Featured Interview With Joan Havelange

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I live in rural Canada: hills, valleys and lakes are all within a short drive of my home. I’m an avid golfer. If I’m not on my laptop writing, I’m out on the golf course hitting that little white golf ball. I’m also a traveller. I have travelled to 45 countries. Which is a boon to my writing when I set my mystery in a foreign country. I’m a traditionally published author of five cozy/whodunit mysteries.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started writing romances in my twenties but soon realized I was not romantic. My genre is mysteries.
I married a wonderful man. But bringing up a family, plus working, put a stop to my writing. My Kids grew up, and I retired. One day, watching an old Agatha Christie movie, the writing bug returned. What if my protagonist wasn’t as smart or genteel as Miss Marple? My protagonists were born. My ladies, Mabel and Violet, have solved mysteries at home and abroad in the five mysteries I have written.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Mick Herron, Richard Osman, Linwood Barclay, Yvonne Rediger. The genre I am drawn to is Mystery.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
What happens when a cozy mystery takes a 90-degree turn: Moving is Murder. How well do you know your neighbours?

Linda Burton is house-sitting for her aunt’s friend in the pretty little town of Glenhaven. Linda, who has spent her working career in the city, has fallen in love with the pleasant little country village. Everyone she has met is so friendly.

Strolling down the alley one evening in search of Gertrude, a pet cat. She hears a voice complaining about burying a body. Not completely convinced she heard correctly. Linda decides to emulate her heroes. Amateur detectives. She tries her hand at detecting. Unfortunately, Linda puts her trust in the wrong person.

Can Linda outwit the killer? Will her aunt Violet figure out the clues Linda has left? And even if Violet does, will it be too late for Linda? And will Violet fall into the same trap?

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Joan Havelange Facebook Page

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Featured Interview With NIKI J. NORLOCK

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am half free spirit – half control freak. I love adventure; traveling, exploring, learning and creation are my favorite pass-times. I curently live in Mexico, near Lake Chapala, but was raised in a small village in Ontario Canada. My school days were spent in that village home with my parents but my summers were spent in the Northern Ontario bushland with my Grandmother. My education was… eclectic. I am ridiculously proud of my daughter and her wife for the women they have grown into and the work that they do. I currently live with two men, my business partner and my driver. Between us we have 4 dogs. I would describe my life as organized Chaos.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My mother claimed that I was born with a pen in my hand. She has passed on now, but she told people often that I began writing poetry at age 3. I of course do not remember this but I was the only kid in the county with a subscription to National Geographic. I remember, I was reading the adult versions of books like ‘Little Women’ and ‘Treasure Island’ by the time I was 7 or 8.
I guess, I was just born to write, that is why some of my friends jokingly call me ‘the pen’.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite author is J.R. Tolkien. I prefer to read fantasy/fiction as it relaxes me. I feel more at home in a world full of elves, kender and wizards than I do in a world full of humans.
Speaking of humans… they inspire all of my writing. I may not like humans very much at times, but I do certainly find them fascinating.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is the original book in what is now being written and released as a five book series. I didn’t plan on it, but here we are. It is also the book that describes the journey that inspired me to produce a documentary in the Philippines. Magical people Filipinos are, absolutely magical. They completely changed my life. I will be forever grateful for the lessons learned there about love, faith and family.
The title – ‘Truth – My Synchromystic Journey ‘ is only the beginning of the strange story that was documented within it’s pages. It can be seen as an entertaining story or as a profound glimpse into the unknown. I am currently writing the last 4 books while touring around Mexico on the back of a moto, filming.it for future mini- docus. You can follow my antics on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Just look for Niki J. Norlock or Feenxrising, I am sure to pop up.

The book can be found on Amazon.

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NIKI J. NORLOCK Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Vanja Skoric

