Top Selling Authors: Get To Know Them Better

Featured Interview With Shannon Muir

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in California, while my father still worked in the United States Navy. As a result, I lived in California, Japan, and Hawaii before his retirement in the mid 1980s. After his retirement, we moved to Cheney, Washington, which I consider my hometown. There, I attended junior and high school, and later went on to get a BA in Radio-TV and English from Eastern Washington University. In 1996, I moved back to southern California, where I’ve spent nearly 20 years in and around the entertainment business with an emphasis in animation and family properties for my work… but my writing reflects other aspects of my interests, such as women focused issues, new pulp, and genre fiction.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My father read avidly since I was young, and bedtime stories were common at home. He’d read us all of Tolkien’s HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS rather young; I re-read LORD OF THE RINGS by myself the first time at age 10. My television interests, such as the animated SCOOBY DOO series, also inspired me to read a lot of Nancy Drew and Encyclopedia Brown books. My interest in writing started strongly in the fifth grade when my teacher put a poem of mine on display in the local mall; my sixth grade teacher required us to use all our spelling words in stories every week and read the best ones to the class, and often she picked my stories, not to mention getting featured again at the mall that year. I took these as signs to continue to write and develop stories on my own.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
These days I continue to read a lot of science fiction and fantasy, but also started going back to my earlier interest in mystery, reading a lot more of the new pulp stories available as well as classic mysteries. Tolkien remains my favorite author of all time, but I’ve also very much liked David Weber’s Honor Harrington series and practically anything by Lois McMaster Bujold. I’m doing so much rediscovery in the new pulp and mystery area that it is hard to pinpoint any favorite author, as I am loving the diversity of the adventure. What I find interesting is that as much of the women centered fiction I’ve written, I actually don’t read it as extensively.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book from the women focused side of things is THE HEART’S DUTY COLLECTION. It contains four stories, including my first two independently self-published novels. I realized there were gaps in the THE HEART’S DUTY (my second published novel) both before and after that needed addressing, and the other released stories in this book do that. There is now a model of three generations of women, and the difficulties they must face ingraining the mentalities originally brought on to the grandmother of the group by her widowed father about women and their purpose. TOUCH THE STARS, my first novel, also became bundled in here since nearly all of its characters cross over into the second and third novel of THE HEART’S DUTY sequence. Most of these were written as part of National Novel Writing Month over a series of years, which means their first drafts were completed over 30 days in the month of November, with editing to follow. REDEFINING THE HEART’S DUTY, the only one not originally done for “NaNoWriMo” took about the same time, in part because it was dictated by events from the other stories.

This leaves what I have remaining to self publish to be my own series, THE WILLOWBROOK SAGA and TRUTH REVEALED, but I’m actually moving in a new direction with my future writing. I mentioned earlier a revived interest in new pulp and genre fiction. Last year, a short story of mine (based on characters developed by others) appeared in NEWSHOUNDS from Pro Se Productions. Later this year, and going forward, my goal is to put a lot more effort into these kind of stories as I realize how much I’ve missed reading and writing them. Wherever possible, these stories will still feature female leads, or at least strong female characters in the cast, but in different settings handling different subject matter than my other works.

Follow me on social media to find out when my latest works are coming out. Most importantly, I hope you enjoy what I write. Thanks for taking the time to find out more about me.

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Featured Interview With Javon Rahman Bertrand

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in the city of Detroit, where I currently reside. I am city boy with a heart of gold.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always been interested in books. However, I feel in love with books around the time I was 8. I wanted to read EVERYTHING! I fell in love with words, their power and the able to articulate them in speech and in writing. I started writing when I was in the sixth grade. I started writing poetry, poetry became the love of my life at that time. I engulfed myself in modern and older poetry and began to write as an emotional release and just something I enjoyed. When I got older I began to write short stories and my passion for writing grew from there.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I have a range of authors. I love the Harlem Renaissance era. I love Langston Hughs, Zora Neale Hurston and the like. I love books on spiritual matters. I love John Eckhardt, Cindy Trimm, Cindy Jacobs and Bill Hamon plus others.

My favorite genres are spiritual/religious and poetry.

I cannot say one person inspires because I gather inspiration from the authors I like as well as the people in my life.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is “The Exposition of the Tabernacle: The Culture Exchange”. This is my sophomore release. I wrote this book in 5 days! Yes, 5 days! This book came from a teaching that I have done at churches over the years.

This book is a practical and prophetic look at the tabernacle given to Moses. We will practically look at how the tabernacle allows the children of Israel to encounter God. Prophetically, we will look at how the tabernacle will change our culture and lives through every instrument. This book will take us from sinner to priest and king. It will also take us from a culture of sin and slavery to a culture of freedom and priesthood. The Exposition of the Tabernacle will unveil the tabernacle not only as it was for the children of Israel but how it pertains to us today.

This book shows foreshadowing of Christ and the works of Christ in our lives today.

