Category: Author Interview

Book: Stitches

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Q1. Can you please introduce yourself to the readers?

I am a former HR professional and Marriage and Family Therapist. I was married in 1980 and inherited three children I had never met six weeks after my wedding; we survived! I am retired, creating and living in Palm Springs. Stitches is my first book, and the first in a series of six based on Historic Park in San Diego, where I grew up.

Q2. From where did you have the idea to write your debut book Stitches?

There is a village of old, important houses that have been put together in Heritage Park in Old Town. The houses have been boarded up for years after being used as historical sites, then Bed and Breakfasts, then just abandoned. There are six houses, beautiful old Victorians, that are just sitting there. I went to see them about six years ago and when I sat under the old coral tree I wondered what I would do if I were in charge – I’d turn the village into an art colony! Each house would be dedicated to one form of art.
Stitches is the first house dedicated to needle arts; I’ve identified which house I think would fit on the back cover. Canvas will be the name of the second house, and Pages, the third. I have three more to write to fill out the village of six houses.

Q3. Please tell us something about STITCHES which is not in the blurb/book summary.

Stitches revolves around a young bride; she wants her aunt (Jen Conrad, the owner of the shop Stitches) to make her wedding dress – not sewn, but hand-knitted, to fit a sketch someone made of her in the imagined dress. Jen’s pursuit of perfection is affected in the making of not one but two dresses; perfection turns out to be not quite so important. It also turns out (spoiler) the artist who drew the sketch is the bride’s true love, not the man she’s marrying. He shows up later and in fact is the manager of the art store that is centered in Canvas, the next book (coming July 13).

Q4. What does literary success look like to you?

I know that writers don’t do it to get rich, but it would be nice to have my books known and appreciated for the social issues that are featured in each of them. In Stitches, it’s about grief and self-identity; having to reinvent yourself after living a life “as expected.”

Q5. You currently live in Palm Springs. Please tell us what makes it special?

The desert air, the almost-seasons, the resort atmosphere. Plus, there’s no traffic like in L.A. or San Diego!

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Q6. How do you select the names of your characters?

They really just come…they drive the action as well.

Q7. Could you please tell us something about your experience as a Marriage and Family Therapist?

I specialized in grief and bereavement counseling; the stories in Stitches came from my experience in talking to women who really had no idea how to go on after being married for so long. I learned a lot from these women.

Q8. What are your hobbies apart from reading and writing?

Knitting, of course, and recently I’ve gotten into paper crafting, art journaling, and watercolor. It is physically impossible for me to sit in front of the tv without something in my hands to create.

Q9. How long does it took you to write your debut book?

About a year; it was published first by a vanity publisher, but I didn’t like the end product; cheap paper and the cover art wasn’t right. It took six years to get moving on revisions and hiring someone to do the cover and formatting professionally. I am pleased with the revised edition. (The first one only went to friends and family.)

Q10. Lastly, who inspires you the most in life and why?

Women in the past who have blazed the trail for the rest of us like suffragettes and women like Eleanor Roosevelt, Ruth Gruber, RBG, and Heddy Lamarr, who went against all odds and made a real impact on the world. I grew up with the feminists in the 60’s making noise; that had an impact on me as well, and I now understand how much of a risk they took in getting us where we are, which is not quite far enough, but we’re getting there. I’m beginning to talk about them in my YouTube channel.

Author Website and About Author

Book Is Available On Amazon.

Stitches

Book: Crucible of Fear

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

Hello! My name is D.W. Whitlock. I’m a professional animator that writes thriller novels. I love spending time with my family, video games, watching films and riding my Triumph Scrambler motorcycle. And reading, of course.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Crucible of Fear’ book?

I’ve written many short pieces to practice and learn, but writing full-length novels has always been my goal. The biggest challenge I think was wrangling a tight, compelling story from tons of research material I gathered and the various ideas I had. There is a ton of stuff that didn’t make it in to the book, but what did make it in is that much stronger.

