Featured Interview With Liz Ellyn

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Liz Ellyn, an award-winning erotic romance author, turns up the heat. With degrees in both engineering and law, she argues the positive energy gained by embracing desire is essential to balancing the serious forces of daily life.

She expertly weaves sinfully erotic scenes with heart-wrenching romance, nourishing readers’ cravings for both passion and emotional depth. Her stories are as irresistible as the decadent desserts she loves to create and share.

When she isn’t writing steamy romance books, she is out walking her dog while listening to audiobooks. Her seven year-old, Boomer, is a mix of a Bernese Mountain dog and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He misses the snow in Chicago, but has made many new dog friends in the San Francisco Bay Area.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Like many other pre-teens, S. E. Hinton’s The Outsiders captured my heart. I read it so many times, the pages started falling out. Before I knew it, I was rewriting scenes and spinning out side stories. A fan fiction of sorts. But my true obsession with characters began after I picked up John Irving’s books at the age of thirteen.

High school English and law school derailed my love of reading. With all the required reading, I forgot the magic of stories. It wasn’t until Twilight landed in my hands that I remembered books can transport, inspire, and bring joy.

In the past, my writing has run the gamut, including: simple poetry, legal briefs, impassioned pleas to congress, Greek mythology, and non-fiction.
But spicy romance with character-driven plot lines is where I found my voice. After years spent courtside at junior tennis tournament, devouring love stories in hotel rooms and hours on the highway, I finally carved out space to write my own.

I’m now the author of Overruling Judgment, Willful Parties, and Defending Engagement. These three steamy romances explore love’s complexities with passion and heart. Each book in the series has earned the Literary Titan Book Award. And, I’m just getting started.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I am drawn to authors who push boundaries and celebrate sensuality. Tiffany Reisz (The Original Sinners Series), Lauren Dane (Brown Family Series), and Shayla Black are a few of my favorites. Their bold storytelling and fearless exploration of polyamory resonate deeply with me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
In Defending Engagement, JD, Ian, and Sasha share a love that’s passionate and all-consuming. Behind closed doors, their polyamorous relationship burns with undeniable heat, but beyond their Chicago home, judgment waits to tear them apart.

At the O’Malley family’s annual St. Patrick’s Day party, whispers turn to outright condemnation—immorality, illegality, and taboo desire. JD and Ian fear the scorn will drive Sasha away. They underestimate Sasha’s ability to eviscerate closed-minded arguments and fire to defend what’s hers.

It is time to take a stand and defend their engagement.

This book acts like a long epilogue to Overruling Judgement, but it stands on its own as a fun, provocative novella. I chose to self-publish this book to make it more accessible and affordable for readers.

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Liz Ellyn’s Website

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Featured Interview With Kailey Oliver

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada—a city that’s close to my heart and continues to inspire my writing. After studying at the University of Toronto and later attending Algonquin College, I moved back to Ottawa, where I currently live and create. Over the years, I’ve shared my life with many pets, but these days, my closest companion is a pigeon who refuses to leave my balcony—always coming back like clockwork. It’s a small reminder of the unexpected connections that fuel my creativity.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My love for storytelling began early—I wrote my very first story in grade 3 and even won a contest for it. That early success sparked a passion for writing that has stayed with me ever since. Writing became a way to explore my thoughts and emotions, and to connect deeply with others through shared experience.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Two of my favorite authors are Mitch Albom and Stephen King—though very different in style, both deeply influence my creative lens. I admire Albom’s ability to weave tenderness, spiritual reflection, and human connection into simple yet powerful stories. His writing reminds me that small moments often hold the deepest truths. On the other hand, Stephen King inspires me with his fearless approach to storytelling—he dives into the shadow side of the human psyche, unafraid to confront discomfort or complexity. His work shows how even darkness can be a mirror and a lesson.

I also draw a lot of inspiration from philosophers, both ancient and modern. Thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Nietzsche, and Alan Watts have shaped how I see the world, often helping me frame emotions, conflict, and healing through a more reflective and existential lens.

When it comes to genre, I’m drawn to anything raw, thought-provoking, and emotionally honest—from literary fiction to poetry, memoirs, and even philosophical works. I like writing and reading that sits with the messiness of being human—something that stays with you long after the last page.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, Paint Your Universe, is a powerful and tender collection of poetry centered on self-love, inspiration, and empowerment—and the courage to fully embrace who you are. It’s lovingly dedicated to my 7-year-old daughter—a reminder to her, and to anyone reading, that you are always enough just as you are.

Written over the course of a year, this book came to life during a season of deep reflection, growth, and personal transformation. Every poem holds space for softness, strength, and the journey of becoming. It encourages readers to reclaim their voice, rewrite their narrative, and paint their own universe—with intention, love, and authenticity.

Whether you’re learning to let go of the past, rediscovering your worth, or simply trying to feel more at home in yourself, Paint Your Universe offers gentle guidance and hope. It’s a book for anyone who’s ever needed a sign to begin again—and this time, in full color.

