Top Selling Authors: Get To Know Them Better

Featured Interview With Claire Marie

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in the tiny little farm town of Harrisburg, Oregon, and have a love for small town life. I’m now lucky enough to call The Dalles, Oregon, my home in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge which has provided a lot of inspiration for Sammy the Sasquatch and her Forest Friends. My family and I have a wonderful, goofy pup who keeps us on our toes, a four-year-old Great Dane named Murphy who often tries to cuddle with Sammy the Sasquatch.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I think I realized my fascination with books at quite a young age. My mom would read to us almost every night before bed and by probably six-years-old I would crawl into bed at night with a stack of illustrated children’s books by my pillow and a clip-on book light in action. I would stay up long after I was tucked in to sneak in extra reading. The floor would creak when my mom came down the hall to check on me, so I’d quickly turn off my book light, feign sleep as she peaked in, then get right back to reading after she closed my bedroom door. I wrote for school assignments as do many kids and all through college but honestly, I never imagined I’d write a children’s book. For Sammy the Sasquatch; Welcome to Crittertopia, Sammy really started writing her story through me in December 2020 out of a desire to help parents, caring adults, and kids.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Growing up, I absolutely loved series like the Boxcar Children, Nancy Drew, and Harry Potter among many, many other books. As an adult, my favorite genres to read are classic literature, including the works of John Steinbeck and Jane Austen, and science, including books by Neil deGrasse Tyson and Amishi Jha. Dr. Tyson and Dr. Jha are able to take incredibly complex, important concepts that have direct impacts on the human experience and make these fascinating topics fun, engaging, and accessible to all.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My first, and latest, illustrated children’s book, Sammy the Sasquatch; Welcome to Crittertopia, was born out of a desire to empower kids to keep themselves safe and to support adults in having big conversations in trauma-informed, gentle, non-scary ways. Sammy is a curious, friendly, and adventurous young sasquatch who knows it’s important to practice being safe every day as she tours readers around her magical world of Crittertopia. Sammy and her Forest Friends dance, mountain bike, explore the forest, and know what to do just in case a curious human ever wanders into Crittertopia, a lockdown, “locks, lights, out of sight.” While I know many adults associate a lockdown with the worst case scenario in schools, lockdown is just one of the many tools school staff and students can use to keep themselves safe when something is “not normal” on campus or inside a school. How parents and caring adults introduce lockdown has a big influence on how kids view and experience the practice. Through my work, I know parents and caring adults are often hesitant to discuss this topic with kids because they are, understandably, afraid to open a Pandora’s Box of questions they won’t know how to navigate. This book includes four pages of support information for parents and caring adults on how to navigate these conversations and provides opportunities throughout the story to highlight for kids how great they are at being safe every day, all day long.

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Claire Marie’s Website

Claire Marie Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Melissa J. Morris

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m an Australian nurse, writer and avid traveller. I have a fascination with the road least travelled, which has led me to work in a health care clinic in East Africa on the outskirts of a refugee camp and study tropical medicine in London and attempt to learn French in Paris during a global pandemic (ok, the learning conditions were not planned)

I returned to Australia at the end of 2021 and have been on a journey of discovering who I am outside of the healthcare industry (while trying to make it financially viable). Nursing will always be a part of my story, but now it includes writing, Francophile and whatever else I decide to do.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Reading was a large part of my childhood, and books have always fascinated me. I was one of those kids who had a vivid imagination and performed concerts for my family. In my early teens, I entered a local competition sponsored by Nestle for a short story. It was chosen as one of the region’s finalists, which included a workshop by a local author and a bag of goodies.

Writing has always been something I have enjoyed but thought I was not very good at. Since leaving school, most of my writing has been academic or work-related. When I started living overseas, it allowed me to explore blogging platforms. Still, it’s only been in the last two years that I have seriously considered trying to turn it into part of my career.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My bookshelves have a variety of genres, and my reading preferences have changed over the years. Most of the time, it’s either Christian living, non-fiction or historical fiction. Lately, I have been gravitating to historical fiction, particularly about France or WW2, but I enjoy anything with a good storyline. In addition, I have several books written by healthcare professionals sharing their lives in their workplaces.
I love anything written by Natasha Lester or Christian Indie Authors. It’s been a lifelong goal to write a historical fiction novel, but currently, most of my focus is on Christian living and relationships.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My debut book is ‘Praying For Your Future Husband: 31 prayers for his heart’. The idea came to me 12 months ago when I was at the start of a career change. I have been praying for my future spouse for many years, and sometimes it is hard to know what to pray other than ‘please bless him, Lord.’

Building a habit of praying for your loved ones is so important, particularly when it involves one of the most important decisions of your life: marriage.

The book includes 31 prayers to pray over your future husband, covering many topics. I hope it gives people ideas and a little structure in what subjects they pray about for their future marriage.

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Melissa J. Morris’s Website

Melissa J. Morris Facebook Page

Melissa J. Morris Twitter Account

Featured Interview With B.A. Summer

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hello, this is B.A. Summer (pen name) I write fiction under my pen name and non-fiction under my real name Jane Peyton. I am British, born in Skipton, North Yorkshire, former long-time resident in Los Angeles and London, and now based in Brighton on the south coast of England which is a creative, sociable, and individual city with a reputation for fun. It makes me smile and is endlessly entertaining!

