Category: Author Interview

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Interview with author David Loux

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Interview with author Sheveland L. Jones

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  1. What is your favorite Quote?

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

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

A7. Freedom to express yourself

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

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

  1. What does literary success look like to you?

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

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

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

Buy Lilly’s Potty Dance on Amazon

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Interview with author Charlie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Interview with author Nimia Hossain

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

My name is Nimia Hossain, and I’m a finance professional, a mentor, and now—an author. I’ve spent over seven years in the financial industry, currently serving as a seasoned professional at one of America’s top financial institutions. Beyond numbers and spreadsheets, I’ve always been curious about what drives us, what keeps us centered, and how we balance ambition with well-being. That curiosity inspired me to write The Power of Balance.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book The Power of Balance?

One of the biggest challenges was weaving together the many pieces of polarity I explore—like introversion vs. extroversion, confidence vs. humility. Life is full of contradictions: we’re told to be confident but not arrogant, strong yet vulnerable. How do we find balance in a world of opposites? That question drove me to create a guide filled with reflection and action-based exercises at the end of each chapter.

The book is divided into four parts:

  • Part 1: Personality dynamics (e.g., introversion vs. extroversion)
  • Part 2: Mental and emotional balance (e.g., logic vs. creativity)
  • Part 3: Personal growth (e.g., structure vs. flexibility)
  • Part 4: Practical harmony (e.g., control vs. letting go, discipline vs. play)

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

I deeply admire Brené Brown for blending research with authenticity, and Susan Cain, Jay Shetty, and Vex King for their relatable, heartfelt insights. They taught me that writing doesn’t have to be complicated to be powerful—it just needs to be true. Lately, How to Be Yourself by Ellen Hendriksen has also touched me in unexpected ways.

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

My favorite place is my childhood neighborhood—Sunnyside, Queens in New York. I still remember when the Spider-Man movie was filmed right in front of my building. It made my little world feel magical and connected to something bigger. Today, it reminds me that while we may not have superheroes swinging through the skies, we do have everyday heroes—people who uplift others with kindness and compassion.

Q5. What inspired you to write The Power of Balance?

I realized that many people chase perfection when what we really need is balance. Balance isn’t about getting everything right—it’s about finding harmony in life’s unpredictability. In a fast-paced world, this skill is more important than ever. We juggle careers, relationships, personal growth, and societal expectations. Without balance, we risk burnout and losing sight of who we are. This book helps readers identify the extremes they face and learn how to harmonize them.

Also, I noticed that not many books are mission-driven. One of my biggest goals—beyond education—is to donate all proceeds to fighting hunger, a cause I care deeply about.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book The Power of Balance?

About three months from the first outline to the final edit. But in many ways, I’ve been writing it my whole life—through every experience, struggle, and breakthrough.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

The Power of Balance is available worldwide on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYZ5ZMZD

You can also join the growing community on Instagram:
📸 https://www.instagram.com/thepowerofbalanceofficial/

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title The Power of Balance.

I wanted the cover to reflect calm, clarity, and quiet strength—values that run through the book. The chessboard symbolizes polarity, strategy, and emotional intelligence. The title came naturally. Balance isn’t just a concept—it’s a hidden power we all carry, and it’s time we start using it.

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

I kept reminding myself of why I was writing. That sense of purpose kept things from feeling routine. I also varied the structure—some chapters are introspective, others more practical—with exercises to help readers apply what they’ve learned.

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

“Don’t wait to be perfect. Just be honest.” That gave me the courage to write with vulnerability. Readers don’t connect with perfection—they connect with truth.

Buy book on Amazon

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Interview with author Harry Binnendyk

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

A1. My name is Harry Binnendyk and I’ve been a computer programmer since 1985. I’m the second youngest of six children. I’ve been a book lover since I was two years old apparently – tracing words under the illustrations with my finger. I became an avid reader in grade school however, devouring comic books, children’s stories and then moving into young adult books of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew. From there, I explored science fiction works with Heinlein, Asimov, and Clarke, then ventured into fantasy with authors like Piers Anthony, Terry Brooks, Stephen R. Donaldson, Anne McCaffrey, and Robert Asprin. I also enjoyed war stories by Leon Uris. Of the six kids, three of us had an enormous appetite for reading—and three didn’t.

