Top Selling Authors: Get To Know Them Better

Featured Interview With Fred Tippett, II

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am Fred Tippett, II, the author of the recently released YA Mystery novel THE WOMEN IN WHITE–which is currently on sale now via Amazon. I was raised in Alabama, and live there now, though I was away from my home state for quite a while because I attended college in Georgia and law school in Philadelphia. I am currently a Washington-DC-barred attorney. Sadly, I do not have any pets.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I first realized that I was fascinated with books during early childhood–when I became nigh obsessed with Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew titles (both the originals and the later branch-off books). As I grew into my teen years, my tastes began to mature a bit, tending more towards YA novels written by traditionally published, big-name authors like James Patterson or Anthony Horowitz or James Frey. I also started reading more adult-oriented novels as well, some by James Patterson, some by Sue Grafton, some by other authors.

I first began writing during my freshman year of college, though this wasn’t writing books “in proper.” It was more like very detailed outlining. The laying out of books–outlining them–has always been rather easy for me, and I created very detailed outlines for MANY books beginning during my freshman year. Somehow, though, I never quite found the bravery to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) in writing a proper book until one rainy Sunday during my second year of law school. I’m still a master outliner to this day–but since then, I ALSO have been writing books as quickly as the ideas will come to me.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors tend to change often–but I will say that as of right now, I heavily favor works by Michael Connelly, Mary Higgins Clark, and C.S. Lewis. I’m also really looking forward to reading Barack Obama’s recently released memoir A PROMISED LAND.

I have three favorite genres: Science Fiction, Mystery, and Fantasy, not necessarily in that order. Nevertheless, I do read quite a bit more Mystery than I do Sci Fi or Fantasy.

As an author, I have to say that I take inspiration from just about EVERYTHING. Real world events, day-to-day life, things that I read, even things that I write. Every book begins with one or more ideas, and ideas can come from anywhere–at any time.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book–THE WOMEN IN WHITE–is also my first published. It is a Young Adult Mystery novel whose primary character is Greg Chase. Greg is a sixteen-year-old wunderkind whose heightened powers of deduction have, for a little over a year, allowed him to hold a working position as the New York Police Department’s youngest ever civilian consultant. Greg is quite pleased with his job in the NYPD, but he’s forced out when his actions inadvertently lead to the death of a suspect.

Greg returns to school–and shortly thereafter becomes drawn to the new girl, a deviant and mysterious loner named Mel Locket. Greg and Mel begin to grow closer and build a relationship, only for Greg to learn that Mel is actually the prime suspect in the stabbing death of her former friend and classmate from her last school. The police, Mel’s therapist, and even her mother think she did it. Greg, who has made a relatively strong connection with Mel during their brief relationship, thinks her innocent. And he sets out to prove it by any means necessary.

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Fred Tippett, II’s Website

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Featured Interview With Rupert Frazer

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Originally from a military family, I’ve been acting in film, TV and theatre for decades (my screen c.v. is listed on IMDB). Stories – hearing them, telling them – have always played a major part in my growing up. It was natural that acting should follow. So that my colourful family stories should not die with us I set about writing a memoir – Relative Times – which incorporates two generations worth of events – world wars, colonial adventures, personal tragedies – interspersed with film and TV versions of the same or similar in which I’ve appeared, hence the title. My wife, Janie, and I have lived in London since the early ’80s. We have three grown up kids – a boy and two girls – who between them have produced five marvellous kids of their own. We also have a seaside flat on the south-east coast in Deal. We love escaping London in all seasons to swim, bike or walk those famous cliffs.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Books have always been around – I was lucky to have a dad who set great store by world literature. My first great reading experience was coming across the books of Rider Haggard – that name alone set tingles down my spine – ‘King Solomon’s Mines’ and ‘She’, both seminal books.
But writing books, to my regret, didn’t really get underway until about ten years ago. Once my agent’s calls became less frequent I decided to tell my own stories – and, instead of just the one, get to play ALL the parts in them! I wish I’d written more earlier, but glad to have found such a rewarding occupation. Better late than never.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
A favourite author is Isabel Colegate. Her best known and most highly regarded novel is The Shooting Party which was turned into a very special film in 1984 (and in which I was lucky enough to play a major part). Another novel of hers – in my opinion perhaps even better and certainly more overlooked – is Statues in a Garden. Her style is spare, elegant, ironic and true. I am at a loss to understand why she is not much better known.
During this isolated – and isolating – year (2020) I’ve read my way through all of Jane Austen. In between each novel I’ve read commentaries on her works, life and times. It’s been quite a journey.
The books I look out for defy genre – or incorporate more than one. Although publishers must rely on such classifications I find them self-limiting.
Real life inspires my writing – write what you know – and then take off!