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in former Yugoslavia, now Croatia, and wanted to become a journalist because they were ones exposing all the injustice daily. I ended up studying law and volunteering in civic initiatives, and ultimately became a human rights lawyer. I lived in different places and lately, I live with my family near Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. We have two kids, age 10 and 5, and many spiders in the house that my kids like to consider pets!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My mom used to joke I was “swallowing books” as a child. In a local library, they had to upgrade me to adult’s section before officially allowed, because I read all the children’s books several times already. I used to steal my Mom’s (adult section) books from the library and read them while I was pretending to do homework for school! So my love for books and reading goes a long way back. I never thought I would write something, though, unsure if I have anything interesting to say. But my children started asking questions, and those demanded answers I couldn’t just invent in a second – I had to put it on paper.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Among others, I love fantasy books, and writers like JRR Tolkien, L. Carol and his Alice in Wonderland, Patrick Rothfuss, Kristin Cashore for young adults, and similar. I also get inspiration from children’s authors who bring in activist perspective, like Dr. Angela Sadler Williamson with her book My Life With Rosie (about Rosa Parks). Sometimes adults may feel that issues are too complicated for children to handle. The good news is that all the small steps and actions make a difference. I hope this book will inspire honest conversations and dialogue about experiences, fairness, emotions – including anger and frustration – and what opportunities are there for children to do something about that.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
It all started with real life questions from my daughter, a curious and incredibly observant girl who, like many children, is eager to know why certain situations arise, even if they feel unfair.” In the book, the main character, Tasha, feels confused when boys tell her that soccer is not for girls (as it happened to my daughter and I’m sure, many other girls). She wonders, “Why do people say that girls shouldn’t do certain things?” She is curious: has it always been this way? Tasha’s dad tells her a story about women and girls fighting for their rights. In the book, I connected direct experiences with important historical events to help my and other children understand the power of activism and how to cope with the change. I invite curious children to come with Tasha to find out more about activism!

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Vanja Skoric’s Website

Featured Interview With Susan Dawson-Cook

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in Worthington, Ohio, a suburb outside of Columbus. I always loved spending time outdoors, spending many hours catching frogs and wading in the Olentangy River near our house. Writing provided a creative outlet and therapy since I was a bit of a misfit at school. I was the girl with mud on her face, whose favorite animals were frogs while the popular girls loved horses (and had no penchant for mud and wading in rivers).

Our family often visited my grandparents in Florida during school holidays. I couldn’t wait for those trips, especially days we spent on Clearwater Beach. As a competitive swimmer, I loved the water anyway, and being at the beach and swimming (or even floating on my back) in the Caribbean was so wonderful, it was my dream to live by the water and someplace warmer.

Although I achieved a bachelor’s and master’s degree in geology, I only worked in that field for three years before I started working as a fitness professional and author. My husband, Chris, and I split our time between Tucson, Arizona, and San Carlos, Mexico. Also living with us is our beloved white fluffy Chow Chow, Chief. Our Mexico place is right on the Sea of Cortez, where I love to sea swim, often surrounded by bottlenose dolphins.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I enjoyed reading and writing as a child. I wrote mystery novels, starting when I was 7 or 8, which illuminated my love for nature and the outdoors.

I collected Nancy Drew books and read every single one of them more than once. In middle and high school, my writing outside of the classroom was restricted to diaries. My favorite authors were Daphne DuMaurier and Victoria Holt. DuMaurier’s Frenchman’s Creek was the book I loved most. I still have it in my collection—although since it went out of print, I had to order it from the UK on eBay. It’s one of those comfort books that I grab when I’m feeling out of sorts and need a lift.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’m an avid reader and often read three or more books a week. First here’s a list of my comfort reads. In addition to Frenchman’s Creek, I also re-read Jamie Zeppa’s Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into Bhutan and A Trip to the Stars by Nicholas Christopher whenever I need a lift. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer and Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library are other recent reads I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve read and reread all the Harry Potter books and loved them. In general, I enjoy reading memoir, travel romance, romantic suspense, and metaphysical books. I tend to bounce from author to author since I like variety in style and voice.

My 32 years working in the fitness profession inspired my three health and fitness books, Fitter Than Ever at 40 and Beyond, Fitter Than Ever at 50 and Beyond, and Slim for Life Secrets.

The incredible experiences I’ve had swimming with a pod of bottlenose dolphins inspired me to write Swimming with Dolphins, a memoir that celebrates these miraculous experiences in the water with my dolphin friends, the joy of swimming in general, and follows my life path of spiritual development.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Swimming with Dolphins was published in August, 2022, and celebrates the world of water, which has been my training ground for personal and spiritual growth, and throughout my life, a constant source of renewal and joy. Hikes on Peru’s Inca trail and swims in seas and oceans around the world illuminate my love for and connection with the natural world.