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

Books by Michael Crichton, Robert McCammon, Michael Connelly, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child and so many others from Arthur C. Clarke to Margaret Atwood, but I’d say these writers and their works have influenced me the most.

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

I grew up in the local mountains of California, so I go back to those types of areas as much as I can. The clean, clear air, the smell of pine and sage and the absolute quiet is like nothing else.

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

Absolutely. I do a lot research after deciding on what type of story I want to write. Many of the elements that form the basis of the story are revealed through this process. Technology, locations, potential situations, elements of danger, along with character motivation and what types of skills and flaws they have.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Crucible of Fear’ book?

Working about 1-3 hours per day, I was able to finish Crucible of Fear in about six or seven months, from outlining to final pass after beta reads. When I’m not writing, a lot of time is spent thinking about the story and characters while I’m on motorcycle rides, in the shower, trying to get to sleep! Some of the best ideas happen when you’re NOT at the keyboard.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Crucible Of Fear’ book to buy?

Amazon.com and all Amazon international markets. It is also available to Kindle Unlimited subscribers for free.

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

I wanted the cover to be simple yet striking and not too typical of the thriller genre, which usually has the silhouette of character running against the backdrop of a monochromatic city in either punchy red or orange. I hired an artist to create the image and it showed promise, but I wasn’t really happy with the final result so I reworked it into the version you see now.

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

I ask myself, what is the most interesting or exciting thing the characters can do in this scene and still make it believable? I also have a hard and fast rule: No Deus Ex Machina saving the characters. They always figure a way out themselves, but it will most likely cost them.

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

Nope!

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Crucible of Fear

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

Originally, I come from a screenwriter and independent filmmaking background with over twenty years of experience in the arts and entertainment industry. My directorial debut was entitled, 17 & Under, and won my first awards, garnered successful distribution and landed me squarely on the filmmaking map. Since then, I’ve been a part of many successful productions, with my latest film The Boatman. I won Best Director Idyllwild Film Festival among many other wins and a Best Director and Best Film nominee of the prestigious 33rd Annual Imagen Awards. Now I like to turn my storytelling skills into long-form narrative fiction. My first novel is entitled, Weeper. Weeper is the multigenerational story of the relationships between the members of two 19th century Appalachian families; the True’s, a family of “warners” (early funeral directors), and the Fenn’s, a family of “weepers” (paid mourners). My current is Collodion. It is the second in a companion series after Weeper. All three will submerge into the macabre world of the nineteenth century death industry; postmortem photography & embalming.

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

My first novel was a huge learning curve. Adept at screenplays, novels posed a challenge. I learned from editors over and over again, with multiple versions. I got a little better with Collodion

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

Charles Frazier (Cold Mountain) Pat Conroy (Prince of Tides) I don’t even come close to the prose these guys produce, but they are an inspiration.

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

I’m a man of water. I love lakes, beaches, streams, rivers. I like visiting any place that has those.

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

Yes. I’m a plotter and plot out the entire story first. But I know it will change after many drafts. Something doesn’t work out, so you have to change it over here and so forth. Since I’m a historical fiction writer, research into history helps me bring in interesting facts and many times helps with plot.

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

About six months with many more months of revisions.

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

Both of my books are on paperback, Kindle and Audible audiobook.

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

I want something ironic or something that would make a reader say, “What is that?” The title of Collodion comes from the substance that is used both in wet plate photography and in embalming, the two professions of my two main characters. The cover for my second book is an interesting story: The two people on the cover I found in nineteenth century tintype photographs. They are real people that lived long ago. I bought them and used them on my cover of Collodion. I do not know who they are. Just regular people that lived long ago.

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

I need a story I’ve never heard of before. I don’t want to write a story that is a different take on another story. That’s not my style.

