Category: Author Interview

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

Hi there. My name is Douglas S. Pierce, and I am the author of The Hunted Maiden and The Seedling’s Song. I live in Metro Detroit (in the United States). I have been married to my beautiful wife Patricia for more than 28 years. We are the proud parents of our daughter Kerry. We have a couple of Shiba Inu dogs named Akira and Yuna, and a black cat named Harley. I am a veteran of the 1990-1991 Gulf War, and a proud pagan. When I’m not working the day job, you can find me trying to write the next book in this or my other series of books, or probably out walking one of the two dogs.

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

The biggest challenge I had in writing The Hunted Maiden actually came in writing the book that the story was originally part of: The Maiden’s Song. I had always envisioned the story be quite long. And the original book was nearly 800 pages in length — when The Hunted Maiden and The Seedling’s Song were both contained with The Maiden’s Song. Based on the feedback I received from multiple readers, I ended up splitting the larger book into the two separate books — but there were originally written with the intent of being one story, the first book of a very long series. Splitting that book made me re-think I would tell the rest of the story, in smaller volumes that I originally planned.

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

As a fan of epic fantasy, I have to admit that JRR Tolkien was definitely one of my original influences, but less for the Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit, than because of The Silmarillion — a book that taught me to lay the foundation for the legends and history of a larger world. More recent authors who have influenced me have been George RR Martin and Patrick Rothfuss.

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

I think my favorite spot in the United States is small pagan sanctuary called Crossing Hedgerows Sanctuary and Farm. It a small permaculture farm and wooded sanctuary that is owned by some dear friends who are huge fans of The Hunted Maiden and fellow pagans. I am on the Board of Directors of the sanctuary, so it is doubly special to me. I have done quite a bit of photography there at the sanctuary, especially with professional models who posed as Fae beings for me.

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

Yes, I would say so. I do spend a lot of time coming up with the world my books are set in, so that I can come up with a very realistic setting, even though it is clearly a fantasy world. I like to know the major historical events, the various powers running the world, and how all of that impacts the characters and the story of them that I am writing. For the world of The Hunted Maiden, I came up with over 500 pages of material over several years that helped me to build that world.

Q6. How long did it take you to write both the books?

I would say that the process took about 6 years, from start to end. The final draft, which was VERY different from the first draft came together in about two years once I started on it.

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

Right now, readers can purchase from me directly (if they are in the US) or from any Amazon marketplace. It is presently exclusive to Amazon.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title “The Hunted Maiden” & “The Seedling’s Song” ?

The Hunted Maiden was the original title of the very first draft of the larger story. When I was getting ready to write the final draft, The Maiden’s Song came to me, and I used that as the original title — because what the combined story was truly focused on was for Seldy to discover who she really was, and to find her hidden song. When I needed to split The Maiden’s Song up, I needed a new title for each portion, one that reflected what the central theme of each book was without giving anything away. The Hunted Maiden because about the kidnapping of Seldy and her discovering that she wasn’t who she thought she was. The Seedling’s Song reflects the theme of Seldy becoming be a Seedling and finding her song.

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

I tend to only write on weekends, holidays, and off-days. But I use my time during the week to think about the story and how I want to approach what is next. While I can very fast, I am not a fast writer. I don’t typically write thousands of words a day like many writers do. I tend to focus on one scene or chapter at a time, perfect it as I can, and then move on to the next scene or chapter. Since in this series, I often switched perspective between chapters, it helped me to keep things fresh, for both myself and the reader, I hope. I like ending each chapter leaving the reader wondering what happens next to that character, but switching to a different perspective and then getting the reader so caught up in that chapter, that by the end of it, they are wondering what happens next to that character — but then realizing that they now get to find out what’s happening with that other character they were wondering about.

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

Yes. Many readers assume that they know who the main antagonist is fairly early in the book, but they are usually wrong. And the character they think is the true bad guy becomes bit more sympathetic the farther they go into the story.

Author’s Profile

Books are Available On Amazon

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

Hello, my name is Carolyn Bowen and I’m a mystery-thriller author. I enjoy writing mysteries with an underlying theme of romance usually set in intriguing scenic locations. I love to travel and from the early age of reading Around the World in 80 Days, I’ve wanted to do just that and share the cultural experience in mystery novels.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Long Road Home’ book?