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Featured Interview With J.L.Clayton

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
All my life I have lived in the USA, right now I am currently living in Leachville Arkansas. It is a small town and I love it. I work at the local post office delivering mail. I have a beautiful daughter, Shyla; she is 15 years old and so very smart. I could not have asked for a better kid! I am married to an awesome man, Robert. We have been married now for 15 years. He is there for me when I need him, yes we have are downs, but the downs are what makes a marriage stronger.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Believe it or not, I was 27 years old before I read a book. Yes, it is shocking that I waited so long to know what a marvel reading and writing was to me. Okay, so I watch the movie Twilight. Yes, I know some of you avid readers dislike all things Twilight and that’s your prerogative, but I love Twilight! In addition to that, the movie Twilight changed my whole prospect on reading and writing. After the end of the movie, I was a little curious, wanting to know what would happen next. I was talking to one of my friends, telling her how I wished I knew what was going to happen next. At this point in my life, I guess you could say I kept myself sheltered from books. The only books I ever read, was the ones they provided in school. So Nikki, my friend, she told me that the movie was actually one of four books. I was surprised, but there was no way I was going to read a book and as far as I knew, books where so not my thing. Yet, Nikki went on and on. The girl was very persistent about how good the books are. If I was to just give them one try, she was sure I would love reading. Consequently, as you can guess, I gave in and did as she suggested. After that, I was hooked: Reading all four books in no time! And then this crazy-wild-insane thing happened . . . I sat down at my computer and started to write my first book: A Spark of Magic Chosen Saga Book One. I never knew I would love reading, but now I have read over 700 plus books. I definitely never considered anywhere in my life that I would be writing. But here we are; five years later and A Spark of Magic is in stores. I can say whole heartedly that writing is my passion now, and it’s a passion that I want the world to know!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love so very many authors, but I have to say my favorites are: P.C. Cast, Kim Harrison, Keri Arthur, Karen Chance, Rachel Hawthorne,
Richelle Mead, Rachel Vincent, Laurell K. Hamilton, Susane Colasanti, Cassandra Clare, Stephenie Meyer and Parker Blue, that’s just a little in a long line of favorites! Same goes for genres, I love almost every genre out there, but my very favorite ones are: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance and Chick Lit. Who do I think inspired me to write? I would say my friend Nikki. If she had not pushed me into reading Twilight, (thank God for her stubbornness ), I’m sure I would not have started writing. And if I did not love Stephenie Meyer’s books, I would not be on the path that I am on now!

Tell us a little about your latest book?
There is some young lust and a little blurring of lines between fantasy and reality. My character Charlie is moving again. Her family is always moving, but this time it’s not so bad. She’s turning 16, finally making friends and crushing on some seriously hot guys. Fortunately for Charlie, the aforementioned hot guys’ feelings seem mutual. There’s just one problem: A seductive male voice is invading her dreams. What’s worse is that now it seems he is invading her waking hours as well! Once she learns why, the knowledge will blur the lines between reality and imagination. Charlie is on a journey to discover who and what she really is-and why her family moves so frequently. A Spark of Magic is loaded down with a lot of twists and turns. And to me, almost all of my characters feel so real, as if you really know someone just like them.

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Featured Interview With Sharon Palmer

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a registered dietitian nutritionist and plant-based nutrition expert living in LA. I am an advocate for eating a whole foods, plant-based diet, which led me to write The Plant-Powered Diet and Plant-Powered for Life. I believe that this eating style is not only the best way to protect yourself from chronic disease, but it can lower your negative impact on the environment. Plus, enjoying plants in their natural form–as close to the earth as possible–is delicious! My recipes and culinary style celebrates traditional, global flavors surrounding local, seasonal foods.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started reading and loving it early on; I always had my nose in a book since the age of 10. I started dabbling with writing in high school, but I was also in love with food and nutrition. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to pair my two great loves–food and writing–into my career. I have been writing full time for the past 12 years, during which time I’ve published more than 850 articles in national publications, authored 2 books, written chapters in 4 books, started a blog, and took on the role as editor of a publication.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love everything Michael Pollan and Marion Nestle have written on food and nutrition. I also really enjoy the food philosophies of David Katz, Alice Waters, and Mark Bittman. When it comes to gorgeous, accessible food, I am a fan of Mollie Katzen’s cookbooks. Some of the great chefs–Thomas Keller, Grant Achatz, Suzanne Goin–inspire me to learn more about food. I’m always discovering new chefs, such as Ari Taymour and Miles Thompson, who offer a new culinary vision. I absorb as much as I can on celebrating local, seasonal plant foods from these culinary geniuses to pass it on in a more accessible way to my readers.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Plant-Powered for Life offers 52 easy habits that you can acquire in order to embrace a plant-based lifestyle. No matter whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian or omnivore, you still can gain benefits by eating more whole plant foods. I guide the reader to learn the key aspects of plant-based eating, which are interwoven among 125 new, globally infused, seasonal 100% plant-based recipes. The recipes serve as an illustration of how to take on a plant-based lifestyle habit. For example, taking meat off the center of your plate is easy when you try my recipe for Tofu Mushroom Tacos and Arugula Salad Pizza. In addition, Plant-Powered for Life features gorgeous photography to inspire delicious plant-based eating.

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Featured Interview With M.E. Hubbs

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am an eleven year veteran of the U.S. Army Infantry. I left active duty in 1992 and retired from the Army Reserve in 2001. Since leaving active duty I have worked as a environmental protection specialist and archaeologist for the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC) on historic Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. My work has taken me to several far flung islands in the Pacific where the fierce battles of World War II have left relics both above and below the surface of the corral sand.

