Category: Author Interview

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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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Interview with author Trevor Rodgers

Q1 What is your favorite line from your book ‘Adventures in The Sky’?

I do not have a single favorite line but among my favorites would be the dialog with the Sam character talking about food and dozing off. Chapter three is meant to be a more comedic version of the story to show off my comedy chops mixed in with the action adventure.

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

Setting up the basic premise of the story and then going from there to think of the right characters to draw from. Comedy, action, and pop culture references are something I love to conjure.

Q3 How do you manage your work schedule?

I work part time at a training facility that trains firefighters and policemen I help out the staff there twice a week. I usually do my writing work in the afternoons either on days when I’m in the office or days when I’m not in the office at all. I’ve found a great balance between the two but I do work on my writing more often on non office days.

Q4 How do you handle literary criticism?

I take it as a challenge to keep improving in various areas, while also keeping in mind that everybody’s got an opinion about everyone and everything. It’s impossible to please everybody in the world, but as long as we are giving it our all that’s what counts.

Q5 What do you like about audiobooks?

What I love about audiobooks is that it’s an excellent way to bring the stories to life leaping from the page to a person’s voice. I am new to the field of audiobooks I only have one made so far, but I’m working on putting out more. (FYI it is also a great option for people who prefer to have the story read to them out loud instead of reading the words themselves).

Q6 What inspired you to start writing?

Writing for me is very therapeutic to help me exercise some of my demons and trauma that I’ve experienced through my own life experiences. I enjoy sharing stories with people and finding a way to relate back to those experiences is what helps us feel connected. Art is also in my genes as my mother is an artist herself (painting, sculpting, little bit of writing). My older sister is also a writer for a magazine. It’s in the family so to speak.

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

Grammar is a big one. Having the ability to structure sentences properly makes a big difference. Having the ability to describe what characters look like, and how they’re feeling in the story. Names are the most challenging aspect for me to come up with good ones, so that’s always a bonus if the author can conjure up memorable names that stick.

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

So on a typical week, I normally edit/write Monday through Friday. Every now and then I might write something down on the weekends, but this is a rare occurrence that does not happen often. As I prefer to take the weekend to recharge my creativity. Some weeks are more active than others. When I’m experiencing writers block for instance and the ideas aren’t coming, I’ll take a step back and give myself however much time I need until I get the ball rolling.

Q9 What is the significance of the title ‘The Mysterious House’?

The title sets the tone for the mystery/horror/thriller trilogy I wrote for the story, with the exception of the last chapter which is disconnected from the locked doors concept but ties everything up from the first three chapters using a different setting to keep the story fresh.

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

Ever since my junior high days going back to the seventh grade I knew that I wanted to be a writer for the rest of my life. The want and need for it came out of hardships in my personal life. I took to writing as a coping mechanism to deal with it. (I am a Special Needs young man, and “Adventures in the Sky” is the first book I wrote and self published). I am currently working on the second half which will be ten chapters in total. I have written eight out of the ten thus far.

Author’s profile on Amazon

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Interview with author Amanda Albery

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

A1. Hello! My name is Amanda Albery, author of “Soulbound: Destiny’s Move,” and my passion is writing. I’ve always had a love and talent for storytelling. I remember writing my first story at seven years old.

I am a mom of two handsome young men, and I have many furbabies, Five dogs, four cats and a bunny. I am also currently a student, pursuing my degree in creative writing.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Soulbound: Destiny’s Move”?

A2. One of the challenges I faced while writing “Soulbound: Destiny’s Move,” was keeping everything together cohesively. I suffer from ADHD and keeping all my scenes flowing was a challenge. My mom helped me on days I was really struggling. My whole book was basically one large and weird jigsaw puzzle. But thanks to her, I was able to finish it and get it published.

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

A3. Well, first, I’d have to say, my mom. She was a poet. I can thank her for my love and passing the talent on for writing. There were also classic authors like Vern, Dickens, Stevenson, Fitzgerald, and of course, the lady who hooked me with vampires and werewolves and all things gothic and paranormal, Anne Rice.

