Featured Interview With Hope Mills

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hi, I’m Hope. I’m Lithuanian-Irish, raised in small towns in both countries. I moved to Dublin about five years ago to study Politics & Sociology; I graduated last year, but haven’t left the city yet, despite the atrocious housing crisis (Ireland is the most expensive country in the European Union to buy/rent a home). I’m currently training to become a therapist, so in three years I might be yours, who knows. I have two pet siblings, a French bulldog Cesar and a tabby cat Macy – I grew up with them, alongside Rex, who passed away in April. I was nine when he came into our lives, and he saved me. So, usually when I’m asked if I have pets, I like to say “I have three pets, but one is in heaven.”

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have had an on-and-off fascination with books my whole life. When I was little, I was obsessed with Egyptology, and I’d go to the library to read up on pyramids and pharaohs. Then it was space, and the Amazon rainforest. As I grew up, I started reading a lot of Tumblr fanfiction, as well as mainstream YA authors like John Green. But I didn’t find my niche until I read darker work – particularly Charles Bukowski’s “Women”, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s “Faust”, and Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment.” The latter two were mandatory reading in my dreary Eastern European school, and as a sad soul myself, I took to them like a moth to a flame. I had my first journal when I was around eight, but I didn’t start taking writing seriously as a pastime until I read those books in my late teens. If you read my author pages, they’ll say “Hope has been writing every day since she was fifteen.” This is approximate, but I did write every day back then as a form of escapism. Now, I sometimes go weeks without writing, until an idea comes to me, and I get lost on Microsoft Word for a few hours. That’s why “The Year of Rejection” took over two years to finish.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I read a lot of memoirs because I’m obsessed with understanding people. I am fascinated by universality and the human condition in general, so any life story I can dig my nails into is for me. In that vein, I’m most inspired by essayists Anaïs Nin and Annie Ernaux for their narrative story-telling. But I find inspiration pretty much everywhere; most recently, I’ve been re-writing my college essays to submit to literary magazines. When I was in undergrad, I would often think that I had written a pretty interesting paper, but no one would ever read it (I’m not sure my professors even read it in full). So, there’s one about how 21st century witchcraft practices correlate with femicide, and another about Middle Eastern subversive sexuality. I also find a lot of inspiration going through the musings of my Notes app, particularly because I kept extensive notes in secondary school.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
A prospective agent described “The Year of Rejection” as “honest and unflinching.” It’s a memoir centring on my trials in 2022, the worst year of my life. Through prose and psychoanalysis, I dig into depression, avoidant attachment, atypical anorexia, grief – an excavation of everything I had been and was going to continue being if I didn’t change. While sinking deeper into the abyss, I ravaged my childhood memories, exhuming my girlhood, parents’ divorce, and continent-wide moves. It started out as a journal I typed when I tired of writing by hand, but throughout two years and two months, a book took shape. The overarching theme didn’t come to me until my best friend Natalia recommended I read “All About Love” by Bell Hooks. I explore themes of straying and returning to love and the self in “The Year of Rejection” in homage to how much that book touched my soul.

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Featured Interview With Joshua Valentine

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Merced – actually, a fifth generation Mercedian. My second-great grandparents from my mom’s side moved here in the early 1900s from the Azores; my dad’s family’s timeline in the Valley is a bit more mixed, but still broadly Central Valley based. I also received my High School diploma at Merced High School, my AA in Psychology at Merced Community College, and my BA in Psychology & Cognitive Science at UC Merced, which interestingly enough my dad was one of the sheet metal workers that helped build the latter’s library and science building. I currently live in Soquel, which is in the Santa Cruz foothills, while I go to UC Santa Cruz for my PhD program. I also do have a pet cat, a black one with a few spots of white, named Aurora.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been fascinated with the thought of writing a book and actually printing it probably since at least the 3rd grade, but never started actually pursuing writing stories until the summer before the 5th grade. On my dad’s side, my Grandma Jane for as long as I could remember never left the house, and always ordered various items in bulk, as well as QVC items. Just stacks of boxes for her cats to crawl on. Well, near the litter box for her five cats, which was underneath an unused desk, she had a stack of spiral and composition notebooks always in the desk’s cabinet, and I remember one summer day about 10 years ago she was telling my mom and I about a writing contest for kids my age. I got right to writing, and wrote my first ever short story, an adaptation of the Poseiden story featuring a rabbit family in a hybrid rabbit hutch boat. It was a pretty dark story – I think at the end the rabbit daughter intentionally harms herself on the hutch-boat’s propellers. Needless to say, I never submitted the story for some reason, but that summer I wrote several short stories, and continued writing throughout the remainder of elementary and middle school, until I wrote my first self published novel Among Those You Know in the 8th and 9th grade. Never looked back, but also never made money or won anything for any of it (yet).

