Top Selling Authors: Get To Know Them Better

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

Siobhan Chirico Twitter Account

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

Vera Bell Facebook Page

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

Deann Scott Facebook Page

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 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

Tammy Aiken Twitter Account

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

Marjorie Kaye Noble Facebook Page

Marjorie Kaye Noble Twitter Account

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

M. C. Ryder Facebook Page

M. C. Ryder Twitter Account

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.

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Gene J. Miller’s Website

Gene J. Miller Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Steven Milliken

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised in sunny Southern California, back in the days when being “out” meant you were on the patio furniture. I quickly realized my best path was to make people laugh—and if they were laughing, they weren’t asking too many questions! Today, I’ve channeled that class-clown energy into my book, LATE BLOOMER BABY BOOMER, a collection of essays about being gay back in the day and finally finding my way. It’s proof that sometimes the journey to authenticity is a comedy of errors—and I have a front-row seat!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I can’t pinpoint the exact age I became fascinated by books, but it was somewhere between Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein. Dr. Seuss taught me to love rhyme; Shel Silverstein taught me how to make people laugh with twisted humor – Uncle Shelby’s ABZ Book gave me my first “comedy routine” in seventh grade English, where I presented it as a speech and got huge laughs which might’ve gone to my head! I always thought writers were like rock stars, and when a high school friend said my emails were “David Sedaris-worthy,” that seed planted itself deep. Two decades of sporadic writing later, I finally published my own book, a collection of humorous essays. The hook? “What happens when the class clown becomes the teacher? Oh, and by the way, I’m gay…” So, if you want to laugh out loud, grab a copy and let’s make my rock star dream a reality!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My reading tastes are all over the map. David Sedaris is my modern-day muse—I like to think I have my own collection of embarrassing stories to rival his, and I try to keep up! As a teen, I clung to Catcher in the Rye like it was a life manual; and later, A Confederacy of Dunces taught me to embrace the oddities of life. As an English teacher, I spent years dissecting The Crucible and “The Raven”—I probably know more about Puritan angst and ravens than anyone should. And then there’s Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes—classics from my childhood that taught me everyone’s a suspect….

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My book tackles the burning question: What’s it like when a class clown grows up, comes out, and stands in front of a classroom? (Spoiler: it involves more laughs than lesson plans.) LATE BLOOMER BABY BOOMER is my humorous, slightly self-roasting account of navigating the world as a gay baby boomer during my long and winding journey toward coming out, teaching in the urban ghetto, and all the mishaps along the way. This one’s for everyone—gay, straight, or simply a guy who once matched his belt to his shoes.

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Steven Milliken’s Website

Steven Milliken Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Michael Colon

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a creative freelance writer and novelist, born and raised in the Big Apple, New York City. I use my craft to profoundly impact the lives of others with thought-provoking words that breathe life into his characters. I often equates his writing to painting masterpieces with prose. My inspiration comes from various societal abnormalities, cultural differences, and my own life experiences. When I am not writing, I enjoy working out, watching sports, visiting museums, and exploring nature trails.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have been writing my entire life. I started taking writing seriously five years ago.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I mainly get inspired my life experiences, music, and other art works.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Gift From Aelius, is an experience for the reader as they dive into the deep parts of living consciousness through an artificial intelligence growing awareness of purpose and life. The protagonist, A191, wants to bring together the two dominant species in his world for peace and unity. His adventure begins by risking it all. Will he succeed?

My book is a joy to read. Full of action, introspection of life, and future ideologies and philosophy to take in. There is not a science fiction tale as poetic and thought provoking.

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Michael Colon’s Website

Featured Interview With Sarah Ivette Morales

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Sarah Ivette Morales is a novice author who took a leap of faith. After thirteen years
as a dedicated teacher, she transitioned to stay-at-home mother of two girls. Cancer
was not on the agenda. Turning to writing, she used her pain into a labor of love to
share hope during the hard seasons in life. As a cancer survivor, she gained a renewal
of faith. Her journey has now taken a new and exciting turn as she embarks on a
career as an author, using her experiences to motivate and uplift others through
writing. Sarah always had a love for God, but she learned to fully surrender.