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

Many of the characters, places, ships and things in the story were true historical people, places, battles and things. In the kindle edition you can use their “X-ray” and click on their names and it gives a ton of interesting facts about the place or person or thing.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Collodion

Weeper

Book: Hairy Back Jack And The Three Little Hairs

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

My name is Chris Perreira Jardine and my wife’s name is Rachael Perreira Jardine. We love art, fashion, interior design and pretty much everything that allows us to be creative including painting- which we both did a lot while living in Costa Rica. Rachael has her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Arts and Chris holds a Bachelor of Commerce Marketing Degree along with a Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development. Our three children keep us quite busy in our spare time!

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Hairy Back Jack And The Three Little Hairs’ book?

We wrote Hairy Back Jack and the Three Little Hairs nine years ago, while living abroad, teaching English in Costa Rica- where we lived for two years. Since returning to Canada, we had not stopped thinking about bringing this book to fruition, so we did! If there is a silver lining of this global pandemic, that would be it! It allowed us to come together creatively and get both the publishing and illustration process underway.

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

Hairy Back Jack and the Three Little Hairs is a children’s picture book for children of all ages. In a recent interview, the interviewer quickly did the math… “nine years ago, and your oldest child is five- so this means that you wrote this book way before having children!”. At that time, when writing this book, it just felt right. We knew at some point that we wanted to have children, and why not create a magical experience of our own that both of our children and ourselves can be proud of. In retrospect thinking back, we were probably inspired by both Pinocchio, for the magical fairy tale component and Goldilocks and the Three Bears for the name- those are true classics, who isn’t inspired by those books?

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

Our favourite spot to visit in Canada is a little town called Mattawa, which is located in the Canadian province of Ontario and located in the Nipissing District. When we are in this little quaint town, which is usually once a summer, we stay at the Nature’s Harmony – Shamayim Cabin, where we can unwind, relax as a family, get creative and breathe in everything that nature has to offer.

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

For us, the process was a little bit different- we dove in and wrote the book while we either sat pool side or beach side, at that point in Costa Rica, where we had complete mental clarity. The process of actually publishing and illustrating came later, as we mentioned, nine years later. It is important to do your research to find the right publisher that makes the most sense for your goals and objectives. It is also imperative to find the perfect illustrator that can make the visuals in your head come to life- with the most appropriate style of illustration.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Hairy Back Jack And The Three Little Hairs’ book?

We worked on it for probably a month or two- fine-tuning the language and sentences. Once we were on a roll, we were on a roll and we super motivated to keep it going, both adding new ideas and concepts to the plot and story line.

Q7. On what platforms can readers find Hairy Back Jack And The Three Little Hairs for purchase?

You can find Hairy Back Jack And The Three Little Hairs on Amazon, Wal Mart, Barnes and Noble, Chapters Indigo.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Hairy Back Jack And The Three Little Hairs’?

The title was a given. Could there be any other name than Hairy Back Jack And The Three Little Hairs?! As for the cover. We designed a quick sketch with a stick figure- it was almost as if we were in the same brain (Chris/Rachael), thinking the same thing. We knew exactly how we wanted it to look. See below. From beginning to end.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Hairy Back Jack And The Three Little Hairs

Book: Delsar: The Champion & The Hero

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

My name is Solomon Andre Dawson Morway and I live in the city of Worcester, Massachusetts. I loved to play baseball and do karate. I even managed to get myself a black belt in Kenpo. After I finished my high school, I joined the Army National Guard at 19. That didn’t last long due to medical complications, but it did allow me time to write my book. Two weeks before I turned 22 I began my new adventure. My hope is that it brightens the day of even just one person, like writing it brightened mine.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘DELSAR: The Champion & The Hero’ book?

Starting a new scene or chapter. I always knew where I wanted to go with the story, I just didn’t always know how to get there.

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

My favorite book series has to be ‘Republic Commando’ by Karen Traviss. It was a series that never finished and it was my dream to finish it for her. Then I wrote something completely different.

