Top Selling Authors: Get To Know Them Better

Featured Interview With Chadd SJ Ciccarelli

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m Chadd Ciccarelli—author, strategist, and former Amazon exec. I grew up in Pittsburgh, studied philosophy at Carnegie Mellon, and spent over a decade at Amazon helping build global programs and scale high-impact initiatives. Along the way, I’ve lived in Los Angeles, San Francisco, London—and now, I proudly call Sydney home. It’s a city that blends everything I’ve loved about the places I’ve been: creativity, grit, and a pace that keeps you sharp. This is where I write, build, and push the next chapter forwar

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always loved books, but I’d say my real fascination—and the shift toward writing—started when I was accepted into Carnegie Mellon. That’s where I fell hard for philosophy. I became obsessed with ideas, systems, and the kind of critical thinking that forces you to question everything. That environment didn’t just teach me how to read deeper—it taught me how to write with purpose.

Later, at Amazon, writing became the core method of communication. No slide decks—just clear, structured narrative thinking. It was a writing culture built for high stakes, and it sharpened everything I’d learned at CMU. So while the love for books came early, I’d say I truly became a writer in university—and refined it in the pressure cooker that was Amazon.

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 the ones who don’t pull punches—Camus, Dostoevsky, Bukowski, and Hunter S. Thompson. I’ve always been drawn to voices that challenge convention and force you to think differently. On the philosophy side, Thomas Kuhn and Clark Glymour had a big impact on how I see systems and structure arguments.

As for genres, I split my time between thought-provoking fiction, sharp non-fiction, and inspiring biographies. I’m into anything that tells the truth, hits with clarity, and sticks with you long after you’ve closed the book. If it challenges perspective or sharpens thinking, I’m in.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, It’s All Trash ‘til It’s Cash: Applying Amazon’s Blueprint for Builders, is a no-nonsense guide to turning ideas into results. Based on my 12+ years inside Amazon, it breaks down the systems, leadership principles, and writing culture that drive innovation at scale—and shows how anyone, from solopreneurs to startup teams, can apply them. It’s part philosophy, part field manual, and all about execution.

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Chadd SJ Ciccarelli’s Website

Featured Interview With tammy ruggles

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I lived a portion of my early life in Cleveland, Ohio, then moved to Kentucky in the third grade. I have enjoyed dogs and cats over the years, but have no pet now.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I loved books as a preschooler, but didn’t write until I was about twelve. I enjoy writing in various genres, from horror to self-help to children’s books. Social work was my chosen profession, so I wrote as a hobby until I was 40, when a progressive blinding disorder known as RP forced me to retire. I tried freelance writing and it was the right path for me. I’ve been writing professionally ever since.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I like the trim style of Cormac McCarthy. I have more than one favorite genre to write: Crime drama, horror, YA, children’s books, fanfiction, and poetry. I’m inspired by just about everyone and everything.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
It’s called “Savannah’s Salvation”, and is a Christian Romance short work about a Christian woman seeking companionship after the death of her husband, and finds herself attracted to a man who lied to her about being a Christian on a Christian dating site. One thing leads to another, and it’s a will-they-or-won’t-they kind of scenario. It’s also about how God can heal broken people by bringing the right ones into your life.

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tammy ruggles’s Website

Featured Interview With Jamilette Cintron

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m Jamilette Cintron—an award-winning author, nurse, and mother of five. My writing is deeply rooted in mythology, gothic horror, and emotional truth. I’ve always been fascinated by the stories that live between the lines—the ones whispered through generations, hidden in shadow, and pulsing with ancient magic.

As a storyteller, I breathe life into forgotten goddesses, haunted legacies, and the sacred power of feminine rage and redemption. My work, particularly The Dark Mother Collector’s Edition—is about reclaiming space for women in myth, challenging the idea of fate, and exploring the beauty that can bloom even in darkness.
Outside of writing, I’m a nurse, which has given me a deep reverence for life, death, and everything in between. My greatest inspiration comes from my children—who remind me that legacy is not just about what we leave behind, but what we choose to rise from.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been journaling for as long as I can remember—it was always my way of processing the world, even before I understood what storytelling truly was. But my deep fascination with books began around the age of 12. One night, I couldn’t sleep and decided to sneak downstairs. I turned on the TV while everyone was sleeping, and that’s when I saw Stephen King’s Carrie for the first time. I was instantly captivated—by the darkness, the emotion, and the way the story wasn’t afraid to be raw and honest.

Not long after, a classmate told me the book was even better. That one comment changed everything. I started going to the library, and from the moment I stepped in, it felt like I had discovered a portal. It became one of my safest places. The quiet, the scent of old pages, and the stillness—it all made it feel like the only sound that existed was the voice of the story in my hands.

That love for books, especially ones that dared to explore the darker parts of life and emotion, shaped me as a writer. And even now, that curious, wide-eyed twelve-year-old still lives in me, chasing stories in the shadows and scribbling them into light.

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 to read are the ones who know how to peel back the layers of the human soul; Stephen King being at the top of that list. His ability to tap into fear, grief, and the supernatural in a way that still feels human is something I deeply admire. His son, Joe Hill, has also captured my attention, there’s a unique, almost inherited magic in his storytelling that I find incredibly compelling.
I’ve also always been drawn to the timeless darkness of Edgar Allan Poe. His words feel like whispers from another realm—haunting, lyrical, and laced with deep emotional truth. And William Blake, with his poetic visions and philosophical depth, reminds me that storytelling can also be spiritual, symbolic, and soul-shifting.

As for Some of my favorite authors to read are the ones who know how to peel back the layers of the human soul—Stephen King being at the top of that list. His ability to tap into fear, grief, and the supernatural in a way that still feels human is something I deeply admire. His son, Joe Hill, has also captured my attention—there’s a unique, almost inherited magic in his storytelling that I find incredibly compelling.

I’ve also always been drawn to the timeless darkness of Edgar Allan Poe. His words feel like whispers from another realm—haunting, lyrical, and laced with deep emotional truth. And William Blake, with his poetic visions and philosophical depth, reminds me that storytelling can also be spiritual, symbolic, and soul-shifting.