Her latest novel , Shoes of Peace on the Desert Road was published in May 2024 with
Christian Faith Publishing. It comes down to five things: God, faith, family, friends,
and a positive attitude. Sarah lives in Deep South Texas. She lives with her loving
husband, two precious daughters and two dogs, Max and Peaches. She enjoys reading,
listening to music, and traveling.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I always loved listening to stories and reading around five years old. Now my young daughters, who are three and five love reading too. Pete the Cat and Miss Nelson is Missing are their current favorites. I started writing at 38 after I received my cancer diagnosis.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Paulo Coelho and lots of children’s book authors! I generally don’t have a favorite genre, I feel that you learn so much in reading something out of your norm. My daughters inspire me in my writings, I wrote my book out of love for them and a promise I made to God.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Sarah went about her daily life as a planner, living by deadlines and goals. She planned to take a break from her 13-year teaching career to transition to a stay-at-home mother of two girls. Cancer was not on the agenda. What happens when you don’t plan for the unimaginable? The daily walk one takes through the worst storm of one’s life brings the ultimate test of faith.

Knowing this was out of her hands, Sarah turned to God’s love. Sarah always had a love for God, but she learned to fully surrender. It comes down to five things: God, faith, family, friends, and a positive attitude.

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Sarah Ivette Morales’s Website

Featured Interview With J.D. Rasch

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a New Yorker, raised primarily in the Bronx. I now live in Westchester NY, married for over 40 years (same woman) with three grown kids. In the past we’ve had cats, guinea pigs and rats (all as pets – we’ve had mice, but they weren’t pets). Right now we have a chihuahua puppy, whose got tons of energy (although that’s redundant for a chihuahua).

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always been interested in books since a young child. I would gravitate to science fiction and then to fantasy. I liked being transported to a different world. I used to write a lot for business and was a pretty good writer. As I looked at all the different problems of the world I thought I should add my voice to the solution. I didn’t initially think of writing a novel, but more writing essays, but when I sat down to do that the “advice” seemed too simple – don’t do bad stuff. So I started thinking of other ways of approaching writing. I thought of writing fiction and putting my characters in different situations and see how they react. I decided on fantasy because first, I was familiar with the genre and the conventions, and second because I get to create the world so I had fewer constraints. I always felt fantasy was an underused genre for addressing the issues we face in the world. I started writing almost 40 years ago, but I only did a bit here and there. I started really being serious about it maybe 15 years ago.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
The authors who initially influenced me were Frank Herbert and how he created such an intricate world in Dune, weaving social and political concepts. Also Ursula LeGuinn for similar reasons. I also like Isaac Asimov for how forward-looking his novels are. More recently I’ve been looking at literary fiction such as Fredrik Backman (A Man Called Ove) and Toshikaz Kawaguchi (Before the Coffee Gets Cold). I enjoy their imagination and quirky characters. Finally, I’ve read a lot of Alexander McCall Smith, but less for inspiration and more just a fun escape.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The book is titled The Quasi-Crystal. It is about relationships, but not just interpersonal ones, it’s about the big issues we face in society. How we interact with each other. More specifically, the book is about two lands, Bracat and Ognita. Bracat has changed since the Moment—the collective joining of minds—opened up new possibilities for peace for its people. Even the rogue wizard Malzus is seeking forgiveness for his past sins. But this new feeling of unity is tentative, and the future is never certain.

In the midst of this change, gem cutter Theb discovers something curious: it looks like an ordinary stone, but he knows it is something extraordinary. A crystal that exists in two realms at once, but only Theb can see how unique it is.

Then Theb begins to have dreams of a woman, calling for help from a deserted island far away from Bracat. An impenetrable fog is threatening the island, and the strange crystal seems to be the only answer.

There are others who hear the woman’s call. To find the source, Theb joins with a reformed wizard, a former thief, and an old enemy. Together, they vow to find the voice, braving the turbulent ocean to discover what is hidden behind the fog.

