Top Selling Authors: Get To Know Them Better

Featured Interview With Sabinah Adewole

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Sabinah Adewole is a bestselling author. She has enjoyed reading from an early age. She studied English and her poetry has been formed from her own experiences as chronicled in her “Journeys of Life” which has inspired many readers across the globe.
This book is her fifth Children’s book focusing on -Identity, Values, Unique, Race and Self belief
The poems in this series (Vol 2) were created in the United Kingdom on the authors’ journey to a shopping mall with her daughter during the easing of lockdown restrictions during the Covid Pandemic. It was an opportunity for children to enjoy a day out with their families during the summer break. This experience brought back childhood memories for both the author and her daughter, and which is shown through the eyes of the children in the shopping

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
From a very young age I enjoyed reading comics and children books 📚
At secondary school I enjoyed literature and studied English . I started writing in 2019 from. a park bench.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Maya Angelou
Chinua Achebe
Shakespeare
George Orwell

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Identity, Values, Uniqueness

The Inspiration behind the book – Belief in your self

We are all individuals and our unique qualities are demonstrated in this inspiring book!

The Author was inspired to write about Children enjoying a day in the shopping mall with their family or foster parent showcasing each unique quality in each child in the mall.

She highlights each unique relationship a child has with their parent; exposes grey spots like disability, a father having to change a daughter, a father caring for a baby in the food court, a single parent with four young children, a black mum with a white son, a black dad with a mixed-race son
A foster parent and her children, the boy with dread locks and his mum, the Arabic girl with her parents, the Somalian boy.

As a British born she portrays her background in her writing and also gives children the opportunity to be proud of who they are and accept difference and diversity. We are a diverse world, and we need to show case the different gaps in our society.

The names are of no representation and she applies the names of children that the children would identify with in their communities: as this would help to broaden their mindset and think about their unique qualities.

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Sabinah Adewole’s Website

Sabinah Adewole Facebook Page

Sabinah Adewole Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Jeff Kerr

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in St. Louis and still love that city’s gooey butter cake. Raised in Texas, I’ve lived in Austin for over 30 years. I spend as much time as I can on a slice of Texas Hill Country land in Blanco County. My wife of 45 years has stuck with me through thick and thin. We are the proud parents of two adult children. My dog Maggie is very cute, which is lucky for her given the pee stains I’ve had to scrub from the carpet. She lives for tummy rubs. I live for writing.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve always loved books. This came from my father, who once left my about-to-deliver mother in the car to run into the house for a book to take to the hospital. Twenty years ago my son grew tired of me regaling him about a bit of local history and said, “Dad, write a book.” So, I did. I’ve been writing ever since.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Over the years my reading interests have ranged quite a bit but lately I lean most toward mystery, thriller, and crime fiction. Favorite authors include Elmore Leonard, Michael Connelly, Craig Johnson, and Jeff Carson. In my writing, I strive to emulate Leonard’s lean prose, Connelly’s and Johnson’s character exploration, and Carson’s intricate plots.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I got the idea for Murder Creek while contemplating some people’s distrust of banks. What would happen, I wondered, if a wealthy person kept all their money stashed in a secret place? And what would happen if that secret got out?
The result is a tale of secrets, betrayal, misguided motives, and murder set in the fictional Texas Hill Country town of Pinyon. It is up to stalwart Deputy Adam Cash to untangle the lies, catch the killer, and bring justice where he can. All while avoiding becoming the killer’s next victim.

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Jeff Kerr’s Website

Jeff Kerr Facebook Page

Jeff Kerr Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Barchelle (Chelly) Bolger Wathen

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in San Diego, CA, lived there most of my life. I attended college, earning a Master’s degree in Public Administration, and worked as a Senior Paralegal for the City Attorney’s Office. After retirement we moved to Prescott, AZ. We now operate a woodcrafting business, and I work for the State/NACOG as an Ombudsman.
I have penned and published 3 books now, with two more pending submission to publisher. The books “Shayla & Friends” and “Shayla’s Adventure” (adventure stories for kids) are all about our pet dog, Shayla. She came from an orphanage in Ukraine.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
From college papers to writing my master’s degree thesis, to publishing Shayla’s books, I have always loved writing. One of my favorite topics in school was Creative Writing, dreaming that one day I would publish a book. Now I have published a few, with Shayla’s inspiration.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I enjoy non-fiction adventure stories and history; fictional stories about animals (esp. dogs); and inspirational stories. My “Shayla” books were actually inspired by sweet Shayla, and the Korniyko Family who operate Father’s House and raised Shayla.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I recently published the kids book “Shayla’s Adventure: FInding the Light in the Darkness” (with an Activity booklet). I just finished my latest book, “Shayla & Friends: Into the Light” for a teen audience. This book shares the story of Shayla’s exodus from Ukrainian orphanage, across the ocean, to find her forever family in America. This adorable shepherd/wolfdog
joins our fictional 8 acre ranch with my husband and I, and our supposed dog pack (comprised of our prior dogs and some of my favorites from the senior dog sanctuary where I volunteered). Together the dogs overcome troubled pasts, share adventures (like surviving a forest fire, catching bank robbers) and lessons in love and friendship. After finding her forever family, Shayla is tempted to go join the wild wolfpack – will she stay with her family or join them in the night?
This book took about 6 months to write and format with photos.

