Top Selling Authors: Get To Know Them Better

Featured Interview With Ida Beyer

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a young woman, who lives in the cold north, more specifically Denmark. At the moment I study law at Copenhagen University, which does involve a lot of writing but not of the creative kind. Therefore, I fill my spare time with writing books of all kinds and of all genres.
Whenever I have time to spare, I love to travel. Some of my favorite places around the world are Tibet, Scotland, Thailand and Ireland.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Before I could read books myself, my mother and father read books for me. As soon as I was able, I started reading books. So, I’ve been reading books since before I can remember. This means I’ve also read more books that I can actually remember and more books than I have space for on my bookshelves.
I started writing years ago. I the beginning it was just for the fun of it, in truth it still is. Writing is something I enjoy immensely and something I cannot see myself ever giving up. For me, writing is the break I need in a busy schedule.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’m not fussy about what authors or genres I read. I read just about anything I can get my hands on. I believe my reading habits inspire me to be diverse in what I write and how I write it.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The latest book I’ve written is a fantasy in my Spirit Warrior series. The book called The Son of The North. This is a follow up to The Keeper of The Northern Gate.
This story features Cay, who dreams about becoming a warrior in the armies of Pathria. With his status as an orphan and a slave that dream can never become reality. Or can it?
Suddenly Cay’s lost identity recovered by chance, but accepting his rightful place in this world is not without sacrifice. Things and beings he once thought was no more than the stuff of legends are now a part of his past, and if he takes his rightful place in life, the place long decided by the gods, they will become a part of his future.
The question is, will he be who he is destined to be? Will he walk in his father’s footsteps? Or will he turn his back on who he truly is – a Spirit Warrior?

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Ida Beyer’s Website

Ida Beyer Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Joseph Daniels

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Portsmouth, England, where I was also raised. My background is mainly in theatre and film, where I originally pursued careers in acting, directing, producing, editing and screen writing. Most of this work was writing screenplays for independent companies, some of which were made into low budget films and others which remained on the page. In the latter years I realised that of all these different jobs, writing was the one I enjoyed the most and often found myself wishing that I could just write stories for a living.

After meeting the love of my life on a touring theatre production, we both chose to leave the theatrical life behind and came to live together on the Isle of Wight, to combine our talents of writing and art. It was here that I began to write my first novel: The Hermacles Divide: The Coming of the Dhufal, part of an intended seven book series, which my partner has done all the artwork for. Since then I haven’t stopped, and don’t intend to, until every story in my head has been written down, published, and shown to the world.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was a late bloomer when it came to reading. Believe it or not I was in my late teens when I started reading novels for pleasure and 28 when I attempted to write my first book. Before that I had been a story teller in many shapes and forms from the age of 5. My earliest books were picture books that conveyed stories that only I understood. I also made a number of audiobooks. Then later plays and screenplays became my choice of medium. It’s amazing to me now to think that there was ever a time that I did not enjoy reading.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favourite authors are a very diverse group, writing in genres of crime, fantasy and horror.

I enjoy Simon Kernick for his action packed thrillers.

George. R. R. Martin for his talent to deal with multiple character arcs and his ability to surprise the reader at every turn.

J.K. Rowling for the immersive magical world she created which went from being a children’s story to young adult, and how she inspired me to write my own fantasy series.

Derek Landy for the invention of his many quirky characters, and talent for comic timing.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Boundless in Torment is a supernatural thriller which deals with many themes, such as life after death, murder, betrayal and redemption. It originally started out as two stories.

One about a man who was vindicated for a murder he did not commit, and then found to be the chief suspect in a second murder after.

And another about a man trapped between the world of the living and the dead, who is out to solve his own murder.

When I came to write each of these stories, I was quite aware that neither story was particularly original and did not have anything special to inspire me to continue with them. I was about to abandon them both when I came up with the idea of merging them together.

In my mind by doing this, both stories would complement each other. The murder mystery would make the supernatural element more intriguing, and the supernatural element would add an unconventional spin on the typical murder mystery.

Here is a synopsis for the book

When Detective Inspector Terri Marston takes on the case to prove the innocence of suspected murderer, Leonard Fallon, a number of strange events begin to occur during the investigation. At first she believes them to be purely circumstantial, until she witnesses a man being thrown from a roof by an unexplainable invisible force. It is after this that Terri comes to discover that an incorporeal being may be aiding her in her investigation; for what reason she does not know, but she suspects that someone close to her may have the answer.

I have left things open for a possible series, but that is all dependent on how well this first book does. So if you happen to purchase a copy and enjoy what you read enough to see more, please feel free to spread the word, Tweet, Facebook and review on Amazon and Goodreads. The more books sold, the more chance there is of a sequel.

Please follow the following link to purchase a copy on Amazon
https://books2read.com/u/mZPvM2?store=amazon

Featured Interview With Karina Kantas

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Well hi everyone. I’m Karina. I’m from the Midlands in the UK but I have been living in Greece for over 25 years now. I met my husband when I came on holiday to Corfu. It wasn’t easy to suddenly move to a foreign country especially when you don’t know the language.

I’m an author of ten titles and run my own business. Author Assist helps indie and contracted authors with promotion, marketing. I have over 30 services and add more each year. I don’t just do the author’s job. When needed I teach them. That’s my goal is to educate as many authors as I can.

I also host my own radio show, Author Assist on the Artist First Radio Network. I chat with authors about their books, the craft and we have a lot of fun in between.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
As soon as I had my own library card, I made sure I was there every week, leaving with my arms full of books. I started writing at a young age, making stories up in my head before getting them down on paper. I had a love for poetry when I was younger, but that faded out.

