Top Selling Authors: Get To Know Them Better

Featured Interview With J C Pereira

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born on a plantation high in the mountains of a small Caribbean island where the trade winds blow clear, and the rains wash all clean, leaving only the smells of the sun-warmed earth and vegetation. After my father’s death, I travelled with my mother to England, a land of cold and constant drizzle, but where the promises and opportunities significantly compensated for the dull weather in comparison. Here, I completed my formal education with a BA (Hons) in Psychology and experienced an entirely new way of life that once influenced my origins. Knowledge and experience alter perspective and hopefully lead to wisdom. Upon graduation, I worked in the corporate world, where I was never comfortable. Then, I settled uneasily within the civil service, where, after several years, I moved to Italy, rediscovering the sunshine of my youth and starting a new family. The language remains a continued challenge.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always been captured by inventing stories in my mind, even before I could read, as my world was filled with the beauty of nature. Stories were my way of finding comfort and meaning in an isolated but never lonely setting. We all live within a tale we tell ourselves, and none is more important than another. The first books I remember reading were White Fang and The Jungle Book. They fit well into my imagination, nurtured by my early environment. I found submerging myself into another living creature and seeing the world through its senses a normal and natural thing to do. At school, I found short stories easy to create, and I started writing my first book, A Place To Belong To, while still at A Level college but only completed it many years later with my wife’s encouragement. With one done, many followed. The biggest project still to write remains brewing slowly in my mind, but in the meantime, I practice my storytelling by writing many others, adjusting my world perspective as I go along.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Reading has always been an integral part of my life, and I would read anything I came across. However, the fantasy genre has always and still remains my favourite, especially those with historical themes. David Gemmel’s ability to create dignified characters, even with his antagonists, has always fascinated me, and I find Robert Jordan’s storytelling engaging, especially the Wheel of Time books. When I first started writing The Hidden King, the first of the Brothers of Destiny series, I wanted to write a book my son would read and tailored one of the main characters after him. In the same way, when I wrote Dying Under a Clear Blue Sky, concerned that humanity’s inventiveness was negatively affecting our wonderous blue planet, I modelled my main protagonist after a projection of my daughter into her teenage years for it would be her generation that would have to deal with the mess we were making with our narrow band, solution based ingenuity. This method, I believe, is a technique of survival hard-wired into our psyche. This perspective is the foundation theme in many of my stories and can be found in Penance, and I Once Was.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is The Chosen, a sequel to the Brothers of Destiny fantasy series. It describes the efforts of genetically engineered twins with characters on the flip sides of the same coin, attained only through following the road of discipline and free spirit, a choice they individually make. Their destiny is to deliver humanity from the continuous and circular road of violence and war, which, ironically, they are masters of. Is such an endeavour possible? Can humanity be forced from the path of conflict? I examine the answers to these questions throughout the books. The setting is after several falls of civilizations where humanity’s DNA has been altered by the poisons and contamination of humankind’s wars, ironically giving some unique powers. A mysterious brotherhood digs into the past to resurrect the means to interrupt the repeated pattern of destruction. The result is Morgan and Krarl who are not quite human, always on the outside, feared and respected, but never accepted.

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J C Pereira’s Website

J C Pereira Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Mark O’Bannon

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a San Diego native. My grandfather, Reuben H. Fleet, built the SD airport and gave it to the city. He was the largest manufacturer of airplanes in the US. His company, Consolidated Aircraft, made 18,000 B-24 Liberator bombers and thousands of Catalina PB-Y flying boats durung WWII.
Thogh a cat lover, I do not yet have a kitty.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My mom taught me to read when I was 2. Been reading ever since. In high school, I read 50+ books every year. I started writing in the 90s. The idea for my first novel, “The Dream Crystal” came to me while I was talking to my friend, George Clayton Johnson, who wrote 8 Twilight Zone episodes, Logans Run and the first episode of
Star Trek TOS. I combines two ideas: a fairy changeling and shadow people.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Ray Bradbury, Robert E. Howard, Robert Heinlein, Fred Saberhagen, Larry Niven, H.P. Lovecraft, J.R.R. Tolkein, J.K. Rowling.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Touching Infinity is a science fiction mystery love story set in the far future. A scientist takes a journey to the heart of a supernova and discovers love.

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Mark O’Bannon’s Website

Mark O’Bannon Facebook Page

Mark O’Bannon Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Hunter H. White

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m an energy transactions lawyer, who always dreamed of writing suspenseful Christian fiction. When the Covid shutdown came along, I finally got my chance to really focus on it. I was raised in Houston, Texas, and I still live in Houston, with my wife of thirty-three years. I have two adult children and no pets at the moment; but we do pet-sit our son’s cat, and our daughter’s cat and dog.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
As a child with dyslexia, reading was a challenge. Even with a lot of hard work, and very encouraging parents, I was unable to achieve an acceptable age-level reading ability until middle school. That is also when I could finally start to read for pleasure, and the inspirational and transportive aspects of books found a special place in my heart. I believe my early challenges helped fuel a desire to write and inspire other young readers. I gravitated toward creative classes in high school and college, and I absolutely loved them.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors include, among others, Joel C. Rosenberg, C.S. Lewis, James Rollins, Steve Berry and Clive Cussler. My favorite genres include Christian fiction and Suspense. I love fiction that is action-packed and includes Christian themes and/or utilizes the actual historical record with a little fiction injected. Authors who inspired me the most in connection with my novel, Treasures of the Lochs, were C.S. Lewis and Joel C. Rosenberg.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Treasures of the Lochs is suspenseful young-adult Christian fiction, involving a modern-day treasure hunt in Scotland, with a bit of supernatural thrown in. Blending historical fact and Scottish legend within an action-packed adventure, Treasures of the Lochs is an exciting, powerful story of faith, friendship, and redemption. The target audience is teenage and above (some parts would be too intense for younger readers). This book is a 2024 NIEA Finalist in Religion Fiction. It also hit Amazon#1 New Release for Christian Fantasy. I hope you’ll check it out.