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
In elementary school, I really like the ‘Series of Unfortunate Events’ books by Lemony Snicket. I read all 13 books in the 5th grade, and actually didn’t read them in order – I started with #6, the Ersatz Elevator, which along with the Reptile Room and the Wide Window are my favorite ones. After reading books 3-6 of Harry Potter in my last year of middle school, we no longer had to read books for Accelerated Reader points, which basically was a school program where you read a book, take a quiz on it, and if you pass with 70% or more, you get points for a grade. Well, when it wasn’t required anymore, I found no interest in reading anymore, especially since we had so much more reading required in Pre-AP, which I didn’t actually read in depth that much, usually just skimmed. So, I didn’t read for leisure time until 2021 – so about 3 years of not reading books at all – when my friend Carly gifted me their heavily doodled copy of Daniel Dennett’s “From Bacteria to Bach and Back: The Evolution of Minds”. I loved it so much, and from them on out I only take interest in reading non-fiction; to me, it’s so much easier to sink your teeth in them without feeling disappointed about the book ending. You learn so much information about niche areas of research/events that you can revisit every time, and learn something different. My favorite non-fiction genres include parapsychology/mainstream psychology, auto/biographies, and stuff of that nature. I really like Gina Rippon’s “Gender and Our Brains”, and recently I finished and really enjoyed Kai Bird’s biography on Jimmy Carter’s presidency. The only author I currently enjoy reading more than one book from is Bob Woodward, who was one of the original investigative journalists who uncovered the Watergate Scandal of the Nixon Administration. I really liked Peril, which I read a couple of months before the recent election, and am now reading War. It’ll be interesting if I ever revisit the first two books for his series on Trump’s first term. Also, I’d say it’s more so musicians/lyricists that inspire my writings. I’d have to credit Lady Gaga and Deee-Lite for inspiring my writing, in addition to the fashion component of my author personality. Lady Gaga for kind of the multi-faceted approach I take to expressing a single idea (fashion + literature + politics), and Deee-Lite for inspiring me to treat writing a story as also making a point, and a call to action for political change.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Somebody’s Dilemma is my recent book, which was actually first inspired by the book that got me out of my 3-year long reading dryspell. It’s a book about a person that is raised by a robotic mother in a dystopian future where most humans are extinct, except for the humans artificially raised by exploratory robots across the planet. He’s emotionally abused/neglected by the robot, and eventually when he’s abandoned by the mother for not meeting what the mother was programmed to consider a biological milestone, he runs away and is eventually kidnapped by a nomadic tribe of humans, who don’t speak English or any language he could potentially be familiar with. All of this happens as he is straddled with questions about what it means to be a human when your most important example of a human being isn’t even natural, and also if you can possibly miss something you’ve never had or experienced before.

