Top Selling Authors: Get To Know Them Better

This is a list of our featured author interviews. These authors take a few minutes out of their busy schedule to sit down and answer a few questions. Get to know what they are working on next and what types of books they like to read.

Featured Author SARA FITZGERALD

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Featured Interview With SARA FITZGERALD

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I write clean romance novels, most of which are set in Salt Lake City and are inspired by my life. For example, Pink and More Pink Haily is a beauty consultant raising her daughter and has a zany American Eskimo dog. I sold Avon for 14 years, have a beautiful daughter, and my own zany American Eskimo Dog. Making a Mess of Things is about a struggling artist like me. Suzy falls for a total business suit that she finds herself entangled with. In my Christmas novella, A Kiss for Kate, Kate’s grandmother is a lot like how my mom was: full of strong opinions, loved thrift store shopping, and desperately wanted me to be happy.
I also write paranormal YA books full of danger, secrets, and magic. As children, my sister and I would pretend we were magical witches and that we could soar into the midnight sky.
Besides writing, I love watercolor painting, hanging out with my family, and my dog, Glitter.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
In junior high school, I discovered the joy of reading romance novels. In high school, I was on the literary magazine staff, and my secret dream was to be an author one day. I wrote my first historical romance at eighteen; to this day, it has never seen the light of day, but I had the most fun writing it. I write clean romance novels, young adult paranormal books, and inspirational books, and I recently took a horror workshop. Some of my stories have been accepted in several new anthologies coming out this fall.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Some of my favorite authors are Kristin Higgins and Debbie Macomber. I love reading romance novels and young adult paranormal books. My real life and the places I travel to inspire me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Who’s Chasing Who is A sweet romance novella that will make your heart happy.

Meg Smith dreams of becoming a top-notch reporter, but can she track down the sexy, media-shy billionaire Ryan Foster? She’s raising her brother, desperately trying to keep him out of trouble while not losing her job. She needs the Ryan Foster story to live another day at the struggling newspaper.

Ryan’s heart was broken not only from the woman he loved betraying him but also from losing his niece to cancer. The last thing he needs is a reporter invading his privacy, but the moment he meets Meg and her scowling teenage brother, he falls head over heels in love with her. Soon, he wonders who’s chasing who.

Will Meg get her story or begin her own?

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SARA FITZGERALD’s Website

SARA FITZGERALD Facebook Page

Featured Author Liz Ellyn

Featured Author Kailey Oliver

Featured Author Harlan Porter

Featured Author R.L.Baxter

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 Author Merili Freear

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

Featured Author Susanna Sweeney

Featured Interview With Susanna Sweeney

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in a country that no longer exists – East Germany, behind the Iron Curtain. In fact, I was born within a kilometer of Checkpoint Charly in Berlin and grew up there – on the wrong side of the wall. Growing up in a quite regimented world where mass surveillance was an everyday thing, where you couldn’t speak freely, where you couldn’t get truthful news and only propaganda, where many world-famous books were banned, and where there was no regard paid to mental health or personal development, had a profound impact on me. I’ll never forget finally getting my hands on Orwell’s 1984 just after the Fall of the Wall in November 1989- a book I had been wanting to read for years.
The disregard for the individual’s emotional lives, which affected me directly as I had issues with anxiety from early on, brought me down the path of becoming a psychotherapist- after I relocated to Ireland in my early 20ies. For 25 years, I worked exclusively in the area of trauma and anxiety.
These are two areas where you will be on a steep learning curve to determine what works and what doesn’t, provided you are open-minded and pay close attention. Within five years of my career, I realised that talking alone was not enough to help people overcome the difficult feelings they experience daily, which limit their enjoyment of life and their potential in work and business. This insight led me on a journey to seek solutions that are more effective, easier, and safer than talk therapy alone.
Part of these solutions lies in working through the senses rather than the cognitive mind alone- which is what I specialise in now. Since this approach is less well-known yet, I aim to bring it to a broader audience by incorporating it into my writing.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always been fascinated by books since the moment I started school at the age of six. When I was young, I primarily read fiction, but in recent years, my focus has shifted to nonfiction. I started writing as a kid. Initially, I wrote poetry and, in fact, was a published poet in my teens, with my poems appearing in print and read out on national radio.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
In my nonfiction work, I am inspired by some of the great writers in the therapy field, such as Lori Gottlieb, as well as writers with a more professional audience, including Pat Ogden, with whom I trained, and Peter Levine, John Bowlby, and Dan Siegel.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Relationship Anxiety Guidebook is my first piece of nonfiction writing. It came to be because I came across relationship anxiety again and again in my work and realised just how widespread it is and how connected to other forms of anxiety.
I aim to show readers effective ways to reduce relationship anxiety. The book features some targeted information on the multiple drivers behind this complex issue, along with practical, hands-on solutions. One primary key to fulfilling and securely attached relationships lies in being able to regulate your emotions effectively. In my book, I teach safe, gentle, and effective psychosensory approaches to achieving just that alongside many other tools, exercises, and strategies.

