them as they were in real life. Professional sports teams are mentioned in the story, but vaguely enough that there is no legal issue.
Second, the creation of the chapters was challenging. I originally wrote the entire story without any chapters and then decided that chapters would help readers, particularly those who would not read the book in one sitting. I feel like the chapters are aptly named and well placed, but the initial challenge of creating and placing them seemed formidable.

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

First and foremost, Ernest Hemingway in general. I decided when I wrote this book that I wanted it to be written for those who do not read. Short, sharp sentences and raw details were heavily incorporated into the work to keep readers interested and compelled.
I also like author Harry Combs, and his western novel ‘Brules’ in particular. The opening to ‘Brules’ inspired the opening to Cape Henry House, and I also intend to use similar formatting in future publications (in fiction).

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

Olympic National Park and National Forest. I am from the Olympic Peninsula in western Washington but I find it to be a place I prefer to visit as opposed to a place I call home full time. Anyone that has visited the peninsula is taken aback by its natural beauty and grand geography. It remains a wild place, and that by itself makes itspecial.

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

There can be. A writer must have a purpose in writing a book, and at least a vague idea of what they want the story to be about. I have written material in the past that ended up with meaning different than what I was intending, and sometimes that is okay, but only if the writer can shape the work into something they can finish and produce for an audience. I take after Stephen King, who is known to sit down and start writing something without any outline beforehand of what the story will be about. I find my work is better when I write and get into the story myself, because it takes me on a journey as well.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Cape Henry House’ book?

Cape Henry House was written in six weeks. I contacted a few old Navy friends and discussed the story with them, and then I went about writing it. I had fun with it, so much so, that before I knew it, the story was completed.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Cape Henry House’ book to buy?

All major platforms, and most brick and mortar stores. The book is also available via box retailers like Walmart and Target. In particular:
Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Google Books, Apple Books, Kobo, Books A Million, to name a few.

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

As the story is based on true events, it was an easy process to name the book as it is about a house on Cape Henry Avenue, a real street. My Navy friends and I have referred to the actual house as Cape Henry House over the years, the name was a natural fit for the book.
I went through a cover design service and was provided with five cover designs based on specifications I provided. Ultimately, the cover of the book was the image selected. It was far and away the best of the bunch.

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

Focusing on the plot of the story and using as few words as possible to describe the characters and events while ensuring that the word choice is sharp, this gives a jolt to the reader which naturally keeps them compelled to read on. For me as a writer, it is important that I enjoy writing the story. I had fun writing Cape Henry House, because as I wrote it, I was brought back to the real-life memories that form the basis of the book.
In other works, I follow the same blueprint. I make sure to apply my feelings and imagination to the writing so that it remains raw, raw in the sense that the person reading it can sense, smell, taste, feel, and apply themselves as so they are in the story as well.

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

Two things:
Every character in the book is based (some more than others) on actual people from the days of the late 2000’s. In some cases, there is one character that represents more than one actual person, or multiple
characters that are extensions of someone I remember from the actual party days of the real-life house on Cape Henry Avenue.
The other thing: Nearly all of the wildest parts of the story are true. In some cases, it would be hard to imagine someone writing about such things without having seen or experienced it!

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Cape Henry House

Book: Scars of a Magician

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

Author of three books, Scars of a Magician, a fantasy novel, Josh and his Superhero Booger Friends, and The Adventures of Olivia and Molly also a children’s book. I started writing short stories in a writer club in high school. I wrote in my yearbook that I wanted to be a writer one day, who knew sixteen years later I would publish my first book.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing Scars of a Magician’s book?

Keeping my manuscript in order with the storyline and names.

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

I don’t have a book or author that influences me. I wanted to write a novel, so while I sat on a school bus waiting on a school chapter to be done. I started writing my story, but I eventually rewrote it. I’m glad I did.

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

I live in the U.S. I don’t have one yet, but I hope to have one soon.

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

Yes, because I had to plan out the events step by step.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Josh and his Superhero Bogger Friends’ book?

It took me about three months to finish the first draft.

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

Amazon and my website: robertherringjr.com but I soon will have it on kindle and more.

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

I imagine what I want and then try to sketch it out then send it to my artist to draw. My title comes from my character having issues with his family and reality, also being a street magician.

