Top Selling Authors: Get To Know Them Better

Featured Interview With Ray Wilson

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born on the outskirts of London. I was bitten by a bulldog in 1966 and hated dogs until Billy “the lurcher cross” came into my life in the mid 80″s. After that dogs became a huge part of my life.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I couldn’t actually read until I was almost seven years old. I taught myself to read and found I really enjoyed the “Just William” books. After that, I started writing.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I like books in all genres. H.G. Wells, Philip K Dick to William Blake.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I decided that all in all I had had a “blessed” life and wanted to share some of what I had learnt.

Featured Interview With Nolon Savas

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I have been a journalist, soldier, enumerator, roughneck, roustabout, prospector, blaster, doodlebug, security guard, and a convict librarian in a New Mexico prison. Fact is, I’ve done many more jobs just to stay afloat than the ones mentioned. I worked the deeprock mines after graduating high school. I joined the Army to escape Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, a diagnosis I would not learn of until I was sentenced to a halfway house for six months in 2004. I weighed 110 pounds after the ravage was done. I started writing again while a resident in a homeless shelter following the halfway hotel experience, placing it aside to take care of my mother in her dying days. How long did it take to write “Shadowdancer”? About forty-two years. It cost me a great deal more to research the substance of the book than the reasonable cover price to buy it.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started reading by age five to escape the madness of home life. My father was a veteran of three wars and my mother was a jitterbug with firecracker blood. By age twelve I was clearing out entire sections of the public library with reading interests covering every topic but organized sports. By the time the folks stopped with their knock-down-drag-out free-for-all performances, my psychopathic brother took over in the beatings department. Like they say, another day in paradise. I went underground as a miner to finance college at the University of Utah. When that money ran out I joined the Army and became a combat engineer. It was the United States Army or the French Foreign Legion. I took the path of lease resistance.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
William Faulkner, Flannery O’Conner, John Steinbeck, William Shakespeare, the Holy Bible, Gilgamesh, you get the idea. There’s not too many contemporary writers I have read, although I helped Christopher Moore with his second book, “Coyote Blue”, and currently work with an autistic author who publishes historical fiction, Bonnie Barrigar. She’s quite an imaginative writer.

My favorite genre, or rather sub-genre is the one I write in–Southwestern Gothic. Never heard of Southwestern Gothic? You will. As an abbreviated explanation, Southwestern Gothic takes most of the traditions of Gothic literature: mystery and fear, omens and curses, dreams and nightmares, supernatural or paranormal experiences, villains, and emotional distress, placing it in a southwestern setting. Because I am writing in first person narrative, and because all of my books are based upon a true story, further lends to reader involvement. I am the anti-hero you would prefer to sit next to in a dinner party.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
“Shadowdancer” is a journey of discovery. Our protagonist ventures into a remote Native American cliff dwelling an takes some souvenirs–desiccated corn cobs from a stone granary. From the start strange things happen, bad things that only get worse with the passage of time. Our protagonist returns to the Silver City, New Mexico area after losing his geoseismic job in Oklahoma. A strange letter arrives in his general delivery box days after his arrival. The letter, from an elderly man our protagonist doesn’t know, says that there are gold and silver deposits in the Bootheel of New Mexico worth investigating. A map is included. What the protagonist can’t explain is how this elderly letter writer knew of him at all. Off to the sticks goes the protagonist and in doing seals a course of events that would change his life forever…

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Nolon Savas Facebook Page

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Featured Interview With Nolon Savas

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I have been a journalist, soldier, enumerator, roughneck, roustabout, prospector, blaster, doodlebug, security guard, and a convict librarian in a New Mexico prison. Fact is, I’ve done many more jobs just to stay afloat than the ones mentioned. I worked the deeprock mines after graduating high school. I joined the Army to escape Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, a diagnosis I would not learn of until I was sentenced to a halfway house for six months in 2004. I weighed 110 pounds after the ravage was done. I started writing again while a resident in a homeless shelter following the halfway hotel experience, placing it aside to take care of my mother in her dying days. How long did it take to write “Shadowdancer”? About forty-two years. It cost me a great deal more to research the substance of the book than the reasonable cover price to buy it.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started reading by age five to escape the madness of home life. My father was a veteran of three wars and my mother was a jitterbug with firecracker blood. By age twelve I was clearing out entire sections of the public library with reading interests covering every topic but organized sports. By the time the folks stopped with their knock-down-drag-out free-for-all performances, my psychopathic brother took over in the beatings department. Like they say, another day in paradise. I went underground as a miner to finance college at the University of Utah. When that money ran out I joined the Army and became a combat engineer. It was the United States Army or the French Foreign Legion. I took the path of least resistance.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
William Faulkner, Flannery O’Conner, John Steinbeck, William Shakespeare, Joseph Conrad, the Holy Bible, Gilgamesh, you get the idea. There’s not too many contemporary writers I have read, although I helped Christopher Moore with his second book, “Coyote Blue”, and currently work with an autistic author who publishes historical fiction, Bonnie Barrigar. She’s quite an imaginative writer.