I love dogs but cannot have a pet where I live so instead I have dog envy as I gaze at the gorgeous dogs being walked by their owners as I’m out and about. I also follow lots of dog social media sites. AND I included my perfect dog as a character in my novel ‘Sole Brethren: If The Shoe Fits’.

I am the author of ten published books with another one to be released in June 2023 (titled ‘The Philosophy of Cocktails’ – it is a brief history). My non-fiction books are on the subjects of architecture, interior design, and alcoholic drinks. I split my time between writing fiction, non-fiction books about alcohol and running the School of Booze, an events, education and drinks consultancy I founded in 2008.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
As soon as I could read I was never without a book in my hand. As a child I spent hours either up a tree with a novel, or laying behind the sofa turning the pages of the latest gripping story I was reading. I still have one of my English composition books from age 8 and the teacher’s comments said things like ‘Imaginative story’.

As an adult in my 20s I used to write stories for my friends about our social lives. Then in my 30s I started pitching non-fiction books ideas to publishers and eventually in 2002 my first book was published. Having had the idea in my head for so many years I felt quite overwhelmed to be holding a physical version in my hand. It was a wonderful feeling.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Favourite authors include Oscar Wilde, E.F. Benson, Angela Carter, Armistead Maupin, Jane Austen, Jeanette Winterson, Isabel Allende. I enjoy witty writing, books with a pacy plot, with loveable characters who I would like to be friends with in real life, books that have a strong sense of place.

I’m keen on magical realism as a genre. I like to escape when I read.

I am particularly inspired by Armistead Maupin for the loveable characters in his Tales of the City series, the inventive storylines, and the sense of place he invokes. E.F. Benson is another favourite because in his Mapp & Lucia series, he makes the tiny fictitious town of Tilling appear as the most glittering and exciting town, with his tongue firmly in cheek.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
‘Sole Brethren: If The Shoe Fits’ mixes magic, footwear and all things fabulous as it tells the story of Cordelia Tanner and her glittering life with charming twin brother Rex, and enigmatic best friend Dr Elodie l’Archambeau, which is threatened by the unintended consequences of an invention that she thought was a very good idea at the time – 3D wearable hologram shoes. Fortunately for Cordelia she can periodically escape the problems she has inadvertently caused through her mind-blowing psychic ability that permits her to enter historic realms and visit, amongst others, the charming Lancelot, 18th century superstar Master of Ceremonies to High Society.

I describe Sole Brethren as a magical realism romp. It is very funny and so far, reader’s reviews have been fantastic. Judging by their comments, Sole Brethren has brought them joy, delight, and laughter. They like the main characters too which I am so pleased about because if I do not enjoy the characters I won’t read a book so it was essential when writing my own characters that they should be irresistible.

I had the idea for Sole Brethren in 2010 and thought about it over the years but never had time to write it because I was writing non-fiction books and also building my own events, education and consultancy business. Like many other writers, the Covid 19 pandemic gave me chance to start it and I enjoyed disappearing into the fictitious world I had created so I concentrated on completing the story while the world was locked down. It took 18 months of writing from start to the final draft.

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

B.A. Summer’s Website

B.A. Summer Facebook Page

B.A. Summer Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Mary McMahon

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Detroit Michigan. I graduated from the University of Detroit and became an elementary school teacher. In the late 1970s I moved to Houston, Texas and still live there today. My first published book is, The Motor City and Me: Our Story. The book highlights the rich history of Detroit and how the Motor City has left a lasting impact on my life. I parallel the ups and downs in my own life with the rise and fall of Detroit. After retiring from teaching I owned and operated a puppet performing briskness and began writing puppet scripts and books.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Throughout my whole life I have enjoyed books and writing. My mother loved literature and wrote many short stories. Unfortunately she never published any of her writing. During the summers of my elementary school years I was required to complete grammar lessons before playing with my friends. In high school my mother critiqued my writing. She never wrote a word for me, but explained to me what needed to be done to write a successful story.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My all time favorite book is Viktor Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning. His wisdom and his words inspire me each day of my life.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
In the book, DADDY IS COOL LIKE THAT, Daddy likes flashy cars, loud music, tasty pizza, and chocolate cake, but his daughters, Rachael and Laura, don’t think those things are what makes him cool. They say that he is cool because he knows how to have fun even through difficulty. They discover that conquering challenging situations can produce many rewards. DADDY IS COOL LIKE THAT, is not only motivating, but amusing as well. It stands as a platform for discussions to be had by families that are struggling with a serious issue.

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

Mary McMahon’s Website

Mary McMahon Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Sam Libraty

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
OK, I’ll do my best to keep it short. (Laughs). Growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, I was fascinated with science fiction, especially books. At 15, I met Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, and knew I wanted to write Science Fiction someday. After studying my other passion, music, at Kent State, I pursued a career in music while continuing to write in my spare time.

