Top Selling Authors: Get To Know Them Better

Featured Interview With Jim Serger

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I graduated from the University of Cincinnati and was a Delta Tau Delta Fraternity member. He served four years in the U.S. Navy, lived in Japan for four years, and served on board the USS Independence (CV-62). I backpacked throughout Asia numerous times, climbed Mt. Fuji, and has completed two marathons (in 2017 and 2020). I worked at a little convenient store for six years in high school and college and in the packaged ice industry for 18 years after the Navy. I was an operations manager serving in the aviation industry for 7 years. In 2012, I rode a bicycle from Carmel, Indiana to Orlando, Florida for charity. I have contributed to the Current in Carmel newspaper, and hav written three previous books: Go The Distance (2011), 2000 Miles On Wisdom (2014) and Next In Line Please (2016). I am happily married, have a teenage daughter and a dog named Stumpy (1/2 German Sheppard, 1/2 Corgi).

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I hated to read all the way through college–I hated it, because I thought I was too cool for it. Then I met an author who said, “Reading Will Change Your Life”–I was 38 when I enjoyed reading my first book., which was a book the author gave to me for free–it took me 3 weeks to finish the book–then I read another, then another, then another–I was reading nearly 100 books a year–then I decided to write my first book Go The Distance in 2011 with my dad. He and I wrote the book, about how baseball rebuilt our relationship.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love to read non-fiction. Pat Williams, is my favorite author. He taught me that reading is fun, enjoyable and engaging–which led me to writing 4 books, a published poem and writing for my local newspaper. I love motivational books, history books, sports books and military books.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book which launched November 6, 2021 is called
The True Facts Trivia Game
It took me two years to collect data, to compile questions, in this first of its kind trivia book on a major news outlet. Very fun, engaging, intersting facts and trivia on on-air personalities.

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Jim Serger’s Website

Jim Serger Facebook Page

Jim Serger Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Jason Newman

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hi I’m Jason, 45 from Manchester UK but raised in London. I don’t own any pets but my sister regularly gets me to dogsit her cockerpoo when her family go away, he has a lot of energy, so I feel like a part time pet owner.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I became fascinated with books very much into my adulthood as it goes. I had too short an attention span in my younger years and I just couldn’t concentrate. I was also an obnoxious child and I refused to read because my Mum said I should.
I started writing recently after having so much time on my hands during lockdown. I thought about it for years and kept drafting manuscripts and then going back to them ages later without actually getting anywhere with them.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’m actually a big fan of popular science, having done a science based degree at university, Marcus de Sautoy is a favourite of mine. I also love travel writing, the kind of books that Bill Bryson writes.
Greene who wrote “The Elegant Universe” and Krauss who wrote “A Universe from Nothing” inspired me with their scientific knowledge and wit.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
So I go right across the board with my latest book, not based on the sort of books that I usually read. It’s called “How to control your alcohol consumption” in the self help and health and wellbeing genres. It’s a guide to cutting down on one’s booze intake and learning to enjoy a drink rather than abuse it. It took a couple of years to write overall, the research took long enough, but the procrastination took longer. I put a spurt on during lockdown as I had so much free time and couldn’t go out.

It’s a topic close to my heart as I used to be a heavy drinker. A lot of that bad habit came from trying to keep up with fellow drinkers on a night out, succumbing to peer pressure or being too scared to refuse an offer a drink from someone.

So I’ve decided to share my wisdom and hope that people who drink a lot can think about their habits. I learnt a lot when I spoke to my doctor about my heavy drinking and readers will be amazed at what they find out just like I was.

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Jason Newman’s Website

Jason Newman Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Reuben Shupp

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I lived in New Hampshire until I was 11. My family moved to Houston in the early 1980s. Willis has been my home since 1998.

Twitter: twitter.com/rshupp50
email: reubenshupp@yahoo.com
Lingkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reuben-shupp-7a0a961b8/

Addition info:
I am a Navy Veteran of the Persian Gulf War. In the Navy, I was given the opportunity to view many parts of the world many of us never get to see.