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

Not necessarily a specific spot, but one of my favorite things to do is attend Renaissance fairs. Here in New England they have them all the time. They’re some of the best places to unwind and enjoy fantasy.

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

Sometimes, it’s as simple as just sitting down and beginning. Other times, it’s something someone said that inspires me or something I’ve seen. Once I have that drive, it’s very difficult for me to think of anything else.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘DELSAR: The Champion & The Hero’ book?

To write, edit, and publish DELSAR, it took me six months.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘DELSAR: The Champion & The Hero’ book to buy?

It’s all over the place…. Barnes & Noble, Nook, Amazon, Kindle, Writers Republic, Books-A-Million, eBay, Kobo, LibroWorld, Booktopia, and Waterstones. These are all online. We are currently working hard to get it in the book stores.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘DELSAR: The Champion & The Hero’?

The cover went through a couple phases. The first looked very fake and didn’t quite fit the aesthetic of the book. We used that first cover as the concept for the final cover. I felt the cover really speaks what the book means.

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

I like to add real conversations with friends, family, or anyone else I’ve spoken to recently. It’s never word-for-word, but I feel it helps keep dialogue organic and flow nicely. It also helps make the characters feel ‘human.’

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

There are a lot of Easter eggs and foreshadowing on events to come. A keen eye and solid sleuthing skills may allow you to figure a few things out. Trust me, if you enjoy Book 1, you’re not going to want to miss Book 2.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Delsar: The Champion & The Hero

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

Hey, My name is Rashaan & I create art. An author who just completed his first series of Fantasy/Adventure books. What I like to call a keyboard virtuoso, who enjoys gritty hip hop music & video games with combos & dazzling soundtracks. A lover of art & it’s different forms.

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

Storm Cy being my first book( & not having any real writing experience.) I knew I wanted to tell a story, but there were just several visions put together without any structure. I’m a fundamentals guy, when it comes to anything. It’s all about technique, so I had to knock off some rust while writing my very first book.

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

I began writing in 2017. Up until then I actually wasn’t much of a reader. As much more of a gamer, Games like Sly Cooper, Dishonored, & Mortal Kombat Influenced the worlds of my writing.

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

Sadly, they’re becoming harder & harder to find. But a bar with a pool table Is all a guy like me needs. A good table with some nice green felt to shoot on. Pool players usually want someone to compete with, so they’re very friendly!

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

Lots of planning! Now that I’ve done this a few times, structure is big for writing any type of fiction. Like music, its several moving parts all coming together in one flow.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Rain Of The Fallen’ book?

It’s a bit hard to pick the exact timeframe, because I began by writing two books at a time. Once I had completed Storm Cry, what I like to call a “skeleton” For Rain Of The Fallen. I took about 6-9 months after that to put it all together in a nice package.

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

Amazon is where you can find all three of my novels. There’s also a Nice hardcover available only on Barnes & Noble of ‘Lost Winds’.

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

Title- It’s a challenge to have a catchy name that sums up your entire story in 1-4 words. For me, it’s the name that pops into my head and sounds good that’s has worked so far. Cover- Since I was a kid, I’ve been infatuated with covers from, books, manga, movies, to video games. I take a wide look at all the covers I like most and try to capture some type of presence from them. This is not possible AT ALL without the talented artists out there. I was able to find artists to meet me halfway with my vision & bring it to life.

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

I go into it wanting to take some form of a troupe or plot I’ve seen over the years & flip it on it’s head.

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

There’s a story soon to be told about a kingdom falling to ruin. By eyes that burn for revenge…
(If you read all 3, you may know who this prequel story may be about. coming ??/??/21)

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Storm Cry

Rain Of The Fallen

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

I am an American author and poet, most known for my Mike Check column. Over the years, I have done dozens of celebrity interviews, as well as hundreds of music reviews. The weekly Mike Check column, which appears in Strange Reaction, and the very popular Deep Red Magazine. I have had the pleasure of meeting people from all over the world just because we have this amazing technology on the internet.