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Featured Interview With Mia. MP

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a Cuban writer, poet, and photographer based in the USA, where I blend visual arts and storytelling in my work. I hold a degree in Communication Sciences and a postgraduate degree in Education.
I grew up in Cuba, an island rich in cultural and social diversity. From a young age, I was immersed in the vibrant rhythms of Caribbean music, the warmth of my Spanish and African heritage, and the traditions passed down by my grandparents. They taught me to read when I was just four years old, and from that moment, I’ve never gone a day without reading. Their love and wisdom, combined with the multicultural environment I was raised in, deeply influenced my worldview and continue to shape my writing.
Since relocating to Florida in 2011, I’ve exhibited my photography and writing documentary project at the NPTI Gallery and the Coral Gables Museum. In 2021, I held a solo exhibition, “Havana: The Gift of Diversity,” which included an essay and poems about Havana. This work was also published in a book by Gallery TEN in Tokyo, where the exhibition took place.
I am also an animal lover. I had a dog who sadly passed away, and I haven’t yet been strong enough to welcome another into my life. The bond I shared with my dog was special, and while I miss that companionship, I know that in time, I may be ready to embrace another pet.
In addition to my creative work, I teach in Miami, where I inspire my students with a philosophy of lifelong learning and creativity.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Since I was a little girl, my grandparents taught me to read and write, sparking my lifelong fascination with books. When I started school, writing and literature became my favorite subjects. My teachers encouraged me to develop my writing skills, guiding me to create essays, poems, and stories for my classwork.

As I grew older, I began participating in literary workshops and joining reading and writing groups. I consider myself fortunate to come from a homeland rich in extraordinary authors and poets, with multicultural roots that have greatly influenced my writing style. I learned from them and from my family how to write in various poetic forms, including the Spanish décima, sonnets, and ballads.

Since 2003, I have been publishing poetry, stories, and articles. I’ve collaborated with renowned international magazines such as EYE-Photo Magazine, Shades of Grey, Vogue, Azahar (Spain), and Nagari (Miami). When I moved to the USA, I began writing in English as well, so my books are published in both English and Spanish. I am proud to have published two poetry books, with more on the way.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors span a wide range of genres, reflecting my diverse literary interests. I’ve always been drawn to the haunting atmospheres of Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King; whose mastery of suspense and psychological depth greatly influence my own writing. I also admire the evocative poetry of Sylvia Plath and Emily Dickinson, whose works are rich in emotion and introspection, often exploring themes of identity and the complexities of the human condition.
As a bilingual writer, I am deeply inspired by Latin American authors such as Jorge Luis Borges, César Vallejo, and Dulce María Loynaz. Their exploration of identity, memory, and the interplay of language and culture has greatly shaped my own approach to storytelling, especially as I navigate both English and Spanish in my writing.
Ultimately, my inspiration comes from the works of these authors as well as from my own experiences and cultural heritage. I am constantly seeking new ways to blend visual art and writing, and I draw inspiration from the world around me—whether it’s through the lens of a camera or the rhythm of a poem.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is At the Same Time, the first in my Inner Journey series. This book combines poetry and fine art photography, creating a multisensory experience centered on healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. The inspiration for this work comes from my own journey of emotional and spiritual transformation. I wanted to share the insights and growth I’ve experienced, while also providing a space for readers to reflect on their own paths toward peace and renewal.

By merging poetry with photography, I aimed to foster a deeper emotional connection, offering readers a unique way to engage with themes like resilience, the passage of time, and self-empowerment. It’s a celebration of art’s transformative power and the healing that arises from embracing both the light and dark aspects of our personal journeys. The photographs were intentionally crafted to complement the verses, enhancing themes like letting go, finding inner peace, resilience, and growth. In this way, the book invites readers to embark on a multisensory journey of healing and self-discovery.

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Featured Interview With Stephen R Harlow

