Top Selling Authors: Get To Know Them Better

Featured Interview With Mary Ojile

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m an Author, a blogger, an entrepreneur and the CEO/Founder of Marigold Butterfly. I like to read, write and be in nature, and I have a passion for helping children. Growing up in Nigeria, I would raid my fathers library of book and read in my spare time. This prompted me to start writing my own stories at the age of 7. I get my inspiration for my books from the dreams I have.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My fascination for writing started at the age of Seven. As an introvert, I would often raid my fathers library of book and read in my spare time. Soon enough I realised I wanted to write my own stories with my own happy endings. Wanting a happy ending is what inspired me to start writing.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I like to read books by Judith Mcnaught.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Book synopsis:

What do you do when faced with the unavoidable reality of losing someone you love?

Marael is an Angel in the Kingdom of Heaven who looks down and sees the sufferings of the children of Earth. She is compelled to offer help and asks her Father to allow her to be reborn as a human so she can spread love to the children. He grants her request but it comes at a price… and a test!

As a human that carries the energy signature of Heaven, Marael faces challenges with human foes, but she also finds love that comes with a twist.

Experience how a high-ranking Angel who has known nothing but the comforts of the Heavenly Kingdom endures through the trails and tribulations of life as a human, and witness how she manoeuvres through the difficulties humans face… especially LOVE.

This is a work of fiction inspired by true events.

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Featured Interview With Arin Kumar Shukla FRAS

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born on 25th October 2005 in the small town of Rewa. Then my family moved to Bhopal. I belong to a very pro-knowledge environment because my father is a professor. So all that debating and storytelling has been part of my life since early age.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’m a avid reader since early age. Even today if you enter my room, its more like a library than bedroom. Books are literally world for me. My writing career was a result of Covid-19 pandemic. During lockdown, I was at home with nothing to do. So I started reading more and writing more. At first I wrote some articles, essays and poems. Gradually my interest in writing increased, and that is when I decided to write my first book. Then there was no looking behind.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
At first, I was only interested in reading fiction. But my interest in Social Sciences got me close to non-fiction. I enjoy reading mythology, history, political books, and also thriller novels. Ruskin Bond and Devdutt Patnaik have been my favorite authors to read.
I think what inspires me most to write is reading. When I read something, I have my own opinion and interpretation of a particular topic. What better way can be other than writing to express my ideas?

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is titled “Lost Warriors”. It’s in two parts. The concept of this book is to bring back the unsung warriors of India in front of a new generation audience. The first part is about ancient and medieval heroes. The second book is about significant leaders of the Indian independence struggle. This year when India is celebrating its 75th year of Independence, it is important to give tribute and remember those who sacrificed themselves for this day.

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Featured Interview With Nicola Matthews

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised in Loughton, a suburb of London. The house I was brought up in was first built as a monastery in the 14th century. It was spooky but such fun for a kid. It was all rather bohemian; my family were all actors; my mother was stunning and a fabulous hostess. She was the star in my father’s firmament. I was the youngest of four and went into the theatre, not because of passion, but because I was terrible at school and it seemed the easy path. I married an actor, of course, and now have a wonderful family. We live on a beautiful sea inlet called Hamford Water, on the North Essex coast. We don’t have pets anymore because our dog cost us so much; she swallowed stones for fun and had to have them removed!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was late to writing because I was late to reading. I am dyslexic, which wasn’t discovered until I was in my 40’s. I have always loved story in any form; in the theatre, where I worked for some years and in the sculpture I developed at art school. I was in my mid 40’s by then. I only discovered a love for writing when compiling my diseration. My tutor said he thought hypothesis was rubbish but the writing was excellent! Spell check and the self belief that I began to develop at university changed my life. When opportunity arose I started attending writing workshops. I haven’t looked back.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I am ashamed to say that I have no favourite author, but many books that I love. To name a few: Godrick by Fredrick Beuchner, Midwinter by Fiona Melrose, Painter of Souls by Philip Kazan and more recently, Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson. Each one draws you in to the story of thier protagonist and immerses you in thier world. I take inspiration from each one; Beuchner’s ability with language, Melrose’ characters, Kazan’s ability to paint a picture and Nelson… his way of writing is so brave, he breaks all conventions and in so doing draws you in. Generally I tend to read historical novels because of the richness that the past often offers and there is always something to learn.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Kitty Canham, my debut novel, is based on real events that took place in our little English backwater. She was born in 1720 to Yeoman farmers. At twenty five she married, but dissapeared two years later. I cannot say how she reappeared, that would be too much of a spoiler. I was surprise how the fiction unfolded after I asked myself one little question, ‘Why didn’t she marry until she was twenty five?’ And so I began to write a story that took eighteen months to complete. It begins in late summer as the season is changing. Little does Kitty know how her life is changing with it. This is the story of a woman who fights to make her way in a world which is pitted against a such a woman. Sometimes she succeeds and sometimes she fails as the tide of convension and the difficulties of the age, pull her into thier wake. She travels through loves, tragedies and the vagaries of London society, before she finds her happiness, but it is not without great cost. The moral dilemma she faces all but destroys her and her happiness is short lived, but somehow, the love she has known goes on.

