Category: Author Interview

Book: Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle

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

S.L Jackson: Hello, I am S.L Jackson award winning urban fantasy author from Inkster, Michigan which is 20 mins outside of Detroit Michigan west. “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle” is my debut novella.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle’ book?

S.L Jackson: The key challenge was just to start writing the novella. Once I started it was fairly easy because “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle” is from the heart, even though it’s an urban fantasy novella it came from the heart it’s a lot of real life elements of this book.

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

S.L Jackson: I am a fan of so many I do not want to miss anyone; however, my favorite projects have come from Donald Goines and Iceberg Slim. I would not say any books have influenced my writing because I have never read anything like “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle”. It would truly in a class of its own for so many reasons, it is a short read, but it has a lot of plots and points that make you go back and re read it. It is value in my words, and sometimes all value is not realized at the time. “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle” makes you look at the world you have always seen, different. From another point of view.

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

S.L Jackson: My favorite spot in the world is my moms house in Inkster, Michigan. The reason why it is so special to me is because I remember when we got it, I remember my mother, my older sister Kijuanna, and my twin brother AJ turning it into a home. We all painted, laid carpet, and made it into our own. It is no other memories that can match those for me, real good times, lot of hard work.

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

S.L Jackson: For me, I just had to sit down and start. Once I started, the story just flowed out. It had been in my heart since I was a kid in some way. But I told the universe when it was time for it to be presented. I told myself I would win awards for this novella. I released “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle” on March 3, 2020. In May of 2020 “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle” won the gold medal at the 2020 eLit awards for BEST SHORT STORY FICTION.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle’ book?

S.L Jackson: It took me a lifetime, and only 3 weeks if that makes sense. I had to go through certain things in my life for better understanding on an emotional level. But when I finally decided to write, it only took 3 weeks.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle’ book to buy?

S.L Jackson: For anyone looking to order a copy of “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle” they can visit my website http://www.1sljackson.com all the links to order are there.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle’?

S.L Jackson: I came up with the title because “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle” is a fictional story based on a family of outlaw rabbits running the underworld in the jungle. The story is based in every jungle in the world from an “urban” standpoint. Even though it is based around a family of rabbits, it is all kinds of animals represented in the story. The cover art is what I see when I walk out my front door. I see the trees and rabbits, and deer, all types of animals right outside my front door. So, the cover was easy to come up with and I just shared that ideal with my graphic designer.

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

S.L Jackson: When I wrote this book, I told myself that it needs to be filled with a lot of “AH HA” moments. I wanted to give you a lot of things to think about, and a lot of emotions. So, I had to be able to get those moments across to the readers. I think I did it very well.

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

S.L Jackson: I would not say secrets, but I will tell your readers that “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle” will be the first ever debut award winning novella turned into an animated series. “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle ANIMATED” is here, this is the link to the official trailer https://vimeo.com/461451424 we will be debuting the first episode some time in December so you can follow @animalinstictsanimated for updates.

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Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle

Book: Blind Horizons

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

Hello, my name is Duane Windell Phillips.  When I was little, I didn’t like my middle name even though it is my father’s name.  As I grew older, I realized what a privilege it is to have that name.  There are few Windells in the world.  I proudly use my father’s name for my writings.  I am married and my wife and I have 4 kids.  All are grown and live on their own. My oldest daughter is pregnant with our first grandchild.

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

The biggest challenge in writing Blind Horizons was telling a story about things I knew little about.  While not specifically stated in the story, the setting is in Lebanon.  I’ve never been to Lebanon and there were cultural differences I had to learn.  I have posted most of my stories on my blog and this one is no different.  A blog follower who liked the first few chapters and gave me positive feedback offered to help with cultural issues.  I would like to give them praise for their kind assistance but they wish to remain nameless.  I wish them my heartfelt thanks.