This swimming memoir celebrates my unique friendship with a group of wild bottlenose dolphins in San Carlos, México that began when they started interacting and chattering with me in dolphin speak during morning swims in the Sea of Cortez. It explores the intelligence and playfulness of these amazing creatures and calls upon all of us to protect and defend the wildlife that surrounds us, no matter where we live.

“The flash of a dark, shiny dorsal fin raises my heart rate another notch and transforms a Sea of Cortez swim from enjoyable to unforgettable.”

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Susan Dawson-Cook’s Website

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Featured Interview With Dan Chamandy

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Canadian born opera singer, living and writing in Vienna, Austria for the past 23 years.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have been writing and winning competitions from my teenage years. The first competition I won, was during our scout rally.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I take my inspiration from life and work on the stage and off. My favorite author has always been Piers Anthony, and remains to this day.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
What Are You Waiting For? is a treasure of of fail-proof ideas to help dreamers overcome fear, kick procrastination in the rear, and help turn their dreams into tangible realities. With chapters inspired by timeless wisdom from historical figures, WAYWF invites the reader to explore life’s most challenging roadblocks that hinder us every time we think about getting in touch with our goals. It is more than just a book – it is a conversation, a meditation, and a toolbox brimming with pragmatic solutions to real-life problems – one that will appeal to readers seeking can’t-miss strategies and mind-blowing techniques to help gently nudge readers to leap off life’s sidelines, like the everyday heroes featured who dared to step out of their comfort zones and achieve jaw-dropping success.

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Dan Chamandy’s Website

Dan Chamandy Facebook Page

Featured Interview With K. E. Blair

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I live in Massachusetts, although I grew up in the Midwest. In addition to reading, I love taking my Australian shepherd mix hiking, and trying out new hobbies, like baking or cross-stitch.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been a fan of reading fantasy books from a young age. My favorite author growing up was Tamora Pierce and I loved getting lost in her Tortall series. I started writing about 10 years ago when I first found out about NaNoWriMo. Since then, I’ve participated every year and built up quite the backlog!I

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love reading Tamora Pierce (still!), Sarah J. Maas, Annette Marie, and any new book that strikes my fancy! I tend to pick up all types of fantasy books (urban fantasy, romantic fantasy, dark fantasy, fairy tail retellings, etc.) depending on my mood.

When I write, I love to be inspired by my travels. I’ll look up local legends of where I’m planning a trip, and love when I can find local myths or legends written as a YA fantasy. This is more rare than it seems, so I’m left with an idea of what I want to write about.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Hidden Crown is for everyone who loves characters with secret pasts and stories filled with hidden magic, Robin Hood vibes, medieval royalty, fae and a well-done love triangle!

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K. E. Blair’s Website

Featured Interview With Mary McMahon and Jennifer Bucciero Boyles

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Detroit, Michigan. My first book, The Motor City and Me: Our Story, is an intimate and enthralling portrait of life in twentieth-century Detroit. I now live in Houston, Texas and have written two children’s books. My book, Crummy Crazy Coronavirus No Pal Days, tells the story of two girls who progress from discontent to fulfillment throughout the pandemic. I co-authored my latest book, Daddy Is Cool Like That, with Jennifer Bucciero Boyles who had a father that endued multiple sclerosis for many years. Our book is based on both Jennifer’s and her father’s experiences throughout a challenging illness. Our book is a recent gold medal winner for excellence in writing in the 2023 Readers’ Favorite Book Medal and Reviews and Award Contest in the category children’s book regarding social issues.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
When I was in elementary school my mother had me work on grammar each morning during my summer vacation. Later she critiqued my written work, but allowed me to independently improve my own writing. I eventually acquired my mother’s deep love for literature and writing. I began reading books often. When I graduated from college, I taught language arts and assisted my students with writing. My personal writing began when I retired from education and owned and operated a puppet performing company. I wrote puppet scripts my puppet performances.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I prefer reading non-fiction. The author who has inspired me the most is Viktor. E. Frankl. I love his book, Man’s Search for Meaning. He inspires my life and my writing.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
★★★★★ “To say that you will be touched by this book is an understatement. You may even be transformed by it.” – Readers” Favorite Book Review
★★★★★ “Yes, this is a cool book, and yes, daddy is cool like that, too.” – Pacific Book Review