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Featured Interview With Jessica Butler

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in New Jersey but have lived in Pennsylvania since graduating college in 2006. I reside there with my husband, 3 year old daughter and our sassy cat, Barnaby.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been an avid reader since I was a child and was able to take out my own stack of books at the library. I dabbled in writing in school but didn’t consider it professionally until 2020. Due to the pandemic, I was put on a leave from my current 9-5 job and instead at home 24/7 with my then 10 month old child. While she took 3 hour glorious naps each day I used that time to go to my creative place. The characters poured out of me and thus began my first novel, Sweet Pear.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love Sally Thorne, Jennifer Weiner, Lisa Jewell, etc. I love a good mix of romance and mystery which is probably why I gravitated to writing in that genre as well! I’m inspired by strong women who are “perfectly flawed.”

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My Book Sweet Pear is about a woman named Elle Elverson, a mostly happily married, successful writer who wakes up one morning with a man other than her husband, Ryan laying next to her. The kicker is she knows who this man is. It’s none other than the one who broke her heart and soul whom she hasn’t spoken to in many years. Her ex-boyfriend: Josh Wilson.

With the help of her best friend, Gwen, she’s on a mission to recover the missing pieces of what happened, what life she’s entered and whom does she really desire to be in it.

Is the grass really greener on the other side or is it simply artificial?

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Jessica Butler’s Website

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Featured Interview With Brittany Eldridge

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Brittany Eldridge is a self-published author and has written articles for many platforms such as the Better Because Project and Made of Millions Foundation.

She currently has seven self-published books. She’s a survivor of family dysfunction and trauma.

She was raised in NH and took dance lessons throughout her younger years.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always loved to read and started reading at a 5th grade level in second grade. I wrote my first self-published book October of 2019.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Nicholas Sparks, Jodi Picoult, Cheryl Strayed

I love reading self-help, spirituality, memoirs and newer romance.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Butterfly That Didn’t Quit, is a children’s book about how it’s okay to be different.

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Brittany Eldridge’s Website

Featured Interview With Yann Opsitch

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Yann was born and raised in Paris France. He is the author of several works in French, including “Paroles du Christ sur la Montagne”, “La Sagesse et l’Adversité”, His most recent book in English “Dialogues on Revelation with John the apostle » was published in the United States in July 2022 by Sulis International Press (Keledei Publications).
He and his wife Rita live presently in Abilene Texas and part of the year in France.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
At the age of 14 when in boarding school with nothing to do on most week ends but read, mainly Victor Hugo, Balzac, Jean Giono.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Victor Hugo (including the poetry)
Jean Giono
Marcel Proust
American writers on social issues.
Jim McGuiggan (theology)

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Hundred Years Marathon

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Yann Opsitch’s Website

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Featured Interview With Len Handeland

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Massachusetts and lived in Europe (specifically Berlin, Germany) and upstate New York (in both Elmira and Ithaca). My late father was a decorated World War II and Vietnam veteran who was a Sargent Major in the army. He made the military his career. As a result of his enlistment and being deployed to many different locations, we moved around quite a bit. Eventually, my father retired from the army, and we settled in the town of Nashua, New Hampshire. Once I graduated high school, I moved to Manhattan with a short, successful career in modeling while attending FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) to study design and fashion illustration. Later I went into the hair industry and became a highly successful and sought-after Hairstylist and Hair salon owner (with one salon in San Francisco’s Union Square and two salons up in the town of Sonoma, in the Wine Country.)