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Barchelle (Chelly) Bolger Wathen’s Website

Featured Interview With Pieter Wesley Whittington

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Pieter Wesley Whittington boasts an illustrious career spanning more than 25 years as a respected producer in the film industry. Throughout his journey, he has collaborated closely with esteemed figures in Hollywood, including the likes of Oscar-nominated Screenwriter Richard Friedenberg, the former agent to Leonardo DiCaprio turned producer, Darryl Marshark, and the renowned producers Gary and Ronnie Shusett, known for their work on iconic films such as “Minority Report,” “Moon over Parador,” and “Total Recall,” among others. With a wealth of experience and a track record of successful collaborations, Pieter Wesley Whittington continues to make his mark in the ever-evolving world of cinema and book writing.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I discovered my love for books when I was 9. It began with reading the Bible’s Revelations, which completely drew me in, and then Stephen King’s books took it to the next level. That’s when my passion for storytelling really ignited, and before long, I was writing my own stories.

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? Stephen King, without a doubt, and the Bible is always a constant source of inspiration. I gravitate toward horror, especially when it’s packed with suspense and action. My writing draws inspiration from King’s knack for suspense and the timeless, powerful stories found in the Bible. It’s that blend of the deeply human and the otherworldly that fuels my creativity.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is titled *Light: The Gates of Hades and the Fall of Darkness*. This story has been with me for a long time—25 years in the making. The inspiration came from my childhood reading of the Bible’s Revelations, which scared me but also sparked a deep curiosity. Later, I had a feverish vision of an earth floating above a castle, and that image never left me. After years of gathering ideas and refining the narrative, I finally completed the final draft. It’s a blend of action, horror, and spiritual themes—a true labor of love. You can find it on Amazon now.

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Pieter Wesley Whittington’s Website

Featured Interview With Pieter Wesley Whittington

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in a small desert city called Moreno Valley. After traveling the world during my time in the Army, I decided to come back to be close to my mother. Now, I’m settled in with my wife, three daughters and two fish—they’re pretty low-maintenance, but they definitely keep me company!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I realized my fascination with books when I was 9. It all started after reading the Bible’s Revelations, which hooked me in, and then diving into Stephen King’s books just sealed the deal. That’s when the love for storytelling really took off, and eventually, I started writing my own.

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 to read are Stephen King, hands down, and of course, the Bible is always in the mix. My favorite genre is horror with a good dose of suspense and action. As for inspiration, it’s a mix of Stephen King’s mastery of suspense and the powerful, timeless stories from the Bible. That combination keeps my writing rooted in both the deeply human and the otherworldly.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is called *Light: The Gates of Hades and the Fall of Darkness*. It’s a story that’s been with me for a long time—25 years, to be exact. It was inspired by my childhood reading of the Bible’s Revelations, which terrified me but also sparked a deep curiosity. Later on, I had this fever-induced vision of an earth floating above a castle, and that image just stuck with me. After years of gathering ideas and shaping the story, I finally finished the final draft. It’s a mix of action, horror, and spiritual themes—a real labor of love.

Featured Interview With Jamilette Cintron

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Brooklyn New York, my family loved to Pennsylvania when I was 9 and we have lived there ever since.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was in the 5th grade, I won my first writing contest and fell completely in love with the magic of writing.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors would have to be Stephen King, Edgar Allen Poe and Nicolas Sparks.
I love to read anything fantasy, but horror gore and mystery is what I find the most interesting.
My children inspire me in all that I do especially my writing. I want to be able to leave a piece
Of me behind that they can still look back on and physically touch whenever they need words of encouragement.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
It is an anthology, that consist of 5 short stories shedding light on the dark feminine, it ultimately shows a woman’s true strength by highlighting the consequences of The actions they have made. The Narrator is one of three Sisters and it is the third book of the three book series. Each book highlights a different sisters point of view on how woman are supposed to respond to pain and suffering from the past present and future tense.

Featured Interview With ACWstories

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised in Germany and currently reside here with my cat and dog. Although my stories are not inspired by my immediate surroundings, I am deeply fascinated by the world’s diverse cultures and experiences. This global curiosity infuses my writing, allowing me to craft narratives that resonate on a universal level. I hope my work invites you to explore these broader themes and find connections that transcend borders.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My fascination with books began at a young age, around seven or eight, when I first discovered the magic of storytelling. I was captivated by the worlds within pages, where imagination knew no bounds. By my early teens, I started writing, driven by a desire to create my own stories and share my inner world with others. Writing has since become an essential part of my life, allowing me to channel my experiences and dreams into narratives that I hope will resonate with readers. As you delve into my books, you’ll find reflections of my journey and a deep-seated passion for connecting with readers through the written word.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My reading tastes are as diverse as my writing interests. Virginia Woolf has long been a source of inspiration for me, with her introspective and stream-of-consciousness style that delves deep into the human psyche. Haruki Murakami’s imaginative storytelling captivates me, blending the surreal with the everyday in a way that resonates deeply with my own creative explorations. Maya Angelou’s powerful and poetic prose offers profound insights into the human condition, and her ability to convey deep emotion and resilience is something I strive to achieve in my own writing.

