Authors are listed alphabetically by LAST name beginning with B
*All the information/websites/links were current AT THE TIME OF INITIAL POSTING. As time passes, please be aware that the links provided might no longer be active.
Steven Bates
Name: Steven Bates
Genre(s) of your work: Poetry
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Reflections of A Beret (1st edition / 2015 , 2nd edition 2016)
The “After” Life (1st edition / 2016, 2nd edition 2017)
Bio:
Steven Bates was a military brat who has served the public as an armed and unarmed security officer, a police officer, and a corrections officer. He went on to serve his country in both the Air Force Reserves and Active Duty Air Force as a Security Police/Security Forces member until he was medically discharged in 2003. Steven has written two books of poetry and is currently working on a third collection due out this December.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I find poetry to be my inner voice and catharsis for dealing with a variety of issues. The symmetry, rhythm, and ability to impart imagery to the reader or listener help me to convey things that I am not able to in a normal voice. I find that poetry gives me the connection to the listener/reader that I would not normally have, and as such, gives the reader/listener a connection to the heart and soul of what I am trying to make them feel and understand.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
It has allowed me to help others in ways that I never have been able to before, that of mentally instead of physically, by letting others know that they are not alone in the struggles they are having in their own lives, that others have been where they are now.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Timothy Zahn, Clive Cussler, Margaret Weis/Tracy Hickman, and Kevin J. Anderson. All because they are able to take me into the places they have imagined, into the worlds they have created, and into the characters that are speaking with such skill as to allow me to suspend any and all disbelief and immerse myself totally into their creations.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
I find them to be an integral part of “making” it in the literary world. My local Barnes and Noble has been very supportive of me as an author and has allowed me several book signings that have really helped get my material out to the masses where they can do the help that I have always hoped they can do.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?
They aren’t alone. Period. They aren’t alone with PTSD, depression, suicide attempts, deployments, and personal issues that many think they have been struggling with by themselves and only themselves.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
Quite a bit. If not a personal experience of mine then normally my poems reflect an experience that has been relayed to me from another veteran that has been unable to get his story out in other means, or they are created to convey a certain image to make the reader/listener understand the circumstances they would not normally have a grasp of.
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
DEADLINES… lol.. seriously though.. I think that having a set deadline helps but it’s the inner desire to get a certain message out for a certain cause that helps me finish my poems, for example, writing a poem of suicide awareness for a suicide prevention rally.
What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
Failure to immerse me into the story, if I can stop when a chapter ends and set the book down, it normally stays down.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
Touchy question! For while all should have freedom of speech, certain speech, and this includes writing, might be dangerous, inflammatory, or downright initiative of hostile acts. These topics, or statements, such as screaming “Fire” in a crowded theatre, while not violent in nature, still could cause mass panic, violence and endangerment to society as a stampede resulting from fear and anxiety as people rush away from an imagined threat.
By the same token, writing can be just as taboo with certain topics. When society allows publication of taboo mores and ideologies, pedophilia for instance, into the mainstream literary world, then they allow the nurturing of that culture thus endangering that which we hold dearest, our future in our children.
Who holds the standards is not necessarily up to the majority either, for sometimes the majority rule is formulated by the mob rule mentality caught up in the heat of the moment or the cause of the moment. Majority doesn’t always mean right and while a lot of people might be upset at that notion, imagine if the majority decided in a tizzy that law enforcement be disbanded, as is a popular notion to many these days, and they got their way. Total anarchy and lawlessness would eventually ensue with mob and gang rule dictating decisions such as who lives and dies, and who eats and starves.
As I said, a touchy subject. and one that is up to a court higher than any circuit court of appeals to decide. Forgive my rambling.. else I might be censored as well… lol
Where can people find you and your work?
My books are available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble online, and on audio at Audible.
my website is http://stevenbates.online/
and I am on Facebook at Steven Bates’ Musings and can be friended at my Facebook page under the name Norelcobronze or Steven Bates
(and I will send a free autographed copy of my books to the first person that can accurately tell me where I came up with the name Norelco Bronze!)
Diane Bator
Your Name: Diane Bator
Genre(s) of your work: mystery, cozy mystery
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
15 of my books have been taken down by publisher BUT are in process of self-publishing all.
Current are: Written in Stone, A.J. Cadell Mystery Book 1, 2024
All That Sparkles, Glitter Bay Mysteries Book 1, 2024
Bio:
Diane Bator is a Canadian mystery writer, book coach, editor, and mom of three. She is the host of the Escape With a Writer blog, a member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, the Writers’ Union of Canada, and the International Thriller Writers. She is represented by Creative Edge Publicity and is available for interviews.
Her website is https://dianebator.ca/
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I’ve always loved mysteries and puzzles. I never thought of being a mystery writer until I won a contest called Mystery Ink and got my first novella published. From then onward, I’ve written mystery and cozy mystery.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
I’ve always been a writer and storyteller, but it wasn’t until I got serious about it in 2007 that I devoted time and energy to getting my work out to readers. I was always a voracious reader but have started to read books differently. Not just to be entertained but to learn and hone my own skills. Through writing groups and conferences, I’ve met amazing writers from all around the world, which has only made me want to improve even more.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
I’ve always loved Lillian Jackson Braun – mostly because of the involvement of the cats and how her main character, Jim Qwilleran developed over the series. It was reading Janet Evanovich’s Stepanie Plum series that got me thinking I could actually do this as a career.