I was an original member of the early Los Angeles punk rock scene, which is what I write about. It was an exciting time and I am lucky to have been able to meet so many of the bands I was a fan of as a teenager. I was a member of several bands myself and later a popular flier illustrator for others.

I have loved writing since my high school days. I live with my wife, Elizabeth, and our son, Lucas.

As an original member of the early Los Angeles punk rock scene, I was a member of several bands and later a popular flier illustrator.

I have loved writing since my high school days. I live with my wife, Elizabeth, and son Lucas.

I have written eight books, fiction, and nonfiction and co-authored one.

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

The challenge was to write something as interesting as the previous two books, Last One To Die and Life Won’t Wait. They had a certain feeling and atmosphere that the last book in the trilogy had to continue. After writing two previous novels, I could feel my writing style shifting and changing.

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

Well, I don’t know how influenced I’ve been by them, but I’m a fan of Eddie Little, Jim Carroll, and Dan Fante. I think I am drawn to writers that take the same approach as I do in that the technical aspects aren’t as important as storytelling. Raw and unfiltered writing that speaks to the reader on a personal level,

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

I would have to say Hawaii. I have visited the beautiful islands twice, one of them being my honeymoon, and it speaks to me. I think any place that involves the ocean would be where I want to go. It’s one of the wonderful things about living in Los Angeles where the ocean is a short drive away.

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

There is preparation that goes into starting a new book. I figure out if I’m going towards fiction or nonfiction. That decision comes from what type of story I feel like telling. An idea for a fiction story could have been ruminating in my mind for months before it decides it wants to be told. From there, I might outline roughly how the story will go, if it is fiction. My nonfiction books just flow without much of an outline, but I do try to keep them within the same theme. Once I’ve written the first chapter or story, the books seem to flow.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Life Won’t Wait’ book?

About two years. I had completed and published Last One To Die in 2011. It sold very well, so I jumped into the second book, Life Won’t Wait immediately. Once I completed it, I handed it off to my proofreader and editor and they felt it didn’t have the same punch as LOTD. So, rather than editing it, I dumped the whole thing and started over. I published Life Won’t Wait in 2013 and am still very pleased with the outcome.

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

All my books are available in the standard formats, Kindle and paperback on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you are in the United States, you can contact me directly and I will send you an autographed copy.

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

In the beginning, I took titles from songs I like. Mostly from the band Rancid. The covers have been various photographers I like. A few have been photos taken by my wife and one or two from legendary rock photographer Edward Colver.

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

I don’t really take freshness into consideration. I mostly write about what I want to write about. If I think too much about what everyone will like, my writing loses what makes me the storyteller I am. I think my faithful readers that have been with me from the start would notice the difference as well. They read and enjoyed my books for my particular style and take on storytelling. That being said, I have tried different things such as, co-authoring with other writers and collaborating. In fact, there are stories in two of my fiction books that my teenaged son contributed. He is turning out to be extremely creative and can come up with a whole tale on the spot.

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

Hmm, if I told you it wouldn’t be a secret! Kidding aside, I suppose the biggest secret, that people probably want to confirm, is that every single story is absolutely true and without embellishment for the sake of making it better. All the crazy moments and characters and situations you might have thought “I wonder if that really happened”? The secret is yes. Yes, it happened and it happened exactly the way I described.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Born Frustrated

Life Won’t Wait

Book: Death of a Final Girl

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

Hello world, my name is Sonny G! I’m a free spirit Latino, and a Jersey boy at heart. I’m a horror lover, proud Wiccan, podcaster and all around creative. I also hope to leave a small footprint in the horror genre.

Q2. When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

I started writing in the fourth grade, but I was more into films and creating them. Screenwriting then became my focus from middle school all the way through college. It wasn’t until maybe my second year that I realized I enjoyed writing short stories and the passion started from there.