I’m particularly drawn to genres that tackle themes of mental health, personal struggle, and transformation. Whether it’s a novel that explores the intricacies of mental health or a fantasy that provides an escape while still addressing real-world issues, I seek out books that offer both introspection and inspiration. These genres not only captivate me but also fuel my own writing, helping me explore and express complex emotions and experiences.

In terms of inspiration for my writing, I am profoundly influenced by the works of these authors as well as my own experiences and observations. Each book I read adds another layer to my understanding of the human experience, and this understanding informs the stories I craft.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, Emerging from Shadows: Luna’s Fight for Peace, is the latest chapter in the Luna’s Saga series. This gripping installment follows Luna as she battles a relentless stalker and fights to reclaim her life amidst a sea of threats and uncertainties. The book delves into Luna’s intense struggle for survival and her relentless pursuit of inner peace, highlighting her journey through the darkest corners of her past and her quest for a brighter future.

The Luna’s Saga series, which began with Echoes of Silence, has been a deeply personal and transformative project for me. Echoes of Silence sets the stage for Luna’s journey, offering an overview of her early struggles and the shadowy traumas that shape her life. Surviving the Shadows: A Child’s Journey through Abuse explores Luna’s harrowing childhood and the abuse she endured, providing a raw and poignant look at her formative years. Breaking the Shadows: Luna’s Path to Healing follows Luna as she attempts to escape her past while grappling with new challenges and confronting a dark period of her life.

Writing Emerging from Shadows took me over a year of intense, emotionally charged work. Crafting Luna’s final chapter involved a deep dive into her psyche and a meticulous balance of suspense and emotional depth. Each book in the series has been a labor of love, aimed at capturing the resilience of the human spirit and offering hope to those who may see their own struggles reflected in Luna’s story.

Through the entire saga, my goal has been to offer readers a narrative that is both compelling and healing. I hope that Luna’s journey will resonate with readers, providing them with solace and inspiration as they navigate their own paths to healing and peace.

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ACWstories’s Website

ACWstories Facebook Page

ACWstories Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Tim Nash

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m Tim Nash, I enjoy crafting spine-chilling tales that blend the futuristic unknown of Science Fiction with the eerie realms of horror. I bring you into worlds filled with a unique fusion of science fiction and horror, creating nightmarish worlds that linger long after the final chapter. I have grown up on a steady diet of classic science fiction and horror, which at the time many were new and just released. I was born on Halloween Night at 8 pm and have become part of the horror and science fiction genre ever since.

Discover the thrilling worlds of my Sci-Fi and Horror, where imaginative futures collide with spine-chilling mysteries. I dive into futuristic realms filled with advanced technology and alien encounters, or explore dark, eerie landscapes.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have been writing stories, comics and designing graphics since a teenager. Though never published until 2024 I simply wrote stories and even comics which I never did anything with until now.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I draw inspiration from Ray Bradbury for his weaving stories into short stories which launch you into another way of seeing things around you. In his TV show opening he explains how he begins his writing by looking around and finding what is interesting today. H.P. Lovecraft for his cosmic horror, Stephen King style for writing in thought provoking ways, and Mary Shelley for the way she fused science and terror.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Warhawks 2 : Nepus Menace
A ruthless empire teeters on the brink of galactic domination, and the Milky Way is their next target. The Nepus—a fearsome warrior race known for their relentless conquests—launches an invasion that threatens to engulf two distant worlds in a desperate fight for survival. As the galaxy faces annihilation, a fragile alliance forms in the fires of resistance, but the odds are bleak. WarHawks 2 – Nepus Menace is a high-stakes sci-fi epic where the fate of humanity and its allies hangs in the balance, and victory may demand the ultimate sacrifice.

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Tim Nash’s Website

Tim Nash Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Theo Kapodistrias

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Hobart, Tasmania in Australia and it is where I currently live. I come from a small business background where I would help my family at their grocery store. I became a lawyer at 23 years old and then commenced my legal career as an in-house lawyer. Through this, I commenced my consultancy as a speaker, coach, MC and now author.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I always liked books but I wasn’t the best reader. I really began to love reading again in my mid-20s and started finding some authors I loved and continued to search for their work. I’ve also grow into the business book and personal development space, as its enjoyable.