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Susanna Sweeney’s Website

Susanna Sweeney Facebook Page

Featured Author Charlie Garratt

Featured Interview With Charlie Garratt

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised in Manchester, England, in an area known as Tripe Colony, long gone to redevelopment. Now I live in Shropshire, close to the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. I’ve also lived in Warwickshire, where several of my novels are set, and in Donegal, Ireland, where I started my writing.
We have a black cat, which I fastidiously feed, whilst being fastidiously ignored by her at all times.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
When I was a child, a friend of my father’s said ‘he would read brown paper, that one’. And so I would at that age. Later I read fiction much less, spending much of my working life reading reports and policy papers.
I started writing fiction around 2008, when I took a creative writing class, and then joined a writers group- something I’d recommend to any aspiring authors. The discipline of producing pieces to share, and the process of receiving and providing feedback, hones your skill as a writer.
I enjoy writing historical crime and mystery fiction, and have six novels published in that genre. It’s something about the mental challenge of putting together a story which keeps the reader guessing, but not completely mystified at the end.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My early influences were Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie and Rider Haggard. I was introduced at school to John Steinbeck and think his ability to describe place is second-to-none. It’s hard to say who inspires me, because I’m inspired by almost everyone I read, either by the quality of the prose, the ability to build characters I can believe in, or the development of plot. I’d rarely leave any book without picking up something I’d aspire to emulate.
When I’m binge-reading, say on holiday, I’ll take one or two spy or crime novels – probably my favourite genres- a ‘classic’ or two, and maybe someone I have been recommended.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
When I finished the fifth novel in a series featuring Inspector James Given, set in 1930s/40s England, my publisher suggested I start a new series. I’d had a character in my head for many years who was a clerk in the mid-18th century. As I began to work on an outline for the new one, the location changed, the character became female and her occupation became a gardener, or an under-gardener to be precise. She was also not the main character. However, she was strong, and shuffled off her role as sidekick – I just couldn’t stop her. So, Meg Valentine rose in status, and became the lead in The Thief-Taker’s Apprentice.
Meg works for the local magistrate, whose wife, Sarah, is burgled, losing some letters she has held secret for years. To recover them, she engages a thief-taker, Edwin Hare. Meg convinces Edwin to train her as a thief-taker, a path she sees as an escape from the poverty and drudgery of her life.
As Meg helps him uncover a trail of blackmail and hidden motives, she questions the trustworthiness of those around her, including Edwin. She’s forced to navigate tangled relationships, dangerous secrets, and her own ambitions, to uncover the killer and secure her future.

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Charlie Garratt’s Website

Charlie Garratt Facebook Page

Featured Author Breanna Atkinson

Featured Interview With Breanna Atkinson

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised in the GTA in Ontario Canada, I still live there and don’t have any current plans to change that. I have a dog that is affectively another of my children, she is a spit fire and arguably my best and worst friend. I love writing and have recently uncovered a love for fantasy romance writing!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I struggled as a child with reading and writing due to a learning disability. I finally started reading in the grade level of eight. Once I started, I quickly advanced to a college level reading grade and stunned all of my supports, aids and teachers. The twilight novels that got me reading were reread so many times that the first books spine let go! I only recently started writing novels but have been writing poetry since I was eighteen. I published my first book in January of this year!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Sara Dressen, Melody Joanne, T.L. Swan, Julia Quinn, Penelope Douglas are all some of my most read authors. My favourite genre is dark romance, my husband calls it my rebellious outlet! My inspirations in my writings are my loved ones. They’re sewed into every fibre of my being and inspire me daily. It would be almost criminal for them not to inspire me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Oh I am SO excited to talk bout this book! I wrote Phoenix Raised as a gift for my husband who’s favourite genres in all entertainment are romance and fantasy. So of course a Romantasy was a must for him! I chose to use phoenixes as the mythical creature because of my personal obsession with them, something has to be for me right? Abbigail is the main character and the novel is written in her point of view. Abbigail is a phoenix sibling in a district that rarely has any successful sibling bondings, when her and her best friend were born and successfully bonded it was quite the accomplishment. Due to this she is kept in her district by her family to prevent unwanted attention where she grows up on her families orchard. She goes through many personal trials, so much personal growth and a few well deserved break downs. She is twenty-three and at that age belonging in the world is difficult, trapped between your immaturity and your newfound adulthood. Now add in magic giant birds, a corrupted kingdom and a bunch of secrets to that trial and you get Phoenix Raised. Abbie’s Phoenix Brigid however is a sassy, know it all with a tendency to give her a hard time. Brigid despite being the same physical age as Abbigail is much more self assured and outspoken than Abbie in the beginning. Don’t worry though Abbie finds her metaphorical peanuts throughout this adventure – especially when she finds out she’s betrothed to the Prince of Markandeya. I’ve been told that the book will have readers laughing and crying with the wide emotional range. One reviewer described it as soul deep and I’d have to agree. I put in a lot of effort to make the characters relatable and realistic with their emotions, actions and personalities. Because of this the book took three months to write the first draft, editing took another couple of weeks to ensure each characters personality was consistent and “true to character”. I also took my time ensuring my Easter eggs, foreshadowing and sneaky little nods were all well placed and not too obvious.
I cannot wait for book two to be finished to help answer some of my books fans unanswered questions! Phoenix Raised fans don’t even realize the fire to come!