My favorite genre, or rather sub-genre is the one I write in–Southwestern Gothic. Never heard of Southwestern Gothic? You will. As an abbreviated explanation, Southwestern Gothic takes most of the traditions of Gothic literature: mystery and fear, omens and curses, dreams and nightmares, supernatural or paranormal experiences, villains, and emotional distress, placing it in a southwestern setting. Because I am writing in first person narrative, and because all of my books are based upon a true story, further lends to reader involvement. I am the anti-hero you would prefer to sit next to in a dinner party.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
“Shadowdancer” is a journey of discovery. Our protagonist ventures into a remote Native American cliff dwelling and takes some souvenirs–desiccated corn cobs from a stone granary. From the start strange things happen, bad things that only get worse with the passage of time. Our protagonist returns to the Silver City, New Mexico area after losing his geoseismic job in Oklahoma. A strange letter arrives in his general delivery box days after his arrival. The letter, from an elderly man our protagonist doesn’t know, says that there are gold and silver deposits in the Bootheel of New Mexico worth investigating. A map is included. What the protagonist can’t explain is how this elderly letter writer knew of him at all. Off to the sticks goes the protagonist and in doing seals a course of events that would change his life forever…

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Nolon Savas Facebook Page

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Featured Interview With Crissy Butts

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a Happiness Coach. I grew up in a small town, Venice Utah, 200 people, 2000 cows. Today I live in Houston, Texas the 4th largest city in the US. I have 2 parakeets. I’ve lived in the Alaska Tundra and the Costa Rica Jungle and my husband and I have owned several companies, now he is a commercial pilot and I am encouraging him to write a his 1st book, Stories from the Cockpit.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I loved books as a young girl. The BookMobile came to our small town of 200 people and I would be so excited to check out books! When my children were young, our favorite pasttime was to go to reading hour at the library and check our lots of books and go home and read them together. I didn’t start writing until I was 44 years old when I wasn’t so busy with 4 little boys who had grown up to be 4 handsome young men.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Non-fiction, self help, inspirational. John Maxwell, Zig Ziggler, Norman Vicent Peale, Jack Canfield, Stephen Covey

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Feeling Stuck? Be open to possibilities, ask God for help, take calculated risks and discover your purpose! Crissy Butts takes you on a journey overcoming adversity with her family living in a 1 room rustic cabin with an outhouse in Alaska. She reveals how they grew a national award winning limousine company. Her humorous and intimate view of the inside world of an entrepreneur will have you laughing and crying.

Be careful WHAT you wish for! Discover how to creatively rise above challenges. Reflect what it takes to keep a family together. Bonus material: Journal areas, breathtaking photography, The Sunshine Strategy, The 21 Day Happiness Challenge, The Royal Banquet. For a limited time, get the Kindle download for $1.99 See very short YouTube video: https://youtu.be/qV9tXBrHYxY

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Crissy Butts’s Website

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Featured Interview With Jennifer Edelson

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
In a Godzilla-sized nutshell, I grew up in Los Angeles, dropped out of high school, rebelled the hell out of my teens and spent a couple rocky years dabbling in everything from car stereo sales, to animal rescue, to scalping concert tickets, to waiting tables. After quickly learning that limitations suck, I went on to complete a B.F.A. in Fine Arts-Sculpture with a minor in Criminology at the University of Minnesota and later, a J.D. in law school. Originally a California native, I currently live in Santa Fe, New Mexico with my husband, kids, and dog, Hubble after surviving twenty-plus years in the Minnesota tundra.