Later, I transitioned to working in film and television while holding onto my passion for writing. After publishing my first book, The Time Agents: Search for the Leon Key, in 2022, I decided to become a full-time author. I’m working on the second book in the Time Agents series while enjoying time with my family and cats in Los Angeles.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
From the age of about 6 or 7, I was captivated by storytelling. However, it wasn’t until I discovered Saturday morning cartoons, specifically of the science fiction genre, that I was truly hooked.
Shows like Space Ghost and Jonny Quest (my favorite animated science fiction show) transported me to new worlds, and I became fascinated.
Watching TV was my escape from a difficult family life. My interest in the genre grew as I discovered The Outer Limits, The Twilight Zone, and Star Trek, of which I am a lifelong fan. That’s around when I discovered books and how they could transport me to other realities.
Meeting Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, at age 15 was a pivotal moment that solidified my passion for writing science fiction. I even had the opportunity to walk him to his hotel and chat about the genre. Meeting Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in Star Trek, was another highlight of my journey. Live long and prosper!
That was around the time I started dabbling in writing short stories, mainly for my own benefit.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My first and most intense influence was the writing of Robert A. Heinlein. The “Grand Old Master of SF.” Many of his early books were written for younger readers and really took me to other worlds. His works for adults were jam-packed with great characters, and the plots were sublime.

Other very influential authors include but are not limited to:

Arthur C. Clarke Larry Niven
Robert Silverberg Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Robert A. Heinlein Andy Weir
Poul Anderson Douglas Adams
Theodore Sturgeon Samuel R. Delany
Isaac Asimov George Orwell

Tell us a little about your latest book?
This book will take you on a thrilling journey through time and space! In this action-packed novel, you’ll follow the daring exploits of Jon Howe, a time-traveling agent tasked with keeping the timeline stable at all costs.
An impending invasion threatens our universe. Jon must go back to 1939 Casablanca to find the key to a parallel universe and stop the invasion. Along the way, he’ll encounter strange timeline events, uncover hidden secrets, and face off against an unhinged maniac determined to destroy everything in his path.
But that’s not all – Jon’s heart also has its own mission. He finds himself irresistibly drawn to the enigmatic Shoshanna, an intelligent, fiery, and exotic woman who seems to hate him on sight. As he tries to win her love, Jon realizes that Shoshanna is not what she seems, and their relationship could have far-reaching consequences for the fate of the world.
This book is a must-read for any fan of sci-fi and fantasy! With well-defined characters, pulse-pounding action, and a dash of romance, it will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Will Jon save the world and win Shoshanna’s heart, or will his enemies defeat him? You’ll have to read it to find out!

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

Sam Libraty’s Website

Sam Libraty Facebook Page

Sam Libraty Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Mark T. Sneed

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Born in the deep south, raised in Chicago and educated at the University of California, at Berkeley. Have always been an introvert. Loved art. First books read and enjoyed were comics.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Have always enjoyed reading. Always writing.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Influenced by science fiction, fantasy, fiction and Harlem Renaissance. Love science fiction. Favorite science fiction authors: Ray Bradbury; Isaac Asimov; Robert A. Heinlen; HG Wells; Philip K. Dick; Octavia E. Butler; HP Lovecraft; Mary Shelley; Arthur C. Clarke; Orson Scott Card; William Gibson and Harlan Ellison. Really enjoy fantasy. Favorite fantasy authors: George R. R. Martin; J.R. Tolkien; Piers Anthony and Ray Bradbury. Love fiction. Favorite fiction authors: Walter Mosley; Walter Dean Meyers; Charles Dickens; Herman Melville and Iceberg Slim. Love the Harlem Renaissance authors. Favorite Harlem Renaissance authors: Langston Hughes; Richard Wright; Claude McKay; Ralph Ellison and James Baldwin.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The second book in the No Credit Series which is a #1 Amazon New Release in Science Fiction revolves around Darren “Ren” Armitage. Ren is a normal teenager trying to understand why he is so powerful and gifted, when by all outward appearances he appears normal, if not average. After an incredible feat of strength Ren finds himself selected to attend a private academy to hone his skills. There, in the ACADEMY, Ren begins to discover his innate abilities and so much more. He is fourteen going on fifteen and one of the strongest people at the ACADEMY, but he can’t imagine why. This is an origin story, in part, and an object lesson in youth, acceptance, and blind obedience within a superhero story. There are some unexpected twists and turns in this seemingly straight forward tale. Hold onto your hats and be prepared to rethink what seems normal.

Featured Interview With Susan McDonough-Wachtman

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised in Bellevue, WA, and I still live in the Pacific Northwest. I have only one cat at the moment, although we were up to four cats, two gerbils, and a fish when we had three children in the house. Now, it is just my husband, me, and Sky, and all of us are feeling our ages!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I won a contest in second grade and got my story published in the school newsletter. I was hooked.
I continued to win contests in school, including two winners in the Scholastic contest, two in the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association contest for teenagers, and one from the Seattle Times. I was convinced that I would make my living as a writer. I was extremely offended when my English teacher laughed when I claimed my creative writing class at Lake Washington Vocational Technical School as my vocational credit.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Some of my favorite authors and biggest influences have been Elizabeth Peters, Connie Willis, R.A. McAvoy, Mary Stewart, Mary Norton, Edith Nesbit, Louisa May Alcott, and Zola Helen Ross (My first writing teacher at Lake Washington Voc-Tech who was an author. She was one of the founders of PNWA). My favorite genres have always been science fiction and fantasy. Today, I am inspired by the authors who write social commentary with quietly amazing heroines, like T. Kingfisher, Emma Newman, Becky Chambers, Arkady Martine, Rivers Solomon, N.K. Jemisin, and Ann Leckie.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest published book is Snail’s Pace, a space opera comedy of manners about Susannah, a Victorian woman who finds herself governess to an alien on a spaceship. Susannah did not expect this, and her intrepid British spirit and sense of superiority are severely tested by the experience of being employed by creatures who look like giant snails — particularly when they actually crawl on the dining table to eat their meal. I wrote the first draft of Susannah’sstory sometime around 1984 — so you could say she’s had a very long gestation period.