In the Spring of 1974, I went to France for six months because my father was in charge of a foreign exchange program in Bourges, France. When I returned to the United States, I did not know English.

I have been writing short stories since November 2020. “A Collection of Short Stories or Tales” is my debut book (April 2021).

“Creepy and Scary Tales: A Collection of Short Stories” was published October 4, 2021. Here is a small sample.

“Hurry up,” I say.

Brendan slams the door and says, “I’m com’n.” He is my best friend and my comrade for this evening’s adventure. He moved across the street when I was in kindergarten and we have been best friends ever since. He collects comic books like other kids collect baseball cards. His favorite is Wolverine.

I asked once, “Why Wolverine?”

He said, “Knives are awesome.”

Everyone calls me Spidey. It is not because Spiderman is my favorite comic book. I love spiders. It is not like I am going to marry a tarantula. But they are the most mysterious creatures on Earth.

Posters line my wall with creepy and hairy spiders. I have every spider book known to man. I even talked my grandmother into buying a Spider Encyclopedia set.

Last Christmas, my dad bought me an aquarium for when mom finally lets me have a real spider in the house. My brother has a hamster so why can’t I have an arachnid? Did I say it? I love spiders. They are my thang.

We get on our bikes and head toward the fair. This is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to our small town. We have one of everything. One school, one road that leads in and out of town, one grocery store (Walmart), and now we have one fair. I do not care that it is going to be here for only the weekend. Halloween is tomorrow. How cool is that?

“I’ll beat you to the fair, Brendan says.

“In your dreams.” After about two blocks, we are out of breath. It is a good thing the fair is not too far. We will never make it. Jocks we are not. Spider nerd and Wolverine fan we are.

The setting sun shimmers in our eyes as the faint music of the Merry-Go=Round echoes along the street. I look over at Brendan and say, “We are almost there.” He grins as we pedal harder.

The cool breeze whistles in my ears like a nagging mosquito. A stranger appears out of nowhere. I slam on my brakes. Brendan swerves, hops on the grass and then skids. I stop inches from hitting an old woman.

My heart skips a beat and I say, “Sorry.” Wow, I almost hit a Gypsy and the only thing that comes out of my mouth is “sorry.” I am a jerk. She peers at me and smiles showing her missing teeth.

Creepy. A chill runs along my spine. “Do not go to the Spider House,” she says. I swerve around her and catch up to Brendan.

“Weird, old, coot, let’s get out of here.” I say. Brendan nods. I glance back and the Gypsy is gone. She vanished as quickly as she appeared.

Ten minutes later, we park our bikes at the school and walk over to the fair. The Ferris Wheel’s lights blink on and off. The Merry-Go-Round music echoes in the background.

“Where do you want to go first?” I say.

“You can’t go to the fair without riding the Ferris Wheel,” he says with a grin.

“The Ferris Wheel is for kids.”

“I’ll bet all the cool kids are riding the Ferris Wheel.”

I shove him and say, “You are an idiot.” We cross through the fair and weave in and out of the crowd at a steady pace.

Brendan yells, “There she blows,” as we approach the Ferris Wheel. He points to Scott Hazelton. “I told ya. All the cool kids ride the Ferris Wheel.” I glance at the top of the Ferris Wheel. Scott and a girl sitting next to him are laughing.

“I did not know Scott had a sister?”

“That’s Sharon Moran, you idiot.” He punches me in the arm. Scott Hazelton is the shortest kid in our fifth grade class. All the girls get gooey-eyed around him except for Sharon. She calls him names or trips him in class. Now, it makes sense.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
The passion to read in my spare time did not become part of my life until I was in my mid-thirties. I did not start writing until November 2020; even though I always wanted to.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors are: Robin Hobb, R.L. Stine, Terry Brooks, and Piers Anthony. I prefer to read fantasy and horror. Hemmingway and R.L. Stine are the most influential in my writing.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
A spooky collection of short stories

Do you enjoy creepy and scary stories? Not sure which one to pick? Then this will be the perfect collection for you!

Creepy and Scary Tales: A Collection of Short Stories is filled with brilliantly crafted stories which allows you to choose how quickly you want to read them. From Harry to Andrea, there is something for everyone.