Besides the extensive non-fiction writing that I have done for my job, I’ve also written non-fiction for several history related magazines and journals including Navy History Magazine, World War II History Magazine, The Bugler, Army History Magazine, Military Historian and Collector and On The Trail Magazine. My article “Massacre on Wake Island” (Navy History Magazine) was the first detailed account of the murder of 98 American civilians by the Japanese in 1943. It has subsequently been used as a reference in several World War II books and articles.

My first novel, The Secret of Wattensaw Bayou was released by Blue Water Publications in March, 2013.

I’ve had a life long passion for history. This interest ranges from battles and leaders to the more mundane cultural and material history of the common people who were the real heroes of the past. History is more than anything else, the story of ordinary people and how those people reacted to extraordinary circumstances. For almost four decades I’ve learned first hand how the people of the past lived by participating in costumed living history programs at scores of American battlefields and historic sites.

I hold a Bachelor’s in History from Henderson State University in Arkansas, a Masters in Environmental Management from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama and a Masters in Archaeology from Leicester University in the United Kingdom. I’m a member of the Company of Military Historians, The Sons of the American Revolution, The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCWBI) and was the co-founder of the Tennessee Valley Civil War Round Table.

Huntsville, Alabama has been home for Phyllis, my wife, and myself since 1989. They have three children and five grandchildren.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was the kid sitting in the library reading encyclopedias and history books when others were reading fantasy and science fiction. I also discovered historical fiction and filled my head with the stories from The Red Badge of Courage, Iron Men, Johnny Tremain, Rifles for Waite and other classics. I found the stories not only enjoyable, but also provoking. They sent me to the history books to learn more about what really happened during those times. I hope to do the same with my historical fiction. If a child reads and enjoys one of my books, and is provoked to also learn more about that era by means of seeking the subject in non-fiction sources, I have done my job.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I read a lot of non-fiction history and archaeology on all eras. However, medieval subjects have been catching most of my attention lately. My current favorite in the adult historical fiction genre is Bernard Cornwell, especially for his Anglo-Saxon Chronicals series and his Archer Tales.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My second novel, The Archer’s Son, is the story of a young boy in medieval Cornwall who accompanies a band of archers on Henry V’s famous march into France and the bloody battle of Agincourt. From the back cover:

“Eager to see the world that lies beyond his small Cornish village, young Hedyn, son of an archer and serf, is thrilled to be chosen to join King Henry’s army as it advances on Normandy. His excitement quickly gives way to exhaustion in body and spirit, as well as worry for the safety of his newfound friends and comrades. Treachery, disease, hunger, and death plague their steps as King Henry’s men near their fateful battle with the French army at Agincourt. Can a mysterious stranger with a secretive past offer Hedyn hope amidst the horrors of battle?”

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Featured Interview With Michael McCormick

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My book is Across The Pond by Michael McCormick, a Vietnam war novel. I was raised in Ohio. I now live in Oakland, California.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always enjoyed the written word. I wrote my book at age 40.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Hemingway, Steinbeck

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Across The Pond by Michael McCormick is the story of a young American who fights a war in Vietnam for his country, only to be rejected when he comes home.

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Featured Interview With Robert Friedrich

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hello, my name is Robert Friedrich and I was born in Slovakia but spent half of my life in Egypt. At this point in time I am still in Egypt but will be moving back to Slovakia soon, well depends on how widespread my International writing can reach.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
At a very young age, I did read as a kid but got really into it at a later stage of my life, especially since my favorite genres are Horror and Sci-fi. Well my personal writing career began May 2013 but I have been collecting story concepts and outlines already in the early 2000’s.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I mentioned the Genres earlier and my favorite Authors are the likes of John W. Campbell, H.P. Lovecraft, Clive Barker etc.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I think I rather let a professional reviewer speak about it:

Reviewed by Barbara Garcia for Readers’ Favorite

Seed of Evil: An Ancient Evil Rises by Robert Friedrich takes place in the not too distant future. The moon and Mars have both been colonized, and are being mined. The mining team on Mars has uncovered a structure of non-human origin, and in the process of studying it, have inadvertently released a horrifying evil. Now contact has been lost with the colonists on Mars, and deciphering a corrupted message indicates that something has gone wrong, but no one is prepared for just how terribly wrong. Corey and his elite team of Marines are brought in to investigate, and are confronted with this evil almost right away. As his crew is picked off one by one, Corey finds himself alone to battle the evil that’s been unleashed. It’s an ancient evil with immense power, but Corey gets some help from an unexpected source.

Seed of Evil: An Ancient Evil Rises by Robert Friedrich is a fast paced story, but I never felt overwhelmed or rushed through it. Narrated by Corey, I easily got a good sense of who he was, and with good world building and nicely descriptive combat scenes, I was quickly immersed in this story and was rooting for Corey all the way. Being a Marine, Corey kept his cool fairly well when confronting the spawns of this evil, but I was a bit creeped out just envisioning the bloody mess all those bodies made, and most definitely when he had to face the winged creature with all the heads on it. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick read packed with action and a spooky sci-fi kind of feel.