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Breanna Atkinson’s Website

Featured Author Gayne C. Young

Featured Interview With Gayne C. Young

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a full time writer living in beautiful Fredericksburg, Texas. I’m a fourth generation Texan and have called the Lone Star State my home all my life.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I always loved reading and writing and discovered I was pretty good at the latter early on. Writing always came easy and I’m fortunate that I’ve been able to make a living at it.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Larry McMurtry. James Carlos Blake. Carl Hiaasen. Tim Dorsey. Zane Mitchell. I love them all and take from them what inspiration I can.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
In a nutshell, Tiger Tales from the Acuña Cartel deals with a writer who retires to the Texas – Mexico Border only to end up being forced to write up the exploits of a cartel boss. Hilarity ensues.

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Gayne C. Young’s Website

Gayne C. Young Facebook Page

Featured Author Adem Yaseen

Featured Interview With Adem Yaseen

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised between cities, cultures, and stories—an upbringing that taught me how layered identity can be. Today, I live in Canada where I balance my time between writing, reflecting, and walking through bookstores like they’re museums. No pets at the moment, but I suspect a cat would get along with the kind of haunted mirrors I write about.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I fell in love with books early—somewhere around the age of nine. But I didn’t realize stories could live in you until I wrote my first short story in high school. It was terrible… and it changed everything. I started writing seriously in my twenties, exploring themes of identity, trauma, and the supernatural—especially the kind that lingers in silence.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I gravitate toward writers who blur the line between reality and imagination—Shirley Jackson, Paul Tremblay, Gillian Flynn, and Stephen King top the list. I read mostly psychological thrillers and horror that leans quiet, internal, and unnerving. I’m also inspired by real people—those who carry invisible burdens and live with unsolved parts of themselves. Their stories deserve a voice.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Don’t Blink is a psychological thriller with supernatural layers. It follows Detective Lucas Reid, who answers a strange call that leads him to an abandoned apartment… and a mirror that doesn’t just reflect, it remembers. As the story unfolds, Lucas loses his memories, sees his reflection delay, and realizes that the thing in the mirror isn’t trying to kill him—it’s trying to replace him.

This book explores what happens when guilt becomes a doorway and our darkest truths look back at us through glass. It took over a year to write and revise. I poured a lot into the atmosphere, emotional weight, and the twist I hope readers never see coming.

It’s about identity, regret, and the horror of almost forgetting who you are.

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Adem Yaseen’s Website

Adem Yaseen Facebook Page

Adem Yaseen Twitter Account

Featured Author Coraima M.

Featured Interview With Coraima M.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in the Sunshine State, and I’ve always stayed close to my roots—I love the beach and the warm weather year round. Writing has been a lifelong passion of mine, a constant thread through every phase of my life. Whether I’m crafting poetry, writing songs, freestyling, or diving into short stories and novels, I find joy in using words to create and connect.

In 2015, I was honored to receive first place in the Sigma Tau Delta Writing Awards for my poem Oh, Harlem. That recognition was a turning point for me—it reminded me that my voice had the power to resonate with others.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of seeing several of my pieces published, and each experience has only deepened my love for storytelling. I’m inspired by the world around me, by everyday moments, and by the people I meet. Whether I’m writing something lyrical or narrative, personal or imaginative, I always aim to spark something meaningful in my readers and listeners.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve had a fascination with books for as long as I can remember. Growing up, some of my fondest memories are of my grandfather taking me to the library. He would sit with me for hours, reading all kinds of stories until I was fluent enough to read on my own. That early love for reading naturally evolved into a lifelong passion for writing.

I’ve always written in some form or another—poetry, short stories, songs, freestyle—but the turning point came in college. I had the opportunity to submit my work to a writing contest, and when I won first place in the Sigma Tau Delta Writing Awards for my poem Oh, Harlem, it opened my eyes to the possibilities. That moment gave me the confidence to pursue writing more seriously.

Since then, I’ve had several pieces published, and over the past year alone, I’ve written eight books, including two Spanish translations. Whether I’m crafting poetry, building fictional worlds, or experimenting with freestyle, I pour my heart into every word. I draw inspiration from the world around me—everyday experiences, memories, and moments—and I’m always striving to create work that resonates, challenges, and connects.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite genre to read has always been fiction. There’s something about getting lost in a well-told story, especially one with juicy details and cliffhanger chapter endings, that keeps me coming back for more. I love books that pull you in and make it impossible to put them down.