Reuben Shupp has superbly created a fantastic collection of horror stories aimed at kids aged 8-12. Whether you’re looking for a new book or perhaps a present, this book collection is truly spine chilling.

So, what are you waiting for? Delve into a new story collection now!

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Reuben Shupp’s Website

Featured Interview With Brett Atlas

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and lived there for 30 years before moving to Omaha, Nebraska, where I currently live. I don’t have any pets of my own currently, but my son has a leopard gecko and my daughter has a Betta fish. I did have an African grey parrot at my fraternity house in college, however, and he learned to say some pretty interesting things!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
When I was little, one of the best pieces of advice my grandfather’s gave me was to find something to read every day, no matter what it is. Whenever I became interested in any subject, I’d find a book about it to read, and that hasn’t changed over the years. If you don’t count my first ten-page novel I wrote when I was seven called “The Adventures of Super Frog”, my first real writing began a few years back for a bourbon blog called Bourbon & Banter. As a whiskey enthusiast, I really enjoyed exploring the history, the personalities and the lost stories to present to the rest of the community.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I do enjoy a good novel, but the bulk of my library is devoted to biography, history, philosophy, psychology and business. I’ve been on a lifelong quest to uncover the secrets of happiness and a life well-lived. Whatever I can draw from the wisdom of others throughout history is what inspires me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
When my father passed away, I was saddened to find he never recorded any of the knowledge and important lessons he’d learned throughout his life. I thought of my own kids and decided that I would make sure I’d leave them a roadmap of guidance so I’d always be there to help. I ended up writing the book I wish someone had given me when I became an adult. It all boils down to three things: Time, Relationships and Money (in that order). How we choose to allocate them, and the ways in which they overlap, makes the difference between a life well lived and a life fraught with regrets.

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Brett Atlas’s Website

Brett Atlas Facebook Page

Brett Atlas Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Karina Kantas

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m from the UK but I live in Greece. I’m an award-winning author and filmmaker. I run two podcasts and host the Author Assist show on the Artist First Radio Network. I’m also a YouTuber BookTuber and I run Author Assist which helps other authors get their names and books out there to be noticed.
I’m a prolific author of 14 books and another seven low content books, such as notebooks and music composition books. I write in most fiction genres and have just released my 14th book, which is a dark mafia romance.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Early age. I was making up stories in my head when I was in my lower school. I was bullied at school, so I used books as a form of escapism.
I was 20 when I got my first piece of writing published. There was no stopping me after that.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Life, films and books inspire me.
I read whatever genre I’m passionate about at the time. For now, it’s dark romance and mafia thrillers.
I used to read Dean Koontz, Cassandra Claire, all thrillers, fantasy, or supernatural romances. I don’t find much time to read now.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Broken Chains is a dark mafia thriller. strickly for 18+ because of the graphic scenes.
If only she had stuck to singing in bars.

If only the idea of wanting to become an author had never entered her mind.

If only she’d never met Alex.

That one meeting had caused an avalanche of fate to clash with a dangerous destiny that forced Liz Finely to become the most wanted woman in the world. Stalked by three deadly mafia bosses, Liz has to learn to survive. Passed from one brutal hand to another, tortured, and abused, it’s her blood, her name, which lands her in trouble each time.

Now it’s up to Liz to find the strength to accept and become who she’s meant to be, and finally, break the chains that bind her.

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Karina Kantas’s Website

Karina Kantas Facebook Page

Karina Kantas Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Vanessa Thurgood

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am an Idaho farm girl, born and raised. I have always loved three things in my life. Photography, horses, and a good book. After living in several locations throughout the US, I’d settled back near my hometown fifteen minutes away from the mountains where I like to go hiking with my family and our aussie mix, Rio.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve loved books from the time I could read. I read every single horse book my school library owned and dreamed of riding a thoroughbred in the Kentucky Derby. When I went to college, I studied Agricultural Business and Advertising, NOT English or writing. I didn’t even know I wanted to be a writer until about 4 years ago when I finally started to write the story that had been living in my head for years. Since then, I’ve found support groups who have helped me shape that rough story into something worth sharing.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’m a very broad reader, but my favorite authors are Brandon Mull, especially his “Beyonders” series, JK Rowling, Shannon Hale. (Can you tell I like fantasy?) I also really enjoy self help/motivation books like “The Miracle Morning,” “The Magic of Thinking Big,” and “Name, Place, Animal, Thing.”