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Susan McDonough-Wachtman’s Website

Susan McDonough-Wachtman Facebook Page

Susan McDonough-Wachtman Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Karina McRoberts

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
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I was born in the USA (hey, isn’t there a song about that?), but emigrated to Australia as an adult. For love, no less.
I live with my wonderul husband and extrememly clever border collie/kelpie cross supererdog on a rural property in Western Australia near York, the state’s first inland town and purportedly the nation’s most-haunted. Fascinagting spot.
I worked as a conservation biologist and completed a PhD in wildife disease ecology. Obviously, I CARE for Earth. You bet. We are converting this degraded farmland in forest/wildlife habitat. My novella, Dargo Eco- Hero also attests to that.
Creatures visit us daily. Love it!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started reading as a young child. Cannot lilve without my nightly sojourn!
Writing came later. I was working at an EXTREMELY boring job, so my mind started creating alternative universes to keep me sane. Thank goodness! And on from there to 17 books in 8 genres, and counting!
I write fiction that is character rich and emotionally gorgeous; I want to provide readers with escape, to the heights of their hearts and the depths of their souls! With all these genres, there’s truly something for everyone. Please have a look.
I am now working on an occult suspense thriller.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I like character-driven fiction. All thse authors are ace at it!

Terry Pratchett. Love his humor and warmth. He had such a connection with humanity. His work is truly unique.

Janet Evanovich – the Stephanie Plum novels for a really good laugh.

Douglas Preston ane Lincoln Child for gothic-themed suspense.

And when I’m feeling brave – Shakespeare. If you can get through the language barrier, no body has ever written anything more beautiful or insightful.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Ladies of Karma is my first foray into Women’s Humorous Fiction. I was inspired by the Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels, but I wanted to add some warmth and depth, which I find lacking in those books. I kept the comedy, so, if you like Stephanie Plum and Co., you will surely enjoy The Ladies of Karma.
This novel is a response the injustices of poverty and homelessness I see around me. And the disempowerment that brings. I use literature to address the heartache we feel when encountering the horrendous reality of what some people have to live with. I have other books dealing with social issues such environmental destruction, bullying, and age abuse, where I tell stories through characters that readers can relate to. I also add comedy to the story telling. When at all possible, I think we need humor to lighten the load, so to speak.
The story is based on many of my own experiences. Take the opening scene, for instance – that was me! I really did that! OMG! Although I now live in Australia, I grew up in America, and have lived there off and on, so the character types are very familiar to me.
Anyone who’s been bullied or harassed. Ever wanted to get some of your own back?
This book is a fun, entertaining, thoughtful read. It’s pretty light (except for some darker realities) so great to read in one evening. There’s a happy ending, too. You could say it’s somewhat cozy, but definitely intelligent stuff.
I hope the book projects the idea of hope, even when things look hopeless. It’s about thinking for yourself, not being dictated to by the strictures of others, and finding a way forward. Add in compassion, camaraderie and courage to try something new, and there you have it!

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

Karina McRoberts’s Website

Karina McRoberts Facebook Page

Karina McRoberts Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Farzaneh Ghadirian

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hello everyone!
My name is Farzaneh and I’m a writer. So far, I have written four books. They are titled “She Is A Spirit Now” (memoir), “It’s Just A Dog’ (Children’s book) and “One Heart” (children’s book). My latest book is called “Soulful Mastery”. This book is a beautiful compilation of uplifting and thought-provoking images and quotes that are sure to inspire readers.
I’m originally from Tehran, Iran, but I currently reside in Hobart, Tasmania in Australia. I am passionate about writing stories, poems, books, and other creative pieces of work. I find joy in crafting words and sharing them with others. Writing gives me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, and I strive to improve my skills and techniques with each new piece of work I create.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, taking photographs, cooking, and spending time with my family and friends. I love being outdoors too and appreciating the beauty of nature in all its forms. I find a lot of peace and joy in spending time surrounded by natural landscapes, animals, plants, and other aspects of the natural environment. I often take time to appreciate the small details of nature and am always in awe of its complexity. I also believe that it is important to respect and protect nature so that future generations can enjoy its beauty.

