Top Selling Authors: Get To Know Them Better

Featured Interview With Cathy Connally

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am an avid reader and traveled the world for most of my career working in internal audit and then founding my own companies in technology and compliance. I was raised in the Midwest of the US and began my food journey at five years old in France where a doctor prescribed an artichoke for an inflamed liver rather than pills. From that time on, I have worked to utilize food as medicine while never compromising on flavour. I love to cook and bake and am constantly working on new recipes. I am an avid traveler and have been to 60 countries for work and pleasure.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Started reading at four or five years old. My parents were language teachers so reading was required in our house. I started doing technical writing early in my career and have more recently started writing non-fiction after realizing that I wanted to connect with people to reach out to help with flavour and health through writing stories that connect and introducing new ways to make iconic foods.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
John Grisham, Jeffrey Hammelman, Lee Child are a few of my favourite authors. I like thrillers and mysteries and non-fiction such as historical biographies, autobiographies and cookbooks. My co-author Charley Best and I have worked together for a long time and we inspire and work well together on this book series as well as others that are underway.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
This book was two years in the making. We wanted to weave stories of audacious women with some fun travel locations and accompany it with tasty recipes. Our standards are very high on the photography and we have hit some #1 New Release categories on Amazon such as Travel Photography and Gourmet Food. Most of the photos are our originals except those that are historical or family photos.
The reader is taken on a fun road trip through France, first stopping in the Champagne Region where we toast the Widows of Champagne, then onto Metz, where a little girl first realizes that food can be medicine. Then onto Burgundy region where relatives fought in WW1 and there are stories of family members who survived the Depression and had health issues that can be solved with nutrition. Then onto romantic Provence and Arles and finally Marseille and the Calanque, the Coastal mountains.
The book has adventure, poignant moments and lots of great food and other pictures. Sip a glass of wine and take a vicarious trip to France.

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Cathy Connally’s Website

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Featured Interview With Chantal Bellehumeur

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a Canadian author born in 1981.
I lived in Toronto for half of my childhood, and Ottawa for the rest. I then moved to Montreal (Quebec), originally to study theatre. I was an extra in movies, shows, and commercials. That’s actually how I met my husband Jeff, but we actually didn’t become a couple until many years later when we met a second time. Turns out we both had crushes on each other back in the day…
Because I had my son when I was only 19 years old, I never completed my theatrical studies at University. He became my number one priority, and I felt that I needed something more stable.
I loved writing as much as acting, and eventually somebody told me I should publish. I do it as a hobby and currently have 18 published books of various genres as well as numerous short stories, memoirs, poems and articles featured in compilation books, eMagazines, plus a local newspaper.
I also wrote a few articles about Ulcerative Colitis because I was diagnosed with the digestive illness back in 2009.
I find writing very therapeutic. Being around animals too, although I don’t have any pets aside from two goldfish. I do talk to them though. I used to have a cat named Persephone when my son was a baby but she was jealous of him. I also adopted two budgies a few years back. We did not replace them once they died.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been composing stories since I was able to write. My parents kept the collections of little books I created. I continued writing stories as a teen and young adult but never considered publishing anything until a friend of mine told me I should. I find the writing process very therapeutic and the fact that people want to read my stories gives me that extra motivation.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I support many Indie authors and read various genres.
My writing is usually inspired by life itself. I get a lot of support from my friends and family.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I’ve been writing a lot of short stories back to back for an online magazine called Mom’s Favorite Reads eMagazine. My work, mainly inspired by life itself, was first featured in the January 2021 issue, and I’ve had stories or memoirs published in each monthly issue since.
I wrote a story called “I’ll Take You to See the Ocean,” which was originally inspired by a trip I took to the Magdalen Islands back in 2017. The heartwarming story about a windowed mother wanting to fulfill her five year old’s son to see the ocean ended up being a lot longer then intended. I just kept elaborating, feeling it needed those extra details and actions.
Although I probably could have published the story in the online magazine, split up in different issues, I decided to publish the story independently instead back in March.
I ended up doing the same thing with my short story “Hidden Secrets” in May, even though it wasn’t as long.
That one was meant to be set in Victorian times since I love that era, but once I started writing everything changed. The main character, Alice, finds old letter and diaries inside her grandmother’s old Victorian farmhouse which had being in the family for generations, but they date back to the 1930-1950. The contents end up revealing shocking secrets…