My husband and I moved to Palm Springs a year and a half ago after experiencing the harrowing Northbay fires in 2017, where we evacuated our home at 2:15 in the morning and were out of our house for nearly two weeks, not knowing whether we would have a home to return to. We love living in Palm Springs and not having the threat of wildfires looming over us.

We have two tuxedo cats named Felix and Felicia. They are siblings.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My fascination with reading and writing began at a very early age. Naturally, I read all of Dr. Seuss’s books as a child, and as I grew older, I became obsessed with reading Stephen King novels, Dean Koontz, and the late Anne Rice’s brilliant vampire chronicle books. As I became an adult and retired from hair to become a full-time author, I was drawn to writing fiction, specifically horror, whether that be vampires, ghosts, or gruesome murder crime dramas.

I started writing during my adolescence and kept a journal

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors are Stephen King, Dean Koontz, the late Anne Rice, and Clive Barker. My favorite genre is horror, which is what I tend to write about as well.

My first book, “The Darkest Gift,” is a vampire paranormal romance novel set in Paris in the 17th and 18th centuries and Haiti and New Orleans in the 1980s. The late Anne Rice heavily influenced the writing style of my vampire book, which, unlike her vampire books, also includes paranormal activity and same-sex couples who are less ambiguous about their sexual identity and desires.
My second book “Requiem for Miriam” has been described by some readers as being compared to the writings reminiscent of Raskolnikov in Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment and the writings of Mary Higgins Clark.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The latest book I’m writing is “Transplant,” which is the story of a young woman, Elizabeth Bennington, her privileged upbringing in Charlestown (outside of Boston), her loving and supportive parents, Harold and Betty, and how Elizabeth meets the man of her dreams after attempting suicide as a teenager filled with hopelessness, anxiety, and depression. Elizabeth’s father was a banker, and her mother a homemaker. Harold leaves the bank and establishes Bennington Enterprises and promises his daughter that once she’s old enough and has completed her studies, she will be welcomed by her father and join him at the firm, where she will ultimately assume the CEO position of Bennington Enterprises in Boston. Elizabeth seems to be a model child, an honor roll student, and a star athlete on her high school volleyball team. One major obstacle interferes and threatens all that is precious to the young adult and her parents. Elizabeth has dealt with a debilitating health issue since she was a small child. She was diagnosed with congenital heart problems and symptoms which ranged from dizziness, irregular heartbeats, and fainting spells, all brought on by stress, excitement, or any strenuous physical activity, especially during her tenure in her high school’s volleyball team. The young child becomes severely depressed and is sent to see a psychiatrist who prescribes antidepressants and other mood-altering medications, which does nothing for her health-related condition. As Elizabeth matures into a young woman, her health issues continue to worsen, as does her depression. Elizabeth’s grades plummet in school, she drops out of the volleyball team, becomes socially awkward, and in essence, an outcast by her peers. Seeing no other way out of her spiraling depression, she attempts suicide and almost succeeds in taking her own life. With the advice of her attending psychiatrist, Elizabeth is institutionalized for one year. She is closely monitored and given weekly sessions to deal with her anxiety and depression. Elizabeth makes progress during these sessions and is eventually allowed to leave the mental hospital under the care of her parents, Harold and Betty. She is given a new drug that appears to regulate her very irregular heartbeats and, at least temporarily, appears to have healed her condition. Her grades in high school excel once more, and she becomes an honor roll student with her depression and suicidal thoughts behind her. A year later, Elizabeth graduates from high school and furthers her education by attending the University of Boston, majoring in business management and earning an MBA; and meets the man of her dreams, Matthew Spengler; the couple later gets married. Elizabeth’s health through the birth of the couple’s daughter deteriorates to the point where Elizabeth must undergo a heart transplant. Unbeknownst to anyone is that the organ came from a serial killer who seems to have possessed his former heart altering Elizabeth’s personality and ultimately leading her to violence and mayhem with a tragic ending.