In each of these genres, I love to dissect the way the author delivers dialogue or important facts. I feel this gives me greater understanding on how I can improve my own writing and is fun to find out which words each author favors.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Earthspark came about from a dream I had when I was fifteen. This dream was of me riding my big black horse, Jag, into a cave where there was a glittering cavern with a lake. As we rode into the lake, the water swirled around us and I find a magical gem hidden beneath the surface. It was such a cool dream that I wanted to write it down, so I did. This dream became the foundation for the world I created in the Comstock Chronicles.

The storyline has shifted a lot since that day fifteen years ago, but the elements are still there. And the forces of good and evil are at stark odds. The Guardians, almost Godlike beings, are raging a war and dragging the humans in with them. Nienna Comstock, only wants to live her life, but her gift is too powerful to keep hidden.

She must choose to join the Earth Guardian before dark forces get her, because if they catch her, it could mean the end for all who live in the land of Tellidus.

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Vanessa Thurgood’s Website

Vanessa Thurgood Facebook Page

Vanessa Thurgood Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Gail Morin

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I live in Virginia where I was raised as well. I have always wanted to be a writer. I do have a lot of animals and I am a past educator. I have always felt a calling to write books that give kids a good positive message and with good morals. I plan to write a series of books.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was around the age of twelve and I have always loved to write.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I am a huge Judy Blume fan and when growing up I loved reading her books. I love to read adventure stories. I like to make a difference in my writing in a positive way .

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My lastest book is aboutSuper Alert dog magically appears when there is cyber bulling, as well as any online dangers and stranger danger. Super Alert dog saves the day on different adventures. He also wears a cape. He is a superhero dog when he gets alerted on his super alert tablet. When a child is in danger, or experiences cyber bullying, or any online danger, Super Alert dog magically shows up to save the day and to teach good moral lessons. He offers advice on sharing, getting along, and spreading joy and peace. He teaches children about using manners too. As he becomes friends with the children, he has many different adventures. Super Alert dog is so fun to watch and to learn from.

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Gail Morin Facebook Page

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Featured Interview With Douglas Watkinson

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’ve written literally hundreds of television screenplays – everything from Z Cars to Midsomer Murders, via Poirot, Lovejoy and many more. Writing novels has been a new venture for me and there are now six Nathan Hawk Murder Mysteries including the brand new story WHITE CRANE, available on Amazon.
Hawk himself is a bit like me in that we both have four grown up kids, scattered all over the globe. Like him, I live in a thatched cottage in the countryside just outside London and work from a log cabin, usually with two German Shepherds for company. I’m told I have green fingers! I have a mini forest of bonsai trees and and a large collection of orchids.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t write. You could say it’s a hobby that turned into a profession. I had my first play produced on television just after I left drama school. It went on from there.
Treasure Island (R.L.Stevenson) was the first book I remember reading cover to cover … and then reading again because it so fired my imagination. From there, still very young, I read every single Sherlock Holmes short story again and again.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favourite all-time author is Thomas Hardy. He has that gift for making you believe every word that he writes and every event that occurs. In my own field of crime writing my all time favourite is Michael Dibdin and I just wish the Aurelio Zen series had taken off. After Michael, I’ll read anything by Stephen King, Kate Atkinson and Karin Slaughter.