The Long Road Home was a heartfelt driven experience. I knew I was ready to write a new novel and it was approaching winter, and making a road trip could be hazardous in the snow. Yet, I felt like if I could spend some time in Charleston, a book was waiting to unfold and it did.

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

I am a long-time Ernest Hemingway fan. You can check my blog (cmbowenauthor.com) and read several posts about him and his books. I especially like his advice to writers. In my latest Sydney Jones Series, Chance – A Novel, he takes prominence in the Cuba setting where he wrote many of his novels.

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

My favourite places are beach towns. I especially like the beaches of Northwest Florida with its crystal white sandy beaches and laid-back lifestyle.

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

Yes, my writing style is a combination of being a plotter and pantser. I plan out my novel in advance and then let go and fly by the seat of my pants – pantsing. I enjoy seeing where it takes me and if I feel off course I can go back and look at the plotting and either change it or leave it as is.

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

Chance – A Novel, book 2 in the Sydney Jones Series came together quickly after publishing Primed for Revenge. This was another one of the stories that was waiting to be told.

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

All my books are on Amazon and shared by well-known publishers online. You can also find my novels in bookstores wherever fine books are sold.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Cross-Ties’ and for the book ‘ONE’?

The title for Cross-Ties came from the multigenerational ties of the main characters. The ancestral impact was clearly felt by future generations of the family. The book cover was designed to reflect the movement of the family in geographical terms.
The title for ONE – A Novel was decided before the first word was written. After reviewing my manuscript, I realized the desire of the main character was the title. The book cover shows the possibilities of that occurring. You’ll need to read the novel to understand the challenges of that happening.

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

Every day is a new day and my writing reflects the excitement I feel when writing. I question whether my characters staying in line today or are they acting out. Usually, the pantser wins and away we go!

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

Oh, that’s a BIG yes, but I don’t want to spoil it for you.

Links: Websites and Social Media
Website (w/blog) cmbowenauthor.com – http://bit.ly/CMBNovels
Website (latest releases) carolynbowen.com – https://cmbowenauthor.com
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/CBNovels
Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/CMBGoodreads
Social Media
Instagram: @carolynbowenauthor https://www.instagram.com/carolynbowenauthor/
Twitter: @cmbowenauthor – https://twitter.com/CMBowenAuthor
Facebook: http://bit.ly/CBowenFB
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/CMBPinterest
YouTube: http://bit.ly/CBowenYouTube

Book: Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares

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

My name is Robert P. Ottone and I’m a horror author from New York.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares’ book?

I wanted to push myself to get uglier and tell darker stories, and I’m hoping I did exactly that.

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

Bret Easton Ellis, Brian Evenson, HP Lovecraft, Stephen King, Jay MCInerney, so many others.

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

I really enjoy The Stanley Hotel in Colorado, the basis for Stephen King’s The Shining. Beautiful location, haunted as hell.

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

Not at all, the important thing is just to dive right in.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares’ book?

I believe it took about four or five months all together.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares’ book to buy?

It is available on Kindle and in paperback formats.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares’?

The cover came to me in a dream, sort’ve. I wanted to highlight the novella, and I went back and forth on the second part of the title, but really loved “& Other Nightmares”

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

Reading and researching are the keys to remaining fresh, in my opinion. It’s so important to read if you want to write.

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

There are some blink-and-you’ll-miss-it references to the world and stories mentioned in my first book, People: A Horror Anthology About Love, Loss, Life & Things That Go Bump in the Night.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares

Book: The Very Real World of Emily Adams

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

Hello! My name is Samantha J. Rose. I am a married mom of three hilarious and amazing little boys. I’m also a forever-student at Utah State University, and plan to have my Master’s Degree in Psychology some lovely, future day.

Q2.  Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Very Real World of Emily Adams’?