Growing up on a farm in southern Ontario during the 60’s, the highlight of my week was heading into town to the library or local large general stores like Woolworth and Zellers. I’d dash for the book shelves and delve into the latest comics or cartoon books. My mother never worried about me because she knew exactly where to find me and would just scoop me up on the way out the door heading home.

  1. What is the inspiration behind your book “Bob’s Best Bodyguard?”

A2. After my second book, Frank’s Frantic Festival, my sister told me that she had a number of teacher friends who had enjoyed the earlier books. They wondered if I could write something that addressed bullying, as it’s still a significant issue in schools. The idea stayed with me for about a year, and eventually, the concept of a boy who loved learning but hated school began to take shape. The challenge was that I didn’t like the original ending—it didn’t feel quite right. It took a few years before I came up with one that felt much better and more satisfying.

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

A3. I sort of fell into the authorship field by accident. I had planned a Christmas trip to Alberta, where I’d be spending my first Christmas with family out there, and I wanted to bring something special for my great-nieces and nephews—something they wouldn’t already have.

About 25 years earlier, I had come up with a story during a little contest I created to keep my three stepsons entertained on a two-hour drive home from Hamilton. That story had stuck in my head ever since. On December 1st, I finally wrote it down—which took about twenty minutes. Then I spent the next week finding an illustrator through a mutual contact – a professor in Mexico. The illustrator only spoke Spanish (which I didn’t), but we managed to produce the artwork and pull the book together by December 23rd. During the process a number of coworkers had read the story and helped with the editing.

When I returned after the holiday, everyone at the office asked, “What’s the next one about?” And that’s how it began. I wrote a second story, then a third—and now I’m on my eighth: Maiya’s Mad Monkeys.

  1. Please tell us something about your book “Bob’s Best Bodyguard?”

A4. Bob’s Best Bodyguard is about a young boy who loves to learn but hates school. His parents are scientists who encourage his passion for learning. However, school presents its own problems in the form of a big bully. Bob tries many tricks to avoid the bully, but to no avail. One day, a frustrated Bob comes home to complain to his mom about how he needs a bodyguard. They talk about several ideas before his father pipes up to announce that he “has just the answer” to Bob’s problem. A small dunk called Sam. Sam loves everyone but hates bullies and has a unique way of dealing with them.

  1. For which age group is your book “Bob’s Best Bodyguard?” suitable for?

A5. 4 to 10 year olds.

  1. What is your favorite Quote?

A6. “Don’t expect what you don’t inspect!” and “Expect nothing but be grateful for everything!”

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

A7 Canada is a truly unique country. From the vast Great Lakes to the thousands of lakes scattered across Ontario, from the flat lands of the prairies to the towering Rocky Mountains in the West and the Appalachian range in Quebec, and on to the quaint Eastern Atlantic provinces, the country stretches all the way up into the Arctic. It’s an incredible collection of diverse landscapes.

The four seasons bring ever-changing scenery, each ushering in a new set of sports and outerwear. Traveling from the Atlantic to the Pacific can take seven to ten days by road, and along the way, you’ll encounter some of the most breathtaking shorelines and mountain vistas in the world. What makes it even more enjoyable is the friendly and helpful nature of the people you meet along the way.

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

A8. Don’t miss the opportunity to bond with your child through reading. Sharing stories together sparks creativity, invites laughter, and builds moments of shared suspense—memories that both of you will treasure for years to come.

  1. What does literary success look like to you?

A9. In some ways, I feel like I’ve already achieved literary success. While I’m not a big name in the children’s book industry, the readers who have purchased my books have told me they’ve enjoyed them immensely—well, at least until their child asks to read it for the 30th time in a row! Knowing that parents and children are enjoying the stories together—or that kids are happily reading them on their own—brings me a real sense of fulfillment. That said, I certainly wouldn’t mind if even more people discovered and enjoyed my books.

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

A10. It’s difficult to name just one person. My dad taught me to use creativity to solve problems, while both my mom and dad instilled in me the importance of charity. One of my brothers taught me how to drive, while the other two passed along practical skills in electrical and mechanical work. My sisters helped sharpen my cooking abilities, and I’ve had close friends, cousins, aunts, and uncles who’ve stood by me and supported me through tough times. My life truly feels like a cornucopia of blessings, and with so many people having shaped who I am, choosing just one source of inspiration would be impossible.