I wrote my first serious story when I was 16. But it wasn’t until I was 18 that I then started work on this short story which then turned out to be my first novel and is still my best seller to date.

I wrote In Times of Violence after reading S.E.Hinton’s The Outsiders. I was addicted to the bad boy gang books, but there were only so many out. I had my own story to tell and I knew there was a gap in the marketplace. Now it’s flooded with MC romances. But back when I first published ITOV there were very few.

I’m an independent and contracted author with ten books published and many stories, poetry articles and reviews published online.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favourite author is S.E.Hinton. I love reading Dean Koontz, Cassandra Claire, Jeaniene Frost… there are too many to mention.

My favourite genre to read is now fantasy, then MC romance and I read a lot of fan fiction on Wattpad.

Life and music inspire me to write and most of my novel ideas come from dreams and nightmares.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My next title to be released is the concluding part of my fantasy duology, Illusional Reality. I first wrote Illusional Reality after I watched the Lord Of The Rings. After, I was addicted to fantasy books and films. I wrote two books and had a synopsis for a third. I then put the books away and forgot about them.
Ten years later, I started a rewrite and Illusional Reality was published independently in 2016. I was about to publish, The Quest, when I was offered a publishing contract for the duology.
I have been working my butt off on the second book, which will be released very soon. It’s now Nov 2018.

Illusonal Reality.

llusional Reality romantic fantasy.

‘Romance, Magic, Action…Illusional Reality has it all.’ Emily Woodmansee

Nobody expects to stare death in the face only to find out your entire life is a lie. Rescued by Salco, marketing executive Becky finds herself in an unknown magical world filled with happy people that try to forget their land is on the brink of destruction.

Becky will soon learn that her arrival is no accident. If learning that she is Thya, the heir of the enchanting land isn’t enough, she’s then told that an Oracle prophesied that she will save the gentle Tsinians from slavery and domination by Darthorn, the Warlord of Senx.

It is at a festival where she is introduced to the Tsinian council and her kinsmen, that she learns the whole truth. The council are so certain that a union between Darthorn’s son, Kovon and Thya will create peace between the two lands. However, Darthorn has plans for Tsinia as does Kovon for Thya and neither are good.
Although her future has been planned and if she is to save Tsinia she must marry Kovon, Thya gives her heart to another. A love that is forbidden and dangerous.

Illusional Reality is a story about hope, courage, love and sacrifice.
‘This story is unique. No typical fantasy stereotyping.’

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Karina Kantas’s Website

Karina Kantas Facebook Page

Karina Kantas Twitter Account

Featured Interview With J.P. Jentile

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Paris (France) of Italian descent, spent my early childhood in Italy, and came back to France at the age of 4. This double cultural heritage helped me get a wider life perspective.
I’ve been living in Paris since 1969, close to the Opera. I love my city. The only other city I would live in is New York for its skyline and vibrant energy. I had a dwarf rabbit for 9 years, but no pet currently. My son has a cat and a dog, so animals are still part of my life.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I decided to pursue a writing career a few years ago, when a story I wrote for my two sons achieved recognition outside my family and close friends. My mission as a writer is to
nurture kids’ creativity and inspire them to embrace high-aspirations, tolerance,
compassion, responsibility, solidarity, and justice.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors are :
Christopher Paolini (Famous Eragon quest)
Licia Troisi (Fantasy world created by a scientist author)
Bernard Werber (Talent in inventing sophisticated worlds)
Stephen King (King of suspense)
Giorgio Falletti (Master in Suspense)
Jean-Christophe Grangé (Master in Suspense as well)

My favorite genres to read are Heroic Fantasy and whodunit novels. I really like magic worlds where the possibilities offered to the characters are unlimited. I like the suspense provided by the whodunits as they are an inspiration source for my own work.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest published Fantasy book “Ogrino, The Ancient Legacy” is the story of a young ogre, named Ogrino, who loses his family to human attack and becomes amnesic. He grows up in a circus. Meanwhile, a terrible human army will seek to destroy all magic creatures including ogres. Ogrino will play a key role in the coming war. He will band together with humans and foes found in wonderfully magical worlds to fight and end the human threat and save the Gigantum, the magic Father-Tree.

The book is an initiatory tale where an atypical hero develops skills of responsability, solidarity and fighting spirit to accomplish his mission for the common good.

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J.P. Jentile Facebook Page

J.P. Jentile Twitter Account

Featured Interview With V.M.Sang

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised in the north west of the United Kingdom, in the centre of the county of Cheshire. Now I live in the south east, not far from the south coast. When growing up, I had a border collie called Laddie. He was a lovely dog, and very clever. I have no pets now, and have not had any all my married life. My lifestyle does not lend itself to pets, unfortunately, as I love animals.
I enjoy travel and go abroad frequently, mainly to Europe, although I have been to the USA a couple of times.
I like doing a variety of crafts as well as painting and drawing. I also like cooking.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always been fascinated by books. My mother tells of me ‘reading’ a book when I was very young, well below school age, and reciting the story, which I knew by heart. She also said it was no use talking to me when I had my head in a book. Even now, I read everything, including signs.
The first thing I remember writing was a story of a dog. I couldn’t spell very well and spelled ‘of’ as ‘ov’ all the way through. I wrote a very bad romance for my friends in my teens, and then I wrote some poetry, all of which has been lost except one. I did write a dungeons and dragons scenario when an adult before I started writing books seriously.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I enjoy most fantasy writers. No, that’s rather a sweeping statement. I like Weis and Hickman’s Dragonlance Saga, Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time, Brandon Sanderson. I also like historical fiction.
I suppose the above writers have been an inspiration, especially the Dragonlance Saga, as it came from a D&D scenario, and my Wolves of Vimar is based on the scenario I wrote. I thought of turning it into a novel after reading their books. (It hasn’t finished as one novel, though. It’s kind of morphed into several books.)