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Chantal Bellehumeur’s Website

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Featured Interview With Eeron

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised and Cuba. Came from the US pretty young. Continued my life in Miami and I am now pursuing my dream as an published author

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Since I can read I’ve always wanted to write book. I’ve always loved inventing stories and characters.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorites authors are from J.R.R Tolkien, to Rick Riordan. Neil Gaiman. Agatha Christie. Many more. I tend to guide myself towards the fantasy and science fiction genre. However, when it comes to reading if a book is good. No matter what genre I will read it.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Polymath poses a question: How would the world react if the gods from legends, myths, and old poems someday returned to the world? Polymath follows a Planet Earth changed by the return of the gods of myth, from the gods of Egypt to the famous Zeus, Hades, and all the gods of Greek myth. After the gods returned, a war erupted on Earth, so big that it changed the world completely. One hundred and eighty years after the culmination of the war, the story takes place, following the steps of Oroh, apprentice of the Egyptian god of knowledge Toth, and his sister Fable. The twins, born in the new world, with a great destiny ahead of them, go their separate ways when the boy decides to take on an apprenticeship to seek the knowledge of the universe. Only to be united once again when the gods call forth a mystical and ancient ritual to pass on the guidance of the sun to the god Apollo. Tragedy strikes the ritual and paves the way for the journey, both physical and spiritual, that the twins must embark on.

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Eeron Facebook Page

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Featured Interview With Kateryna Abrosymova

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Over the past seven years, I’ve written hundreds of articles for technology blogs and plenty of copy for software company websites. I’ve coached dozens of content writers and managed several marketing teams. I’ve built successful content-driven B2B lead generation strategies and achieved outstanding results in the highly competitive software development industry.

Currently, I am the content manager at Kaiiax, a marketing consulting agency I co-founded that helps software companies develop content operations and acquire leads using content marketing.

From Reads To Leads is my first book, and I wrote it to help people like me excel in their careers as content writers. I’ve written it for people who love to write—not for fame or money or accolades. Not even for lead generation. This book is for people who care about writing and are motivated to do it well, regardless of the type of content they write and the reason they write it.

I was born in a Russian-speaking family in the south of Ukraine. Russian and Ukrainian are my native languages. I majored in English (and studied Italian) at university, and since then English has become my default written language.

Living in Italy with my Italian husband, I use English for work, converse in Russian with my family in Ukraine, and speak Italian at home. I like doing yoga, taking walks along the seaside, and visiting art galleries.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started writing at a very young age. I wrote poems and short stories, but mostly poems.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’ve always loved reading classic books by writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, Kurt Vonnegut, Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Moreover, I have a degree in Literature, so reading classic books was a big part of my life. For the last 7 years or so, however, I’ve been reading lots of non-fiction books about writing and business. Some of the latest books I’ve read are “Metaphors We Live By” by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson and “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” by Joseph Campbell.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I have a lot of experience in content marketing in the B2B technology sector. I know how hard it is for aspiring writers and businesses who hire them to produce content that doesn’t end up gathering dust on a server. Because most content that companies publish isn’t getting them very far.

I wrote From Reads To Leads to help content writers learn and practice several writing rules that will help them focus on writing content that turns a reader into a lead.

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Kateryna Abrosymova’s Website

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Featured Interview With Beth Andrews