Coco is my beloved Puli dog and an amazing companion on my outdoor adventures. She is always eager to explore new places, and I can always count on her to keep me company! Her intelligence and loyalty make her the perfect companion, and I’m so grateful to have her in my life.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
At age 8, I developed an intense fascination with books, which eventually led me to begin writing. After an intense spiritual transformation and awakening in 2021, I began to take my writing more seriously and started to explore new styles and genres. Over the past few years, I have been actively pursuing my passion for writing, drawing inspiration from my own life experiences and observations. I began journaling my thoughts and experiences and eventually started writing poetry and my stories. Writing has become an important part of my life and I am continually exploring new ways to express myself through the written word.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favourite authors to read are Dr Joe Dispenza, a New York Times best-selling author and lecturer in the field of neuroscience, quantum physics and epigenetics; Alan Watts, a British philosopher, writer and speaker known for his interpretations of Eastern philosophy for a Western audience; Eckhart Tolle, a spiritual teacher and author of the best-selling books The Power of Now and A New Earth; and Dr. Wayne Dyer, a motivational speaker and author of many books including Your Erroneous Zones and Real Magic.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
“She Is A Spirit Now” is a personal memoir and an exploration of what it means to be a human being and how we can use our own inner strength and capacity for self-transformation to reach our highest potential. It is also an exploration of the power of spirituality to help us foster greater peace, joy, and contentment in our lives. It took me an entire year to complete it; it was a difficult and emotional journey, but it also gave me a sense of peace and closure. My journey was filled with self-exploration, personal growth, and healing. I reflected on my life and questioned the beliefs that had been instilled in me. I opened my heart and mind to new possibilities, learning to trust my intuition and follow my own truth. I practised meditation and mindfulness, cultivating a deeper connection to my inner wisdom. I also studied spiritual teachings and explored different spiritual paths, which allowed me to gain insight into my life and explore the spiritual realms. As I moved through these varied experiences, I began to understand who I truly am and what my purpose in life is. Along my journey, I discovered my spiritual gifts, embraced my authentic self, and discovered a new level of personal power. “She Is A Spirit now” is written in an engaging, conversational style, making it easy to understand and relate to. It contains a range of stories, anecdotes, and reflections that provide insight into topics such as self-care, forgiveness and compassion, letting go of the past, and cultivating a lifestyle that supports one’s highest good.

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

Farzaneh Ghadirian’s Website

Farzaneh Ghadirian Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Debbie Schrack

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Kentucky but have lived most of my life in Virginia. For the past twenty years I have lived in Fairfax, VA which is a few miles west of Washington, D.C. I am a retired teacher and spend most of my days either writing or riding my horse Phoenix. I am married, have three grown children, two beautiful grandchildren and a dog, Gracie.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have loved to read ever since I was a little girl. I remember one time I decided to read all the books in our elementary school library. I just started with A and I ended up reading a lot of books I wouldn’t have normally picked up. I don’t think I got through the whole library, though! I started writing in middle school, inspired by my 7th grade English teacher. I worked on some children’s stories in my 20’s but nothing came of them, then I put writing on hold until after my kids were grown. I picked it back up in my late 40’s and it took me until I was 63 to get my first book published.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love the YA genre, of course, because that’s what I write. The most inspiring authors for me in that genre are Jason Reynolds and Laurie Halse Anderson. I also love mysteries, specifically Dick Francis (because he writes about horses) and Agatha Christie. My favorite romance author is Jane Austen.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
SAVING SOPHIE is the story of a boy named Gabe whose half-brother Josh has just gone to prison for causing a drunk driving accident that killed four people. The sole survivor of the accident, Sophie, now lives with her aunt and uncle, who own a bakery. Sophie has a brain injury, amnesia and epilepsy from the accident. She has a seizure alert dog, a golden retriever named Joe. When Gabe signs up to do tutoring for a senior service project, he discovers that the girl he will be tutoring is Sophie. Gabe is tortured by the accident and wants to make amends for Josh’s actions, so he decides to help Sophie without telling her who he is. Complications arise when he falls in love with her!

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

Debbie Schrack’s Website

Debbie Schrack Facebook Page

Debbie Schrack Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Barbara Daniels Dena

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I will first share that I enjoy meeting new readers and engaging with my readers, especially on Twitter.

The beginning of my childhood was in Illinois, but the majority was in Colorado Springs where we moved for my brother’s health. After high school, I returned to Illinois for college. I have lived all over the United States but have retired to Illinois to be close to my children.

Yes, I have a 4 1/2 pound Yorkie, Zoe, who believes she is the author of my books; I am but the transcriptionist. Needless to say, she is the master of her domain. And to please her, she does show up in my stories in both books.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have adored books since I was a small child and once I learned to read I believe I have never gone to bed without reading. Whether it is an ebook or paperback, I read before sleeping every night no matter where I am.

As a child, I wrote stories. I believe many authors start out this way. I always loved essay exams and term papers. Another chance to write. I love the ‘what if’ part of writing.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite genre to read is mystery, thriller, or suspense. To say I have a favorite would be unfair to so many authors. I read indie authors as well as the more traditionally famous ones. I lean more toward independent authors as I know the struggle and prefer to give them a boost whenever possible.

I believe any person who struggles through life with a problem, a crisis, or trauma and makes it through that dark tunnel to the other side is an inspiration. I dislike injustice, and those who stand up against it (without violence) are also inspirations to me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I have written two books of short stories. Both are eclectic in nature, as I do not follow a theme. Some stories are memoir oriented as I tell funny or poignant tales of my life.