Some of my favorite authors include Ellen Hopkins and Nora Roberts. I admire the way Ellen Hopkins writes with raw emotion and depth, often tackling tough topics head-on, while Nora Roberts builds vivid, immersive worlds with unforgettable characters and just the right touch of drama and romance. Both styles have influenced the way I approach storytelling in my own work.

When it comes to inspiration, everyday people and real conversations are what fuel me the most. I’m constantly drawing from the world around me—what I observe, what I experience, and even what I overhear. My own life, including the struggles and the growth, plays a huge role in shaping my creative thinking. I also love exploring topics that people don’t often talk about openly—things that make us uncomfortable or force us to think on a deeper, more metaphysical level. I’m fascinated by anything that challenges our perspective and pushes us to question life beyond the surface.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My most recent book is titled Little Johnny. It asks a question that many of us avoid but can never truly escape: What if you reached the end of your life… and realized you lived the wrong one?

Little Johnny is a gripping and emotionally-charged novel that dives into themes of purpose, identity, and the haunting weight of unrealized potential. The story follows a man who is beloved by millions but feels completely disconnected from the life he was truly meant to live. As the noise of fame fades and silence takes over, Johnny finds himself in a surreal space beyond time—guided by a mysterious presence that knows him better than he knows himself. Here, he’s forced to confront the legacy he left behind and the purpose he never fully embraced.

What makes this story especially close to my heart is that it was born out of a very personal experience. I was in a place where I realized the life I was building wasn’t aligned with my true purpose. God made that crystal clear by rearranging every single part of my life. Writing Little Johnny became a way for me to process that transformation, and to explore the tension so many of us feel between the lives we live and the callings we’re meant to follow.

It’s a heart-wrenching, honest story that challenges readers to reflect on their own lives and choices. It’s both a cautionary tale and a call to action—for anyone who’s ever questioned if they’re truly living the life they were sent here to live.

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Coraima M.’s Website

Featured Author Diane Dean-Epps

Featured Interview With Diane Dean-Epps

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
As the creative mind behind her “sit-down standup” style of humor writing Diane Dean-Epps has proven that comedy is just as effective from a chair—preferably one with lumbar support and a cup holder—as it is from a standing position. Her humor has found a home in multiple books, including Bangs ‘N’ Botox: My Aging Journey Near, Through, and Out of Denial and Botox, Fillers, & Human Preservatives, the latter essential reading for anyone who’s ever looked in the mirror and gasped at what time hath wrought.
Diane’s career has offered up a bountiful buffet of opportunities—sometimes concurrently—in industries as diverse as media, education, marketing, entertainment, and fitness leading to incredible feats of multi-tasking. This explains her unique ability to deliver a punchline, grade essays, post social media updates, and draft stories as she voices commercials and assumes the plank position for one minute and 22 seconds.
Currently residing in northern California, Diane writes and performs in productions both planned and—much to the surprise of unsuspecting bystanders—unplanned. Her audiences are (mostly) entertained, and she considers that a solid win.
Answer to specific questions: Raised in Stockton, CA – now live in Grass Valley, CA. Yes, I love my fur babies! One cat, two dogs.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Early, early days…like age 5…I was flipping through books, and making up the plot before I could read the words. I’ve always been a reader and I’ve known since I was able to write in cursive that I am a writer. It was probably in third grade when I knew it wasn’t so much a choice as a “this is me” kind of thing.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I was definitely a BIG Erma Bombeck fan when I wasn’t in her demographic at all. I love Fannie Flagg, Nora Ephron. There are so many. The Alchemist is HUGE for me. I’ve got my serious side, reading Pablo Neruda, Ayn Rand, and the like. Is it any wonder I ended up becoming an English teacher? I mean, girl’s gotta pay her bills, and while earned money writing, it’s about as steady of an income as any art you might choose – or art that chose you. My favorite genre to read for “mind candy” would be rom coms. I LOVE cultural books also that frame up with story within a culture that I can learn more about. That’s why I enjoyed Tony Hillerman books, and love that his daughter, Anne, continued to write in the genre. My family and life inspire me because there are so many stories, situations, and observations…just getting out there is enough to spawn new material. And I do write everyday. Again. It chooses me, so I’m madly trying to find a pen, paper, and my sanity as I’m driving, on vacation, and doing really anything when inspiration hits. Again. And again. And again. Thankfully.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Pending the invention of a time machine, we’ll all have to make peace with aging. What better way to do it than by having some fun at aging’s expense? Bangs ‘N’ Botox does just that…and so much more.

As a relative unknown, Diane acknowledges she might be destined to become the Emily Dickinson of humor—sans living next to a cemetery—with her work gaining popularity posthumously, if at all. Nevertheless, she presses on, writing Bangs ‘N’ Botox, her fourth humor book.
Step into Diane’s laugh-lined world as she acts as your guide through this entertaining take on aging. With the sharp wit of a seasoned humorist and the life experience of a baby boomer and active senior, she offers up a fresh and funny perspective in her signature “sit-down standup” comedy writing style.
Packed with punchlines, Bangs ‘N’ Botox is filled with humorous observations, pithy asides, helpful hints, and the occasional rant, all told from Diane’s hilarious perspective. Delivering rapid-fire laughs, she tells you about everything from her marginally successful skincare experimentation to her knack for making any situation awkward to how different her glory days are from her golden years.
This share-worthy book will have you reading excerpts out loud to your friends and family. Aging has never been this relatable—or this comical.