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

A4. I have many places in my country that are special to me. The Mountains where I live in Northeast Tennessee, where the cool breezes brush away my worries. and I love the beach. The ocean waves are calming to my soul and I feel inspired watching them roll in and take my stresses away with them. I find beauty in all the landscapes in the US, but the mountains where I live and beaches where I love to visit are my favorites.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Soulbound: Destiny’s Move’?

A5. Honestly, I just loved writing, and coming up with stories, I don’t know that I had actual inspiration. I know that I wanted to write a book I wanted to read, so, I did it!

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Soulbound: Destiny’s Move’?

A6. It took me about ten months to write the book. It wasn’t until after my divorce that I was able to publish it. So all in all, it took a little over a year to write and publish the book.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. My book can be read on Amazon(print on demand and kindle), Barnes and Noble (print on demand and kindle) anywhere e-books are sold, google books, ibooks and can even be ordered from walmart.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Soulbound: Destiny’s Move’?

A8. The cover was actually created for me from a previous publisher. I pulled my book from them and republished myself. I am interested in a different cover, but for now I will keep the one I have.

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

A9. When writing any book, to keep things fresh for my readers, I look back at my previous work, and what I am currently working on. To keep things fresh for me, to “cleanse the creative pallet” so to speak, I write a short story, sometimes it’s inspired by my characters, other times it’s something completely different. I also draw inspiration from music or art to help keep things fresh.

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

A10. Write, for the sake of writing. It doesn’t matter if it’s good, or if you think it’s horrible, just write because you love it. You don’t always have to write for someone else, sometimes, you need to write for you and that’s enough.

Buy Soulbound on Amazon

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Interview with author Clifton Nixon

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

A1. Hello, I am Clifton Don Nixon A fifth generation Texan and confessed liar by way of authoring crime fiction mystery novels. More info at cliftonnixon.com

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

A2. The key writing challenge for me was taking the time to write. I solved that problem by joining classes at SMU Fiction Tract (Southern Methodist University ) and subsequently a Writers Group for 12 years just to keep writing. That got the “writing muscle” developed for me.

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

A3. You must first be a reader to become a good writer. I was initially influenced by English to American writers–Shakespeare to Poe. More recently, I continue to read Michael Connelley, James Lee Burke, Robert Crais, and Nelson DeMille as my major influencers, and currently, Nick Petrie and Harry Dolan.

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

A4. Of course, I am partial to Texas. There is such a variety from beaches(Padre Island) to mountains ( Marfa), plains(West Texas) to canyons (Palo Duro), grasslands (North Texas) to forests (East Texas), and the old west Fort Worth) to gleaming cities (Houston). However, my favorite spot, outside of Texas, is Carmel-by-the-sea. A great American writer blessed it with the title of “the greatest ever meeting of land and sea.” I agree

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Two Times Dead’?

A5. If you will release me from these handcuffs and remove that hot light from my face, I will confess that “TWO TIMES DEAD” is autobiographical. Yeah, closer to True Crime than mere Fiction.

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

A6. Writing “TRY DYING” took a decade. That was my SMU writing project that I labored into a published novel, finally.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. My books are not widely available. Amazon was my only refuge, except maybe Goodreads or Book Sirens.

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

A8. The cover for “TWO TIMES DEAD” was totally a desperate compromise. My contacts with book cover designers became a major “failure to communicate.” I sent them pics of downtown Houston skylines in the 70’s, bridges, too. Got back renderings nothing like that. Picture a scenic old concrete bridge over a bayou with 70’s city skyline background on a dark night with one man following another. What I got was Clip Art. As for the book title name, read the book and you will see it fits.

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

A9. I keep stories fresh with different characters and/or locations. That’s possible even though readers are liking continuing their favorite characters. Although both “TRY DYING” and “TWO TIMES DEAD” take place in Houston, my next book is in and around the Mexican pyramids with an uncompromising archaeologist battling Mexican Cartels.

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

A10. The best writing advice I ever got was to just keep writing—never stop.

Buy Clifton Nixon’s books on Amazon

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Interview with author Ike Triplett

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

A1. Thank you for having me! Writing has a sentimental value to me. I have a speech impediment, and that led me to not speaking much due to anxiety. I would have trouble getting my words out properly. That led me to write. To put my thoughts, my opinions, my passion, etc onto paper.