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas. On my father’s side I’m descended from a long line of Loyalists; and on my mother’s, from the seafaring people of the Cayman Islands. With its lovely Georgian architecture and gorgeous white-sand beaches, Nassau was a great place to grow up, and I’ve watched it transform from a British colony into an independent nation. My very first job was on the editorial department of a local newspaper, though I’ve tried a number of other careers, including accounting. I currently help to care for my 91-year-old mother, as well as three totally crazy cats. I enjoy music (classical, country, and native goombay music are favourites), reading, gardening and the beach. In addition to my novels, short stories and song lyrics, I’m also a regular contributor of articles and essays to Jane Austen’s Regency World magazine in Bath, England. My real name is Paul Bethel, but I invented my pseudonym when I began writing romance novels.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I learned to read very early, and was devouring my mother’s True Detective and True Romance magazines by the age of seven. Fortunately, I come from a family of bibliophiles, and our home provided tons of reading material! Most of my family have vivid imaginations, and my mother used to write stories and poems as well. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing something or other, and I began my first novel while in my teens—though (mercifully) I never finished it.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors are Jane Austen, C. S. Lewis, Agatha Christie, G. K. Chesterton and Georgette Heyer. I love historical romance—but mainly with a large helping of humor. Austen and Heyer are definitely the chief inspiration behind my Regency novels, though at least one reviewer compared my writing to Agatha Christie and P. G. Wodehouse! I recently finished reading two wonderful contemporary romantic suspense novels—DANGEROUS DEVOTION and DEADLY DECEIT IN PARADISE—by Fay Knowles.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest published novels, HIDDEN IN THE HEART and THE UNFORGIVING EYE, from Joffe Books UK, are re-releases of books originally published in hardback by Robert Hale. They are the first two in a proposed four-book romantic suspense series set (of course) in Regency England, featuring my comically practical husband and wife detective team, John and Lydia Savidge. I wrote the first in just over a month, while pet-sitting for a friend! They’re definitely my most popular books, and I’m currently working on the third installment, tentatively called THE LYING LIPS. In the meantime, QUINTET, a collection of five short stories, will be released next month by Regency Reads in Oregon. One of the five tales—A Shadow on the Soul–is a murder mystery with John and Lydia once again in the thick of things!

Featured Interview With Louis Maurice Young

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in São Paulo, Brazil. I had a nice childhood, surrounded by toys and the affection that every child needs. As a teenager I had my fun, but I’ve always been a fan of the motto, “health and judgment.” I’ve also always liked to write. …
I also always loved it as a child scribbling drawings and later in my teens I started painting some paintings and even recorded a new character in comics that I have kept.
I live in São Paulo, Brasil I already had approximately two hundred cats from the childhood today I have not any more anything. Dogs I never got on well and any birdies in the childhood that my grandfather gave for my father. But and good they have not. If you of going away are of cutting heart to leave these alone pets.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
From seven years of age I always liked scribbling and drawing and to the 20 and a few years began to write in the sense of being a writer. But always I liked writing even more than of speaking though today this taste should be equaled.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
In fact I always read of everything in the life so I find that in order that people have point of view and precise creativity to read of everything that is worthwhile to be read. Me them as it is left he wanted to be a journalist, philosopher, historian, teacher, finally an area when those of arts were made a list and you humanize I like reading of everything and adore to read journalistic articles and histories of the time of the Second-war and up to the supernatural thing since without great exaggeration.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The second The distance will not be able to separate you from me and for adults and young people of 20 years above that unfortunately is youth today walks very much with the face on the cell phone it seems that they do not care much to read. There are peripheries of high school students.

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Louis Maurice Young’s Website

Featured Interview With Louis Maurice Young

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in São Paulo, Brazil. I had a nice childhood, surrounded by toys and the affection that every child needs. As a teenager I had my fun, but I’ve always been a fan of the motto, “health and judgment.” I’ve also always liked to write. …
I also always loved it as a child scribbling drawings and later in my teens I started painting some paintings and even recorded a new character in comics that I have kept.
I live in São Paulo, Brasil I already had approximately two hundred cats from the childhood today I have not any more anything. Dogs I never got on well and any birdies in the childhood that my grandfather gave for my father. But and good they have not. If you of going away are of cutting heart to leave these alone pets.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
From seven years of age I always liked scribbling and drawing and to the 20 and a few years began to write in the sense of being a writer. But always I liked writing even more than of speaking though today this taste should be equaled.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
In fact I always read of everything in the life so I find that in order that people have point of view and precise creativity to read of everything that is worthwhile to be read. Me them as it is left he wanted to be a journalist, philosopher, historian, teacher, finally an area when those of arts were made a list and you humanize I like reading of everything and adore to read journalistic articles and histories of the time of the Second-war and up to the supernatural thing since without great exaggeration.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The second The distance will not be able to separate you from me and for adults and young people of 20 years above that unfortunately is youth today walks very much with the face on the cell phone it seems that they do not care much to read. There are peripheries of high school students.

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Louis Maurice Young’s Website

Featured Interview With Vito Altavilla

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a retired industrial research chemist with several patents to my credit. My work has given me the opportunity to travel, explaining technical achievements when given seminars in Japan (Tokyo), Europe (Paris and London), and of course in America.