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Hunter H. White’s Website

Hunter H. White Facebook Page

Featured Interview With D E Fox

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Deborah Fox lives in Yorkshire with her partner Paul. She currently works for a large electrical distributor, as well as being a budding author.

Like many children, Deborah spent her time inspired by stories from AA
Milne to JM Barrie, and to this day her favourite story was and still is,
Winnie the Pooh! Her writing talents didn’t materialise until later in life
as most of her childhood was spent dancing and performing.

Deborah’s passions are the outdoors, gardening, interior design, dogs
and cinema. She has always been intrigued with all things supernatural
and the time presented to her during COVID, and the inspiration from
the sad passing of her dog Jake, was the start of her first novel ‘Second
Hand Rose.’

With the support of family and friends and Blossom Spring agreeing to
publish her story, it has fulfilled the dream to become a published
author and has given the encouragement to write more stories.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always loved books especially adventure books, like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Kidnapped, Treasure Island. I used to read them over and over much to my mum’s despair. I didn’t start writing until my 40’s when my dog sadly passed away I needed to fill my time. Writing helped with my grief and anxiety and I found I really enjoyed it. So much so that I now have two published books and I’m already thinking about number three!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I read lots of different genres, my mum taught me that at an early age. So I love Jane Green, Anne Rice, AA Milne, JM Barrie, I love to read autobiographies People’s lives fascinate me. But since becoming an author I read other indie authors books which have definitely opened my eyes to amazing authors with very different styles. I think that has helped me with my writing to give the characters more depth.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
A mysterious event has gripped the world!
How, why, who and what — is taking the grass?

Globe leaders are baffled; unbeknownst to them there’s a secret agency who
solve weird, bizarre events and it’s run by dogs!

Jake and Sammy are everyday pets until a strange encounter changes their lives forever; this puzzling case will test their bosses, Gino and Phillip, to the limits.

Can they pull together and save humanity before it’s too late? Will Jake ever get that packet of crisps he so desperately craves for? And will the age-old question be answered—are four legs better than two?

In this crime mystery where dogs rule, anything can go wrong and probably will. But we all love an underdog!

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D E Fox’s Website

D E Fox Facebook Page

D E Fox Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Sophia Conway

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Wales, the UK but grew up mostly on the West Coast of Ireland. 5 Years ago I immigrated to Canada with my husband and we now have one son that we raise between the ocean and trees! Nature and motherhood are my two biggest inspirations and so we fill our days eating cinnamon buns and walking the beaches together.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My fascination with books started before I could even read them. I loved them so much I would staple loose pages together covered in scribbles and tell my mother it was a book. As soon as I was allowed to use my father’s old computer I would type jumbled stories in Word documents late into the night. To be an author was my first dream and I’m thrilled to have fulfilled it.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’m a restless reader who devours books far too quickly so it’s hard to say which ones are my favorite. My shelves are crammed full of everything from faith-based to poetry. Currently, I spend most of my reading children’s books to my toddler and enjoy the simplicity of them.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
‘His Last Companion’ is a thought-provoking introspection of the human experience and the intimacy between the last man on earth and the one companion who has been by his side since birth, Death.

“His Last Companion is a compelling short story that touches on some of our toughest questions about life and death. Sophia Conway has crafted a deep tale in few words that will sit with the reader’s psyche long after finishing. In ‘His Last Companion’, the author delivers a message of hope amidst ultimate brokenness.” – The Book Review Directory

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Sophia Conway’s Website

Featured Interview With Elaine Broun

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am currently living in Texas, I have been married for 42 years, have four grown children, and four bonus children (their spouses) and five grandchildren. I was born in Brazil, I speak several languages and have lived in many South American countries multiple times. We have two sixteen year old dogs. Dug is a red healer and Luke is a Beagle/Labrador mix. Our life evolves around family and we have a blast enjoying our adult children.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Beginning at the age of five, I discovered a passion for books while developing an extreme curiosity towards people and what made them tick. As a school girl, I would get very exited when we could select our own topics to write about. In this area I excelled as I found a had a fertile imagination.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Authors I have loved are Diana Gabaldon, Kathleen Woodwiss, Gillian Flynn, and Liv Constantine to name a few. I have always loved Suspense thrillers, Historical romance and autobiographies. What inspires me is life experiences and having a natural tendency towards a creative imagination even some of my crazy dreams has given me ideas!

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Carrasco 67′ A harrowing tale of an Imperialist Pig is a based on a true story. You will be thrown into a spiraling out of control roller coaster ride as you follow the Gray family in Montevideo, Uruguay during the 1960’s. After Peter Gray sets up a sting to catch a Tuparo Terrorist he discovered was infiltrated in his company, his family is soon given a death sentence by the terrorists. Hair raising scenarios, terrorizing moments as they try to elude multiple kidnapping attempts escalates to a level where the Uruguayan Military had to take over the protection of the family. This is a mind blowing story.

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Elaine Broun’s Website

Elaine Broun Facebook Page

Elaine Broun Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Elaine Broun

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Brazil and have lived multiple times in several South American countries. I speak several languages, I love to read, travel, history, walking through antique shops and sewing crafts. I presently live in Texas with my husband of 42 years and our two 16 year old dogs, Dug and Luke. I have four grown children, two bonus daughters, two bonus sons and five grandchildren.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I remember when we arrived in the USA after fleeing the terrorists which I covered in my first novel, there was a mobile Library that set up monthly in a parking lot near my home. It was there that I began checking books out and being mesmerized by stories. When I was in third grade was when I discovered the Little House on the Prairie books that made me discover in turn the love of autobiographies. It sated my natural curiosity to understand where someone came from, what were their hurdles in life, what made them tick, what gave them their greatest joy or sadness. This is also where I became obsessed with geneaology.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love to read books by Diana Gabaldon, Kathleen Woodwiss, Liv Constantine, or Gillian Flynn. There are so many and I must admit I am horrible about keeping track of what I have read or who I enjoy to read books by, I guess it is due to always being busy. I do however, enjoy reading suspense novels naturally and also historical books and historically based romance novels. My writing inspiration comes from my own fertile imagination and through my life experiences from my constant travels in my lifetime.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My current book “Let Me Go” is in its final stages before it is off to the editors. Another suspense novel it revolves around several friends that meet while attending neighboring boarding schools but eventually focuses on Isabella Andrews Hampton and her husband Kane Hampton.
The story begins by bringing the characters to life while unveiling the evolution of their lives and how each of them came to be. As time marches on, snipits of Kane’s fragmenting emotional stability becomes evident as Isabella discovers family secrets she wasn’t supposed to and now she is on the run hoping not to be found. Upon arriving in Provincetown, the City where Isabella fled she finally met her realtor a handsome ex-military realtor named Nate Marcum. Falling hard she strives to hide her past, all the while looking over her shoulder at every moment knowing her husband will never give up until he finds her. So, now she lives terrified that her new life will implode. Will Nate be just an elusive dream, as she is forced to reveal her past in order to save her future?