As for genre—I’m in love with gothic horror, dark fantasy, and myth-based fiction. I gravitate toward stories that blend beauty with darkness, light with shadow. The kind of tales that linger in your bones and make you think long after you’ve closed the book.

When it comes to inspiration, I pull from all of them—but also from the world around me. Music, silence, motherhood, grief, justice, the things left unsaid—they all pour into my writing. I write for the women who carry the weight of generations, for the broken who still rise, and for the forgotten voices who deserve to be remembered.
As for genre .. I am in love with Gothic horror, dark fantasy, and myth-based fiction. I gravitate toward stories that blend beauty with darkness, light with shadow. The kind of tales that linger in your bones and make you think long after you’ve closed the book.

When it comes to inspiration, I pull from all of them, but also from the world around me. Music, silence, motherhood, grief, justice, the things left unsaid, all pour into my writing. I write for the women who carry the weight of generations, for the broken who still rise, and for the forgotten voices who deserve to be remembered.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, The Dark Mother Collector’s Edition, is a powerful blend of mythology, Gothic horror, and feminine rage. It’s a collection of interconnected stories, each story explores what happens when divine justice meets human cruelty, and how women reclaim their power, even after death.

The book is deeply emotional, mythic in scale, and rooted in the idea that the feminine is both sacred and fearsome. You’ll meet gods, monsters, elemental beings, and even Death himself. Some stories feel like ancient legends; others echo modern struggles. All of them are tied together by a divine thread of consequence, sacrifice, and legacy.

This collector’s edition dives deep into the origin stories of the Fates, their children, and the cosmic forces that shaped them. It’s my love letter to readers who crave layered storytelling, complex female characters, and the kind of haunting beauty that lingers long after the last page.

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Jamilette Cintron’s Website

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Featured Interview With Chadd SJ Ciccarelli

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Chadd Ciccarelli is a former touring musician, global executive, and lifelong storyteller. Raised in Pittsburgh, he graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with University Honors as a Philosophy major and was inducted into both Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Over the course of 12+ years at Amazon, Chadd built and led international teams across London, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Sydney, helping launch several of the company’s most impactful global programs. He was also part of Zillow during its IPO journey and contributed to the expansion of Sumerian Records into broader areas of entertainment.

A passionate traveler who has explored more than 60 countries, Chadd now resides in Balmain, Australia. He is the founder of the Chadd SJ Ciccarelli Student Award at CMU’s Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the author of It’s All Trash ‘Til It’s Cash: Applying Amazon’s Blueprint for Builders.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Books have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was hooked on Dr. Seuss—I must’ve read Green Eggs and Ham a million times. I was drawn to the rhythm, the wild imagination, and how playful language could carry big ideas.

As I got older, I found Camus and Dostoevsky—writers who didn’t just tell stories but wrestled with the human condition. Their work cracked something open for me. It wasn’t just about reading for fun anymore. I was reading to understand how the world worked, and more importantly, why we think the way we do.

When I arrived at Carnegie Mellon, I didn’t have a clear path in mind. But I knew one thing: if I could learn how to solve hard problems, I’d be ready for anything. That led me to a Philosophy degree, where I immersed myself in the Philosophy of Science. CMU had some of the best thinkers in the world in that space—Clark Glymour, Preston King Covey, and Wesley Salmon. Their ideas challenged everything I thought I knew about logic, truth, and systems.

That mindset followed me into my career. One of the first things I did when I joined Amazon was ask senior leadership what books had shaped them. I’d go out and read every title they mentioned—books like Tim Ferriss’s Tools of Titans, which gave me a toolkit for productivity, mindset, and high-performance habits. For me, reading has never been passive. It’s how I’ve leveled up at every stage of my life.

Writing came later, but naturally. I started putting thoughts on paper as a way to make sense of what I’d learned and experienced—both in business and in life. Over time, it evolved into a craft. Now, I write to share the lessons, the scars, and the frameworks that helped me build a life and career on my own terms.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’m really drawn to non-fiction and biographies—books that pull back the curtain on someone’s real story, flaws and all. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey is one of my all-time favorites. It’s poetic, raw, and unexpectedly profound. I also loved Too Fat to Fish by Artie Lange—before everything went sideways for him, that book was brutally honest and hilarious. Private Parts by Howard Stern is another classic—it captured a voice that felt completely unfiltered and unapologetic.

At the same time, I find myself revisiting timeless handbooks like Meditations by Marcus Aurelius or The Art of War. There’s something grounding about those texts—they’ve survived for a reason.

When I started writing my first book, It’s All Trash ’Til It’s Cash, I didn’t want to just tell my story—I wanted to create something useful. A book you could reference, mark up, come back to when you’re stuck. It’s a blend of personal journey and practical tools, inspired by the books that helped shape my own thinking.

In terms of inspiration, I’m drawn to voices that are honest, curious, and a little rebellious—people who aren’t afraid to say the quiet part out loud and still leave you with something you can use.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
It’s All Trash ’Til It’s Cash is based on my 12-year journey at Amazon, where I worked across four countries—London, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Sydney. The book is part memoir, part playbook. It captures the lessons I learned while being constantly thrown into situations I wasn’t technically qualified for—but had to figure out anyway.

Amazon has this reputation for being a corporate machine, but one of the most misunderstood things about it is that it still operates like a giant startup—just one backed by a publicly traded company. That mindset shaped everything I learned and ultimately what I put into this book.

I wrote it to be both a story and a blueprint. It covers the things no one really trains you for—how to interview effectively, how to launch a new product or idea, how to build something from scratch using Amazon’s “Working Backwards” method. These are the same tools I used to build global programs and lead teams around the world.

If you’re a founder, builder, or someone trying to create something real in a noisy world, this book was written for you. It’s meant to be something you can go back to again and again—not just read once and shelve.