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Crimson Pantomime, a novel, has been seven years in the making. It was inspired by a real event. While auditioning would-be actors wanting a place at a top London drama school, one candidate showed up whose audition I considered quite remarkable. My co-panellists didn’t agree and this exceptional individual was declined a place. He’ll never know, but it’s thanks to him and his memorable audition that my book was born! We follow his fictional counterpart’s life and the people he loved and who loved him. Along the way we meet characters drawn from theatre and movies, telling their story like it is, rather than than how show business is often made out to be. I’m happy to say that already many of my colleagues have written to say how they recognise the world I’ve created in The Crimson Pantomime.

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Featured Interview With J Patrick

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am the son of two retired airfare officers. I was born in Texas and many moves later returned. So, I started traveling before I could walk or talk. I love animals and have had many beloved pets. Right now I am divorced and childless/petless. I have been a creator all my life and I have been a practicing engineer, managing and running a region for a big corporation. Writing became an enormous creative outlet as I resurrected my life after the darkness of divorce.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have been a creator as long as I could remember. I would put things together with things from around the house from when I was small. I would always imagine my world around me and the far away places I could see and people I could meet and things I could do. In that way, I haven’t changed. I have been writing all of my life on and off. I’ve often journaled poetry as well as prose. I have also been taking photographs as an amateur all my life, documenting scenes from my travels.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I have very diverse interests in writing. I love to read both non-fiction and fiction with a historical link. I am inspired from many directions, including poets and philosophers, mystics and musicians. Some examples of my inspirations are Julian of Norwich, Kahlil Gibran, Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rumi, Tennyson, Rudyard Kipling, Teilhard De Chardin, Rabi Abraham Herchel, St. Catherine of Genoa, Mechthild of Magdeburg as well as Keats and Yates. Of course, I’m also inspired by the words of Martin Luther King , Sinead O’Connor, Sting Bono and Tim Booth. 🙂

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is actually my very first book of poems. It is called Psalms of Light Vol I, Pollyanna. I drew new inspiration from life after divorce and that resulted in an outflow of poetry from my heart. The theme of this book of poems is the battle between good and evil and the journey from dark to light. I didn’t plan on writing a book and I didn’t consciously every just say to myself, “I’m going to start writing poetry now”. But it’s never felt so right and so opposed to my daily life. I give credit to my creative mother who recently became diagnosed with Alzheimers. She’s taken to calling me “Pollyanna” in that I always see the positive in all around me. My book is a result of all I’ve been through and the new man I’ve become. I wanted to combine two of my passions, photography and poetry.

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J Patrick’s Website

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Featured Interview With Amelia K Oliver

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hi everyone, I’m Amelia K Oliver, british author and crazy person. I have four pets, three dogs and a cat, I have a 6 year old son and an awesome husband. Its nice to meet you all.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
From a very young age I loved reading, as someone who didn’t have the nicest childhood, it was and remains my escape.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I have so many favourite authors, Tamara White, Kresley Cole, the list is endless.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, Blaze is a dystopian reverse harem novel. It was my baby, a real labour of love. I put everything I love into this book. I alsoo have several charity books and I will be venturing into YA/NA next year under the name L. K. Beal
I look forward to meeting some of of you! Please feel free to join my Facebook group, Amelia K Oliver – the mad house
Amelia x

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Amelia K Oliver Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Amelia K Oliver

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hi everyone, I’m Amelia K Oliver, british author and crazy person. I have four pets, three dogs and a cat, I have a 6 year old son and an awesome husband. Its nice to meet you all.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
From a very young age I loved reading, as someone who didn’t have the nicest childhood, it was and remains my escape.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I have so many favourite authors, Tamara White, Kresley Cole, the list is endless.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, Blaze is a dystopian reverse harem novel. It was my baby, a real labour of love. I put everything I love into this book. I alsoo have several charity books and I will be venturing into YA/NA next year under the name L. K. Beal
I look forward to meeting some of of you! Please feel free to join my Facebook group, Amelia K Oliver – the mad house
Amelia x

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Amelia K Oliver Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Alina Leonova