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Vengeance of a Slave is my first foray into historical fiction. It started after many years, no decades, of simmering away at the back of my brain. When a child, I saw an old, derelict house on the moors in Derbyshire. It had once been a grand house and I wondered about the family that had lived there. Decades later, I decided to try to imagine the story from the earliest times, and write about the family that lived there. It starts in what is now Germany, where a young boy, Adelbehrt, and his sister see the Romans crucifying their father and other village men in retribution for a raid on their city. The Romans take the children for slaves and they are sold to a merchant who takes them to Britain.
Adelbehrt develops a hatred of the Romans because of what he decides they have done to him and swears to escape with his sister and get revenge. But taking on the Roman Empire when you are only one young man is quite a task. How can he do so? And will his hatred of the Romans eat into his soul and destroy him?

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V.M.Sang’s Website

V.M.Sang Facebook Page

V.M.Sang Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Tobias Shoemaker

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Born as an only child in Michigan I always had an affinity for great storytelling. I remember as a young child my mother would read to me every night before I went to bed. I believe it was these short stories that propelled me to be a voracious reader later on in life. I had a travelers soul at a young age and found myself itching to move a lot during my college years. I have lived in Texas, Hawaii, and Florida. I have lived for the past seventeen years in South Florida with my beautiful wife Ana Maria and our two dogs Midnight and Gino.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
As a child of divorced parents, I had the usual attributes of a rebellious and angst-ridden teenager. Growing up I found that I could lose myself along with any troubles I might be experiencing through painting and the power of the written word. It was the thrilling universes created by such fascinating authors as Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Tom Clancy that inspired me to better myself in school and overcome any of the harsh, negative environments I might be experiencing at the time. It became a very cathartic process to right on paper the hopes and fears that I experienced growing up into stories that others could understand and relate to.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Presently I would say that the fiction of Dan Brown and the spiritually uplifting narratives of Eckhart Tolle are two authors that I am presently enthralled with. They have both inspired the way that I craft a story and given me perspective on how to introduce religion into a storyline.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My debut novel is titled the First Fallen, Book of Sorrows. It is a gripping thriller centered around a detective whose sister is murdered and his wife and daughter abducted by a ruthless organization bent on world domination. It is a work of fiction interwoven with fact-based theology and religion. This manuscript became a true work of passion for me. There were many nights I would find myself typing into the wee hours of the morning. It was three years of researching, writing, and re-writing until the storyline I envisioned finally materialized into what would later become the first of three novels.

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Tobias Shoemaker’s Website

Featured Interview With Arthur Archambeau

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I love animals and enjoys sports. I’m an avid fan of the Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Capitals, and the University of Maryland football and basketball programs.

I enjoy romantic films. Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Silver Linings Playbook, and Somewhere in Time are some of my favorites.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started writing in my twenties but never pursued it professionally. Last winter, I decided to write a novel and see if I could get it published. In June, I signed a contract with eXtasy Books and I’m currently working on my second book with them called Caged Lions Never Roar.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite writer is Truman Capote. I think his short story, “A Christmas Memory,” is one of the greatest works of fiction of the Twentieth Century. Capote wrote in simple language. He knew that Ivy League words don’t move people. It’s the simple words, strategically placed in a story, that move people.

I write romance. I like to write stories that affirm the primacy of love. I find my inspiration from the films of the Golden Age of Hollywood. For example, I think the ending to the film version of Breakfast at Tiffany’s is just brilliant. It gets into your heart, your souls, and maybe even into your tears. Those are the types of stories I want to write.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
A young, idealistic Marine bound for Iraq loses his virginity in the heat of passion and his innocence in the heat of battle.

In the fall of 2004, Marine Corporal, Danny Shaunessey, is bound for the war in Iraq. Fearing that he could die in combat, he embarks on a mission to lose his virginity prior to deployment.

Beth Kelly is an animal-loving veterinary technician looking for a gallant hero. The Marines are always looking for A Few Good Men. Beth’s only looking for one. A stray kitten brings them together. But after a few idyllic days together, war pulls them apart.

Her Innocent Marine is an old-fashioned romance with a touch of eroticism. It’s also a gritty and graphic portrayal of the realities of war. War destroys both bodies and minds. Can it also destroy love?

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Arthur Archambeau’s Website

Featured Interview With Dr. Melissa Caudle

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am an American Author best known for my series, “The Keystroke Killer.” I wrote my first novel in the seventh grade as an English assignment. What began as a short story, turned out to be a book. I haven’t stop writing with more than a dozen books to my credit, both fiction and non-fiction. I also have a series of adult coloring books called Abstract Faces Vols. 1-6.