Other than writing, I adore hiking, pizza, Bollywood, traveling, Albert Camus, Dr. Seuss, dark chocolate, coffee, exploring mysterious places, and meeting new people—if you’re human (or otherwise), odds are I’ll probably love you.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
​I don’t remember I time when I didn’t read. But I started writing in elementary school. During high school, I wrote music and film reviews for my high school paper. Throughout lower school, college, and law school I wrote poems, commentary, policy and review articles, and short stories. I’ve always written and I’ve always loved writing, but until the last few years or so, never thought of myself as a ‘real’ writer. ‘Real’ writers were like unicorns or UFO’s; I suspected they existed but also knew I’d never be invited to the party.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My writing influences vary. I read A LOT, especially in the genre I most often write in, which is Young Adult fiction. But I’ve been in love with Albert Camus since college. His work inspires me; his writing, both his prose and the subjects he writes about, challenge me to examine meaning, to dig deeper when I write and when I interact with people. Vladimir Nabokov, Brett Easton Ellis, Heidi Julavits, Phillip Roth, and Chuck Palahniuk are also big writing influences, for many diverse, weird, and divergent reasons. Deeply flawed characters that still manage to capture and hold a reader’s interest, and stories that challenge notions of identity particularly interest me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Set against a Northern New Mexico backdrop, ‘Between Wild and Ruin’ is a young adult coming of age story that captures the wild and whimsical pulse of New Mexico through the eyes of teens Ruby Brooks, Angel Ruiz, and Ezra Lucero. The first book in the ‘Wild and Ruin’ series, ‘Between Wild and Ruin’ explores the time-tested credo ‘never judge a book by its cover’ through a paranormal lens, weaving Puebloan and Hispanic folklore and Southwest cultural narratives into tightly written, high-concept fiction ‘brimming with mystery, intrigue,’ and as Kirkus Reviews puts it, an “intriguing historical drama and an over-the top quadrangle romance.”

On its face at least, ‘Between Wild and Ruin’ is a bit of a ‘Beauty and the Beast’ story. I initially gave the book a title that played with that idea, but my editor and manager worried the title was too obscure. So I winnowed down a list to four other titles and then threw it out to the masses, who essentially chose one of them for me. Between Wild and Ruin fits the story well, because the book is as much about wild spaces, feelings, and people, as it is plot-driven. Plus the plot involves an old pueblo ruin. Ruby and Ezra are also caught between choices about their lives and each other that could literally lead to ruin. Ultimately, I got to keep the word ‘Wild,’ which sums up the kind of world the book’s characters live in.

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Jennifer Edelson’s Website

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Featured Interview With Dr.Josh Wagner

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Raised in Westchester NY, went to NYU for undergraduate and then graduated from Chiropractic School in Atlanta, GA. Returned to NYC to open first practice from scratch and then began teaching doctors the exceptional new patient experience.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Elementary school. I was the kid in 3rd grade reading John Grisham and Michael Crichton novels.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Eckhart Tolle, Neale Donald Walsch, Wayne Dyer

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Missing answer to the life you want

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Dr.Josh Wagner’s Website

Featured Interview With Christopher Galvez

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My name is Christopher Galvez. I am a Virgo who travels the country teaching for LSU (Louisiana State University). I’m an avid weight lifter and extreme introvert. I initially majored in marketing, but quickly realized I didn’t have the patience or personality to be a salesman. I later earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and later earned a masters degree in education with a specialization in adult education. I’ve been a full-time police officer for the past 17 years and currently am the assistant chief of police for my agency. I was born and raised in Lafayette Louisiana. Southern Louisiana is an amazing place to live; the culture and food is AMAZING! I’m happily married to my high school sweetheart and together we have a teenage son and six animals (2 hairless cats, 2 hairless dogs and one of each with fur).

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always loved to read. In early 2019 I decided to write my first novel. The Psychic Son is a fiction novel about a teenage boy who has tragic premonitions. His dad is a police officer so most of the book is taken from my life. My wife and son have paranormal gifts that have given me first-hand experience with supernatural encounters. I’ve seen things in my life that most only see in movies, so I take those realities and apply them to my writing.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Stephen King is my favorite author to read because of his exquisite prose. His ability to draw me into his writing is uncanny. My favorite genre to read is True Crime. I find myself relating to the super heroes hunting the villains. I especially love Italian mafia books. My wife inspires my writing. Everything I write, I have her in mind. Her opinion is the most important to me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book Five Seconds Til Dark is a paranormal crime thriller about a young man who develops the ability to freeze time for five seconds. He is able to freeze the world around him, while he moves about freely. He initially uses his ability to get revenge on school-aged bullies, but after a close brush with death he has a realization that will change his life. The main character, Marcello Scott decides to use his gift to become a vigilante and he pursues the worst of the worst. Scott gets involved with shady characters and everything that he thinks he knows, he begins to question. Ultimately, Scott will have to answer for his actions, but at what cost?