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Belarus – an Eastern European country. I was an activist opposing the regime (at the time of the interview, Belarus has had the same president for 26 years and a revolution to finally overthrow his corrupt government has been going on for over 3 months), but eventually I lost hope to change anything and moved to Poland, where I got a Master’s degree and later found a job as an English teacher and became a climate activist with the Extinction Rebellion movement. I have lately become a nomad: the coronavirus lockdown has made life in the city very constricting, and my husband and I decided to escape it, so we don’t have a place of our own anymore. We spent 1,5 months in the Polish mountains, another 1,5 months in a Slovak village, and we currently live in a small village in Eastern Poland, in the forest and close to the lake.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always been fascinated with books. I guess it started with my parents reading me bedtime stories. When I was older, I took a book everywhere I went and read absolutely anything. As for writing, I started before I knew how to do it properly. My parents have saved the first story I wrote when I was about five, with some letters facing in the wrong direction. It was about kids who found a dinosaur egg. Later I wrote stories about cats traveling to space as gifts for my parents, an adventure book and other stuff. I’ve always been into it!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
N.K. Jemisin, Lois McMaster Bujold, James S.A. Corey, Andrzej Sapkowski, Strugatsky brothers, George R.R. Martin, Yuval Noah Harari – these are just a few.

My favorite genre is sci-fi because it deals with the most imaginative things, like life on other planets, the impact technology might have on human life, possible future and so on. It’s a playful genre that isn’t afraid to go to places where no one has ever been, explore scientific theories and discoveries, let the imagination run wild. It’s also often used to criticize the authorities or question a status-quo. It’s a genre that makes me think and reevaluate.

I believe every author I’ve ever read has inspired me in one way or another, and some of them showed me things I should avoid at all costs. Whatever I’m reading while writing a particular chapter has an impact on it.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Entanglement is my debut sci-fi novel. This is a character-focused book that explores the relationship between humans and nature and the effects advanced technology has on people’s lives. It dives into the characters’ experiences and follows their adventures, offering several plot twists.

The story is set in a world where the distinction between the virtual and the real has faded, and an inexplicable plague is changing the flora. A man is running away from home, as he feels that something strange has happened to his loved one. He will have to change his life, slowly uncovering the truth as he grapples with his doubts about the nature of reality. Can what is happening to him be real, or is he stuck in a simulation?

At the same time, a woman begins to realize that the restrictive community she’s spent her entire life with and the rules she’s been following all along make no sense. She’s had enough of the Master’s cruelty and the mysterious purpose that he’s constantly talking about never explaining it.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55804884-entanglement

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Alina Leonova’s Website

Featured Interview With Mark Justice

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised in Vermilion, Ohio, on the shores of beautiful Lake Erie. I live in Sheffield Village, Oh, just a few miles from the beautiful shores of Lake Erie. The pull of water keeps me close.
I spent several decades in academia, both as a student and an instructor. I taught English Composition and Popular Culture, sometimes the occasional Into to Horror class.
I don’t have any pets at the current time. I had two dogs. They both died a few months apart in late 2017 and early 2018. Heart disease and cancer took them too soon. I’m still not over the loss. I’ll know when the time is right to get a few more dogs. They do make life joyful.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was read to from infancy and could read before I went to kindergarten. I’ve always loved books, especially classic horror and science fiction. I had amassed a pretty decent book collection by the time I was in my teens.
I didn’t start writing until I was in high school. I started with some poetry and short stories, found a little bit of academic success with writing, and naively thought, “Oh, I’ll be a writer. This is easy.” Haha!
I got a BFA in Creative Writing and continued writing poetry but always saw myself as a fiction writer, or at least that’s what I wanted to be. I wrote minor short stories, nothing of note. Fear kept me from really tearing into fiction for ages, fear of my inability to write realistic-sounding dialogue. Years of writing poetry had honed my use of imagery and concise phrasing, but sadly, I let fear dictate what I wrote for too long.
It wasn’t until 2012, when I started a no-budget movie-making company, Cyclops Movies, that I overcame that fear through writing scripts. I realized I could tell an entire story with nothing but dialogue, so after my third movie, I moved to writing long fiction.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love Frank Herbert, especially his Dune series, which may contain two of my favorite books of all time: Dune and God Emperor of Dune.
I am a huge Robert E. Howard fan and consumed his heroic pulp in my teens and twenties. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, Ray Bradbury, H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Mary Shelley, Angela Carter, Lee Falk, and Stan Lee.
As far as non-fiction goes, I really do enjoy Stephen King’s book about writing. They’re inspiring.
My favorite genres tend to be science fiction, horror, and pulp of all kinds.
As far as inspiration goes, I tip my hat to Stephen King again, not so much for any particular novel but for his body of work as well his accessibility as a writer. I’m staggered by the amount of prose put out by great pulp writers like Walter B. Gibson. Simply astonishing.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is called Toxic. It’s a non-fiction book which examines my decades-long struggle with the Christian faith I grew up being taught to believe. I do this by carefully and academically examining the Bible, focusing mainly on portions of scripture that the Toxic Christian Church tends to ignore or gloss over. I engage these troublesome passages in order to show a much more complete picture of the Christian God.
Through Toxic, I invite anyone who has ever struggled with their faith, whether current believer, former believer, agnostic, or believer-turned-atheist, to examine their faith closely, carefully, and honestly. Ultimately, I want anyone who’s ever struggled with their faith to know they’re not the only ones who’ve done so. I want them to feel heard, understood, and validated.

