Category: Author Interview

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Interview with author Cathy Warshaw

Q1 What is your favorite line from your book ‘The Obsidian Eye’?

“The truth isn’t just buried in the past—it’s protected by those brave enough to find it.” This line captures the heart of the Sisterhood Sleuths’ journey—uncovering ancient mysteries not for glory, but because truth matters, even when it’s dangerous. It reflects the themes of courage, legacy, and the powerful idea that young people can be the protectors of truth in a complicated world.

Q2 What would you say is your strength as an author?

My greatest strength as an author is my ability to weave empowerment into adventure. I don’t just tell exciting stories—I equip young readers with life lessons through suspense, danger, and mystery. I create diverse, intelligent characters who are brave not because they’re fearless, but because they choose truth, loyalty, and resilience even when the odds are against them. My writing blends entertainment with emotional growth, making my books thrilling and meaningful.

Additionally, my dedication to crafting an entire universe—with songs, apps, games, and merchandise—shows my strength in visionary storytelling. I’m not just writing books. I’m building a world where teens can learn, feel seen, and believe in their power to make a difference. That’s rare—and powerful.

Q3 How do you manage your work schedule?

I want to say I’m a scheduling wizard—but truthfully, I’m not. The entrepreneur in me has taken the wheel for a while, which means my writing has been riding in the back seat. With an eight-book series in progress and currently working on Book Four, I haven’t felt too much pressure.

Q4 How do you handle literary criticism?

I learn from it. I’ve only been writing fiction since 2024 and am always willing to learn.

Q5 What do you like about audiobooks?

I’m a huge fan of anything audio! Honestly, I fall asleep most nights with an earbud in, listening to crime stories—yes, I know it’s a bit unusual, but I love it. There’s just something powerful about hearing a story unfold through voice.

That’s why I’m especially excited to announce that The Obsidian Eye and The Land of Promise are both being turned into audiobooks. And these won’t be your average narrations— It’ll feel like stepping into the story itself.

Q6 What inspired you to start writing?

I love telling this story. One morning, I woke up with a full story in my head—it just wouldn’t let go. I had never written fiction before, but something told me I had to get it down. So I locked myself in a room for three days, told everyone (including the dogs!) to leave me alone, and started writing. That’s how The Obsidian Eye was born.

Q7 What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

For me, good writing starts with the heart. If the writer doesn’t feel something, the reader won’t either. But beyond that, I believe the most important elements are:

Authentic characters – Readers connect with people, not just plots. Characters should feel real, flawed, and growing.

Emotional truth – Whether it’s a mystery, fantasy, or real-life drama, the emotions have to ring true.

A strong voice – The tone and rhythm of the writing should feel distinct and natural, like the author is sitting across from you, telling the story just for you.

Pacing and purpose – Every scene should move the story forward or deepen the reader’s connection.

Mystery and wonder – No matter the genre, I believe stories should spark curiosity and give readers something to unravel.

In my case, I always write with teens and young adults in mind. So I also try to include life lessons, moments of courage, and a sense that they matter—that their voice, their choices, and their future are powerful.

Q8 What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

I follow the energy of the story, and when inspiration hits, I go all in. That might mean shutting the door, telling everyone (even the dogs) to give me space, and disappearing into my fictional world until a chapter is done.

Balancing my work’s creative and business sides can be tricky, but the story always comes first when I’m writing.

Q9 What is the significance of the title ‘The Land of Promise, The Seven Seals’?

The title carries both spiritual and symbolic weight.

“The Land of Promise” refers to Israel, a place deeply rooted in history, prophecy, and hope. It represents more than a geographic location—it symbolizes a journey toward purpose, identity, and truth. For the Sisterhood Sleuths, it’s a land full of ancient secrets, spiritual echoes, and modern danger. Their adventure there is about uncovering what’s been hidden and what’s worth fighting for.

“The Seven Seals” draws inspiration from biblical prophecy, where the seals represent revelation, judgment, and unveiling of hidden truths. In the story, the Seven Seals become a powerful metaphor for unlocking knowledge that The Society has buried for centuries. Each seal the team uncovers peels back another layer of deception, revealing not just conspiracies, but truths about humanity, belief, and destiny.

Together, the title speaks to the book’s core themes: faith, mystery, legacy, and the courage it takes to uncover what others want to stay hidden.

Q10 What did you want to be when you grew up?

Honestly, I didn’t have a clear vision back then. I was a struggling student—concentration was hard, and life wasn’t easy. My teenage years were difficult, being an introvert and terribly shy, without guidance or support, I couldn’t see what the possibilities were. It felt like a lot of trial and error for a long time.