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Len Handeland’s Website

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Featured Interview With Keri Cooper

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My name is Keri Cooper and I am a holistic psychotherapist in North Jersey. Raised in New Jersey, I am a graduate of The University of Pennsylvania. In addition to having four children, I have chickens who enjoy free ranging in my yard.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
When I was young, I loved reading “Nancy Drew,” “Sweet Valley Twins” and “The Babysitters Club.” In elementary school, I could read for hours and hours. I started writing my book, “Mental Health Uncensored: 10 Foundations Every Parent Needs to Know” during COVID as I saw the mental health crisis happening with children and the need to get information to parents on how to help.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I primarily read non-fiction and mostly regarding psychology and self-help. At this point in my life, I enjoy reading to further my knowledge.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
“Mental Health Uncensored” explores both physical and mental foundations parents need to incorporate into their children’s lives. Most parents are overlooking how issues of dehydration and poor sleep — to name a few — are making it harder for children to have optimal mental health. Proper sleep habits such as no electronics in the bedroom and consistent sleep times in order to combat over-tired children are discussed at length.

“Mental Health Uncensored” highlights mental foundations including how important it is for parents to have boundaries with their children. Parents need to let children be responsible for their actions and not “save” them constantly. Children learning to work through small struggles and learning to do things on their own is what will ultimately develop self confidence in children. These foundations along with others create healthy mental health habits for life.

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Keri Cooper’s Website

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Featured Interview With Betty Adams

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Betty Adams lives in a particularly damp and remote corner of the Pacific Northwest and like a hobbit enjoys visitors so long as she knows them in advance and knows when they are coming. She was born sometime last century and will likely die sometime this century. She works winters on a small organic research farm when not writing and spends most of her time herding eccentric genius scientists (she is absolutely certain cats would be easier) with the help of her Great Pyrenees mix. Summers she spends nomadically wandering the Pacific Northwest in search of material for her stories and a regular paycheck for a biology major (she is reasonably certain those are on the Endangered Species List). She has several works published in the National Park Internal Database which may or may not be classified documents.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I wrote my first book, and fell in love with reading, in the thrid grade under the tutalage of one Mr. McCoy.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
George MacDonald the grandfather of both SciFi and Fantasy. If Mary Shelly gave SciFi its body MacDonald gave it its soul.
I like to read a bit of everything as long as the narrative is good.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
“Humans are Weird: We Took a Vote” looks at what life might be like after the glamour of first contact wears off and our little green friends acutally have to deal with …us.

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Featured Interview With Fiona Forsyth

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in the south of England and now live in the north – a big deal for the UK, where the North/South divide is alive and kicking. I’ve never regretted my move up here though – I had a great job in the wonderful city of Manchester, even if it rained all the time. (My American friends tell me it’s like Seattle)
I have a strong background in Classics – Greek, Latin, and ancient history – having studied the subject at Oxford and taught it for many years. That first Greek myth you read can lead to great things. I love the twisty, sneaky politics of Rome, the way they were constantly plotting, the ruthlessness of Julius Cicero, the magnificence of Cicero’s oratory, the stupidity of Mark Antony. Rome has everything a novelist could ask for, and there are so many shadows cast by Rome on our own world.
I am otherwise a pretty ordinary person, a three-cat lady with a family, neighbors and friends. I read voraciously, cannot cook for toffee and get great satisfaction if a tomato appears on my single tomato plant.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was six when my teacher gave me Theseus and the Minotaur to read and it all led from there. I also loved all the kids’ adventure stories that were popular when I was young, and had to ask special permission from the Librarian to be allowed to borrow the Sherlock Homes stories. So a mixture of the ancient world and mystery is not very surprising!
I wrote my first story when I was five. It was about a little girl and a witch and a cat. They all liked each other, apparently, but nothing happened. I hope I have improved in my plotting since then.
Throughout my teaching of the Romans, I kept thinking, “This would make the start of a good book!” And in my fifties, I began writing the novels based on those ideas. It is never too late to write.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
The author I go back to time after time is Terry Pratchett, because he always makes me laugh. He doesn’t just juggle with the English language, he makes fireworks out of words.
I am a big fan of historical fiction and mystery, so Roman mysteries such as those written by John Maddox Robert’s and Steven Saylor are big favourites. I have to acknowledge their influence on my determination to write about the Romans.
But the writers who influenced me most are the historical writers of my childhood – Geoffrey Trease and Rosemary Sutcliff. They introduced me to the people of the past, and made me realize that history really matters, if we are to learn and develop as human beings. We cannot afford to ignore history or pretend that we are “better” than the people we read about. History tells us “Keep trying”.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
“Blood and Shadows” is the third in a trilogy of mysteries following a real Roman, Lucius Sestius Quirinalis. It was written to explore the effect of war on the people of my books, in particular the horrible civil war battle of Philippi. So many men died and were injured, it must have had a huge impact on Rome and Italy. I also wanted to explore the period when two men, Octavian and Mark Antony, were jockeying for power, and everyone must have know that it would all lead to yet another war. No wonder, once Octavian won, Rome was prepared to accept his rule: everyone must have been exhausted and desperate for peace.
I will also admit that I cried a lot while writing this book! The characters had got under my skin, and I knew that as it was the third of the Sestius trilogy I was going to have to relinquish them. I had to keep telling myself to be sensible, to think of them as just characters in a book, but it didn’t work.