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Christopher Galvez’s Website

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Featured Interview With Robert Blanchard

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Saratoga Springs, NY. I lived there for about twenty years, after which I moved all over the surrounding area. Now I live in Corinth, NY with my two boys and a close friend of mine. I had a dog named Simba when I lived in Lake George, but I unfortunately had to give him up when I moved to Corinth. I miss him dearly.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was reading all kinds of books at an early age, including a large stack of comic books I had. I could read before I started kindergarten. I think my love of writing started in junior high, when I had to write a story about me coming face to face with a clone of myself. The story involved a lot of fighting. (laughs) I dropped out of high school at the age of 17, and a year or two later, I wrote a book that involved me and my friends. It was a fun story, but not the kind of thing that will ever see the light of day today. (laughs). The idea of writing The Roar of a Dragon started when I was around 21, and all I had in my head was the first paragraph of the prologue. I had no idea what I wanted the story to be or even who the main character was. It took a very long time for me to develop that in my head. In 2008, I started experiencing dizzy spells, and it became very difficult to do normal things at times. But one thing I could do was write, and the story finally started to come together during that time. Two years later, the book was complete!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’m a big fan of the Dragonlance series written by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. I’ve also read all of the Harry Potter books and even the Twilight series. Don’t laugh, the books were way better than the movies. (laughs) Lately, I’ve been reading the Dark Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon, which are very good! If you couldn’t tell, my favorite series is fantasy! I’m also a pro wrestling fan, and I’ve read many book written by pro wrestlers. My writing style was very much inspired by S.D Perry and the Resident Evil series.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Treachery of a Weasel is the sequel to The Roar of a Dragon. In this book, Aidan encounters a series of speedbumps in his quest to stop Sirak from turning the people of the land into Ther-lor. An old rival of his reemerges and the subsequent melee results in the disappearance of one of Aidan’s companions. Wracked with grief, Aidan is desperate to save the companion and continue the fight against Sirak. The series will culminate with the book I just recently finished, The Cry of a Raven!

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Robert Blanchard’s Website

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Featured Interview With Chelsea Falin

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My name is Chelsea. I was raised in Dade City, Florida. It’s a small town in west-central Florida about an hour drive outside of Tampa. I currently live in southern New Jersey. Yes, I have pets (and kids)! Three cats who are spoiled rotten. Our oldest is an 8-year-old black cat named Skits. Then we have brothers, Loki (a gray tabby) and Thor (an orange tabby) who are 4-years-old.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always loved reading and writing. I think I was in Kindergarten when I joined a young writer’s group at my elementary school. From the time I knew what an author was, I wanted to be one. In fact, I have some old “books” I wrote between the ages of five and ten. Thankfully, I’ve improved a lot since then!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I get a lot of inspiration from my own past and everyday experiences, as well as the stories I hear from those close to me. My favorite genre is generally fantasy, but I’m on a huge romance kick right now. In fantasy, I love AD Trosper, David Eddings, Robert Jordan, Terry Brooks, Raymond E. Feist, and Lindsey Buroker. For romance, I especially love Karah Quinney, Dennis Manor, and Sarah Storme.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The last book I put out is a contemporary romance novella that utilizes the tropes friends to lovers, older brother’s best friend, and second chance at love. It’s only my second foray into romance, but I really found myself drawn into the story. It only took me eight days to write the rough draft because I was writing like a mad person. It also kicked off a romance writing binge. I already have another romance written and in the editing stage.

So, the romance novella I just put out is called “A Fresh Restart.” Walker has always been madly in love with Josette, but she had no idea. She leaves town to find bigger and better things, and Walker finds he can’t stand their small town without her. So, he leaves, too. Ten years later, in a twist of fate, both Walker and Josette return home within months of each other. This time around, the attraction is mutual… after a few bumps in the road, of course.

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Chelsea Falin Facebook Page

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Featured Interview With Stacey White

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised in Compton California and now reside in Las Vegas Nevada I have one child left and four grandchildren ages from 16 through 23.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started writing at the age of 53 and what inspired me was the message I received while on the other side in 2005 to share what the Youth. I also wanted to share the beauty and the love that I felt on the other side and assure everyone that there is another life after this one.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
To share the truth I have not been a reader of books only educational which was when I was inspired by my Speech professor who told me to write and tell my story of being present on the other side.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The book is at revised Edition of my first but which was given to me by a higher power and this book is based on my true experiences what Angels and with the knowledge of the other side and it will also be sharing a message with the youth .

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Stacey White Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Shelley Mishra