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Mark Justice Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Bonnie Lieberman

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in the Bronx in a neighborhood in which social acceptance was greatly based upon wearing similar clothing, hairstyles, using the same expressions, and walking with the same strut as my popular peers.
I am a retired teacher and I hold a NYS Reading Teacher’s License. My passion was helping my students recognize their creativity and individuality.
Today, I live in the Mid Hudson Valley with my child therapist husband and our two cuddly dogs. I relish spending time with my adult children and young grand girls.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
For as long as I can remember, I looked forward to bedtime only because my dad would bring a book in my room and read it to me. He encouraged me to connect with the characters, their problems, and how they resolved those problems. That was how I was first introduced to the skill of critical thinking.
In second grade, I wrote two stories. One was about a child who had sent invitations to his birthday party and was upset to learn that none of his friends would be able to attend. One can guess how it ended!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite genre to read is fiction. I enjoy or have enjoyed reading books by Naomi Ragan, Khalid Hosseini, Herman Hesse, Herman Wouk, Chaim Potok, Sidney Taylor, Lisa See, Richard Wright and Dr. Suess. My favorite short stories have been written by Fedor Dostoyevsky, Ivan Turgenev, Ray Bradbury, Roald Dahl, Antoine Balzac and Langston Hughes.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Congratulations are for… Being brave enough to make good choices for yourself, unafraid of making mistakes and not caring about what others think of you. Welcome to the Village of Nobble Ook, a place in which everyone wants to be like the king, but not really… Their king wants them to be like him, In the village, someone is going to be very sorry, Will he discover it’s never too late to become a better person? Love yourself for whom you are. and don’t try to be like anyone else. Wear the clothes you want to wear. Eat the foods you like just because you like them. Read the books you like because you like them. Be yourself!

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Bonnie Lieberman’s Website

Featured Interview With Laura J. Swallow

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Kansas. I moved to Japan for almost four years, then moved back to Kansas this last March.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been a bookworm for as long as I can remember. I remember going to the library as a kid, checking out a giant bag of books, and then returning them all completed a week later. I really started writing in middle school, which continued through high school. I took every writing elective I could and I actually planned to be a journalist all the way into my first year of college. Then I realized I wasn’t that into informative writing, so I changed my degree to teaching and didn’t write much for a few years. I toyed with blogging on and off, but it wasn’t until I was teaching middle/high school English composition classes in Japan that I remembered my love of writing. I started writing fiction at the beginning of this year and haven’t stopped.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I have so many types of books and genres that I like. I really enjoy pretty much all genres of young adult. I love a good historical fiction book and I’ve even read (and enjoyed!) a large number of classic books. I feel like every book I’ve read has inspired me in some way. When I think of young adult, I think of Roth, Collins, Aveyard, Rowling, and Lewis.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is called 6,393 Miles, which is roughly the distance from Wichita, Kansas, to Osaka, Japan.
While it’s technically fiction, it’s basically my very heart and soul from about age fifteen until now, only in paperback form. Honestly, it still freaks me out sometimes to think that I’m not only letting other people read something so personal, but I’m actively encouraging them to.
To start my explanation about this book, I’d like to acknowledge that (I think) most of us imagined moving off to a far-away place as teenagers. Especially during those days when nothing is going your way and you want nothing more than to completely disappear. Move to the other side of the world? Sure, anywhere but here. But most of us know that amazing adventure isn’t going to happen so we just live our normal, sometimes boring teenage lives. Only to Chloe, an average girl very lacking in coordination and very much into her best friend, this actually happened, and it happened when she didn’t want it to. When everything was going her way and she pretty much had her future figured out, her dad announced that he was moving her to Japan. And she’s angry, she’s upset at her dad, she’s confused, but she’s still a little excited. After all, it’s still a new place with new people and new perspectives. She grapples with her conflicting emotions, fighting her sense of adventure with sullenness and anger for a while. But the people around her eventually make her give in to her more positive emotions. She learns that change can actually be a good thing, even if it’s the last thing she ever wanted.

