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Top Selling Authors: Get To Know Them Better

This is a list of our featured author interviews. These authors take a few minutes out of their busy schedule to sit down and answer a few questions. Get to know what they are working on next and what types of books they like to read.

Featured Author Hope Mills

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.

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

Hope Mills Facebook Page

Featured Author Joshua Valentine

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.

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

Joshua Valentine’s Website

Joshua Valentine Twitter Account

Featured Author Mia. MP

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

Mia. MP Facebook Page

Featured Author Stephen R Harlow

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.

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

Stephen R Harlow’s Website

Stephen R Harlow Facebook Page

Featured Author val toledo

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

val toledo Facebook Page

Featured Author Kerry ONeal

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

Kerry ONeal Facebook Page

Featured Author Taylor Sorensen

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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Taylor Sorensen Facebook Page

Featured Author Roderick Edwards

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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Roderick Edwards’s Website

Roderick Edwards Twitter Account

Featured Author Danielle Spencer

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.

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

Danielle Spencer’s Website

Featured Author Alan Draven

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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Alan Draven’s Website

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Featured Author Trina Kennedy

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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Trina Kennedy’s Website

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Featured Author RM Howe

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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RM Howe Facebook Page

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Featured Author Siobhan Chirico

Featured Interview With Siobhan Chirico

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My name is Siobhan. I am a child and family therapist, a mom, a wife, and, most recently, an author. I live and work in Burlington, ON, with my husband, two teenage sons, and our beloved dog, Tessa. I grew up in St. Catharines, ON, with my mom, dad and two sisters. I am the middle child! I am a proud first-generation Canadian. Both of my parents were born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland. They immigrated the day after their wedding in March 1973- what a surprise to them to find Toronto covered in snow!!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always loved to read and to write. Books were held in high regard in my home growing up. My parents believed that reading and learning were keys to success and fulfillment. My parents were not able to attend university, and I became the first one in my family to attend. I was amazed when I got to school and started reading all the books that the professors listed. I had always read fiction, and the university opened my world to the value of non-fiction! I started writing fiction in grade school and non-fiction, with more academic-themed pieces in undergrad. My new non-fiction book is a blend of all the skills I have been honing.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I usually have one fiction and a non-fiction book on the go. I love to read Lisa Genova and Liane Moriarity. For non-fiction, I love to read about psychology and human behaviour. Brene Brown and Gabor Mate are some of my favourites. My clients inspire my writing. Working with children and families in crisis is a true privilege. I am in awe of the resilience, grace, and love I witness daily in my work. I also know many constraints exist for families seeking help and support in challenging times. I began writing a book as a resource to support my clients, and it has grown into a book that is truly accessible to all families.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
This book is a guided picture book for parents, caregivers, and educators. Its goal is to offer specific things to THINK, DO, and SAY to create and maintain a peaceful space—even when the tablet hits the fan. This book allows adults to have feelings, make mistakes and try again and again. It’s easy to read and follow and can be used as a resource whenever you encounter a crisis!