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Featured Interview With Krysten Lindsay Hager

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in Grand Blanc, Michigan–a suburb of Flint. It was a town obsessed with golf. I’m not an avid golfer, but let me just say I can handle those little windmills on the mini-golf places like a champ. I married a military man which had me moving to South Dakota, then Portugal, and now to Dayton, Ohio. I’m a freelance journalist and writer so I was able to write wherever we ended up!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I wrote my first “story” in the first grade. It was a “Name the Teddy Bear” contest open to the whole school (kindergarten through eighth grade) and somehow I won with the “brilliant” opening line of, “We should name him Taffy because he is sweet like candy.” That year Santa brought me one of the Cabbage Patch Kid storybook kits that helped kids make little picture books. I wrote a story and my grandpa helped me line up the book plates. I didn’t know what the word, “illustrated,” meant, but I put down that my grandpa illustrated the book in the inside cover. I loved that toy and a few years later I wrote a story with it and my third grade teacher put it on the bulletin board. I’ll never forget seeing my friend’s parents stop to read it at a “Meet the Teacher” night. I stood off to the side watching Mr. and Mrs. Cameron reading my little book in awe.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors are: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Mitch Albom, Edith Wharton, Helen Fielding, Cathy Cassidy, Cathy Hopkins, Francine Pascal, Erika Tamar, and Ellen Goodair. I read women’s fiction, YA, middle grade, biographies and memoirs, and mysteries. I really get inspired by Fitzgerald’s prose and I feel like I can get into the worlds that both Cathy Cassidy and Cathy Hopkins build for their characters.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Landry Albright gets pushed into trying out for the American Ingénue reality show modeling competition with her two best friends. She doesn’t think she stands a chance, but she advances to the next level in the competition and her friends ignore her when they get cut.

Enter the gorgeous Devon, who also makes the first cut and includes Landry in her clique. Devon becomes the perfect best friend, but can their friendship survive the competition?

Landry hopes her big break could come at any moment, but soon sees there’s much more to modeling than just getting your hair done and looking pretty. She begins missing out on being with new friends like Ashanti, a girl who truly has Landry’s back. Landry also has the chance to have a boyfriend when she meets a boy named Vladi from another school.

Part of Landry wants to be famous (and have her hair look good for once), but part of her just wants to be accepted. She learns about friendships, being true to yourself, and that a good hair conditioner doesn’t hurt.

I came up with the idea for the main character, Landry, when I was in the sixth grade. Later, in college, a professor told me I should write the book I wanted to read so I began the first chapter then and several years later (and a rewrite or two) I was sending it out.

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Featured Interview With Scott O’Reilly

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Ever since I was a little kid I’ve been fascinated by dreams and the mystery of existence. Why is there something rather than nothing? Why did God create the universe? What is the purpose of life? These are the kind of questions I asked as a six-year old kid. Later, I studied philosophy to try and make sense of life. Today, I consider myself a recovering-philosopher. Still, I love pondering life’s mysteries. I also love playing guitar, running, and writing.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I began writing poetry quite early. I’m quite amazed at how much creativity kids naturally have. Children are natural philosophers and artists, until they have the creative impulse drummed out of them by the educational system.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Melville, Shakespeare, and Wittgenstein’s Tractatus are big influences. I love books that wrestle with big questions.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I believe science and spiritually will ultimately converge. Today, science tells us how we can control our world, but it says little about value or meaning. In contrast, traditional religious outlooks provide emotional comfort and put our lives in a context, but their metaphysical claims are often incoherent or at variance with the facts.

The universe is not just stranger than we suppose, it is stranger than we can suppose. We live in a deeply mysterious cosmos. Our world is suffused with tremendous beauty and a subtle order. Why is this so? Why is there something rather than nothing? Was the evolution of conscious creatures inevitable? After all, as the late Princeton physicist John Wheeler once put it: “What good would the universe be if no one emerged to observe it.” In my view, the potential for sentience has been woven into the fabric of the universe from the beginning. Consciousness is like a flower, but its roots extend backwards in time billions of years and also into the fundamental realm of sub-atomic particles, which is governed by the paradoxical laws of quantum mechanics.

Modern day science is permeated by dubious assumptions. The notion that consciousness is a fluke may be one of these. But there is an exciting new cosmological narrative that is taking shape. For instance, the psychologist Zeising argued that nature aims at beauty. This is an astonishing thought. The notion that evolution has an aim or telos is out of fashion with most contemporary scientists, but there is something about beauty that attunes us to the world. Why is this so?

The philosopher Schelling believed that beauty was a bridge between consciousness and the cosmos. It is through beauty and wonder that the individual self comes to recognize its identity with a more cosmic Self. My book, “Socrates and Cyberspace,” is an attempt to sketching out a perspective that includes the best of science, philosophy, and spirituality. It is book about discovering a more soulful way of looking at ourselves and the world.