If I had to choose one book to take on that desert island with me it would be Laurie Lee’s Cider With Rosie. It’s a book that says so much about a time and a place which my own family was part of. On top of that it’s one of the most evocative titles I know. Three words which you can always bring to mind.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
This is how Hawk himself introduces readers to WHITE CRANE, the latest in the Nathan Hawk Murder Mysteries

Dear Reader,

I didn’t fancy getting caught up in the search for Suyin Qu, a young Chinese overstayer and a friend of my son Jaikie. I justified it by saying that if Suyin wanted to go missing, that was her prerogative. In truth, her disappearance didn’t involve any blood and guts, so why would I be interested?
Then two men broke into Jaikie’s house looking for Suyin and made the mistake of giving him a black eye, a gash down the inside of his cheek and a bruised face and ego. Nothing valuable was stolen, the place wasn’t trashed and the only thing taken was a 150-year-old bonsai tree, which had been standing on the kitchen drainer.
The tree bugged me, but the crime was hardly one of the big three: murder, rape, kidnapping. It was small-scale breaking and entering, burglary and ABH, and the police were only passingly interested.
That all changed, however, when I stumbled across a body, that of someone else who wanted to find her. The murder was brutal and the only person the police suspected was Suyin Qu. And she had disappeared into thin air…

Hawk

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Douglas Watkinson’s Website

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Featured Interview With Christie Santo & Jeff Santo

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Christie: I was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area by a flight attendant and a lithographer who loved art and golf. Jeff grew up in Chicago who’s father was the third baseman for the Chicago Cubs and now has a plaque in Baseball’s Hall of Fame. We live in beautiful Burbank, California, blocks from Warner Bros. Studios. We have two adorable Boston Terriers who provide us with so much warmth and life.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Jeff: I was fascinated by the movies at an early age, not books. My father and his baseball teammates would always quote movie dialogue; my dad saw a lot of films during his baseball career. I loved movies just as much as I loved baseball, and baseball was pretty much my whole world. My brother and I had a unique upbringing hanging out in the clubhouse with larger-than-life Major Leaguers. I think it gave me a visual ability for storytelling. I took a lot in as a kid because my world was so fascinating. Almost like a movie, with so many unique people that filtered through my entire childhood. I think I started writing at an early age, in my head only, knowing I would write one day. I remember thinking that.

Christie: My mom was a bookworm and pushed it onto me. I think I loved the idea of books more than reading them, but I realized later on that it was because I had a hard time relating to the older stories given to me to read. When I was 14, a very kind woman gave me Jay McInerney’s “Story of My Life,” which changed me forever. I didn’t know writing could be like that, simplistic straight-up and real with a harrowing psychological depth that spoke to me. I decided right then and there that that was what I wanted to do. I wanted to write.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Christie: Well, I just told you how Jay McInerney inspired me. When I got to college, it was Elmore Leonard and movies. The indie film “Dream for an Insomniac,” written and directed by Tiffanie DeBartolo, moved me.

Jeff: Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and The Sea” is the one book I always go to for inspiration and writing lessons. I used to remember the first page like a long song, so I could feel the style of his sentences by speaking them out loud. It was the first book that made me want to read for more than just the story itself. It also made me feel like I could possibly write a book one day because I’m starting to understand how I could write it. It’s the same thing for me as finding a baseball hero you want to emulate or a musician whose lyrics capture your attention to explore more. I didn’t become a baseball player like my dad. And I didn’t have the trajectory to become a rock star. So movies and writing became the big picture for my life.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Christie: Our book is titled “Ravens in the Rain: A Noir Love Story.” We fashioned this contemporary noir romance after the black and white film noir of the 40s and 50s, i.e., “In A Lonely Place,” “Gilda,” and “Double Indemnity.” But we infused our flare and twists, so it both distorts and yet stays true to the genre. And just recently released, we are fortunate to be receiving good reviews.

Jeff: The reviews feel rewarding because we literally put our hearts and souls into this book.

Christie: Our book is available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook (both kindle and audible offer it for free with membership).

Link to our book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B095HYQ3YM?pf_rd_r=0QS17AYD9P7YR088YMVB&pf_rd_p=5ae2c7f8-e0c6-4f35-9071-dc3240e894a8&pd_rd_r=674c16b8-71e8-4cff-9db6-be299e53fcd2&pd_rd_w=xHfsr&pd_rd_wg=xQvt7&ref_=pd_gw_unk

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Christie Santo & Jeff Santo’s Website

Christie Santo & Jeff Santo Facebook Page

Christie Santo & Jeff Santo Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Thomas Heffernan

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am an Australian author and speechwriter. I have written two published works, The Interior People (2020), and Fabel (2016). Fabel was shortlisted for the 2017 ACT Writing and Publishing Awards. I have also written an epic fantasy trilogy, Black Banner, available for free on Wattpad.