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Chadd SJ Ciccarelli’s Website

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Featured Interview With Stacey Hettes

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in the Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania. Your New York and New Jersey readers may have heard of Lake Wallenpaupack. If they ever got gas or had a cleaning at Mountain Bay Marina, I was likely the one filling their tank and polishing their boat. From there, I spent seven years in graduate school in southern California before making my way to Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 2003 to join the faculty of Wofford College, a Phi Beta Kappa liberal arts college established in 1854. If Wofford sounds familiar, it’s likely because alumnus Craig Melvin, class of ’01 and co-anchor of the TODAY show, often mentions us during the broadcast. Life in upstate SC has been good to me. The cost of living is low and the yards are big, which is good for both me and my pair of rescue pups, Chili and Pepper.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I wrote my first book in first grade. I remember having to ask my teacher, Mrs. Evins, how to spell ‘clerk.’ The characters, whose names I’ve forgotten, were going to the store, and there was some dialogue with the checkout woman. Do you remember those tablets of newsprint-quality paper with the red and blue guidelines? I wrote (and illustrated) it in pencil on that. Sadly, it did not stand the test of time, having literally disintegrated in my parents’ attic. During that year, fourth graders came to our class once a week to read us a book after recess. Somehow, I got it in my head that I would rather be the one reading than listening. Toward the end of the year, as the smell of fresh cut grass wafted through open windows, Mrs. Evins let me read. I chose a book about imagination starring Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street.
I let writing become a bit oppressive, as I did with so much of my formal education. School taught me there was a right way to do it, which did not come naturally, unlike other subjects and skills. I focused on approximating the right way until I discovered writing as narrative therapy. Writing for scientific literature is a chore for me. There is no room for wonder, awe, or self-reflection, all of which I hope readers will come to find in my memoir.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Once I began writing in earnest, I realized I needed to go back to class. Just because memoir offers room for expansive prose, or perhaps because it does, first-time authors need to learn as much about reigning it in as letting it flow. Flatiron Writers Room in Asheville, NC, and Hub City Writers Project in Spartanburg allowed me to connect with faculty who are exceptional writers in their own right, including Tessa Fontaine, Katey Schultz, Anna Sutton, and Latria Graham. Tessa suggested we read Melissa Febos, whose craft book, BODY WORK, particularly her essay, IN PRAISE OF NAVEL GAZING, is directly responsible for DISPATCHES making its way into the world. If you are open to audiobooks, get BODY WORK on audio. Melissa narrates this essay in such a way that it feels like she is speaking directly and only to you. She does more than permit us to write. She mandates that we do.
As a reader, I need the proper genres for my moods and energy levels. I am, for the most part, a serious and inquisitive person, so I’ve been a non-fiction fan for a long time. Books, fiction or non, by authors who speak to the human condition from a place of deep searching and deep reflection, such as Lori Gottlieb, Bonnie Garmus, Parker Palmer, and Joan Chittister, are the stories I find myself reaching for again and again.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I wrote this book so others might feel less isolated and alone in facing whatever they’d walled themselves behind for whatever reason— shame, grief, pain, confusion, despair, burnout.

I am, in heart, soul, and mind, a teacher. Once I understood writing as a new type of teaching challenge, I couldn’t stop. I didn’t stop. When I commit to work in the service of my students, I see it through. The challenge became to identify who these new “students” might be. As soon as I posed the question, I knew who they were. They were me—mid-career women who barely managed to keep all the balls in the air before a major setback knocked the wind out of them.

Teachers often profess that they learn more from their students than their students learn from them. After twenty years in college classrooms, I can testify that this is often the case. However, writing as a new way of teaching was . . . is . . . different.

Like so many of us find ourselves at some point, I was hanging on by a thread. I was confused and desperate. One hour a week with my therapist wasn’t cutting it. Despite her offers for more time, I didn’t think I deserved it. This may be too much information or horribly cliché, but I began writing to spend more time with my therapist by proxy. To focus my attention on the voice she was becoming in my head.

Once I realized the potential these early efforts held, I interrogated the words, paragraphs, and chapters that were evolving to find their story arc. I knew this was an essential step to communicate the lessons writing was teaching me. Only then did I imagine that what was developing would become a book. A book that might help others like me to feel less alone.

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Stacey Hettes’s Website

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Featured Interview With Hillary Dunkley-Campbell

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am Hillary Dunkley-Campbell, a passionate ambassador for Jesus Christ, a devoted wife, and a loving mother living in Toronto, Canada. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, I am a bestselling author of four impactful books—“I Am Encouraged,” “What Is Stopping You?,” “Speak the Word,” and “Jesus Saves: The Free Gift of Salvation.” Through my writing, I inspire countless readers to embrace their faith and overcome life’s challenges.

As a Christian Life Coach and Kingdom Empowerment speaker, I help women and youths to unlock their potential and live purposeful lives, free from fear and doubt. As the founder of Hillary Encourages, a voice of encouragement to the nations, uplifting hearts and guiding people toward hope and transformation through Christ. My guiding mantra, “I Can, I Shall, I Will,” is deeply rooted in Philippians 4:13, which states, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I do not have any pets.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
As a child, I had a profound love for reading that fueled my imagination. I was particularly fascinated by fiction, finding joy in the captivating worlds of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew series. These stories transported me away from my reality, allowing my imagination to flourish during my formative years.

It was during a mind renewal course that I was inspired to write my first book. I was given the directive to write a letter to myself, and from that exercise emerged my debut work, “I Am Encouraged.” This 30-day devotional is crafted with self-declarations and affirmations designed to help readers overcome challenges and encourage themselves through the transformative power of God’s Word. Writing this book was not just a creative outlet; it became a way for me to channel my experiences and insights into a resource that empowers others. Through “I Am Encouraged,” I aim to uplift and inspire readers, guiding them to recognize their own strength and purpose in Christ.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I have a deep passion for reading books that focus on mind renewal and self-empowerment. Some of my favorite authors, like Dr. Myles Munroe, John C. Maxwell, Joyce Meyer, and Leostone Morrison, greatly inspire me with their messages about self-worth and positive thinking.