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

I’ve never considered who has influenced my writing since I’ve never tried to emulate anyone.  After publishing Blind Horizons I read A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini and I was amazed at how it was told simply but with great emotional depth.  I discussed this with a friend and he commented that is how my stories are written.  If this is true, I consider it an honor to write like Mr. Hosseini.

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

I am blessed to have traveled to many places.  I have so many more places I hope to visit someday.  If you visit the US, and you like nature and being outdoors, you must visit Yellowstone National Park.  It is an amazing and diverse place on our beautiful planet.

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

I suppose I am not a typical author.  I like writing and I write what is in my heart.  In the case of Blind Horizons, I told the stories of Ali and Amal.  Actually, they told their stories through me.  I had no outline and, other than knowing they had to meet again after many years, didn’t exactly know how the story would be resolved.  I got to a point where I wanted to write the story in one direction but that way wasn’t true to who the characters are.  Therefore, the story went in the way that was true to Ali and Amal.

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

I wrote the first chapter in my mind as I drove home on Christmas Eve.  I actually started typing out the story and posted it to my blog on Christmas Day.  The final post was completed May 3rd the following year.  So that is about 5 months.

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

Blind Horizons is available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.  It is also available on most bookstore websites.

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

Since sunsets are prominent in the story I knew a sunset needed to be on the book cover.  I worked with Rick Holland at Vision Press to make the book cover.  He was gracious enough to consider a photo of my own for the cover but we ultimately went a different direction.  For the book title, I must again offer thanks to the online friend for helping me with a catchy title.

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

I feel it is important to write about things that interest you.  If it is something you love you will be excited about it.  Also, I find you can keep things fresh when you purposely write about things you don’t fully know.  This forces you to stretch yourself.  It may be awkward at first but keep at it.  Writing is a muscle that must be exercised or it will wither.

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

Secrets from the book?  All the names mean something. Also, while this is a romance novel, can you guess how many kisses are in the story. You might be surprised.

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Blind Horizons

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

I wanted to be a writer since I was seven years old, after first reading my first Nancy Drew book. Life got in the way and I didn’t have a chance to write my first book until I was 42 years old. I enjoy the art of creating characters and their stories.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, watching television (I’m a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed fan). I love hiking and traveling. I enjoy interior design and creating art.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Day Of First Sun’ book?

It was my first book. I had a rough idea of what the book was about but I didn’t understand how to put the idea on paper. I published the book long before it was ready and in the ten years since I originally published it, I took it down from Amazon, re-edited it and started over. In 2015, I rewrote the ending of the book to answer more questions and then ended up rewriting the entire beginning, so that it is now the edition it is. I ended up writing The Day of First Sun in at least fifty drafts.

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

The authors who wrote Nancy Drew. I fell in love with the detective genre and wanted to write my own stories. Judy Blume because I wanted to write a book that made the reader feel for the characters. Stephen King because he wrote outside the box and something unexpected.

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

I love Florida. I love being on the beach, near the water. Both my grandmother’s used to live in Florida. It’s just where we went.

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

I’m a pantser meaning I write by the seat of my pants. I don’t plan my books. I start with a character and a generally idea of what I want the story to be about. Usually by the third draft, the story is pretty much where I want it and all I have to do is minor changes.

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

Black Market took a year from the start of the first draft to the day it was ready to publish.

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

Apple  https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1536935254
Kobu https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-day-of-first-sun-an-urban-fantasy-murder-mystery
Kindle https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019SES79O?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_0&storeType=ebooks

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Wizard War’ & for the book ‘Prophecy’?

I have a really good team at Damonza.com. I give them themes of the books and some pieces that I’d like to highlight on the cover and they come up with the design for me. I give the design to several good friends who give me their opinions and suggestions and I take those to the book designer.