Looking back, that was a blessing in disguise. I do not think that I would have a joy for writing, much less publishing a book!

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “A Change in the Dark”?

A2. I had some trouble in organizing the flow of the work. I want to reflect the gradual change from negative beginnings to a positive finish.

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

A3. Fyodor Dostoevsky is the first person who comes to mind. He had such a way of developing characters and diving into their psyche. It inspires me to dig deep into the emotions in my work as well.

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

A4. Panama City, Florida. My family and I sometimes visit my aunt who lives there. She and her husband own a good portion of land with a plethora of animals. I remember we stayed there for an extended period of time evacuating from Hurricane Katrina. I am eternally grateful to them for that.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘A Change in the Dark’?

A5. My faith in God served a primary inspiration for this work. I believe that He gives me the words to write down. There are plenty of times in which I look over what I wrote, and I think to myself “Did I really write that? How could I have written something like this?” That is no exception here.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘A Change in the Dark’?

A6. When I am really inspired, it does not take me long to truly start writing. For this book in particular, it took me no more than a couple of weeks to complete.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Anywhere books are sold really. Barnes And Nobles, Books a Million, Amazon, etc.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘A Change in the Dark’?

A8. The title is based on a poem of the same name within the book. That poem in particular stood out to me, and I wanted to expound on the meaning of it. That led to me to theme the book from the concept of looking outside of yourself to seek meaningful change.

The book cover was all my publisher’s doing. I supplied them with the title and the meaning. That was all they needed to produce such a beautiful cover. I am still floored by how amazing it is!

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

A9. When I write, I want to picture myself as a reader at the same time. When I write a stanza / verse, I would think to myself “How would I view this if someone else wrote this?”

I am not simply writing a book for myself. I am writing for others to read. I always try keep that in mind.

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

A10. That actually ties into the previous question. My uncle gave me great advice the other day. He suggested that I write with my audience in mind. At first, I did not get it. In fact, I thought that I would “dumb down” my work to please the masses.

But I thought about it some more. What’s the point in publishing a book when my audience does not understand the message I am trying to convey? To reiterate from before, I am not simply writing “for” myself “to” myself. I am writing for other people to read.

Buy A Change in the Dark on Amazon

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Interview with author Peter Pappas

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

A1. Hello my name is Peter Pappas and this is my first published work! When I’m not writing I love: yoga, working out, jogging, playing with my cat and dog, traveling, going to theme parks, hitting up the beach, and playing with legos!

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Wizard of Starz”?

A2. Organizing my ideas. Especially since TWOS is book 1 in what will be a series, I wanted to keep writing but knew that I had to stop somewhere and save content for book #2. When you have the whole story in your head, it can be hard to break it down into one book at a time! Another challenge I faced was editing, and having to re-read 357 pages, dozens of times. After a while, my eyes began to play tricks on me 🙂

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

A3. First and foremost I am a huge Stephen King fan. I was definitely very inspired by both ‘The Shining’ and ‘Doctor Sleep’. Growing up, the first series that got me into reading was-Harry Potter and that will forever be in my heart and soul. Thank you J.K. Rowling!

Most recently I became a fan of Sarah J. Maas and ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ series. I really like the way she writes and her attention to detail was what I channeled when writing TWOS. I wanted to make the reader feel like they were in another world by stimulating their senses.

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

A4. I know this is cheesy but I absolutely love going to Universal Studios and spending time at ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’. I have a collection of Wands and enjoy casting spells in the park. The rides are incredible, too!

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Wizard of Starz’?

A5. I think it’s a story I’ve been writing my whole life. I’ve had so many journals and diaries and I’m constantly writing my inner feelings. I think I traveled to Starland In my dreams or maybe even a past life, too. Writing the book felt natural and real because , in a sense, it’s a piece of my personal journey.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Wizard of Starz’?

A6. About a year and 1/2 .

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Readers can purchase TWOS off of my website http://www.peter-pappas.com. They can also find it directly on Amazon.comand direct-download on Kindle too.