But looking back, I’ve lived an extraordinary life. I’ve lived in Israel, helped open a Hilton Hotel, owned a restaurant in West Hollywood, launched one of the first online dental management programs, and had several nonprofits. At 62, I went back to school and became a certified Life Coach for teens. And now, at 73, I’m an author and songwriter, still learning and creating.

I often say it’s a miracle I even graduated from high school. But what I’ve learned is that you don’t need a traditional path to create a meaningful life. I took every opportunity I could to grow, build, and give back—college or not.

“You don’t need a perfect past to build a powerful future. You just need to say yes to the next step.” – Cathy Warshaw

Buy books on Amazon

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Interview with author Rob Dorgan

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

A1. My name is Rob Dorgan. I have an MA in European History and a huge interest in world spiritualities. I teach meditation, yoga – both weekly classes and yoga teacher training courses, and along with my partner, I host yoga/meditation retreats. I am also a practicing Astrologer —- and a constant student of the Cosmos.

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

A2. Once the inspiration came through me, it did not stop. I wrote 220K words before finally stopping to put together the manuscript that became the published book- -which is 113K. Editing was a challenge.

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

A3. Actually, my meditation mentor, Sally Kempton, is my biggest influence. She is the author of Meditation for the Love of It and Awakening Shakti. Both are non-fiction but deal with yoga and meditation which are a big part of my novel.

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

A4. Key West. I love the warm weather and the fact that I can get around without a car.

I have been hosting a bi-annual yoga-meditation retreat in Key West for many years, so it is close to my heart.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Awakening the Mystic’?

A5. I was teaching a year long Yoga Teaching Training course. In the morning I was to teach Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras—- I had a flash of inspiration that turned into the whole premise for the book—- Miracles— and Love

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Awakening the Mystic’?

A6. That is difficult to say since I did not just sit to write it but did it while I taught and did readings but if I had to put it together— about 2 years

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. The book and the audio – which I recorded, are available everywhere – Independent Book Sellers, Amazon, Barnes and Noble…

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

A8. I had a working title, but the publisher found another book with that title so we did some research – the publisher and me. Awakening the Mystic: A Novel of Cosmic Love and Healing captures the essence of what takes place in the story. This ordinary human, Ren Devlin, is looking to figure out the meaning of his life— through exploring yoga and astrology- both ancient arts and sciences. He activates an opening that is accessible to all of us —- and shows the world that miracles happen through LOVE.
The cover is an extension of the title. The skyline of Cincinnati, OH is there because so much of the story happens there — the chakra symbols represent the stages of our spiritual opening – and the Lotus represents the flower of our hearts that connect us with true reality – our divine inner nature.

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

A9. It stays fresh when you are true to the creativity that wants to be expressed rather than writing for what ‘you think people want.’ At least that is true for me—
Put your vision on paper not someone else’s formula.

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

A10. This is connected to the previous question for me—
TRUST your creativity. Honor it AND validate it for yourself first and foremost.

Everybody will have an opinion on your work, but they base their opinion on their experiences.

You have to trust the creativity that comes through you—- as yours. Those who get it will get it.

That advice has been very valuable as I put Awakening the Mystic out into the world.

Buy Awakening the Mystic on Amazon

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Interview with author Rachel Schaf

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

A1. Hi, I’m Rachel Schaf. A mother of four incredible humans, three sons and one daughter, who are now grown and finding their way in the world. After nearly two decades of single motherhood, I married my husband, David, in 2021 and gained two more amazing stepsons…and in 2023, a wonderful daughter-in-law. Earlier this year, I stepped into a whole new chapter: becoming a grandmother!

Professionally, I’ve spent the past 19 years in engineering software sales. A career path that’s sharpened my analytical, scientific side. But outside of the office, I’m an artist, a dreamer, and a lover of all things soulful. I find joy in the garden, in color, in old forgotten treasures waiting to be made beautiful again. I’m endlessly curious and find myself drawn to ancient wisdom, astrology, numerology, and the inner workings and patterns that shape both human nature and the unseen world around us.

I like to think of my poetry as multi-layered and multi-dimensional—reflecting that liminal space I often inhabit, with one foot in the tangible, one in the etheric. Much of what I create comes through dreams, spontaneous inspiration, or channeled insight. I write to express the sacred spark I feel within, and with the hope of reminding others of their own innate worth and wonder. 

I think of myself as a “Lucid Intuitive”—because clarity, mystery, and deep feeling are lenses through which I most love to experience the world.

While I’m currently based in Pennsylvania, I’ll be planting new roots in Tennessee at the end of this summer. This has been a transformative season, full of endings and new beginnings. It feels like a blooming…both a coming home and a bold stepping out. God Spark is my first public offering from that space.