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Elaine Broun’s Website

Elaine Broun Facebook Page

Elaine Broun Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Ingrid McCarthy

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Schweidnitz (now Swidnica, Poland) and grew up in Bremerhaven, North Germany, a town that once was a port of embarkation for the then-occupying US forces and a fishing harbor of considerable importance. Fishtown, people called the place because when the wind blew in a certain direction, the stench from the fishmeal factory hung over the town like an evil curse, prompting us to slam the windows closed before turning into miserable and retching creatures. And woe to the person in the street who didn’t have a handkerchief ready to slap over the nose and mouth! No wonder I couldn’t wait to get out of there. At the age of twenty-one, I moved to Spain. Four years later to Canada. I lived in Montreal for ten years, then two years in Durham, N.C., and now in Ottawa, Canada’s Capital, where I feel happy, creative, and very much at home.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I cannot remember a time without books. As far as I can think back, there were always books in my life: first coloring books that had little stories on each page; then the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales, and later Roman and Greek mythologies. In my post-WWII childhood memoir, “I Stood Among The Ruins And Cried”, I tell when in my early teens I first entered a public library. I was in awe. So many books! I was in Heaven and became the library’s most frequent visitor. Around the same time, I received a diary as a birthday gift from a friend. My parents were not living in happy bliss. There was much anger due to my father’s excessive drinking and infidelity. Books and the diaries―I ended up filling six of them―became my escape and consolation during those unhappy years: I read one book after another and confided my innermost thoughts, wishes, and fears to the pages of my diaries. That was my early writing experience.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
When I read a book, I either want to be entertained or learn something. That’s why I enjoy fiction and non-fiction in equal measure. Once I mastered the English language, I fell in love with the classic English writers: W. Somerset Maugham, George Orwell, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Wolff, to name a few. Today, I admire: Isabel Allende, Anthony Doerr, and Jonathan Franzen―the list is endless. I also enjoy Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. With so many books in her series, I occasionally choose one of them, which never fails to make me laugh out loud. I prefer physical books to eBooks and rarely listen to audiobooks. The latter, if poorly recorded, irritates me. If well done, the voice soothes me and, sadly, I fall asleep. I love turning the pages of a book, feeling the weight of it in my hands, and even taking in the scent of it. A world without books would mean the end of the world to me. I believe reading has turned me into a good listener. People tend to tell me their life stories and those stories, in nearly every case, have inspired me to create my novels/novellas using a heavy pinch of imagination.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest award-winning novel “Anna’s Shadow” is an example of such a true story, plus heavy imagination. Let me explain: Many years ago, a German friend told me how she met her husband. In the early years of World War II, a young German officer was billeted in her family’s home. A portrait of my friend hung in the family’s living room. The officer was so smitten by her―she was not living in the house at the time of his stay―he vowed that if he survived the war, he would return and ask for her hand in marriage. When I met the officer and my friend many years later here in Ottawa, they were already in their senior years and have since died.

“Anna’s Shadow” isn’t based on the officer’s life. It was his infatuation with a girl in a portrait that served as my inspiration. I’ve sometimes visualized the young officer standing in front of that portrait and falling in love with a pair of blue eyes. It’s as romantic to me as the story of Romeo and Juliet, albeit without the dramatic ending. No wonder when I spotted an article in Oprah Magazine about the Juliet Club in Verona, Italy, where volunteers (Secretaries of Juliet) answer letters received from the broken-hearted, my imagination went into overdrive and, ten months later, I held the book in my hands. So, it’s thanks to my friend and Oprah that I was able to create a dramatic and page-turning novel that is part mystery, part WWII story, part romance, available on Amazon in paperback and eBook.

Kirkus Reviews:
An unusual historical romance set in two time periods.

BookLife Review:
“…The end of World War II is brought to vivid life as McCarthy balances the timelines of Sofia’s 2005 and Luke’s 1945, with storytelling that emphasizes sleuthing and history. Sofia’s own story, of healing and self-discovery, never compels as much as the beautifully narrated tale of Luke and Uwe, Luke’s oldest friend and mentor, which reveals just how unpredictable life can be. Readers will appreciate, though, how McCarthy’s attention to telling detail never slows narrative momentum.”

Literary Titan (5 Stars)
“… Anna’s Shadow stands out for its vivid imagery and compelling setting, particularly appealing to readers who appreciate narratives set in the 20th century. Ingrid McCarthy’s writing style is both engaging and evocative, making her a noteworthy addition to my list of favored romance authors. This book is a testament to the enduring power of love and the complexities of human relationships, making it a worthy read for those who cherish a well-rounded love story.”

From an Amazon Reader (5 Stars)
“I love historical fiction and nonfiction–particularly around the WWII era. This was such a romantic, suspenseful, and hope-filled book. There were so many twists and turns; it was not your average love story. I fell in love with all of the characters and will spend some time missing them. This is one of those books you don’t want to end!”