Other than that, I read a wide variety of authors, including a lot of friends’ works.
It’s great when we can all support and encourage each other.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
I think audiobooks are something that only increase our audience. People who feel they have no time to read, or who are unable to read, can make use of them to expand their own horizons with books and series.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
Word of mouth and meeting people in person has been a fun marketing tool but limiting. I love getting to meet other writers and cross market with them. I’ve also been working with a PR professional who has introduced me to a bigger market.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
That’s a tricky one. It makes me sad when writing is censored. We all see the world in different ways and what was acceptable in earlier years can be learned from. I don’t think that should be rewritten or “whitewashed.”
Depending on who is doing the censoring, it can take away the voices of some very talented authors who write things “unacceptable” to the censors.
What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
There’s an old saying “Buyer Beware.” If you are triggered by certain topics, read the back covers or blurbs carefully. Trigger warnings are fine but how do authors know what will trigger a particular reader? What might seem benign to one reader, will send another into a panic. How are writers supposed to account for that?
Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?
I think it depends on the book or events. A lot of the time, events are great for getting your name out into the public and people will go back to look for your books later. That’s where it’s great to have bookmarks or some kind of swag to help them remember you by.
Where can people find you and your work?
Written in Stone: https://books2read.com/u/38Oq1Z
All That Sparkles: https://books2read.com/u/38AEza
Website: https://dianebator.ca/
Blog: https://escapewithawriter.wordpress.com/
Newsletter https://dianebator.substack.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-Bator-Author/
https://www.facebook.com/escapewithawriter
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Diane-Bator/e/B009CGCPRE
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/dibator/diane-bator-author/?lp=true
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianebatorauthor/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dianebatorauthor?lang=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDHSfj6DI7X5eL2zIn6_2Uw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianeBator
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7179945.Diane_Bator
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-bator-35b63418/
Smashword: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/bator
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/diane-bator
Amir Bavar
Name: Amir Bavar
Pseudonym : A. A. Bavar
Genre(s) of your work: Action, thriller, romantic comedy, fantasy, creative non-fiction
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Shutdown (screenplay): 1999
That’s Amore (screenplay): 2000
Beauty Untold (screenplay): 2002
The Angel of Death (screenplay): 2005
Coma (short story): 2007
The Walk (short story): 2007
Superstition (short story): 2007
The Hand (short story): 2008
An Alien in China (screenplay): 2010
Az – Revenge of an Archangel (novel): 2015
Juror 83 (novel): 2016
Last Man Standing – My car needs a wash (screenplay): 2017
Samantha (novel): 2017
Kiss Me at the Finish Line (novel): 2017
Bio :
I was only nine when my mother rushed me out of school to board a plane for Italy. It was the beginning of the Iranian Revolution, the beginning of my exile. From there, life became an adventure, from going to school in an ancient castle in Florence and playing tennis on the lawns at Wimbledon, to dribbling a soccer ball on the white, sandy beaches of Brazil. What I didn’t realize was that my roots had been permanently up-heaved and that I would spend the rest of my life trying to find a place to belong.
Can you imagine being nine and suddenly going to school in Italy without knowing a single word in Italian or having any friends? And then, as you’re slowly finding your way, to be yanked away again to live in England? Again, no friends, but at least I was fluent in English. But that didn’t last long either, since I soon found myself in Brazil. Once again, no friends and no language. Luckily, I went to the American school so the transition was a bit smoother, but unfortunately, the Iran/U.S. relationship wasn’t. We were right in the middle of the hostage crisis… more on this later. Yes, you guessed it, I’m writing my own life story.
When people ask me where I’m from, I find myself stammering, wondering what I should say. Am I Iranian? Brazilian? American? No, not really… more like an international, cultural mess. So I say I’m from earth, even though when I first came to the U.S. I was tagged as an alien! On the positive side, as a citizen of the world, I understand the nuances of many diverse cultures and can write about almost anything, usually with a lot of humor. Too bad I still haven’t found a place I can truly call home.
After high school in Brazil, I moved to the U.S. and majored in computer engineering with a concentration in creative writing. I met my future wife in engineering lab and we got married soon after graduation.
In 1999, I wrote my first screenplay, Shutdown, which was considered for production by New Line Cinema with Harrison Ford. I went on to write several other screenplays, and in 2015 published my first novel, Az – Revenge of an Archangel.
Also in 2015, I was approached by one of the jurors in the Boston Marathon bombing trial of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and wrote the book Juror 83, which for personal reasons was not published.
In 2016, I entered a script competition and wrote an episode for the sitcom Last Man Standing called My Truck Needs a Wash, while working on my novel Samantha which I finished in 2017. Samantha is a romantic thriller with a touch of magic. Imagine Bewitched meets Fatal Attraction! Doesn’t that say it all? It’s currently competing on Kindle Scout, so please go to https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/2YWWJWSRZQ9XT and NOMINATE it for publication by Amazon. Thank you!