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

I have a big imagination that helps plus I do research and act my story out.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Scars of a Magician

Book: Grief

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

My name is Taea Edwards, I’m a full-time student at the University of Central Florida with a passion in writing and politicals. I dream of doing book-signings for my novels, strive to connect with readers so they feel less isolated in this crazy world, and aim to one day travel all over the world for my writing and humanitarian aid work!

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

The biggest challenge I faced was poor organization. I started at a very young age (8th grade) and because I was evolving so much over the years I had to entirely redo the novel over four times, which stretched out the process by six years. I wouldn’t ever change the oitcome, however it proved quite challenging to fix and alter.

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

I would absolutely say Sarah J Maas was one of the greatest influences on my writing. I looked up to her for so long, and going to her book signing was one of the greatest turning points in my writing, because I knew immediately all I wanted was to be on the other side of that stage and signing table.

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

I have not been to enough places consistently to have a favorite! I have always moved around and never spend more than a few years in any one place, so a lot of areas are nostalgic to me, but none is a consistent favorite as I haven’t been back to enough places! But any beach is always a safe haven for me!

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

I would say there is quite a bit to do before diving in, however there can be times when I will spontaneously add a new exceprt as well. For example, on the novels I have yet to write, first I need an idea (which comes quite easy for me), than a base plan for characters (they usually evolve on their own eventually, but a solid idea is still needed to start), and some decent plot lines/development plans for characters and plot. With those few things in mind, I generally let the idea sit for a minute as well, because I know over a few months’ time (whilw focusing on other novels), dozens of new ideas will come to me, which I can match to a certain novel, and build on it in that way beforehand so there is less revisions later on.

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

It took me (as previously mentioned) six years to finish Grief. This was because the final version and the original are pretty kuch entirely different concepts. I’d say to write the most recent concept took about 2 years max, however as I was younger I never wrote very consistently.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Grief’ book to buy?

Currently, it is not published yet, though once I do publish it the novel will be accessible on Kindle/Amazon, Audible, my personal website, and IngramSpark for sure, though I’m still looking for other places to add it to as well.

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

I have had the book cover for Grief in mind for years, as well as the next two novels. I am currently looking for an artist who cen help bring that image to life. As the trilogy centers around Amara and her development, I always wanted her to be a direct part of it, which is why I always wanted a half-face realistic drawing of her along the edge, each cover will have her primary emotion of the novel to show visual progress, and will have her magic slowly growing around her, as symbolism again for her progress throughout the novels. The title came to me as I was about halfway through writing the book. I’ve had it set for years, I can’t quite remember how it hit me, but I believe I had just finished writing the climax for one of the very early versions and the sheer agony and grief that would tie the readers to the pace was just so heavy, I knew nothing else would fit the description more.

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

I would say I keep things fresh by truly knowing the ins and outs of my own novel. By knowing every little detail of lore, backstory, history, charavter, in and out, it always leaves something else to pepper in or add that will for sure add to the story, so even if it is just a simple chapter of the characters having fun and takinf a break from the stress of their situations, they are leaving something with the readers. At least, that is what I hope to accomplish.

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

Not quite secrets, but as all of mh novels take place in the same universe, there is a lot of different opportunities for crossovers, so readers should keep their eyes peeled for character descriptions, sayings, or visuals that may seem out of place… They might come up later in the series, or even in another world.

Grief

Book: Hell Again

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

My name is Mihret Adal Gidi, born and raised in Ethiopia Addis Ababa. I would say I am quite a story teller who could not recall when exactly she started developing her love for literature, in general. But it would be fair to put it like; she is born for it. After all, writing is what makes me feel alive. As it defines me.
I have a totally free spirit with no imagination boundary, at all. Many around me would say I was quite a story teller; I used to tell stories even as a child. I was known for my writings at school; I used to participate in many medias and even present my assignments in quite unique manner, which got me my teachers’ attention; giving me recognition that I should consider writhing as a serious part of my life.
One cannot imagine her/his path. On that count, I used to think that I would be a dramatic artist who would bound herself with the love between her brush and her imagination weave of art. Fortunately, that part of my life; the rapacious thirst to art, is now benefiting me; I grow up to be an author who would also work on her book designing, artistically. I am also a cloth designer. I am a person whose soul belongs to art.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Hell Again’ book?