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

A2. The biggest challenge in writing God Spark wasn’t the writing itself, it was getting over myself. My ego, my fears, and the inner critic that questioned, ‘Who am I to share this?’ 

I’ve danced around my voice for years, but this time, I felt deeply called to show up fully and put myself out there. That meant getting vulnerable, trusting the spark inside me, and allowing the words to rise without over-editing my soul in the process. It was less about perfecting the message and more about finally being willing to be seen by all.

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

A3. The Bible has undoubtedly been a huge influence on my writing and worldview. But honestly, my reading list has evolved (and zig-zagged) throughout every season of my life’s journey, and many of my choices would have raised a few eyebrows! Ha-ha!

If I hone in on the last 5 years, a few standout works have deeply shaped my perspective and voice. The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer helped me open to the expansive nature of the self. Todd Henry’s Louder Than Words taught me the power of finding and honoring my authentic voice.

I’ve also been greatly influenced by spiritual and metaphysical texts, including Kimberly Moon’s Psychic Empath, Linda Howe’s How to Read the Akashic Records, and several of Dolores Cannon’s works like Jesus and the Essenes, Between Death & Life, and The Three Waves of Volunteers and the New Earth.

Books on healing and embodiment, like The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk and The Missing Element by Debra Silverman, have deepened my understanding of trauma, compassion, and the human condition.

Other works that have piqued my interest include The Gene Keys by Richard Rudd, Diane Stein’s The Women’s Book of Healing, and Suzanne Giesemann’s The Awakened Way and Wolf’s Message. I’m currently reading Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, and it’s speaking straight to my wild feminine spirit.

Each one left its mark, whether through insight, affirmation, or sheer wonder, and I have no doubt they’ve all helped shape the lens through which I now connect, create, and write. 

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

A4. Currently, my favorite spot to visit is the 73-acre farm my husband, David, and I purchased in 2022. It is tucked into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Rogersville, Tennessee. We’re currently in the process of creating a sanctuary for anyone in need of renewal, from children with disabilities engaging in animal and art therapy to overworked adults seeking retreat and reconnection with nature. We envision our land becoming a portal for holistic wellness, hand-crafted wine, delicious food, and creative, family-friendly life experiences that awaken every sense. 

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘God Spark’?

A5. Writing is an integral part of my sacred time and space: a place where I also meditate, pray, breathe, process, and dream—but sharing? That is another story.

There are pages I’ve poured my heart into that never saw the light of day, tucked away, burned, or thrown out in a moment of fear. Vulnerability tends to feel too dangerous. I’ve wrestled for years with the belief that I wasn’t good enough, especially when the truths I carried deep within didn’t fit nicely into the religious constructs of my “church” upbringing, a framework more rooted in fear than in love.

For a long time, I stayed small. Quiet. Hidden.

But motherhood, with all its beauty and chaos, helped shape me. As my children grew more independent, I finally had the space to turn inward and face the parts of myself I’d long avoided. The past twelve years have been nothing short of a soul-deep transfiguration: a reckoning, a remembering, a return to God’s love.

“Write a book” had been sitting on my vision board for over a decade. I had no idea how or when, I only knew the calling wouldn’t let go. Then, this past February, I said yes to a simple poetry challenge: 21 poems in 21 days. I didn’t expect much… but something cracked open. The words came like channeled waves, unfiltered and alive. I didn’t just write poetry, I remembered myself in the process.

This book of poems is the result of my personal surrender of the ego. These pages carry my heart, my healing, and my hope: that those who read them will feel less alone, more seen, and deeply reminded that their unique perspective, their heart, and their voice also matter. It is woven with tenderness and truth, the kind that gently calls one home, a return to love.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘God Spark’?

A6.  Funny enough, as I mentioned earlier, God Spark was born out of a 21-day writing challenge, 21 poems in 21 days. I’d already developed a morning ritual of journaling for about 30 minutes a day, so I just swapped out journaling for poetry, and it became a beautiful daily rhythm of coffee, quiet time, and letting spirit flow through the pencil. If I do the math, that’s about 630 minutes…or 10 hours, give or take a few mystical detours.✍️😉💫   

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Paper book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hAb0tic and Book Leaf Publishing eBook Store: https://ebooks.bookleafpub.com/product-page/god-spark-channeled-messages-of-love-and-awakening 

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

A8. I can’t begin to comprehend God through intellect alone. Honestly, I could spend a lifetime just contemplating the chapter of Genesis and the scientific, esoteric, and spiritual significance of water throughout the remaining passages of the Bible, “the face of the deep” (tehom) versus “the waters” (mayim), which were divided by Heaven after light was divided from darkness, and even before the Earth was created. 