I used to write stories when I was young. I had a note book which I’d write little tales and wanted to create a heap of short stories. I put the pen down for a while and then took a love to English in the latter years of school and also took a creative writing course in grade 12. This gave me the skills to put to use for my book now, even though it is a business book.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love a mix of books from non-fiction to fiction. Jane Harper is an amazing Australian author who has written some incredible thrillers including The Dry. Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss is an excellent tool I use in my day-to-day life, particularly in my legal career.

There are so many other amazing authors that bring so much to the literary world.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My book, A Way With Words, provides the strategies and tools to help you craft a killer message whatever the communication method. Your ability to speak confidently in public, present engagingly in meetings and communicate authentically are essential for professional careers and business owners. The book follows my 5C methodology – clarity, conciseness, confidence, creativity and connection, developed through my corporate experience and my experience as a TEDx curator. The book follows a protagonist, Kevin, who you may grow to love as you read the book!

This 200 page book took approx 2 years to complete. It was a labor of love and I’m excited by the impact it can make on the wider world.

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Theo Kapodistrias’s Website

Theo Kapodistrias Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Bryan Timothy Mitchell

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Martinsville, VA, but grew up in the middle of North Carolina. After high school, I served in the US Army in many capacities. I’ve done everything from pulling up dandelions to performing joint operations with Iraqi security forces. Over time, I received a B.A. that focused on English. I planned to be a teacher but went back to school to get a Masters in Computer Science. By day, I help developers fix security vulnerabilities in their code. By night, I write. I’m married with two boys, and we have two onerous cats and a very sweet lab.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My fascination with books began when I was in grade school. But I didn’t get started with writing until 2007. My first book wasn’t published until 2022. Although I had a bachelor’s that focused on English, it took some time for me to hone my skills as a writer of fiction.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
There are a lot of authors that I enjoy reading. I like Tolkien, Lewis, Sanderson, King, Dekker, Koontz, and many others. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite genre but speculative fiction captures me most. Epic fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, horror, etc. The two authors who’ve inspired me most so far are Dante Alighieri and C.S. Lewis. My first novel, Infernal Fall, is a modern-day retelling of the Inferno with dashes of The Great Divorce. My second novel, Almost Paradise, was a sequel to that book but took more inspiration from the Screwtape Letters. Both novels won awards for the category of best supernatural/paranormal/horror in the Realm Awards.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Almost Paradise is an award-winning supernatural thriller. It immediately follows the events from Infernal Fall, the first book in the series. Here is the blurb for Almost Paradise:

Sometimes Hell follows you home.

Something with sinister intentions stalks Daniel Strong, but it doesn’t know that he has a magical stone that can send it back to the fiery abyss. Unfortunately for Daniel, there isn’t much power in slinging stones.

Heartless Charles must decide who he serves, and If that wasn’t enough trouble, an alluring female spirit has him ensnared with her charms. Beau is in Grayton ready to catch the next bus to Heaven, but to get there, he must remember his past.

None of them know that demons are digging their way into the living world. A peculiar angel, named Chance, tracks their scheme, but after a treacherous act leads to his imprisonment, hell is about to break loose.

Join Daniel as he confronts his demons once more, and find out why it’s harder to fly than to fall.

Almost Paradise is book 2 in the Infernal Fall series by Bryan Timothy Mitchell.

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Bryan Timothy Mitchell’s Website

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Featured Interview With Bob Collopy

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Born Texan. Raised in Sedona then Scottsdale. Went to Barrett Honors ASU. Became a pilot.

Made scuba diving computers to save coral reefs. Became a top 5 real estate broker in Arizona. Became the henchman of investment funds and a millionaire in mid 20s.

Picked a fight with the King of Morocco. Doesn’t drink Tequila.

Owns a fastest growing company for six straight years that pays well over 70 people. Runs a halfway house on the side and develops real estate. Married a beautiful Latvian who he met hopping around in Australia. She had a cat, so he has a cat.

Member of fancy smancy car groups. Got the street name “Loco Gringo” in a rough part of town he was redeveloping.

Eagle Scout.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was about 5 years old. Made a comic book called Star Fleet. I found it recently in a box. Apparently, the premise was aliens are invading earth. So we have to make spaceships right? Well my 5 year old solution was to get everyone on earth to cut down ALL the trees and build our space ships out of wood.

I’ve since raised money for wind farms, so I guess people change.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’ve always loved Fight Club, Atlas Shrugged, Philosophy books, Fear and Loathing, etc. Basically wild yet deep is my vibe.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Dan Rather grew up in the successful family business of radio journalism, which is why all the powerful and corrupt they report on are trying to kill them. Since America fractured and fell, the Rathers have operated from an underground bunker in the Badlands, relying on donations from viewers like you to fund their anti-drone missiles and defenses that protect them from incoming explosive hate mail.
For his debut report, Dan is sneaking into Mexico City to investigate the murky world of immigration with a cunning and boisterous immigrant named Pedro. Dan plans to join Pedro’s journey through the newly formed countries, uncovering the journey of immigrants boarding obscure armored trains to California. If his report succeeds it could secure vital donations, undermine the profiteers of labor exploitation, and cement Dan’s position at the helm of his family’s business.
But Pedro has his own agenda. He’s after real money—the kind that mega unions, corporations, and regimes generate—and is willing to do whatever it takes to reach his dreams.