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh and I live in Shimla. I am currently studying in Loreto Convent, Shimla. My book ‘World of Imagination’ was published in 2017 and reviewed in ‘The Statesman’. I conducted a poetry workshop at ‘Schoolkutti’ in Thiruvananthapuram and the author reading of ‘World of Imagination’ was conducted in ‘The Reading Room’ in Thiruvananthapuram. I have a YouTube channel by the name ‘Shelley Mishra’ where I upload my poems and I express my thoughts and post my poems on Quora.com. My poems are also published in ‘My Corner’ section of ‘The Tribune’ I was born in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh and I am attached to both Varanasi and Shimla. The atmosphere of Varanasi is like that of the writers, many Indian writers hail from Varansi. Shimla, with its peaceful atmosphere and exotic beauty inspires me to write.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was fascinated by books at the age of six. I initially read fairy tales and as I kept reading them, I too realized that I am capable of writing, since my imagination is vast. I always thought that someday, someone would be reading my book just as I was reading this book. I lived in the world of fantasy where I thought that everything was beautiful, just as the flowers, trees, animals, grass and rivers look beautiful in books. I wrote my first poem ‘Little Raindrops’ at the age of seven. Since, then I have continued writing. My book ‘World of Imagination’ was published in 2017.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My current favorite authors are Robin Sharma, Shiv Khera, Mitch Albom, Joseph Murphy and Deep Trivedi. ‘The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari’ by Robin Sharma opened to me a new world and I started the process of self-improvement. I read self-help books, these books written by different authors define the meaning of life as interpreted by different authors. My writings are inspired by my favorite authors and my teachers. For me, words said by my teachers become like quotes that I can remember for life.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
‘The Fear That Freed Me’ was released in July 2019. It is a self-help book that is inspired from the principles of mathematics. Every problem has a solution. Getting through the audacious rides of fears sometimes feels exhausting but also portends victory at the same time. The book is dedicated to my mathematics teacher or ‘The Extraordinary Teacher’ who constantly motivated a student like me, who was inclined towards History and Languages into becoming a person who wants to know more about mathematics. This book aims at providing a motivational boost to the readers to get rid of their fears ad know that fears are nothing more than limitations we bind ourselves to. The book takes the reader to a world where their motivation is on the high and where they define the definition of life themselves. The Fear That Freed Me’ discusses about the common major and minor fears we have such as fear of failure, fear of losing a loved one, fear of negativity and fear of separation. The concluding chapters are meant to provide a motivational boost to the readers. They discuss about the significance of following one’s passion, these chapters focus on discovering one’s true self, understanding oneself, getting rid of self-doubt and interpreting the perception of beauty. Your greatest fear does not bind your senses, it binds the pages of your proficiencies into the best book. life is the outcome of your creative imagination and the best reality.
‘The Fear That Freed Me’ is available on amazon.in/amazon.com, WFP Store, Flipkart.com, Google Books and Kindle eBook

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Shelley Mishra’s Website

Featured Interview With A. Kidd

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in Toledo, OH, which is often considered the heart of it all. I went to college in Michigan, earning a B.S. in Written Communication with a minor in Language, Literature, and Writing from Eastern Michigan University and an MLIS with a specialization in children’s librarianship from Wayne State University.
My poetry has been published in literary magazines. I am also an artist and a performance poet. In my free time, I enjoy finding and hiding painted rocks in my neighborhood and going on adventures with my family and friends.
I currently live with my husband and daughter in a suburb of Detroit, MI. We have many pet rocks. The Healing Star is my debut novel. I often wish on stars but haven’t caught one yet.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I am the middle child in a family of three girls. I started making up my own stories at age four. Because I couldn’t yet write, my mom wrote the stories down for me while I painted the pictures. My first story was called Wagland and featured an island community with sea creatures that ate tuna fish sandwiches. I attended a young author’s conference several times in grade school and wrote my first picture book as an assignment for Spanish class in high school. I guess you could say I’ve always been writing.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
So many! In no particular order: Sharon Creech, Grace Lin, Kate DiCamillo, Avi, Polly Horvath, Katherine Rundell, Philip Reeve, Paul Stewart, J. K. Rowling, E. L. Konigsburg, Philip Pullman, Jandy Nelson

I especially like reading middle grade and young adult fantasy, including dystopian. I also like steampunk, magical realism, light sci-fi, and novels in verse.

I’m inspired by J. K. Rowling for writing such an epic story with a fully-developed world, for persevering despite obstacles, for being a great female role model, and for getting kids to read long stories.

Without a doubt my biggest inspiration is Toni Morrison. Her use of symbolism is really quite genius. Sharon Creech is also one of my favorites, particularly the book Heartbeat. That’s when I became a fan of novels in verse. I admire her use of poetic language. To that end, I’m also a fan of Jandy Nelson’s I’ll Give You the Sun and Francesca Lia Block’s Weetzie Bat series.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Stars with healing powers are falling from the sky.

My middle grade light fantasy for grades 3-6, The Healing Star, will appeal to readers of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, Keeper by Kathi Appelt, and Savvy by Ingrid Law.

Feisty fourth-grader Julia’s best friend in the entire universe is her grandmother. Julia and Grammu share secrets while cooking soup together, stay up late eating junk food and watching scary movies, and go stargazing on Blackberry Hill. They even wish on the same star every night.