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Siobhan Chirico’s Website

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Featured Author Vera Bell

Featured Interview With Vera Bell

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a former graphic designer turned author. I’ve always been drawn to the art of storytelling, whether through visuals or words. Although I grew up mostly in California, I call Georgia home, where I live with my husband, two teenagers, and our miniature schnoodle, Fiona—who is more personality than size. My favorite place to write is on my porch, where I can soak in the serene view of a pond framed by river birches and magnolias. It’s the perfect backdrop for diving into bygone eras, exploring our universal human condition, and weaving tales of love that transcend time and space. Writing, for me, is a way to connect with the timeless, the deeply human, and the divine, and I feel so grateful to share that journey with my readers.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Like many avid readers, my journey began as soon as I learned to read. I devoured fairy tales, Greek mythology, and later, fantasy, action, and adventure. As a kid, I was constantly reimagining the stories I read, creating alternate endings and new plotlines. Around ten, I started writing them down—little stories, poems, and even a few illustrated tales. My first attempt at writing came after reading a beautifully illustrated version of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” It wasn’t the sanitized Disney version, but the dark Brothers Grimm folk tale with its deadly corset, poisonous apple, and iron shoes for the queen. I was so inspired, I wrote my own Snow White fanfiction, illustrated it, and gave it to my mom as a birthday gift.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’m very much a mood reader, and my tastes range widely—from romance to thrillers to literary fiction. That said, I’m especially drawn to historical fiction, regardless of the genre. There is something about a story that’s both well-written and deeply rooted in research that feels like stepping into another world, and I can never resist that. My all-time favorite author is Donna Tartt. Her storytelling is both immersive and exquisitely crafted. I also admire Diana Gabaldon for her ability to blend history, romance, and adventure so seamlessly, and Edith Wharton for her sharp insight into human nature. Angela Carter’s dark, magical prose is another favorite—she challenges me to see familiar stories in a new light.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
“Beneath the Shadow of Time” is the thrilling conclusion to the “Always and Forever” trilogy. Like the first two books, it spans two timelines: 1566 Ireland, where Aedan and Neave fight for freedom amid betrayal and heartbreak, and present-day Miami, where Ryan’s dangerous new case puts him in grave danger. As shadows from the distant past close in, Ryan must fulfill a sacred vow to protect their love across lifetimes. But with time running out, can he break the cycle of tragedy, or are they destined to lose each other once again? If you love time travel, suspense, and a love story that transcends time, this riveting finale is for you!

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Vera Bell’s Website

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Featured Author Deann Scott

Featured Interview With Deann Scott

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in the beautiful island of Grenada in the Caribbean, surrounded by its vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery. Currently, I’m living in the United States temporarily as I work on expanding my creative projects.

Oh yes, I love pets—particularly cats. I think cats are natural romantics; the way they love so freely and without judgment is truly inspiring. Sure, they have their moods, but they bring such unmistakable love and warmth into your life. Honestly, I think they deserve a bigger role in romance writing! Their mysterious yet affectionate nature would make them perfect companions or even subtle matchmakers in romantic stories.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been fascinated with books for as long as I can remember, but it was during my teenage years that I started experimenting with writing. I began with poems and songs, letting my emotions and imagination take shape through words. From there, I moved on to creating short stories, which I wrote just for practice and fun. Those early experiments helped me discover my love for storytelling and laid the foundation for the writer I am today.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
One of my favorite authors to read is Enid Blyton. Her books, especially Well Really, Mr. Twiddle! and others in the series, were a big part of my childhood and sparked my love for storytelling. As for genres, I enjoy reading romance and fantasy—they’re my favorites because they let me explore both deep emotions and imaginative worlds.

When it comes to inspiration, I would probably say my family. Their love, experiences, and unwavering support fuel my creativity and motivate me to tell stories that resonate with readers on a personal level. Writing is my way of reflecting the beauty and challenges of life, much of which comes from the bonds I’ve been fortunate to share with my family.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, Beauty Waiting in the Shadows, is more than just a love story—it’s a journey of resilience, faith, and the search for true connection. It took me about six months to bring this story to life, pouring my heart into every word to capture the emotional highs and lows of falling in love.

The novel follows Lisa, a strong yet vulnerable woman who has locked her heart to love after years of pain. She’s determined to find beauty in life’s challenges, but her faith is tested when she meets Don, a man struggling with his own emotional wounds. Their connection is undeniable, but their path to happiness is far from easy. Together, they must navigate workplace restrictions, the baggage of past relationships, and the haunting fears of opening up to love again.

What makes this story special is its focus on the power of faith and the beauty of second chances. Lisa’s journey is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there’s light waiting to be found. Readers will find themselves laughing, crying, and rooting for these characters as they face their struggles and embrace the possibility of love.

If you’re someone who enjoys heartfelt romance with real emotional depth, Beauty Waiting in the Shadows is for you. It’s a story that will touch your soul and leave you believing in the magic of love, faith, and resilience.

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Deann Scott’s Website

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Featured Author Asha Nyr

Featured Interview With Asha Nyr

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Marin County, and though I am very open about my history, it’s a difficult topic to discuss. Having survived sexual assault, psychological abuse, and physical abuse, I developed PTSD, and as soon as I could go to college, I left my hometown as quickly as possible.