We all have multiple challenge working on every dream. Let alone writing a novel, even to write this very interview answer I realized that I am my own biggest challenge, primary.
I seem to face a hard time to decide on manners to present my given thoughts to anything. I have an obsessive behavior with over writing everything I write. I would go back to reading my own work and simply find it hard to satisfy myself enough with structures or amount of information in them For Hell Again, things were different; I was supposed to conduct research that would contribute solid touches to the story in ‘Hell Again’ and it was hard; to be able to acquire unbiased data regarding any religious aspects was challenging, for the story is more focused on the spiritual entities. I figured that every religion is the only religion that is right in the eyes of the believers.
The other challenge was the payment methods. Ethiopia has quite fenced in methods of payment; international money transaction is difficult for locals. Which means, it is hard to complete any international payments for any purpose and that almost drove me insane.

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

I love all writing of Poulo Cello, J.K. Rowlling, Chinua Achebe, Yismake Worku and Kate White. These are some among many authors that inspired me.

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

Even though my country is with numbers of destinations, I would love to point out Dega island on Tana lake as one of my favorite places; for its amicable society and the tranquil feeling it fills the visitors with. It is also a place with most beautiful smell coming from the plants and fruits on the island.
Truth is, my favorite spot anywhere in the world, is a seat right next to my mother. She is my inspiration, my best friend and someone who is always there for me my entire life in every possible way.

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

Usually, ideas come to my mind anywhere and at any time, but when it comes to writing, I usually put an effort to make sure that I am mentally ready to jot down anything. I love to conduct research over any topic before allowing my pen to meet my paper.
When it is an idea, I write it down just like that, but to have a constructed story I take my time; conducting research and mental preparation to have a fixed writing manner, the style I mean.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Bleeding Hearts Of A Butterfly’ book?

Entirely it takes me around five years to complete ‘Hell again,’ with the researches I conducted to add as a recipe to the story. But it takes almost a year to get it published.

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

Austen Maculy, amazone, Good reads, ebay, Black Wells, Water Stones, Barnies and Nobles, Kobo, Hive… many more.

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

The essence of the story drives the title, in the end. As I mentioned, earlier, I have a vivid imagination and based on that I tried to work on it in as much as I can. But my primary challenge is myself that I was not satisfied with my work and other’s work of art; illustrating my mind. That is when I meet an artist, Selam Mekonin who developed my sketching into a water painting.

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

Clearly stating it, reading is the best mechanism to keep everything fresh. The more we read, the more we understand the options in hand.
When I say reading, I mean any types of books; fiction, non-fiction, motivational books… reading various types of books can expose us to acquire different methods of writing mechanisms. Besides, we have choices in what makes us feel happy while reading, but we should know the fact that there is no bad book. Every book come with different stories or materials that can benefit us in life; working life or our social/family life.
For writing fresh and updated or even, interesting story, I believe we should keep reading different types of books.

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

The book is full of secrets, secrets that unfolds with each chapter. Saying that, it is hard to point out one secret among many. I would only hope readers would enjoy the igniting curiosity in the process of the story telling.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available on Amazon

Hell Again

Book: Tao’s Way

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

My name is Christine Meyers, and my life has been an adventure filled with magic, imagination and love. From a young age I have had a backpack full of short stories that I wrote, mostly inspired from my dreams. As I developed more mature writing skills, I continued to utilize writing as a major expressive tool through poetry, short novels and journal entries. I dove more and more into the literature side of creative writing and fell in love with the concept of interpretation of literary works. As one who loves puzzles, I saw this as a mystery to uncover, reading through HP Lovecraft, Margaret Atwood, Plato, Taoism, Buddhism, George RR Martin and many more. I was addicted to uncovering what the author was teaching through the illusion of a story. This curiosity, and passion to uncover, opened something in me that I hadn’t felt in years. A desire to create, to express, to remember my childlike self. I remembered all of my favorite books growing up, and how they left such a major impression in my adult life. I carried those impressions with me for years, looking at the world through lenses I didn’t know I had. The art of storytelling, and the images to paint those words a live, are one of the most precious of gifts through time. Through my children’s books, I strive to create a magical adventure, that dives deep into the human experience in a light-hearted manner. Life is not all serious, and children’s book help to deliver a rich message, in the form of dessert. That dessert is delivered in my children’s philosophical/spiritual book series. These have no order to them, so they can be read in any way. I wanted to create a series that was connected, not by time, but through characters. Characters, and philosophical views, merge between books, creating an interconnected world of imagination, adventure and experiencing the magic in the world around us. I also wanted a way for adults to be introduced to these philosophical views in a new age way, so that as their children grow in discovering, they too can continue to grow and discover more of the world around them.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Tao’s Way’ book?