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J.D. Rasch’s Website

Featured Interview With Shelby Hailstone Law

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised in Georgia my whole life (besides a brief stint in the Rockies while my dad finished school during my toddler years), and I love being here so much that I dragged my husband to come live here too after we got married! We’re back in my hometown of Acworth, where we’re raising our two kids with a love of reading and learning.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always loved books. My mom would put books on cassette tape on in my room to keep me busy, and by the time I was two, I could recite “The Cat in the Hat” from memory! By the time I was in elementary school, I wanted to write my own princess stories, and by the time I hit middle school, I tried my hand at writing larger stories. My first published book, “Lady Thief,” was actually written when I was fourteen. I never stopped writing, though I did take a brief break from publishing during college and early married life. My husband knew how much writing meant to me, though, and encouraged me to get back into it.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Agatha Christie. I could spend hours reading her Hercule Poirot stories. But I’m also a sucker for a good “coming of age” fantasy, especially the Books of Pellinor, an underrated high fantasy series that makes me cry every time I read it.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My most recent book is “Death Flirts Back,” a story about a girl who falls in love with a Grim Reaper. I’ve had this idea bouncing around in my head for years, and in 2023, I finally sat down to write it. One year later, I published it in October 2024, and I’m ridiculously proud of my first-ever foray into paranormal romance!

Everything I write is clean, because I’m a practicing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but I don’t think that detracts from the romance at all. In fact, this story is largely built around how dangerous it is for Abigail, the main character, to fall in love with an agent of Death itself!

Check out this synopsis:

Abigail’s family is cursed.

Generations ago, a man made a deal with a Grim Reaper, hoping to gain eternal life. In the process, he had promised to give that Reaper a mass murder, a gift of many souls to shepherd to the other side. Abigail’s ancestor escaped, and Reapers have followed her whole family ever since. The deal remains unfinished so long as she and her family walk the earth.

In an attempt to cope with an emissary of Death following her around all the time, Abigail has taken to talking to her otherworldly shadow. In all her years, not one Reaper has ever talked back to her.

Until one day, a young Reaper lowers his hood.

Now, Abigail struggles to find the balance between keeping herself safe from her family curse and getting closer to this Reaper. He’s curious, cute, and interested in ending the curse so he can get back to his normal job. But when a single mistake could be fatal for Abigail, how can she trust him?

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Shelby Hailstone Law Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Candace Lynn Talmadge

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Los Angeles but spent four of my teen years in an all girls high school in Winchester, England. Central California is my home now after a 34-year stay in Texas.

Not only am I an author, I am also a storyhealer and paranormalist. I talk with my spirit guides, and believe the generally accepted definition of normal is way too limited. I perceive and live in wider realities that include the heart and soul.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
As a preteen, I was captivated by the Lord of the Rings, and a bit later by Dune. When I was 13, the mother of my closest friend put a Taylor Caldwell novel in my hand and told me I could write something like this.

I spend the next several decades thinking about my characters. In my imagination I saw them and heard them speak. I got to know them.

I also tried several times to start writing the story but got nowhere fast. In 1986 I met the woman who became my business and life partner and later my wife (officially).

She was a Sunan storyhealer and help me heal at an emotional and spiritual level. I became a Sunan storyhealer myself. And out of my profound healing arose, finally, the beginnings of my tale. I started writing it in 1998 and keep going to this day.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Apart from J.R.R. Tolkien and Frank Herbert, I read a lot of authors and many different genres. I enjoy Jana DeLeon, M.C.A. Hogarth, Steve Higgs, J.N. Chaney, and many others. The rise of indie publishing ushered in a golden age of storytelling. That is what inspires me to continue–that and an obsession to tell my story.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
His power seeks to destroy it all. Can she rise up to stop him?

The Stoneslayer paranormal fiction series charts a lost world of political scandals, explosive family secrets, and the reincarnation of a line of extraordinary women who challenge the cataclysmic rampage of an ancient, demonic foe.

My just published work is Book One Scandal.

Lt. Helen Andros is a mixed-race outcast in Azgard. Saved from death when her true parentage comes to light, she now faces the outrage of the overclass, the lethal hostility of the mighty Temple of Kronos — and a powerful, high-ranked father she neither knows nor trusts.

Steering a volatile personal journey with her stranger parent, Helen is stalked. Will a hidden menace — the deadly Stoneslayer — plunder the mysterious green gem she inherited from her mother? Will political necessity bind her in marriage to a man she does not love and who cannot love her back?

The series is a paranormal fusion with elements of fantasy, sci-fi, and lots of romance. It’s the work I began in 1998, seriously revised and expanded to include a demon of destruction.