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born I West Virginia; we moved a couple of times when I was younger. We started out living in the country, then we moved to the city when I was 9, it was more of a small town than a city. Then we moved out into the country again, but in a different location, but all moves were in state and I still live here.
I do have a dog, black lab named Zorro; consequently, I would constantly address him as Mr. Puppy so he responds better to ‘Mister.’
It’s kind of weird though, he acts like a child: if I say Zorro he comes immediately because I never use his actual name.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I noticed my fascination with stories at a super young age. You know, my paternal grandfather would tell me stories all the time. On the other side, my maternal grandmother would read us stories all the time, she had a library of books back then, or so it seemed, anyway.
She used to also have us call the library: there was automated line where a pre-recorded voice would tell you a story. So, I got into stories at a young age. Fast forward to when I was 9 years old; I started writing my fiest stories after seeing how much my dad loved audio books. I would write little 4 page stories in a word app on our computer, and then record them onto blank tapes with me reading them.
It’s actually kind of funny to think back on because when I was in grade school, I was in slow learning classes for reading from kindergarten to 3rd grade. By the time I got to 7th grade, my reading teacher told me I was reading at a 10th grade level and then the next year, in 8th grade, my teacher and her assistant told me that I was reading at a college level.
So, I really owe a lot to that teacher that took the time to help me out from K-3rd grade. Her name was Mrs. Bennet, I never have known what her first name was.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
There are so many authors! 😂
Geez, there’s always a tough question and this is it. More or less I’m wondering how to do this and not be so long winded.
Louis L’Amour would be first, then James Axler, I’ve read some James Patterson before, Mercedes Lackey is a new one that I just kind of started… just really started reading her books but she’s awesome. I read the whole Harry Potter series as a child as well, those were actually some of the first novels I read.
Oh! I just remembered! I have to mention this one before I forget about it again! Loyd Alexander! I owe so much to that author for making reading fun for me. Honest to God, the very first novel I ever read was Time Cat, which he wrote, and that story still plays a big role in inspiring my writing, and inspiring me to write.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is called ‘The Immortals.’ This is an awesome book on the western genre, it has its shootouts and action, drama, suspense: basically every aspect that makes a good story is in this novel.
It’s actually available for pre-order on Barnes&Noble, right now and releases on the 31st December 2024.
I had so much fun writing this book, honestly I was watching a ton of westerns at the time, mostly John Wayne movies: I used to watch the movie ‘The Searchers’ every single night for about 3 months. But the final inspiration for it was when I was playing Red Dead Redemption on Xbox One and I was wishing that I could be in that universe, so I went and wrote a western. A lot of my books are like that, it’s literally just me playing pretend in my mind and then writing it all down in Microsoft Word.

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Stephen R Harlow’s Website

Stephen R Harlow Facebook Page

Featured Interview With val toledo

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hi, as you know I am an author of the upward spiral series of books, that are a reflection of my own journey of transformation and empowerment. I was born in SA to Italian parents first generation, am a twin and lived in SA for most of my life. I have currently moved to Cyprus an Island near Greece.
My childhood was one of many challenges, my mother died when I was 7 and my father when I was 14. Left with the “wicked stepmother” led me on a journey of finding myself, living in my truth and embracing motherhood with great passion as I had missed out on my own. I have a beautiful Russian Princess cat, and she is a true ‘goddess.’

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Weirdly I never planned to write a book and even had no desire to write. I was as a child an avid reader and always took solace in my quiet days of reading. I spent most of my life empowering people through my education background as a teacher which developed into training and upgrading the mass workforce in the time of apartheid before Mandela was released. This led me into corporate training and strategies as well as interventions such as culture change and programmes for employees mental well being. It was this journey that took me into discovering how unhappy and misaligned many companies were, particularly in their leadership, who ‘infected’ the entire workforce. It was here that I had a driving passion to share both my corporate journeys and insight into how a wounded and damaged individual could effect their environment and all who met with them. This was the birth of the upward spiral which was written purely intuitively and channelled by guided information.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I mostly read non fiction, any books about life, philosophy and spiritual awakenings. Gregg Braden, Deepak Chopra, Alan watts, Carolynn Myss are but a few of the authors I love. I love books about how to improve your life, how to heal, and how to be in your power and operate from a place of courage rather then fear and anger.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Frequency Alchemy Diary takes the reader on a journey of daily alignment and conscious observation. It challenges the reader to set intentions for their year and self evaluate themselves. This leads to great growth and discovering hidden potential. It unconsciously helps them rewire their negative patterns and in doing this they raise their frequency and vibration. By the end of the year they will certainly be more balanced and aligned individuals.

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