I will remain eternally curious!

Long story short, I’ve come to know God, not through the rigid concepts I was taught since childhood, but by stepping outside my small mind and seeking inward, and believing, in faith, through my heart space. This is where God’s eternal omnipresence becomes fully alive. 

To me, God is liken to the water of life (Jesus), and a fiery breath (God’s Holy Spirit); a slow burn of constant love fuel for my eternal soul. God is the vibrational spark that rises from deep within; both feminine and masculine; pure life force; all the colors of the rainbow combined; sentient; all-knowing; cosmic; alive—the source of all creation. My inspiration!  

The simplest way I could express the inspiration and the energy behind my collection of poetry became both the title and the cover for my book. 

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

A9. I’m new to book writing, so I don’t have a formula, but I do believe in writing from a place of inspiration and purpose. When something stirs deeply within me, I trust it’s not just for me…it’s meant to reach someone who needs it. This sense of spiritual alignment keeps things fresh for me, and, I believe, it naturally flows through to the reader as well.

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

A10. It’s not just valuable advice for writing; it’s also valuable advice for how one chooses to show up in life. Don’t compare your story to another’s and don’t chase originality. Originality is overrated, and truly original ideas are rare. Every story borrows from what came before it. What the world needs right now is you. You were created for such a time as this. Your voice, your soul, your perspective! Write boldly from your heart center; let your signature frequency, your light, shine on any familiar subject, and it will instantly feel brand new and powerful.

Book is available on Amazon

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Interview with author Jacksel

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

A1. I’m a retired Air Force pilot and Airline pilot. My background is engineering and flying.

I love history and I firmly believe human history is ultimately defined by conflict. I believe in logic and reason and try to examine history logically and scientifically. I allude to this in the preamble of my 1st book.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “A Christian Life…..Connected”?

A2. Some years back I began having trouble focusing on my nightly reading. I realized it was because there was so much going through my mind it was disabling my focus on the pages in front of me.

So I decided to start writing down everything that was going through my mind. I realized I have vivid recall of all the events of my past, even back to childhood. It began as an exercise, but turned into a book about stories from my life. I wrote whatever I thought would be informative or amusing.

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

A3. All the Books of Scripture, of course. And JFK’s Profiles in Leadership, Jacksel Broughton’s Thud Ridge, and all the many works of H. G. Wells. The rest of the list is simply too long.

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

A4. New Orleans, LA. Because it’s so rich in American history.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Enemy Within’?

A5. I don’t know what inspired The Enemy Within. The words started pouring out before I finished A Christian Life…..Connected.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘A Christian Life…..Connected’?

A6. I think it only took a few years.

I was taught how to write concisely in college. Always maximum message with MINIMUM words!

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. My 1st book is available on most bookstore sites. You just have to google it.

I expect the same to be true for my 2nd, in a month or so.

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

A8. The book cover for The Enemy Within was produced by the artists at Dorrance Publishing. I wanted a depiction of the two sides of human nature; the Good and the Bad. This IS the essential conflict within.

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

A9. I never worry about freshness because I have no control over it.

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

A10. My only message to readers is the last sentence in each work.

Buy A Christian Life….. Connected on Amazon

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Interview with author Vincent Verrico

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

A1. I am Vincent P. Verrico. I was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1965 and grew up in the great town of Middletown, New Jersey. I always have had a love of writing stories and am very proud of this book (2016 Mom’s Choice Award Winner – Children’s Picture Book, Religion and Spirituality Categories) that I wrote in my home in Dacula, GA and to share it with you and yours. I hope reading this story before or after you decorate your Christmas tree will become a new tradition in your home. I love my family, God, my friends, writing and Christmas! I currently live in New Jersey.

  1. What is the inspiration behind your book “Every Ornament Has Its Place”?

A2. The inspiration behind “Every Ornament Has Its Place” was an actual family Christmas crisis. My youngest son, Matthew, couldn’t find his favorite Christmas ornament when I brought out the boxes of ornaments so the family could decorate the tree. His favorite ornament was the mouse in the rocket ship. Once the crisis was resolved, I was standing on the ladder putting ornaments high on the tree, when the story of what just happened materialized in my head. It took me 45 minutes to write the majority of the story. I looked on the internet and didn’t find any Christmas stories that centered around the love of an ornament.

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

A3. I realized I wanted to be an author when I was a child. I thought that a book could be read by anyone in the world was a very cool thing indeed.

  1. Please tell us something about your book “Every Ornament Has Its Place”

A4. “Every Ornament Has Its Place” at its core is about the love of Christmas ornaments and what would a person do to find their favorite one if it went missing at the time of decorating the Christmas tree.