The title started off as a writing prompt sent out from the blog of author Chuck Wendig. He gave five random titles to choose from—which he created from a random word generator. He asked his readers to pick one title, and then write a short story to go along with it. The title I picked was “Music Box Earth.” I never did write a short story to that, but I did write the scene in my novel with Emily, her dad, and her mother’s old music box, and it became the original title of the entire book.
I felt I had to change it, though, once I was ready to attempt to pitch my novel at a writing conference. Changing it mostly consisted of me mentally banging my head against my writing desk like a pinata and then scribbling down whatever words spilled out until some of them made sense. I really wanted it to reflect some of the humor of the book, and I’ve always been drawn to long titles of things, like, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. I think that lengthy titles hold a humor in and of themselves. And what better way to add a notch to it than to have the title of a science fiction/fantasy book insist that it is, in fact, very true and real? (And, indeed, much of the story is true and real.)
The cover was designed by my husband, Paul Rose. He is an extremely talented artist and has been my rock through this whole writing process, believing in me when I stopped believing in myself. So I didn’t feel like my book would be complete without his artwork on the cover. Since the book is set up like a combination of music albums, he took some inspiration from the cover of No Doubt’s, Tragic Kingdom. And since there are Bob Ross quotes throughout the book, he actually used Bob Ross techniques to paint the skies, the tree… basically for everything but the silhouettes of Lipstick Rick and Emily.

Q3. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

For me, my stories are very character driven. I put all the focus on them and let them tell me the story. And a lot of times, they really surprise me—just like the living people in my life.
I also don’t force the characters to do things that they wouldn’t do in an attempt to move the plot forward. I genuinely hate it when stories do that. I do everything in my power to be true to the characters, and just by doing this, I find myself often surprised by the twists and turns the story takes. The characters keep me guessing. That’s what makes storytelling so exciting to me! I often don’t have any idea where things are going. All I do is throw obstacles in their path that they don’t see coming. And I hope that, if they don’t see it coming, then the reader won’t, either.

Q4. What does success means to you?

So, my motivation in writing this book was to try to help people through fiction. I’ve been down dark roads. When I reached the other side of some of my roughest moments and saw that other people were going through very similar things, I just wanted to reach out them. I wanted to let them know that they can make it through. Even if everything goes wrong, if you just hang on, and keep putting one foot in front of the other, then you’re going to make it. There is hope!
I also hoped to inspire empathy in others. Fiction is such an amazing gift. It gives you the ability to walk in someone else’s shoes for a while, and that experience can change your heart.
If just one person were to read this and feel hope, if one person were to read this and view the people around them with a little more compassion, then all of this would be worth it. That would be a success to me.

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

Nah, just lots of praying and day dreaming to music. That transports me right into the heart of the scene I’m working on.

Q6. How long did it take you to write this book? Where readers can find your book to buy?

It took me about three years, but the characters have been living in my head for much, much longer.
You can preview my book on my website: https://whererosewritesverytruestories.com/
You can buy my book on:
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Very-Real-World-Emily-Adams/dp/1734904623/
Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-very-real-world-of-emily-adams-samantha-j-rose/1137080437
And the Immortal Works website – https://www.immortalworks.press/product-page/the-very-real-world-of-emily-adams

Q7. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

I’m from Utah in the United States, and one of my favorite places to go is the Salt Lake City Temple. The building is this gorgeous, magnificent structure, every particular put together and carved with incredible detail. It took forty years to build. And the grounds around it are absolutely beautiful. Just driving by brings me peace and serenity. When I lived close to Salt Lake City, and I was stressed or exhausted or in need of inspiration, this was the place I would run to. At Christmas time, the grounds are covered in lights, it’s like stepping into a storybook.
I’ve since moved pretty far away and I miss it like crazy, so I actually made my family take me there for my birthday a couple of years ago.
 
Q8. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Very Real World of Emily Adams’ book?

Writer’s block. I got about halfway through my book and couldn’t write another word. It was one of those things where, my characters were trying to tell me where the story was going, but I didn’t want to hear it. I didn’t want it to take that turn. And then they stopped speaking to me. There were several months there where I didn’t write anything at all because of it.
The other struggle was, I ended up writing too much! I had only planned on writing one book, but I had all of these ideas that I wanted to cram into it. It was just too much. So, once I actually got past the writer’s block, I ended up with 164,000 words. I got it cut down to about 154,000 when I sent it into the publisher, and they gave me a “Revise and Resubmit” where they told me to cut about 30,000 more words. It was extremely painful, I had a couple of nervous breakdowns, but with the help of my editor, I did it. I decided, “Well… I guess I’ll just have to write another book.” So a lot of the stuff I cut will be in my next novel. That was the only way I could make peace with it. I would tell myself, “It’s okay… I’ll just put this in the next book…”