I started life in Brooklyn New York but at the age of ten, my family moved to Queens. I live in Cincinnati Ohio I don’t have any pets at the present time. I did have a cat for fifteen years but in lieu of my cat, I occasionally walk around the block with my wife. She’s much easier to handle and she doesn’t need a leash.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve written many technical papers for most of my professional life so I was used to writing. However, but a book is significantly different. The subject of actually writing a book came about through Friday breakfast conversations with some friends from church. I seemed to have more stories than anyone else when someone suggested that I should write a book. I thought about it and decided why not, and so I did.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors are Zane Gray, Jack London, Ernest Hemmingway, Tim Clancy, David Baldacci, Just to name a few, and of course some of those old chroniclers.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
This book is primarily about events from the past that became humorous with the passage of time. No computers, cell phones, party-line phones. I’ve heard it described by a really smart guy as a pre-curser to American Graffiti. I promise any reader many smiles and some loud laughs.

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Vito Altavilla’s Website

Vito Altavilla Facebook Page

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Featured Interview With Gary Grewal

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My name is Gary, I was born and raised in Rocklin, CA just outside of Sacramento. I grew up in a quintessential middle class neighborhood in the suburbs and our street was known for it’s Christmas lights display that hundreds come out for each year! I now live back in Rocklin after spending 7 years in Orange County, Colorado, and Tennessee. I don’t have any pets, but find plenty to fill my time by longboarding, biking, hiking, reading, cooking, and of course, writing! I’m also a passionate fan of minimalism and sustainability.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Contrary to many who were into writing and literature in grade school, I didn’t fully realize my fascination with books until after college. After I finally had the chance to read what I wanted to, and not what was prescribed by college professors, I learned a whole new appreciation for the public library. After graduating from college early, I found public libraries to be a place of relaxation, peace, safety, and discovery. Being able to read various books, magazines, white papers, and engage with librarians was absolutely engaging and exciting for me. I spent many weekends at the library and my weekly trip to pick up my holds was like Christmas, having the chance to dive into a new book, to learn something new. I started writing after I realized too many books in the personal finance genre were boring, repetitive, and digressive. I knew I could deliver valuable content in a way that appealed to busy readers.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors to read are Vicki Robin, David Brooks, Adam Grant, David Bach, and Farnoosh Torabi. My favorite genre to read is nonfiction self-help, as I find it fascinating to learn from others experiences on ways that improved their lives in a matter of ways. These authors and their writing style inspire me to share my story in a unique way, be candid yet convivial, and authentic yet humble.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
You’re probably wondering, “What’s with the ‘Financial Fives’ theme?” Well, I’ve read a multitude of personal finance books, and though containing valuable guidance, many can either put you to sleep, regurgitate the same bland advice, or overwhelm you with never ending stories from an author’s stroll down memory lane. There isn’t a book out there that is easy to follow, concise, and also densely packed with useful advice and actionable tips at the turn of each page. Whether it’s learning about steps to negotiate rent on the subway ride home, or finding out how to save on festivals and events while waiting for your lunch order, Financial Fives will be your handy toolkit. The goal of Financial Fives is to provide easy to follow tips in areas of personal finance that are applicable to the average reader, to absorb ideas effectively, and also refer back to for easy reading.

This book can help you retire early, negotiate a pay raise, save money on home renovations, save money on your wedding, buy a home, become debt free, and more! And unique chapters on things like saving money at the grocery store, getting the most money out of travel and hotels, even how to make those most of launching your business idea!

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Gary Grewal’s Website

Gary Grewal Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Navika Kachhwaha

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am the author of two books – “Our 6.5 years” and “Unworthy Love”. I am presently a healthcare professional, employed with the state government. I am a dual-qualified professional and dual gold medalist in Physiotherapy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. I was born and raised up in Jodhpur city of Rajasthan, (Suncity). I live in Jodhpur itself. I don’t have any pets presently.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I used to write two-liners and Hindi poetry in my school and college days. But becoming a writer or a storyteller was nowhere in my thoughts. I liked fictional stories and fictional characters but I wasn’t sure of writing a complete story until my dear friend cum author cum editor Ankit encouraged me to write the story of “Our 6.5 years”, which was published later in 2018. He actually showed his trust in my writings & from there I realized that yes I wanted to become one.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
They are quite many and so it will be difficult to name all of them. But I would specifically mention ‘The Notebook’ by Nicholas Sparks, ‘I too had a love story’ by Ravindra Singh and ‘Subtle art of not giving a fuck’ by Mark Manson. I prefer to read self-care books/poetry and I also write one-liner Hindi poetries and Hindi/English quotes when I get the time after my hectic schedule.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The latest book of mine is ‘Unworthy love’- an emotion that keeps you going. The emotional side of a man, which usually they hide, inspired me to write something related to that. Many times, this question came into my mind as to why it is so difficult for males to express themselves. Why not they just cry it out without the fear of being judged or whatever reason which holds them back and they try to remain strong with that feeling. You can check it out at: https://amzn.to/3lYbq7e