A review for The Interior People: “With prose that thunders from the gate like a thoroughbred, The Interior People is brilliantly written, clever, and at times almost unbearably sad. Heffernan gets into his characters’ heads like no other writer … he’ll get into yours, too.”

A review for Fabel: “Fabel is a genre-defying, mind-bending masterpiece… an epic tale of good versus evil, a fast-paced, relentless journey that leaves you both satisfied, and hungry for more. This is a great first novel.”

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have been writing since I could first hold a pen; reading since I used to devour Golden Books in bed by torchlight when I was a little kid. I love how great writing transcends the page and for a moment you become unaware you are reading words on a page – you begin to exist alongside the characters.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Neil Gaiman and Stephen King were early influences on me. I admire the writing of some of the old greats, like Hemingway, Cormac McCarthy, Jack London, Hunter S Thompson, to name a few. For a fiction writer, I actually read a lot of non-fiction, ancient history is a passion of mine, so books like Adrian Goldsworthy’s volumes on ancient Rome are some favorites.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
It’s a sprawling epic supernatural thriller with elements of horror and science fiction. That’s all I can say for now, we writers are very protective of works in progress, they are like chicks in the nest – demanding and vulnerable!

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Thomas Heffernan’s Website

Thomas Heffernan Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Christy Piper

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in Panama City Beach, FL. It was a small town in North Florida, but it’s grown a lot since I’ve lived there. Currently, I live in New Hampshire. No pets now, but I’d love to get another dog someday.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I liked super hero comic books as a kid. It inspired me to make up my own stories and drawings, too. One of my college majors ended up being creative writing just because I kept taking the classes and writing! I always knew I’d write books one day.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I like to read any authors who can teach me how to become a better version of myself. Most are nonfiction. Robert Greene, Chris Voss, David Goggins, Teal Swan, Napoleon Hill, Neville Goddard, Marcus Aurelius, Plato, Florence Scovel Shinn.

I also like fiction that is well written, and includes truths about humanity. J.K. Rowling is my favorite.

All these authors inspire my writing. The ones who’ve overcome hardships and turned their pain into lessons to help others get my highest respect. The authors in my writing group are also an inspiration to me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The book is called Girl, You Deserve More: How to Break His Spell over You, Escape Your Toxic Partner, and Become Independent. It’s filled with the information I wish I’d had years ago when I was going through this myself. It explains the mind games and tactics used by the toxic partner, and gives you the resources and motivation to leave. It is interspersed with stories from my own life experience and other women’s, too.

The book took about a year and a half from starting writing to publish. But I started writing it in my mind and taking notes for it many years ago.

This book makes a perfect gift for someone you care about who needs to get out of a bad relationship, but feels stuck. It is also a perfect desk side companion for mental health counselors and other helping professions. I’m learning that my target reader often wouldn’t think to seek the book out themselves, so sometimes it’s up to others to help them find it.

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Christy Piper’s Website

Featured Interview With Ta’Mesha Smith

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Born and raised in Greenville, SC, I have been writing since a very young age. The love of words started with poetry and has evolved into a pure passion. At the age of 20 I moved to MN for some time where many of the poems in Drugs, Love, and Poetry was created. When I’m not writing I am spending time with my daughters and pursuing other hobbies and new business venture.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been writing since the age of 8. That is when I remember writing my first poem about the sirens of love. What? Something a little strange about me, I’ve never really been fascinated with books. If I am able to read a book it is probably going to be non-fiction or an essay. Ironically I used to read a great deal of self help books until you realize only you can answer those tough questions.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Maya Angelou has been my biggest inspiration as a writer and myself. I developed the skill from a very young age writing poetry so I was truly able to evolve with my own voice.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
To know yourself is important. Self reflection is a form of self therapy. Who better than yourself to share your secrets with?