Right now I’m working on my next novel, Kiss Me at the Finish Line, due for publication in December, 2017. It’s an action drama based on my work in Juror 83.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I’m not bound to any one genre. What genre I choose to write mostly depends on my mood at that specific moment, or the premise that pops into my head. From there, it develops almost organically. Originally, I started as a screenwriter and wrote action, comedy, and thrillers. As an author, my books follow the same pattern. I’ve written fantasy, action, comedy, and creative non-fiction. Bottom line, my motivation is to write stories that move my readers independent of the genre.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Writing is like a pressure release valve. I use it all the time, when I’m excited, happy, angry, scared, confused; when life is simply moving along and I’m trying to keep up. For example, when I wrote Az – Revenge of an Archangel, I was going through a very difficult time when my mother was losing herself (at a relatively young age) to Alzheimer’s disease. Writing that book greatly helped me confront and understand my feelings.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Alexandre Dumas for writing the masterpiece The Three Musketeers. I love the humor and adventure. It is a complete work that encompasses every aspect of life: dignity, honor, love, loss, and survival.
Robert Ludlum for the scope of his work, but more specifically The Bourne Identity. The book is very different from the movie, and for the better. It’s fast paced and adrenaline packed. The writing is crisp and moves at lightning speed without excessive description. I’m a screenwriter, so it appeals to me.
William Goldman for immortalizing The Princess Bride. It’s the perfect love story.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
I think they serve a purpose. Everyone likes to go to a B&N, have a coffee, and browse through the best sellers or classics. However, give me a corner mom and pop bookstore and you’ll find me there; that’s where the magic is!
What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?
When I started writing, it was very clear to me that anything I wrote should be a source of pride for my children. Not because of any success it may have, but because it upholds good morals and integrity. I would never write anything that my children shouldn’t read.
I want my readers to enjoy reading my work. Whether it’s with a smile or biting their finger nails, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that they take something away from the journey, something memorable.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
Very much indeed. The best writing is the one that is based on what we know, what we’ve experienced. That should be the foundation of an author’s work.
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
Honestly, I don’t know. Ideas just come to me, anything from romantic comedies and action, to thrillers. Being an avid reader helps – reading stimulates the imagination, which helps writing. Right now I have four novels in the pipeline. These are stories I feel I need to tell and that is motivation enough.
What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
It has to be really bad for me to give up. I mean, my character doesn’t allow me leave leave things half done, and that applies to book also. I believe there have been only a handful of books that I’ve not finished, and I’ve read hundreds.
So, to be more precise. I’m very picky about what I read. I look at the storyline and evaluate the writing style and editing. If the latter two fall short, I will not start the book.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
No. If an author feels strongly enough towards a subject to want to write about it and sign his name on the cover, then that’s their journey to take. However, I do abhor bad taste and will not read things that offend me or are deplorable to human dignity.
Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?
Of course! As a professional, I have high standards and expect other authors to have the same. It really bothers me when I read books that are poorly written, especially the basics such as spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. Proofread, please!
Where can people find you and your work?
Vote for Samantha: https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/2YWWJWSRZQ9XT
Az – Revenge of an Archangel: https://www.amazon.com/Az-Revenge-Archangel-Bavar-ebook/dp/B00XIN9ICC
Social media:
www.aabavar.com
https://www.facebook.com/amir.bavar.5
https://www.instagram.com/amirbavar/
Karen Bedore
Name: Karen Bedore
Genre(s) of your work: (fiction) Romance/Historical/Renaissance
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
The Bard Trilogy
The Bard – 2015
The Betrayal – 2016
The Brotherhood – 2017
Another Lifetime – 2017
Bio:
On a typical day, one could find Karen in the throngs of adolescent wonderment, trying to create harmonious music-making to these next-generation superstars. From the first squeaks of “Hot Cross Buns” to the lavish lyrical sounds of “Danny Boy,” there is much magic that occurs within the four walls of the band room.
After being fueled by many cups of coffee to sustain the never-ending insanity of middle school energy, she arrives home to the role of wife (to a wonderful husband) and mother (of an amazing little boy), cherishing every moment (okay, perhaps not the whining…).
However…
Secretly (well, not so secret any more), she is an undercover author, who laces up her trainers for a run to build endurance–not just for running–but to escape from this world to an alternate one, where history and romance meet, fueled by suspense–and of course–wonderful music.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I am a romantic at heart, and long to go on an adventure in Renaissance Italy. I have been fascinated with Italy and this time period ever since I can remember, so it makes researching different aspects of them sooooo much fun! And since the Doctor has yet to come and sweep me away in his TARDIS to experience it first-hand, for now, this will have to do.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
I’ve always loved to write—I’ve been journaling since 1989 (it was the summer of 5th grade!) and have started many, many stories, but I either never finished them or they were just ‘meh’. They always seemed to fall short. So I left the writing world to pursue writing music instead, and picked up novel writing again as a friendly NaNo competition between some of my 8th grade students and myself in 2014. I would hold myself accountable by posting my word count on my board in my band room. I never made it to 50K that year, but did surpass 30K, and found the experience so rewarding that I wanted to be sure to finish my story. I had fallen in love with my characters, and it has since become this part of me that I don’t think I can live without.