Others are flights of fancy that my ‘what if’ imagination took off on a tangent, and I conjured up a story. In the second book, I gave voice to injustice in a piece or two and I tried my hand at a few mysteries which gave me many entertaining days crafting them.

I write for myself but in so doing, I hope to entertain readers and all those who enjoy reading short stories.

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Featured Interview With Klemens Nguyen

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
UI was born in Warsaw, Poland. I grew up here, I studied here. I live here now. I had a dog for 12 years.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My parents read to me first. Then I started alone. When I was 11, I read “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” with flushed cheeks. Since then, I prefer the book to the TV. The book develops the imagination.
I started writing when I was 24. They were articles for an electronic magazine. Then I started writing books.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
For entertainment and relaxation, I love detective stories. For the right mood, I read books by Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks. I was inspired to write about technical topics by the book “The Feynman Lectures on Physics”.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I read questions posted on electronics and electrical newsgroups. When people have less knowledge than I do, I am happy to give them advice. I think I saved a few people from the unpleasant experience of electricity. When I find topics that interest many people – I describe them in the form of a smaller or larger book.

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Klemens Nguyen’s Website

Featured Interview With Barbara A. Luker

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Born and raised in the beautiful Minnesota River Valley in southern Minnesota, I am a devoted fan of everything Minnesota. From our 10,000 lakes to the snow and cold of winter, I would never consider living anywhere else. But that hasn’t stopped me from traveling across the globe and all across the USA.

Living in a small town and surviving a 1998 F4 tornado, I have realized just how precious every day is and how the people around us will come together when others are in need. Our tornado was over a mile wide and the devastation it left behind was massive, but help arrived within hours. By the time cleanup was done and the hard work of rebuilding our lives began, it changed me and how I saw the world.

I share my life and sometimes my keyboard with my rescue cat Annie. Like the famed Hemingway cats, Annie is polydactyl and she was rescued from a hoarding situation at the age of. She is a lovely dilute Tortie.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My parents are readers and, while we didn’t have a lot of extra money growing up, they made sure our house was full of books of all kinds. My favorites were the upside down books; books that you read one story through to the middle of the book before turning them upside down and reading a completely different story. Those books exposed me to the children’s story of Babar and after that, there was no looking back.

Writing came much later in life and it started with a dream that wouldn’t go away. Night after night, I dreamed of this story until, eventually; I had to write it down. Once I started, I couldn’t stop and within a few short months, I had my first manuscript. Looking back, it was pretty awful, great story line, but awful writing. I wrote four or five manuscripts after that before my first book, Remembering You, was published in 2020.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My tastes in books are quite diverse. I love a good spy thriller such as the Mitch Rapp series written by the late Vince Flynn. Kristin Hannah’s Winter Garden is another favorite. Her writing, much like my book I Carry Your Heart, is family centric and really delves into interpersonal relationships along with the romances.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I Carry Your Heart is a love story within a family drama. It centers on two generations of the Ward family with a dual timeline between the 1960s and the current day, but don’t let that throw you. The transitions between the two periods are well defined and easy to follow. Abby, the matriarch of the family, has kept a closely guarded secret that is exposed after she passes. A secret of a love so strong that it will defy social norms and test her family when they learn the truth. It’s a story of love, family, and the sacrifices we make for those we love. It’s a story you’ll want to leave plenty of time to read with a box of tissues.

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Featured Interview With Hyunah KIM

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
After graduating from the university in Seoul, having studied English literature, I adventured myself to Europe, where I have been living a good majority of my life until now. I went to a fashion school in Paris and started working as a makeup artist and a stylist in Paris. Then I moved to Munich, and to Vienna, where I met Axel, where the inspiration for my book was born.
My journey constantly kept me going from Europe, back to Korea, then to Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong. Then I moved back to France, here in Antibes, in beautiful Côte d’Azur since 2019.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My father is a celebrated author in Korea. I grew up seeing him write. It was only natural that I liked reading and writing. I started writing bits and pieces all my life, but it was during the lockdown that I started writing my first novel. My dear dad passed away, and I couldn’t even attend his funeral. Amid grief and depression, something clicked in me and one day I started writing my first book.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Ken Follett, Tolkien… I like mostly thrillers, mysteries, but any book with a great story and captivating plot and wonderful characters. Ken Follett really inspires me. He is truly one of the best storytellers that are still alive today. I admire his novels and read everything he wrote.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Vienna Calling is based on a true story that happened to me when I lived in Vienna a long time ago. It is a story that I had buried deep inside of me. Had it not been for the pandemic and the death of my father thrown at me in the middle of it, I would not have written the story. When my father passed away, and I couldn’t even attend his funeral, I suffered a period of depression, and it opened a scar, an old wound that I could never get over, even after all these years. And that was it.
I started writing about my encounter with a mysterious young artist I had met in Vienna and how it had positively changed and influenced my life.
What is art? How does one become an artist? Those are among the questions I asked in my story. I found it strangely therapeutic to write this story, and I want to share it with you. It will be my greatest pleasure to see people read my book and share my ideologies. Although it is based on true events, I got liberal with a few details and let my imagination carry me away. I made it my mission to make the story compelling. After all, I can’t have my readers bored for the sake of realism, can I?
Since this happened in the culturally rich and diverse Austrian capital, you will uniquely discover Vienna through my eyes and memories. The story also reflects the multi-cultural aspects of Europe, with its different languages. I hope the translations to the languages I used aren’t too limited, but I’m sure you’ll find it quite easy to understand. You may even end up practising a new foreign language! Thank you so much.