I believe that anything that is done from the heart is not only a gift to share but also one that comes with many challenges. That is true for this book. The challenges that I faced with writing Tao’s Way came mostly in the after stages of the writing. Not to say that writing wasn’t challenging, as there was a 5 year gap between writing the story and taking initiative to make it into a book. The challenge there was myself, I wasn’t sure anyone even wanted to read what I had to write or that it was important and the self can be the biggest challenge we face in standing in the way of our passions. The beginning of writing creation is always so exciting, and everything is a spark because it’s bringing this idea that was imagined and birthing it into a real, physical thing to be shared. Once the story is created and out there, then comes the steps to develop it so that end product fits the vision aesthetically. Finding an illustrator to capture the images in my mind was the longest part of this process for me and the most challenging. As someone who didn’t have any background in the process, I assumed this would be easy, that the words I wrote would easily translate into images, ‘but I was wrong. I spent years finding someone who saw what I saw and could tell my story in picture form the way I desired it to be told. Platforms like FIVR were extremely beneficial in assisting in this process as well as the nitty gritty work, such as having the story edited and critiqued. The whole process presented many challenges, but challenges are just opportunities to grow and learn and so I really appreciated having to have gone through them because all of them really did strengthen my belief in the work as well as push me to commit further into making the end something tangible.

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

With Tao’s Way, the book that most influenced me to write this story was the Tao Te Ching. After reading it, for the first time, I felt so connected to myself and the world around me in ways I didn’t know I even could be connected. This connection allowed me to see the world differently, more compassionately and peacefully and I thought “Wow, does anyone else know about this book? How can I share it with the world?”

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

This is a tough one for me because my soul thrives off of adventure and I hold a lot of places near and dear. One of my most favourite spots in our country, I would have to say, is western Colorado (Telluride/Ouray/Durango). The magnificence there is what sticks with me. It feels like I’m in a magical wonderland whenever I visit those mountains and every hike is challenging but so incredibly rewarding with what nature has to teach, and what a gift to be part of something so beautiful. That part of the country reminds me that life and nature are powerful and gentle, and that we are a small piece of the magic all around us.

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

I’ve always had quite an imagination so when an idea does present itself, I find it rather streamlined to write a story because I can see the scenes in my head as they are happening. Most of my ideas come from play, which for me is a very fertile place for the mind to create and grow. That being said, having that playfulness, the stories kind of write themselves and I feel more of a vessel to share them rather than to creating them.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Tao’s Way’ book?

As I said, it was a long process between writing and transitioning the words into a book but the writing portion was quick. I sat down with my idea and wrote it out. I eventually did have to edit and tweak the words because I began learning the protocols for children’s books with page lengths and word counts but the core of the book was solid and there for me to work off of.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Tao’s Way’ book to buy?

Interested readers can find Tao’s Way on amazon and Barnes and Nobles’ website.
https://www.amazon.com/Taos-Way-Christine-Meyers/dp/0578672820/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Taos+way+childrens+book&qid=1628718529&sr=8-1
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taos-way-christine-meyers/1137342789?ean=9781735746425

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

The book cover for Tao’s Way really presented itself when I began working with the marvelous Sarah Leigh-Wills on illustrations. We had talked at length on what my goals were for the book and after chats, Sarah created the first round of images of my vision. We worked together on details such as I wanted the map to say “home” because that is what Tao’s whole journey was about, finding his way home. I also wanted Taoism visually represented which is why I asked that Tao was carrying the ying and yang symbol instead of a traditional sack on the end of a stick.
The title of the book comes from a play on words. Tao, means The Way, so I wanted the title to represent the Way of the Tao or the Way’s Way. Essentially meaning that we all have our own way to get through life and this was Tao’s Way.