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Featured Interview With Su Williams

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hello everyone! Thank you for having me on Book Reader Magazine!
So – a little about myself, huh? Well, my dad was in the Air Force, so we moved around a bit during the first 10 years of my life. I’ve lived in Colorado, Arkansas, South Dakota and a couple of places in Washington – Mukelteo and Spokane. But once Dad retired, we moved back to Spokane and I’ve lived here ever since. Though I’ve visited a lot of other places, Spokane is home.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I loved books as a little kid, but went through a phase in junior and senior high school when I hated reading. As an adult, I started reading Piers Anthony and discovered a whole new world I never knew about. I wrote poems and short stories when I was younger but only got brave enough to tackle the adventure of writing a novel about 7 years ago. The first book only took me 5 years to write, but it was learning process. With each draft I learned new things: like proper grammar, story arc, punctuation. It took a long time, but I’m glad I took that time to learn all that I did. The subsequent books have been much easier to write.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Favorite authors to read: Marissa Meyer (Lunar Chronicles…and a very nice young lady!), Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy), Maggie Stiefvater (Wolves of Mercy Falls Series!), Lisa McMann (Wake/Fade/Gone series & Dead to You), Annette Curtis Klause (Blood & Chocolate, and Silver Kiss) and Neal Schusterman (Unwind Series)

You’ve probably guessed by that list that I read a lot of Young Adult with a side of paranormal!

Who inspires me? A year ago, I would have said some writer or other. But honestly, now it’s that handful of fans that ask for more.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
In late July, I will be launching Private Eye, the final book of the Dream Weaver Novels Series. It’s a great wrap up for the series. Lots of action and attitude from the protagonist who’s been plunged into a paranormal world she never knew existed and never asked to live in. So here’s a little info on the first 2 books:
DREAM WEAVER
Vampires sparkled through the spotlight; then the zombies shambled through. Now, it’s time for a new immortal.

Nickolas Benedetti is a Dream Weaver; an ancient, arcane and almost immortal race with the power to command memories and dreams. Nick plunges heart-first into Emari Sweet’s tragedy-torn life after the death of her parents and brutal assault. Nick rescues Emari from the night terrors that stalk her…but can he save her from the living, breathing nightmares that have followed him to her doorstep?
ROCK STAR
Emari lives the life of a rock star in an elaborate memory weave by Dream Weaver Sabre James; and faces her own mortality at the hands of Sabre’s longtime nemesis bent on vengeance for the death of his beloved sister. Immortality and magic unearth treasures and secrets that some would rather keep buried. And the biggest secret of all could destroy everything.

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Featured Interview With Pema Donyo

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Born and raised in sunny Southern California! I’ll forever be a shorts-and-tank-top girl because of it. Currently adjusting to East Coast life as I’m working at a summer internship, but I plan to return back to the West Coast soon. Southern California is the setting for many of my stories. Perfect weather, golden palm trees, endless sunshine… it’s a great setting to both live in and set stories in.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always written stories, but fourth grade was really the year where I decided I wanted to be an author. That was the same year I read The School Story by Andrew Clements. It’s a novel about a twelve-year-old girl who writes a story and wants to see it published. The story made me realize that age wasn’t an obstacle. I thought I had to wait and become older and be a full-blown adult before I could even dream of publishing a book. Clements’s novel opened my eyes to understanding that age can’t hold you back from anything.

Writing’s also just always been an adventure for me. It’s a chance to explore my own creativity and see what I can come up. I’ve always thought the process of writing is very self-indulgent. It’s almost like being the sole screenwriter for a television show or movie. The author decides who’s cast, where the story’s set, what happens, what the characters say, how the characters act… It’s fun and frustrating all at the same time.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Like all readers, it pretty much changes with my mood. Romance is a definite mainstay for me. I tried to pin down the other day about why I love reading romance so much (and why I like writing about it), and I realized it’s because of the genre’s potential for conflict. Intense emotions are invoked during romantic drama, and this always thicken the plot of whatever the storyline may be.

I’m a sucker for twists and turns in my suspense stories, so thrillers are also a love of mine. Pairing romance with thriller/suspense elements is just a great story waiting to happen. I’m also fascinated by history, so historical romance is another favorite genre. Lee Child, Robert Ludlum, Meg Cabot, Moriah Densley, Rainbow Rowell, Andrew Clements… It’s a very diverse group of author influences!

Tell us a little about your latest book?
SYNOPSIS:
There are three rules to staying an assassin at the corporation of Covert Operatives: (1) your parents must be deceased, (2) your contracts must remain confidential, and (3) you must be under the age of eighteen.

After a murder mission goes awry a month before her eighteenth birthday, Covert Operatives assassin Jane Lu finds herself caught by the federal government and forced to spy for the CIA while remaining in Covert Operatives. Once her spying mission is over she will be allowed to live a civilian life without facing criminal consequences, a life she’s only dreamed of having.

As Jane leaks information to the CIA, she uncovers secrets with enough power to both destroy Covert Operatives and her own boyfriend, Adrian King, who’s next in line to be CEO of the company. When her identity as a double agent for the CIA is discovered within Covert Operatives, she must decide where her allegiance, and her heart, truly lies.

—

A little inspiration about why I wrote the book:

I’ve always loved the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child, but there was something about seeing an actual movie version of it which made me realize the severe lack of thriller female heroes. I’m not talking about James Bond’s femme fatales in size 0, or the female police officer whose only job seems to be agree with whatever the male detective says. “Heroines” always conjured up an idea of a damsels in distress for me, and I was tired of seeing that trope in action and suspense movies. Girls can kick ass as well.