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Ingrid McCarthy’s Website

Ingrid McCarthy Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Hope Mills

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hi, I’m Hope. I’m Lithuanian-Irish, raised in small towns in both countries. I moved to Dublin about five years ago to study Politics & Sociology; I graduated last year, but haven’t left the city yet, despite the atrocious housing crisis (Ireland is the most expensive country in the European Union to buy/rent a home). I’m currently training to become a therapist, so in three years I might be yours, who knows. I have two pet siblings, a French bulldog Cesar and a tabby cat Macy – I grew up with them, alongside Rex, who passed away in April. I was nine when he came into our lives, and he saved me. So, usually when I’m asked if I have pets, I like to say “I have three pets, but one is in heaven.”

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have had an on-and-off fascination with books my whole life. When I was little, I was obsessed with Egyptology, and I’d go to the library to read up on pyramids and pharaohs. Then it was space, and the Amazon rainforest. As I grew up, I started reading a lot of Tumblr fanfiction, as well as mainstream YA authors like John Green. But I didn’t find my niche until I read darker work – particularly Charles Bukowski’s “Women”, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s “Faust”, and Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment.” The latter two were mandatory reading in my dreary Eastern European school, and as a sad soul myself, I took to them like a moth to a flame. I had my first journal when I was around eight, but I didn’t start taking writing seriously as a pastime until I read those books in my late teens. If you read my author pages, they’ll say “Hope has been writing every day since she was fifteen.” This is approximate, but I did write every day back then as a form of escapism. Now, I sometimes go weeks without writing, until an idea comes to me, and I get lost on Microsoft Word for a few hours. That’s why “The Year of Rejection” took over two years to finish.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I read a lot of memoirs because I’m obsessed with understanding people. I am fascinated by universality and the human condition in general, so any life story I can dig my nails into is for me. In that vein, I’m most inspired by essayists Anaïs Nin and Annie Ernaux for their narrative story-telling. But I find inspiration pretty much everywhere; most recently, I’ve been re-writing my college essays to submit to literary magazines. When I was in undergrad, I would often think that I had written a pretty interesting paper, but no one would ever read it (I’m not sure my professors even read it in full). So, there’s one about how 21st century witchcraft practices correlate with femicide, and another about Middle Eastern subversive sexuality. I also find a lot of inspiration going through the musings of my Notes app, particularly because I kept extensive notes in secondary school.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
A prospective agent described “The Year of Rejection” as “honest and unflinching.” It’s a memoir centring on my trials in 2022, the worst year of my life. Through prose and psychoanalysis, I dig into depression, avoidant attachment, atypical anorexia, grief – an excavation of everything I had been and was going to continue being if I didn’t change. While sinking deeper into the abyss, I ravaged my childhood memories, exhuming my girlhood, parents’ divorce, and continent-wide moves. It started out as a journal I typed when I tired of writing by hand, but throughout two years and two months, a book took shape. The overarching theme didn’t come to me until my best friend Natalia recommended I read “All About Love” by Bell Hooks. I explore themes of straying and returning to love and the self in “The Year of Rejection” in homage to how much that book touched my soul.

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Hope Mills Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Joshua Valentine

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Merced – actually, a fifth generation Mercedian. My second-great grandparents from my mom’s side moved here in the early 1900s from the Azores; my dad’s family’s timeline in the Valley is a bit more mixed, but still broadly Central Valley based. I also received my High School diploma at Merced High School, my AA in Psychology at Merced Community College, and my BA in Psychology & Cognitive Science at UC Merced, which interestingly enough my dad was one of the sheet metal workers that helped build the latter’s library and science building. I currently live in Soquel, which is in the Santa Cruz foothills, while I go to UC Santa Cruz for my PhD program. I also do have a pet cat, a black one with a few spots of white, named Aurora.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been fascinated with the thought of writing a book and actually printing it probably since at least the 3rd grade, but never started actually pursuing writing stories until the summer before the 5th grade. On my dad’s side, my Grandma Jane for as long as I could remember never left the house, and always ordered various items in bulk, as well as QVC items. Just stacks of boxes for her cats to crawl on. Well, near the litter box for her five cats, which was underneath an unused desk, she had a stack of spiral and composition notebooks always in the desk’s cabinet, and I remember one summer day about 10 years ago she was telling my mom and I about a writing contest for kids my age. I got right to writing, and wrote my first ever short story, an adaptation of the Poseiden story featuring a rabbit family in a hybrid rabbit hutch boat. It was a pretty dark story – I think at the end the rabbit daughter intentionally harms herself on the hutch-boat’s propellers. Needless to say, I never submitted the story for some reason, but that summer I wrote several short stories, and continued writing throughout the remainder of elementary and middle school, until I wrote my first self published novel Among Those You Know in the 8th and 9th grade. Never looked back, but also never made money or won anything for any of it (yet).

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
In elementary school, I really like the ‘Series of Unfortunate Events’ books by Lemony Snicket. I read all 13 books in the 5th grade, and actually didn’t read them in order – I started with #6, the Ersatz Elevator, which along with the Reptile Room and the Wide Window are my favorite ones. After reading books 3-6 of Harry Potter in my last year of middle school, we no longer had to read books for Accelerated Reader points, which basically was a school program where you read a book, take a quiz on it, and if you pass with 70% or more, you get points for a grade. Well, when it wasn’t required anymore, I found no interest in reading anymore, especially since we had so much more reading required in Pre-AP, which I didn’t actually read in depth that much, usually just skimmed. So, I didn’t read for leisure time until 2021 – so about 3 years of not reading books at all – when my friend Carly gifted me their heavily doodled copy of Daniel Dennett’s “From Bacteria to Bach and Back: The Evolution of Minds”. I loved it so much, and from them on out I only take interest in reading non-fiction; to me, it’s so much easier to sink your teeth in them without feeling disappointed about the book ending. You learn so much information about niche areas of research/events that you can revisit every time, and learn something different. My favorite non-fiction genres include parapsychology/mainstream psychology, auto/biographies, and stuff of that nature. I really like Gina Rippon’s “Gender and Our Brains”, and recently I finished and really enjoyed Kai Bird’s biography on Jimmy Carter’s presidency. The only author I currently enjoy reading more than one book from is Bob Woodward, who was one of the original investigative journalists who uncovered the Watergate Scandal of the Nixon Administration. I really liked Peril, which I read a couple of months before the recent election, and am now reading War. It’ll be interesting if I ever revisit the first two books for his series on Trump’s first term. Also, I’d say it’s more so musicians/lyricists that inspire my writings. I’d have to credit Lady Gaga and Deee-Lite for inspiring my writing, in addition to the fashion component of my author personality. Lady Gaga for kind of the multi-faceted approach I take to expressing a single idea (fashion + literature + politics), and Deee-Lite for inspiring me to treat writing a story as also making a point, and a call to action for political change.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Somebody’s Dilemma is my recent book, which was actually first inspired by the book that got me out of my 3-year long reading dryspell. It’s a book about a person that is raised by a robotic mother in a dystopian future where most humans are extinct, except for the humans artificially raised by exploratory robots across the planet. He’s emotionally abused/neglected by the robot, and eventually when he’s abandoned by the mother for not meeting what the mother was programmed to consider a biological milestone, he runs away and is eventually kidnapped by a nomadic tribe of humans, who don’t speak English or any language he could potentially be familiar with. All of this happens as he is straddled with questions about what it means to be a human when your most important example of a human being isn’t even natural, and also if you can possibly miss something you’ve never had or experienced before.