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Laura J. Swallow’s Website

Featured Interview With Laura Churchill Duke

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My name is Laura Churchill Duke, and I was born and raised in rural area of the the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia, Canada.
I am a freelance journalist for Atlantic Canada and when not writing, I am a professional home organizer.
I live in Kentville with my husband, and two sons. We have 5 rescue animals, including a dog and 4 degus!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always loved writing. In fact, I recently found some of the stories that I wrote in elementary school. In Grade 6, one of my teachers wrote a comment: Keep it up! You might make money at this some day!
I never set out to become an author, but was something that just fell into place for me, as a natural continuation of what I was already doing.
I love doing historical research and looking into genealogy, and writing this Creative Non-Fiction was a chance to put all of these skills into play!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love reading a good story with great characters that I remember long after I close the cover.
Two of my favourite authors include Fredrik Backman and Lianne Moriarty.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Two Crows Sorrow is about the life of Theresa McAuley Robinson, a woman who lived on Nova Scotia’s North Mountain at the turn of the century. This is the true story of Theresa’s love and devotion to her children and her farmland, which ultimately led to her demise. In May 1904, Theresa was found murdered and her farm burnt to the ground. Her second husband William Robinson was accused of the murder. Two Crows Sorrow follows Theresa’s life to her death, then William’s court trial to its dramatic conclusion.

The book is a creative non-fiction, meaning that everything that happens in the book is true. It is all based on my historical research; however, it is strung together and reads like a novel.

Most people who start reading Two Crows Sorrow say they cannot put it down once they begin!

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Laura Churchill Duke’s Website

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Featured Interview With J. A. Jackson

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hi, my pseudonym is J. A. Jackson, my real name is Jerreece Ann Jackson.
Here’s a little about me.
I was born in Arkansas and come from a family rich in storytellers. My family (my mother, father and us kids) moved to Chicago and pretty much I grew up in Chicago, going to school there. I spent many summers visiting my grandmother in Arkansas. As well as spending time, as a child visiting relatives in Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma. Some relatives, from my family, moved west to California, and I lived one year of my childhood in Redwood City California, after which I returned to Chicago until I made California my home later in my life. Because I grew up in Chicago and have a lot of my family there, I have a fierce love-hate affair with this fabulous ruthless city.
Regarding my writing, all of my book’s settings have taken place in California. Except my book, Diamond At Midnight. It takes place in Chicago.
I was married for a very long time to my editor, and five years ago my husband passed away.
I am a dog lover. However currently I have no pets. I do have a neighbor’s cat who visit my backyard daily. Miss Cat and I love to sit on my back patio and enjoy the water fall feature in a corner of my yard. She and I find the cascading sound of water falling to be very soothing.
Over two years ago, I also endured the passing of my Big Sally. She was an American Hound Dog, from the German Scent dog breed. She was beautiful with a white coat, floppy ears with huge dark brown spots. She is greatly missed.
Prior to my Big Sally, German scent dog, I had two other dogs at the same time. A German shepherd named Lady Chance and a mixed breed Golden Retriever/Collie dog named Bear. Sad to say they passed this earth many years ago. They too, are greatly missed.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My love affair with books probably started around age 4, because I had to go to preschool, as one of my older brothers had to start kindergarten and rather than leave me with the sitter, my mother put me in the preschool at my brothers kindergarten school. Also, I started writing at a very young age. When I was a child I had very vivid dreams, I would tell my parents and grandmother when I woke up. My first recollection is of being given a tablet to write my dreams on. After that, I wrote, everything from dreams to poems, etc. The first book I wrote was in sixth grade. It was a very short novelette.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Favorite genre romance suspense with a touch of paranormal charm/magic.
I am inspired by many of the authors I have read. Many things inspire me. I also get inspiration from tidbits of odd knowledge that I pick up while reading throughout the day. While reading, something I may have that “what if moment,” that inspires me to write about it. Other times ideas for my books can come from places that I have visited. I’d like to say that I am always inspired by the grandiose landscape of the magnificent State of California. For example, for my book the Grand Hotel my inspiration came from walking past the regal old Sir Drake Hotel on Powell Street in San Francisco one night. The flickering lights coming from welcoming door gave me a “what if “moment. From there the ideas for The Grand Hotel was born.
First on my list of favorite authors is Jane Austen, Pride, and Prejudice. Next, I know why the caged bird sings by Maya Angelou.
Favorite books I have read are Goddess of Vengeance by Jackie Collins. Juliet Blackwell In a Witch’s Wardrobe, Tony Dunbar Lucky Man, Diary of a Groupie by Omar Tyree, Love Potion Monica Jackson, Mistress Inc by Niobia Bryant, Sharyn McCrumb – The Song Catcher & Ghost & She Walks These Hills and The Jasmine Moon Murder by Laura Childs.
Let me just state for the record these are just a few of my favorites. I love so many other authors too. I’ll just name a few other others. Harold Robbins, Cathy Yardley, Nora Roberts, Madelyn Alt, Cecily von Ziegesar, Jude Deveraux, Beverly Jenkin, Stuart Wood, Sidney Sheldon, Zora Neale Hurston, Tina McElroy-Ansa Sharyn McCrumb, Mia Caldwell, Laura Bickle, Lucinda Rosenfeld, and many, many, many others