But everything changes when Grammu catches the disappearing disease: little by little, she’s turning invisible. If Julia can catch a falling star, then her wish to save Grammu will come true. All Julia needs to do now is find the legendary ladder to the stars…

This novel took me about a year to write, but several years after that were spent revising based on reader and writer feedback. The character, Grammu, is slightly based on my own grandmother, which makes the story near and dear to my heart.

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A. Kidd Facebook Page

Featured Interview With A. Kidd

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in Toledo, OH, which is often considered the heart of it all. I went to college in Michigan, earning a B.S. in Written Communication with a minor in Language, Literature, and Writing from Eastern Michigan University and an MLIS with a specialization in children’s librarianship from Wayne State University.
My poetry has been published in literary magazines. I am also an artist and a performance poet. In my free time, I enjoy finding and hiding painted rocks in my neighborhood and going on adventures with my family and friends.
I currently live with my husband and daughter in a suburb of Detroit, MI. We have many pet rocks. The Healing Star is my debut novel. I often wish on stars but haven’t caught one yet.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I am the middle child in a family of three girls. I started making up my own stories at age four. Because I couldn’t yet write, my mom wrote the stories down for me while I painted the pictures. My first story was called Wagland and featured an island community with sea creatures that ate tuna fish sandwiches. I attended a young author’s conference several times in grade school and wrote my first picture book as an assignment for Spanish class in high school. I guess you could say I’ve always been writing.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
So many! In no particular order: Sharon Creech, Grace Lin, Kate DiCamillo, Avi, Polly Horvath, Katherine Rundell, Philip Reeve, Paul Stewart, J. K. Rowling, E. L. Konigsburg, Philip Pullman, Jandy Nelson

I especially like reading middle grade and young adult fantasy, including dystopian. I also like steampunk, magical realism, light sci-fi, and novels in verse.

I’m inspired by J. K. Rowling for writing such an epic story with a fully-developed world, for persevering despite obstacles, for being a great female role model, and for getting kids to read long stories.

Without a doubt my biggest inspiration is Toni Morrison. Her use of symbolism is really quite genius. Sharon Creech is also one of my favorites, particularly the book Heartbeat. That’s when I became a fan of novels in verse. I admire her use of poetic language. To that end, I’m also a fan of Jandy Nelson’s I’ll Give You the Sun and Francesca Lia Block’s Weetzie Bat series.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Stars with healing powers are falling from the sky.

My middle grade light fantasy for grades 3-6, The Healing Star, will appeal to readers of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, Keeper by Kathi Appelt, and Savvy by Ingrid Law.

Feisty fourth-grader Julia’s best friend in the entire universe is her grandmother. Julia and Grammu share secrets while cooking soup together, stay up late eating junk food and watching scary movies, and go stargazing on Blackberry Hill. They even wish on the same star every night.

But everything changes when Grammu catches the disappearing disease: little by little, she’s turning invisible. If Julia can catch a falling star, then her wish to save Grammu will come true. All Julia needs to do now is find the legendary ladder to the stars…

This novel took me about a year to write, but several years after that were spent revising based on reader and writer feedback. The character, Grammu, is slightly based on my own grandmother, which makes the story near and dear to my heart.

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Featured Interview With Catherine S. Buck

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in New Castle County, Delaware and later (when I was 8 or 9) moved with my mother to North Carolina. I have two wonderful kids and 8 grandchildren. I was educated at a private college in North Carolina and have a degree in history.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Learned to read at a very young age and actually won first prize in my school’s (1-6 grades) poetry contest in the first grade. I cannot remember when I didn’t love books. I am an avid reader of all types of things and have been known to read as many as three books at a time.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
It’s pretty eclectic: Shaun Tan, Tim Burton, Carl Segan, Alan Moore, Preston and Child, Suzanne Collins, Neil Gaiman and of course, Stephen King to name a few. I love everything from poetry to Science fiction, non-fiction, biographies and classics.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The manuscript took me three years to write. The book is called Granny Buck’s Dibs and Dabs: Appalachian Traditions and Magical Ways. The idea for this book occurred to me years ago when I lived in the Uwharrie Mountains. During that time, I started collecting interview notes and information while traveling through the Asheville area of North Carolina as well as the mountain towns and retreats of Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia and the West Virginia border.
Loaded with information, it was an interesting book to write and I still enjoy reading over it. I have not found any book yet where this variety of material is been brought together. I think the Table of Contents says it all:
Table of Contents
Welcome to Appalachia……………………………..………………
Reading the Signs of Nature…………………………………..
Water-Witching……………………………………….………
Wildcrafting……………………………………………………………….
Planting by the Signs……………………………………………………
Poultices, Tinctures, Tonics, Ointments, Oils and Teas………
Natural Dyes, Candle and Soap Making……………………………
Honeybees………………………………………………………………….
Making Mountain Moonshine……………………………………….
Tracking: Animal Signs………………………………………………..
Spirit Guides: Animals………………………………………………….
Powwow, Hoodoo, Serpents and Prayer ………….………….
Appalachian Midwifes and Folk Healing Ways.……..….
Crossroads, Graveyards and a Bone n’ Bits Bag…………………
Mountain Witches………………………………………………………..
Knot work, Poppets and Corn Dollies .………….……………….
Love Spells and Sexual Allure…………………………….…..
Critters and Creatures…………………………………………………….
It’s All in the Song…………………………………………………………
Storytelling: Haint or Haint Not ……………………………….
Mountain Terms and What They Mean.………………………..
References………………………………………………………..