My own writing is driven by a desire to encourage others to believe in God and themselves. Influenced by authors like Dr. Munroe, I aim to uplift my readers and help them realize their potential. Through my work, I strive to instill confidence and inspire individuals to embrace their true identity and purpose.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is titled “What Is Stopping You?” In it, I delve into crucial topics such as doubt, fear, sin, and discouragement—some of the significant barriers that hold us back. I address these challenges head-on and provide practical strategies to overcome them. My goal is to equip readers with the tools they need to break free from these limitations, empowering them to move forward with confidence and purpose. Through this book, I hope to inspire individuals to identify what’s stopping them and to take actionable steps toward achieving their dreams.

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Featured Interview With Gillian Wills

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in London. I'm a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and I play classical piano and guitar. When I left the UK for Australia I became the Dean of Music at the Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne. Now, I'm an arts writer and an author. I love animals and especially horses. My memoir Elvis and Me: howa world-weary musician and a broken racehorse rescued each other, Find was published in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA and the UK. My debut novel Big Music, Hawkeye Publishing was published in October, 2024.
As an arts journalist I have published with The Australian, Courier Mail, Townsville Bulletin, Limelight, Griffith Review, Australian Book Review, Australian Arts Review, ClassikON, InDaily, Artist Profile, Good Reading and Australian Stage Online.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started journalism in my fifties. I have always wanted to write creatively. Elvis and Me was published when I was 64!
The first publisher I approached wrote back an hour later and told me they loved the book could I please send the manuscript.
Trouble was I hadn't yet written one.
Big Music took longer to get into print because publishers thought not many would want to read about the music industry.
But you know it's a fascinating setting for the human condition such colourful, larger-than-life, turbulent characters and tough politics and curly scenarios. I'm finding general readers and musicians are loving Big Music.
It did take a while to write I definitely was a victim of second book syndrome for sure. Hate to say it but it took six years!
I got to love the musicians especially Winton the trumpeter, Elvira, the pianist and Georgy a brilliant student pianist except she will only play in bare feet.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I enjoy memoir, mystery, crime, ghost stories, adventure and travel narratives, novels set in small towns, novels with performing arts themes and speculative fiction.

Kristina Olsson, Camille Booker, Jennifer Scoullar, Rachel Johns, Willie Vlautin, Jessica Tu, Jane Harper, Karen Viggers, Blanche d'Alpuget, Pamela Cook, Penelope Janu, Anna Funder, Gail Jones, Fiona McDonald, Alice Hoffman

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Melody, mayhem and mystery drives this character driven, triumph-over-adversity contemporary fiction brushed with romance and Beethoven's ghost and set in a music college which trains music performers.
Beatrice, Beat is the heroine in this coming of age story. Suddenly at the age of 35 she is appointed director of a rundown music college. She is determined to restore its reputation despite squabbling rock and classical musicians, poor facilities, a nightmare supervisor, lack of space and a predatory university. Despite all the positive achievements, no-one praises her and she gets into strife with authority figures. Her husband is not supportive and she finds herself between a rock and a hard place. Her comfort stems from her two horses Bolt and Storm and the wildlife on her acreage property on the edge of Brisbane, Queensland. About to give up help comes from an unexpected quarter.
There's a playlist called Big Music available on Spotify.
Big Music was featured as a notable book in the Weekend Australian in December, 2024.

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Gillian Wills’s Website

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Featured Interview With Gary Kidney

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in a small Iowa farm town and moved to Mesa, Arizona, for high school and college. I was enamoured by the microcomputer revolution and became a specialist in teaching with technology. Duing my career in highed education, I've taught and coached nearly 800 instructors in how to use technology to motivate and educate students. After retirement, I relocated to Pearland, TX, where I live now.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I can't remener a time before I had a fascination with books and writing. I wrote my first published short story in 7th grade. My career took me away from cretive writing into the publish or perish world of academia. To try to reclaim some of that enjoyment, I enrolled in a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. Since then, I'm now actively writing and enjoying everything about the process.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Over time, my reading interests have changed. Once addicted to science fiction and fantasy, I now find myself more in the thriller and mystery market. Ken Follett and Dan Brown have made me appreciate the interweaving of history, plot, and action. On a trip to Germany, I took along Erik Larson's "In the Garden of Beasts." As I sat in the Berlin's Tiergarten reading as scene from the book set in exactly that spot, the mixture of literature and location was overpowering. I grabbed my laptop and wrote the first scene for my book, The Eagle Scout Picture, set in that location. Since then, I've travelled to every location in my writing.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Eagle Scout Picture follows a 17-year-old Eagle Scout who is unofficially recruited to become an American spy in Nazi Germany. It was a found story — I met the man who claimed to have lived the life. Upon arrival, he is caught in a lie and disobeys a Gestapo officer's order. Trying to stay one step ahead of the Gestapo's suspicion is challenging. He discovers a picture taken in Texas for his Eagle Scout court of honor has been published in a Nazi magazine two years before he was recruited. He finds other non sequiturs that make everything he knows about his life and family seem to be elaborate lies. He wonders how much of his original self will be left after years of pretending to be someone he isn't.

It took ten years to research and write the book, mainly because I wanted every historical detail and location to be accurate.

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Featured Interview With Narcissus Blue

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a romance writer living in a charming suburb near Philadelphia with the love of my life and our three children. I was raised in Norristown, PA. Ever since I was a child, I’ve had a love for books and writing stories. The first real story I ever wrote was when I was ten, maybe, and it was about four high school friends that were trapped in their school with a serial killer. It was pretty wild. I was definitely in my Goosebumps era.

After high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I tried going to college for criminal justice and early childhood education (twice). Money and time wasted. Then I got married and had children. And it’s been a blessed life so far and now that my boys are getting older, I have more time on my hands. So, I decided to take a shot at writing full time. And I never looked back!

My favorite genres are romance (obviously), sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal and thrillers!
I’m a devoted fan of all things pumpkin spice (and have a slight obsession with eggnog). I perform the best shower concerts, and my two best friends are Pit Bulls!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Picture this, I was eight and the first Harry Potter book had just come out in the U.S. I devoured it! Then I waited patiently for the next one, stood in line hoping to get my hands on the next magical adventure that was my whole life. Thank you, J.K Rowling for a great childhood!