  1. For which age group is your book “Every Ornament Has Its Place” suitable for?

A5. Every Ornament is for any age, It is truly a family Christmas book.

  1. What is your favorite Quote?

A6. My favorite quote is, “There is no greater personal satisfaction than doing what others say you could not do.”

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

A7 Freedom is what I love about the U.S.A.

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

A8. That is an interesting question. I have been told by many parents that Every Ornament is a book that their child requests over and over. As much as I love the story, the illustrations are the highlight of the book. Marcus Williams a brilliant illustrator, had the same vision I did for the book. BIG COLORFUL ILLUSTRATIONS FOR THE CHILDREN and Marcus did that perfectly. To answer your questions, if a child likes a book, regardless of the type of book, let them read it. If it’s a Christmas book and the child wants to read it year round, what’s wrong with that? Let the children read!

  1. What does literary success look like to you?

A9. If you watch my son Matthew’s reaction in the video I took when he first saw the book about him. That four minutes of joy is everything. There is no greater success achievable for me than his reaction.

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

A10. My inspiration in my life can be answered simply by my faith, my family, my friends and every person who gets up every morning who overcomes their own individual challenges to get through the day.

Buy book on Amazon

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Interview with author Kieran McGee

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

A1: Hello there, I’m Kieran McGee, and I am the author of The Four Friends: Birthday. I come from the countryside of Gloucestershire, having lived here all my life, living essentially in the middle of nowhere. I was born in 1999, and I’ve always been a creative guy, even from a young age I was writing all sorts of silly stories, it’s only recently that I wanted to express my creative writings to the World to see. Despite this creative outlet, I myself work in IT, I actually got a Bachelor’s Degree in computing as well as several other qualifications from my education, such as English, Photography and Media Studies. I had worked for a visual effects company that worked on several films and TV shows before finding work closer to home for an e-commerce company, where I am at in this current time. As for my interests, I am big on history, film and TV, I am a massive fan of robotic combat, having attended several events over the years, I was even in the crowd during the filming of Series 6 and 7 of the BBC TV Series Robot Wars back when I was really young. To be fair, I consider myself a rather boring person in all honesty.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Four Friends: Birthday”?

A2: In terms of key challenges, I’d say one aspect is that this is the first “proper” story in a series of other “The Four Friends” stories written, in fact Birthday is technically the eighth written but the first released, and so I’m pretty new to all this, especially with costs and advertisements etc. Beforehand, I had experimented with cheaper Kindle stories, including a prequel to Birthday and The Four Friends in general, with a series of short stories called “The Neighbourhod Kids” as well as an old short story I wrote years ago called “Dinner with a Vampire”, and let’s just say the process for the Kindle stories are a lot less complex than a full on paperback. It’s all new to me, so I guess because of that, I am sort of out figuring it out as I go along, plus there’s the aspect of “will people like it?”, “Will people want the other stories?” that rings in the back of my mind during production.

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

A3: The stories being centered on a select few cast of characters involved in menial events or tasks is based on Charles Shultz’s Peanuts comics and even the Mr Men series by Roger and later Adam Hargreaves in an odd way helped serve as inspiration for this story. However, when it comes to stories and authors I consider my favourites and are an inspiration for me to write in general, well J.R.R. Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and The Silmarillion were what motivated me in many ways to push forward with my writing, studying his world he created in Middle Earth and the wonderful cast of characters, rich with history and lore. Whilst Tolkien was indeed a massive inspiration, my favourite story of all time is Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, a story that has been retold time and time again yet the original book is one I hold close to my heart, the wonderful creativity of the creatures and the land that inhabits them, it’s rather ironic I’ve written a semi-realistic slice of life children’s book when my person favourites and inspirations are fantasy.

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

A4: Given that I am partially Welsh and I do visit Wales often, one of my all-time favourite locations to go to is the ruin of Chepstow Castle, a place full of history yet its tranquil to walk around it and simply embrace the stillness of what was most likely a place that used to be place that was bustling at one point in time. Mind, there are plenty of countryside walks in Wales as a whole that are simply beautiful and have a calmness that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Four Friends: Birthday’?

A5: The story and characters I somewhat based on media around the time of the 90s and early 2000s, the sort of shows that existed around that time such as that of Hey Arnold! or Ed, Edd n Eddy. In terms of books and authors, the title itself was based on other titles like “The Fabulous Five” which in a way the casual and day-to-day slice of life is also somewhat inspired also. One other factor I wanted to implicitly use is the historical element, especially as I am big on history and the way the world works during major events that shift society By setting the story in the year 2000, there’s the feeling of the time period that seems so much more calm and relaxed compared to more modern times and it was a reason as to why the primary setting of this story is New York, primarily the original World Trade Centre complex, a sort of reminder of a world now lost.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Four Friends: Birthday’?