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

When I’m writing, I’m mostly writing to create a puzzle that is interlinked for the reader. I thoroughly enjoy bringing large, difficult concepts into simple forms and making everything connect back to the original idea. In this case, I wanted everything; the names of the characters, the scenes, the language, the actions, to tie together. The freshness came from me putting together this visual and verbal puzzle so that everything was the related to Taoism in a fun, interactive way that was not hyper obvious unless the reader knew, or dove a bit more into the philosophy itself.

Book Is Available On Amazon

Tao’s Way

Book: Alice Shaken And Definitely Stirred

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

I am a primary school teacher who lives in Macclesfield, Cheshire. I am the proud mum of 4 sons and my favourite past time hobbies are going on country walks, cream teas and gin tasting (not necessarily in that order).

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Alice Shaken and Definitely Stirred’ book?

I had originally envisaged my book as a rom com movie but not having a clue how to write a film script I set about writing it as a novel. I had the idea of a story in my head but actually getting my ideas down on paper was the most challenging part, particularly the first few chapters. However, the more I wrote and developed the story and characters the easier it became.

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

I love Helen Fielding who wrote the Bridget Jones series of books and Catherine Alliott who also writes really charming romantic comedies. I am a huge movie fan and love all the Richard Curtis films, he is such a talented script writer.

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

The Lake District. One of my sons lives in Broughton-in-Furness which is a charming village. There are so many beautiful places to visit that are within easy reach of Broughton: the alpaca farm at Lingholm Estate in Keswick, the boat tours on Windemere Lake and the steam train rides at The Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway.

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

Well I had imagined the story in my head for some time before actually getting it down on paper. I had made lots of notes on the characters and thought about the various settings I wanted. I think planning is important but it is also important to be flexible. As I developed the characters I changed my mind as to how I wanted them portrayed or how I though they would react to different situations.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Alice Shaken and Definitely Stirred’ book?

I had the idea for many years but it was the very first lock down back in March 2020 that gave me the time to focus on writing the story. I found it very therapeutic. None of my boys lived with me at the time so it was very hard not to actually see and hug them and spend time with them. Writing kept me focused and was a big distraction from COVID and the strange world we all entered into. I wrote it in about four months.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Alice Shaken and Definitely Stirred’ book to buy?

They can order it from all book stores and Amazon. I have a link on my own website: paulatheauthor.net and there is also a link on Goodreads.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Alice Shaken and Definitely Stirred’ ?

My book is full of dream sequences and in one of them Alice the main lead, dreams about three James Bond actors turning up in her hotel room: the late Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. I thought aboutt their iconic drink ‘a martini shaken and not stirred’ and played around with this to end up with the title ‘Alice, Shaken and Definitely Stirred!’.
The book cover design was by Charlotte Mouncey who does lots of covers for The Conrad Press and other big publishers. She is a very talented lady who turned my husband’s idea of a front cover into reality.

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

Many reviewers of the novel have commented how much they enjoyed the dream sequences with many of Alice’s screen idols such as Aidan Turner, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant etc so It allowed me to throw in lots of humour and how the dreams helped move the story along and keep an element of surprise in the book.

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

Well Alice is pursued by three men and she definitely ends up with one of them! As her Aunt Betty says ‘men are like buses, dear, there are none on the horizon and then three turn up all at once’.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Alice Shaken And Definitely Stirred

Book: It Haunts Me

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

My name is Zulaikha Jallow and I’m from London, England and still currently living there. I’m a debut, internationally published author. I’m currently at sixth-form (the 2 years post GCSE academic education where students prepare for their A level examinations heading into university) opting for A level history, Sociology and English Literature. I wrote “It Haunts me” at the age of 15 although the publication process allowed it to coincide with my 17th birthday.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘It Haunts Me’ book?

Although the publication period was quite a while, it was quite an easy process. I wrote “It Haunts Me” in approximately 3-4 weeks and had discussions with the publishers and my managers. Yet i was very worried so as to not make my poems generic as i wanted them to be unique.

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

From a young age I’ve always had an irresistible impulse and endearment towards Arabic poems and love stories. I grew a very intriguing attachment to the 7th century tragic Persian love story of “Layla and Majnun” by Nizami Ganjavi which has an abundance of everyday themes such as separation, sorrow etc. Additionally, the story of prophet Yusuf (Joseph) in Quran contains problems and solutions in every possible aspect of life. Both these heavily influenced my style of writing and my love for old texts, stories and books.