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Bob Collopy’s Website

Featured Interview With Peggy Joque Williams

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a Yooper by birth and a Cheesehead by choice. I grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—often referred to as the U.P. Yoo-p. Yooper. Get it? After college and marriage I moved with my spouse to Wisconsin, where we proudly call ourselves Cheeseheads and sometimes wear cheese-shaped hats. I live in the state’s capital city, Madison. As for pets, do you count my hubby? We’ve been cat owners, and had a dog for a number of years, but now we just have each other. And kids. And grandkids.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have been fascinated by books since I was a toddler. I grew up in a household with books, classics like Dickens and Dumas that my dad collected, and teen mystery novels handed down to me by a cousin. Our town’s children’s librarian knew each of us kids by name. It was six blocks away, and I walked there frequently. When I was in high school and college, my oldest brother would talk about books he was reading, and I would get them from the library—The Lord of the Rings, the Last Temptation of Christ, Strangers in a Strange Land. As for writing, I remember working on the class newsletter in elementary school. In sixth grade, my friends and I would gather together with a single notebook between us, and we were brainstorming and writing the next great Beatles movie after having seen A Hard Day’s Night. For me, writing was fun! That was followed by being on my high school newspaper; and I wrote an essay for a national competition that won at the state, earning me a small scholarship.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors have changed over time, maybe not so much changed as have been added to. In my college and early adult years, I enjoyed J.R.R. Tolkein and Robert Heinlein. For a long while I became fascinated by international intrigue: Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy, Ken Follet and such. Later, my tastes became more erudite, and I read Azar Nafisi’s Reading Lolita in Tehran. Then I read Lolita and all the other books mentioned in her memoir. I have always loved non-fiction, especially non-fiction that marries history with science and math and interesting people. Books about Alan Turing, Stephen Johnson’s The Invention of Air, biographies of scientists by Walter Issacson. More recently, because of my interest in 17th century, I find myself reading Tracy Chevalier, Alison Weir, Geraldine Brooks, Maggie O’Farrell, C.S. Harris, and Margaret George. For more contemporary fare, I just love Rebecca Makkai’s The Great Believers and Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures. I am inspired by everything I read.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Courting the Sun: A Novel of Versailles was released in May 2024, by the indie publisher Black Rose Writing. It’s the story of a free-spirited country girl swept up in the world of intrigue, illicit affairs, and power mongering that went on in the court of Louis, XIV, the Sun King. She thinks she’s living the life she has always dreamed of but discovers she’s nothing more than a pawn in the King’s game of politics and financial dealings. The premise, which informs the end of the book, is loosely inspired by my own 7th- and 8th-great-grandmothers who lived and loved in France, but who had to make difficult choices. But disclaimer: none of my ancestors lived the life that my character Sylvienne does. She is purely fiction, set in the very real world of King Louis, his mistress Athénaïs de Montespan, his brother Philippe, and the Princess Henriette-Anne, Philippe’s tragic young wife.

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Peggy Joque Williams’s Website

Peggy Joque Williams Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Paolo Danese

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My name is Paolo Danese and I was born and raised in Southern Italy. I have been around…a lot! Since 2011 I have been living in Asia, first in Hong Kong and now Singapore. I am married with two awesome kids who are (way too quickly) approach their teenage years. I was never a pet person but we took home the most adorable toy-sized poodle called Anzu in the summer of 2023 and I cannot get enough of him! Best decision ever since getting married!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was reading quite a bit before turning 10, the public library was my best friend then. My parents helped, they had quite a well-stocked library at home, too.

The first book I bought with intention, however, is seared into my mind. The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks. I was 12 and I still thank my aunt for that summer gift. Fun times. I started writing not long after, first as a Dungeons & Dragons game master, then around 16 I actually dove in and began writing my first novel. The amount of stupidity involved in such a decision staggers me to this day. I knew nothing of fiction writing, story structures, traditional publishing (indie was not much of a thing yet), etc etc.

It has been one hell of a journey.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I read widely across genres, which makes me a very “unloyal” reader compared to many, including all my close friends! I do not really have favorite authors as much as favorite pieces of literature, and they range from fantasy to medieval poetry to science non-fiction books. In terms of broad inspiration for the books I have actually written so far, I would say the foundational influences are JRR Tolkien and HP Lovecraft.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I just published a dark epic fantasy called “Rise of the Nemesis”. It has elements of grimdark, high fantasy, and post-apocalyptic science fantasy (and some portal fantasy). It is the story of what happens after a hero sacrifices themselves for the greater good, and at great personal cost. A fairly dark tale of revenge against selfish and corrupt demigods. But, despite it all, there is hope. Redemption, too, maybe!