Self-discovery can be an insightful and scary journey. Taking the time to learn more about ourselves can be fun if we open up a bit. But not for the entire world to see but for you to admire your true self. The true, genuine, unique self you see when you look in the mirror each day. We all have the power to be the highest form of ourselves.

All About Me is a thought and feeling provoking journal that makes you shed light on parts of your world and pieces of yourself that you never really thought about. Life happens fast and often times we don’t allow ourselves the proper time to process our true feelings and views on ourselves and the world, not only around us but inside as well.

With over 500 questions and journal prompts, All About Me inspires you to think about your feelings, dream about your goals, and put your future into perspective. What type of support can you give yourself that no one else can? What do you believe is your destiny? How can you learn to trust yourself more? Do you like being in the spotlight or behind the scenes? What does perfect mean to you? How do you feel when someone gives you advice you didn’t ask for?

It takes true courage to embark on a journey to knowing thy-self. All About Me is a guided journal to help you navigate your inner world and keep you focused along the way.

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Ta’Mesha Smith’s Website

Featured Interview With J.W Zarek

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Thank you for asking. I’m J.W. Zarek, and I grew up in Brooklyn and Queens, New York, and
now reside in Northern Virginia, and I help catch naughty folk for the Government.

I’ve taught English Conversation in Japan and can analyze anyone’s handwriting. I’ve sailed
through the Suez Canal twice and hunted pirates in the Persian Gulf. I’ve climbed to the top of
Mount Fuji, been kicked off Mount Rainier, and successfully ran in the Walt Disney World
Marathon as a woman.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
It was in sixth grade. A teacher assigned everyone in the class to write a Halloween-themed scary
story. I don’t remember story details, but I’ll never forget how the story made the teacher feel.
They said how much they enjoyed what they read, and it’s good enough to be published.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Favorite authors I grew reading are Stephen King, Edgar Allen Poe, Mark Twain, J.R.R Tolkien,
C.S. Lewis, and Jules Verne. Their stories inspired my imagination and fed my soul.

Who inspires me? I dedicated my third book to Margie Lawson because she shared and showed
me how to write fresh and amp up my writing. I am forever grateful to Margie for doing this.
And because of what Margie shared and showed me, it’s helped me find inspiration in my
writing through a shared glance, an argument or conversation, and unexpected, unplanned
moments.

An example of this is the first time I was outside the Port Authority bus station, and a homeless
man asked for a dollar. I gave him a dollar, went about my day, and forgot about this momentary
exchange, this unexpected moment because, at the time, it wasn’t significant, extraordinary, but a
normal kind of moment you forget.

And when wrote the scene where Boone, the protagonist exits the Port Authority bus station, I
asked what Boone would see, feel, hear, and experience his first time inside and outside the bus
station. And the memory of the homeless man asking me for a dollar replayed inside my head.

This memory helped shape how the scene opened in Chapter Three – First Time Anywhere, as
shown below.

Twenty-two hours after riding on a cramped Greyhound with no A/C and the backed-up
bathroom smell, I’ve arrived outside the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City,
thankful I only had one panic attack and one weird dream. I rub the knot swirling in my stomach. The urge to turn around and go home hits
me hard.

Inside the terminal, tourists chatter, beggars beg, buses brake. Everyone is on a cell phone. I wish
I’d bought one before the trip. There wasn’t a need for one in Wentzville. Not allowed at Ren
faires. I use a walkie-talkie for my handyman job at the trailer park. And who would I call here?
I don’t know anyone in New York City, except the contact Flynn gave me, a Professor Stone.
I inhale, and whiskey-flavored words barrel over my shoulder. “Mister, can you spare a dollar?” Turning, I’m face-to-face with a gruff one-toothed grin. I’m thrown by his breath, but I hand him a dollar. His grin grows. “Thanks, Mister.” He leaves, prize in hand.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I wrote The Devil Pulls the Strings, to honor the hero’s journey and infuse Slavic mythology and
all the many faces of the mother of all witches, Baba Yaga, in a modern setting, and address a
rumor about Niccolò Paganini, born in 1782. Paganini was the world’s first Rockstar of his day,
known as the world’s greatest violinist who revolutionized violin technique.