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Diane Dean-Epps’s Website

Diane Dean-Epps Facebook Page

Featured Author Shawn P McCarthy

Featured Interview With Shawn P McCarthy

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised in the Finger Lakes area of Central New York. After living in Washington DC for 12 years, my family and I settled in Massachusetts. I have a wife, two kids, and two grand-kids, plus big goofy yellow lab and a spoiled rotten cat.
I have a fascination with history and historical fiction. For a couple of years, I worked at the Smithsonian Institution. So that was a historian’s dream. My son also went to preschool right in the museums, so he also was exposed to fascinating things at a young age.
During that time I managed to keep my hand in with other writing, including a few articles that I wrote for The Washington Post. But I never gave up on my dream to write books. First non-fiction business books, and then historical fiction. My new book, Local Honey, is my tenth book.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was lucky because I knew I loved to read at a young age, and also I wanted to be a writer early on. By my early teens I planned to be a novelist, but when it came time to go to college, I was bitten by the journalism bug. I received a degree in journalism from Saint Bonaventure University and wrote for newspapers for five years.
But newspapers were starting their decline in readership, and since my wife and I wanted to start a family, I went back for a Master’s degree and made a career switch, first to non-profits and eventually to the corporate world. During that time, I developed a deep interest in historical fiction. I respected how the stories could take readers to a specific time and place, while also tapping into human emotions that are evocative and timeless.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I am a huge fan of historical fiction, and that’s also what I write. Thus I’m a fan of writes like Hilary Mantel, Ken Follett, and Colleen McCullough.
I’m inspired by authors who understand wordlbuilding as part of the stories they tell. People talk a lot about “worldbuilding” in connection to fantasy or science fiction stories. But historical fiction builds a different kind of world. It reconstructs a slice of the past and lets the reader walk through it, seeing the sights from that time and touching things that may no longer exist, while also feeling and understanding human emotions that remain eternal. The best historical fiction writers are able to do that, and I aspire to do the same.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I’m about to publish Local Honey, a novel set in 1951, long before terms like “PTSD” were part of the public lexicon. It tells the story of Jim Yarrow, a wounded World War II veteran who returns home to small-town Massachusetts where he manages to find peace, family, and a comfortable routine. But even though that’s soothing, his calmer life doesn’t fully silence the echoes of war, which really has had an affect on his whole town.
Local Honey is also the story of Becky Bivens, a destitute but resilient woman returning to her childhood home ten years after her mother’s scandal forced them to flee. Intent on rebuilding her life as a simple beekeeper, Becky finds her past waiting for her—a past that includes Yarrow. The book is a study of haves vs have-nots in post-war America, and how people get drawn into situations that are beyond their control, forcing them to make stark choices about their lives and who they will listen to.
• The 1950s were a pivotal time in America.
o The country was still recovering from the trauma of the Second World War, while also entering a period of great economic expansion.
o But the decade also came with strict social rules and crippling class divisions. Not everyone was able to participate in the new prosperity,
o While the book is at times serious, humorous and touching, there is a cloud of desperation and moral ambiguity that hangs in the background.
It took me just under two years to write the book, and probably 40% of that time was doing intense research into the early 1950s and the look, fel and attitudes of that era.

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Shawn P McCarthy’s Website

Featured Author Simon Higginbotham

Featured Interview With Simon Higginbotham

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I guess you could say I’ve lived two very different lives. I spent the first part of my career in high-level business, working internationally, leading teams, and pursuing the kind of goals measured in market share and margin. But around the age of fifty, I hit a turning point. I wanted something more real, more human. So I leaped from boardrooms to ambulances.

I retrained as a paramedic in the U.S., qualifying top of my class, and it completely changed my perspective. That journey is what inspired my memoir, Bottom Line to Lifeline. It’s a reflection on what it means to start over, to serve others, and to find meaning in places you never expected—like the back of a 911 rig at 3 a.m.

I was born and raised in the UK and now live in Ohio. I’ve had the opportunity to experience life in many places—London, Paris, Mumbai, and now Cincinnati—and each has shaped my perspective on the world. I’ve walked through the luxury of corporate life and the chaos of emergency care, and I’ve learned that sometimes the most critical moments are the quiet, human ones we almost miss.

These days, I write to connect those dots between business and service, between ambition and empathy. My work explores that space in between, where reinvention becomes not just possible, but necessary.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Writing came much later in my career. For most of my professional life, my writing was confined to board reports, strategy decks, and business plans. It was all very structured and purposeful—but not very personal. It wasn’t until I made the leap into emergency medical work that I realized I had something to say. The experiences were too powerful to keep to myself.