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Joshua Valentine’s Website

Joshua Valentine Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Mia. MP

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a Cuban writer, poet, and photographer based in the USA, where I blend visual arts and storytelling in my work. I hold a degree in Communication Sciences and a postgraduate degree in Education.
I grew up in Cuba, an island rich in cultural and social diversity. From a young age, I was immersed in the vibrant rhythms of Caribbean music, the warmth of my Spanish and African heritage, and the traditions passed down by my grandparents. They taught me to read when I was just four years old, and from that moment, I’ve never gone a day without reading. Their love and wisdom, combined with the multicultural environment I was raised in, deeply influenced my worldview and continue to shape my writing.
Since relocating to Florida in 2011, I’ve exhibited my photography and writing documentary project at the NPTI Gallery and the Coral Gables Museum. In 2021, I held a solo exhibition, “Havana: The Gift of Diversity,” which included an essay and poems about Havana. This work was also published in a book by Gallery TEN in Tokyo, where the exhibition took place.
I am also an animal lover. I had a dog who sadly passed away, and I haven’t yet been strong enough to welcome another into my life. The bond I shared with my dog was special, and while I miss that companionship, I know that in time, I may be ready to embrace another pet.
In addition to my creative work, I teach in Miami, where I inspire my students with a philosophy of lifelong learning and creativity.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Since I was a little girl, my grandparents taught me to read and write, sparking my lifelong fascination with books. When I started school, writing and literature became my favorite subjects. My teachers encouraged me to develop my writing skills, guiding me to create essays, poems, and stories for my classwork.

As I grew older, I began participating in literary workshops and joining reading and writing groups. I consider myself fortunate to come from a homeland rich in extraordinary authors and poets, with multicultural roots that have greatly influenced my writing style. I learned from them and from my family how to write in various poetic forms, including the Spanish décima, sonnets, and ballads.

Since 2003, I have been publishing poetry, stories, and articles. I’ve collaborated with renowned international magazines such as EYE-Photo Magazine, Shades of Grey, Vogue, Azahar (Spain), and Nagari (Miami). When I moved to the USA, I began writing in English as well, so my books are published in both English and Spanish. I am proud to have published two poetry books, with more on the way.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors span a wide range of genres, reflecting my diverse literary interests. I’ve always been drawn to the haunting atmospheres of Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King; whose mastery of suspense and psychological depth greatly influence my own writing. I also admire the evocative poetry of Sylvia Plath and Emily Dickinson, whose works are rich in emotion and introspection, often exploring themes of identity and the complexities of the human condition.
As a bilingual writer, I am deeply inspired by Latin American authors such as Jorge Luis Borges, César Vallejo, and Dulce María Loynaz. Their exploration of identity, memory, and the interplay of language and culture has greatly shaped my own approach to storytelling, especially as I navigate both English and Spanish in my writing.
Ultimately, my inspiration comes from the works of these authors as well as from my own experiences and cultural heritage. I am constantly seeking new ways to blend visual art and writing, and I draw inspiration from the world around me—whether it’s through the lens of a camera or the rhythm of a poem.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is At the Same Time, the first in my Inner Journey series. This book combines poetry and fine art photography, creating a multisensory experience centered on healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. The inspiration for this work comes from my own journey of emotional and spiritual transformation. I wanted to share the insights and growth I’ve experienced, while also providing a space for readers to reflect on their own paths toward peace and renewal.

By merging poetry with photography, I aimed to foster a deeper emotional connection, offering readers a unique way to engage with themes like resilience, the passage of time, and self-empowerment. It’s a celebration of art’s transformative power and the healing that arises from embracing both the light and dark aspects of our personal journeys. The photographs were intentionally crafted to complement the verses, enhancing themes like letting go, finding inner peace, resilience, and growth. In this way, the book invites readers to embark on a multisensory journey of healing and self-discovery.

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Mia. MP’s Website

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Featured Interview With Stephen R Harlow