I grew up a very small town called Emory, Texas and earned an Associates Degree from Kilgore Junior College, my B.S. Degree in education from the University of Texas at Tyler, my Master of Education degree from Stephen F. Austin and my PhD from New Orleans University.
I live in New Orleans, LA with my wonderful husband and two cats, Meow Mix and Simone. We have three daughters who blessed us with eight grandchildren.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I wrote my first novel in the seventh grade and never looked back. I started reading at the age of three and loved to read ever since. I was more than a bookworm. I’ll never forget those book clubs in elementary school where you could order your first chapter books, you know the ones that looked like your mom’s and dad’s novels because they had chapters in them. The first thing I always did when they were delivered to the classroom and handed to me was to hug it, then I had to open the pages and smell them. Don’t ask me why, but I love the smell of a new book. I guess that is why I fought for so long not to have any of my books in E-Book form, but I did give in.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors are Ray Bradbury, Stephen King, James Patterson and John Grisham. As a kid, I loved to read Ray Bradbury and Orson Welles. THE TIME TRAVELOR and WAR OF THE WORLDS have to be my favorite.

As for my genre, to me, it goes back to why I wanted to be a writer in the first place. When you read, you’re not trapped in the here and now, or your hometown. You can experience the world from someone else’s perspective.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
THE KEYSTROKE KILLER: TRANSCENDENCE is a masterpiece of twisted deception as Matthew Raymond, a private detective is locked into a maze of deceit after the disturbing 2053 murder of his sister, Livia. Rage filled Matthew igniting a search for her killer and to find answers to the mysterious questions that lurked around her death. Matthew discovers himself immersed in a city where the wealthy and corrupt politicians rule and a serial killer on the loose. Our hero plunges himself in a cunning game of cat-and-mouse when he stumbles across the Keystroke Killer exposing a secret device that makes the serial killer capable of sending people to the fourth dimension without a trace.

I wrote “The Keystroke Killer: Transcendence” first as a television pilot series with 67 episodes. After funding for the project fell through, I didn’t give up and spent the next several years developing the character driven plot and subplots. I lived and breathed with these characters. I know them very well. Some scare the daylights out of me. And, yes, there is more than one serial killer.”

My passion for science, science fiction and psychological thrillers leaps from the pages with every sound, every breath, every heartbeat and every death. This novel isn’t for the faint of heart. It is dark and twisted. It makes Silence of the Lambs look PG.

I tapped into Stephen Hawking’s M-Theory and his theory of multiple dimensions when designing how the antagonist, the Keystroke Killer, who uses his weapon as a serial killer. I believe in the possibilities that Hawking presented. Science is a beautiful thing. Scientists have already completed experiments showing the reality of the fourth dimension. And, we have the GPS satellite targeting systems. What better way to showcase real science than to make it science fiction? Oh, wait, I think STAR TREK the original series did that. Just think about it, they had hand held devices to communicate, we call them cell phones. They could communicate by seeing each other on a screen. Wait, we have Facetime and Skype. Need I say more, so don’t discount my theories in THE KEYSTROKE KILLER. Afterall, I had the pleasure of speaking with Stephen Hawking when I developed the screenplay and he clued me in on his thinking of multiple dimensions.

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Dr. Melissa Caudle’s Website

Dr. Melissa Caudle Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Lanza Sebastiano

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Certainly. I’m an author/land surveyor based in Sicily, Italy. I take great pleasure in observing, studying everything that draws my attention. And when something does, I have this almost obsessive need to understand how that something works, down to the most minute detail.
I’m a lover of fine arts, meaning anything whose whole value is greater than the sum of its single parts. Hence, fine art can be found nearly everywhere, be it a good dinner, a painting, a movie, music, even football.
I also adore impossible challenges, if nothing else for their paradoxical nature. Nothing is impossible.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I first became interested in storytelling. In fact, my first endeavour of this kind was to be a comic book. It never really went on to be something more than just an idea, but I will work on it in the not too distant future. It’s a promise I made to myself, partly because it is a story worthy of being told.
As for the writing part, well, it all started as a game. I wasn’t even sure I could write a full-length novel when I put hands on That Which Must Happen. Yet, here we are.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I was always fascinated by Luigi Pirandello’s works. He has this way of turning psychological analysis into simple writing and concepts. The crisis of the relative self, his thoughts about humor, the contrast between life and form. These are all subjects worth studying in depth, as they’re all enlightening. The fact that we’re all wearing a mask, a concept upon which he wrote Uno, Nessuno e Centomila, is an actual psychological concept developed by Jung, (the concept is interpreted slightly differently by the two).
Although he’s not an author, Christopher Nolan’s works are a great inspiration as well. Yes, he’s a brilliant storyteller. His manipulation of time and subjectivity/objectivity is so thought-provoking and enjoyable. His films are study-worthy material.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
That Which Must Happen is a novel about fate. Not the same fate we’re all acquainted with, rather, a series of interconnected events all influenced by each other and by our choices. In other words, an active fate.
It’s also Benjamin’s story. Benjamin is a child able to foresee, forestall, and alter these events happening all around him. In other words he’s able to control fate. But does he do that of his own accord? Surely there must be a set of rules for this. What that set of rules is, I’m not going to say.
However, at some point during the novel, his personal attachments are going to get in the way, as the one person he truly cares about is faced with a less than ideal fate. Considering that every event is connected to another and so on, he cannot simply save her. That would make the entire novel rather dull, wouldn’t it?
He was a very interesting character to develop, as I had to think outside the box.