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Featured Interview With robert j. emery

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Born and raised in Bristol, Rhode Island, but now reside in Florida. My on pet is my wonderful wife.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I began writing short stories in my early teens. I don’t remember why, I just enjoyed writing, mostly one or two page short stories about what was happening back then in my life. Call me crazy. As the years went on, I began writing longer stories. Here I am all these years later have ten books published, both fiction and nonfiction.

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 memoirs – Walter Cronkite’s is one of my favorites, and there are many, many more.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
America: Standing Strong is a nonfiction about what American’s have endured in the past 6-7 years, and how we can get past it and move the country forward. It took a lot of research to bring together well-know voices of reason that I use through the book. The idea for the book became an instant obsession when I decided it had to be written. I spent 14 months of research and writing and released it in E-book, Audiobook, Paperback & Hardcover to cover all the bases. I’ve recently received a great review from Kirkus Reviews that was very gratifying.

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Featured Interview With VC Williams

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a native, second-generation Arizonan and history enthusiast. I left Arizona after finishing high school but returned several years ago to be closer to my folks. I’m a dog lover but I now include cats after a feral cat arrived at my door and wouldn’t go away. Since I love to travel I have no pets now, but look forward to the day when a pet will be part of my life. I live high in the mountains and enjoy four mild seasons. I lived in the Phoenix area for many years and count myself among the stout-hearted souls who have endured the blazing heat of the Arizona desert and survived. As I said, we love to travel and have been blessed to have seen many places around the world. We also have a small Class C RV that affords us entre to the endless scenic wonders of the USA.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was about five when my older sister taught me to read. Reading was my first passion and I’ve been reading constantly since then. I love all kinds of books. I remember while in the Fifth grade I read every biography in our little school library. I managed to be home from school, sick for a week, which conveniently allowed me to finish Gone With The Wind. After reading The Diary of Anne Frank when I was about 12 or 13, I decided I had to start keeping my own diary. I kept a diary off and on for many years, even into adulthood. I wrote an article published in the local newspaper when I was still in the Sixth grade. I have always loved writing and maybe even prefer writing to talking. I’ve written company newsletters, policies and procedures, employment manuals, grants, and quarterly and annual reports. Turning to fiction took some adjusting, but now the words just flow out of my head and I hope it reads as well as it feels.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of Historical Fiction, such as Marie Benedict, Tracey Chevalier, Shana Abe, and Tracey Enerson Wood. I love Jane Austin and am so sorry for her early death. There are not nearly enough books by Austen. I even read books where Jane was the heroine in mysteries! I also love biography and have consumed the heavy work of David McCullough and William Manchester among others. I have to say that I got hooked on cozy mysteries, which can be deliciously addictive, but also read Patterson, Grisham, and Connelly. The works of Louisa May Allcott and Jane Austin are my inspiration. I love the words, I love the family dynamics and I love the happy endings.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Walking In Deep Sand is my first novel. This story was inspired by true events, events that are a cup of my husband’s childhood memories and two cups of my imagination after interviewing former US Foreign Service Officers and their wives and children. It is about Cynthia Jones, a headstrong, passionate woman born ahead of her time. She longs for a life full of meaning, independence, and adventure. She thinks she can find that in post-WWII France and sails away to attend college at the University in Grenoble. When her carefully laid career plans fall apart, she impulsively marries a fellow student, Geoff Stuart, a handsome Navy Vet who adores her. But instead of adventure, she finds herself the mother of two unwanted sons and keeping house for Geoff who goes off to work each day to experience life among consequential people. Her resentment builds until her unhappiness almost ruins her marriage.
When the family is finally posted to 1959 Cambodia with the US Foreign Service, Cynthia is ecstatic. She thoughtlessly shoves her sons into the care of the household help and races to make up for lost time. She signs up for flying lessons from a raffish Frenchman, Marius Gardinier, and chooses to ignore the warnings of his criminal past. She is passionate about flying and soon becomes a skilled, sought-after pilot, flying into jungle locations, including the recently rediscovered Angkor Wat. She flys Geoff and his co-workers into dangerous hunting spots, landing at dirt strips hacked from the jungle. She believes her life is complete when the Ambassador asks her to fly supplies and personnel to a remote jungle hospital founded by humanitarian Dr. Thomas Dooley. She basks in the resulting prestige and praise.
In the meantime, she is becoming more entangled with Marius and she begins to lie to Geoff about her many trips away from home. But she continues to act the part of the faithful FSO wife and attentive mother, even as the other FSO wives whisper about her continual absences.
She plans exotic safaris with Geoff, family driving vacations through Vietnam, and camping trips to pristine, secluded beaches. But she is happiest when she is alone in her plane, flying free.
After an unhappy home leave trip, when Geoff’s suspicions result in unwarranted rage with his oldest son, Cynthia begins to feel the tension and anxiety her actions have caused.
Cynthia makes a decision that she thinks will fix everything, but it backfires and her relationship with Marius takes a terrifying turn. For the first time in her life, she feels helpless and afraid. She realizes that her self-absorbed deceit has put those she thought unimportant at risk. Enveloped in a dark cloud of her own making, she must learn how to turn it all around. She has always taken the easy, convenient path without a thought for others. Can she learn to pursue a different path? Will Geoff ever trust her again or will he send her away? Can her children forgive her? If it takes the rest of her life, Cynthia is determined to try.