Buy Harry’s books

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Interview with author Henry Van Zanden

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

A1. I am the son of Dutch migrants who arrived in Australia in 1952. I grew up in a small country town called Nimmitabel in 1956. History has always been my passion even in primary school. When I was ten, I corrected my headmaster after the class that Dirk Hartog discovered in Australia in 1616. “Excuse me sir. It was Willem Jansz in 1606,” I stammered. I was rewarded with the cane for daring to question his knowledge. From that day I searched every library, including university libraries as I grew older, for any scrap of information on the man who discovered Australia, Captain Willem Janszoon.

After becoming a history teacher, my interest did not wane. During my spare time, I had written over a thousand pages on the maritime discoveries and shipwrecks of Australia. Three shipwrecks stood out: Batavia (1629,) Vergulde Draeck (1656), and the Zuytdorp (1712).

I was driven to solve the mystery of a lost white tribe originating from a Dutch 17th century shipwreck. It resulted in ‘The Lost White Tribes of Australia Part One: 1656 The First Settlement of Australia.’ (2012) Although I was happy with the book, publishing a further five books to complete the series, Australia Discovered, seemed out of the question with the estimated publishing around $180,000.

I resigned myself to releasing the rest of the series as E books. My father constantly badgered me to write the story of the Batavia shipwreck. I hastily wrote a draft copy for him as I knew he did not have long to live. I didn’t publish the book because I wasn’t satisfied that I had sufficiently conveyed to the reader the psychological drama that I felt was so important to the story. I realised that the only way I could do that was to write the book as a historical fiction. However, most of the book is real. Anything that was speculated or filled in due to the absence of historical records, I have recorded in the footnotes. After receiving too many letters and emails from disgruntled customers demanding a hard cover book, I had to find a way to fund a hard book version. I did this by printing the book myself.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “1629 Mutiny on the Batavia?”

A2. Creating a hard book was the greatest challenge. Deciding the genre was another. (Historical or historical fiction). No one has ever been able to work out the exact timeline of events after the shipwreck. That was difficult but not impossible. While writing the book, I was forced to imagine myself as a murderer and the person being murdered. Almost as bad was putting myself into the minds of those who were forced to become murderers. They had a choice: murder or be murdered.

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

A3. Only one book influenced my writing: Batavia’s Graveyard by Mike Dash.

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

A4. That’s a difficult question. There is no one favourite spot. I love living on the south coast of NSW but I do have a sentimental feeling towards my hometown, Nimmitabel. My favourite city to visit is Sydney. I never get tired of the harbour. Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, was a memorable walk. You do need to be fit and be comfortable in the heat.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘1629 Mutiny on the Batavia’?

A5. Firstly, it was my father, George Van Zanden. However, what set things into motion was reading another author’s attempt where he claimed assumptions as truth and possibilities as fact. That was the moment I decided I should write the book as a historical fiction because we don’t know all the facts.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘1629 Mutiny on the Batavia’?

A6. It took about four years, but I was not constantly writing the book. Once I decided on the format, it developed very quickly. I worked day and night and sometimes jumped out of bed at 3 am to write a few paragraphs in case I might forget in the morning. I can’t remember exactly how long it took, but it was months rather than years once I started to write in my chosen format.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Kindle and Amazon. I will include all the epub platforms as soon as I am able. Or visit australiadiscovered.com.au

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘1629 Mutiny on the Batavia’?

A8. The title wasn’t difficult. All my books in the series Australia discovered, either begin with a date or the date is in the sub-heading. The book is about the mutiny of Batavia. I simply added ‘1629.’

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

A9. The most difficult part were the introductory chapters. To understand the characters and responses to their actions, the reader had to understand each character’s background combined with the context of the times. That meant I was unable to get into the story immediately. By writing in first person, I was able to bring the characters and events to life. It also allows the reader to identify with the characters and feel the inner conflict or evil depending on the character. I carefully selected the images to assist the reader in recreating the events in their minds. Where there was no evidence available, I used real events when filling in the gaps to the story.

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

A10. Start writing. It is as simple as that. If you procrastinate, you will never write anything. It’s important to do your research, check and recheck everything you write. Look for an unbiased friend who is willing to read your work and accept what they say in good grace.

Buy Henry’s books from Amazon

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Interview with author Shreyan Laha

Q1. What part of The Scent of Redemption was the most personal or meaningful to you, and why?

A1. All the times Ashani answered Ronit’s philosophical queries and even guided him in this direction. Ashani belongs to a group of creatures who are significantly advanced – as advanced as humans are when compared to ants! You have to know, Ronit as a character, has a very warped ideology.