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Featured Interview With Randall Snyder

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Colorado, but grew up in San Antonio, and have lived in Arizona for 27 years. I currently have two dogs, Buddie and Clyde, and write on multiple topics, including a historical non-fiction about my great-grandfather, my own memoir about my experiences as a 20 year deputy sheriff and I am finalizing two more books, a true crime novel and a YA book I am co-writing with my daughter

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have been an avid bibliophile all my life, but it wasn’t until my retirement from law enforcement, and numerous comments from friends and coworkers, that I should write about my experiences that I took it seriously. I enjoyed writing classes in college, and now I am loving putting all of my ideas down on paper. If only it paid better, lol!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I read almost anything. Sci-ci covers the gamut of Robert Heinlein, Douglas Adams and the entire Star Wars collections, through fantasy of J.R.R. Tolkien and Jim Butcher, and modern writers , Patterson, Cussler, Clancy, and W.E.B. Griffin, and non-fictions and histories. I try to take elements of many authors’ writings, and use it to help inform my own writings.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My most recently published is Hellbent Anthology, a collection of journals kept by my great-grandfather and his friends from a road trip they took from Ohio to California in 1923. My personal book, Cyber Creeps, is about my cases and experiences in law enforcement, and specifically Internet Crimes Against Children. My upcoming book is a true-crime novel, and I am writing a YA romantic/fantasy with my 12 year old about a zombie in love.

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Randall Snyder’s Website

Featured Interview With Steven Prouse

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Gilbert, SC… a town so small that they only recently got a stop light within town limits. I currently live in West Columbia, SC with my two dogs. In between, I lived in Columbia, SC and Las Angeles, CA while pursuing my BA in Media Arts.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I wrote my first story when I was ten. It was a comic strip that I also drew full of superheroes and magic. I loved comic books from an early age, but my deeper dive into reading novels came in my early teens when I was assigned “Alas Babylon” in school. I was completely engulfed. Then I found an abandoned copy of The Shining and devoured it. This was also the time when I focussed on illustration and comic books. I loved the world building and, by my mid-teens, I was producing comic books to share with anyone who would read them.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
So many authors to list. Neil Gaiman. Stephen King. Chuck Palahniuk. Alan Moore. Brian K. Vaughn. Nnedi Okorafor. Octavia Butler. Tomi Adeyemi. Douglas Adams. When it comes to stories, I try to devour what I can by these authors.

Mostly, I read non-fiction. Jeff Sharlet, Andrew Seidel, Noam Chomsky, Nancy Eisenberg, Ibram Kendi, Christopher Hitchens,

Tell us a little about your latest book?
“Handlebars” (2022) tells the story of Quinn Constance, a boy raised in rural America in white poverty and domestic violence, as he almost super-naturally rises to a place of global influence. It explores jealousy, entitlement, and the perceptions that define villainy and heroism. Inspired during the 2016 Presidential campaign while listening to the Flobots song of the same name. I tried imagining Clinton and Trump riding a bicycle as children, and I couldn’t.

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Featured Interview With Cherie Burbach

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hello! I was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, and that is exactly where my novel is set. I adore Milwaukee and feel it has so much culture and art to offer that you don’t often hear about. In fact, one of my favorite places in the entire world is the Milwaukee Art Museum. The building itself is a work of art and when you step inside you know you are in a special place.

As far as pets, I’ve got one barky little spoiled dog. (Coincidentally, a little yapper dog also makes an appearance in The Space Between Dreaming.)

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always been fascinated with books (and art), as far back as I can remember. When I was a little girl I wrote stories and poetry and often illustrated them, too. By eight years old, I was regularly writing poetry. Creativity has been a constant for me.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
So many favorite authors! I adore Elinor Lipman’s storytelling and humor, I admire Willa Cather’s descriptive work and I’m also a fan of Pearl Buck. I like Lawrence Block, Barry Eisler, and I could go on and on.

I enjoy all kinds of books, and often read a nonfiction work and something else (usually a novel) at the same time. I like to trade off between real-life and the fictional world.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My new book, The Space Between Dreaming, is my first novel. It’s about two women who are holding on so tightly to a certain vision of their future that they’re missing out on happiness in their life. Despite their different ages and the circumstances they are each struggling with, they become friends. A painting created by the husband of one of the women also plays a key role in helping them see their own version of a new future.