Writing gives me a chance to escape reality, and it has kept me sane through some pretty trying moments. I had almost given up on dreaming until The Bard Trilogy began, giving me the chance to let go and dream once more. Writing has become such a passion of mine that I have started the creative writing club at the school where I teach, and provide a place for students that love the art of writing enough to become self-published in our annual student authors book.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Oddly enough, though I write Historical Romance, I don’t really read it—my favorite authors are in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller (sometimes Historical Fiction) genres—David Baldacci, Steve Berry, James Patterson, and Rick Polad. Maybe it’s because I’ve always been a huge Indiana Jones fan. There’s something romantic about adventuring and questing and solving puzzles, whether it’s historical or present-day.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
I absolutely LOVE getting to walk into a bookstore and pick up a book. Whether it’s a “big” store or a small local one, I could spend hours there browsing the shelves. It’s another reason why I love libraries so much! There is just something really special about holding a book in your hands. I just wish they would support indie authors more—even with the smaller bookstores it’s difficult to get your books “in store” there.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
I tend to model myself after the FMC, especially in “Another Lifetime.” From traits and hobbies, to hopes and dreams, if you know me well, you can easily find “me” in my books! I love RPGs and always wanted to be in a real-life one, but since that isn’t possible, I want to live the stories I create. And well, since they’re fiction and of my own creation, writing myself into them is the only way I can “live” them.
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
I love my characters. I truly do, and sometimes think that in some bizarre alternate universe that they’re real. I can’t leave them stranded in the middle of a situation!! They need me, and I need them. Sometimes it takes me jumping around and writing scenes out of order, but it’s really the characters that keep driving me forward.
What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
Too much information and not enough plot. Sometimes I’ve come across books that deviate from the plot way too much to try to explain history or politics or whatnot, and I just want to know what’s going to happen already! Some of that is needed to understand the “why” of the story, but there are times where it’s too much. Other things that makes me not want to finish are characters that don’t interest me in the first few chapters or stories with huge plot holes/unresolved issues. I do make an honest effort to give it a good read before I abandon it.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
Nope. If you don’t like the topic, don’t read it. It’s that simple.
Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?
Overused words!!! I read a book once where the same word was used beyond the point of annoyance. There are thesauruses for a reason!!!
Where can people find you and your work?
Website: http://karenbedore.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebardtrilogy/
Twitter: @Lady_Alcinia
Instagram: lady_alcinia
Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/karenbedore
Lindsey Behee
Name: Lindsey Behee
Genre(s) of your work: paranormal, fiction
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Paranormalish: A Collection of Writings (2015)
Bio:
I was born and raised in Frankfort, Kentucky. I have dreamed of being a writer since I first learned someone could actually do that for a living. Married in 2009, I had the opportunity to travel the United States due to my husband’s job, living in California and Colorado before settling in Texas. Currently, I am lucky to get to stay home with our two young daughters. This has given me the chance to fulfill my dream and finally get pen to paper.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I have had an overactive imagination my entire life, sometimes to a fault. I’ve learned that writing out the strange thoughts are a great way to exorcise my mind. While I wouldn’t say I only write about the paranormal, I centered my first book around that to help get stories out of my mind that have been there for ages. A lot of those stories are actually based off of nightmares I’ve had as well as true events that occurred to me or loved ones.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
I have written since I was a preteen, so it has always been a part of my life. However, in the last several months, I have decided to focus solely on writing and it has been an amazing change! First, my best friend and I wrote an entire novel after a simple phone conversation turned into a creative brainstorming session. And beyond that, I have had so many opportunities to get my name out there pop up, including this author meet and greet!
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Chuck Palahniuk! I first discovered him in high school, and seeing the way he wrote opened my eyes to a whole new world! It seemed like he broke the writing rules I had learned in high school and that amazed me. It made me realize I could push that line drawn in the sand and truly write whatever I wanted!
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
From a reader’s point of view, I’ve always loved a good trip to Barnes and Noble! There is something so spectacularly magical about visiting a small local bookshop, though. From a writer’s point of view, I love the extended opportunities that come along with channels like Kindle Direct Publishing and CreateSpace, both of which I have used for Paranormalish and my upcoming novel. Everyone deserves to get their creative work out into the world without having to go broke doing so!
What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?
On a surface level, I hope they get enjoyment. When it comes to my creepier works, I love to think I’ve given someone chills or made a few jaws drop. Overall, though, I hope that when readers realize I’m “just” a stay at home mom, they see that they don’t have to put themselves in any sort of box. I am more than just a mom who sometimes writes, I am a writer! So, they can be whatever it is they want to be, not just what they feel they’re labeled as.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
I put so much personal experience into my writing! From a few stories in Paranormalish being only slightly fictionalized, and some being completely true, to just little details like a place of business being inspired by a place I’ve visited. It’s fun to hide those Easter eggs in my work and see if those who know me pick them up.
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
Oh, this is something I admittedly struggle with. It took me over a year to finish Paranormalish for Kindle and another two years to get it ready for paperback. And there’s no excuse for that! I was the only one to blame. I think that’s a bit of self-doubt. I’m working on that with my upcoming novel. My best friend and co-author has really helped me keep that in check, I’d say. Working with her, and feeding off of her excitement helps me keep my excitement instead of giving in to the self-doubts and thinking the work isn’t good enough to put out there.
What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
Getting caught up in the busy-ness of life! I have two young kids, one of which is in school, and my husband works a lot. It’s so easy to just tell myself I don’t have time to read.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
I was actually thinking on this recently when a friend of mine sought out a “taboo” book that was banned from Amazon. I feel it’s a gray area for me. On one hand, I think “Why would someone need to write about [xyz]?” but I think I mostly lean towards the idea that anyone can write whatever their heart desires. Who am I to judge what they enjoy? As long as it’s not threatening a real person/people, or purposely ruining a real person’s life with lies passed as truth, write away!
Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?
For my own writing, I hate when I start to realize how often I use certain words. For example, in one piece, I noticed the world “little” was always used to describe a character. It wasn’t on purpose, there was just so much story happening in between the descriptions that it took a while to notice. But the important thing is that it was caught and changed!
In reading, I may have a few. First, when dialogue doesn’t sound natural. Saying someone’s name every single time a character addresses them? We don’t talk like that!
I’ve never been a fan of overly descriptive writing. I’m talking things like describing every single aspect of a person’s face, with metaphors and similes for each characteristic. Saying someone’s eyes were cold as ice is fine. Saying their eyes are cold as ice, set in a snowy skinned face with wrinkles like rivers flowing to the sea around a great mountain of a nose, is a bit much. (Silly example, I know.)
Where can people find you and your work?
You can find me on Facebook, Amazon and CreateSpace!
My writer’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lindseybeheewriter/
My upcoming novel, Lost in Grey: https://www.facebook.com/lostingreynovel/
Amazon’s author page: https://www.amazon.com/Lindsey-Behee/e/B016SPVYIM/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1509202061&sr=8-1
Paranomalish: A Collection of Writings:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Paranormalish-Collection-Writings-Lindsey-Behee/dp/1518837387/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/5822376
Barbara Belford
Name: Barbara Belford
Pseudonym (if you use one): Bibi Belford
Genre(s) of your work: Middle Grade Fiction & Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Canned and Crushed, March 2015 and June 2017
Crossing the Line, August 2017
Bio:
Bibi Belford is the author of books for middle grade readers: CROSSING THE LINE, CANNED AND CRUSHED, THE GIFT, and ANOTHER D FOR DEEDEE (coming 2018). She lives in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois with her husband. She enjoys books, gardening, beaches, and spending time with her grandchildren. Belford also works as an educational consultant and volunteers in public schools. She is a member of CWA – Chicago Writers Association, SCBWI-Illinois, and has served as a panelist for author Success Stories at the UW-Madison Writers’ Institute.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I wrote my first novel, Canned and Crushed, in response to a former student’s lament that he didn’t read because he couldn’t find books that appealed to him. He was a second-language soccer-loving student that had spent three years in my reading intervention classroom. “What if I write a book? Will you read it?” I asked him. “If you write a book, I will promise to read it,” he told me. Was he surprised when his teacher read the unpublished chapters of a “mystery writer” to his fifth grade classroom and then invited me to come and read the final chapter for the author reveal.
I walked into the room and everyone shouted, “Guess what? An author is coming to read to us today.” I asked, “Who do you think it is?” Their answers ranged from J.K. Rowling to the school’s Learning Center Director. “It’s me. I’m the author,” I confessed. “No, it can’t be you,” my former student said. “Now I have to read the book over again, by myself!” My goal is to write books that bring kids joy and create stories that motivate readers to be everyday heroes.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
I was so busy working full-time and being a mom to four kids I never had blocks of time to finish writing projects. Once all the kids flew away from the nest, I dusted off the unfinished projects, enrolled in writing workshops and rekindled my writing passion. I write almost everyday. There’s nothing as energizing and challenging as creating something. I find the research fascinating and stimulating and developing characters and their relationships is like navigating a complex maze. And if that’s not enough to change/alter life, the network of writers I’ve met and the students who tell me they love Canned and Crushed truly fill my life with joy.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
I have so many favorite authors, it’s difficult to mention only a few. I love books with everyday heroes that have messages of hope. Middle grade novel writer, Kate DiCamillo, always has characters I want to meet. Jodi Picoult’s books are so difficult to put down because the characters face such current and catastrophic events. Recently, I’ve become a huge fan of Fredrick Backman’s books and his style of writing. The author that probably inspired me the most was Katherine Paterson with her storytelling technique. See? I can’t stop. What can I say? I’m a hopelessly addicted reader.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
Although I know that large mainstream bookstores, such as B&N and Amazon, have helped me as an author sell books, I have a heart for neighborhood bookstores, where I can spend hours perusing and choosing books. Some of my favorite smaller bookstores have ordered my books and sponsored events that promote authors. I hope there’s room at the table for all kinds of bookstores, even though that sounds like I’m speaking with duplicity.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?
Since I write for middle grade kids, grades 2-7, I want them to put down my book and say, I’m just like that character. I can make a difference in my family, my school, and my neighborhood.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
I might have to take the fifth amendment on this question. As a teacher for many years, my mind if full of quite a few characters I’ve actually taught and episodes that I’ve experienced personally.
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
There’s a song that I won’t sing here, because my writing voice is better than my singing voice, but it alludes to sitting on the sand and putting your toes in the water. That’s what has to happen to complete a book. Everyday I sit in my chair and put my fingers on the keyboard. Once the writing gets done, then the editing and revising can begin.
What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
I very rarely don’t finish a book, even if I’m not in love with it. I know it’s probably some sort of neurotic disorder, but I feel responsible to the author in most cases, to give it the benefit of the doubt and go the distance with them. On the rare occasion I’ve stopped reading it’s because of two reasons. One—awful writing, labored or excessively contrived prose. Two—inaccuracies in character development or setting details.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
Whoa. I’m sensitive to some topics being inappropriate for certain ages of readers but censoring writing sounds like a violation of free speech. In my lifetime books that were originally banned/challenged such as Catcher in the Rye, and Brave New World, are now found in libraries.
Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?
I understand the importance of social media in today’s world of book promotion, but it’s still a pet peeve. I wish my time could be spent writing and the publisher had the budget to promote my book. It’s been a huge learning curve to get up to speed on self promotion. Did I say up to speed? It’s probably more accurate to say, barely approaching minimum speed!
And regarding reading others’ work, I’m a member of a group of seven writers, all writing different genres, from cozy mystery to dystopian YA. We read each others’ work and meet once a year to critique in person. We are all open to criticism and suggestions and it’s an absolutely invigorating process, a gift, that we can share with each other. So, if reading others’ work ended up not being like what I know, then I would have a pet peeve. From my experience pets, especially pet peeves, require a lot of maintenance and can be messy, so the less I have the better!
Where can people find you and your work?
Amazon: http://a.co/bjJo3gM (link to Crossing the Line)
Amazon: http://a.co/4Ts61sn (link to Canned and Crushed)
http://www.bibibelford.com/
https://www.onlineprnews.com/news/931783-1500219994-new-kids-novel-crossing-the-line-by-bibi-belford-set-during-historic-chicago-race-riots.html
https://twitter.com/BarbaraBelford
https://www.facebook.com/bibibelford/
https://www.pinterest.com/authorbibibelford/
Sophie Bellabone
Pseudonym: Sophie Bellabone
Genres: Horror, Comedic Horror
Titles/Year of Published works:
GRIN GRIM, Comedic Horror Collection 2019
Maple Street 1: RED SAP 2019
Bio:
Sophie Bellabone is a 25 years old Horror author from Finland who loves writing stories that balance between comedic and scary. While she does this, she is also an illustrator, a sleepy couch potato with idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) coupled with ADH, a partner in crime to her future wife, and a cat owner with too many interests – and way too many stories to tell.
She hopes that she can write at least a fraction of them before turning into a permanent zombie or a ghost to torment the living, free from a body that only wishes to slumber.
Why do you write in the genre you do?
I am one of those nutjobs that LOVE to be scared. I take a good Horror movie over a drama any day or night. Creepy clowns? I am in. Ghosts? Even better. Possessed dolls? Now you are talking!
But often movies and even books lack something else I enjoy: Comedy. And frankly, realism.
Do you know how people hum or even sing when they are scared? Or fiddle with their bracelet and almost piss their pants because they can’t find a way out? Crack a joke just to calm their nerves? THAT, is my jam.
I also have a pet peeve against the whole ‘let me go downstairs to see what is there…just so I can for sure get murdered by the strange dude carrying an ax’-type of storytelling.
So, I started to write Horror stories for myself. To be entertained and dragged through horrific scenes and frankly I am my own number one fan.
Yeah… I am one of those people who laugh at their own jokes.
But there is another reason: I have lived through some horrors myself and I am a very very vivid dreamer so those horrors play in my head in various ways each year. I also tend to remember them in high detail.
I know how it feels to have a raised pulse while walking through a dark forest with a failing flashlight…and hearing a branch break behind you. I have dabbled with the demons of real-life and dreamland. I have been the one cracking jokes at a summer camp when all the lights went out and someone was walking behind the windows, trying to get in…scratching the thin wooden walls…
So I take those stories, mix them with the endless ideas that keep raining down on me from the eldritch monster that keeps cooking them (also known as a muse) and hope that someone out there has the same sense of humor, and dread, as me.
How has writing altered/changed your life?
Writing has always been part of my life and I have been writing since I could hold a pen…but I did have a long streak of not writing in my teens due to bullying from my siblings and losing my manuscript in a strange computer accident. Long story short: My laptop set on fire. No backups, only agony.
Picking it up again in my twenties (which I still am in) was like calling out an old friend, with warts and all, and asking them to stay. Forever. Preferably tied up in the cellar of my mind so they can never escape again because the years I wasn’t writing, I was miserable.
So writing has brought me joy, a community that I lack in my real life, and a goal to reach for despite the cards handed to me by life itself. I may be undead and have a focus of a hungry zombie, but I love to create. It brings all the meaning to my life that I need.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series is master in the satire and should be read by everyone, J.K Rowling as I raised myself with Harry Potter series, no hate, Stephen King for probably obvious reasons, R.L Stine as another childhood favorite, and me because I creep myself out while making me laugh so… 😀
Do you believe audiobooks are the wave of the future, more passing fad, or somewhere between and why?
I think they are part of the wave of the future because there will always be people with disabilities who are blind or can’t hold an eReader or a paperback/hardcover but still love reading. Audio-books are accessible to busy people who only can enjoy books while on the commute, they can be played for the entire family, and according to recent articles – they do make good money for the authors who do have the cold hard cash to produce and market them. My dream is to be able to do that too…one day.
Plus, as someone with an invisible disability, I appreciate Audio-books and their promise to the future to bring more accessible enjoyment to everyone no matter their level of ability.
What is your opinion on mainstream, corporate bookstores?
My personal opinion is that they should consider selling more indie books and maybe convert into partial coffee shops to keep themselves up since the prices can be kind of crazy and lead to their eventual downfall.