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Lanza Sebastiano Facebook Page

Lanza Sebastiano Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Sydney Jamesson.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am an English school teacher by day and a USA Today bestselling author by night. I have always written in one form or another. In a previous life I was a commercial journalist and a copywriter before becoming a teacher over twenty ears ago. I live in the north of England with my husband and Skpe as often as I can with our daughter, her husband and our new baby grandson, Leo, in Sydney Australia. Recently, I have made the sideways move from romance suspense to psychological suspense and drawn on my plotting skills and love of unpredictable developments to keep my readers on the edge of their seats. The Darkest Corners is the first of many books through which I will be delving not only into the hearts of new characters, but their minds too, allowing readers’ emotions to run wild and their hands to grip kindles just a little tighter as the plot twists and turns towards a dramatic climax.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
English was my favourite subject at school. During a Parents’ Evening interview when I was fifteen, my English teacher suggested I set my sights on becoming a journalist and a writer! Thankfully, I have been able to do both and, hopefully enthuse a few your readers and writers along the way. With so many external influences, it’s difficult for young readers to throw themselves into books when their world is filled with sound bites, three second scenes and abbreviated texts and private messages. I always love it when my students fall in love with a book. Teaching of Mice and Men to thirteen years old has been a delight and taught them so much about character development and themes. Next stop: Frankenstein!!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
One of my favourite authors is Sylvain Reynard; there are few writers who convey that amount of romanticism in such a flawless way. It was his Gabriel series that inspired me to write The Story Of Us, an epic love story spanning twenty-six years. I love Gillian Flynn’s pithy, acerbic prose and characters so well drawn that they stay with you long after you finish the book. I will always be one of the first to pick up a copy of Alessandra Torre’s latest novel, knowing it will be a riveting read. I have enjoyed The Muse by Jessie Burton, The Dry by Jane Harper, Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine. An absolute favourite was Emma Donoghue’s The Wonder. I was close to tears so many times when I read it. I must confess that I love great prose and a story that is beautifully woven with interesting character, lots of emotion and a few surprises.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Darkest Corners has been a while coming. I was torn whether I should pitch it to literary agents with the hope of getting it traditionally published or self-publish as I had done with my previous six books. After a busy year with poorly parents, selling property – and all that involves – school work and our daughter’s pregnancy, the decision was made for me. I’m self-publishing!
The Darkest Corners is a story that needs to be told because it touches upon some serious themes which readers maybe able to identify with and should be talked about. Any book that deals with domestic violence, single parenting, the loss of a loved one, learning to love again and revenge must be a riveting read, right?
The central character, Maxwell Grant was an accomplished artist; he exhibited and sold his work and became quite famous and wealthy. Along the way, he lost track of what mattered most to him, his pregnant wife, Hope. and in a moment of madness, he did something terrible.
Concealing a secret he dare not even admit to himself, he is guilt-ridden, believing himself unworthy of happiness. He’s reclusive, a bad teacher, a neglectful father, until—that is—a victim of domestic violence, mature student Harriet Jane Harper joins his weekly night class.
When a dangerous character from Harriet’s past appears, events take a turn for the worse and Max must say and do whatever necessary to save his sanity and, more importantly, his four year old daughter, Poppy.
Some secrets never get to see the light of day; others are just waiting to be uncovered … with shocking consequences. It’s those who survive the excavation who live to tall the tale…

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Sydney Jamesson.’s Website

Sydney Jamesson. Facebook Page

Sydney Jamesson. Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Sydney Jamesson.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am an English school teacher by day and a USA Today bestselling author by night. I have always written in one form or another. In a previous life I was a commercial journalist and a copywriter before becoming a teacher over twenty ears ago. I live in the north of England with my husband and Skpe as often as I can with our daughter, her husband and our new baby grandson, Leo, in Sydney Australia. Recently, I have made the sideways move from romance suspense to psychological suspense and drawn on my plotting skills and love of unpredictable developments to keep my readers on the edge of their seats. The Darkest Corners is the first of many books through which I will be delving not only into the hearts of new characters, but their minds too, allowing readers’ emotions to run wild and their hands to grip kindles just a little tighter as the plot twists and turns towards a dramatic climax.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
English was my favourite subject at school. During a Parents’ Evening interview when I was fifteen, my English teacher suggested I set my sights on becoming a journalist and a writer! Thankfully, I have been able to do both and, hopefully enthuse a few your readers and writers along the way. With so many external influences, it’s difficult for young readers to throw themselves into books when their world is filled with sound bites, three second scenes and abbreviated texts and private messages. I always love it when my students fall in love with a book. Teaching of Mice and Men to thirteen years old has been a delight and taught them so much about character development and themes. Next stop: Frankenstein!!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
One of my favourite authors is Sylvain Reynard; there are few writers who convey that amount of romanticism in such a flawless way. It was his Gabriel series that inspired me to write The Story Of Us, an epic love story spanning twenty-six years. I love Gillian Flynn’s pithy, acerbic prose and characters so well drawn that they stay with you long after you finish the book. I will always be one of the first to pick up a copy of Alessandra Torre’s latest novel, knowing it will be a riveting read. I have enjoyed The Muse by Jessie Burton, The Dry by Jane Harper, Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine. An absolute favourite was Emma Donoghue’s The Wonder. I was close to tears so many times when I read it. I must confess that I love great prose and a story that is beautifully woven with interesting character, lots of emotion and a few surprises.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Darkest Corners has been a while coming. I was torn whether I should pitch it to literary agents with the hope of getting it traditionally published or self-publish as I had done with my previous six books. After a busy year with poorly parents, selling property – and all that involves – school work and our daughter’s pregnancy, the decision was made for me. I’m self-publishing!
The Darkest Corners is a story that needs to be told because it touches upon some serious themes which readers maybe able to identify with and should be talked about. Any book that deals with domestic violence, single parenting, the loss of a loved one, learning to love again and revenge must be a riveting read, right?
The central character, Maxwell Grant was an accomplished artist; he exhibited and sold his work and became quite famous and wealthy. Along the way, he lost track of what mattered most to him, his pregnant wife, Hope. and in a moment of madness, he did something terrible.
Concealing a secret he dare not even admit to himself, he is guilt-ridden, believing himself unworthy of happiness. He’s reclusive, a bad teacher, a neglectful father, until—that is—a victim of domestic violence, mature student Harriet Jane Harper joins his weekly night class.
When a dangerous character from Harriet’s past appears, events take a turn for the worse and Max must say and do whatever necessary to save his sanity and, more importantly, his four year old daughter, Poppy.
Some secrets never get to see the light of day; others are just waiting to be uncovered … with shocking consequences. It’s those who survive the excavation who live to tell the tale…