At first, I wanted to be a marine biologist, having a great love for animals and being fascinated by the mysteries of the deep, but I ended up switching to art with a minor in electronic music. It was my stronger suit, having illustrated since I was a child and written music since hitting my teen years. I worked hard and ended up being valedictorian at my second college for animation and visual effects.

My career didn’t progress how I’d expected, as it often doesn’t. I sold my soul to a tech giant for a while to pay the bills, but then I became disabled from worsening POTS and hEDS—genetic conditions—and lost my job. I couldn’t work anymore. I’m in the San Francisco Bay Area now, trying to restart my life.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
October 10, 2021, was the date I started writing my first book, The Mistake and the Lycan King. I’d been in therapy for years, chipping away at my PTSD, major depression, and anxiety disorder. When trauma started making it hard to leave my apartment, I took to writing as an attempt at exposure therapy.

Exposure therapy is gradually exposing yourself to the element of your trauma. Since my trauma was not, let’s say, a fear of dogs where I could slowly approach a dog over time, I tried writing for the first time in my life. Putting characters through traumatic events and taking them through an adventure that provoked healing offered me a chance to follow along, understand myself better, and desensitize myself to intimacy, invalidation, and other topics that challenge my mental health.

I’ve never stopped.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’m not caught up on current novels because I have a habit of rereading my favorites, which were predominantly Sabriel by Garth Nix, The Belgariad epic by David Eddings, and the Xanth series by Piers Anthony. I think, due to rereading, each ended up contributing to my writing style.

Garth Nix inspired the concept of merging a little horror into fantasy, something I’d never considered before then, and allowed me to better push my boundaries. The Belgariad inspired me to write elaborate lore however I dreamed it and had me appreciating personality diversity. I fell in love with the characters. Piers Anthony had me falling in love with humor and how it could enhance the experience with levity. I felt like he permitted me to use puns, a type of humor that has people groaning… but not my readers! They eat that stuff up, and nothing feels better than making a reader laugh uncontrollably.

All combined, in my novels, the humor balances out the darkness, and the world is rich with lore and diverse personalities.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I’ve written twelve novels so far across two different series, but I’ve only published three of them so far. It’s just taking time to get them all professionally edited and designed. The latest is The Packless and the Fae Prince, which brings back beloved characters from the first book.

Externally, it’s about fated mates, one being a wolf-shifter from a remote pack, the other being a fae prince from another realm. When Hekla is forced to move into the Realm of the Fae, she struggles to adapt to their lifestyle. Her status as Belenus’s soulmate is rejected by the queen, who forces him into an engagement he doesn’t want, and the rest of the book follows the struggle of escaping both that and a tyrannical rule.

But to me? The book is about escaping the bubble of a warped reality. It mirrors how I felt when I went off to college, learning that the rules I grew up with weren’t healthy or the standard. The world felt bigger after that, seeing happy or content relationships. It brought me to my knees. I still suffer though, looking to build that for myself, and the book helped me find ways to cope with that pain.

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Asha Nyr’s Website

Asha Nyr Facebook Page

Asha Nyr Twitter Account

Featured Author Tammy Aiken

Featured Interview With Tammy Aiken

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Northampton, Massachusetts. I have lived in South Deerfield Massachusetts most of my life before moving to Montague. I love nature I love walking, love horses and love singing my favorite Holiday is Christmas. I am a farm girl hung around on my grandparent’s farm growing up loved everything about farming. I have written 12 books.
I am an author from Turners Falls Massachusetts. I was featured on Mass Appeal to promote my cookbooks. Received my diploma April 7, 2002 through Thomas Education Direct for Catering & Gourmet cooking. I was featured in Wordsmith magazine US writing articles.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Age 21 I really wanted to be an author later on in years I started to create gluten free cookbooks to help kids with celiac disease to have a safe desserts.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Alex Guarnaschelli
gluten free cookbooks to read or older cookbooks
kids with celiac disease inspires me to write

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Kids gluten free Christmas cookbook there is Christmas recipes for kids to make and have fun making.
There is easy recipes like bars, pie, and cupcakes and more. This cookbook with bring out your child”s creative side out in the kitchen.