I started writing during paramedic school, scribbling notes after long shifts, trying to make sense of everything I was seeing and feeling. At first, it was just for me—a kind of therapy, I suppose. But gradually it grew into something more. That’s when Bottom Line to Lifeline began to take shape. It was the first time I wrote from the heart, not the head—and it changed everything.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I am drawn to books that carry hidden power—stories or ideas that leave you thinking long after the last page. I loved “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” for its depth and challenge, and Arthur C. Clarke for how he effortlessly blends science and imagination. On the philosophical side, Milan Kundera’s The Unbearable Lightness of Being stayed with me. I tend to read across genres, but insight—wherever it may be found—is what I seek most.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, Bottom Line to Lifeline, is a memoir that captures the journey I took from being a senior business executive to becoming a newly qualified paramedic in the United States. It’s about more than just a career change—it’s about rediscovering purpose, navigating fear, and finding meaning in unexpected places.

The book is written in the present tense to give readers the feeling that they’re right there with me, through the adrenaline of 911 calls, the humbling moments of human connection, and the personal reckoning that comes when you leave everything familiar behind. I wanted to show not just the drama of emergency care, but the transformation that can happen when you step into a completely different life.

It’s also a book for anyone who’s ever felt stuck or wondered what else might be possible. I’ve heard from readers in healthcare, business, and individuals in transition who have said it helped them reframe their path, which has been incredibly rewarding.

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Simon Higginbotham’s Website

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Featured Author Adrian Bekyarov

Featured Interview With Adrian Bekyarov

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a writer who gives voice to the Universe. My passion is blending science, spirituality, and poetic insight to awaken something timeless in the reader. I believe that writing is not just expression — it is remembrance. Through every word, I try to reconnect people with who they truly are.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started writing at a young age, inspired by questions about the Universe, life, and where we come from. Even as a child, I felt that words had the power to connect us to something greater. Over time, writing became my way of listening to the silence between the stars.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’m inspired by writers who explore the mystery of existence. I admire Kahlil Gibran for his poetic wisdom, Michael A. Singer for his spiritual clarity, Carl Sagan for blending science with wonder, and Rumi for turning the soul into poetry. Their words remind me that truth is not taught — it’s remembered.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is titled “Window to Infinity: I Am the Universe.” It is written from the perspective of the Universe itself — a voice that guides the reader through the birth of time, the dance of matter, and the awakening of consciousness. It blends science, spirituality, and poetic insight to remind us that we are not separate from the cosmos — we are its living expression.

Featured Author Eileen T. Lynch

Featured Interview With Eileen T. Lynch

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a writer and educator who grew up in Park Ridge, IL, a twenty-minute train ride from downtown Chicago. A graduate of Maine South High School and Loyola University, I was influenced by her insurance man father who participated in the Hull House Playwright’s Workshop and frequent trips with her mother to the Art Institute of Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Early jobs in retail and advertising gave me a lifelong love of Michigan Avenue and the Loop, where until Covid, 800,000 people commuted to work every day.

My next stop was the Clothesline School of Writing at the University of Chicago which included weekly public readings at the Woodlawn Tap.

Visits to college friends in Albuquerque prompted me to visit and then to live and work in New Mexico. In Albuquerque, I joined the SouthWest Writers. Art fairs in Santa Fe and Taos combined with hiking trips throughout the state added an appreciation for the Southwest.

Returning to Chicago in 1999, I worked for the Institute of Real Estate managements as Ethics Administrator for thirteen years. In 2015, I joined The Writer’s Hotel where yearly conferences provided a vibrant writing community and an opportunity to read my work in New York City and in Maine.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started reading at the age of 5 and never stopped. My first poem was published in the school paper when I was eight.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Hard to pick favorites when there are so many. I loved F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Willa Cather as a student. As an adult I discovered Haruki Murakami, Colum McCann, Jose Saramago, and Lucia Berlin. I enjoy literary fiction as well as realist and magical realism.

In my writing, writer friends who I’ve met through The Writer’s Hotel and other workshops inspire me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My forthcoming novel is Splenditude, which follows protagonist Deirdre Collins.

Deirdre’s driving passion is to write a great novel. When she is unable to publish her first novel, depression lands her on suicide watch in a psych hospital. There she meets Max Fletcher, a handsome young man with drive and genius who is battling demons of his own. They understand each other due to their similar brain chemistry. Whether their relationship benefits or hurts them creates suspense as the story unfolds.

After discharge, they move to different parts of the country and lose track of each other. Max becomes a successful entertainment producer in New York city. Deirdre teaches behaviorally challenged children in a northern Illinois town while studying with a famous writer.

A commitment to health and craft enables Deirdre to reimagine her struggles through the students she teaches. Just as writing success seems imminent, a visit from Max upends everything Deirdre has built.