Rumor has it, his mother gave Paganini’s soul to the Devil so Paganini could be the world’s
greatest violinist. Imagine a world where that’s true. Then you would be immersed in the world of The Devil Pulls the Strings, where time travel, twisted history, secret societies, Paganini’s music, and one haunted hero collide.

Twenty-two-year-old Boone Daniels has problems, debilitating panic attacks, gut-wrenching
guilt, a wendigo haunting him since age six, and now he almost killed his best friend in a joust.
But when he fills in for his injured friend at a New York gig, he goes to meet the gig’s contact at
his NYC brownstone. A body falls from the brownstone balcony and the place explodes with gunfire. Boone barely escapes but uncovers a sinister plot to perform a rare Paganini piece that
summons the Devil to trap Baba Yaga and destroy modern-day New York City.

He then finds himself on a race through time, to capture the cursed melody. Along the way, a
Romani immortal, steampunk vampires, and Baba Yaga set the stage for war, and Boone shall
have to risk death for redemption. All Boone wants is to keep a promise to a friend. The same
friend, he almost killed last Sunday during a joust.

The Devil Pulls the Strings as seen on ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Ticker News Live, and the NY
Post, received the Literary Titan Award, The International Review of Books Badge of
Achievement, selected to move forward in the American Golden Picture International Film
Festival competition, made the Chanticleer Long List in multiple categories, as well as, received

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J.W Zarek’s Website

J.W Zarek Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Chyrel J. Jackson & Lyris D. Wallace

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Country Club Hills IL a Southern Suburb outside of Chicago is where we were raised. Chyrel lives in Mississippi. Lyris is still in Chicago. My sister Lyris has 2 cats. Oregon & Benny. My cat Mynx died 3 years ago.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
We loved books as children but our fascination for them reached a new level during the college years. It was then that we discovered African American Literature and oh boy we were compelled to write and be a part of the world of our great literary ancestors. My writing (Chyrel speaking) began in my early 20’s. My sister’s (Lyris) began when she was 30.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
We both love James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Claude McCay, Zora Neale Hurston, Maya Angelou, Ralph Elliston, Sonia Sanchez, Gwendolyn Brooks and Nikki Giovanni.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Mirrored Images is a collection of poems written in quarantine during the Pandemic. We explore the darker side of human nature. Our overall arching message of sister love remains in tact but as our first book we tackle many life changing topics. Social injustice, politics, racism, relationships etc.

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Chyrel J. Jackson & Lyris D. Wallace’s Website

Chyrel J. Jackson & Lyris D. Wallace Facebook Page

Chyrel J. Jackson & Lyris D. Wallace Twitter Account

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Featured Interview With Mia Dymond

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a contemporary romance novel author of 22 novels with sexy, alpha males and females with attitude to boot. I live in a zoo, hold down a full time job, and am trying to coax my creative muse from her cage. So BEWARE, the madness may rub off on you! I am from the hot, dusty state of Oklahoma and am the mother of 2 human children and 2 fur babies, an English bulldog and a black Labrador retriever.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
According to my mother, I read in the womb ….. but I remember being an avid reader all of my life. I’ve always had stories buzzing around in my head but I seriously began writing in 2009.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite genre is romance, of course! I read such fabulous authors as Christine Feehan and Lora Leigh.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, Undercover Desire, is the first in my new series, Wright City Heartthrobs Book 1.

Registered Nurse Paige Warren runs a tight ship, fiercely dedicated to the care of her patients while she ignores the fact that the new doctor in town is a major heartthrob. After all, office romance is complicated.

Dr. Damon Flynn has returned home, dodging old rumors while he walks a fine line between past and present to protect a delicate secret. Attracted to the compassionate beauty, he carefully balances personal and professional feelings to hide the truth. Yet when sinister forces intervene and threaten to expose him, he is forced to make an admission that may endanger them both.

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Mia Dymond’s Website

Mia Dymond Facebook Page