To my complete shock, once I began writing it, and my wife read and critiqued my first drafts, we both realized I was writing about one of my past lives. And my wife was one of the characters in the book, as I was and as were friends and family.

The more I write in this series (halfway through Book Eight now), I realize it is drawn from four of my past lives. Characters in the series reincarnate on their spiritual journeys, trying to make things right, and usually just getting into more trouble.

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Candace Lynn Talmadge’s Website

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Candace Lynn Talmadge Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Katy Motiey

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Iran, moved to the US when I was one month old, and then moved back to Iran when I was three. My father passed away then, we stayed in Iran until the Iranian Revolution and then moved to the US. There has been a lot of movement including going to high school in Newton, MA; college and law school at Georgetown in Washington, DC; working in Los Angeles and then Palo Alto, California. I now live in Encinitas, with my significant other Robert and our dog Molly.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started writing at age ten more as therapy to write my thoughts down during chaotic times. I have never been a book worm or anything close to that. I have been reading more and more as an adult and much of the time with purpose to help me become a better writer.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I like reading authors who are from the Middle East or India, they give me inspiration in terms of details, culture, scene setting, transparency, etc.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Imperfect is the story of one woman’s loss, courage, love, and perseverance before and during the Iranian Revolution. Based on the experiences of the author’s mother, Vida Shamsa’s life takes an unexpected and dramatic turn with the sudden death of her young husband in 1971. Struggling against the patriarchal customs of Iran, she is faced with fighting her husband’s family for control of her children and her life. Never giving up fighting for her son and daughter, she challenges Iran’s legal and personal injustices against the backdrop of political unrest during the Shah’s regime, the rise of Khomeini, and the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis. Imperfect engages the reader in a quest for equality for a single mother who rages against outdated traditions and her need to control her life in order to protect her children, whom she loves above all else.

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Katy Motiey’s Website

Katy Motiey Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Myranda Rae

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hi! I’m Myranda Rae! East coast transplant originally from California. I am a wife and mother to five, trying to find a bit of time each day to write. We don’t currently have any pets (but hey, FIVE children!) As a family, we can’t seem to narrow down the list enough to vote on what animal to get. So far the list stands at cat, dog, fish and turtle.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always been a reader. It started at bedtime, my mom would read to me each night. Then, as I got older, I would stay up late with a book light reading way past my bedtime. I didn’t start writing until 2019. I have had ideas for books rolling around in my head for years. I would sit and talk them out with my husband who would patiently listen even though he knew I wasn’t actually going to write it!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love to read fantasy and romance (and romantasy). I write the same. My favorite authors, like Roald Dahl, are able to carve out a unique style that is very apparent in their works. He had such a unique ability to blend his style into everything he did.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My next release is available December 19! ‘What’s Done In The Dark’ is a dark romance with mythological roots. It’s a love story at its core but there is violence, betrayal, and mafia-esque plot all around it. I love these characters and can’t wait to share them with everyone.

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Myranda Rae’s Website

Myranda Rae Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Vincent Nolan

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised in Columbus, Ohio, where I developed a love for storytelling at an early age. I now live in Columbus, which continues to inspire much of my writing with its unique atmosphere and culture. I have a dog, who adds joy and companionship to my life and often keeps me motivated during my writing sessions. Having a pet around provides the perfect balance to the solitary nature of writing.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I realized my fascination with books at a young age, around seven or eight, when I discovered the joy of getting lost in stories. The thrill of reading opened up new worlds for me. I started writing my own stories in middle school, initially crafting short tales and poems. It was during high school that I began to take writing more seriously, developing my style and exploring different genres. This passion for storytelling has only grown since then, leading me to pursue a career as an author.

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 Gillian Flynn, Nicholas Sparks, and Harlan Coben. I particularly enjoy reading psychological thrillers and contemporary romance, as they often blend emotional depth with suspenseful storytelling. I draw inspiration from these authors, especially their ability to create complex characters and gripping plots. Additionally, I find inspiration in everyday life and the relationships around me, which helps me develop relatable stories that resonate with readers.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is titled *What the Hell Did We Do?* It’s the third installment in the *What the Hell* series. The inspiration for this book came from my desire to explore the consequences of unresolved relationships and the ripple effects of past actions. I wanted to delve deeper into the emotional complexities of the characters, especially Amelia and Vincent, and how their choices—both good and bad—impact their future. The tension between love, loyalty, and betrayal is central to the story, and it’s what keeps driving the plot forward.