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Navika Kachhwaha’s Website

Navika Kachhwaha Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Nora Murray

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in a suburb of Milwaukee, WI with my parents and three siblings. After graduating from UW-Madison I worked as a television news producer and then made the switch to public relations when I moved to North Carolina. I now live just outside of Greensboro, NC with my husband, kids and dogs.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I actually had difficulty reading when I was younger. I memorized all of the books my parents read to me, but never actually bothered learning how to read the words myself. I was sent to a special class for extra reading help in elementary school, but once I figured it out I couldn’t stop reading. My kids still complain that I read too much.

I really started writing in college when I majored in journalism and mass communicaitons. I wrote news articles for journalism class, and screenplays for my communications courses.

When I started working in news, I loved it, but I also missed writing the stories that would pop into my head so I joined a writing group to mix it up. My friends at work actually laughed, asking me why I wanted to write in my spare time, after spending 8 hours a day in front of a computer writing the news. The simple answer was the style of writing was totally different, and I loved both.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I don’t really have a favorite author or genre. Growing up, I really enjoyed mysteries from Agatha Christie, to R.L. Stein and Nancy Drew. Now, I read non-fiction, autobiographies, fantasy, historical fiction, romance, literary fiction, science fiction, thrillers … I like to mix it up.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My first novel, “Kingdom Come,” is set in an underground, self-sustaining society that grows by coercing parents to give up their children, and is also planning the end of the world.

The main character, Adam, is a Rescuer who takes children out of what he deems bad situations by convincing a parent to give them up. The children are taken to his underground world, where they are welcomed and raised by the Family and their leader, a man they call Father. After his latest mission, Adam learns Father is ready to trigger a catastrophic event that could end life above ground. In Father’s absence, Adam will lead the Family with the help of the two other Rescuers. Adam begins to have doubts about his beliefs as he learns what it takes to make their underground utopia thrive. In the end, Adam must decide if the above ground world is worth saving.

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Nora Murray’s Website

Nora Murray Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Anya Stork

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Russia in 1973 and lived through the Cold War era and the collapse of the Soviet Union.
In my book Once Upon a Soviet Child: Piano, Potatoes, and Privations, readers will learn about the everyday aspects of Soviet life: eating, bathroom habits, shopping, medical and dental care, schooling, and the lack of sex education. They will learn about the contrasts of life in Moscow with the simpler life in the country and Ukraine.

A large part of my life in Russia was in preparing at camp and school for an American attack…
If American children got to sit underneath their desks during Cold War school drills, Russian children had their weekly military style preparedness classes in a bomb shelter beginning first grade. I had personally attended many Pioneer camps and compare and contrast the camps for ordinary Soviet citizens with those far more privileged members of the so called “classless society.” Competition and rhetoric were endless. Meanwhile, most ordinary people in Russia had very little to eat. My readers will learn about the startling contrasts between the privileged class and the ordinary citizens, including my family.

After high school, I studied Russian language and literature at St. Petersburg State University in Russia and then immigrated to the United States in 1994, shortly after collapse of the Soviet Union.

Now I live and write in California and take care of many rescued pets… too many to even count!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My parents taught me how to read and write when I was a toddler, at age two. Since then books have been my friends.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love Pushkin. But we also have many good contemporary writers. I must say that Boris Akunin has been a big inspiration to me. It’s his imagination and his ability to weave in some very deep philosophical concepts into his already fascinating plot, that makes it not only a very interesting – but a transformative experience.

I admire writers who can do that, make us think deep when we don’t even realize that this is happening. Yes, to me this is very inspiring.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I write from a perspective of a child growing up in Russia.