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Featured Interview With Emilia Rosa

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in California from Brazilian parents. My father was studying at Stanford University and had the whole family in the US for two years. We moved back and I lived in three different states in Brazil. I lived in the city of Rio de Janeiro for many years and my love for the sea comes from that time. My parents come from the southernmost state of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul–frontier with Uruguay, cowboy country. I moved back to the US and lived two years in Florida. I now live in Northern Ohio. We have two pets: Paco, a feisty Chihuahua, and Bandit, a troublesome mix-Chihuahua. My daughter, who was born in south of Brazil, lives in Louisiana. My relatives live in two states: Rio de Janeiro and Rio Grande do Sul.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I studied French, English, Spanish and Italian while living in Brazil and read in those languages—all kinds/genres. I started reading books in high school. I read at least one book per week. Later on, I’d have three or four books at the same time. Nowadays, with researching for my novels and writing, I unfortunately don’t have much time, but still always have at least one book handy. I wrote poetry when I was a kid, but didn’t keep anything. A few years ago, I started to write poetry and it was published by local publishing houses. I also won first prize in a library poetry contest; I had submitted to that poetry contest every year since and have won second and third prizes more than one.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
For several years I have been favoring books from the Golden Age of detective/mystery novels. I love their sense of humor and the lack of gritty, graphic details. My favorite authors are many. A few of them: Jane Austen (OK, not a mystery writer), Agatha Christie, Balduin Groller, Margery Allingham, F. Van Wyck Mason, Dorothy L. Sayers, R. Austin Freeman, Sax Rohmer, G. K. Chesterton, and, of course, Arthur Conan Doyle. I like to be entertained, not depressed by what I read. So, and although I don’t have their talent, their light prose and humor inspired me to instill the same style in my stories.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
In the previous novel, FINDING CRISTINA, the beautiful young Cristina found her true identity, her parentage and the love of her life. In this sequel, after moving to New York City with her husband, she gives birth to her son. She and her new family travel by ocean liner to Rio de Janeiro, her childhood home, to visit the woman who raised her. On this trip, and upon their arrival, strange happenings occur that threaten Cristina, her husband Robert and their future together. The young couple find themselves separated and battling for their identity and to be reunited. They fail to recognize that there is a nefarious adversary as they struggle for their future. Will they overcome the obstacles thrown in their path as they build A New Life?

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Emilia Rosa’s Website

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Featured Interview With C. R. BUCHANAN

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Ohio but only lived there for two weeks following my birth. Growing up, I lived in over thirty states, but it was not due to having a military family. Let’s just say that my childhood was… interesting. As of today, my home is in California.

Some of my childhood was spent on an old-fashioned farm. So, I have a love for animals that is fairly strong. This leaves me missing the trees and wilderness living in California.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My fascination with writing piqued in middle school, after I won my 1st writing contest for a 10-page story entitled, “Attack of the killer croutons from a planet somewhere near Mars!” Later in life, I plunged headfirst into the world of acting but never put the pen down. I have since penned multiple feature films, budded into a novelist, and won Best Supporting Actor at The International Film Festival in Madrid, Spain.

On another note: I’m also a seasoned script editor, story editor, former professional fighter, and a bit of a goofball.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My stories all come from long, vivid dreams with characters, arcs, plots, and the whole nine yards. It’s quite odd, actually. It is funny though, because, while I write mainly in the Sci-Fi and psychological thriller genres, I tend to read nonfiction. One of my favorites is The Hot Zone by Richard Preston.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I have penned eight novels to build a backlist before starting my release process in December of 2022 with The Tower. While Binary and WolfStar: The Uncharted Horizon’s Serial are following closely behind it, it is The Tower that is out now; and its narrative is… different.

A good summary of it:
Archer Kemp is tired of his life. Past wars, a cheating ex-wife, and a son he barely sees have made him empty inside; but things get worse when he awakens behind bars in a government facility called The Tower with an ensemble of others.

The group soon finds themselves in a grim world where they’re starved and experimented on for the sake of military research. To further complicate the situation, his estranged brother shows up in the cell next to him before they’re mentally broken and bullyragged into descending the tower’s treacherous levels.

The moments that follow force Archer into his old wartime mentality–no man left behind–to try and keep them alive during a series of monstrous trials no human is meant to survive. And he must do it while fighting newly forming urges growing inside him blacker than the demons of his past.

Violent, fast-paced, creepy, and full of dread, The Tower pushes you down a dark slope of nightmarish moments mixed with one man’s broken realities.

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Featured Interview With Maggie Toner

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised all over Canada as the child of a military family. I also married into the military which makes me a gypsy of sorts. I currently live outside of Ottawa with my husband, a dog, two cats and my four beloved horses.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I remember writing stories very early on. A high school English Teacher told my parents that I should become a writer. So of course, logically, I became an accountant. I have continued to write all my life and have produced not only my first book but many short stories and blog posts.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
John Irving, Margaret Atwood, Khaled Hosseini, Michael Ondaatje, Harper Lee, Peter S Beagle

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I started writing my book because I kept having recurring dreams that basically make up the first of five sections. As I wrote the dreams would change and lead me onward.
The result is a Historical literary fantasy in five parts. Four brothers die a violent death in early Iron Age Orkney, in the very north of Scotland. The energy of their passing is so strong that they spend four more lifetimes together, changing bodies and locations. The book travels through Scotland, Ireland and Canada. The reader should recognize many of the characters from section to section. In each lifetime, the characters are more complex, and the interactions between them are more complicated.
The book took me three years to write, including extensive research into each period. Several of the characters are real people. Try googling Maurice Fitzgerald, the 9th Earl of Desmond; Alasdair McDonnell, the first Laird of Keppoch; and LCol John Bly, who built the Rideau Canal from Ottawa to Kingston in Ontario, Canada.

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Maggie Toner’s Website