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Vincent Nolan’s Website

Featured Interview With Olapeju Simoyan

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Washington, DC and grew up in Nigeria. I live in Pennsylvania, and have lived in various parts of this state since 2002. Prior to moving to Pennsylvania, I lived in New York and Maryland. I grew up in a diplomatic family, so I am used to traveling and I take my camera with me when I do. My future plans include publishing a series of travel photography books. So far, I have one book in that genre – ” Scranton, A Place to Call Home.”

I don’t have pets, but I love nature and wildlife photography and illustrate my books with my own photography. My nature photography is featured in my books “The Amazing World of Butterflies” and ” Giraffes Are Amazing”.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have wanted to be a writer at least since the age of ten. The adults in my life told me that writing was something you do in your spare time, so I was never encouraged to become a professional writer.
After years of training and working in healthcare, which included writing for peer-reviewed publications, I decided to pursue my childhood dream of narrative writing. By this time, I had discovered another passion – photography, and I now combine both passions in my work.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My writing spans covers very diverse topics, so I read different genres. Right now, I am reading “Music and Mind”, a book that was edited by Renee Fleming, the world – famous soprano. In the book, professionals from various backgrounds share their insights and in some cases, research related to the impact of music on the brain and the emerging field of music in medicine.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
This collection of essays complements the album “Peju Sings! The Little Drummer Boy and Other Christmas Favorites,” which features thirteen Christmas songs recorded by the author and was first released in 2023. In this book, the author explores the stories behind each song, delving into the lives of the lyricists and composers, the context in which the songs were written, and other intriguing details. Readers will gain a fresh perspective on beloved carols like “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night” as they uncover their rich history. The themes of hope and peace that resonate through these timeless songs are also reflected in newer classics like “Feliz Navidad,” which transcended cultural barriers to become a bilingual favorite.

This book’s educational content will appeal to a broad audience, including those who may not celebrate Christmas. For those who do, it offers surprising insights into the origins of some of their favorite carols. No matter your background, this book invites you to be inspired by its stories and enjoy its message of celebration and reflection year-round.

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Olapeju Simoyan’s Website

Olapeju Simoyan Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Majid Riaziat

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in the historical city of Isfahan, Iran in a middle class family. I completed my primary and secondary school education in Iran. During that time I developed diverse interests in many topics including physics, philosophy, art, and poetry. I migrated to the US at the age of 18 and attended the University of Oklahoma where I picked Engineering Physics as my major. I moved to California for graduate school education where I received my PhD in Applied Physics from Stanford University. I have worked as a researcher and an entrepreneur for decades dealing with technology development and commercialization. I live in San Francisco Bay Area and I don’t have any pets. Books are my pets.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Starting in grade school, as soon as I learned to read, I became interested in reading books belonging to my parents and my older brothers. I would pick up any book to read regardless of the topic. But I seldom enjoyed reading fiction. I was more interested in learning something. For example, I favored reading history books over stories that were imagined by other people.
I started writing essays in high school. But my first book was a textbook, which I published in 1996 after beginning my professional career.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
There were two books that affected my outlook on life early on. The first was “The little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry that happend to be one of the few fictions I have enjoyed reading. It depicted how grownups tend to lose their imagination and become narrow minded. It was also a nuanced and delicate love story.
The second book was one that I picked up in middle school named “123-Infinity”. It was my older brother’s book, written and illustrated by a physicist named George Gamow. By explaining modern physics in plain language, this book aroused my interest in science.
Lately, I’ve been mostly reading and listening to documentaries.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book “The Age of Simorgh” is a non fiction work on planning for human convergence with technology. Instead of sensationalism that is rampant over the intrusion of modern technology into our lives and destroying everything that is good, this book examines the developments from a historical and evolutionary perspective. It demonstrates that the effects of technology on our lives and our society are much more profound, that with careful planning, they can lead to a utopian future. It shows how our society is poised to bifurcate into those who will merge with technology and those who will not. It discusses how our form of government is going to change, and what needs to be done to avoid unfavorable and dangerous outcomes.

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Majid Riaziat’s Website

Majid Riaziat Facebook Page