I wrote plenty of things throughout my time in school (because I had to). But I started to write because I love to, officially, when I was 34.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Colleen Hoover, Jasinda and Jack Wilder, Lydia Hope, Laura Thalassa, Mia Sheridan, just to name a few. There are too many good ones to choose from.
My favorite genre of all time is romance. Can’t get enough of it. I love, love.

Who inspires me?
Well, if we’re talking about romance, it’s my husband.
I’m also a children’s author with two books under the pen name Kori Knight. That’s where my kids come in and inspire me with all their crazy antics.
I’ve also written a Christian novella that’s the first book in a series, where my love for Jesus Christ is my inspiration.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Chasing Souls is my second novel, it was released this month, March 14th, 2025. The main characters are Rory, a lost soul who is trapped between life and death. She lives her life through other people’s eyes, people she considers to be her only friends. Then there’s Koji, a soul eater with a killer appetite. And now, he has his sights set on Rory. It’s an intriguing romance novel, perfect for fans of fantasy and paranormal genres with a little Japanese mythology thrown into the mix!

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Narcissus Blue’s Website

Featured Interview With Gaelle Devins

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hi, I am Gaelle Devins, but you can call me GD!

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to people—their stories, their struggles, their potential. It’s more than just a passion; it’s a deep-seated belief that when people feel valued and connected, amazing things happen.

That belief has shaped every part of my life, from my career to my everyday interactions. Leadership, for me, has never been about status or authority. It’s about creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to do their best work. It’s about unlocking potential—not just in individuals but in entire teams and organizations.

I grew up in Switzerland, but my curiosity for the world led me to an exchange year in Indiana as a teenager, followed by a master’s in marketing and communications in San Francisco. These experiences opened my eyes to different perspectives and cultures, reinforcing my passion for bringing people together. Over the past 23 years, I’ve worked across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC in industries ranging from luxury to advertising to FMCG. What I’ve learned along the way is that, regardless of industry or geography, one thing remains true: businesses thrive when people thrive.

Today, I serve as the Chief Customer Officer at Breitling and sit on the Advisory Board of ICG Crimson Galleries LLC. I also founded FlowFusion Sarl, a company focused on helping leaders build workplaces that balance performance with purpose and well-being. My work is driven by the idea that success isn’t just measured in results—it’s measured in how people feel along the way.

At home, life is beautifully full. I share it with my husband, our energetic twin children, and Milka, our dog, who brings equal amounts of love and mischief into our daily routine. Switzerland remains my home base, but my heart is always open to new adventures and new connections.

At the core of everything I do is a simple idea: when we care—genuinely, deeply, and consistently—we create environments where people can do more than just succeed. They can truly flourish. And isn’t that what life is all about?

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I never really set out to write a book. Sure, I’ve always loved words, and I’ve been scribbling in journals for as long as I can remember—random thoughts, big dreams… But an actual book? One that people might actually read? That was a whole different level of commitment.

Then, four years ago, life handed me the perfect challenge: Why not try writing a book while growing two tiny humans inside me? Because, you know, pregnancy with twins wasn’t quite challenging enough. Bedriiden I had the perfect reason to pour my heart out on those pages…oh and Covid hit so no more excuses. I had at last time to make it happen.

So, there I was at 41, fueled by hormones, midnight snacks, and an unshakable need to put my thoughts on paper. I don’t know if it was the pregnancy brain or a stroke of brilliance, but I decided this was the moment to finally put structure to the ideas that had been living in my head (and journals) for years. 🙂

Between baby kicks, swollen feet, and an ever-growing to-do list that included “figure out how to be a parent,” I started writing. And, of course, in true first-time author fashion, I imagined it would take me, oh, maybe a year? Spoiler alert: It did not. Life, work, and two tiny tornadoes (otherwise known as my twins) had other plans.

But here’s the thing—I never let go of the idea. I wrote in stolen moments, in between diaper changes and board meetings, and through the chaos of learning how to juggle life, leadership, and late-night feedings. The words came slowly, but they came. And now, after years of chipping away at it, this book—this passion project—is finally real.

So, yeah, I may be a wannabe first-time author, but I’m here, and I’m doing it. And if my journey proves anything, it’s that sometimes, the best things take time (and a whole lot of coffee).

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
When it comes to books, I don’t stick to just one genre—I love anything that challenges my thinking, uplifts my spirit, and sparks new perspectives. Whether it’s personal growth, leadership, mindfulness, or storytelling that weaves in deep life lessons, I’m drawn to words that matter.

Some of the voices that have truly inspired me? Arianna Huffington, for her fearless approach to redefining success and well-being. Deepak Chopra, for his wisdom on mindfulness and the mind-body connection. Paulo Coelho, for his ability to turn life’s biggest questions into simple, powerful stories that stick with you long after you turn the last page.

But beyond books, I’m inspired by people—leaders, changemakers, and visionaries who don’t just talk about ideas but take action to create something meaningful. The ones who believe in something bigger than themselves and aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. The ones who bring people into focus, because at the end of the day, no great success happens in isolation.

That’s what fuels my writing—this deep belief that when we lead with purpose, care, and courage, we don’t just create better workplaces or businesses. We create better lives. And if I can contribute, even in a small way, to that conversation? Then every word is worth it.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My book Flow Leadership is finally here (official release on July 3rd) and now open for pre-orders.

At the heart of this book is the philosophy behind FLOW@WORK – a framework creating the conditions for people to feel at their best, be at their best, and produce their best work. When leaders get this right, performance soars, people thrive, and purpose becomes the driving force behind success. The model is built on the 3Ps – People, Purpose and Performance – the foundation of Flow Leadership. All of this is backed up by academic research and completed with a Flow Leadership Assessment.

This book is also about something bigger. If its message spreads, I see opportunities to give back at scale. This is why some profits from will go directly to CANSEARCH (https://cansearch.ch/en/), a Swiss foundation dedicated to advancing research and improving treatments for children battling cancer. A cause dear to my heart, not only because I understand, in a small way, the fear that comes with a diagnosis, but because I’ve seen how much greater the fight can be for others. This is why I choose to give back – to support the children and families facing challenges far beyond what I ever had to endure.