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Featured Interview With A.H. Lueders

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Palatka, FL but moved to Jacksonville with my mom when I was about two and have been here ever since. I have an orange tabby kitty named Ember. She is such a goofball. I swear she thinks she’s a dog. She loves playing tag and chase instead of sitting on laps or by the window.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always loved reading. I used to read while on the city bus with my mom. When I had down time at my job as a teenager, I would read books and all of these people would come up to me saying “What? Aren’t you supposed to be on twitter or something?” Haha!

As for writing, I started around middle school. I was very shy and often afraid to say how I felt. Writing was my way of living a different life through other characters.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I can’t say I have favorite authors. I enjoy so many it’s hard to narrow them down, especially when you like so many different books. As a teenager I was VERY into Darren Shan. I would love to reread just about anything he wrote.

I enjoy poetry, fantasy, coming of age, horror, and lots of other genre’s. Those would probably be my favorites though.

As for inspiration, that stems from whatever I’m experiencing at the time. It could be pain or joy or old emotions stirred from a memory. I’ll watch my friends and family experience life and wonder what it would be like to feel how they feel

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Kaleidoscope is pretty much my diary in a sense. It covers so much of my life and so many aspects of myself. It’s a testimony of beauty stemmed from tragedy. It’s not just the writing, but also the art that makes it special to me. When I can’t find words, I often draw so that I can still find a way to make sense of my emotions. Kaleidoscope is my way of connecting my story to others. I want people to know that they aren’t alone in how they feel. There’s a whole community of others who may have experienced the same pains they have. Honestly, it’s my hope that someone will be able to point to a page and say “This is what I’ve been feeling” and then maybe be understood a little bit better.

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Featured Interview With Tori L. Wilson

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a young author who began my writing career at only nineteen years old. I am now twenty two years old and have had four books published. I live in a small town and am attending college, majoring in art education. In my free time, I enjoy singing, dancing, painting, and studying foreign languages. My latest book, The Gifts of Christmas, is a cozy romance mystery, and is included in the Books To Go Now Christmas Mystery Anthology.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve loved books since I was a child, and began writing short stories when I was in the first grade, and my teacher helped us all to write our own stories. Since then, I was always either writing ideas for stories, or writing short stories.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love reading YA fiction and paranormal romance, and my favorite authors include Stephenie Meyer, Maggie Stiefvater, and Ellen Schreiber. I’m inspired by authors who write stories with darker themes, and who can write a good plot-line with a lot of detail.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, The Gifts of Christmas, is a cozy mystery romance, which is a perfect book to get into the Christmas spirit. Here is a short synopsis: Audrey, a twenty-four-year-old dance teacher, moved to her dream town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, from her home in Florida to teach at Ms. Linda’s Dance Studio.
Christmas is fast approaching and, because Audrey spent all of her money moving out to Wyoming, she cannot afford to fly back to spend the holiday with her family. It seems that Audrey will be spending Christmas all alone in her small home, until something amazing happens. Audrey finds a small gift, just a simple red rose placed carefully outside of her door. A million thoughts race through her mind. Was this just a strange coincidence? Did someone leave the rose outside her door on purpose? Did someone actually have a crush on her? If so, then who could it possibly be?
The next day, when Audrey receives another gift and a letter stating that the gift was from a secret admirer, she realizes that the rose was no accident. When her best friend and local beauty salon owner, Lindsay, pays a visit to Audrey, the two determine that Audrey has a secret admirer and that they should make a list of every person who could possibly be behind the gifts and letter.
Together, they attempt to solve the mystery of her secret admirer through various schemes, looking for clues in even the smallest of details. Could it be the handsome, older, wealthy entrepreneur, Edward Sinclair, her sweet yet shy friend and neighbor, Danny Wess, the flower shop owner’s quiet and brooding son, Jackson Choi, the passionate Puerto Rican dance teacher, Carlos, local coffee shop owner and genius, Brandon, or somebody else entirely?
The world is filled with possibilities, and, in her small town, Audrey isn’t lacking in secret admirers. Will Audrey and Lindsay be able to solve the mystery before Christmas, or will Audrey be truly alone this year? Find the true gifts of Christmas in this cozy and heart-warming mystery filled with love, friendship, and of course, presents!

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Featured Interview With Jeremiah D Davis

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a 18 yr old student at Morehouse College. I was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 16th, 2000, and I moved around the city during my childhood. I spent the most time in Homewood, Illinois, and then went back to the city to go to King High School. I lived with my mother and grandmother for the majority of my life, until my grandmother passed in my freshman year of high school. During my senior year, my mother and I got a dog, who we named “Ciera.”