A6: Funnily enough, the stories were not written in order; I had written short stories for “The Four Friends” for years now as it initially came from some silly stories I did when I was young, however, it sort of came back to me around 2020, so I began a process of development where I changed a few things around and started to develop a setting and storyline throughout. Birthday was written in 2023 and because I wanted this to be the first out, this one took a few months to write and amend to get just right and thankfully, publishers read it and then approved it in December 2023. Don’t fully remember how long this one took to write in the end.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7: Available on Amazon right now as well as Austin Macauley Publishing’s website and should be available in stores as well.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Four Friends: Birthday’?

A8: The cover art was done by hired artists, I cannot draw to save my life, with advice from me. Initially, I had said it could be something simple like a cake or a present, before an alternate idea was a moment from the story. I had given them a basic rundown of the characters and the specific scene and other instructions such as “make it colourful and slightly cartoony”. The title, technically, is simply “Birthday” but because it’s part of a larger set of stories, the title is “The Four Friends: Birthday”. Like the other short stories it’s a one-word title referring to main plot point, in this case a birthday.

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

A9: For me the characters need to be varied and interesting but they themselves need to have developed histories that will motivate and interest people to want to know more. As for the world/setting, a lot of things are subtle and don’t include many in-depth details but enough to make readers want to understand and explore more, wonder what other stories and adventures are out there. But hopefully once later stories are released, you can see a grander picture emerge, especially with the aforementioned historical context.

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

A10: Best advice I can give is never let an idea go to waste, even if it’s something from years back or something you don’t want to include just now, try to use it at a later date or recreate it with better insight or motivation. No idea is a bad one, it can be refined and adjusted and who knows may even prove useful for a later time.

Buy The Four Friends: Birthday on Amazon

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Interview with author Tabitha Winters

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

A1. Howdy! I work in mental health litigation (i.e., testifying and evaluating criminals and criminal suspects) in addition to providing therapeutic treatment. My specialty is anxiety disorders (think OCD, eating disorders, panic responses), trauma, and grief. To protect my patients, I use a pseudonym. Wouldn’t want a judge throwing me out because I know too much about crime. 😉

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

A2. I love an enticing, twisty story, and I love a novel that keeps me guessing, so I challenged myself to really give the reader an enjoyable experience while still being gripped by the tension and horror.

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

A3. I am a voracious reader, from classical literature to pulp detective fiction (spending my nights with Nabokov’s Despair right now), but one author really sticks out. I met Chris Claremont at a comic con a few years back, and I was overjoyed: he was the first author I ever fangirled about (don’t hate on X-Men, ya’ll). He told these intricate, soapy pieces that just happened to be about saving the world. They made me feel safe, journeying with a madcap cast of characters as they faced unbeatable odds. Sometimes they didn’t win and the people they protected hated them, but they persevered and carved out an amazing world I could get lost in. Since then, I’ve always sought out those types of books: a thrilling action piece that’s full of heart, with characters that linger long after the last page (cue loose left feeling).

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

A4. There is a small hill in Rhode Island that a friend and I decided was a mountain one day. There is something awe-inspiring that happens when two people believe in the unimaginable or the unthinkable: to this day, that mountain feels like you can reach the stars.

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

A5. I work in the field and many of my patients struggle with trauma and dissociation. They were feeling frustrated that no one could seem to really capture their symptoms; ditto panic attacks and flashbacks. They felt less-than and alone, underrepresented in print and digital media. I started out simply writing a short story that I felt would better illustrate their experiences. I wanted to show them as real people, not their diagnoses or a mock-up that becomes a caricature. Then those people needed a world, and here we are.

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

A6. I started writing Dissonance last May. It has been through many transitions: a clip here, a tweak there. I wanted Geyer’s Lake to feel just right for a repeat visit.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. It is available as an ebook on Amazon: it will be in paperback within the next two weeks.

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

A8. My first two beta readers (bless their hearts) finished Dissonance and immediately wanted a sequel and I thought, seriously? You want to read more of my claptrap? But they did, and my next three beta readers did as well, so I wanted to take my peeps to the carnival. I worked in a haunted house during college while I was completing research on fear. While I was there, I had all these horrible visions of what could go wrong in a place like that and then one night, it did.

The cover has some fun little clues, just like Dissonance, but the pace is faster and the ride is wild; I wanted to really get a bit darker and probe some of the trauma the characters have while examining what happens when your trauma doesn’t end.