Next I will be partnering up with the Twins & Multiples Foundation to help parents of multiples who are in need.

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Gaelle Devins’s Website

Featured Interview With Hiba KIAL

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Born and raised in Morocco, I am a multifaceted individual, blending the worlds of architecture, writing, art, and research. As an architect, I craft spaces that resonate with history and human experience, while my work as a writer allows me to delve deeply into the realms of autobiography, philosophy, and personal growth. I am an anthropological researcher, fascinated by the ways civilizations and people have shaped cities through time. In addition, I am a pianist and an artist, using music and visual expression to channel my creativity. I have a few cats, who bring joy and serenity to my life, grounding me amidst my diverse pursuits.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve had a deep connection with books since I was a child. My fascination with reading began as soon as I could hold a book, and I’ve never stopped exploring the world through words. Writing came naturally to me—ever since I could hold a pen, I would fill blank pages with diverse words, poetry, essays, and everything in between. It was like a dream come true, being able to express my imagination and channel my thoughts onto paper. Writing became a journey of self-exploration, and I’ve been on it ever since. I was first published at 19, marking the beginning of my creative journey in the literary world.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I am drawn to authors who craft stories that transcend traditional boundaries and explore the depths of the human experience. Some of my favorite authors include those who can blend philosophy, introspection, and deep narrative, such as Albert Camus, Simone de Beauvoir, and Milan Kundera. Their ability to intertwine existential questions with beautiful prose has always resonated with me.

When it comes to genres, I gravitate toward philosophical works, autobiographies, and romance. These genres allow me to explore the nuances of identity, purpose, and human connection. I love reading books that challenge my perceptions and offer new perspectives on life.

As for what inspires my writing, it’s the desire to capture the essence of the human condition. Whether through an introspective lens or through the eyes of a character, I aim to explore deep emotions, identity shifts, and the search for meaning. I’m inspired by my own experiences, my journey of self-discovery, and the exploration of both the psyche and the world around me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest work is an ongoing autobiography that delves into the lessons I have learned throughout my life and the experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. It explores the complex journey of identity shifts, examining how personal growth and cognitive-behavioral work can transform the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us. Through this book, I question what it means to become the “best version” of oneself—whether it’s defined by achievements or by deeper, more personal growth. This work is a reflection on purpose, self-improvement, and the ongoing process of becoming, and it’s a journey I’m continuing to unfold through each page.

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Hiba KIAL’s Website

Featured Interview With Elisa Hawa

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am an Canadian author. Born and raised in Toronto. Currently living in Brampton. I am 40 years old. A wife and a mother. Love fantasy, romance, anime and the supernatural. No pets.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I can’t remember what age. I guess at an early age when I was in elementary school. My favourite place to go was the library. I loved checking out books and reading them. It was mostly fantasy books. Then it grew to supernatural and romance.

I started writing two years ago. I never thought I would be a writer.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Suzanne Collins- The Hunger Games series

Lucy Maud Montgomery- Annie of Green Gables

Cassandra Clare- Mortal Instruments

Favourite Genre to read is Fantasy, Romance and Supernatural.

My dreams and my imagination are what inspires me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My book, “My Fate, My Heart You See” was based on a dream I had in my early twenties. This dream never left me. As the years passed, I came to the realization that there must be a reason why. I had to share this story with the world and so I did. This was my very first project. It took me two years to complete and I’m very proud of it.

“My Fate, My Heart You See” is about Nina Rosethorn: A university student survives a lightning strike and returns home to Vancouver. There she discovers a new gift -a vivid nightmare that predict a future disaster. Determined to change fate, Nina embarks on a daring mission, only to discover her dream are tied to Nathan Winterstorm, her high school crush and heartbreaker. As her premonition grows, Nina’s resolve to save Nathan leads her on a heartbreaking path of self-sacrifice, culminating in her tragic demise. Nine months later, Nathan encounters a mysterious figure who resembles his lost love.

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Elisa Hawa Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Edward Burley

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a former guitarist turned writer as a result of creative frustration during the Covid restrictions.
I was born in Brighton, raised in Weston-Super-Mare where I currently reside with my wife, two children and nearly one year old puppy called Pippin.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
At the age of 3, I would sit on my potty with a book, recite its contents out loud and turn the pages at the appropriate time.
I think I would have begun to write sooner had the guitar not got in the way. As it is I started writing in my late 30’s during the covid pandemic for the sake of my families sanity as much as my own.

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 span genres and decades. I adore Alan Moore’s work; particularly V for Vendetta and Watchmen. I have spent hours in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, and have been humbled by Viktor Frankl reading Man’s Search for Meaning. I also have a soft spot for Horror; particularly Stephen King and Edgar Allen Poe.
Each have been inspiration to me, and encouraged me to develop my own voice.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is called Agency, and is a love to letter to the crime genre and the selfless people who work in social care.
Having re-watched The Soprano’s three times, I thought it would be interesting to look at the lives of the career criminals British counterparts. Quite obviously they would be nowhere near as glamourous, but that immediately implies a heightened sense of believability.
Having worked for several years in the social care sector myself, I thought it would be interesting to follow my characters as they plan to rob a care home; a concept I am yet to come across.
It’s also my way of saying thank you and shedding light on the social care industry at the same time.