I didn’t stop at just female heroes. I also wanted the characters to be around college-age. It’s a time when you’re trying to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life. It’s scary, I know – I’m living it. So while the characters in my novel are assassins, they’re also teenagers. Teens are capable of so much, and it’s time a novel highlighted this. A teenage female thriller hero? Yes, please. I know I would have loved to read such a series when I was growing up. Nancy Drew’s awesome, but I wanted a female hero who was just as skilled as the boys – including physical force.

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Featured Interview With Uvi Poznansky

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hi Everyone! Born in Israel, I earned my master of architecture at RPI in Troy, New York, and my master in computer science in the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I am an artist, poet and author, I have published five books during the last couple of years: Rise to Power, Apart From Love, Home, Twisted, and A Favorite Son.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started telling stories before I knew how to put pen to paper. My father, who was a poet and writer, would write down my stories. He also used to ask me to rhyme his poems for him, as a fun way that led me into the music of words.

To my surprise, he sent me an entire notebook full of these early stories, written in his beautiful, calligraphic handwriting. They arrived here just before he passed away.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Surprisingly, I find poetry to be the greatest influence on my writing: I appreciate the nuances, the overloading of words, and the musical rhythms used in the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe, the sonnets by Shakespeare, and the lyrical descriptions of Virginia Wolfe, to name but a few. I love The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky, and Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, for their expressive use of ‘stream of consciousness’. Playwrights Arthur Miller, T. Williams.

Tell us a little about your latest book?

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Featured Interview With Mercedes King

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in the car. A Chevy Caprice–and I just narrowly escaped being named Caprice. I grew up on the south side of Columbus, Ohio, so I’m a life-long Buckeye. I’m still in the Central Ohio area, although, when winter comes along, I desperately dream about relocating someplace tropical.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
In the fourth grade I wrote my first story, “Mrs. Jackson and the Genie.” Believe it or not, it wasn’t a best seller, but I’ve been working on my writing ever since. It’s been a long road, and I’m still enjoying the journey. I just have so many stories I want to write.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’m a big Daniel Silva fan girl. Vincent Zandri is my newest obsession, and I also like Lisa Gardner, Julie Ann Lindsey, Karen Harper, Lisa Unger…it’s a long list. Probably most inspirational for me was Mary Higgins Clark. I discovered her in middle school and loved everything about her style. And she actually sat a lunch table next to mine at Bouchercon (writer’s conference). No doubt, I must’ve made her woozy from my I-adore-you-! vibes. Fun moment!

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My newest release, Plantation Nation, follows 16 year old Emma Cartwright as she leaves her family’s plantation, disguises herself as a young man, and joins the Union Army. An idealist at heart, Emma quickly learns that war is a complicated issue, for both sides. She does her part as a nurse, courier, and spy, and for the first time in her life, she accidentally falls in love. With her commander. Needless to say, Emma endures hard lessons when it comes to loss. This isn’t your typical love story, and not your typical war story (if there is such a thing). I spent 8 months working on this book, intent on being careful with historical details but determined not to bog down readers with too much military detail. Overall, this novel is meant to challenge emotions on every level.

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Featured Interview With J. K. Barber

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
J. K. Barber is pen name to Jay and Katie Barber. We grew up mostly in Atlanta, GA, moved to Fort Collins, CO for a few years while I (Katie) finished college. We moved back to Atlanta after I graduated to be close to our family.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
As a young teen I fell in love with fantasy books. I started writing in high school. Horrible horrible poetry! I joined the editing team for my school’s literary magazine “The Pen” and then went on to college to study English: creative writing.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, Jim Butcher, R. A. Salvatore, Richard Knaak, and George R. R. Martin. Fantasy is my favorite genre. I am inspired by imagination and my kiddos, whose bright smiles and fresh minds open my mind.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Two days ago, my husband and I released our dark mermaid fantasy, “Mervidia.” Imagine “The Little Mermaid” meets dark elf society. The whole book takes place in the midnight zone of the ocean, so there is no sun. No humans. Seven races of what we call merwin live in a house-based society and are constantly scheming and grasping for power. When the last member of the royal line is brutally assassinated, the city of Mervidia goes into a frenzy, fighting over the crown.

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Featured Interview With Joanne Guidoccio

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, also known as the Nickel Capital of the World and Slagtown. Growing up, I could easily climb the rocks and sneak in to see the big coin, and while walking in the evenings, I had a spectacular view of the slag dumping. Not exactly what most people would enjoy, but I was fascinated by the contrast between the darkening sky and the fiery colors. Most of all, I enjoyed watching the city evolve. After decades of damage to the local environment, the mining industry finally cleaned up its act. The City Fathers also launched several greening initiatives during the 1970s.

Unfortunately, lack of teaching opportunities forced me to seek employment elsewhere. After several short stops, I settled in Guelph, Ontario, a mid-size community sixty miles west of Toronto.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
From an early age, I loved curling up with a book and losing myself in the stories. Reading time was my favorite time of the school day. I also enjoyed visiting the bookmobile that came every other week. For most of my childhood, I was torn between careers in teaching and librarianship.