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Eileen T. Lynch’s Website

Featured Author Rohanthi Wijewickrama

Featured Interview With Rohanthi Wijewickrama

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hi! I’m Rohanthi Wijewickrama—but you can call me Ro (it’s easier to shout when you’re chasing after kids or a dog with a sock in his mouth). I was born and raised in the vibrant, history-rich island of Sri Lanka, where mango trees are plenty and inspiration is everywhere.

In 2010, I swapped tropical monsoons for Canadian snowstorms and now call Toronto home, where I live with my husband, two wonderfully energetic kids, and our dog—who firmly believes he runs the house (he’s not entirely wrong).

I write everything from mysterious adventures to heartwarming children’s books and the occasional romantic twist. When I’m not writing, I run Bellybees, my creative brand for kids, and speak passionately about empowering young minds and women dreamers.

Basically, if there’s a story to tell, a cause to support, or a cup of tea to sip while plotting a fictional mystery—I’m in.

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 could transport me to places my feet hadn’t yet touched—and let’s be honest, growing up in Sri Lanka, there was no shortage of imagination fuel. At 10 years old, I wrote my first story perched on top of a mango tree, convinced it would become a bestseller (sadly, the manuscript vanished—possibly eaten by a goat or buried under fallen leaves).

Back then, I didn’t even call it “writing”—I just thought my imaginary friends deserved dramatic plot twists and happy endings. Over time, those scribbles turned into real stories with real heart, and I realized this wasn’t just a childhood quirk. This was my passion.

Now, whether I’m writing mysteries, magical adventures, or heartwarming children’s tales, I always aim to bring that same sense of wonder, mischief, and mango-tree-level imagination to everything I create.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Oh, I’m a joyful genre-hopper—both in reading and writing! One day I’m curled up with a cozy mystery and a mug of tea, and the next, I’m racing through an espionage thriller with my heart in my throat. I’ve always had a soft spot for stories with a hint of magic and mystery—witchcraft-themed books like The Secret Circle sparked my imagination early on. And of course, I grew up devouring Nancy Drew and The Famous Five, dreaming of solving mysteries with a flashlight and a packed sandwich.

I’m equally drawn to the adrenaline of espionage tales—spies, secrets, and hidden agendas always keep me turning the page. I love stories that invite you to unravel clues, whether it’s through coded letters or ancient lockets passed down through generations.

Some of my favorite authors? Agatha Christie is my forever muse with her brilliant plotting, Kate Morton for her time-swept mysteries, and Liane Moriarty for her keen insight into the layers of human nature. I’m also endlessly inspired by authors who bring heart into children’s literature—like Oliver Jeffers and Jacqueline Woodson.

And inspiration? It’s everywhere. In the grandmother who weaves family history into bedtime stories. In the child who scribbles magical kingdoms into the corners of their notebooks. In the quiet strength of women chasing dreams between daily routines. I write for them—and because of them.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I’m thrilled to share two very different stories that are close to my heart, each catering to a different audience but equally packed with excitement and adventure!

Agent 174: In Shadows of Deception is a fast-paced, high-stakes thriller for adult readers. It follows Ella Carter, a retired CIA agent who thought she had left her dangerous past behind. However, when a global terrorist organization threatens to unleash devastation, Ella is pulled back into a world she hoped to escape. With her unmatched skills in espionage, she’s the only one who can stop the threat. But her mission isn’t just about defeating the enemy—it’s about confronting the ghosts of her past, including old enemies and unresolved emotions. Torn between a love she once knew and a new unexpected romance, Ella’s journey is a deep dive into betrayal, conspiracies, and self-discovery. This book is for anyone who loves twists, suspense, and complex characters in a world where every decision could be her last.

On the flip side, The Summer at Great Western is a delightful adventure aimed at children. It takes readers to the magical world of Great Western, a tea plantation surrounded by forests and hidden wonders. Follow 13-year-old Ro and her big brother Dan as they spend their summer with their Uncle Sam. What starts as a fun trip quickly turns into an exciting treasure hunt, where the kids, along with their cousins, uncover the legend of a hidden treasure near a magical waterfall. Filled with riddles, runaway horses, and family mischief, this story celebrates the joys of summer, teamwork, and unforgettable memories. It’s perfect for young readers who love nature, mystery, and the simple pleasures of family adventures.

Both books were launched together, showcasing my range as a writer—one filled with thrilling, grown-up suspense and the other a heartwarming, magical journey for kids. Whether you’re looking for a gripping espionage thriller or a charming children’s adventure, these stories promise to take you on an unforgettable ride!