I have been working on this book seriously since 2020. As the story follows two interwoven plotlines, finding the right balance for each of the plots and characters was tricky. The main plot-line is very tightly centered around the main character and his mostly “solo” journey. The other plotline involves several characters so I continue to wonder whether I did all of them justice. Time (and readers) will tell!

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Paolo Danese’s Website

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Featured Interview With John (Jack) M. Cunningham Jr

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1954. I later attended the University of Alabama where I received a degree in history and also studied education. After my graduation I moved to New Orleans, Louisiana where I taught school. After Hurricane Katrina hit the city, I moved back to Alabama. Fortunately, my home didn’t suffer much damage in that storm. As far back as my junior high school years, history has been one of my passions.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve loved books and reading as far back into my childhood as I can remember. In the mid-1980s, I began writing professionally.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Most of the novels I read are historical fiction. Regarding non-fiction, I enjoy history and biographies. C,S. Forester, Sarah Sundin, Angela Hunt, Bruce Catton and Alexandre Dumas are my favorite authors. My first inspiration for writing novels was Forester’s Horatio Hornblower series. This led me to write two Civil War novels with a naval setting: Vengeance & Betrayal, and River Ruckus, Bloody Bay. Bruce Catton inspired me to dig deeper into the American Civil War. Sometimes, inspiration comes from places I visit or stories I read in magazines newspapers, and on the internet.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
In 1850s Mobile, Alabama, a backslidden Christian named Gideon Deshler spirals toward destruction, his demise hastened by evil Elvira Sturgis with whom he falls in love. She and her father, president of the nearby Spring Hill Jockey Club, brutalize their slaves. Two of Sturgis’s slaves, the jockey Ned and his girlfriend Becky, must escape to Canada so they can fulfill their dreams. But how? Alabama is far away from Canada, and it also doesn’t have an Underground Railroad.

Meanwhile, a mystery surrounds the death of a champion Thoroughbred named Green Legs. Before he can solve this mystery, Gideon must get delivered from Elvira’s spell and reconcile with Sam Quarles, with whom he’d fought a duel. Sam’s father had been Green Legs’s owner.

Sam’s brother, Joe, feuds with Gideon’s friend, Owen Washburn, over Green Legs’s death. To keep his promise to his dying father, Joe vows to regain the status of his father’s horse farm in a big match race against Owen’s champion, Comet. Joe’s hope lies in an ornery Thoroughbred named Johnny Boy. If Johnny doesn’t win the Pride of Alabama Stakes, Joe vows to kill himself, for horseracing is his life and he’d have failed his father’s dying wish. Yet, Green Legs’s real killers and their accomplice have other plans.

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Featured Interview With David Scott Richardson

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Seattle in 1942. Several years thereafter we moved to NY city and eventually western Pennsylvania. Returning to the NW in 1949 I bounced around between Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane and Bellingham finally coming to rest in Woodinville over thirty years ago. I live with my wife, two cats, and a mini zoo of backyard critters.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I must confess I never had a fascination with books, primarily because I had considerable difficulty learning to read. About 25 years ago I injured my back and had to sit for roughly four months. My wife was an avid reader and she began bringing books from the library. I didn’t make requests so she brought anything she thought I might like. That may be why I read books from so many different genres.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I don’t know if I have favorite authors; there are so many to choose from. I tend to concentrate on history and social commentary but I do like Hemmingway, Steinbeck, and Vonnegut. I spent several years reading about NW railroad and logging history. Recent books have included How the Word is Passed, Caste, Waking up White, Half American, and Just Mercy. I’m inspired by any author who can suck me in and keep me reading.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Because my father was killed in WWII, the war has always been an interest. At some point, the idea of somebody lighting fires during the mandatory blackouts in Seattle captured my imagination. As a former sixth-grade teacher, I understood how inadequate we are at teaching civics and history, especially to young people, hence teenage readers became my target audience. The central idea of An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze cried out to become a mystery. It was also a vehicle to portray the homefront in a way most young readers had not been exposed to. The story is set in my Seattle neighborhood, which by the way, still looks almost exactly like it did in 1943. Much of the story reflects my own lived experiences, though slightly updated to the nineteen fifties.

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Featured Interview With Nick Haskins

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a full-time writer and love creating and releasing new material for my audience. I was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. I’m still in Toledo, without pets at the moment, but I’m getting a doggy very soon.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started entertaining myself with the stories I used to come up with at around nine years old. I started writing my stories out when I was around seventeen, but in 2008, when I turned thirty, I realized that all I wanted to do was write. I released my first book in 2011, and it’s been on from there.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite author is any writer who can tell a good story. A few big-name writers are my favorite, as well as some indie writers. I love the art of storytelling, no matter the genre or who it comes from. Who inspires me? Hands down, my audience. I want to reach and entertain as many people/readers as possible, so being able to do that inspires me over everything else.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is from my family drama series, Dark Waters. This African American fiction title is about an affluent black law family in Philadelphia that is perfect for the public but a mess behind closed doors. Judge Waters and his family have the best of everything except love, respect for one another, or loyalty.