Q9. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams was a huge influence on my novel. The humor in it is amazing. There were moments where I was in tears, I was laughing so hard. And I just thought, “I want to do that. I want to write like that.” Emily’s last name is actually a nod to Douglas Adams (and to The Addams Family, of course, because I want to be like them someday).
Then there’s Stephen King. I’ve read The Green Mile twice, and it left a deep impression on me. It made its way so completely into my subconscious that it influenced my novel in ways that I didn’t even realize until later. I would also constantly look up quotes and interviews with him for inspiration while I was writing it. He made me feel like I could actually finish the thing—and I did!
Les Miserables by Victor Hugo also had a huge influence on this, and so did Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling, The Book of Mormon and some of the works of Edgar Allan Poe. They’ve all inspired me and made their way into my dreams.

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

The last two chapters were my guiding light as I wrote The Very Real World of Emily Adams. They’re the heart of the novel.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Very Real World of Emily Adams

Book: Birth Of The Fae

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

My name is Danielle M. Orsino, I am a competitive martial artist and Nurse. However, I have left that all behind  to write the Birth of the Fae series. I have two rescue pups Carlos which anyone who has read Birth of the Fae: Locked Out of Heaven, may know him as “Los” the dragon.  Penelope my other little dog the readers will meet later in the series as “Lady Penelope” a member of the Aubane Faction. The Aubane are oversized white deer with gilded antlers but of course, Lady Penelope will have something extra special.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Birth Of The Fae’ book?

Being I am not a “Classically trained writer” the entire process was a huge learning experience. Overall writing the book was for all intensive purposes was joyful. It came from an organic place, inspired by a patient who had been undergoing long IV treatments and needed a distraction. The story was born from these sessions with him. The biggest challenges were learning the difference between show versus tell.

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

I love Ann Rice especially “Queen of the Damned” But honestly comics books in the sense of writing  have influenced me more than anything . I love Wonder Woman she gave me a strong female protagonist, followed by the X-men especially the early 90’s storylines.  George Lucas and Jim Henson have influenced me in how to craft a story, their idea of clean basic good versus evil resonates with me.

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

Disney world it is the epitome of what imagination can do.

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

I write each book by hand first before I type it out, I also like to do a soundtrack for mood and the emotional journey of the book. I research as I go.  However, I wrote books one, two, three and four at the same time, so I learned so much during the process. How I go about writing five the process may change.
 
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Birth Of The Fae’ book?

As I said I wrote four of the books at the same time so I had a first rough and I mean rough draft of all four in nine months.  Birth of the Fae: Locked Out of Heaven beginning to end final edit took two years.

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

It is available as a kindle and hardback on Amazon. It is also available on: Barnes and Nobles, Powells, bookshop.org, walmart.com, Books-a-million.com. It will be out as a soft cover on December 1, 2020.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Birth Of The Fae’?

The title was organic and Given the plot “Birth of the Fae: Locked Out of Heaven, Book One, Vol I.” was an easy decision.  The cover was a wonderful joint collaboration with Christine known as “The Book Cover Whisperer”  I knew I wanted a blue cover and I showed her a vintage journal cover together we discussed ideas, I wanted hidden meaning in the cover and Christine’s artistic genius came up with the final design. The dark blue is symbolic but that is for another conversation.      
 
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

That is difficult, I find that by the time book comes out I have read it a thousand times and I have moved on, but seeing it through the readers’ eyes helps so much, their excitement reinvigorates me. I love discussing it with them and seeing what they catch or little details, they come up with. It makes me want to give them a new experience and create a newer, bigger, better ride into the Veil.  I like to think Authors are tour guides for their Readers and I want to make the reader’s trip as exciting as possible.

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

I think the book holds many little breadcrumbs that lead to a bigger picture since it is a part of a series. Book one is just setting the stage, we are seeing these two Angels forced to take hold of a destiny they cannot yet comprehend of the gravity of it. The characters you met, even for just a split second are all purposeful. The events taking place in Locked Out of Heaven will seem trite compared to Book two and three but the Fae will evolve and the journey flows through time book four will end up in the 21st century. The writing in book one is simple because the Fae are in a simple state of their evolution and civilization, book two the writing and problems are more sophisticated and so.
Thank you so much for this opportunity, and as the Dark Fae say “Chaos be with you”. 