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I am currently working on that hasn’t a title yet. It is about a young lady named Mia. I may title this book the Lost Love of Mia, I’m still working on the book and the title.
I just released Book III of Lovers, Players Seducer – The Betrayal of Nicholas La Cour. It is about:
A Betrayed man, a bride left at the altar, and a plan for revenge.
Discover if love can transform even the best-laid plans.

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J. A. Jackson’s Website

J. A. Jackson Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Ivan Nossa

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in northern Italy where I have studied and got a degree in English Literature. Here I started my own business 25 years ago which I loved and was successful till the day I felt a different call and my life turned upside down.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
At the age of 47 everything started to change for me. It is a long story that I love to tell in my books and at my events. I started to believe in myself and the power of life, I started to feel loved and understood that I had to follow my dream that has always been that of becoming an author. Miracles happened, I gave up my business, found a publisher and wrote many books most of which have sold very well in Italy. I overcame the fear of writing for the public, fear is what holds us back from our dreams.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I did not know anything about inspirational and self-help books till the age of 47, but now those are the books I cherish the most as they give me the will to believe in my dream and achieve them. Of course Dr Joe Vitale, from the bestseller the secret, that now is a friend and co-author. I would also like to mention Anthony De Mello, Neale Donald Walsh, Kahlil Gibran, Mike Dooley, Eckart Tolle, Dalai Lama but there are too many that have touched my life to mention.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
This is my first title that I decided to publish in English, a language that I love. It is also my most successful book, gratitude has been a great start for my career at it dates back to my childhood times where the mother that adopted me taught me gratitude in a wonderful way, it is a story I tell in details in this book and that has touched many hearts. I am deeply grateful for that. Here in Italy I have done many events trying to spread gratitude and love for life. We always have to be grateful, it changes our look on life and creates miracles, even in our difficult times.

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Ivan Nossa’s Website

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Featured Interview With S.K. Grunin

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up on a farm in Michigan and went to college and graduate schools in Michigan, Indiana and Chicago. After working for as a Federal criminal investigator I went to work for the headquarters of the Federal Courts in Washington, DC. I have a doctorate degree in Public Policy Analysis and hold 2 masters degrees. I taught at several universities including the University of Virginia for over 10 years. I have been a coach, a CEO, a law enforcement officer, and after retiring took up my new careers of writing books and oil painting. See my website: www.SkgCreations.com for my works.
Note: That during Covid the profits from the masks that I am selling with my artwork on it are being donated to the SW FL farmworkers foodbanks. Besides masks and the artwork you can purchase other items including puzzles, mugs, yoga mats, bath towels of my artwork and of course of my book, Life Lessons and Tales of Little MisFit – Book 1: Life Isn’t Always What It Seems.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
From the age of 7 I wanted to be a mystery writer. I loved books from the time in Kindergarten when I wouldn’t take naps and the teacher let me look at books while the other kids took their naps.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Roald Dahl, Dr. Seuss, Agatha Christie, JK Rowling, Falkner, Steinbeck, Dostoyevski, Hilton, Tolstoy,
Dickens, and so many others!

I like many genres – including: Children, Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Biography, Educational and Humor

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Life Lessons and Tales of Little MisFIt, Book 1: Life Isn’t Always What It Seems is the first in a series of 7 planned books. These books are designed to provide through humorous tales some life lessons – book 1: Life Isn’t Always What It Seems – is Little MisFit’s first life lesson (from age 3 ½ – 9). She provides numerous examples in her tales that allow the reader and adults to have a conversation about their own life experiences. It is a great media for adults to share their own personal life stories without coming off preachy and at the same time getting kids to talk about their own experiences. There is a life lesson for each of the 7 books in the series that LMF learns as she grows up. I believe that Life Lessons and Tales of Little MisFit is a great media and especially book 1 – Life Isn’t Always What It Seems is a good way to explain to grandchildren on Zoom why they can’t visit and give hugs and kisses at this time. It also provides a great way to stay in touch and to share stories with one another during this challenging time.
THIS Book’s main character – Ivy Sue Klutz is a lot of fun her humorous tales gets us all laughing out loud. As one reviewer put it: “This is a book for the child in each of us!” If you want to have some fun times reading a book with your children, grandchildren or even elementary school students, this book is for you. See Amazon five star reviews – even the one by the man who is in charge of triplet 9 year old boys who said how these boys were reluctant at first to read this book but after they got in to it they all really enjoyed it and began talking about their own life experiences and asking him about his.