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Edward Burley Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Elizabeth Jaeger

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Queens, New York, but I spent many summers in Mattituck, Long Island. I now live in New Jersey, a consequence of getting married. However, I still consider myself a New Yorker, and I am always happiest when I’m on the road. I love to travel and will jump at any opportunity to go away even if only for a weekend. I have three adorable cats—two black, one tabby. Until a year ago, I was not a cat person. Now, I can’t imagine ever living without a cat.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
As a child, I hated to read and I despised writing. My poor mother had to endure many of my tantrums when I came home with a writing assignment for homework. I also struggled to read, a product of learning disabilities I didn’t know I had until college. In high school, I had three absolutely amazing English teachers. They were so passionate about literature it was impossible not to get swept up in their enthusiasm. Also in high school, I was somewhat of an outcast. I was shy and socially awkward and at a loss to understand why I didn’t fit in. Books became my escape. I started reading because I got tired of being alone in crowds. With a book, I could melt into the pages and disappear. I started writing when a boyfriend suggested I keep a notebook in which to jot poems. Coincidently, it was the same year I had to write a short story for English class and my teacher pulled me aside to ask if she could submit it to the school literary magazine. It was the first time I felt noticed by a teacher.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Laura Ingalls Wilder will always be my favorite author. As a kid, I begged my father to buy me the books because I loved the televisions show, Little House on the Prairie. He bought me the first three, but they sat unread on my book shelf until I got to college. They had to wait for me to actually learn to love reading. Wilder is the reason I decided I wanted to be an author. My favorite genres are historical fiction, memoir, and lesbian literature—I’m not sure if that’s a technically a genre, but I consider it one. When I was growing up, I never saw myself in books. Maybe that’s part of why I didn’t connect with them until I was older. Now, I’m making up for lost time. My son inspires me. I’ve written many essays about motherhood and my son growing up. I’m also inspired by queer youth. I want to write young adult novels that they can relate to. I want to create characters that might make them feel a little less alone.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, Stolen: Love and Loss in the Time of COVID-19 is about my father’s death. When the world shut down, I started a blog. It was never supposed to be serious, just something light and fun to ease the tension of being trapped in a small condo with three people. But on day eight, my dad got sick. Day twelve, I drove him to the hospital and I never saw him again. My blog about stupid mundane things suddenly got very serious. I wrote about what it was like living in New York City, the epicenter of the virus in America. I detailed conversations with doctors. After Dad died, my writing became a record of my grief at a time when grieving rituals weren’t permitted. Trapped at home with my sorrow, my devastated son, and my distraught mother only seemed to exacerbate our pain. The first sixty days of that blog has become my memoir.

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Elizabeth Jaeger’s Website

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Featured Interview With Sarah L. Blum

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in Atlantic City, N.J. in the 1940’s. I was a tomboy and played baseball with the boys and street hockey. I live in the Pacific Northwest now. I do not have pets. I created a sanctuary for Western Monarch Butterflies for when they are migrating.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started reading about age seven. I read a large book about Confuscious. I did not start writing until the end of the 1970’s in Seattle.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Clarissa Pincola Estes, Taylor Caldwell, Anne McCaffrey, Mary Zimmer Bradley,Mercedes Lackey, Kristin Hannah. I love reading Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Nonfiction, phantasy.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Warrior Nurse: PTSD and Healing is a memoir/self -help book- takes you into the operating room at the 12th Evacuation Hospital Cu Chi, Vietnam, 1967, during the worst fighting in the iron triangle.
Mass casualties with severely wounded soldiers arrive for Warrior Nurse Sarah during mortar attacks, monsoons, and artillery going off. Experience with Sarah, her harrowing return home, emerging symptoms, the effects of PTSD on the brain, body and behavior, the essentials for healing, plus guidance for anyone suffering from PTSD.

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Featured Interview With April Tompkins

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in western North Dakota (still miss it), but I now live in a suburb of Minneapolis with my husband and my fat cat Sasha. My husband and I recorded music for about 15 years, during which time I learned how to be a pretty good songwriter (and a so-so singer). We do have our music on Spotify, though.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Oh, goodness, I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t fascinated with books. My older sister taught me to read before I entered kindergarten, and once I discovered my school library, I checked out all the Laura Ingalls Wilder books and tons of biographies of famous people in history. I didn’t try my hand at writing until much later, and I shocked myself by actually writing a full-length novel. I’ve since published ten more novels and novellas. I’m addicted.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
While I specialize in women’s fiction, I really like biographies; learning about real people. Still, I like a good story I can get lost in.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Running From Herself started out as a novella, but I discovered there was so much more to tell about Leah’s life that I expanded it into a full-length novel. Leah toiled as a local band singer for almost a decade, but never realized her dream of being discovered. Once she had enough, he quit the band and took to the road, landing in a tiny Wyoming town, where she decided to stay. But her heart got broken and around that time a music executive stopped into the club where she worked, heard her singing with her new band, and offered her a record deal. That’s when her life really turned upside down.

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Featured Interview With N Cooper

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a dad to two amazing kids. I have dyslexia and ADHD, both diagnosed later in life, which came as no surprise.

I grew up in Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, until I was 12, when I moved to Beverley, where I have lived for the past 28 years. I work for an autism and ADHD support service, a role that means a lot to me.

I have a quirky personality and can be quiet in big crowds or around unfamiliar people, but in my home environment, I am loud and full of energy. I think I’m funny, though my kids might disagree, but my friends and family would definitely back me up on that.

Family is incredibly important to me. I live with my two kids half the week, and the rest of the time, it’s just me. Balancing work, parenting, and life can be challenging, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always loved stories, ever since I was about six years old. Not knowing I was dyslexic, reading was a challenge, but I persisted because I loved being immersed in whole new worlds. There is something truly special about magical worlds that makes them more exciting than reality. That is not to say I have not enjoyed my life. I have had great experiences and no real regrets, but escaping into a world of magic has always been something special, whether it was someone else’s creation or my own.

I started writing as a teenager. I was great at coming up with stories and building worlds, but my writing ability was not quite there yet. Unfortunately, due to behavioural issues at school, my education effectively stopped when I was 14. That is one thing I do regret. I was still in school, but I was a bit of a troublemaker and never did any work. I left without qualifications and spent years working in factories until I was 24. That was when I decided to go back to college, resit my GCSEs, and give learning another chance. Having matured, I approached education with a positive attitude and worked incredibly hard. It was during this time that I was diagnosed with dyslexia. With the right guidance, support, and specialist software, I realised I could achieve amazing things.

Since then, I have been writing on and off, but I always struggled to complete stories. It was not until about five years ago that I was diagnosed with ADHD, which finally helped me understand why. My last count was 29 part-written stories, some just a few chapters, others with over 50,000 words, yet I had never finished a book until last year. Maybe it was the frustration of struggling financially, maybe it was the fact I was nearing 40, or maybe I wanted to show my kids that dreams really can come true. In all honesty, it was all of those things.