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Featured Interview With Grady P. Brown

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a science fiction, fantasy, and superhero author with high-functioning autism. I was raised in Southern California and I have lived there ever since. I have two pit bulls named Wally and Fitch and they are the light of my life. I also have a miniature poodle named Piper and she is the alpha of the pack. My two pit bulls are being dominated by a small, elderly poodle! I also have a desert tortoise named Speed, who I have had since I was five-years-old. He is definitely the oldest of my pets and he thinks he’s a dog.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always had a story in my head for as long as I can remember. When I was little, I started telling these stories through pictures I would draw on tablets my parents would give me. When I was in sixth grade, I not only started telling my stories through words, but I also developed the ambition to publish my stories. After I spent the past three years studying medieval history, my stories became more complex, especially my fantasy books.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite author would be Christopher Paolini, author of the Inheritance Cycle. Not only do I enjoy his work, but he also inspired and influenced the way I write today. Christopher Paolini was the one who inspired me to be an author myself. My favorite genres to read would be science fiction, superhero, and fantasy.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book “The War of the Gilded Beasts”, is about a feud between House Magnus and House Sylva. The main characters from House Magnus are Kemrin, Caelum, Daegar, Vaeron, and Ymir. Kemrin, Caelum, Daegar, and Vaeron are quadruplet brothers while Ymir is their little sister. All five are budding sorcerers and dragon riders. The Magnuses also possess the Imperial Sword of Power known as Gramfyre, which can only be wielded by the descendants of its creator. The main characters from House Sylva are Emperor Autem, his triplet sons, his witch wife, and his infant granddaughter. To counter the Magnuses and their dragons, the Sylvas engage in blood magic and dark alchemy, resulting in the creation of mindless, unholy monsters. The ultimate prize of their feud is the Imperial Throne. Whoever holds the Imperial Throne has absolute power over an empire that consists of nine ancient kingdoms.

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Featured Interview With Amy Metz

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Louisville Kentucky has been home for most of my life. My family moved to Louisville when I was starting the first grade. I’ve lived here ever since, except for my years in college and a few years after that. I live just a few miles from where I grew up. I have two grown sons, one daughter-in-law, two granddogs, and three grandcats.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started writing in 2009 after my mother was diagnosed with dementia and I became her caretaker. I wrote about the experiences I was going through for therapeutic reasons. While writing about it was helpful, living it and coming home and writing about it was like a double dose of stress. So to escape reality I started writing a humorous mystery (Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction) based on two murders that happened to family members in the 1930s—one of them was and is a cold case. I’d heard the stories about the murders as a kid and always thought someone should write a book about them. I finally did.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I like mysteries the best. Robert B. Parker (Spenser, Jesse Stone, and Sunny Randall series), David Rosenfelt (Andy Carpenter series), Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch series), John Sandford (the Prey and Virgil Flowers series), Harlan Coben (Myron Bolitar series), Rick Bragg, and Michael Lee West are some of my favorites. I think every book I read inspires my writing to some degree. I also take things from real life and put them into my books.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Liars & Lunatics in Goose Pimple Junction is the fifth book in a mystery series. It’s one of those books that was inspired by real life. Let’s just say Caledonia and I have a lot in common. Her love interest, Virgil Pepper, has an uncanny resemblance to a liar and a lunatic I once dated. In the book, Virgil wants to become mayor of Goose Pimple Junction as a means to become rich. He also wants to date Caledonia and every other woman who will give him the time of day. His unscrupulousness in his business and personal dealings catches up with him. But who finally had enough of his dirty dealings? There are some other assorted liars and lunatics thrown in the mix, a ton of cupcakes, and of course, a lot of levity.