Q2. Did the story or structure of the book change significantly from your original plan?

A2. Many times. On the positive side, it’s more interesting when ideas are pouring in abundance and you can’t help but to write. Always better than a writer’s block!

Q3. Can you walk us through your writing journey — from the initial idea to the final draft?

A3. It’s a boring process involving tonnes of research. The novel has extraterrestrial plant creatures, who have the capability to contact with humans. Now, this trope is rare in science fiction. Imagine you’ve to build a planet which rotates around two suns. How would their skies look like? Also, the planet has an axial tilt of 89 degrees as opposed to 23 and a half. You have to look at everything from YouTube videos to scientific journals to come to a conclusion and then describe the world. Now, the lifestyle and day and night cycle would have impacts on the creatures of Flarelix. What would they be? They receive more sunlight, so plant-life would be abundant. That draws back to the very reason why the life-forms on this planet are plants. With so much energy to spend, plants would be aided in their evolutionary process. Maybe they end up as intellectuals and philosophers… and so on. And then comes the MS Excel where I keep a tab on the dates and character progression. Then, there are chapter outlines, synopsis and finally submission!

Q4. Were there any major challenges or obstacles you faced while writing this book? How did you overcome them?

A4. Yes, indeed. I lost my father and my mother got hospitalised repeatedly. Publishing The Scent of Redemption while taking care of my mother feels like a personal badge of honour.

Q5. How involved were you in the design of the book cover, and what was the vision behind it?

A5. I was searching for cover designers across Instagram and that’s when few books caught my attention. They were designed by Tanisha Singh and while I considered it an option amongst all, the first outcome was so good that I only had to add one minor change and that was it. The vision behind it was a monk in a new land with yellow grasslands and two suns. The monk signifies Ronit’s journey of renunciation and a new beginning, the yellow grasslands and the two suns gives you an insight into the world of Flarelix that I tried to build.

Q6. What inspired the title The Scent of Redemption? Did it come to you early or evolve during the writing process?

A6. Sure. I love collecting perfumes and perfumes have this wonderful way of making us remember about the faint memories associated with the time when we last smelled that particular scent. Also, it’s not just perfumes but any scent – but here’s the thing. There’s no concrete philosophy around the sensation of smell. There are philosophies on what we see, what we think, what we feel but not on what we smell. That was the building block for my book. Added a bit of worldbuilding and tried to add a nativist appeal. This is something which I will continue to work on, in books to come.

Q7. How do you hope readers will feel after finishing your book?

A7. I hope people are filled with a sense of tranquillity, spirituality and knowledge.

Q8. Was there a specific moment when you knew the book was “done”?

A8. No, actually. I have written novels but I did not have an idea of how to make sure the readers have a reasonable ending when my novel happens to be a part of a trilogy! Should I do a cliffhanger? Should I end it like normal novels? I did read other book series but they were authored by big shots. They have dedicated readers in thousands while mine is a dozen! I had to get the formula right.

Q9. What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their own journey?

A9. Read, read and read. That’s the These days, there are even courses for fictional writing. Take up a course and it will surely give you insights which other people are missing out on! Back in my day, I learnt writing science-fiction through trial and errors but reading helped me a lot: especially the different writing styles of various authors.

Q10. What’s next for you — any upcoming projects or ideas already in the works?

A10. The sequel for ‘The Scent of Redemption’

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Interview with author Louise Hurd

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

A1. Hi, I am Louise and I am a very happy writer of literary fiction. I have 5 adult children and 5 adult granddaughters and 5 adorable great grandchildren. I have been a fiction lover all my life and it seemed natural to just pick up a pencil and start writing fiction of my own. There was no such thing as personal computers at that time. I did write with a pencil, then typed my manuscripts on a typewriter and sent them through the mail with a self addressed stamped envelope. I was selling short stories and poems while raising 3, then 4, then 5 babies, in my twenties and thirties. I quit writing for a few years when life got in the way and I got overwhelmed. My husband died about 5 1/2 years ago. About 3 years ago I started writing again. I think this is the perfect way to spend this last part of my life. I love writing and it makes me happy.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Secret of Surviving In The Sea”?

A2. I really didn’t face any challenges. The story practically wrote itself. It was in my head every day and night. I finally sat down and started writing it on my iPad.

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

A3. That’s hard to say. I’ve been a big reader but I can’t remember many of the books I read. I did read a lot of Kristin Hannah and I see my book as somewhat like hers, in its saga-like plot. I read The Book Thief and many others of that quality. Also Stephen King and Dean Koontz though I never tried to follow in their footsteps.