Daddy Is Cool Like That is the story of a daddy who drives cool vehicles, listens to cool music, eats pizza both hot and cold, and asks for the biggest slice of chocolate cake, but that’s not what makes him cool. What makes this daddy cool is all those fun joyful moments he provides for his daughters despite trying frightening circumstances. His courageous upbeat behavior teaches kids to adapt and keep on rocking through adversity. Disabilities and difference don’t define capabilities. The empowering story will open up conversations around how to cherish every moment of one’s life. It will also teach kindness, bravery, acceptance, and self-confidence. Daddy’s daughter, Rachael, fears being different than her friends when her daddy becomes a disabled parent in a wheelchair. She learns though that he is still cool, fun, and adored by everyone. This children’s book can be useful in therapy sessions for a child dealing with a disabled parent or facing any type of social issue. Daddy Is Cool Like That is not only inspirational. It is amusing. Take a look on Amazon.

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Mary McMahon and Jennifer Bucciero Boyles’s Website

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Featured Interview With Asia Akpe

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Certainly, here’s a brief introduction:

I was born and raised in Nigeria, a country I hold dear to my heart. Currently, I reside in the USA, where I continue to explore my passions for writing, technology, and reading. While I have a deep appreciation for animals, I don’t have any pets at the moment.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My fascination with books began at an early age, and I’ve been an avid reader ever since childhood. I started writing in my teenage years, gradually transitioning from writing poetry and short stories to pursuing longer-form writing projects.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I have a diverse range of favorite authors, including Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, George Orwell, and Octavia E. Butler. I particularly enjoy reading speculative fiction, as it aligns with my love for technology and culture. These authors, along with others, inspire me in my writing journey.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, titled “Vain Shackles,” delves into the struggles and victories that shape our lives. It’s a reflection on the burdens we carry and the resilience within us. The book explores the idea that even in the face of adversity, there’s remarkable strength and potential for triumph. It’s a celebration of the human spirit’s ability to break free from the chains of hardship and emerge stronger.

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Asia Akpe’s Website

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Featured Interview With Robin Chappell

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Although I was born in the Mid-West, I spent the majority of my life on the East Coast. Before that, I was carted around the country by my ‘gypsy’ father, and lived in ten different cities before the age of 12. (And they wondered why I didn’t ‘settle down.’)

Since 2005, I have lived in Los Angeles, having moved here because I am(was) an Actor as well as a Screenwriter. I drug myself ‘kicking and screaming’ here because I figured that this was the best place to fit into both of those roles. Little did I know that 2008 was just around the corner, and the issue of “runaway productions” meant that my acting work thinned to nothing.

Since 2020, I began to self publish novels adapted from my scripts, working to get those novels to sell as jumpstarts to getting my productions funded. (Hint: that hasn’t happened yet.) Writing is the easy part. Promoting and getting your book ‘out into the world’ is another matter.

I don’t (as most everyone else does) stick with writing one genre. My first novel was a romantic drama (as opposed to a “romance”) with themes of women’s issues and politics. My second novel is a “Horror”/Science Fiction work that I call Metaphysical Fiction. It has the standard tropes of horror (Devil worship and Dark Forces) but also has the theme of Transformation and spiritual development.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I wrote my first short story at the age of five (long since in the trashbin of my history). I began reading in earnest in elementary school and reading a number of books over several genre’s. I was introduced to the magic of Tolkien at the age of twelve, and that became my go to set of books whenever life became to difficult. By re-reading LOTR, my ‘facination’ with books was firmly cemented.

I began writing in earnest in my twenties, and wrote what I thought was my first screenplay (a treatment really) when I was 27. I finished my first script at the age of 40.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I have read just about every (majority) genre there is, but Science Fiction and Fantasy were my mainstays.

I write when I feel driven to write. I’m not sure (since I’ve read so many books) who my “inspiration” might be.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
“shadows and Light” is about the nature of reality and the perils of the darker aspects of this world. It follows the journey of the protagonist, Dr. Kathryn Runyon from waking up to finding out that entire life has been a lie, into finally stepping into who she was meant to be. Along the way, Dark Forces try to kill her then subjugate her, but she finds the inner resources to escape and then triumph over her ‘intended’ story.

It is what has been recently called “Elevated Horror.” It has the tropes of horror, but is more than that.