In high school, I looked forward to my English classes and dreamed of writing the great Canadian novel. I followed the conventional advice of the times and pursued a career in teaching, but in my heart of hearts, I knew that someday I would resurrect that writing dream. In 2008, I took advantage of early retirement and devoted my second act to writing.

At first, I focused on the non-fiction market and wrote book reviews and articles about careers, education, money management, personal growth and development, and wellness. While I was pleased with the response from newspapers, magazines, and online publications, I felt a growing restlessness.

On a whim, I signed up for a series of workshops offered by science fiction writer Sarah Totton. At first, I focused on the writing advice, but later toyed with the idea of writing fantasy for boomer women. Not wanting to feature vampires, witches, werewolves, or other dark creatures, I thought back to my childhood and recalled my favorite fairy tale, The Little Mermaid.

A series of “What if” questions whirled through my mind…

What if the mermaid wasn’t so young or so beautiful?

What if the man abandoned her?

What if she had to reinvent herself?

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I have eclectic reading tastes and enjoy reading contemporary women’s fiction, cozy mysteries, historical fiction, memoirs, and self-help books. Some of my favorite authors include Ann Patchett, Maeve Binchy, Louise Penny, Anna Quindlen, Julia Cameron, Dani Shapiro, Louise Hay, and Jacquelyn Mitchard.

I especially admire late blooming authors (Maeve Binchy and Louise Penny) who have launched successful second acts. Their novels and writing journeys have inspired me to launch my own second act as a writer. From Maeve, I learned that success is not a pie where only a select few have access to the slices. And I have taken several pages out of Louise’s disciplined approach to structure my own writing practice.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
As a child, I enjoyed reading The Little Mermaid, but felt sorry for the mute ex-mermaid who could only smile when the handsome prince married the princess. Knowing that the wedding morning would only bring heartbreak and seal her fate as “foam on the crest of waves” always saddened me.
I wanted a happily-ever-after ending, but when the Disney version was released, I still wasn’t satisfied. I realize now that I wanted to read about a different kind of mermaid, one who could achieve a happy and successful life, with or without the prince.

Keeping this vision of an older and wiser mermaid firmly in mind, I wrote Between Land and Sea, the first book in the Mediterranean trilogy. I completed the first draft in three months.

Short blurb…

After giving up her tail for an international banker, Isabella of the Mediterranean kingdom is aged beyond recognition. The horrified banker abandons her on the fog-drenched shores of southwest England, leaving her to face a difficult human journey as a plain and practically destitute fifty-three-year-old woman.

With the help of a magic tablet and online mermaid support, Isabella evolves into the persona of Barbara Davies. Along the way, she encounters a cast of unforgettable characters, among them former mermaids, supportive and not-so-supportive women, deserving and undeserving men, and several New Agers.

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Featured Interview With David Stanley

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
i was born in the early sixties in Cambridgeshire, unable to settle down after leaving the Royal Marine Commandos i ended up living in the far east

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Sadly as a school boy i was not a reader i only found reading late in life after my military service but at once knew i wanted to write and have really been enjoying some small success with my newest story Assassins List.
i was injured by an IED in Northern Ireland so as a motivator i pledged i would donate 10% of my sales from my book now books this pledge that i told friends and family drove me to complete and publish.
i donate to both the US and UK Marines charities i decided to donate to both as a very good friend i have and former US Marine was very badly injured in Afghanistan

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
i like to learn as i read i read any thing really but if the book has history or some humor i tend to favor

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Assassins List is loosely based on a friends story tale of espionage, it combines both fiction and facts. it follows the progression from boy to man man to commando to black ops and secret service assassinations i used some interesting history and it sort of comes alive as the chapters puzzle together. its early days but the reviews the book is receiving are truly great and i feel very proud to be receiving such wonderful reviews and the sales are building nicely

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Featured Interview With Elise Cyr

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a romance writer from New Mexico. I grew up on the east coast where I developed my love of adventure, romance, and happy endings as a little girl reading fairy tales before graduating to historical romances I’d hide under my pillow. I write primarily in the medieval period. Because there’s still so much we don’t know about that time in history, the writer’s imagination is essential for fleshing out the research and making it come to life on the page. Plus swords and castles are just plain fun.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always loved to read. I remember my first library card and keeping a flashlight handy so I could staying up late and read under the covers. Writing came later. It actually took me a long time to admit I wanted to write. I dabbled here and there, but it took a master’s degree and a job I hated before I started to take writing seriously.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Romance is my favorite genre to read, of course. Joanna Bourne is a master at historical romance. I also love Meljean Brook’s Iron Seas series. Sherry Thomas and Jeannie Lin are other favorites.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Siege of the Heart is my debut medieval romance from Kensington imprint Lyrical Press. Set during the Norman Conquest of England, it’s about a knight seeking his place in the world and noblewoman struggling to hold on to all she holds dear. It’s the first novel I ever got to “The End” on. It has taught me so much about writing and myself, and I’m so glad to share it with the world.