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S.K. Grunin’s Website

S.K. Grunin Facebook Page

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Featured Interview With Carly Dober

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a 30 year old psychologist from Melbourne, Australia who deeply values our natural world. I love the beach, surfing, hiking, animals and exploring beautiful new pockets of the world.

I write books that focus on sustainability. As a lifelong animal and environmental activist, I thought I would write books for children that champion these values.

I wrote and published my first book, ‘The Beautiful Place’ in 2020 during the covid-19 lockdown we had, which went for many months in Australia. I had always wanted to write a book and thought it would be the perfect time to work on a project like that, my sister helped me out with the illustrations.

I have two adopted cats, one is deaf, both beautiful fluffly white girls with big blue eyes. My family also has an adopted Alaskan Malamute. Did I mention I love animals?

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have loved books as long as I could remember. My parents always had Golden Books where I would ready my favourite Disney stories from age 5, which graduated to me buying all the Goosebumps books and devouring them all, to getting my first library card and spending time through very difficult periods of my life reading. I have always loved to spend time reading a book, and I always will. I started writing this year (2020). I always wanted to, I just never thought I was talented or ‘had it’, which is still up for debate!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Too many to count! I am nowhere near as talented as the following authors, but please check them out:

Gillian Flynn, Steven King, Celeste Ng, J.R.R Tolkien & André Aciman.

Books:

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez

I also love psychological thrillers, such as Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larson and Room by Emma Donoghue.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Three friends get together for a sleepover at Darius’ house looking to have some serious fun. Darius’ family eat a plant based diet, which is something Miguel and Hina never considered before.Miguel and Hina do not really know how eating plants could be filling, so Darius and his parents go on a road trip to show how the food we eat makes it’s way to our plates.With contemporary food production being largely outsourced, many children are unsure about how the food they eat is made or where it comes from. Making the link between the planet’s resources and how we interact with all species is important to facilitate children’s understanding of eating sustainably. Switching to a plant-based diet not only benefits your health — it can help protect the environment as well. People who follow plant-based diets tend to have smaller environmental footprints. It’s a simple story about some friends going on a journey to understand food production and sustainability.

Featured Interview With Roy Youldous-Raiss

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am 40 years old, married to Or for the last 12 years and a proud father to Elya and Liri, twin girls who were born via surrogacy. I live in Israel and like to read, write, travel and family time. Writing has been a hobby of mine for as long as I can remember myself, but ‘A Day of Pride’ is my debut children’s book.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Ever since I was a young kid, I liked reading – all kinds of genres. From adventure stories to thrillers. I started writing professionally when I was 25 – at the beginning mostly poems in Hebrew. Shortly after I wrote articles and short stories. A Day of Pride is my first chidlren’s book.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Ever since I became a father I really enjoy children’s book. Dr. Seuss, J.K Rowling, Eric Carle. However, I still enjoy fiction for adults and prefer the Classics such as Vladimir Nabokov, Orwell and more.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
A Day of Pride was written from my personal experience. Growing up gay in the closet for many years, I was looking for approval that I was ok; For a sign that I should not be ashamed of who I was. Shortly after I fulfilled the biggest dream of my life and became a father, I started writing A Day of Pride. I wrote it for my girls and for all kids, in order to encourage them to be who they are, and be proud of who they were, be proud of their family and their heritage. I believe educating kids at a young age to accept themselves and others – as they are, is very important in creating a plural and tolerant society.