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Birth Of The Fae

Book: Don’t Give Up On Me

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

Thank you for having me, it’s a pleasure to be here! I write inspirational romantic suspense stories that are Gospel centered and intertwined with God’s love and plan of redemption. I have a passion for the word and love a good Bible study. I live in Colorado with my awesome husband and two growing-up-too-fast boys! We also have a couple rescue pups. In my spare time, you can find me playing with my latest kitchen gadget and exploring the beautiful state of Colorado.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Don’t Give Up On Me’ book?

Learning the publishing business! It’s so much more than just writing. I love the learning. I love the challenge. And there’s always something new to learn.

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

I would have to say more than books or authors hands on practical craft classes have done more for me than anything else.

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

Pennsylvania in the fall. My family is there and the state is gorgeous that time of year!

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

Always! But that’s part of the fun – the planning, the creating and then putting it all together. Some you love, some you don’t. Some you scrap, some you keep.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Don’t Give Up On Me’ book?

Writing time was about six months. Editing and everything else tacked on another three.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Don’t Give Up On Me’ book to buy?

The e-book is available on Amazon and it’s in Kindle Unlimited. The paperback is available at Amazon and through my website.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Don’t Give Up On Me’?

The book had many titles. Once the book was completed, “Don’t Give Up on Me” was clearly the best title for it!
As for the cover, I did it. I worked at it until I was happy and I do love that cover! I’m very proud of it.

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

The very first conference I ever went to had a wonderful speaker. The one thing she drilled into us was to keep things fresh. Basically, she scared the “fresh” into us – well, at least me! It’s a lot of work but so worth it!

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

Secrets? Not really. But I can tell you that Otter Bay, Maine is a made-up town. I have always wanted to visit the coast of Maine. I did as much research on the Maine coastline as I could. I was planning a trip there this past summer but had to cancel due to Covid. I was really looking forward to seeing the area of where I placed my book. And of course, take lots and lots of pictures. Maybe next year.
Thank you so much for having me. I have really enjoyed the interview!

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Don’t Give Up On Me

Website

Book: Golden Man

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

Hey everyone, my name is Scott and I’m an author! I work at a credit union for a day job and write in my free time. I love books and movies and anything with a good story. I long to share the crazy worlds I have in my head, and hope you can enjoy.

Q2: What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Golden Man’ book?

Golden Man being my first book, I had to learn a lot of technical writing that really can only be learned by practice. So, by the time I finished the first draft, I knew they’re was a lot I needed to change, but it became part of the fun.

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

The Hobbit is the greatest book of all time. It’s the greatest story ever written. I love C. S. Lewis and Ray Bradbury, but any author is an inspiration. Creating something from nothing is an amazing thing to be able to do.

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

Went to Alaska last year and the vast wilderness was inspiring, and its affect on the culture was very interesting.

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

There is NOTHING to do. Sit down and start and let the characters write your story. The hardest and easiest thing to do is to begin, and once you start, it falls into place.

Q6: How long did it take you to write ‘Golden Man’ book?

I began in 2017, but it only took a few months to get the first draft. After many rewrites and edits, a guess it took 2 years to have a final product.

Q7: On what all platforms readers can find ‘Golden Man’ book to buy?

You can find Golden Man on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart.Com, and a few other places digitally!

Q8: Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Golden Man’?

I had the title from the very beginning(based off the old diver’s suit), with intentions to change it, but after completing the book, it fit so well and really stood strong beside the narrative.

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

I have no idea what I am writing until I begin each morning. Sure, there is a big picture I’d like to see, but day to day, I’m in suspense just as much as the reader.

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

Oh, that’s tough! There’s more to the red light that James saw in the beginning… That’s all I’m saying!

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Golden Man

Book: Manifest Empire: The High Mage Of Hell

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

Hi. I’m an Australian, and have an interest in comics, books, science, and pop culture.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Manifest Empire: The High Mage Of Hell’ book?

The biggest challenge for me was collating around thirty years’ worth of characters, sketches, and story ideas into a cohesive narrative. Luckily, I’d created my own reference encyclopaedia over the years, and so I already had the story skeleton.
Another key challenge was finding the time to write a book as long as mine while working full time.

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

A read a lot, and like a variety of books, both fiction and non-fiction. I’d have to say some of the authors that influenced me the most would be: Matthew Reilly, Stephen King, JRR Tolkien, Harry Turtledove, Alan Grant, and John Ostrander.

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

Tasmania is a beautiful place to visit. I’d recommend to anyone to go there. It’s also special to me, as that’s where I had my honeymoon.