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Tammy Aiken Facebook Page

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Featured Author Marjorie Kaye Noble

Featured Interview With Marjorie Kaye Noble

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
During my childhood I zig-zagged. I was born in California. My parents moved to Tennessee, then Kentucky and returned to California when I was fourteen. When I was sixteen, my mother died of cancer at age 36, leaving me and my four younger siblings to cope with a sadly overwhelmed father. After high school, I worked and went to school and after almost seven years, I graduated from UCLA (theater major). I was an actress for a split second until I moved to Reno and raised children. In Reno, I started a locations casting company, and then I moved back to LA to work as a casting director. After that, I became an English teacher, the biggest challenge yet. Seeing donated boxes of YA novels, I decided to give writing a try. How hard can it be? Incredibly hard. Still, I started with a story about one of my great uncles, a prisoner in 1930’s Ohio. He escaped right before the prison burned down, killing almost all the inmates. My story depicts a prison fire, but ends on Christmas Eve in 2004 as mall rats fight demons in a burning shopping mall. Now I live in Northern California with Arthur, a tuxedo cat, Henry, a fierce chihuahua and my husband, Daniel Oldis, also a writer. Currently, I’m finishing my second sci fi novel. a sequel to my novel, Babylon Dreams which takes place in an after death VR world..

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
When I was nine I read The Black Stallion. I loved it. For a while, I wanted to be a horse. That didn’t work out, but reading did. When I was twelve, I lived in a small town in Kentucky. Every week, I’d go to the library and check out books. There are so many I remember. Heinlein’s Have Spacesuit Will Travel, a book on the Longs of Louisiana, and I read Charles Dickens. I love his humor and insight. My mother read constantly. I remember her reading James Michener’s Hawaii, another author whose work I love. I started writing in mid-life when I began teaching. Writing became my vacation.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend novels, Jeff Vandermeer’s Southern Reach Trilogy are two. Science fiction that explores what it means to be human.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Dark Side of Dreams is a sequel to my speculative science fiction novel, Babylon Dreams. Both take place in the near future (22nd century and 23rd), when mind uploading has created, a new industry–the after-death destinations programs. The first book focuses on Gunter Holden, a ruthless businessman and creator of Bali Hai, an after-death custom paradise. Sixty years after his suicide, Gunter is bored and desperate. There are rumors of a company merger, something that alarms him. His file is beginning to fragment which causes him to relive moments best forgotten. On the advice of Miranda, the Bali Hai AI, he tells his life story to Tom, a new Bali Hai resident. The mergers happen anyway, and Gunter tries to protect the virtual people of Bali Hai. Still, as the paradise of Bali Hai slides into a new form of hell, Gunter learns the devastating truth of his childhood. It ends when Gunter and Tom ride Babylon Dreams, a virtual rollercoaster and self- delete. But Gunter returns in The Dark Side of Dreams. He is a digital copy of the original, made years before Gunter’s death. Stored in a closet for over one hundred years, his descendent, Mira intends to use him to take back Bali Hai and the company he lost.

Several years ago, I read an article in Psychology Today by Ray Kurzweil on the potential of mind-uploading into a virtual reality environment. He said we could copy ourselves and meet friends for lunch. Even better, we could customize our appearance, for example “raspberry eyes.” I was working on a film at the time and I mentioned the article to the writer/director, along with a story idea: A love triangle that continues in virtual reality after all three people are dead and mind-uploaded to the same VR program. He liked it and suggested I write it. At the time, I didn’t write, and when I did, it was another novel. Still, I kept the thought. Being someone who loves films, I thought of a character who tells his story long after his death. Gunter Holden is a murderer and an impossible narcissist who finds redemption in Babylon Dreams. As it tells this Gunter’s story, The Dark Side of Dreams connects us to the “bio” world as it is in the 23rd century. Gunter’s descendent, Mira Patel risks everything to take back Gunter’s company and his legacy.