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
From the time I started to going to school, I started reading a lot. I got more into books when I was in fifth grade. I started writing stick figure comics when I was 11, and began writing short stories when I was 12.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I prefer to read fantasy and adventure books, but I also like to read books about the experiences of black people. Those such as Toni Morrison, Scott Westerfeld, and Clarissa Clare have influenced me the most in the subjects of my writings. However, if I were to really say who inspired me, it would be me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest published book is about the remainder of humanity trying to survive against four colossal and mythical creatures. These creatures represent different aspects of nature, and the book revolves around a man who is within this society who is being solicited to kill these creatures. The book is meant to be a cautionary tale about what will happen to humanity if we continue to disrespect the planet.

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Featured Interview With Erik Seversen

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was a bit of an awkward kid growing up, but I had huge dreams. Born into a middle-class family in a suburb of Tacoma, Washington, everything about me was average, but I simply decided not to live an average life.

Chasing my dreams has led me to over 80 countries around the world and 49 of the states in the USA, it has allowed me to graduate from UCLA undergraduate and the University of Virginia for grad school, to hitchhike from London to Zaire, and live with a remote Indian tribe in the Amazon. Chasing dreams continues to allow me to push limits by climbing mountains having summited the highest peaks in nine countries and eight states.

I now live in Los Angeles with my wife, two kids, a snake named Buddy, and a few fish.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was a late bloomer when it comes to reading, and I really didn’t read as kid, but when I hit my junior year in high school, something clicked. I fell in love with academics and reading. Having to make up for a lot of lost time, I was reading sometimes two books a day, and the love of reading has not left.

It was also during my late teenage years that I began to write. I started documenting fascinating experiences in short stories, and a few of those same stories are now included in my current book of narratives called Ordinary to Extraordinary.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
The first author that really struck me was Edgar Allan Poe, and he greatly influenced my early creative writing. A bit later, Jean-Paul Sartre and the French existentialists influenced both my thoughts and writing. Currently, my favorite authors include out-of-the box thinkers like Tim Ferriss, and I mostly read biographies and entrepreneurial success, but I still love good stories particularly about adventure in the mountains.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Ordinary to Extraordinary is my first completed book. It is about adventure, chance meetings, and unexpected results. It is also about love, struggle, and finding meaning through meeting amazing people and being alone with my thoughts. It is also about continuing to chase dreams, even impractical ones.

I began writing short stories from my life as early as sixteen years old, but finally when I had collected a number of them, I realized that it needed more, so I spent the last three years reorganizing the book and in weaving a larger narrative related to how belonging and purpose are pillars of a fulfilled life.

Ordinary to Extraordinary is a book of true first-person narratives about my life, but as much as the book is a memory of my multitude of adventures, it is reader-focused, attempting to show in reflective chapters how extraordinary is available to all of us. We just need to open the door to it.

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Featured Interview With Sarah Norkus

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hi fellow readers,
My name is Sarah Norkus and I grew in the Bluegrass state and horse country…Lexington, Kentucky. Mt father was the editor of a horse-racing magazine. Nine days after I turned eighteen I married Michael Norkus…now a retired army officer. It was, to me, the adventure of a lifetime. We were stationed in multiple states and twice overseas, in Germany. We’ve retired just south of Richmond, VA, where I write Christian novels, and my husband hunts and goes fishing.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I became fascinated with books at the age of five, especially horse themed books, such as ‘The Black Stallion’ and ‘Misty.’ Unlike most authors I did not have that burning desire to write from a young age. My father was the writer…and I was an athlete. At the age of 48 I penned my first book, an inspirational/creative non-fiction, and henceforth I was hooked. Who knew I had such a vivid imagination…certainly not me.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love suspense and murder mysteries. Preston and Childs, and Lee Childs are among my multitude of favorite authors. My inspiration comes from my father in Heaven. To him be the glory and his son, Christ the Lord.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
In ‘The Wildflower Gazebo’, Sophie and Aaron suffer a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions the summer after their senior year of high school that rips their love to shreds. Fourteen years later, they are suddenly thrust together when the skeleton of a young woman is discovered in a well on Sophie’s farm and Aaron is arrested for her murder.

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Featured Interview With J. W. Barlament

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in a lovely little trailer home in the rural Midwestern United States. Thankfully, I now live in a house on the same property. I am a high schooler with grand ambitions and an iron will, and I have made writing my claim to fame for now. I also engage in many other activities, such as drumming, philosophizing and exploring nature. I do have a few pets, including the intimidating yet lovable dog Balto and the majestic yet slothful horse Calibur.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was raised in a home that cherished reading, which I am eternally grateful for. I began reading as soon as I could read, and writing came the same way. I have simply always had too many intriguing ideas for them to not be written down. It has been about fifteen times now that I’ve tried to write a book. I failed thirteen of those times, but that matters not. Once one finds success, there is never any point in brooding over the failures of the past.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
For the longest time, I tried to entertain myself with the fast-paced and quip-filled fantasy of today. I eventually found it tiring, though, and turned my attention to the classics. Not once have I ever turned back. I have always preferred grand tales of fantastical worlds, and in my opinion, this type of story is told best with the writing styles of old. I like to think of Homer, Lovecraft and Tolkien as my greatest influences, as their detailed and storytelling has captured my imagination like no one else.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, The Agony of an Age, is an intricate tale of power, warfare and torment. Continuing the saga set up by its predecessor, The Plight of a People, it presents three more riveting stories of uninhibited hardship.