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

Haha, for me there is. I need to be in the right frame of mind to write, so I usually prep myself by listening to music and thinking about the story in general. Then I reread the last scene I wrote, to connect to the story. Finally, I check the ‘story skeleton’ reference document I create before beginning any story, in order to remind me what scene I’m up to. Then I get to it.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Manifest Empire: The High Mage Of Hell’ book?

It took about twenty years to start, two years to write, and eighteen months to edit.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Manifest Empire: The High Mage Of Hell’ book to buy?

There’s an Amazon eBook available, and a really nice paperback version can be ordered from most large retailers that sell books.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Manifest Empire: The High Mage Of Hell’?

It started with the ‘High Mage of Hell’ part of the title, as that was what I titled the story idea in my notes, and named after the main antagonist. Then I thought of the series name ‘Manifest Empire’, as I wanted something catchy that reflected the superhumans in the story, i.e. Manifests.
Finally, the symbol on the cover represents Dread Sedgewick, one of the characters in the book, and I asked the artist to make it look as if it had been scratched into a wall.

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

I’m a pretty odd guy, and I think my writing reflects that. Sometimes life is strange and a bit random, so I’ve tried to include that element in the story. It also highlights my quirky sense of humour, which I hope readers find as amusing as I do.
What kept it fresh for me was the fact that it’s got a lot of characters and a little bit of everything, and I enjoyed the variety of scenes I got to write.

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

Readers may notice I used the date format ‘BZ’ used to represent the year that the story takes place in. This is significant, but won’t really become apparent until the final book of the trilogy. That being said, the story does take place during a specific calendar year in the past, and there are historical references that make the time period apparent.
Also, there’s an appendix in the back of the book to help readers with all the characters.

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Manifest Empire: The High Mage Of Hell

Follow on IG: Strawberry Pencil Magic

Author’s Profile: Michael Girgenti

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

Hi, my name is Michael Girgenti, founder of Strawberry Pencil Magic, our mission is to keep dreams and dreamers alive. Originally from IL but currently residing in CA.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Woodrow And The Bees’ book?

The key challenge with #WATB and for all our books is to keep the reader interested in where the story is going. Within a lot of books you can tell from the beginning where it is going to end.

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

Most influenced, I would say Seuss in my childhood / early years for sure.

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

No favourite US spots, I find beauty everywhere, still a lot to see 😉

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

Not at all, once the idea comes, it flows out very quick.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Little Catty Poo’ book?

It took less than a week for the initial draft.

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

Primarily Amazon, Audible, and select Barnes & Noble (*Burbank CA Location)

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Woodrow And The Bees’ and for the book ‘Little Catty Poo’?

I give the illustrators a little direction and let them do whatever they feel is best, creative freedom is important especially if you really believe in your co-workers, most creatives do not like limits.

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

I try to approach things from a new angle, just about everything has been done so it’s all about your spin on it.

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

Yes… you’re going to want more!!!
Thank you for the interview, and remember… Look for the star!

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Strawberry Pencil Magic

Book: Stop

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

My name is Colleen R Williams ( Empress) Author of the book stop.  A motivational speaker and advocate for domestic violence and sexual abuse.

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

Dealing with everyday issues with my personal life as well as my professional life.

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

There are several that comes to mind because I do a lot of reading.., too many to list, and if I start to name a few I think others would be offended so to avoid that I just say a lot. Authors who wrote their own stories from their past.

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

My favorite spot is the beach, I love to watch the water splash it is my getaway to write and express my feelings.

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

I have to have my sweet tea and popcorn my blue pen and notebook and im ready to dive in..

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

It was a long two year process, the memories were so hurtful I had to do some serious healing and soul searching.

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

My books are available at  Barnes and nobles.com, Target.com, powells.com, books a million, amazon.com.

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

The book cover I asked my publishing company to come up with something she liked. The title stop is quite interesting there was a situation that occurred and the person put up their hands and I said “wow” I am going to use that and that was it STOP.

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

One of the things I do is too clear my mind through different processes that I have created for myself. Then I think about the Hills and Valleys to keep it interesting.

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

Yes there is: The secret is… It’s called a secret for a reason. I am a very private person…

Follow me on IG: @authorcolleenwilliams

Twitter: @authorcolleenwilliams

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Stop