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Rohanthi Wijewickrama’s Website

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Featured Author Dr Lilly Mbinglo, CPA

Featured Interview With Dr Lilly Mbinglo, CPA

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a passionate lover of LIFE. I love people , I love love, and I love believing in the best I see in people. I was born in a city called Bamenda, in the Northwest Province of Cameroon to my amazing parents, Hitler and Theresia Mbinglo. I am now based in Virginia Beach, where my soul is eternally grate for the gift of the ocean. I don’t have any pets, and I would hate to own any, given how much I travel.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
In my 20s. I went through some major life transitions that forced me into intentional self-development, and an intimate relationships with God. I felt extremely grateful for the people who wrote the books that completely transformed my life. So I wondered, if keeping my own lessons to myself, could be depriving someone else, of the opportunity to learn and grow. So I made a commitment to write books that will create lasting legacies.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I enjoy reading self development books, as well as soul feed books. Paulo Coelho spoke to my soul. Myles Munroe has a way of explaining things that brought so much clarity, and transformed my walk with God.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Fabric of a Shero is a celebration of star-like motherhood and an empowering tribute to a mother whose life charts the path to self-fulfilment. A jealous preservation of the family’s legacy by a child, who drank directly from her mother’s entrepreneurial cup of wisdom and experienced her dad’s selfless love for his wife and the family. Dr. Lilly Mbinglo in her book, holds your hand from the start to the finishing line of your entrepreneurial journey.

I have carried this book concept in my heart for years and took my about 12 months to put my ideas into minuscript and here we are.

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Dr Lilly Mbinglo, CPA’s Website

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Featured Author MJ Politis, Ph.D., D.V.M., H.B.A.R.P. (human being, aspiring Renaissance person)

Featured Interview With MJ Politis, Ph.D., D.V.M., H.B.A.R.P. (human being, aspiring Renaissance person)

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, grew up in the metro area of NYC till age of 32. Grew some more in Western Canada (Saskatchewan) where I got my own research lab, site unseen. After exhausting all positive opportunities in Saskatchewan for 17 years (with a one year stint in Vancouver), was called out to Interior British Columbia (Kamloops, a highly under-estimated town with regard to grit, warmth and talent) to direct a movie, which led to making 25 more productions. Started to be owned by horses in 1983, which continues to this day.

The elements present in works bearing my name as a credit (or individual responsible for their being put to paper) that define them can be best described as humanistic comedy, drama and satire with a unique cerebral edge. Along with being thought provoking, they speak to common experience of struggling people trying to make the world a better, more enlightened and Alive, big A, place. Premises are often unconventional utilizing unpredictable and intricate plotlines to tell stories about complex characters with many internal contradictions. A large portion of the works utilize historical settings which relate situations that we encounter today, as well as being authentic to descriptions of life which we don’t experience in the 21st century. A common but not always present theme in the books and films is…’revolutionary’. Rugged individualists trying to do and implement the right things in a dead, dying or corrupt world. Central characters in stories penned struggle with intensity to make the world a better place, often against ‘too cool to sweat’ and ‘cool to be cruel’ antagonists.

Due to his previous career as a highly prolific senior level research neuroscientist, lecturer and veterinary clinician, many of the story themes are biomedical or deal with issues regarding how science serves, and (when done irresponsibly) doesn’t serve us in the tradition of fellow docs who became writers such as Anton Chekov and Michael Crichton. Stories about Revolutions are heavily represented because of his dedication to initiating and maintaining positive social change that is healthy as well as sustainable. Tales about the Wild West, the Wild East (Russia) and Greece represent a substantial portion of his writing due to his ancestry as well as having lived the first portion of his 73 year old life in the Big (Crab) Apple as a masochistic workahollic and the second half in rural Western Canada owned by horses, who he continues to work for, and with.

Author, 76 novels/novellas. Dir/Writer 25 plus films. Samples, links, award/festival/distribution history on www.longriderpress.net MJ Politis, Ph.D., D.V.M., H.B.A.R.P. (human being aspiring Renaissance person) mjpolitis@yahoo.com

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was fascinated by books, mostly historical ones about people and peoples who made revolutionary changes in the world, from the age of 8, and would voluntarily write book reports on them. I then moved on to reading science texts in areas of physics, medicine and biology, so I could be one of those people. After establishing myself at the big 30 as a biomedical researcher with publications in top of the line journals, merged into finding cures for the pathologies in the present human soul as a writer of fact-based fiction.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Kurt Vonnegut, John Steinbeck, Tolstoy, Chekov and Nikos Kazantzakis.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
An intense, independent Native woman scientifically brilliant and tied to her cultural roots with an abusive past fresh out of vet school is trapped into working for old Sawbones pathologically-paternalistic redneck animal doc in a backwater Western Canadian town filled with colorfully-dysfunctional rugged individualists who refuse to be homogenized into the 21st century. Alliances/bondships are challenged by manipulative young Eastern Blueblood Corporate vet who wants to settle family scores with the Sawbones Redneck animal doc and make the old man’s sometimes willing First Nations ‘protégée’ his personal squaw, and the town his prize ‘colony’.

Produced as a feature length film. A book about what the veterinary world is, and should be. An All Creatures Great and Small, with contemporary edge, multicultural theme and Western Canadian setting.

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MJ Politis, Ph.D., D.V.M., H.B.A.R.P. (human being, aspiring Renaissance person)’s Website

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