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

A4. In 2023 I went on a 30 day road trip from the beginning of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca all the way to the Gulf of Mexico north of New Orleans. I loved everything about that trip and would love to go back to New Orleans. It was more exciting and fascinating with entirely different looks, sounds and vibe than I had ever experienced in the USA. ,

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Secret of Surviving In The Sea’?

A5. I can’t say what actually inspired me. It just started, then grew in my mind like a persistent kudzu plant that wouldn’t quit till I got it down.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Secret of Surviving In The Sea’?

A6. Surprisingly, only about 3 months. But then it took about 2 years to go back and forth between my editor and myself rewrites and polishing.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Right now it is available online in paperback and e-book through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. But it will be available soon in all major bookstores and hopefully some not so major ones as well.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Secret of Surviving In The Sea’?

A8. The book cover was easy because the sea in all of its amazing colors is mentioned so much in the book, then along with the title it was natural. The title is the last line of the character Tracy’s poem in the book. And throughout the book the theme of surviving through pain, loss and grief is brought about often, though subtly.

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

A9. I love the characters and their story as if they were dear friends of mine, though they bear no resemblance to anyone I know. My writing stayed fresh because I was so invested in what happened to my characters.

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

A10. I think the most valuable lesson learned way back in high school creative writing class and still the most important today is show, don’t tell.

Buy The Secret of Surviving In The Sea on Amazon

Author’s website

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Interview with author Jeffrey A. Denman

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

A1. I am a retired American History and World Geography teacher from the Brookline Public Schools, Brookline, MA. I have written seven magazines/journal articles on subjects ranging from the American Revolution to World War II. My latest book was John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist and my third book, The Philadelphia Quakers and the American Revolution will be published next March to coincide with the birth of the country. I’m currently writing my fourth book, Closing the Ring: George Washington’s War in the North, 1778-1781. I am an outdoor person who enjoys mountain biking, fishing, and hiking from spring to fall and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. I am married with nine children (all grown) and our 22nd grandchild is due on April 22 of this year.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist”?

A2. John Quincy Adams left behind a diary that consisted of 51 volumes and 14,000 pages. Combing through that diary, looking for his references to slavery was a tall task. There were also numerous letters and speeches he made, especially during his congressional career that needed to be sifted through as well.

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

A3. David McCullough, Ron Chernow and Nathaniel Philbrick have been some of my favorites. I love the way they tell a story and weave primary source documents into the story so you really get the feeling you are there while events are unfolding. It’s not dry, it’s alive, and action abounds.

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

A4. I have two favorite spots. Concord is my favorite. From the American Revolution to the literary center of the country, it holds the most for me. The literary giants like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Hawthorne, always fascinate me, particularly the Transcendentalist movement. My second favorite is Gettysburg. Walking those fields, you get a sense of the enormity of what happened there. Walking the area of ground that was Pickett’s Charge is amazing, as well as standing at Little Round Top imagining the intensity of that battle is an awesome experience.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist’?

A5. After reading several biographies of John Quincy Adams, I never got a sense of what his relationship to slavery was earlier on in his life. I wanted to know more about that, and I wanted to expand on his experiences in the 1830s and 1840s while he was a congressman. It was all worthwhile to me to write this book as you begin to see the influences on his life begin to shape him, and his own evolution on the subject.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist’?

A6. It took me a little over three years to write that. The research part was intense. Before I started writing, I had 250,000 words of notes that I had to whittle down to 105,000 words.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Amazon and Barnes and Noble, as well as the publisher McFarland & Company, Inc.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist’?

A8. I knew what I wanted for the book cover early on. The 1843 photograph captures the essence of JQA’s personality. He was distant, and some thought cold, and his personality was offset by that of his wife, Louisa Catherine Adams, who was the opposite of him in the public sphere. The title reflects his feelings about abolitionists, and the fact that he was evolving and moving in that direction toward the end of his life. He never joined the abolitionists, but he revealed in his private papers about the annexation of Texas that he was one.

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

A9. Keep the narrative moving. Don’t get bogged down in excessive and unnecessary detail. I also use the words of my subject extensively wherever possible. It keeps people engaged in the subject. I prefer paraphrasing their words. I also don’t sugarcoat my subject. Every  public figure’s life has the good, the bad, and the ugly, and I think it is important to provide a complete picture, not just their heroic exploits.