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Marjorie Kaye Noble’s Website

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Featured Author M. C. Ryder

Featured Interview With M. C. Ryder

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’ve been a writer most of my life, but became an official author at the end of 2022. I choose the path of publishing independently in which allows me to be in full creative control. I have accomplished many achievements, including becoming an award-winning author to being on the cover of DE MODE Magazine. I was born and raised in the Keystone State and live with a clowder of felines who rule the house. When I’m not providing a warm lap, I enjoy exploring off the beaten path both figuratively and literally especially during the cozy tinge of Autumn which is my favorite season.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Very early on, after devouring every book I could get my hands on and starting to lose interest in the predictable plots, is when I tackled writing my own stories. I thirst for more relatable characters that were getting harder to find that dared to bend the rules. There is something to learn from every book read.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Some of my favorite authors include, Kristin Hannah, Iris Johansen, Carlene Thompson, Rachel Caine, Chevy Stevens, Dan Brown, Linwood Barclay, Tia Torres, W. Bruce Cameron, David Clement-Davies, Ruta Sepetys, J. K. Rowling, and Stephenie Meyer. I enjoy reading in a variety of genres. Authors who can keep me hooked from page one and late into the night help inspire me to want to do the same. There are so many who inspire my writing process that include musical artists, people I meet, pets that are current and past, and family.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My soon to be released memoir, My Journey as an Author, is a depiction of what it’s like during the first year of becoming an independent (indie author). There are many highs and lows. Each journey an author takes is unique. Many are quick to give up. If you want something bad enough, you will fight for what you want even when feeling down. Included in my memoir is a chapter of the process that went into creating each of my YA Fantasy books in The Dark series. Also, to be released before the end of the year, is the last book in The Dark series, When Darksome Falls, which takes the fantasy world to the next level. It’s a story about self-discovery.

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M. C. Ryder’s Website

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Featured Author Gene J. Miller

Featured Interview With Gene J. Miller

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised in a small town for my first 14 years ,called Delanco. It is located in South Jersey along the Delaware River, approximately 10 miles north of Philadelphia. In the middle of my sophomore year we moved to Vincentown, a town 45 minutes east of the river within the largest preserved forests and farms of one million acres within the South Jersey Pinelands. Mom bought a toy poodle named Pierre that in high school we nick named “Pirahna.”

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
As an only child there was always a lot of downtime alone. Early on in second or third grade I began purchasing Scholastic Books from order forms in class. Sports books, especially on football, basketball and baseball all drew my reading attention. Later on, my reading expanded into the Hardy Boys series. My favorite book that I checked out of the school library was entitled, “Someday You Will Go to The Moon.” I believe I owe the school library a huge fine-it’s still on my bookshelf today! I began writing stories in sophomore year of high school in a Creative Writing class instructed by my English teacher, Susan Mannion. Later, in college I had another Creative Writing Course taught by Professor Toni Libro and I instantly declared as an English/History major.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I enjoyed the novels of Steinback, Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, as I was introduced to those writers first. Later, I became hooked on Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, then Kurt Vonnegut. I know it sounds strange, but in my junior year of high school as I was beginning to write short stories and musical lyrics, a baseball teammate, George Spellman, introduced me to two rock albums. George said,” Take these home and turn them up on your turn table. They both will change your life.” One was Greetings from Asbury Park by Bruce Springsteen. I was changed for life. He had ” Spirit in the Night” and “Growing Up” on that first album and I believed in those lyrics and in that story, he had taken me home. Greasy Lake was the Delaware River. His later album “The River” just captured my childhood/teen years and inspired me later to write my short stories connected to growing up and life along the river.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My first book is a collection of 15 nonfiction time capsule short stories from 1965-1970 of attempting to grow up along the Delaware River in South Jersey. I wrote them for my two oldest grandsons (we now have 8) who were about to enter middle school. Those middle school years growing up along the river led to many humorous and unbelievable adventures and experiences. We were alive while in the river, on the river and along the river. We were truly free there, no cell phones, no parents, no computers, no Xboxes and no internet. We discovered there and we created there. My book was designed to share that time period and the challenges of attempting to grow up in the middle school years. Adolescents today can see similarities and the differences in growing up almost 50 years apart.

Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles

Gene J. Miller’s Website

Gene J. Miller Facebook Page

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