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Featured Interview With J.J. Matthews

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in East London but lived most of my life in the Lakes District of North-Western England. I moved back and forth between the north and south numerous times before settling in the North for the final years of my teen decade and the starting years of my adulthood. Once I finished university, I decided to go on a new adventure further into Europe and have been living in the Netherlands for the past five years.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I wrote my first ever creative piece sometime before I was ten years old. Granted, it was a short and rather primitive piece considering it was for a school project, but I am certain that it was that project that triggered my love of literature and fiction. After this project, I specifically remember my class having to read and study Kensuke’s Kingdom, by Michael Morpurgo. This was the first book I read that I wanted to read privately. It was enthralling to say the least. After that, I became more interested in general fiction. I remember reading Of Mice and Men and To Kill a Mockingbird, at the surprise of my local librarian. I didn’t start writing in earnest until 2015, when I realised I had many ideas but needed a way to let them out. I started by posting horror short stories on the creepypasta website and eventually worked my way up over the years to the full novel I have written and released earlier this year.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favourite authors right now are Stuart MacBride and Stephen King. I’ve always been a fan of Stephen King, particularly when I read Misery, but Stuart MacBride is a more recent discovery. I like a variety of different genres but my top favourites are fantasy, horror, scifi and gritty noir crime. Though I do admit I love a good mystery thriller as well.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Rise of the Old Gods is a book set in a multitude of fictional worlds, inhabited by a general population of creatures known collectively as Enders. It is their belief that they are destined to bring about the end of all existence and return everything back to the times of only the void. In this book, the young Warlock Mortius Maleos joins the school that raises young Enders, the Pendle Institute of Magic, where he must learn all about his species, his people and his powers. During his education, he learns a lot more than he bargained for as he learns about his family and of an eldritch threat that is being summoned back into the material plane to usher in the Apocalypse.

This book involves a deeply intricate and concisely crafted magic system with emphasis on incantation and rituals involving ingredients and sigil signs. It also contains a sparse and vast world with numerous other worlds built in between along with interactions between the magical and the human world. In this book there are a variety of different species, all with their own home worlds, cultures, religions, customs, features and much more. All of them either correlate alongside or are inspired by various myths, legends and folklore.