I have also chopped part one of my new audiobook, Paradise Ocean Hotel (contemporary fiction), into eleven episodes currently streaming on YouTube. Paradise Ocean Hotel has a lot of drama and chaos for my readers to enjoy.

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Featured Interview With Gwen Suesse

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in a small town in upstate New York. Following that, I went to New York City and Boston for college and graduate school. I started teaching in Clinton, New York and went on to live in the greater Syracuse area after I married. Career-wise, I have worked as a choral director and music teacher, as well as in various human resources positions. I am a certified life coach with advanced training in grief support.

Currently, I am blessed to live in Tryon, North Carolina, a small town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tryon has a remarkable presence of the arts, music, and cultural opportunities for a town of its size, attracting many artists, musicians, and writers to make their homes here.

I’ve had dogs most of my life but am currently pet-less following the demise of my beloved corgi, Daisy.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have loved books all my life. I read voraciously from the time I “cracked the code” and learned to read. I was lucky to be raised in a family that valued reading and education. There were always books in our home. Books on all subjects, from Audubon’s Birds of America to multiple encyclopedias, to novels and nonfiction titles, to the ever-present, huge, (or so it seemed to me as a child) Merriam Webster Unabridged Dictionary. My parents valued teaching their children to use exactly the right word. The dictionary sat in an alcove between the living and dining rooms, ever at the ready for reference!

Writing is so much a part of who I am that I cannot remember when I started. I wrote for school, of course, and won several essay contests. I wrote for my various jobs and volunteer positions. However, the writing I value most is the private writing in my journals, where I write to figure things out. When I put my thoughts on paper, the whirling clutter that is flying around in my overactive brain magically goes out of my mind and onto the page, where I can see those thoughts separately, grapple with them, and attempt to find structure, focus, or a glimmer of understanding and message for going forward.

These journals provided fodder for my two books. As Toni Morrison once said, “If there’s a book you want to read but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” So I did! Twice!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I have so many favorite authors. Some of them: (in no particular order) Anne Lamott. Michael Malone. John O’Donohue. David Whyte. Leo Tolstoy. Mark Twain. Barbara Kingsolver. Ann Patchett. Mary Oliver. Mark Nepo. Robert Frost. Brian Doyle. Abraham Verghese. David Brooks. Doris Kearns Goodwin. Elizabeth Strout. Bill Bryson. Ivan Doig. Amor Towles.

I read everything except science fiction and dystopian literature, because I think life is scary enough without delving into those genres. I lean toward literary novels, poetry, spirituality, and current affairs, as well as books from any genre which illuminate human behavior because I am fascinated about what makes people do what they do.

I have been especially inspired by writers like Anne Lamott and Mark Nepo.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is Notes from Planet Widow: Finding My Way After Loss.
Planet Widow is a story of rebirth. With the sudden death of my beloved husband, I landed without warning on Planet Widow, an utterly barren landscape with nothing in sight – only total desolation with mind-bending disorientation and soul-piercing heartache as my sole companions. I had no vision of what life could look like in such a place.
My book describes the trail of insights that knit themselves together to restore my sense of wholeness as a newly single person. While I couldn’t eradicate grief, I could learn profound lessons from it. Finding the courage to be open to it as a fierce teacher, I slowly lived my way into a new realization of self that includes grief, transforming disorientation into grounding and a measure of peace within the altered context of living on my own.

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Featured Interview With Shamree Lynn Williams

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m Shamree! I was born and raised in Texas and currently reside in Texas. I’m a mom of five and we have a pet bearded dragon, Eliza. I work as a mental health therapist with a specialty in trauma. I love nature, listening to music, and tea. My favorite flowers are roses and orchids. My favorite color is black and I love Mexican cuisine.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
To be honest, I’ve just written my first book. What inspired me to write that book connects to my work as a therapist and my own traumatic upbringing. I realized just how much my childhood trauma dictated what my adult life consisted of. I identified a cycle that I desired to change and I did that. Once I did that for myself, I wanted to share my story with the world. My story is raw and very touching but I what I intend for others to get from it is that healing is possible and we all heal in our own way. I desired to share my story so others could adopt tips to assist them on their own healing journey.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love reading books on spirituality and I absolutely love Bessel van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps the Score! I inspired my own writing! I wanted my story to reach millions in hopes to change the lives of millions!

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My book provides insight to my life as a child and into my adult years. It provides a very detailed description of my experiences from childhood sexual abuse to toxic relationships that I’ve experienced as a result. Many of us have had traumatic upbringings and as a result, we may lead unfulfilling lives without having any understanding of how our past traumas may have influenced this. I lived many years of my life repeating a cycle I had no idea I was in. I had no insight to how my childhood trauma was the foundation to my experiences. I encountered many hurtful relationships and often blamed others for my experience. What I realized was I was the one who was responsible for the cycle I was in, and I will share in this book how I came to understand and overcome that.