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

I’m a big reader and I like quiet spaces such as libraries and cafes & any other spaces that I can peacefully read books, articles and research.

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

I’d say there is a lot to do before writing a book to an extent this is because I personally had no idea where to start there was a lot of research that took place all this is time consuming but fun at the same time. Furthermore, as a writer you need to be aware of ethical issues, what could be offensive to readers and avoid them meaning asides from the publisher’s proof reading you’d also have to read over your work a lot.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘It Haunts Me’ book?

Writing the manuscript itself took me approximately 3-4 weeks.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘It Haunts Me’ book to buy?

Amazon, WHSmith’s website, hive, Blackwell’s, waterstones, Target. Just type “It Haunts Me” on google and there’ll be a variety of websites and stores to get it from.

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

The book cover was from a picture I had drawn a while back and once I started writing the book, I saw there was great correlation between the poems, title and the drawing.

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

I read other books for inspiration as these triggered new ideas, I also went out to parks and libraries just to change atmosphere.

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

The book is supposed to offer a solution to everyday problems experienced by the readers, it was written for readers to connect their lives to what is written in this way the collection of poems become moral lessons rather than regular poems.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

It Haunts Me

Book: Healed

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

Dean Skinner: Artist, author, believer. “Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better.” – Andre Gide

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

There were some very personal moments in Healed that are still hard to read aloud without getting emotional or choked up. I knew this when writing Healed and I knew it was going to be darker than my other works but as an artist, I feel that makes for a great piece…putting your heart, soul, and sometimes even your pain into your work. It can be very healing.

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

Easy…The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a must for any soul trying to kindle their creative flame. My other “go to” that I try to read every morning and continues to amaze me is of course, The Bible…many authors 😉

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

Wow, this is a tough one. I’ve been to so many beautiful places on God’s great earth. So, I’ll list my “go to”…my patio, in the morning, with my journal, my Bible, and giant fluffy Sheepadoodle, Toby (yes, just like Toby in Healed).

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

Not really. I just start writing. In fact, for all three of my books (Broken, Paths, and Healed) I just start writing and don’t even know if I have materials for a book. That’s part of the enjoyment for me with both writing and in art…just start doing the work and see how it all comes together.

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

Off and on, about a year, from the first word typed to first draft.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Healed’ book to buy?

Right now, Healed is e-book only but I will likely get an audiobook made (like I did for my first book, Broken) and am considering a print version of all three of my first books into one book since they’re all short stories.

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

Well, as a graphic design major and an artist, I sketch out what I’m thinking first and then work with a designer to finalize the finish product. Like my writing, I like leaving an “Easter Egg” or two in my cover design to see if the reader can eventually discover them after reading my books.

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

I really don’t think about it. I just write what’s in my heart.

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

Oh wow, so many…like all my books, I leave “Easter Eggs” throughout the book that once you finish, I’ve had readers “reread” to see if they can find all the subtle clues and “breadcrumbs” scattered throughout. I really love doing this and love the excitement when a reader shares with me what they’ve discovered.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Healed

Book: Hearts Amongst Stars

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

Hi everyone! I’m K. Soriano. I live in New Jersey and have my entire life. Writing is a passion of mine, that hopefully, one day, will be turned into a career, instead of only for fun. I dabble in multiple different genres from poetry, to dark fiction, to romance, to heart-warming, and I’m also dipping my toe in the water with a book about my struggles with anxiety and panic disorder from a non-clinical point of view. Currently, I have four different books I am working on because different ideas come to me, and I think “well, that won’t work in this book, so let’s write another.” It keeps me busy and I love it.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Hearts Amongst Stars’ book?

The organization of the book itself. I actually took it out of publication for a month so I could rework on the layout and rewrite some of the pieces in this book. I published it pretty quick, and even before publishing it, I wasn’t fully content with the flow of the pieces. After I went through it page by page and changed placement of some of the writings, I was happier with the finished product and published it again.