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

Each book’s mystery is concentrated in a different aspect of the wizard community. The Day of First Sun was a magical police procedural and stayed in Chicago.
Black Market took the reader to the black market, away from Chicago, and introduced a different aspect of magic in the form of a secret society.
In Wizard War, the reader’s journey was set in Europe and the reader met other Wizard Guard departments in the wizard world. It allowed a new view of magic and the reader could compare and contrast how it was different or the same.
In Prophecy, the reader was not in Chicago and learned more of Annie Pearce’s past. The magic was ancient and different in the book.
And in Rise of the Black Market, the reader was given the answers to questions they didn’t know they should ask. It was the culmination of the entire series and very personal to Annie Pearce.

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

All the books pulled the main character, Annie Pearce, into a journey in which she discovers truths about her past and each story sets up her future. I hadn’t intended on the books being joined by one plot point, but it ended up that way.

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Book: The Lighthouse Keeper

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

Sure, my name is David Richards.  I’ve had many titles in my life, from Marine to yoga instructor to author and dad.  Perhaps my two favorite titles are “friend” and “storyteller”.  I grew up moving every few years as my dad was in the Marines too, and spent three years in Japan before I was 14.  After seeing the world as a Marine myself for 15 years, I decided it was time for a change and ventured into the corporate world.

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

I think the biggest challenge was making the story interesting.  I had never tried to write an educational fiction story before, but it was important to me that I make the most of the analogy found within the book.  That, and making the characters relatable.

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

Stephen King has always been a favorite…I just love how he creates characters.  Growing up, I loved comic books, and those have certainly played a role in sparking my creativity.  Perhaps the book that has most significantly influenced my life has been Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill.  I’ve only read it once, but that book has led me to so many incredible discoveries about myself.

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

The ocean off the coast of North Carolina. There’s a small island called Emerald Isle that I’ve gone to since I was a teenager.  It always feels like a small town, and that makes me feel like it’s home.

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

It really depends on the book.  I’ve started writing some stories that took place thousands of years ago.  The trick is, you have to be careful.  I’ve never finished those stories because I got so caught up in researching the history of the culture and place I was writing about…that eventually became more interesting than the story.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Lighthouse Keeper’ book?

The idea was born out of my first book, Whiskey and Yoga, which came out in 2017. I didn’t do anything with it until December of 2018, when I listened to Dandapani talk about a very similar idea as it relates to the mind and our awareness.  That sparked the idea.  I started writing in January, had one major adjustment to make after meeting with my editor in July, then finished the book in September of 2019.  It released this summer.

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

It’s on my website and available on Amazon.

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

Someone recommend a good cover designer. They sent me four ideas based on our conversations, but this one immediately became my favorite.  It’s simple but elegant.  The title just seemed a natural extension of the idea that our mind is an ocean and our awareness is a lighthouse.  Someone has to be the lighthouse keeper that maintains the light.

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

That’s the beauty of writing.  The first person the story has to excite is the author.  Going back to Stephen King, after he wrote Pet Sematary (my favorite from him) he refused to publish it because it frightened him.  THAT is the experience every author wants from their writing.  Not necessarily of fear, but certainly to feel something.  Whiskey and Yoga excited me because I finished it, and up until that point, I really didn’t know if I could write a book.  The Lighthouse Keeper excited me because I really think it’s a good story, and there’s a big part of me in the book.  That said, it’s exciting when you create characters that feel real.  In that sense, you kind of have to let the characters write themselves.  That’s what makes writing fun; getting to the point where your characters write themselves.

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

In some ways, it’s a story about our creation.  It’s not immediately evident, but it’s in there.  You just have to ask yourself…if the characters in the story represent something more than just people, how does that evolve the story?

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The Lighthouse Keeper

Book: The Spell

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

Hello, I’m C.V. Shaw, author of The Spell…my debut fiction fantasy novel. I LOVE to make up stories. I’m always making a story in my head. I also write poetry and short stories.  I love the world of magic and still get excited to watch Mary Poppins. I was born and reside in the United States. I have two grown children, and by daytime I am a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and a Quantum Energy Medicine practitioner. I also teach Mindscape.  A course that teaches you how to use the full potential of your mind. Like I said, I love magic!