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Featured Interview With Megan Sechrest

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a transient. Being a preacher’s daughter, I went wherever my dad was needed. Now, I go wherever my husband takes me. His works moves us around a lot and I’ve lived in over 13 cities and 10 states. I currently reside in Ohio with my husband and four kids. I love animals and the elephant is my favorite, but American suburbia frowns on those. I make peace with my three cats and six chickens.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve loved reading since I knew how, I suppose. My love for writing has always been there too and I journaled and wrote poetry when I was younger and then they started growing into stories and longer ideas. The idea to write professionally was never actually there for me until I was an adult and nothing else fit. I couldn’t find a career that suited me, but writing did.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
It’s funny because I don’t really read fantasy, but that’s what I write. I stick to reading anything with a hint of romance but not necessarily romance genre. I just want the story to captivate me. I’m looking for characters I can relate with and fall in love with. I have so many books that I love, but I have always appreciated the classics the most. The way the words flow so poetically and the language used back then really captivates me.
Jane Austen has always inspired me, ever since I was a young teenager. I’ve always felt like the way she introduced romance into fiction and helped popularize writing for women will always inspire me. She will always be one of the greats in my eyes. I can only ever aspire to be on her level.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
As I said before, I write mostly fantasy. I think what I love about fantasy is the fun of creating a new world and unique and unreal but interesting characters. That’s what I did with THE SLAYER: Hell Awakens. I loved writing this book and working on this series. The first book alone, in conjunction with the outline of the series and prequel, has taken me four years. Honestly, I know that sounds like a lot for one book and an outline. However, this series has a pretty in-depth plot; the farther we dive into the books, and the more you read, the more you’re going to love everything about each character. Although, I’ve been told by some readers that some characters you will have a love\hate relationship with.
I think my favorite character is Arlington, the main character’s (Abigail) quirky and eccentric but also very powerful, warlock father. What I like about Arlington is that in spite of his weirdness, he has a genuine care and love for his daughter, despite what others say and think. Abigail and Arlington start off the book being kind of an estranged pair, and Abbi doesn’t really appreciate her dad for who he is; in fact, she actually calls him by his name– Arlington! But as the story progresses and she finds out secrets to who she truly is, what he is, unlocks the keys to the mystery unfolding around her, she starts to not only appreciate Arlington but also rely on him.
A lot of people ask me how I came up with the name Arlington and think that it’s after Arlington Virginia. Actually, I have the tendency to name my characters after street names! Let’s just say that he’s named after Arlington the street not Arlington the city.

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Featured Interview With Christian Warren Freed

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
This question always feels wrong and too self serving for me, but here goes. I was born in the blizzard in Buffalo, New York a long time ago. We moved down along the PA border and I grew up in the middle of farm country. That wasn’t the life for me so I joined the Army- or circus as my mother called it- in the fall of 1990. I mean like 2 weeks before Iraq invaded Kuwait. How’s that for a welcome to the party special? The Army took me all over the world but I settled on Raleigh, NC. It gets a little hot from time to time but there’s not 6 feet of snow to worry about. Aside from running our fish tank, I spend most of my time with our two Bernese Mountain Dogs.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
4. We went to go see the original Star Wars at the drive in and I was hooked. After that came the animated Lord of the Rings and my mind was off and running. I devoured everything my tiny brain could handle- and more it couldn’t. I even pretended to read the Fellowship of the Ring in 1st grade. I say pretended because I had no idea what I was reading and would have been totally lost if I hadn’t seen the movie. Then came goofy comic books and I eventually won the student of the month award in 10th grade for writing a very, very bad horror novel. (And no- there is no evidence of this project aside from a handwritten manuscript my mother has squirreled away)

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I am truly a man of few favorite anythings. For real, I didn’t realize I had a favorite color until I hit 45. But, my go to series is Steven Erickson. Not sure what it is about the Malazan Book of the Fallen but the intensity and complexity sucks me. Each book is over 1000 pages so it’s an investment, but damn do I like a good epic. David Weber’s Safehold series also provides me with great inspiration. As far as reading goes, I try to stick to military history, fantasy, and sci fi. I’ve gotten on a kick lately of reading war stories. I suppose that makes sense since I spent 20 yrs in an Army uniform and almost 5 of them deployed overseas: Korea (2), Afghanistan in 02, and Iraq in 03 and 05.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is called Repercussions: A Lazarus Men Agenda. This is a fun book to write. The sequel to the Lazarus Men, it is about a shady organization that has existed for centuries with the goal of manipulating governments and now planetary governments to get what it wants. The story is a cross between James Bond, the Maltese Falcon, and Total Recall- in space. I wrote the first one a few years ago, got sidetracked by other projects, and then started writing this one. Funny thing is, I spent months trying to write it and only got 20k words in before realizing it was not the time. I set it aside, wrote two other books, and picked this one back up. Now the story flows better and, to quote Happy Gilmore, I am feeling the flow, doing the bull dance. Can’t wait for you to read it. And if you haven’t, you want to pick up a copy of the Lazarus Men now to get caught up.

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