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Featured Interview With Lynn Rae

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My humble beginnings have made me who I am today. I was raised on a small farm in rural Ontario and was taught discipline and respect for all. Today I live in a small town and enjoy taking care of my vegetable garden in the summer.
“You can believe the diagnosis, not the prognosis” by Deepak Chopra is my favorite quotation. I also live by the words “I Don’t Give Up; I Don’t Give In; I Don’t Take No for an Answer.”
When I was 30 years old I was diagnosed with depression and 5 years later bipolar disorder. A few years later I was told I would never work full time again by two psychiatrists. I have proven them wrong.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was about 30 before I really began to read. The first self-help book that made an impact on me was “When I say no I feel guilty.” After reading this book I was hooked on non-fiction books and autobiographies.
I began journaling around 34 years of age. These journals led me to write my first book “My Journey Back to Myself” when the title came to me in a dream.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Non-Fiction
Health and Wellness
Autobiographies
Deepak Chopra
Gary Zukav
Dawn James
Brian Weiss

Tell us a little about your latest book?
As an Author and Inspirational Speaker I share my coping strategies for living with bipolar disorder and how I learned to be a productive, thriving member of society in The F Book: 7 Fs to Creating Your Fantastic Future. I outline how incorporating the 7 Fs: Family, Friends, Fun, Fitness, Fulfillment, Finances and Faith, will lead to a happier, healthier, more joy-filled life.
I began this book over 15 years ago when I realized that 7 words, all starting with the letter F, led to my recovery from bipolar disorder. I self-published it myself with little success but this time I hired a self-publisher to edit it and help with marketing.

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Lynn Rae’s Website

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Featured Interview With Spiffie Tiffie

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Raised in Florida, still in Florida.
I have 2 puppy dogs, Charlie Chalupa, and Rocco Taco.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I always liked writing, and kept diaries and such growing up, but I never followed my heart with the desire to write until two years ago when I started writing Tapotement.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
JR Ward is an all time favorite. I absolutely loved her Blackdagger Brotherhood series. I've read every single book, some of them multiple times.
I really like erotic, romance, and fantasy type books.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
It's about a massage therapist who needs a security system installed in her parlor—Things get hot and heavy between her and the owner of the security company, but it gets complicated because he leaves town for stretches at a time with no explanation. What, exactly, is her new boyfriend with a mysterious job hiding? Her life is put at risk, and all secrets are revealed. But can she forgive and forget what he has kept from her?

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Featured Interview With P.K. Clouse

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I have always been a voracious reader, but never expected to be a writer. A Cowboy, A Ranch, and Love is my first novel. It is a modern-day Christian, western romance – wholesome, fun, and romantic. I hit the publish button on a Thursday, and received my Medicare card on Saturday. Stopping to count my blessings was the inspiration for this novel. My hope is that as people read this book, it brings a smile to their face and prompts them to thank God for the special people and blessings in their life.
I live on an Angus beef cattle farm in Southwest Missouri. My faith, family, and friends — along with the farm and my collie dog, Harley — are what I thank God for every day. A line from this book, “a work in progress, brought to you by God’s Amazing Grace and Incredible Patience…” is how I view my life.
I encourage anyone considering doing something new, different, challenging after 60 – go for it.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always been a voracious reader, but never expected to be a writer. Stopping to count my blessings was the inspiration for my first novel, A Cowboy, A Ranch, and Love. I started writing it in my early 60's. I encourage anyone considering doing something new, different, challenging after 60 – go for it.

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 are: Debbie Macomber, Nora Roberts, James Patterson, Robert Ludlum. I enjoy a good romance and a good 'who done it'.
The inspiration for this book came from my faith, God, family, and farming – a way to weave faith and blessings into a wholesome romance.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
A Cowboy, A Ranch, and Love is Wholesome, Romantic and Inspiring — An easy, fun read to warm your heart and make you smile.
Tara Caldwell is an ‘independent’ lady rancher who is more interested in ranching, than making a home. Jake Prescott is a ‘neighborly’ cowboy with a smile way more dangerous than the pistol on his belt. The sparks fly when their lives intersect along a boundary fence and he makes her an offer she can’t refuse. They work their way through life’s twists and turns, a reappearing “ex,” and a hostage situation, with laughter and some tears. Will they find that God’s plan for their lives includes together, forever?