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

A8. I came up with several mock covers – almost a collage of what I wanted, based on what I felt were key elements in the story that I wanted to showcase. I went into the forest and took pictures of trees and myself standing in the forest pretending to be the main character. Then I took my ideas to the graphic designer at my publishing company (Native Publishing- ASP) and we worked together to make it happen. I love how the colors turned out and how spooky the cover is. Once you read the book you will understand everything about it too. I love when books have a cover that allows you to just glance at it and get a snapshot of the most exciting elements of the story!

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

A9. I keep things fresh by using dialogue that will resonate with today’s generation. Using Words like: “Sus” and “Totes” and giving readers characters that they feel like they have met in real life, based on how people act and talk in today’s world.

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

A10. Don’t overthink it. Nothing will ever be “Perfect” or “Right” and to stay true to your idea and not stray. Don’t second guess yourself.

Book is available on Amazon

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Interview with author William Grace

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

A1. William Grace has been a busboy, a bank messenger, an editor, a trial lawyer, and a United States Marine. A lifelong martial artist, he holds the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt in Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate. He lives in the Pacific Northwest, where he is currently at work on the Omniverse Chronicles.

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

A2. The greatest challenge was bringing Charley Floyd into the late 20th Century. How would a man who died in 1934 cope with the world as it was in 1998? Charley was truly “a stranger in a strange land.”

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

A3. To name just a few: Andersonville, by Mackinlay Kantor; Something of Value and The Old Man and the Boy, by Robert Ruark; The Grapes of Wrath and Tortilla Flat, by John Steinbeck; the late Dewey Lambdin’s Alan Lewrie novels; The King Must Die, by Mary Renault; The Flashman novels, and Quartered Safe Out Here, by George McDonald Fraser; Robert A. Heinlein’s Starship Troopers; and The Long Ships, by Franz G. Bengtsson.

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

A4. Northern California’s Wine Country, where I lived until my family moved to San Francisco.

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

A5. I wanted a change from the characters and story line of my first novels, and Bloodline was born.

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

A6. Bloodline went through five drafts before I was reasonably satisfied with it. From start to finish, the book took slightly more than fourteen months. I am a perfectionist, and I do a great deal of research. I am always searching for le bon mot juste.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Only Amazon at present.

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

A8. The book cover was a collaboration between a very talented Australian artist, a gorgeous model, and myself. Jackie Thornton is Jack Thornton’s niece, and she is mentioned in Eternal Hero. They share the same dark heritage: hence the title, Bloodline.

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

A9. I am always learning and open to new ideas. I also find that having other interests is of great benefit. Doing something like Karate clears out the cobwebs and allows me to stay focused.

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

A10. Write, then write some more. Keep writing. Keep writing. Keep writing. Never stop writing.

Buy Bloodline on Amazon

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Interview with author Sarah Pachter

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

A1. Hello! I’m Sarah Pachter, an author and speaker passionate about helping people create meaningful, joyful lives. My work focuses on how we can experience deeper fulfillment, find balance, and live authentically. Through my writing and speaking, I aim to guide individuals toward self-awareness, self-compassion, and the understanding that joy is something we can cultivate, not just something that happens by chance. I provide practical tools to help you live your best life!

I live in Los Angeles with my wonderful husband and five amazing kids. I also speak to audiences around the world, sharing my insights and experiences.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book Is It Ever Enough: A Journey Toward Joyful Living?

A2. One of the biggest challenges I faced while writing this book was finding a balance between my writing time and caring for my family. I did most of the editing during COVID, when my kids were home due to school closures, and I was dealing with pregnancy-related nausea. Despite the chaos, the beautiful outcome was the birth of our daughter, Tiffy, and the completion of my book! But it wasn’t easy.

The most significant challenge, however, was facing myself and confronting my own beliefs about success and fulfillment. It took vulnerability to open up about my personal struggles, experiences, and insights. I had to stay true to the core message of the book—that joy is found in the present moment and isn’t reliant on external circumstances. Writing about something so personal yet universal was both intimidating and transformative.

To overcome this, I centered each section of the book around the word “enough.” Each chapter begins with that word: “Enough. I am enough. I have enough,” and so on. It became a powerful anchor for my message.

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

A3. I’ve been deeply influenced by authors like Brené Brown, whose work on vulnerability and courage shaped my understanding of living authentically. Mel Robbins has inspired me with her words on motivation, and Esther Perel’s teachings on relationships have had a lasting impact as well. However, the greatest influence on my writing comes from ancient Jewish wisdom. Authors like Hanoch Teller, Lawrence Kelemen, and Tziporah Heller-Gottlieb were my teachers, and their books and teachings helped me find clarity on how to share my message in a way that resonates deeply with readers.

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

A4. I know this might sound cheesy, literally mozzarella, but one of my favorite places to “visit” is anywhere, as long as I’m with my family. When we’re all together, it doesn’t really matter where we are. We could be biking along the beach, hiking in Hawaii, or just cozied up on the couch in our living room while it’s raining outside. It doesn’t mean we’re perfect or that we never fight or bicker, but family truly is everything.

I have a quote hanging in my office that says, “With you, I am home.” This lesson really hit home, especially after the fires broke out here in California, just a few miles away from us. People we know lost everything, but they still had each other. There’s nothing more comforting than a hug from any of my family members.

The first thing I do every morning is give each family member a hug. I learned this from my husband’s aunt, who made this suggestion. She had recently been diagnosed with cancer and passed away just a few days later. Her lesson has stayed with me, and it’s something I will carry with me forever.

Q5. What inspired you to write Is It Ever Enough: A Journey Toward Joyful Living?

A5. The inspiration for Is It Ever Enough came from my own journey of self-discovery. I had reached a point where I felt disconnected from my true self, constantly striving for “more” without ever feeling fulfilled. I realized I wasn’t alone in this—many others were on the same path. I wanted to write a book that would help people step off the treadmill of perfectionism and find a life rooted in meaning and joy. It was my way of offering a roadmap to others seeking peace.

Q6. How long did it take you to write Is It Ever Enough: A Journey Toward Joyful Living?

A6. Writing Is It Ever Enough took about five years. I started it before my first book, Small Choices, Big Changes, was about to be published. The process wasn’t just about writing—it was about reflecting on my own life, discovering deeper layers of meaning, and figuring out how to present those insights in a way that would resonate with readers. It was both a personal and professional journey, and I’m grateful for the time I spent on it.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. Readers can purchase Is It Ever Enough on a variety of platforms, including Amazon and through my own website.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title Is It Ever Enough: A Journey Toward Joyful Living.

A8. The title Is It Ever Enough came from my own reflections on how often we chase something outside ourselves—success, approval, validation—and yet, when we reach for “more,” we often end up feeling empty. The title reflects that internal struggle.

As for the cover, there’s an amusing story behind it. The publisher initially suggested a cover with cookies and milk as the imagery, which felt completely off-brand for the message I wanted to convey. I politely asked if we could create something more symbolic, something that invoked meaning without relying on imagery. I envisioned a design that was simple yet powerful, and I felt the gold lettering evoked a sense of balance and calm—perfectly representing the journey toward joyful living.

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

A9. I focus on writing from a place of authenticity. When I feel disconnected from my own emotions or experiences, it’s harder to keep the writing fresh. I also engage with my readers through feedback and conversations, which helps me understand what resonates with them. I’m always researching and incorporating new insights from science and psychology to keep the material relevant. Being open-minded and willing to evolve with my readers is what keeps my work exciting and meaningful.

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

A10. I never saw myself as a writer—my natural talent lies in speaking. But as my family grew, I started declining speaking engagements and shifted my focus to writing. I quickly realized that writing and speaking are two different skill sets, and I had a steep learning curve ahead of me.

Some quick tips I’ve learned: write concisely, stick to the word count, avoid repetition, and always write in the active voice.

What I love about writing is that you can do it anywhere: at home, on vacation, or even in your PJs. But the best advice I’ve received is to “write from your heart, not your head.” It’s about sharing what truly matters to you, even if it feels uncomfortable or imperfect. Writing with authenticity creates a deep connection with readers. Don’t worry about crafting the perfect sentence—just get your thoughts down, and the magic happens in the editing process.

Buy Is It Ever Enough? on Amazon

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Interview with author Esma Heart

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

A1. My name is Esma Heart. I am a registered nurse by education but a contemporary romance author is my passion. I have always been a writer at heart. I started my college career as an English major with a minor in communications, but changed to nursing after a professor recommended me for the nursing program at school. I was an adult learner and needed to make money quickly to support my family so I went into the healthcare field. I have been a nurse for 20 years and I have 8 children and 5 grandchildren. My husband and I, along with our twin daughters, live on our sailboat. So I write in between nursing contracts and sailing adventures. Other than writing and sailing, my hobbies are reading, grooming my dogs, Blossom (Havanese) and Ember (Cockapoo), and watching movies

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

A2. Keeping the readers engaged in the storyline is always a challenge. I like to ensure that each of my books has more dialogue between each character versus monologues. While individual monologues help set the scenes at times, I find that it is important the characters interact with each other frequently. My hope is that the readers can visualize the characters acting out each scene as they read them.

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

A3. I have always been influenced by William Shakespeare. As current authors and readers like to have the happily ever after (HEA), there is something to be said for keeping the reader wanting more out of the characters. Also, I find that it is important that there is suspense and intrigue in each storyline. While it is also nice to have predictable endings, an unpredictable ending keeps the storyline going and gives some reality to the characters.

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 Napa Valley, California. This is where my husband and I fell in love, but like in my books, we were unable to come together at that time. Our love has always had some suspense and intrigue because of life situations, but Napa is where it all began.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Love in Abstract’?

A5. My mother and father were both diagnosed with cancer in 2024. They have both been cancer free after their treatments. While this was a very stressful and scary time in all of our lives, it brought my parents closer together. So I wanted to write a book that incorporated overcoming a medical diagnosis by finding a new love.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Love in Abstract’?

A6. Love in Abstract was written in about 6 weeks. From conception, outlining chapters, actual writing, editing, and re-writing.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. All of my books are available on Amazon.

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

A8. This is an interesting story. The first book cover was an original from my daughter who is in college for Graphic Design. She hand drew the painting in the background of the main character, Rachel. We then added the male character as an overlay on the cover. This did not draw in as many readers so we changed the cover completely to just have the male character on the front as the distressed, but sexy, artist. These sexy male characters sell more books.

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

A9. When I am writing the outline I pull from some of my own experiences and melt in some of the fantasies that I wish I could have lived when I was a much younger single woman.

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

A10. Be true to yourself. When trying to write, do not write about a topic that causes more stress than a passion for. In my opinion, writing stories should inspire something in readers and in yourself. Also, for me, it should not feel like a job. If it feels too much like a job and it is no longer fun, then it’s time to take a break. Come back with fresh eyes and try again.

Buy Love in Abstract on Amazon

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Interview with author Nico Pisanti

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

A1. I’m Nico Pisanti, a passionate Neuro Fitness Trainer, born in Italy 48 years ago. Married with 2 children, a 10yo boy and 5yo girl. Family man, handyman and big football (soccer) fan, played and watched!

Over 25 years working with children and adults with any brain/body disorders.

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

A2. The key challenges I faced writing my books was how to put in accessible, written words what I have in my mind and what I do.

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

A3. Most of the influence came from my little clients but if I have to pinpoint one author that I like is Norman Doidge.

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 ever is Napoli, Italy! Is in the region I was born and raised and is a magical city!

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

A5. The book and everything I do is strongly and intensively inspired by the little special clients I get to help everyday. They are the real superhero!

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

A6. About a year. My schedule doesn’t allow me much spare time for writing…but I did it!

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

On Amazon worldwide.

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

A8. The cover represents brain connection activities which is a key process of our approach. The name Cerebral Body is the name of the company and pillar concept of what we try to harmonize.

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

A9. Well, feeling good about what I write Is a must for me! Delivering what is in my mind and heart is the only way to keep things fresh…like telling a story to my own kids!

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

A10. “Be yourself” is the most valuable advice that everyone who crossed my path while writing gave me!

Buy Cerebral Body on Amazon

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