Q3. From where did you have the idea/inspiration to write your debut book “Death of a Final Girl”?

The original idea was completely different from the final product. It was going to be an anthology based on unsolved murders and I was going to create my own reasoning to what I thought happened. That all changed though when I was reading through the outline and realized this is a series. From there, I combined what I already had and created the world of Devil’s Den. I really wanted this book to be a representation of me as a writer and horror films are a big part of my life. I wanted to create one book that wasn’t just a horror movie but a franchise altogether.

Q4. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

When I’m not writing, I’m working on my podcast: Stoney Horror, watching movies, having adventures with my people or creating content for our IG page. Oh, and I also love cooking! It’s very relaxing and I enjoy feeding others.

Q5. What is the most difficult part of your journey as an author?

Aside from finishing the book…. One of most difficult parts for me since I’m an independent author is figuring out the business all on my own. I was luckily enough to go to an art school and learn some of the ropes there, but real life isn’t like school. Also not having a mainstream team behind you is difficult when it comes to advertising or just getting your work out there to the right people.

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Q6. What is your favorite Quote?

It’s probably corny but my favorite quote is from one of my favorite shows.

“The hardest thing in this world is to live in it. Be brave. Live.”
-Buffy Summers

Q7. Do you believe in ghosts?

Yes, I do. I am very spiritual and have seen weird stuff, but those are stories for another kind interview.

Q8. What do you hope your readers take away from your book?

This book is defintley catered to the horror fans, but anyone can enjoy it. It’s something you can finish before bed, while traveling, or even out by the pool. Aside from the horror references and themes I hope the readers can take away the female empowerment. A horror franchise is as good as its Final Girl, so I hope my final girls fit that mold. But for the most part I hope the readers are just entertained. I wanted this book to be a fun, intense, fast-read.

Q9. Do you read or write daily?

I write almost every day and if I’m not writing I’m thinking of an idea to write. When it comes to reading though, I do it for research compared to it being a hobby. Like I said before I am a little screenwriter at heart.

Q10. Lastly, do you want to give any advice to readers and aspiring writers?

Hm, I would say never give up, the hardest thing is always finishing your work. Write every day even if it’s just little notes in your phone. Lastly, network, network, and network. Sometimes it is who you know, but not only that, networking helps you meet other amazing artists. You can build great relationships with them and eventually collaborate and help each other flourish. It doesn’t always have to be a competition.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Death of a Final Girl

Book: The Faith of a Mustard Seed

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

Hello, my name is Deborah Smith. I am a Speech and Language Pathologist. I have enjoyed teaching special needs children how to communicate for over 3 decades. I’ve often used books along with other teaching tools as a means to help stimulate language development in my students. My biggest joy however, is spending time with my family and creating stories.

Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “The Faith of a Mustard Seed”?

I became inspired to write a book about faith for children because I noticed that many children are growing up lacking an understanding of who God is and what it means to have faith in Him. I wanted to teach the concept of faith on a very simple level.

Q3. When did you realize that you wanted to be an author?

I realized that I wanted to be an author a few years ago. We all know that life can present many challenges and hardships. Teaching children from a young age to build up their faith in God helps with overcoming difficulties. I felt that pictures and stories would be a good way to teach that concept on a simple level.

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

Yes, I am in the process of writing more children books. One is a faith- based book and the others have different themes.

Q5. For which age group your book “The Faith of a Mustard Seed” is suitable?

The book is suitable for children up to 8 years old. However, it was written to engage older siblings and caregivers to engage in dialogue about the concept of faith. The questions at the end of the book will hopefully stimulate that conversation and really get people to think about trusting God.

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Q6. What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is the scripture Matthew 17:20, where it talks about having faith the size of a seed so that nothing will be impossible for you. What a power to tap into!

Q7. How is life in New York?