In Part I, the immortal philosopher Rahdain is thrust into a life of turmoil as he attempts to prevent a cataclysmic war. In Part II, the struggling king Hallmund faces down rebels, zealots, invaders, and inner demons alike in a maelstrom of misery. Finally, in Part III, the simple villager Reolus strives to save his family from both a bloodthirsty murderer and the unending menace of nature.

The Agony of an Age is a fantasy epic filled to the brim with political intrigue, pressing issues and personal perseverance. It harkens back to an era of mythic beasts and inhuman masters, never letting itself dawdle into mundanity. And, at the same time, it stays focused on the tribulations of the human spirit that drives and unites us all.

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Featured Interview With Dartanya A Williams

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in the very turbulent ultraviolet drug and gang infested part South Philadelphia with his three brothers. By my mid-teenage years, I went from fighting the gangs to joining one but after the tragic death of one of my close friends a transformation occurred in his life.

I inherited the gift and continued the tradition of storytelling. Hearing a lot of street tales I began to write short stories at the age of 12.

I also began drawing cartoons as well. I went from ex-gang member desiring to fulfill all of my hopes and dreams of becoming a musical artist getting involved in the Hip-hop scene as a deejay to make extra money while still holding down a job.

Dreaming of one day becoming a writer or a famous artist.

I also began deejaying because of his love for hip-hop music. After high school, I studied graphic arts. MY talent led him to a high paying job at a graphic art house. While working I continued to build up my skills by writing stories about urban injustice, misfortune, and the joys of living life. Writing stories and working to survive until one day my wife Margaret and family members suggested he should turn his stories into books. It sparked his passion and Dartanya began writing full-length novels. He poured his heart and soul into his books.

A strange twist of fate, I suffered an accident on the job getting hit by a car not able to walk for months. I had to learn how to walk again during that period I turned tragedy into triumph completing eight novels and hundreds of short stories from dark gritty street tails that range from odyssey to wild fantasy roller coaster. Adventurous journeys in other worlds to deep introspective tender novels about relationships new love, lost love in this some time happy and unforgiving metropolis we all live work and play. Throughout it all embarking on his literary journey. I am blessed with the knowledge of knowing his purpose.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
At the 12 I started reading with Malcolm X biography and writing.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Donald Goines, James Elroy, Walter Mosley, Chester Himes.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I wrote in honor of my father who was a veteran and dealt with PTSD and drug addiction. I wrote to reflect on the veterans from Afghanistan wars and the side effects of it.

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Featured Interview With Tamyara Brown

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Tamyara admits her journey has not always been easy raising a family of six. She has faced obstacles from being Homeless to surviving Breast Cancer. She also cares for her son who suffers from a rare Kidney disease Focal Segmental Glomersclersois and Nephrotic Syndrome who is currently on dialysis and awaiting a kidney transplant. Yet, this has not stopped her from having tunnel vision and looking for the bright light ahead. She took her pen and began her career writing poetry, short stories and finally completed three full novels. Her debut Novel Blue’s Treasure which is currently sold on Amazon and Barnes & Noble has earned eight five star reviews on Amazon. She has another novel which is exclusively on Wattpad called the Gatekeepers of Secrets. Soon to be released is Fat Girl Vigilante and B.L.A.H Diaries( Broke, Lonely, Angry & Horny)

Some of her accomplishments has been being published in three anthologies, Domestic Violence Anthology VOICES BEHIND THE TEARS, her Blog Tamluvstowrite “Writing her way into your Hearts and Minds” (www.tamluvstowritegroup.net) was also featured as Blog of the Month for January 2012 in Writer’s POV Magazine. American Cancer Society Anthology “Live Life: The Daydreamer’s Journal” and her two poems have been published in the anthology, Homeless Cry. She was a contributing writer for DreamPathways2success magazine (online Magazine). She has won 2nd Place in the UBAWA First Annual Poetry Contest. She has been a contributing writer of B.L.O.G Magazine. In August, 2014 she will be published in another anthology called, No Face. You can find feature articles about her in Imani Wisdom’s Blog Pink Noire Lounge (http://pinknoirelounge.blogspot.com/2…) As well as being featured on Jeane’ Elliot Bennett’s At Home Biz (http://toyourfuturesuccess.blogspot.c…)

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
At the age of five, I fell in love with Cinderella and I was hooked on reading a book. I started writing at eleven. I knew it would be my passion and purpose.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Eric Jerome Dickey, James Patterson, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker

Tell us a little about your latest book?
B.L.A.H Diaries
Zenobia McCall thought she beat the odds of being just another girl on the IRT and foster care system. Coming from living in abandoned buildings and escaping the guilt she gave her mother HIV by sticking a dirty needle in her arm. She believed marrying Kenny would break the curse on her life. Now with four beautiful children, her best friend Charles who lives with them in a beautiful home and a hardworking husband. Zenobia is pretending life is perfect.
Suddenly their youngest daughter Kennedi is diagnosed with leukemia and on the same night, Zenobia catches her husband sleeping with her best friend, Charles. Now faced with caring for an ill child, an out of control teen daughter and twin boys terrorizing the neighbors. She has to deal with betrayal, divorce and keeping her husband’s lie alive or losing everything. Just when she thinks she will be broke, lonely, angry & horny forever a charming doctor will help heal her heart. When Zenobia’s estranged mother returns it open old wounds and makes Zenobia face the past and accept help when needed.

B.L.A.H Diaries is sure to take you on an emotional rollercoaster that teaches you it can turn every mess into a beautiful masterpiece.

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