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

A9. I write a few books at a time, so I have about fifteen mapped out. To keep things fresh, I explore different avenues that are influenced by my own work in forensics as well as therapy advancements. I go to the museum and library a lot, and I find nature very inspiring. Not gonna lie, I watch way more crime docs than I should, and if the FBI gets ahold of my browsing history, I’m done.

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

A10. There’s always room on the bookshelf. Don’t judge your book against anyone else’s: it is unique and beautiful, just like the author, and it will find its audience. If you love what you do, you live what you love.

Author’s Amazon profile

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Interview with author David Loux

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

A1. I am a short story writer, who has published under pseudonym in Ploughshares, Manzanita and other literary journals. At age twenty-two, I ghostwrote a reminiscence of the Holocaust, which haunts me to this day. The critically acclaimed, award-winning historical fiction, Chateau Laux, was my novel, and the first book published under my own name. My second novel, The Lost Seigneur, expands on the historical themes detailed in Chateau Laux and completes the story of a family’s migration to America in the eighteenth century. I live in the Mt. Rose area of the eastern Sierra with my wife, Lynn.

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

A2. The key challenge in writing The Lost Seigneur was the mental gymnastics involved in the use of multiple points-of-view. With multiple POVs you need an anchoring POV that embraces the others. You also need artful transitions, which don’t always present themselves right away. In the early drafts, you need to be able to proceed, with the confidence that you can go back and make improvements as necessary.

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

A3.I ended up having to give a lot of thought to this question, as the impact of other writers’ work changes in correlation not only to my development as a writer but the particular story I am trying to tell. There are stylistic influences as well as thematic ones that have been more or less meaningful, depending on what I am trying to accomplish. As a writer, it helps to be a voracious reader, and the list of writers who have helped illuminate my own work is long and ongoing.

That said, however, I found myself going back to the point in my childhood when inspiration first struck and played a decisive role. I grew up on a farm. My grandmother was a down-to-earth pragmatic soul who was not given to excess. But she had a passion for life, and it was she who introduced me to books. She stood me in front of her treasured bookcase and made me pick out a book, with the stern admonition that I would read it and report back to her. The book was Jack London’s The Call of the Wild. The excitement of being transported by this narrative was something I had never experienced before, and it did not end when the book was finished. By the time I left elementary school, I had read nearly every fiction in the school library, as well as most in our local county library, which used to be a one-room schoolhouse and was owned by Pearl Buck.

Speaking of Pearl Buck, I was fortunate to meet her during this time when she visited the school I was enrolled in. Frankly, she intimidated the heck out of me. After meeting her, I read The Good Earth, which filled me with awe. Maybe it was meeting her and then reading her work that helped me make the connection between a human being and a book as a creative work of art. I thought if she could accomplish such a thing, then just maybe I could too, and I revere her memory to this day.

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

A4. My favorite spot hands down is the northwest. Living in the desert, as I do, I once flew to Seattle just to sit in a motel room with the window open so that I could listen to the rain, soaking in the white noise as deeply as the evergreen slopes outside absorbed the nurturing moisture. It made me feel renewed and changed in a way that needs to be felt to be understood.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Lost Seigneur’?

A5. The inspiration for The Lost Seigneur came from its precursor, Chateau Laux. Chateau Laux was complete, in and of itself, but there were a few threads that I wanted to follow up on. There were some critical wounds in Chateau Laux that still needed healing, and this was my intention in The Lost Seigneur.

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

A6. My writing style involves many drafts, and my final draft is often very different from the first. This can be a problem, if I send out a draft too soon, as most agents and publishers are very transactional in present time. However, the combination of patience and perseverance yields a much closer approximation of what I am trying to say. At some point, the book in progress sucks in its first breath of life, and this is a very exciting moment, indeed. You suddenly realize that something you created is alive and that much like a child leaving the home and going forth in the world, it has an existence that in some measure is independent of yours. With The Lost Seigneur, this process took four years.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Both Chateau Laux and The Lost Seigneur can be purchased through online platforms, such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others. They can also be purchased through bookstores that offer off-the-shelf and online sales opportunities.

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

A8. When I first discussed the book cover with my designer, I had a very specific idea of the message that I wanted the cover to portray. I had made sketches and was prepared to set up a photo shoot to pursue the concept. However, knowing what I had in mind, my designer found a cover from available cover stock that was very good.

Coming up with the right title was a bit more challenging. For the longest time, I used a different title as a placeholder. Then, as the story evolved and the themes manifested, the current title revealed itself.