When I began writing, many childhood memories were at my fingertips, as if it all happened yesterday. Somehow I remember myself from age one (I began speaking at age one), and this is what readers will learn. This book will take readers through the Russian Soviet experience during Cold war from age one and until middle school. I think when you are surrounded by some big, important and traumatic experiences, maybe it does something to your memory.

In America I began writing down some of those Soviet stories at first as a personal diary, with no intent to publish. But then so many people had asked me to share about my life in Russia that I thought that I better put it in a book that would be sort of a cultural atlas for people to learn about Russia during Soviet times (1970-1980s). What came out of it was quite unexpected for me. As I was writing, I realized that this is more than just a cultural atlas, but rather an analysis of the Soviet society during Cold War.

It was a very long process, and it took me over ten years to finish this book.

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Anya Stork’s Website

Anya Stork Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Toni Kanzler

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Life Giving Dementia Care is my first published book. Life brings lots of challenges that might steal your joy. Being a caregiver is among the most difficult. The key to overcoming these challenges is having an optimistic perspective and positive attitude. My writing encourages you to look beyond the obvious, to see truth that lives in the ordinary…and extraordinary.

I wear several hats: wife, mother, friend, CPA, entrepreneur, private school administrator, non-profit volunteer and board member. But it was as a daughter that I had the privilege of being my mother’s caregiver during her years-long battle with dementia. I’m passionate about helping others have greater confidence and experience joy in their caregiving journey.

I was born in Illinois and traveled a bit since my dad was in the US Air Force – Guam, Long Island, NY. But for most of my life I’ve lived in Indianapolis, Indiana with my husband, Dan. We are blessed that all three of our grown sons live in town. Our beloved miniature schnauzer, Baxter, passed a year ago. But our youngest son and his dog Reggie are living with us for a few months. I suspect my dog-loving husband will add a new dog to our family soon.

When I’m not writing, I like to read, learn, watch movies (especially historical series) and listen to Disney or acapella music. But I have lots of interests and experiences. I’ve traveled to Europe and China, learned to make stained glass art, love Broadway and flower gardening, have sung in an ensemble with a top symphony orchestra and am a CPA. I’ve got that right brain/left brain thing going and it makes life so much more interesting!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started reading massive amounts of books in elementary school. I’m an only child, and books were what I did for fun. Writing became an interest in middle school, but didn’t become a passion until I turned 40 years old. Life was busy then, though, with three boys who were active in just about everything, my parents living with us for 12 years, and us hosting five different international students during that time, so it took another 20 years for me to actually write and publish my first book. It is never too late!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I am drawn to authentic, conversational writing. Text that exposes the humor in life and isn’t especially “uppity” sounding. Stories that engage me. Mark Twain, Shel Silverstein, JR Tolkien, JK Rowling, Erma Bombeck. And I love books that challenge my thinking – Ton Clancy, John Grisham. The most influential book – the Bible. As much as I love these authors, I must admit to reading more non-fiction right now. My work demands it, as does my parenting phase. It seems it’s more difficult to parent adults that it was toddlers and teens!

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Life Giving Dementia Care is my latest, and first, book. I was inspired to write it after caring for my mother for several years during her dementia battle. I made some good decisions during that time, and some not so good. A few years after her death, I decided to document my caregiving experience for my sons, so they would be better prepared if they have to care for me someday. It can be easier than I experienced.

Over time, though, I realized that many of my friends and co-workers were dealing with being caregiver to a loved one. I was often able to help them by sharing my experience. I decided to publish a book about caregiving to help more people in addition to my boys.

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Featured Interview With David-Matthew Barnes