I enjoy living in New York and being around a diversity of cultures. You can always find something to do. It can however be busy and fast paced. I work in a busy and populated area which many people do enjoy. At the end of the day, I thoroughly enjoy winding down in a quieter setting.

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

My advice would be to always set up a consistent time to read with your children. Take trips to the library and make reading important. Reading builds up their imagination, vocabulary and literacy skills. But most important, kids love to spend that individual bonding time with their parents. Time goes by fast so create those moments as often as you can.

Q9. What does literary success look like for you?

For me as an author I ask myself these questions:
Did I stimulate interest in the book?
Did I get children thinking about a concept I presented?
Did I encourage children and parents to engage in dialogue?
Was something learned?

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

My inspiration in life are my daughters. They are very talented individuals. They have grown into bright and beautiful women inside and out. They encourage me to stay relevant to the times!

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Faith of a Mustard Seed

Book: Amber Tambourine and the Land of Laugh-a-Lot

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Q1. Can you please introduce yourself so that the readers can know you better?

I was born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. I started off my career as a primary school teacher, and now work in the field of online education.

Q2. From where did you have the idea to write your book “Amber Tambourine and the Land of Laugh-a-Lot”?

I started thinking about my first house as a child, where I used to love wandering through the back woods and discovering hidden places. So that is where the book starts off…Amber wandering through the back woods with her dogs and stumbling upon a magical, hidden place.

I have always been obsessed with magical “otherworlds” I guess you could call them. My favorite movie has always been “The Wizard of Oz” so obviously the Land of Oz was an inspiration. And I also loved “Brigadoon” about a magical Scottish village that appears for only one day every 100 years. All inspiration for my “Land of Laugh-a-Lot” for sure!

Q3. What do you hope your readers will take away from your book?

At its core, the book is about friendships lost and new ones found. It is also about transition in one’s life and how difficult it can be, and how it seems things will never get better…but they do, in time. And good friends are always worth the wait.

Q4. What are your hobbies apart from reading and writing?

I love being outside in nature, exploring the natural beauty of our world – beaches, waterfalls, mountains. I also love road trips, music, dancing, watching good TV and movies, and spending lots of time with my family. And I insanely love dogs.

Q5. Please tell me something about yourself that will astonish me and the readers?

That I didn’t start publishing my writing until my forties…although my mom said technically I wrote my first book when I was like 5 or 6. I always wrote in some form or another growing up, but on my fortieth birthday I had some kind of mid-life epiphany, I think. I promised myself I would start writing more and actively pursued it. I started writing and publishing articles for online platforms like Blasting News and Medium. I created a personal blog, Life Lessons for My Daughter. Then from there, just started writing children’s stories.

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Q6. How do you select the names of your characters?

I really wanted to write a book with a character based on my daughter, Amber, who is now 7. Then our two dogs, Bandit and Roxy, got added in as well. “Amber Tambourine” was a nickname I gave my daughter as a toddler – I don’t even remember why now, to be honest – I have just always made up cutesy nicknames for her – this one just kind of stuck.

Q7. How is life in Canada?

Canada is a beautiful country and being such an outdoorsy person, I truly value and enjoy all of its breathtaking scenery. I think my best writing ideas have come to me while walking and being out and about in nature.

Q8. Can you please tell me and readers about your debut book publishing journey?

I was so fortunate that Austin Macauley Publishers USA believed in my little book and took a chance on me as a first-time author. It really is difficult to get your first book published but Austin Macauley is all about giving first-time authors a chance, and they are fantastic! I will be forever grateful to them.

Q9. Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

I definitely want to keep writing children’s books, so my goal for the next 10 years is to keep writing and hopefully get more books published.

Q10. Who inspires you the most in life?

My daughter Amber is my biggest inspiration – I love watching her grow and play and dance and discovering her own unique talents and interests. I find myself jotting down story ideas all the time just from things she is interested in.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Amber Tambourine and the Land of Laugh-a-Lot