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

A9. As a writer, I can easily get bogged down with repetition and excessive wordiness. I don’t worry about this in my first draft. But once I can see the story clearly, I go through an aggressive editing process. Then, when I have a finished draft at last, I ask a trusted reader or two to take a first look at the manuscript, so that I can take their criticisms into consideration. By waiting to engage readers in this manner, I minimize the risk that they will derail my writing process. Then, I will literally rewrite the book, saving what language I can, but starting all over with a more clearly defined and sharpened concept. At some point, the language comes alive, and the book starts to breathe on its own, as I indicated previously. This is a very exciting moment.

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

A10. The most valuable advice I’ve been given is to keep writing. As unoriginal as this advice is, it is nevertheless profound. Finding your voice takes time. It may take rejection and will certainly require perseverance. Hammers and tongs not only make stronger steel, they make better creative expressions as well. Have faith in yourself. Keep working. Find good readers who will be honest with you, and when the time is right, find a good editor. Remember, as a writer, you are only one of the players that contribute to a meaningful final product. Honor and respect each contributor.

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Interview with author Sheveland L. Jones

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

A1. Hello! My name is Sheveland and I am a new children’s Book author who loves creating stories that celebrate diversity and little victories.

  1. What is the inspiration behind your book “Lilly’s Potty Dance”

A2. The inspiration behind Lilly’s Potty Dance was my actual interactions with potty training my daughter and stories that I had heard from other parents. The main character Lilly’s name was coined after my Grandmother Lillian

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

A3. I realized that I wanted to be an author after realizing that I would make up stories for my daughter all the time. The stories would often involve changing my voice and incorporating a dance, which always makes it fun. My mother realized it before I did, she encouraged me to write a book years ago.

  1. Please tell us something about your book “Lilly’s Potty Dance”

A4. This is an engaging story that tells the story through Lilly’s lens about potty training. Lilly’s mom helps her navigate her fears and teaches her how to use the potty, wash her hands and transition to a big girl. While navigating using the potty, Lilly’s comes up with a dance. Away to the potty she goes.

  1. For which age group is your book “Lilly’s Potty Dance” suitable for?

A5. 2-4 years old, but if you believe that your little one is ready for potty training sooner, then this is the book for you

  1. What is your favorite Quote?

A6. “Be who are you are and SAY what you FEEL, Because those Who Mind Don’t matter, and those who Matter Don’t Mind” ~ Dr. Seuss

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

A7. Freedom to express yourself

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

A8. Start your little one off by reading to them while you’re pregnant and when they arrive. Read before bed and sooner or later they will begin to create their own stories and spark that love for reading at an early age. Reading nurtures the imagination, so start as soon as you can.

  1. What does literary success look like to you?

A9. Literary success looks like my book being in pre-schools and school libraries. A children’s best seller and the opportunity to travel around the world reading my book to various events that support children and literacy.

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

A10. My Grandmother is the inspiration of my life for several reasons. She was an educator, mother, grandmother, poured into the community and defied several odds. She showed courage and grace in every aspect of life.

Buy Lilly’s Potty Dance on Amazon

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Interview with author Charlie

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

A1. Hello! My name is Charlie and I’m from Rhode Island. I’ve always been an art minded person. I create art in various mediums, dabble in music and recently began taking writing very seriously. Aside from the creative, I’m a gamer, amateur astronomer, cannabis cultivator, music lover and nature admirer.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Key and the Scythe”?

A2. “The Key and the Scythe” started with a fantasy and a few drawings. I didn’t consider making it a novel for a long time. When I started writing, I realized I needed to construct the story from a couple of faces and not much more. Giving them purpose, personalities and building their respective worlds were the toughest challenges.

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

A3. Stephen King is one of my favorite authors with “Carrie” being my favorite of his. “Scary Stories to Read in the Dark” series by Alvin Schwartz. The poetry of Edgar Allen Poe. “Lord of the Rings” series by J.R.R Tolkien.

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

A4. My favorite spot to visit is New Hampshire. I go up that way on vacation sometimes and the view of the night sky without light pollution is breathtaking.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Key and the Scythe’?

A5. The idea of a “second chance” is what inspired me to write. A lot of us have regrets or things in our past we would do differently now. I took that idea to the extreme and asked the question “what would I do for a second chance?”

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Key and the Scythe’?

A6. It took about a year and a half to write ‘The Key and the Scythe’.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. It’ll be on Apple books, Google Play, Kindle, Kobo and Nook.

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

A8. The book cover took inspiration from the artist Romare Bearden, who used simple geometric shapes to construct portraits of city life. The title comes from the key Estelle seeks in the first book and the scythe is the magic weapon her Guardian wields.

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

A9. I love to watch new movies or shows or play different video games. I love horror and action or anything with deep mythology.

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

A10. “It’s not about what happens. It’s about why it matters.” -Abbie Emmons

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