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

One of the bigger challenges was writing the one scene at the beginning that would make it all come together at the end without giving too much away. 
Also I believe all writing comes from a subconscious aspect of ourselves that needs healing and we symbolize it creatively through our imagination, so naturally, some unhealed parts of me were triggered at a few different points throughout the story. 
And lastly, finishing the story, gave me a sense of grief because it was over.

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

Edgar Allen Poe, Guy de Maupassant and Alison Weir.  As per books, too many books to mention, but Snow White and the Huntsman,  Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman all books by Alison Weir.

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

As childish as this may sound, it’s the truth…Disney World.  I’m very lucky because it is only 4 hours by car from where I live.  It truly is a magical place.  My inner-child is unleashed.  The park never ceases to amaze me and the energy of fairy tales is so alive. I love it there!

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

I’m sure there is…but I just dove in head first and the timeline and organization aspect figured itself out as I went along.  I always say I feel it wrote itself and I was just a channel.

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

Exactly 7 months.  (Now, the editing…well that’s a whole other animal).

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

Barnes & Noble, Target.com, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop, Walmart, Google Books

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

The cover took a few tries.  My designs were too one-dimensional.  I wanted to combine the elements of the story and also elicit the mood.I wanted the person to feel as if they time- traveled there by  just looking at the cover of the book.  Thank God my cover designer and illustrator (there’s a map) Karen Taylor @artbykarentaylor took over and it was like she waved a wand and poof there it was.  She’s beyond amazing.
As per the title, well I felt like  the actual “spell” held such a presence in the book, that  it demanded to be the title.

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

If I feel it starts to get boring for me, then I know it will be boring for the reader too.  When you get around the middle, it is common the story can take a dip…so I inserted a back story that had excitement in it.

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

There are secrets, but I would be giving away too much away if I gave them up…just gonna have to read to find out.

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The Spell

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

I was a working journalist for 35 years, three newspapers, an investigative reporter for the Associated Press, and a Producer and Executive Producer for CBS News. Along the way there were three Emmys among the awards for investigative documentaries that I wrote, produced and directed. So it was time to move on, tackling serious writing as an author, only to be struck with macular degeneration which has left me legally blind for more than a decade. Yeah, you could say this would be an enormous handicap for an author wanna-be, and initially it was. Then I decided what the hell, let’s turn it into a strength. So with the help of state-of-the art computer, audio-visual devices and an assistant who has been with me for more than a decade. I have completed one non-fiction book and the first two books of my Passaic River Trilogy, “Father Divine’s Bikes” and ”Payback-Tales of Love and Revenge.”

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Father Divine’s Bikes’ book?

We’ve already discussed the blindness issue. The main problem to be overcome was the slow rate of progress. As a former journalist, I quite often had to meet demanding deadlines, and if I didn’t, it would be “move on, buddy, this isn’t the job for you.” Now, I had to rely on technology and assistance to get my work done. It was not an easy transition.

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

Noir crime fiction has always been a magnet for me. Two authors with too many titles under their belt for me to list are James Ellroy and John MacDonald. Like me, both are minimalists who do very little moralizing and view adverbs and adjectives as necessary evils to be used sparingly.

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

It’s a toss-up. The mind boggling natural artistry that created the magnificent red rock mesas, cliffs and valleys in and around Sedona, Arizona have always captivated me. San Francisco, where for several years I was an Urban Affairs investigative reporter, is another magnet that draws me back every year.

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

Research, research, research. My Passaic River Trilogy rests squarely on the shoulders of characters entwined together more than 70 years ago. So you can imagine the work needed to authenticate dates, dialogue (especially urban slang), and the prevailing social-economic trends, good and bad, at that time.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Payback-Tales Of Love,Hate and Revenge’ book?

From concept to final edited draft, it took about two and a half years.

Q7. As an author, what does success means to you?