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Kailey Oliver’s Website

Kailey Oliver Facebook Page

Kailey Oliver Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Harlan Porter

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I live in Tuscola, Illinois, where I grew up. I have left several times for career changes but keep coming back. A little over 10 years ago, I attended my 30th class reunion, where I reconnected with a classmate, who was a school teacher in our hometown. We married a few months later. My career has been in journalism managing both daily and weekly newspapers, and serving as Director of Communications for a large newspaper trade association. Aside from writing novels, I have two non-novel books published and have written a humor column weekly for 35 years, which has won first place for Best Humor Column from the National Newspaper Association twice.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
When I was a kid, we had a “teaching typewriter,” which does not have the letters on the keys, so I taught myself the keyboard when I was probaby 8-9. I was really interested in poetry in third grade and wrote dozens of poems. I started writing for local radio and newspapers while in high school and helped establish a journalism program there. I dropped out of college to take my first job as a reporter in my hometown. Six years later, I was recruited by the Illinois Press Association to be their editor. I didn’t start writing books until a few years ago; my first was a compilation of newspaper columns. I then wrote a how-to book on newspaper publishing. I wrote a novel about 15 years ago, which is not yet published but will be soon. I wrote another novel, Kill Seeker: Confessions of a Psychopath, which is available on Amazon.com. I am writing another novel (untitled) and have an outline for a third.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Stephen King, Mark Twain, John Grisham, Dave Barry. While still in high school, I wrote to Stephen King for writing advice, and he wrote back. A few years ago, I became acquainted with Dave Barry, who endorsed my first book for me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Kill Seeker: Confessions of a Psychopath is story about a guy who kills his best friend when he’s 12 years old, and then takes over his life, eventually moving in with his victim’s family. He views his spontaneous action of killing his friend as the best thing that ever happened to him, and he wants to do it again. He goes through a series of “practice” kills as he grows increasingly confident. When the police begin to suspect him and his adopted father begins to figure things out, he confesses his murders to a priest.

It took three months to write the book. I then shared it with a small group of friends and family, who made good suggestions for improving the book. Best advice from my sister: I want to smell it.

When I write a book, like my newspaper columns, I don’t set out with an ending in mind. I let the story take me where it wants to go. I feel like I’m discovering the characters at the same time the reader is.

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Harlan Porter Facebook Page

Featured Interview With R.L.Baxter

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in London England

I currently live in Brighton Hove, a lovely seaside town just by the south part of England. I don’t currently have a any pets, but I used to have a few hamsters and a rabbit when I was younger

I have and always been quite the daydreamer, which makes sense as a fictional author!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I would say at the age of thirteen was when I got interested in books. At the time, my class studied Romeo & Juliet, which was my first dive into reading a story from start till finish.

I started writing soon after that, and I can still remember my very first story. It was named Rei’s great adventure, and the premise was about a boy who could transform into a Weretiger. Since then, I had been writing ever since!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I absolutely adore escapist fantasy, especially ones many have not heard of. My favourite author is Miyuki Miyabe and her novel: ICO Castle in the mist. It’s a beautiful tale about a boy who is trapped in a dark castle with a mysterious girl. Together the two must seek to find a way out while learning about one another.

I don’t really have a particular person who inspires my writing, however I often get inspired by life events and people around me. It could come at any moment, but once I’ve observed something interesting, I will note it down and find a way to include it within my books

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest Book is called: Bluer Lunar & The Apex Grail. The premise sees a young boy named Luke who is chosen by the Goddess of the Moon to stop the plans of a despicable wizard. Luke is joined by Aurora the mighty female warrior, and Umbra the mysterious Vampire. The story involves a vast cast of characters and bizarre locations

This book was actually written twice. The first time when I was a teenager and had written it upon numerous notepads. The second time, I wrote it again as an adult and it took me about 3 years to finish!

Of all the 12 books I have written so far, Blue Lunar & The Apex Grail holds such a special place in my heart, as the characters are inspired by many interesting friends I have made in my life. The overall message of promise, unity and friendship is what I believe makes it a great read which many readers enjoy!

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R.L.Baxter’s Website

Featured Interview With Merili Freear

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m Merili Freear — a runner, writer, and running coach originally from Estonia. I now live in rural Lincolnshire, England, with my incredibly supportive husband, our son, and our crazy but lovable schnauzer. I started running in 2020 during the first Covid lockdown to support my mental health, and that one decision completely transformed my life. Since then, I’ve run many marathons and ultramarathons, including a 100-mile race.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always loved books. As a child, I’d spend hours reading and imagining stories of my own. The library has always been my happy place. But it wasn’t until I was in my late 30s that I seriously started writing. After running my first marathon, I began writing about the experience — and from there, the idea for my first book grew. Writing became a way for me to reflect, process, and connect. It’s now a huge part of my identity, right alongside running.

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 — books that explore the human mind, personal growth, or endurance. Authors like Johann Hari (Lost Connections) and Jessamy Hibberd (The Imposter Cure) have influenced how I understand myself and shaped how I write about mental health. When it comes to running, books by other endurance athletes have inspired both my training and my writing. I also love poetry — short, powerful pieces that say a lot with very few words. I’m especially drawn to Shelby Leigh’s work. That love of poetry inspired my second book.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is Whispers and Footsteps: Poems from Doubt to Becoming — a collection of poetry that came to life after I completed my first 100-mile ultramarathon. Instead of the sense of triumph I expected, I felt lost — like I’d reached a destination but didn’t know what came next. Writing poetry helped me make sense of that strange emotional space. It’s a deeply personal collection that speaks to self-doubt, courage, identity, and growth. Running took me far — but poetry brought me back to myself.

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Merili Freear’s Website

Merili Freear Facebook Page