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born I West Virginia; we moved a couple of times when I was younger. We started out living in the country, then we moved to the city when I was 9, it was more of a small town than a city. Then we moved out into the country again, but in a different location, but all moves were in state and I still live here.
I do have a dog, black lab named Zorro; consequently, I would constantly address him as Mr. Puppy so he responds better to ‘Mister.’
It’s kind of weird though, he acts like a child: if I say Zorro he comes immediately because I never use his actual name.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I noticed my fascination with stories at a super young age. You know, my paternal grandfather would tell me stories all the time. On the other side, my maternal grandmother would read us stories all the time, she had a library of books back then, or so it seemed, anyway.
She used to also have us call the library: there was automated line where a pre-recorded voice would tell you a story. So, I got into stories at a young age. Fast forward to when I was 9 years old; I started writing my fiest stories after seeing how much my dad loved audio books. I would write little 4 page stories in a word app on our computer, and then record them onto blank tapes with me reading them.
It’s actually kind of funny to think back on because when I was in grade school, I was in slow learning classes for reading from kindergarten to 3rd grade. By the time I got to 7th grade, my reading teacher told me I was reading at a 10th grade level and then the next year, in 8th grade, my teacher and her assistant told me that I was reading at a college level.
So, I really owe a lot to that teacher that took the time to help me out from K-3rd grade. Her name was Mrs. Bennet, I never have known what her first name was.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
There are so many authors! 😂
Geez, there’s always a tough question and this is it. More or less I’m wondering how to do this and not be so long winded.
Louis L’Amour would be first, then James Axler, I’ve read some James Patterson before, Mercedes Lackey is a new one that I just kind of started… just really started reading her books but she’s awesome. I read the whole Harry Potter series as a child as well, those were actually some of the first novels I read.
Oh! I just remembered! I have to mention this one before I forget about it again! Loyd Alexander! I owe so much to that author for making reading fun for me. Honest to God, the very first novel I ever read was Time Cat, which he wrote, and that story still plays a big role in inspiring my writing, and inspiring me to write.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is called ‘The Immortals.’ This is an awesome book on the western genre, it has its shootouts and action, drama, suspense: basically every aspect that makes a good story is in this novel.
It’s actually available for pre-order on Barnes&Noble, right now and releases on the 31st December 2024.
I had so much fun writing this book, honestly I was watching a ton of westerns at the time, mostly John Wayne movies: I used to watch the movie ‘The Searchers’ every single night for about 3 months. But the final inspiration for it was when I was playing Red Dead Redemption on Xbox One and I was wishing that I could be in that universe, so I went and wrote a western. A lot of my books are like that, it’s literally just me playing pretend in my mind and then writing it all down in Microsoft Word.

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Stephen R Harlow’s Website

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Featured Interview With val toledo

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hi, as you know I am an author of the upward spiral series of books, that are a reflection of my own journey of transformation and empowerment. I was born in SA to Italian parents first generation, am a twin and lived in SA for most of my life. I have currently moved to Cyprus an Island near Greece.
My childhood was one of many challenges, my mother died when I was 7 and my father when I was 14. Left with the “wicked stepmother” led me on a journey of finding myself, living in my truth and embracing motherhood with great passion as I had missed out on my own. I have a beautiful Russian Princess cat, and she is a true ‘goddess.’

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Weirdly I never planned to write a book and even had no desire to write. I was as a child an avid reader and always took solace in my quiet days of reading. I spent most of my life empowering people through my education background as a teacher which developed into training and upgrading the mass workforce in the time of apartheid before Mandela was released. This led me into corporate training and strategies as well as interventions such as culture change and programmes for employees mental well being. It was this journey that took me into discovering how unhappy and misaligned many companies were, particularly in their leadership, who ‘infected’ the entire workforce. It was here that I had a driving passion to share both my corporate journeys and insight into how a wounded and damaged individual could effect their environment and all who met with them. This was the birth of the upward spiral which was written purely intuitively and channelled by guided information.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I mostly read non fiction, any books about life, philosophy and spiritual awakenings. Gregg Braden, Deepak Chopra, Alan watts, Carolynn Myss are but a few of the authors I love. I love books about how to improve your life, how to heal, and how to be in your power and operate from a place of courage rather then fear and anger.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Frequency Alchemy Diary takes the reader on a journey of daily alignment and conscious observation. It challenges the reader to set intentions for their year and self evaluate themselves. This leads to great growth and discovering hidden potential. It unconsciously helps them rewire their negative patterns and in doing this they raise their frequency and vibration. By the end of the year they will certainly be more balanced and aligned individuals.

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val toledo’s Website

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Featured Interview With Kerry ONeal

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in 1953 to Italian and Irish parents and raised in northern Illinois with my sister. My Dad was a concert pianist, an artist, a dancer, and a writer who owned two dance studios and taught various dancing techniques and piano. Living in Florida from 2004 to 2021, I worked from home with my recruiting agency, OCSolutions. After relocating to Illinois to be closer to my two daughters and four grandkids, I bought a house in my hometown and met my current girlfriend, Lisa. We have a dog, Jazz, and 4 cats, Callie, Gypsy, Vino, and Bingo.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I completed my first two books, children’s illustrated stories and a company in Colorado published them in 2006. After my Mom succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease, I wrote my first short story, 21 pages long, and dedicated to Mom’s memory. Since writing my first story, which took only one day, I haven’t stopped writing, and I have now published seventeen books in every genre. Recently, I published my first non-fiction book, Living with Alzheimer’s – A Spiritual Journey. It’s a book about being a caregiver for my Mom during her last years with Alzheimer’s and researched information I found to give hope to others struggling with the disease or as a caregiver. After being released on November 15th, 2024, it’s received 36 reviews on Amazon.com & reviews in Italy, etc.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Ann Rice, Stephen King, Dean Koonce, Micheal Crichton. The unexplained, paranormal, inspirational, gothic horror, and science fiction horror. I guess my late Dad inspired me originally, but after Mom died in 2013, her presence is always with me.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I’m writing two books, which I always do so that I won’t get writer’s block; go to the other story I’m writing. My latest book contains several ghost stories called Presence, and my other book is going to be a love story called, The Best Year of My Life – A Love Story.