I know this may sound strange, but wide notoriety as an author was never a prime consideration when I made the switch from journalism to literary writing. I never had an overwhelming drive to make big bucks on my books. Sure, it would be great but being realistic, as a first-time independent author-publisher, I never visualized snapping rubber bands around fat bankrolls. What has been rewarding is the large number of reviews, especially those from hard-nosed professional critics that convinced me that the message of the Passaic River Trilogy was clearly getting across.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Payback-Tales Of Love, Hate and Revenge’?

The book is set in 1946, more than a year after the end of WWII. The euphoria of victory was gone and people from every social-economic class were beginning to question what had really been won. How could it be possible that the global carnage and human devastation originated in two of the most advanced countries in their regions, Germany in western Europe, and Japan in Asia. When Nazi and Neo-Nazi scientists, who had used slave labor drawn from nearby death camps for their research and development, were given Hollywood red-carpet treatment when they migrated to the United States, coast-to-coast anger erupted. I wanted the cover to be as graphic and yes, even gruesome enough, to depict the barbed-wire hell that was Germany for twelve years. Payback was necessary, along with all the ingredients that made it possible – love, hate and finally revenge.

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

An easy answer would be to identify the reader not only with my characters, but with the settings as well. Except for a few obvious exceptions, there are no totally good or bad characters. We are all flawed. We rationalize our shortcomings, and in noir crime fiction, everyone has them. I try to push the reality envelope to the extreme while still making the characters’ actions plausible and believable. The setting for a character’s action must be believable while at the same time extraordinary enough to hold a reader’s interest.

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

One character, who in fact has been called an unexpected plot presence, should be followed closely by the reader. Only six-years-old, Muriel has packed a lifetime into her childhood. The passages devoted to Muriel are highly autobiographical. I don’t know if it would be called revealing a “secret” or not, but as a kid I spent five years in two Catholic orphanages, and like Muriel, these years changed my life for the better.

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Father Divine’s Bikes

Payback-Tales of Love and Revenge

Book: Notes Left In Time

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

A1. Yes! My name is Jaclyn, you’ll sometimes see me go by Jaclina (a family nickname) or Jaclyn Aisling, Aisling is my middle name.

Q2. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Notes Left In Time’?

A2. The cover was intuitively designed by a contracted artist, while the title was original to my theme of using the “notes” in my iPhone.

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

A3. I write what only comes to me, when I feel moved to write it.  Everything you read is authentic in that I hear the poem of sorts play out in my head prior to typing it in my phone.  It’s almost spiritual or cathartic.

Q4. What does success means to you?

A4. Success?  That’s tough, I’ve often bounced between near last place and first.  It’s a balance.  There’s a lesson either way. You win some or lose some.  You won’t win all, but there something to gain regardless.

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

A5. With my poetry book(s),no, my second and upcoming project, Lessons Learned in Time, is more writing and less poetry.  There’s more that goes into this for me.  Only speaking for myself, it’s an exciting, emotional process, but the finished product, much like each poem I write, is well worth it.

Q6. How long did it take you to write this book?

A6. Honestly? Off and on about 6 years or so.  Crazy, I know!

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

A7. Newport, RI My birthplace.  Growing up,I’d spend my summers in Rhode Island.  I have so many fond memories of Newport.  The beaches, boat races, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, downtown Newport, kite festival, the list goes on.  Not to mention the history, which I’m still learning.

Q8. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Notes Left In Time’ book?

A8. The biggest challenge was me facing my own insecurities and accepting opinions on my work.

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

A9. The first full poetry book I read was Tupac Shakur.  I had recently started writing and was given his book to read.  Currently, I go on and off listening to Edgar Allan Poe on Audible.

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

A10. Everything is a matter of perception, these poems, take them how you will.  I wrote them, some of them, quite literally. It’s up to you to figure out which one are which.  There are hidden messages in most of my poems, especially the ones pertaining to me. 

Stay tuned for Lessons Learned in Time! 2022.

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Notes Left In Time

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.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares