Book Reader Magazine

Featured Interview With Dakota J Dawson

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
"I was raised with a deep appreciation for storytelling and the power of a quiet mind. Growing up in Ireland, I was always surrounded by a culture that values both deep conversation and the beauty of the natural world. That upbringing heavily influenced my writing style; I believe in being direct, honest, and grounded.

Currently, I still call the heart of Ireland my home. There is something about the landscape here—the rolling greens and the unpredictable Atlantic weather—that perfectly mirrors the themes of my book. It reminds me daily that while we can’t control the 'weather' of our lives, we can certainly build a strong foundation within ourselves.

As for companions, I share my home with a very spirited dog who serves as a constant reminder to live in the present moment. Whether we are out exploring the local coastlines or tucked away in the office while I write, having a pet keeps me grounded and ensures I never take life’s little uncertainties too seriously!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
"I think my fascination with books began the moment I realized they were more than just stories—they were blueprints for how to live. By the age of eight or nine, I was the kid who would disappear into a corner of the library for hours. I wasn't just reading for the plot; I was fascinated by how a few well-placed words could completely change the way I felt or thought about a problem.

I started writing shortly after, around age eleven, but it didn't start with 'books.' It started with journaling and short essays. I found that the world could be a very noisy, overwhelming place, and writing was my way of creating a boundary between the chaos outside and my thoughts inside. If I could put a feeling into a sentence, it no longer had the power to confuse me. That early habit of using a pen to find clarity eventually evolved into the philosophy behind my work today. I’ve always believed that if you can write your way through a problem, you can live your way through it, too.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I am a voracious reader of Personal Development and Modern Philosophy. I’ve always been drawn to books that don't just tell a story, but provide a practical 'operating system' for the mind.

Currently, my favorite genre to dive into is applied Stoicism. I find immense value in authors who can take ancient, rugged wisdom and make it feel essential for our high-speed, digital lives.

As for who inspires me, I have a few 'north stars.' Mel Robbins is a huge influence; her recent work, The Let Them Theory, has been a massive hit this year and perfectly aligns with my belief in releasing the need to control others. I’m also deeply inspired by the Irish author John Connell. His latest book, The Wisdom of Farmers, is a beautiful reminder of the grounding power of nature and patience—lessons that are vital in today's world.

Ultimately, I’m inspired by any writer who has the courage to be direct. I admire authors like Mark Manson and Nedra Glover Tawwab because they don't hide behind academic jargon. They speak to the reader like a trusted friend who isn't afraid to tell them the hard truths they need to hear to grow. That’s the kind of 'honest' writing I strive to bring into my own work.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
"'Stop Letting Everything Affect You – Unshackled" is a roadmap for anyone who feels like they’ve been living their life at the mercy of their own emotions. We live in a world designed to keep us overwhelmed—whether it's the pressure of social expectations, the spiral of overthinking after a minor interaction, or the heavy weight of 'empath fatigue.'

WHAT MY BOOK IS ABOUT?

UNSHACKLED is a transformative guide for people-pleasers, overthinkers, and anyone who has spent their life prioritizing everyone else's needs while neglecting their own. Written with raw honesty and zero fluff, this book speaks directly to those who are exhausted from emotional hypervigilance, chronic guilt, and self-sabotaging patterns.
This isn't your typical self-help book filled with platitudes and toxic positivity. UNSHACKLED delivers hard truths, practical strategies, and actionable tools that create real, lasting change. It's for people who are done performing for others and ready to reclaim their peace, their power, and their lives.

My book is a transformative guide to emotional intelligence and mental resilience — designed to help you reconnect with your worth, refine your standards, and protect your peace. It is not about becoming someone new, but about returning to who you truly are.

My book is a deep dive into the art of emotional sovereignty. I wanted to move beyond the usual 'just be positive' advice and provide raw, practical strategies for breaking the cycle of self-sabotage and guilt. I explore how to set boundaries that actually stick, how to recognize manipulation before it drains you, and how to practice 'compassionate detachment'—learning to be unbothered without becoming cold.

Ultimately, it’s a book for the overthinkers and the people-pleasers who are ready to stop being 'emotional radars' for everyone else and finally start protecting their own peace. It’s about realizing that while you can't control the chaos of the world, you have absolute jurisdiction over your internal response.

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

Dakota J Dawson’s Website

Dakota J Dawson Facebook Page

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Featured Interview With Anna Moore Bradfield

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a born and bred Michigan girl! I have lived other places, but I always come back to my sweet homeland. My husband and I are empty nesters, but our pup, Blue, keeps our days full and immersive and playful and frustrating all at the same time! We live on a little inland lake and love hosting summer cookouts and tooling around on our pontoon boat.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been drawn to stories for as long as I can remember. Before I even knew how to write, I would create my own picture books—drawing out the scenes and filling the pages with loopy lines where the words were meant to go. Even then, I think I understood that stories mattered.

Writing, however, didn’t become a focused part of my life until much later. What began as curiosity—especially around the quieter, often overlooked figures in Scripture—gradually grew into something more. Over time, that curiosity turned into a desire to explore those stories more deeply, and eventually, into a calling to write them.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’ve always loved the depth and richness of Victorian authors like Charlotte Brontë and her sisters, as well as Charles Dickens. There’s something enduring about the way they develop character and atmosphere. Though he’s from a later era, I also appreciate how John Steinbeck draws readers into the emotional landscape of his stories. And stories from the Renaissance era greatly influence my life and my writing.

Of course, I’m especially drawn to biblical fiction—stories that take familiar accounts and explore them more deeply. More than anything, though, Scripture itself is my greatest source of inspiration. It provides both the foundation and the questions that lead me into each story I write.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, Loosed: Michal’s Story, continues The Lambswool Chronicles by stepping into the life of one of Scripture’s more complex and often misunderstood women.

Michal is introduced in the Bible as the daughter of King Saul and the wife of David, but her story is filled with tension, silence, and unanswered questions. I was drawn to those spaces—what it meant for her to love David, to lose him, and to live within the shifting power of a divided kingdom.

In Loosed, I explore themes of control, identity, and what it truly means to be set free. Michal’s journey is not an easy one, and it’s not always what we expect—but it’s deeply human. Writing her story required both research and reflection, and it became one of the more emotionally layered books in the series.

As with the other books, I approached the story with a desire to remain grounded in Scripture while thoughtfully imagining the personal and emotional experiences that may have existed within it.

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

Anna Moore Bradfield’s Website

Anna Moore Bradfield Facebook Page

If you enjoyed this writer’s interview, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors to learn about. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring! If you are an author and want to get exposure to new readers submit your book to our book promotion service.