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My name is David-Matthew Barnes. I’m an author, playwright, poet, and screenwriter. I write in multiple genres, primarily young adult, romance, thriller, and horror. I grew up in Northern California, but I’ve also spent a considerable amount of time living in Chicago (my favorite city). Today, I live in Denver. I have one dog and two cats.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I fell in love with writing at the early age of 7. I wrote a Halloween-themed story titled ‘The Blue Witch’. My second-grade teacher recognized my love of storytelling and really encouraged me. Thanks to my sixth-grade drama teacher, my first play was produced when I was only 11. The script was a tribute to soap operas titled ‘Life Isn’t Easy.’ By the time I was 13, I was writing plays and short stories on a second-hand typewriter. At that age, I met young adult author Norma Fox Mazer (who was a visiting author at my junior high school). That was the defining moment when I knew I would become a writer. As for books, I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Growing up, I read everything written by Judy Blume, Lois Duncan, and Norma Fox Mazer. Collectively, those three authors have influenced my work more than any other. To that list, I would also add Jane Austen, Tennessee Williams, and Dorothy Parker. I read many genres, but mostly memoir, young adult, and thriller. I also love vintage gothic romance novels, especially those written in the 50’s and 60’s because of the awesome cover art during that era.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My most recent book is a young adult novel called ‘Marijuana Mermaid’ (Cayélle Publishing). The book is about a young woman who is seventeen and dealing with many issues in her life. After getting into trouble at her high school in Chicago, she moves to a small seaside town in California to live with her father. She makes a big effort to leave her past behind, which is really put to the test by new friends Monica and Sabina, who are two popular girls who seem to have it all. While secretly dreaming of becoming the new star of an underwater mermaid show at a local theme park, Leah lands a part-time job at the park’s snack bar where she meets Ray Junior. As their new friendship begins to grow, Leah comes to the realization that there’s more to him than meets the eye. Ray Junior really encourages Leah to stand on her own. Leah feels his support and tries to distance herself from Monica and Sabina, but she’s unaware of the consequences for doing so. The novel explores a lot of issues from female rebellion to gender roles and racism to what it feels like to be the child of divorce. From start to finish, I worked on this novel for over 20 years.

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Featured Interview With One Iam

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan USA. I’m in my 60’s. I’m currently happily married to Debbie. I’ve experienced a great deal in this incarnation. Overall, it’s been a pleasure, some of the deepest lows and the highest highs. I’ve lived in Pontiac MI, Atlanta GA, Columbus OH, and now I’m back home, Detroit MI. I only have memories of my dog, Dash, and a few others from my childhood.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was a reader early on. In fact, I was such a good reader that my elementary school teacher chose me to read books to the class while she attended to other things. I would read anything that could be read. This habit lead me to some places that I was not fully prepared for. Check my book ‘Wanton Inquiry’.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I like Neville Goddard, Reverend Ike, Rhonda Byrne.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Living The Dream. Living the Dream is not another book about accumulating great material wealth and living a luxurious life by using knowledge of the fundamental law of attraction (simply put, you attract what you focus on). This book is written to awaken you to the fact that you’re dreaming now. Yes, you. Your life is a dream, an illusion in your mind, streaming across consciousness on autopilot without the power of individual direction from your point of observation. The pilot is asleep. Living the Dream is about finding your true being within the dream and deliberately, with knowledge and understanding, taking charge of and directing this mental process we call life.

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Featured Interview With Mayur Raje

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a independent Musician and an author from Mumbai, India. I was born and brought up here, and no, I don’t have any pets.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
At the age of 14

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favourite genre is fiction.
Author, Sidney Sheldon

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book ‘Yaoguai’ is a work of fiction, a thriller, sci-fi, action story revolving around an Army officer and his ex-wife, a forensic scientist.

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Featured Interview With Marsha Hankins

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in Charlotte, NC. I was a dance major in college but ended up working in accounting. Go figure! My husband and I moved many times in our corporate careers. When we decided to leave that kind of life, we bought a trailer, camped around the country, and chose Fort Collins, CO as the place to start over. Fort Collins is where I began to fully explore my spiritual nature and my gift for teaching. My husband and I are retired now and are out in our trailer most of the time. I love this lifestyle. It gives me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and share the love.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I loved writing stories as a child. However, as I grew older, I realized my writing talent leaned more to non-fiction than fiction. When I began awakening as a spiritual being, I became passionate about sharing my process and what I was learning.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I grew up loving mysteries and I still love a good thriller. Some people find it odd that a spiritual teacher and writer still likes those genres, but I think exploring all areas of life is part of our journey. I have embraced many great spiritual writers on my road toward mastery. Two of my favorite books are “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Yogananda and “Be Here Now” by Ram Dass.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
When I began to explore my spirituality, I had many questions. I like to understand things and I wanted to be sure I was following the path that was right for me. When I began teaching, I found my students were asking the same questions I had. My newest book, “Awaken to Ascension,” grew from those questions. Understanding the principles of unconditional love and forgiveness is fairly easy, but shifting into being those qualities at all times is a process. I hope this book helps people understand who they are as a spiritual being, how they got to this point in their evolution, and what their next steps toward becoming a spiritual master might be.

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Marsha Hankins’s Website