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Featured Interview With Wafa Saleh

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My name is Wafa Saleh, I'm 36 years old, I'm Yemeni girl living in Jeddah – Saudi Arabia, and no I don't have any pets but my sister and brother does.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
About ten years ago I started reading books and I loved it as hobby and still I'm. I started writing this book in 2020 I had to stop it for few months and then finished it in 2021 and publish it in 2022.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I like Julia Quinn and Nora Roberts, I like reading modern and old novels, the person who inspired me to write was my psychotherapy, she say it will keep me busy and it will help me let go of my pain.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
It's an Ebook: Nothing is perfect my journey to figure out the perfect life.

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Wafa Saleh’s Website

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Featured Interview With Nat Bickel

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Nat Bickel is an energetic storyteller who aims to move people to action with her words. She has a bachelor's in communications, a previous contributorship with Darling Magazine, and published features in Glamour, Stylist, Shondaland, Refinery29, Parade Magazine, and more. Through her journalism experience, she's interviewed celebrities, worked with musical artists, and reported on current trends and events. She has a child-like zest for life, meaning Nat gets excited about the little things, finding inspiration in the ordinary. Nat also loves retelling her own life events through a story lens. She's the author of the children's book, The Christmas Clue, that showcases the tale of a Christmas morning scavenger hunt. Nat was raised in Southern Indiana, and currently resides twenty minutes away from her hometown with her husband, Jacob and beagle mix, Otis. When she’s not writing, you can catch her creating something from nothing through her love of turning vintage items into something fresh and modern, including practicing photography using analog cameras, pressing flowers, or blazing new trails with her husband.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
When I was little, I felt completely enraptured by the stories my mom would read to me. I think it was a combination of her storytelling and the books themselves. In elementary school, I started creating stories, and my writing projects were always much longer than my classmates. We would have to hand write them, then get edits back from the teacher, and hand write them again. One of my papers was a detailed description of my bedroom at the time, which turned out to be nine pages front and back that I had to rewrite three times or so.
Once I got out of high school, college classes opened doors for me with writing. I took a news writing class, after which the professor asked me to write for the student paper. From there, I started blogging and found another home for my pop culture -focused writing.
I find that the more people I meet and the more places I go, the more I have to write about because in those moments, inspiration is floating all around—in the air, in the settings, and in the details of the people.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Becca FitzPatrick (Author of Hush Hush Series, among others) has influenced my passion for YA because she’s so good at wanting you to like the bad guy. I’ve literally held my breath while reading her books, in suspense of what’s going to be on the next page.

Kristin Hannah (Author of The Nightingale, among others) influences me through the complexity of her stories. She draws you into the characters, clearly defining them so you’re never questioning who anyone is throughout the story.

My favorite genre to read is YA romance. It reminds me of falling in love with my husband and takes me back to those initial life-changing moments and feelings.

Typically, authors that use highly descriptive language and thought out metaphors inspire my writing. I want people to feel like they're there inside the story, experiencing it firsthand.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is The Christmas Clue, which showcases the magic of a Christmas morning scavenger hunt. Christmas has always been the happiest time of year for my family with seemingly magical memories from my childhood. I know not everyone has this same admiration for the holiday season, which is why I wrote the children’s book, The Christmas Clue, in hopes to ignite feelings of joy and novelty towards this time of year. Throughout my youth, my parents curated unforgettable experiences for my brother and I through inventive Christmas traditions. My dad, in particular, is highly creative and came up with the ultimate tradition, a scavenger hunt to find our last present. This started when we were in elementary school, and the clues grew progressively difficult each year. The annual hunt commenced after we opened all the presents under the tree. My dad would then say, “Did you check in the tree?” My brother and I would search the tree branches to find envelopes with each of our names on them where the first clue lived. Once we each read ours, we would race to the separate locations they alluded to. After retrieving the next clue, we’d regroup, reading them aloud for the family before racing off again to find the subsequent one. This went on and on with one clue always outside, forcing us to get somewhat bundled up before braving the cold to retrieve it. On the rare occasion when we had white Christmases, my dad would have to quickly reprint a clue, the ink smudged from the snow. I adore my dad for staying up each Christmas Eve night and hiding our clues in secret, knowing how excited we’d be in the morning. My book is inspired by this tradition in hopes that other children will get a taste of the exhilarating, magic-filled journey we embark on each Christmas morning. As my brother and I have grown up and gotten married, our spouses have been inducted into the tradition, as well. Now, as we expand our families, I can’t wait to see our own children go along for the wild scavenger ride filled with the love and care of Christmas joy surrounded by family.

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Nat Bickel’s Website

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