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Roy Youldous-Raiss’s Website

Roy Youldous-Raiss Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Shawna Hunter

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario Canada with a brief period in Guelph Ontario completing my B.A. in Sociology. I now live, work and write in Hamilton with my dog Duke and black cat Bernie.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
From a young age I would entertain myself by jotting down short stories and presenting them to my mom. These were mostly horror and not very good. As I grew I fell out of writing, for a time, but after University I got into fetlife and started writing short stories on the site. One of those intended shorts grew and grew. Before I knew it I had the manuscript for Their Wild Little Girl and other authors on the site directed me to where I could submit it. The rest, as they say, is history.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I loves the Darth Bane series by Drew Karpashyn and The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice. Above all, however, I have to shout out the famed philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. In reading his biography I learned about how he was advised to avoid mental strain but would still write for hours on end, often collapsing into seizures and being bed ridden for days…then getting back to work. Every time I hear myself say “I’ve no time to write” I think of that crazy Prussian and get back to it.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My lates published work is called Love Taps. Its ab anthology of naughty short stories that touch on sci-fi and horror themes. My latest WIP is the tale of an actress/public speaker who becomes disillusioned with her public image as she sinks into a submissive sexual relationship with her bodyguards. I hope to publish this, The Kinky Destruction of Chantelle Sinclaire, by the end of the year.

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Shawna Hunter Facebook Page

Shawna Hunter Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Glynnis Campbell

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Chico, California, a town that stood in for Sherwood Forest in the original “Robin Hood” film, and raised in Paradise, California, which was famously destroyed by fire in 2018. I moved from my quiet home town to bustling Los Angeles after college. My household is patrolled by a fierce 7-pound Maltese, and my yard is critter-friendly, so we get visits from doves, squirrels, feral cats, a hawk, possums, and raccoons.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been reading since I could hold a book, and I started writing not long after. Books were always a great and safe adventure for a shy little girl. I still have some books of poetry from 1st grade.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I grew up on Howard Pyle’s King Arthur and Robin Hood stories, and I loved Ray Bradbury’s science fantasy stories as a child. My first romances were by Kathleen Woodiwiss. Now I read an eclectic variety of authors, ranging from Malcolm Gladwell to Dean Koontz, from Joseph Campbell to Tess Gerritsen. I like to get lost in edge-of-the-seat thrillers, but I also appreciate thoughtful reflections. As far as inspirations for my own historical romances, I reveled in Jude Deveraux and Julie Garwood books, which combined drama with humor, and nothing delights me more than the screenwriting of Joss Whedon.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
BRIDE OF ICE is Book 2 of The Warrior Daughters of Rivenloch. So many readers enjoyed my original series, The Warrior Maids of Rivenloch, and I didn’t want to abandon their favorite clan. So I decided to write about the adventures of their daughters, who are just as intrepid and courageous as the originals.

In BRIDE OF ICE, Hallidis Cameliard is a cool and commanding warrior lass with a clear destiny—a husband appointed by the king and eventual reign over Rivenloch. When her cousins are imprisoned by a Highland laird, she naturally takes charge, seizing the laird’s right hand man as a counter hostage. Captive Colban an Curaidh knows his clan cannot win a battle against the legendary Rivenloch army, so he must rely on his honor to keep the peace, charming Hallie’s clan and eventually melting her heart. But when he offers her a more permanent arrangement, fate snatches away her last chance for love. Only the desperate act of a champion with nothing to lose can give them the happiness they deserve.

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Glynnis Campbell’s Website

Glynnis Campbell Facebook Page

Glynnis Campbell Twitter Account

Featured Interview With E Jean Simpson

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
E Jean Simpson, BEd, BA, MA, Indie Author of A & J PEI Treasures. We are a husband and wife team. I was born and mostly raised in Bathurst, NB. My Husband, myself and our Dog (Sam the Wonder Dog) and cat (Ramses the Great) all live on Prince Edward Island, Canada. There are a number of things that drew us to the Island…one of which was the natural beauty of the area. Somewhat retiring and reclusive, we enjoy constructing things and renovating our home, upcycling, fashion upcycling, photography, writing, and a simpler lifestyle.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My mother was a teacher and even when we (myself and my brother) were babies, she used to read to us. Books were considered a reward. Writing, I’ve played with over the years, but never seemed to have the time. Then the pandemic struck. I have lots of time, but no budget. Because of the lots of time, I was determined that I would do books and I was attracted to the new format of e-books. I’ve done a lot of learning and exploration along the way and really enjoy a wide variety of books that I write. My husband is my co-photographer and proof reads my work and challenges things that might not make sense.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favourite books are historical fiction. I also read some DIY and business.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I had been noticing that most children’s books are either stylized pictures or drawings and I know how children love to be more grown up. So, it was a wonderful way to bring Prince Edward Island and it’s beauty to children and families by using photographs of flowers, birds, scenes and insects from the Prince Edward Island area and bring them to counting. It is revolutionary as it uses more realism than most children’s books.

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E Jean Simpson’s Website

E Jean Simpson Facebook Page