I started small, writing a children’s book for each of my kids, naming the protagonists after them. Then I moved on to young adult fantasy novels. While I was proud of the children’s books, my real goal was YA fantasy, so getting my first novel published meant the world to me. The children’s books were a necessary step because I needed to start small. Completing stories is still a challenge because my mind constantly jumps to the next idea, but I persist because I want to succeed. Now, for the first time, I feel like I have a real shot.

This week, my latest story was accepted by my publisher, just as my first novel was released. I could not be happier. I love losing myself in magical worlds, and even more so when I am the one creating them. This is just the beginning of my journey, and I cannot wait to see where my stories take me next.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favourite author to read? Tolkien is definitely up there. His worldbuilding, depth of lore, and storytelling are unmatched, and I have spent countless hours lost in Middle-earth.

Fantasy is always my go-to genre, whether it’s books, films, or TV shows. There is something about escaping into magical worlds that has always drawn me in, and that passion naturally carries over into my own writing.

I also love the works of Leigh Bardugo, whose Grishaverse series is richly crafted, dark, and filled with compelling characters and powerful storytelling. George R.R. Martin is another favourite of mine; his A Song of Ice and Fire series stands out for its complex characters, intricate plots, and gritty realism.

A lot of my inspiration comes from the incredible worlds I have explored through stories over the years. The rest comes from my kids. They are my reason for everything. If I am honest, my life truly began when I became a parent. They are my greatest motivation, and every story I write is, in some way, for them.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
*Guardians of the Veil* is a young adult fantasy adventure that follows two ordinary boys, Alex and Ravi, who are suddenly thrust into a hidden world beneath their own. When they uncover an ancient secret, they find themselves caught in a battle between powerful forces, tasked with protecting a magical veil that separates realms.

As they journey through mysterious lands, they train to become warriors, discovering abilities they never knew they had. Along the way, they encounter strange creatures, forge unlikely friendships, and uncover long-buried truths about the past. But danger is never far behind, and the deeper they go, the more they realise that the fate of both worlds may rest in their hands.

At its heart, *Guardians of the Veil* is a story about friendship, bravery, and the choices that define us. Alex and Ravi may not have been born heroes, but they will have to rise to the challenge if they want to protect everything they hold dear.

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N Cooper Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Russ Allen

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hello! My name is Russ Allen and I’m a pastor at a large church in central Pennsylvania. I have a wife and two daughters and enjoy reading, writing, and playing sports. I want potential readers to know that my faith in Jesus Christ informs not just what I choose to write about, but also how I write. I want to write about hard, real-life topics in ways that are redemptive, deep, and meaningful – appealing to people of all backgrounds through truth and love.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always enjoyed writing and received affirmation from others at an early age. Writing can invoke emotion in others and impact people in profound ways. I hope to use my gifts and skills in writing to help others see truth and beauty in life. I began writing short stories as a high school student but did not do serious writing until my time in graduate school. During this time, I created several Christian blogs and wrote regular posts that gained thousands of views. I took a short hiatus from writing when I became a pastor, but re-entered the writing world again with my first book, an inspirational Christian memoir called The Bonny Lane Club.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
From a religious perspective, the biggest influence on my writing is C.S. Lewis. I love Lewis’s writing – both his fiction and nonfiction – because it is simple yet profound. Lewis deals with difficult topics in a way that are sensible and enlightening. Interestingly, another big influence on my writing is Anthony Horowitz, a teen and young adult suspense/thriller author. Horowitz impacted my writing because his narratives are captivating and keep young readers wanting to read more. Although The Bonny Lane Club is not a suspense/thriller book, I hope it is written in a way that makes young people want to keep reading.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My book, The Bonny Lane Club, is an inspirational Christian memoir recounting my knee injury playing college football and the physical therapist who befriended me and became a key spiritual mentor in my life. We began a workout group in his basement called the Bonny Lane Club and it grew to impact many people in our community. Although originally just a small project, the book has impacted so many people and even gone on to win several awards – truly a testament to God’s blessing through the whole project.

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Russ Allen’s Website

Featured Interview With LJ Smith

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a Scottish writer living in Perthshire. I was brought up in Broughty Ferry, a suburb of Dundee, but have lived in Perthshire for 25 years. I live with my husband, Ian, and have four stepdaughters. I enjoy gardening, cycling, going to the theatre and cinema, and meeting up with friends as often as possible. I am very lucky to live in a beautiful part of Scotland where enjoying the outdoors is easy.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have enjoyed reading for as long as I can remember. My parents were very keen readers who took me and my sister to our local library every week. I did some writing during my student years but never tried to have anything published and once I was working full-time the idea of becoming a writer was shelved. I took early retirement in 2019 after a 34 year career in education to write seriously. My first novel, ‘Listen To Mother’, was published on 16.01.25 by Blossom Spring Publishing. I have completed a second novel, a family saga examining the power of the family to influence life choices, and am currently completing a third novel, a dystopian thriller.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I have a very broad taste in literature and it would be hard to say that one author or one book has influenced me. However, the books I enjoy most are those where the characters interest me and their actions drive the plot. I I had two choose four books to accompany me to a desert island they would be:
A Prayer for Owen Meaney; John Irving
Treasure Island: Robert Louis Stevenson
Burial Rites; Hannah Kent
Five Quarters of The Orange; Joanne Harris

Tell us a little about your latest book?
‘Listen To Mother’ is a psychological crime thriller. Lesley Hamilton is starting a new life in Florence when she discovers a dead neighbour. An inexplicable mistake she makes leads to her meeting Paolo Bianchi, an individual unaffected by the usual human emotions. His involvement in crime leaves him living in the shadowy fringes of society where the choices in his life have been made for him. The choices he now makes for himself lead to tragic consequences not just for him but also for all those whose lives he touches. As Paolo’s ordered life unravels, Gianfranco Valdi and his Caribinieri team must unpick the threads that lead to Paolo and his connections with organised crime.

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