Rather than allowing my trauma to hold me back, I made the decision to heal and see things from a more positive perspective. I realized my power and used my trauma to ignite me in the direction of prosperity and to influence and motivate me to help others who feel as if there is no hope.

I have chosen to be vulnerable enough to share my story with the world in hopes that it will reach and inspire individuals all over to pursue their own healing.

I have included a bonus chapter where you will get to review many of my diary entries from my personal diary and witness the emotional roller coaster I rode as I started to heal. You will also get to see how my perspective shifted over the passing months as I got deeper into my healing and started to make remarkable progress. I’m positive that my diary entries will help you gain a new perspective and you will be able to adopt tips to assist you on your own healing journey.

Featured Interview With Anne McClard

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but lived in many different places growing up. My dad was a surgeon in the Navy, and my mother was a housewife. After seventeen years of marriage and having had six children with my father, my mother divorced him, something rare in the early 1960s. So, we moved a lot and, for a time, were what people nowadays call “unhoused.” We lived in Virginia (Norfolk, Virginia Beach), Colorado (Breckenridge, Empire, Georgetown, Denver, Boulder), Billings (Montana), and Santa Fe (New Mexico), where I came of age attending St. John’s College. I think of myself as coming from the “Rocky Mountain Corridor.” As an adult, I have lived in Rhode Island, Denver, Boulder, and the Bay Area. I am married and have two children, one living at home, and the other in Los Angeles, where he is starting his fledgling career in the film industry. Last but not least, we have two adorable senior Tibetan Terriers.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have been writing for my entire life. The first time I thought of writing a book was after reading ‘Little House in the Big Woods’ by Laura Ingalls Wilder. A couple of years later, I read ‘Harriet the Spy’ by Louise Fitzhugh and went right out and bought my first journal. I have kept a journal in one form or another ever since then. It is no accident that I ended up being a cultural anthropologist—notebook , pen, and observational skills are the main tools of the trade, as is documenting every day life.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I gravitate to literary fiction, regardless of genre elements. Magic, romance, mystery, culture, history and good world-building are all part of what I look for. I really love well researched novels with developed characters who have complex back stories. Intricate plots also fascinate me. As an adult reader, I have been most influenced by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Barbara Kingsolver, and mystery writers like Tana French and Donna Tartt. I also love good ethnographic fiction. The books I enjoy reading the most teach me something but also entertain. And, that is the kind of books I try to write.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Margaux and the Vicious Circle is the book I most recently finished writing. It will be released on September 30, 2024. It tells the story of Margaux, a young writer in 1985 Manhattan, who has penned a semi-autobiographical novel that includes the unresolved disappearance of a childhood friend. She faces the usual impediments that all authors do—difficulties finding an agent, and pushback from family members who feel that her book reveals too many secrets they have worked hard to hide.

Margaux, like me, has four siblings, and her backstory is scaffolded on many events that took place in my own family and childhood, but she is definitely not me, and the novel she has written is only tangentially related to my life. The characters are wholly fabricated. Character building is one of the most fun parts of writing for me. I spend almost as much time writing backstories as I do writing the book. I was able to produce a complete draft of this book in approximately six months.

This book was particularly tricky because it weaves two timelines. The story is really two complete novels that mingle details of Margaux’s childhood with her current life. Multiple mysteries are opened and closed in each timeline. Thematically, I was inspired to write the book because my mother kept fretting about how dangerous the world had become. I argued that the world has always been dangerous, recounting the dangers she faced in her childhood and the dangers my siblings and I faced in ours. Childhood might actually be safer now! Another important theme, present in both of my novels, is the power of magical thinking and imagination for overcoming adversity.

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Featured Interview With Thích Quang Trí

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am an American Buddhist monk living at the Phuoc Hue Buddhist Temple of San Antonio (Texas). Though I have a love/hate relationship with Texas, it is still home. I’ve written a few books, most notably “The Buddha Journey: Questions & Answers for the Awakening Mind” and “Meditations: Aspirations & Reflections for a Happier Life.”

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve loved reading and writing for as long as I can remember! I’ve always had several bookshelves in my room my entire life. Actually, for most of my adult life, I’ve always made space somewhere in my home that acted as a library. In either my bedroom or in my office, I would have three bookshelves: one shelf of books I’ve read and really enjoyed, one shelf of books I’ve read but want to read again, and a shelf of books I haven’t read yet. The last shelf is currently overflowing…

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I don’t really have a “favorite” anything, honestly. My taste is very eclectic. Of course, as a monk, all my reading is specifically in the genre of religion and spirituality.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Buddha Journey: Questions & Answers for the Awakening Mind (2nd edition), is an invaluable book full of wisdom for those curious or new to Buddhism, or even if you’re a seasoned practitioner and want to learn something from a new perspective and point of view. Part one of the book covers all your most important basics: the history of the Buddha’s life and enlightenment, the Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Dependent Origination, Karma, and Meditation. Part two includes over 100 questions on various topics like: compassion, meditation, enlightenment, lists and numbers, and more!

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