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Kerry ONeal’s Website

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Featured Interview With Taylor Sorensen

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a fun-loving, passionate Christ-follower in my early 20’s. I got recently married to my beautiful wife, Sharon, in September of 2024. I enjoy watching fantasy and superhero movies, listening to Christian music and epic/techno soundtracks, being with my friends and family at church, and of course, writing fantasy stories! I was born in Texas, but lived most of my life in the town of Duncan, Oklahoma. My wife and I now live in Moore, Oklahoma. Currently, we do not own any pets, but I have grown up having multiple dogs, cats, chickens, and fish over the years.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I think I always had a knack for writing, though I don’t think I realized it until I was about 10-13. As some people are more naturally bent towards math or science, English and writing was more of my thing. I have a very active imagination, and I enjoy conveying those thoughts through prose. I also love how Jesus, when He was on Earth, used parables to illustrate certain truths. If that was acceptable and beneficial to Him, then I want to use that tool as well. I wrote my first story when I was about 10 years old. I had this idea of making up stories where my brothers, cousins, and I were spies sent to stop bad guys and gangs. I made 3 such stories, which were fun, but far from publish-worthy.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My all-time favorite genre is fantasy. I love the medieval aspect of most fantasy stories and the battles and action that can be portrayed within that genre. My top 3 authors would probably be C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Frank Peretti, all of whom wrote about their views of Christ and how to live in our relationships with Him. Lewis’s Narnia series and his nonfiction works, such as “Mere Christianity” have grown my faith a lot and inspired me in describing my beliefs and values through story. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” I have loved since I first read it, because of the richness and depth of the characters, history, and cultures of Middle Earth. I wanted to make fictional worlds with that kind of intention. Peretti’s “This Present Darkness” and its sequel are more thrillers than they are fantasy, but they show how intense and real the unseen, angelic, spiritual realm is. It also illustrates Christians’ part to play in the unseen war, which is very real. This last book is lesser known, but I’d highly recommend it.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is the second installment of the Envoys in the Multiverse series, entitled “A World at Risk”. In it, the characters described in the first book continue to learn what it’s like to be Envoys of Nazir the Vine, who is proven to be the sovereign king over every world in the multiverse. These Envoys go out to several worlds in this book, engaging wizards, fighting battles, growing their team, and trying to prevent a war that could end an entire universe. All the while, they must focus on the Vine’s love and instructions while grappling with a whole other multiversal army, the Self-Worthy, who are bent by their own, twisted agenda. Our heroes must trust the Vine with their all, or else watch an entire world crumble.

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Featured Interview With Roderick Edwards

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Adoptee in reunion with birth family after age 50. This experience has had a profound influence on my writing. I live in the Ocala Forest, a 450,000 acre forest in Central Florida and raise chickens and ducks and grow exotic plants. This environment brings the peace I need to write the multi-genre books I produce.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always written stories since I could first put pen to page. I used to have loads of spiral-bound books with short stories in them.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Isaac Asimov and oddly enough, Nostradamus are my favorite writers and hopefully can be seen through my writing. Mortality above all else inspires me to write and write with intent and purpose.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Decedent is different than most of my books as it is my first where I sort of write to market. This means, I’m purposely trying to write what is popular. However I try not to compromise my author principles. The Decedent is a fictional whodunit with character rich development and all the twists and turns you’d expect from a mystery thriller.

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Featured Interview With Danielle Spencer

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Washington, DC and was raised in Prince Georges (PG) County MD; I live there now without any pets. Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of faith, community, education and accountability. My father was a union shop steward and was active in the NAACP. From a very young age, not only was I taught to have a strong ethical and moral compass but, I was also involved in helping people fight for their rights.

I am the first generation in my family to graduate from college. I have a BS in Medical and Research Technology and two Master’s degrees, one in Information Systems and one in Business Administration. For the most part, my life has been very uneventful. However, that all changed in 2017, when I became a whistleblower against the federal government. While I can credit my educational background for giving me the knowledge to know that technologies and resources were being misused, it was my upbringing that gave me the courage to be a whistleblower. My upbringing gave me the unwavering belief and passion for doing and standing up for truth and justice.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My parents instilled a love of reading in me at a young age. Not only where we frequent users of our public library, but we also participated in book drives throughout grade school, middle school and high school.

I started writing late in life, at the age of 49. I never thought of myself as a writer and didn’t have any aspirations to become one. However, in 2022, there were two incidents where fake documents were created: a fabricated traffic ticket and a title report with false information. I believe that these incidents were related to me being a whistleblower and were attempts to instill fear and to make me seem financially compromised. After these two incidents, I became concerned that more falsified documents or events were coming, in an effort to either cause me financial harm, damage my credibility, or to make me appear to be a criminal. Therefore, I worked on writing a book to document my whistleblower experiences.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Since 2017, I haven’t had the luxury to do any pleasure reading. Prior to then, I loved reading thriller, crime drama or romance novels. Two of favorite writers are Mary Higgins Clark and Danielle Steele; I think I have read everything both of them have written. I’ve read works by quite a few other authors, but those are the only two authors that I purposely sought out.

My support circle, especially my parents inspire my writings. When I became a whistleblower, not only do I believe that I was affected but, so was my support circle – to include my parents, siblings, friends and co-workers, with my parents being impacted the worse. It was heartbreaking to see them experience what I believe was whistleblower retaliation because they are related to me. However, they never wavered; they continued to support me and encourage me to both find my voice and to continue to fight the injustice. Having that support inspires me to continue writing and to continue sharing my story and experiences.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is called “Protecting Yourself: How Data Theft Can Impact You.” It is a nonfiction book that explains one of the themes covered in my Digital Assassins book series, Data Theft. In this book, I educate and bring awareness to the concept of Data Theft. People who read the book will learn what Data Theft is, why people commit Data Theft, how Data Theft can impact their life, and practical and easy-to-follow tips to protect themselves from Data Theft. I also provide examples, using screenshots of documents and text messages of when I believe I was the victim of Data Theft.

I believe this book is important because cybercrime is rising, data breaches are becoming more frequent and because governments have unprecedented access to and use of our data, to include knowledge of where any of us are at any given moment using cell phone location data. Therefore, I believe that understanding how to protect our privacy is no longer optional—it’s essential. Our personal data holds immense value, not just to us but to hackers, advertisers, organizations and governments. I believe this book equips its readers with the knowledge and tools to fight back, to take control of their privacy before it’s too late.