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Robin Chappell’s Website

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Featured Interview With Arwinder Kaur

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I came to Canada as an immigrant from India at age 4 in 1962. Our family was often the only minority in the class or school. As teenager I travelled to the UK and India for 2 years. I lived in the lower mainland in BC most of my life. I attended SFU and had a career as a social worker. I love tennis and art. I love my genius dog Monty.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
As a teenager I preferred reading and learning more than playing with dolls. I always had a curious mind and sought mentors in my life. I have been able to express myself when I am passionate about an issue or cause. I started a collection of maxims and eventually added an autobiography as well.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Anything by Daniel Quinn, Dr Irving Yalom, Biography’s, Michael Crichton, Non Fiction, Classics.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
How do we as humans navigate our lives in the complex world we have created? With the high speed in which we are bombarded with images, messages and conflicting ideas, how do we figure out how to live in the world without destroying it and ourselves? Why are we the only species that seems to be struggling to live truly healthy lives?

Masses of us are suffering with feelings of loneliness and emptiness, killing ourselves and each other despite our sense of superiority over all other species. What makes us live the way we do? How do we live better lives with a deeper connection to ourselves, others and the Earth? The answers are not locked away in a secret vault. In fact, they are much closer and simpler than you might realize, but need to know.

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Arwinder Kaur’s Website

Arwinder Kaur Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Anita Job

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Greater Vancouver, BC, Canada. While I have been fortunate to have traveled to 20+ countries, I’ve never been able to find a place quite like home. I enjoy the mild climate, cultural diversity, kayaking, snowshoeing, ice hockey, hiking, and other sports activities that are available year-round. When I’m not doing these activities I’m working a job I enjoy, volunteering at my church, and promoting my books or writing the next one!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always been a reader, when I was a kid I read books regularly from our local library. In university, I read my textbooks and other books for enjoyment on breaks. I have read everything on my parent’s bookshelf, any book my employer recommends, the Bible, and books others recommend I read. Recently, I’ve been listening to more audio books, learning never stops! I started writing in 2020 when a few friends were going through unexpected job transitions and sought me out for advice as I had already changed employers a few times.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I enjoy reading books on leadership, business, and Christian spirituality. The list of authors I enjoy is too long to write here! My writing style is inspired not by a particular author but instead from my time working as a facilitator where my role was to ask questions to facilitate learning for groups that hired our company.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
“I Am Changing Careers” is a series of questions and answers based on the author’s job-hunting experience that will encourage and motivate you on what works to get hired. Topics include choosing your career, getting hired, how to take care of your health, and what to do once you have the job. By the end of the book, you will have clarity on what you want and what you need to do to get there.

I have a new and expanded 30-day plan on how to find a job that will be released on October 15, 2023.

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Anita Job Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Amber Daulton

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I live in western North Carolina, USA, and it’s so beautiful here. A five-hour drive east takes me to the beach, but an hour drive west takes me up the Great Smoky Mountains where I enjoy hikes, picnicking at a waterfall, and visiting historical sites. I love waking up in the morning and the fog is so thick I can barely see ten feet in front of me. At night, the stars are so crisp and clear like a twinkling blanket over the earth.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I read my first romance book when I was 12 after I snuck a Harlequin paperback out of my mom’s bedroom. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and I wanted to create my own story about two people having an adventure and falling in love. I wrote with pencil in a spiral-bound notebook and finished that 200-plus-page story in about six months. After that, I focused on writing short stories but jotted down a lot of ideas for future full-length novels, some of which I’ve actually written as an adult.
I published my first book almost eleven years ago when I was 26, and Trevor’s Redemption is now my seventeenth book to date. I have several more manuscripts on my computer waiting to see the light of day.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love reading anything in the romance genre, except poetry and Inspirational. Some of my favorites authors/books are: Arial Burnz’s Bonded in Blood series, Tabitha Conall’s Colliding Worlds series, and Bec McMaster’s London Steampunk series.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Trevor’s Redemption is book 3.5 in my steamy romantic suspense series, Arresting Onyx, but I never intended to write it. As I was revising the final Onyx book, a little voice in the back of my head kept telling me to go back and squeeze two novellas into the middle of the series. Believe me, I fought this—hard—but that little voice wouldn’t stop pestering me. Turns out, that voice has a name, and it’s Shea O’Bannon.
I introduced Shea and her best gal pal Chanel way back in book 1, Arresting Mason, as friends to that story’s heroine. As secondary characters, they played well as set dressing and did what I expected from them. But the series continued and they kept popping up here and there. Shea and Chanel were developing into full-fledged characters with hopes, dreams, troubles, and pains that many readers could identify with, and they wanted their stories to be told. They wanted happiness, romance, and adventure, and who am I to argue with that? Oh, wait, I am their author goddess. I’m the one in the control, or so I like to think, but I finally stopped fighting and jotted down ideas for Shea’s story. Chanel, though, spoke louder to me, so I wrote her book first (it’s Ryan’s Temptation, in case you’re wondering). Anyway, I don’t like to make things too easy for my characters, especially when they’ve nagged at me for months. Shea went through a lot of trouble to find her happily ever after with Trevor, but according to her, it was all worth it.
I had a blast bringing Shea’s romance to life, and I hope readers will enjoy it just as much.