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Featured Interview With ROLLAND LOVE

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Summersville, Missouri and grew up in the Ozark Mountains. Currently I live in Overland Park, Kansas
What I do for a living now is teach writing, storytelling, journaling and Lewis and Clark workshops for Kids. I also created a workshop to motivate Senior Adults too write their life story. My partner Mark Andersen, who is a software developer and Artic Explorer have expanded that into a website that includes children writing the life stories of their parents and grandparents. The result is increased communications between youth and seniors, something which has been lost with the advent of texting and the Internet. My last class had (120) – 3rd grade students. There are (40) million seniors over the age of (65) in the United States most of whom have recorded nothing about their history. As Mark Twain once said, “There has never yet been an uninteresting life.”
I have made presentations to Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Camp Fire USA, Schools, Libraries, Retirement and Assisted Living Facilities, Churches, Business and Civic Groups … ✎ I have had stage and film roles as a villain and a monk, I played John Calvin McCoy, founder of Westport Missouri and in 2004 during the Lewis and Clark bicentennial I was Silas Goodrich, Expert Fisherman. I play a standardized patient at Kansas and Missouri University Medical Schools. I was a doctor on Discovery Channels – Mystery Diagnosis and played the role of Major John Neelly in a stage production about the death of Meriwether Lewis. I also co-founded an educational software company and I have published (3) novels, (40) award winning short stories, a best selling computer book and I co-authored an award-winning cookbook. I was the Director of Respiratory Care at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, a 1,400 bed teaching institution affiliated with Washington University.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I CO-AUTHORED A BEST SELLING COMPUTER BOOK IN 1981, SINCE HAVE WRITEN 3 FICTION NOVELS AND 50 SHORT STORIES. MANY OF WHICH HAVE WON AWARDS.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
100’S OF TIMES READERS HAVE COMPARED MY WRITING TO MARK TWAIN. BLUE HOLE IS FREE …

Tell us a little about your latest book?
“LOVE’S LOOK @ OZARK LIFE HAS SOME STRANGE STORIES MY FAVORITE BEING HILLBILLIES ARE SMARTER THAN YOUR THINK A 3 PART SERIES.

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Featured Interview With T. L. Howard

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I have always been fascinated with the “what-ifs”, sometimes to the point of distraction. I’m now well into adulthood and I still can’t stop asking that question. I was born and educated in the state of Nebraska and currently reside there where I’m employed at the university. My second book Corryn’s Stone is the long awaited sequel to The Crystal Key, my first book. I say long awaited, because those who read the first persistently emailed me asking when the next book was coming out. When not writing, which is seldom as demonstrated by my bad housekeeping, I enjoy needlework, walking, and a good movie.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Good question. I would guess about age 10. I started writing short stories in high school, but didn’t actually write a book until well into adulthood.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Being a fantasy writer, there is, of course, Tolkien. I am also in love with the books of David and Leigh Eddings, Terry Pratchett, Stephen King, Issac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, H. G. Wells, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, to name a few. I prefer reading fantasy, because as I tell my friends and co-workers, I get enough reality during the day. As for inspiration, I would have to list both Tolkien and David Eddings. Their abilities to create worlds that are so real you feel as though you are reading a history book is unequaled.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is Corryn’s Stone. It continues to follow the characters from The Crystal Key. The reader rejoins them about ten years after the end of the first book. The central focus is on a book of immense, god-like power that was briefly mentioned in the first book. Though this is a sequel, it is written so that if the reader has not read The Crystal Key, they will still find it quite enjoyable.

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Featured Interview With Becky Lower

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I consider myself a boomerang type of woman. I was born and raised in rural Ohio, but I escaped as soon as humanly possible (after college) and spent the next few decades roaming the country. I’ve lived in DC, Virginia, West Virginia, Arizona, and Texas before coming back to Virginia and finally, Ohio again. I now live in a small college town near Lake Erie.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been fascinated by books for as long as I remember. One of the highlights of my childhood was when the Bookmobile pulled into my town. I wrote quite a bit when I was young, as a means for a shy young girl to express herself. In fact, I sent off a screenplay to one of my favorite TV shows, Bonanza, when I was only 12. That bold move resulted in the first of many rejection letters. But I didn’t get serious about writing as a career until I ended my career as a sales person. A long career as a sales person helped prepare me for the world of publishing, since I was told “No thank you” more often than I was able to sell an ad.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’m finding more new authors to enjoy every day. But my all time favorites mirror the type of writing I like to do. Nora Roberts is the queen of contemporary, Julia Quinn holds that spot for Regencies, and Jude Deveraux wrote my absolute favorite time-travel story. They each inspire me in different ways.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Juliette St.James has only done two impetuous things in her life, and the first resulted in her becoming a single parent at age 18. Now, she’s embarking on a cross-country trip to celebrate becoming an empty-nester. Not sure of what she will do now that she’s flying solo, she comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare—a cowboy.

Cyclone Kelley is a former rodeo cowboy who has broken one too many body parts to continue on the rodeo circuit. But the one body part that can’t be fixed by putting it into a cast is his heart, which was broken when his wife died. He wasn’t home to save her, and feels he’s unworthy for any kind of lasting relationship with a woman, so his life has been a meaningless string of one-nighters.

One broken car and an equally broken cowboy later, they are forced to decide if love is worth gambling on what could be. Or if tornadoes, and Cyclones, are better left alone.

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