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Danielle Spencer’s Website

Featured Interview With Alan Draven

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m very tall, lanky, and I was a bear in a past life. English is my second language, French is my first. I live in beautiful Québec City, Canada, but I spent a good 98% of my life living in Montreal, having been born and raised there. I’ve been writing with the goal of publishing some books for nearly twenty years, mainly in the horror genre. My latest book, AMOK THE POWERFUL, which saw the light of day on November 26th, is my first foray into the Sword & Sorcery genre.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was mostly fascinated with comic books at a young age, probably as early as 5 or 6. That’s how I discovered the craft of storytelling. I got into books big time in my teens, around age 13. I started writing outside of school for pleasure around the age of 16. It was comic book type stuff, adventure stories, a little bit of sci-fi. Eventually I got into horror and began writing more seriously, novel-length stories, in my thirties.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Novelists: Robert E. Howard, H.P. Lovecraft, David Morrell, Stephen King, Robert Bloch, Richard Laymon, Philip K. Dick, Dean Koontz, and Donald E. Westlake.

Comic book writers: Stan Lee, Chris Claremont, Roy Thomas, John Byrne, Frank Miller, Peter David, and Michael Fleisher.

I love reading in the horror, thriller, sci-fi, and sword & sorcery genres.

H.P. Lovecraft and Robert Bloch were huge influences for me when I used to write horror and Robert E. Howard’s Conan is my main influence writing in the Sword & Sorcery genre.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
AMOK THE POWERFUL is a throwback to the Sword & Sorcery tales of the ’70s & ’80s. It’s both a novel and a short story collection as it features eight interconnected episodes that as a whole form Amok’s quest as he seeks answers about his forgotten past. He’s a young barbarian heading west toward the province of Atlantia with his friend Goyiir, a sorceress, as they make their way through a plethora of obstacles like ninjas, specters, giant spiders, and even aliens. It spans a full year in his life and it’s set against a backdrop of the cycle of seasons. Will Amok and his friends survive the many perils to face the nearly-indomitable evil of Atlantia’s tyrannical ruler, the Harbinger of Doom?

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Featured Interview With Trina Kennedy

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hello! My name is Trina Kennedy, and I am 52 years young, living in Blackfalds, Alberta, Canada. I am a social worker, author, trainer, speaker and women centered coach with over 30 years of experience. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 28 incredible years, and we are the proud parents of two amazing children, Tayler, 26, and Keaton, 24, who both live just a short 1.5-hour drive away in Calgary.
I have spent the last 30 years as a social worker, where I’ve had the profound privilege of walking alongside many individuals on their healing journeys. There is no greater honor than creating a safe space where people feel seen, heard, and understood. I truly believe that once someone feels safe to share their story, healing begins.
Beyond my career, I am passionate about fitness and the outdoors. One of my favorite pastimes is hiking in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, which are just a few hours away. I also enjoy playing pickleball, working in my yard, and spending quality time with my incredible tribe of friends and family.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Growing up, I wasn’t a big reader, but I did love writing short stories in English class. My fascination with books truly developed when I got into college, where I discovered a passion for non-fiction, self-help, and psychology books. I absolutely love learning and feel that if I’m not learning something new, I’m not using my time effectively. Even when watching TV, I gravitate toward documentaries because they feed my curiosity.

As for writing, aside from assignments in college and university, my first experience writing for others was a parenting column I contributed to our local paper for a year. That opportunity allowed me to share insights and connect with readers, sparking my deeper interest in writing for an audience.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I primarily read nonfiction, as I am constantly seeking to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. I am fascinated by trauma—not just my own, but the broader understanding of how it works and how we can help ourselves and others heal. One of the most influential authors for me has been Brené Brown. I own all of her books, but “The Gifts of Imperfection” was particularly life-changing. It helped me confront my trauma response of perfectionism, and I can now proudly say that I am a perfectionist in recovery, thanks to her insights and my own hard work.
In addition to Brené Brown, I am greatly influenced by the works of Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. Stuart Shanker, and Daniel Siegel. Their books have been invaluable to me, both personally and professionally, offering profound insights into the human mind and the healing process.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between, is a deeply personal and empowering journey that explores the impact of unresolved trauma and the transformative power of healing. It weaves together my own experiences with insights I’ve gained from over 30 years of working in human services, helping others navigate their pain and discover their resilience.

The book is divided into three parts: my struggles with trauma, how unresolved pain shaped my life, and the healing journey that allowed me to step into my greatness. It’s not just my story—it’s a guide for anyone who feels held back by their past and wants to move forward into a life of purpose and fulfillment.

I wrote this book to inspire others to face their own challenges, recognize their inner strength, and embrace the greatness within. It’s available on Amazon in eBook and paperback formats, with plans for an audiobook in the future. A portion of the proceeds also supports mental health organizations, as giving back is a key part of my mission.

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Featured Interview With RM Howe

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My birth place was the English Lake District. Very beautiful – full of mountains and lakes. Also very touristy because of this but I still love it. I live within the area but lived in London for twenty five years. The fast pace of life was a contrast which is wonderful with all the variety of theatres, clubs, museums, art galleries. Best of both worlds.
I have always had pets even in London. Dogs and cats. I have currently got a Border Collie Rosie.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was an avid reader as soon as I could read. My mother and aunt wrote books for a living so I read all theirs. This is where my passion started. I am in a family of authors.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
CM Beaton – Agatha Raisin series. Comedy, murder mystery with fabulous characters that really stand out. After this, any Jeffrey Archer book. For pure escapism Ian Fleming’s James Bond.
It’s definitely the CM Beaton books who inspires me because my style is similar though in its infancy.
My general genre is adventure murder mystery but I can divert to most detective novels, especially historic ones like Cadfael by Edith Pargeter and the Railway Detective series by Edward Marston. However, a slight departure is Jonas Jonasson with The Hundred – Year – Old Man Who Stepped Out of The Window and Disappeared. The comedy is side splitting and the adventure unique,

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I love foreign backgrounds combined with intrigue, mystery, mayhem and murder and my book contains all of this plus smuggling, art theft and comedy. Strong opposing characters in the two heroines provide tension, amusement and suspense when the reader can wonder how the serious matters are dealt with in their totally different ways. Success is guaranteed along with large measures of happiness. A feel good book. More of this on – rmhowebooks.com

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