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Amber Daulton’s Website

Amber Daulton Facebook Page

Amber Daulton Twitter Account

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Featured Interview With Cynthia Elomaa

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My Name is Cynthia Elomaa. I was raised in Westchester, NY. It seems a life time ago. So much has changed there since I grew up. I now live in Kent County, Rhode Island with my husband, my two boys and my two Australian Shepard Mini dogs.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I never knew a time when I didn't want to write. It's been my childhood dream.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I honestly do not have a favorite author. I love books, I love literary works, young adult, contemporary. Just don't ask me to read mystery or romance. I'm not a fan.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My debut book is a picture book tailored towards preschool to elementary school children.
Nicky has to clean his room, but once his clothes are in the drawers, they jump right out again. When he puts his stuffed animals on his bed? They run away eager to play. Nerf toys? Forget it. How can he get all those darts to behave? Mom’s on her way upstairs and Nicky still has to get all his things to behave.

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Cynthia Elomaa’s Website

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Featured Interview With Kim Idynne

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’ve lived in the Minneapolis area for most of my life, and I have no plans to leave. I teach English Language Arts at a local school, and on the side I write, paint, draw, and compose music. Some of my artwork has appeared alongside my short stories, but I mostly feature it in local art galleries. Right now I’m working on the sequel to Mahatmas and Monsters (a New Adult vampire-themed novel that was published last year), and on a Halloween-themed album that I hope to release in October 2024.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve loved books and writing since I was little. In third grade, I wrote my first horror novel; it was called Nightmare on Sesame Street, and the plot involved the Sesame Street characters being destroyed by an evil entity that possessed them one by one. The first to go was Big Bird. In chapter two, Ernie loaded his rubber ducky with bullets and stepped out of his bath to go on a bit of a rampage. At the time, I thought this plot was hilarious. Around the same time, I also wrote and illustrated a 42-issue graphic novel series called Linda Michelle Frien, named after one of my friends (the plot involved my friend having adventures in an alternate reality).

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
The Exorcist is one of my all-time favorite books, mostly because of the characters and the contemplation of good vs. evil in the world. I couldn’t put down The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Nervous Conditions was my favorite college read (followed closely by Bastard Out of Carolina and The Liar’s Club by Mary Karr). I don’t have a favorite genre, but I tend to stay away from recommendations in the romance genre—I have been exposed to way too many cringey romance novels! When it comes to inspiration for my own stories, I’m mainly inspired by the people around me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Most of the stories in To the Solemn Graves focus on natural mysteries rather than the supernatural, but some selections do feature paranormal encounters. In the acknowledgements, I mention that my dad inspired the ghost story Something Undone; I got the story idea from an experience he had while spending the night at an old mansion on historic Summit Avenue. While the story is mostly fiction, I borrowed some details from the true account, such as the dog refusing to enter the apartment, the narrator’s initial sighting of the ghost, and the reaction of the landlady. There are other ghostly accounts mentioned in passing in that story; those are also based on real encounters experienced by my family members. In other tales, such as A Foreign Bride and Lady in a Fur Wrap, the line between natural and supernatural is very thin. I read several of the stories at a local writer’s workshop, mostly for general feedback, but I especially wanted feedback on Consequences because of its ugly ending. I was encouraged to publish it in the collection anyway.

I design my own book covers, but this is my first time illustrating the interior of my one my books (I have done a few illustrations for other people’s books). I had fun coming up with designs for each story. My favorite illustrations in this book are the ones I did for Lady in a Fur Wrap, Yanakoya, and The Hidden Narcissus. The first two convey a more literal interpretation of the stories, while the drawing for The Hidden Narcissus is figurative—and perhaps more disturbing. It shows the subject staring into the cesspool of her own soul, horrified by what she sees there.

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