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

I’ve always been one of those people who looks up cute quotes. When Atticus first started popping up on my searches, I looked into his writing more, bought his books, and was inspired. I thought “Wow, this is someone who makes magic.” R.H. Sin is another author who has influenced me. I wish one day, I’ll be able to write as well and eloquently as they do. Then, of course, there are the classics such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, who once wrote, “The reason one writes isn’t the fact he wants to say something. He writes because he has something to say.” That resonates with my writing; having something to say, to put out into the world. Also, Hemingway is a big inspiration. He once wrote something similar, “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” I take that advice in all of my writings, along with a few other pieces he’s written. Each one are true artists, and it’s interesting to see the differences of writing styles through generations, as well as how little has actually changed.

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

Lake George in New York. It’s so beautiful and peaceful there. It is also very inspiring. With the beautiful views and the quaint town, it’s hard not to feel inspired there.

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

Not really. There are times when I won’t write anything for months, but once I get inspiration, I can’t stop writing. A fun fact though… I hand write all of my writings before typing them up. For me, it’s easier to physically write, cross out, edit, and make notes if I’m not 100% confident with a piece. So there is a notebook and pen in every room of my house, in my car, in my purse, because I just never know when the smallest thing will inspire me. Eventually, each book gets its own notebook.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Surviving Love Life & Her’ book?

About 4 ½ months, including edits. That book just poured right out of me!!

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

Currently, my books are only available on Amazon, no matter what country you live in. Hopefully, that will change one day, and readers can head to bookstores to find my books!

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

I am a very simple person, so when I was creating the covers for the books, I knew I wanted to keep them simple, but use subtle designs and backgrounds. Surviving Love Life & Her was the hardest cover to make; did I want to include the images from the chapter pages on the cover? Would that be too much? Eventually, I decided against using the images and went with a black, grain background. Choosing the title was easy though. It was what I was living through at the time.
I had the complete opposite problem with Hearts Amongst Stars. The title took a little longer to choose, though I knew I wanted to write a book about love and the night sky. There truly is something magical about the night sky, in my opinion. Being in love and spending nights outside, is so intimate. But once settled on the title, I knew what the cover art needed to be. But, again, because there is heartbreak included in this book as well, I wanted to keep the main cover color black. Plus, it’s a continuous of Surviving Love Life & Her. I like to stay on theme.

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

It’s all about what inspires me at the time. With SLL&H, I was inspired by my emotions and didn’t hold anything back. With Hearts Amongst Stars, I was inspired by the stars and the moon, and still had more to say after SLL&H. Midway through writing Hearts Amongst Stars, I decided these books were going to be the process of eventually moving on from a bad relationship and finding yourself again. That will be more apparent in my next book coming out, hopefully, at the end of August.

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

Great question!! Hm. I’m not sure if this is much of a secret, but every dialogue, or scene portrayed in both books, is real. Both Surviving Love Life & Her and Hearts Amongst Stars were not just inspired by events, but they every page was written off of an actual experience. I just turned them from an experience into art. All the writing I do (which is a lot!!) I like to base off of reality. Reality is what I know, given I’ve lived it, or dreamed it. These poetry collections, however, is the only writing I’ve done that is 100% real.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Hearts Amongst Stars

Book: Walking the Wrack Line – Where it Mattered Not

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

I’m Buck Rish MD retired neurosurgeon and Navy Capt USN/ret.I now live in Columbia SC where i continue to write mostly Southern FIction.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Walking the Wrack Line – Where it Mattered Not’ book?

Walking The Wrack Line was a real challenge as it is based on a true medical record of a case which I had lived andwas intimately involved in for 50 years.

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

I have read most of the more prominent southern authors and enjoy the ones that write about their life’s experiences in the South–Welty, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, Steinbeck, and more current- Chrisham, Conroy, Cassandra King, Rick Bragg, .

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

I love to visit the Outer Banks of NC and VA. That’s nature at it’s best reflecting the tides of time.

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

Yes, I research a subject in depth and the draw on my own experience before going with a new book.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘A Class Act’ book?

A Class Act tok two years to organize as it covered the actual history of a medical school class thru 50 years.

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

Books by buckrishmd web site

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

Cover selection has to represent the guts of the story and titling is very difficult and requires a progressive elimination from a long list. I do better titling other peoples’ books and have as an editor promoted many excellent titles, but I struggle for the duration of the a book’s birthing to get just the right title.

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

Know your subject and stick to your experience base. Use a story board to keep the time lint accurate and relevant.

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

All of my work is experientially based, so I just have to be true to my own memory.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Walking the Wrack Line – Where it Mattered Not