Making bookstores closer to what libraries bring to communities in sense of how they can be utilized by the community could make them more popular. Like a hive that has place for food, place to buy books, maybe computer cafe-situation, a place for kids to get excited over books, and a proper section of indie books (since indie bookstores have been picking up in recent years). Plus, I am a strong believer in people needing spaces where they can just be, no matter the age, without the presence of alcohol, and bookstores could offer that.
Could, but they really don’t, so I can see them slowly disappearing from the map.
Meanwhile, we could just support more libraries so they could have longer open hours…and offer all those things I suggested above.
Do you think writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
My opinion is that as long as things are not glorified and are presented in the right light of realism, you can write about anything. For example stuff like abuse as romance, alcoholism/drug abuse without consequences, prostitution without any harmful aspects of the trade, rape without showing the profound effects to the victim, racism without a backlash…those should not exist in the literature that has the power to alter the minds that read them.
But written right, these things become warnings, cautionary tales, bits of the real world we live in, and examples of what not to do and how to single out the toxicity that often is rampant in books, and in the real life. Removing glorification from stories about stalking boyfriends who isolate their girlfriends and bribe them with fancy things to stay under their fist turn from a love story into the horror story abusive relationship really is…and in turn, make sure that impressionable people don’t identify being constantly berated as a normal thing.
Stories stick into the readers’ brains for years to come, if written right. Those tales leave literal marks to our minds and can alter our behavior when consumed in large a quantity. So as authors, we have the very responsibility not to make people laugh over alcoholism, romanticize sniffing angel dust, or being a horrible racist bastard.
So yeah, I agree on keeping certain bullshit as a taboo for the sake of humanity.
Readers deserve that much.
Where can people find you and your work?
FB PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophieBellabone/
WEBSITE: https://sophiecohenptp.wixsite.com/sophiesphere
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/Sophie-Bellabone/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sophiebellabone/
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19241753.Sophie_Bellabone
PINTEREST: https://fi.pinterest.com/sophiesphere/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/sophiesphere1
Olivia J. Bennett
Name: Olivia J. Bennett
Genre(s) of your work: young adult, new adult, contemporary, suspense/thriller
Titles/Year of Published Work(s): A Cactus In the Valley, 2017; Casually Homicidal, 2022
Bio:
Olivia J. Bennett is a writer, artist, educator, and lover of all things cozy and aesthetically pleasing. She graduated from Illinois Central College with an Associate in Arts, and is currently studying to be a high school English teacher. Her debut novel, A Cactus In the Valley, was published when she was a 17-year-old senior in high school. She holds a National Gold Medal in Flash Fiction from Scholastic Art & Writing. When not creating, Olivia can be found baking cookies, binge-watching TV with her partner, or cuddling her two cats.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
There’s just something special about the young adult age group in my opinion, which would also include ages 18-25 too. When you’re a teenager and young adult, everything feels so real and new and exciting. Everything is the most important thing in the world. It’s when you find out who you are, and what you want. I’d also say (at the not-so-ripe age of 22) that my teenage self was unadulterated, in a sense. Young adult is read by people of all ages because I think everyone’s still got an inner teenager that lives on within them. Literature for children has to be, at the bottom line, entertaining whereas adult writing doesn’t necessarily require that. The focus on pure entertainment allows for more creativity, I think.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
I certainly hope that audiobooks don’t completely overshadow physical books or even ebooks because I think there’s so much value in actually seeing the words and comprehending them. I think they have their place and are super helpful for students who struggle with reading and busy individuals. Besides, who doesn’t like being read to every once in a while?
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
Social media! It can be a double-edged sword because on one hand, it’s a great place to meet authors from all over the country (and world) and a way to expand your audience, creating content that fits a brand. However, it’s easy to let social media suck up all your time. Social media is already over-saturated with people and content, so it’s easy to get lost in all the noise.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
Not necessarily, although there are certainly things I won’t read about for the sake of my own brain and my own reading tastes. This ties into my response on trigger and content warnings. I think that writing should be censored for children, especially ones who aren’t in high school yet.
What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
I fully support trigger/content warnings since the content in my books certainly could be considered “taboo” or at the very least upsetting to some people. I want people to know what they’re getting into when they pick up one of my books, and I want them to be at least a little bit prepared for it. It just seems like the good thing to do, to be mindful of others. I don’t want a negative review because someone’s like “OMG there’s too much cussing in this book” or “I hated all the violence in this book, it made me feel gross.” Like y’all, my two books are about plane crashes and aspiring serial killers, I’m not sure what you thought you were getting into! On the back covers of my books, I include a disclaimer: “Intended for ages 14 and up.” Whenever I give somebody my book for free, like as a beta-reader, early ARC reader, or through a giveaway, I include a list of content warnings.
Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?
It depends. I usually sell a higher volume of books at events, but over time my books sell a little better through my website or on Amazon.
Where can people find you and your work?
If you’re Central Illinois local, you can find my books at Retrofit Culture and Bobzbay in Bloomington, The Book Nook in Washington and Peoria, and Tails of a Bookworm in Pekin!