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

A10. The best advice I’ve received yet is to avoid writing long books. Most of the general history reading public is interested in getting to the point so I’ve been told to keep my books between 95,000 and 105,000 words. Secondly, finding stories that are not generally told, are good ways to fill a niche. My first book (co-authored) about Nathanael Greene and Charles Cornwallis was a good example. Many northerners are not familiar with the southern campaign, and few know that at the end of his life, Greene, a Rhode Islander and a former Quaker, had a plantation and held slaves!

Author’s Amazon page

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Interview with author Karah Khalia

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

A1. I am Karah Khalia, a native of Los Angeles, California. Splendidly single!!! As of April 2025, I continue to live in southern California. Before the pandemic, I would get plagued with the thought, ‘my life is boring!!!’ Reading articles and watching documentaries about the sudden onset of poverty since COVID-19 has awakened me to my blessings. I have love, joy, and peace. Billions of people don’t have those assets.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Canary Journal: a novel”?

A2. Time management and consistency challenged me daily.

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

A3. I am influenced by women writers who present the truth with verve. Carolina Maria de Jesus (Child of the Dark), Aline Kominsky-Crumb (Need More Love), Isabel Allende (Paula), and Bebe Moore-Campbell (Sweet Summer) have kept me enthralled for several hours.

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

A4. Los Angeles: I am a faithful visitor of public libraries. The Central Library in downtown Los Angeles has exquisite architecture. I encourage any bibliophage to visit the Central Library. Make sure you can distinguish between the Los Angeles Public Library and Los Angeles County Library. Please know the library branches often have ongoing book sales.

The Last Bookstore is east of the Central Library on Spring Street. It’s within walking distance!!! If you abhor downtown, visit the Studio City location.

We have orchards of new and used bookshops. No need for literary deprivation. Book Soup, Hennessey + Ingalls, Vroman’s, Dave’s Olde Book Shop, Sandpiper, Chevalier, Alias….

I refuse not to include food in this answer. Fill me up with a juicy burger and hot, fresh fries—-> happy camper!!! I have a theory that cash-only restaurants serve tastier burgers and fries than those that accept credit cards: A-1 Burgers, Tommy’s, Steven’s Burgers, Y-Not Burger, Wilson Burgers, and Fatburger.

Santa Barbara makes for an incredible getaway. Once the fire debris gets cleared, everyone will be able to revel in driving the Pacific Coast Highway. Wondrous sights and azure skies!!! I encourage people to visit the Andersen Bakery on State Street to pick up a butter roll. Soft sweetness envelops your senses!!! Also, trek over to East Beach Tacos in Milpas. The faithful devour the tacos. They serve a delectable cheeseburger and fries combo. Yep, there’s those burgers!!!

New York, New York: a true alpha city. I would immerse myself with the arts scene. Concerts in the park, arthouse cinema, Off-Broadway plays, long walks, jazz lounges, et cetera. I am not ashamed to admit it: reading qualifies under art and I yearn to visit the public libraries and bookshops.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Canary Journal: a novel’?

A5. I figured that since I had read hundreds of books equated that I had the skill to write a book. I felt that the meticulousness needed for a book would strengthen my clarity. What if it succeeds? It could provide the financial independence I crave.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Canary Journal: a novel’?

A6. I spent 5 years writing The Canary Journal: a novel.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Readers can purchase my literary debut, The Canary Journal: a novel, on Amazon in hardcover, softcover, and Kindle formats.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Canary Journal: a novel’?

A8. Selecting the cover photo and book title were no trouble!!! I had snapped the photo in our garden long before the pandemic. Therefore, no legal trouble. As for the title, I have heard the phrase “singing like a canary” when people made confessions under duress. The protagonist, Jolie Tanique Cade, needs her journal because she can confess without fear of retribution. Canaries are songbirds who have led people from bondage to a liberated life. I wanted that for Jolie.

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

A9. I feel the inclusion of brilliant musicians keeps this novel fresh. I figured readers would explore the oeuvres of these great artists. It brings me delight to write about these gifted ones. The more delight in a task, the deeper the willingness to execute the task.

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

A10. I haven’t received any writing advice thus far. Yet, I appreciate Mark Twain’s quote: write what you know. Writing about what I don’t know requires guessing and generalized statements. Writing about what I know enables insights to gleam because of my intimacy with the topic.

Buy The Canary Journal on Amazon

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