Website, which includes signed copies & bookmarks: oliviajthewordshak.wixsite.com/oliviajcreates
Instagram: @olivia.j.creates
Tik Tok: @oliviajcreates
Facebook: @oliviajcreates
Amazon author profile: https://www.amazon.com/Olivia-J-Bennett/e/B077625K5X?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1665940654&sr=8-1
Shelby Bentil
Your Name: Shelby Bentil
Genre(s) of your work: Fiction
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Diminished Dreams/2017
Bio:
Born and raised in Newark, NJ, in one of the city’s deplorable housing projects, success was the only option. I fell in love with writing and reading as a child in grammar school. It became my outlet because I could escape reality through the words of the author.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I choose to write Fiction because there aren’t any restrictions. When writing essays in English class we always followed very specific rules with a very specific format and use only the information given. With fiction writing there is more freedom of expression. It’s my story told my way.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Through writing I was able to gain my own voice and express my emotions and views without criticism. Growing up as the youngest of 3 girls no one cared about what I wanted to say. Through writing, what I believe, feel and care about matters.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
One of my favorite author’s is Gary Paulsen. My first chapter book was by him, Sarny: A Life Remembered. The Prequel, Nightjohn is still one of the most memorable books I ever read.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?
Hopefully my readers will be motivated to live fearlessly and positively after reading Diminished Dreams. I want them to be inspired to live their life for themselves instead of for others.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
The lesson’s I learned throughout my life help to give me ideas for the basis of what I want the book to be about. My imagination leads the way after that.
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
The last thing I would want in my life is to live thinking should’ve, could’ve, would’ve. This pushed me to complete Diminished Dreams and pursue publishing.
What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
The only time I haven’t finished a book was because I felt the book was dragging.
Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?
The only pet peeve I have when writing my own work is writer’s block. I don’t have any when it comes to the work of other people.
Where can people find you and your work?
Anyone can purchase Diminished Dreams on Amazon and Barnes and Noble or on the 13th&Joan website when the book becomes available. To know more about my journey to being a published author and me, you can follow me on any of my social media accounts.
https://www.facebook.com/DiminishedDreams/
https://www.instagram.com/shelby_bentil/
http://13thandjoan.com/shelbybentil
https://twitter.com/shelby_bentil
David W. Berner
Name: David W. Berner
Genre(s) of your work: Memoir, Creative Nonfiction, Fiction
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Accidental Lessons (Strategic, 2009)
Any Road Will Take You There (Dream of Things, 2014)
There’s Hamster in the Dashboard (Dream of Things, 2015)
Night Radio (Cawing Crow Press, 2016)
October Song (Roundfire, 2017)
Bio :
David W. Berner has been a fixture in Chicago broadcasting since 1988, working for CBS radio and contributing stories to pubic radio stations around the country. He has also written for the arts magazine, Clef Notes Journal and several other publications, and has been an associate professor at Columbia College Chicago since 2004.
He recently completed his tenure as the Writer-in-Residence at the Hemingway Birthplace Home in Oak Park and was the Writer-in-Residence at the Jack Kerouac Project in Orlando in 2011. He has published five books. Any Road Will Take You There was awarded a Chicago Writers Association award and There’s a Hamster in the Dashboard was named one of the best books of 2015 by the Chicago Book Review.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I mostly write memoir and creative nonfiction. I’m most at home telling stories I have lived through or at least gleaning material from my life. My background as a journalist has helped, making me a pretty good observer and this includes observations on my own life.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Immensely. When I started my first book, Accidental Lessons, I discovered how much writing meant to me. I had always been a storyteller, in one way or another. When I was paperboy as a kid in the 1960s and 70s, I was, in many ways, delivering stories. Then it was music—playing and writing as a young man. Broadcasting and journalism was all part of it, too, of course. So writing books was always on the periphery. But when I finally figured out how to do it reasonably well, really discipline myself with a meaty story to tell, I found what truly made me tick.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
My favorites writers are usually the ones I’m reading at the moment. But I remain a Jack Kerouac and a Ernest Hemingway fan. I guess I’m a little old school. But I recently discovered Percival Everett. He is wonderful. So Much Blue may be the perfect novel. I also love Joan Didion and one of my favorite all-time books is Gretel Ehrlich’s The Solace of Open Spaces. It is a marvelous book. Currently I’m re-reading John Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley, his nonfiction book about the cross-country trip with his dog. I had forgotten how very, very good that is.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
If you’re talking about the Barnes and Nobles of the world—they have their place. But they are less and less bookstores and more the proprietors of greeting cards, silly games, and coffee treats than booksellers. Not many around anymore after the demise of Border’s. I love the independents and they are experiencing a bit of a renaissance right now. We have some great ones in Chicago. My favorite is The Book Cellar. Still have to be supported for them to thrive. So get going!
What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?
Nearly all of my work is about redemption in all of its forms. I think that’s what life is about—renewal. We all are trying to find ways to reawaken ourselves, discover our truth paths, or reinvent our lives. I think this is the overriding theme of most of my writing. I guess I want readers to see their own lives in my stories. It’s not that my life is so meaningful; it’s that we all live lives that are meaningful in someway or to someone.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
Absolutely everything. It’s what I write about.
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
It sounds cliche but I feel a NEED to write. It is what I do. If I’m not writing, I’m thinking about it, doing research or reading. Motivation for me comes from the absolute necessity to write; it’s like eating. Plus, reading great writers. That motivates the hell out of me.
What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
If it doesn’t hit me in the heart. I try to finish all my readings, certainly books I am reviewing, but there have been some I just did not find a connection with. I have even put aside a Pulitzer Prize winner and never finished reading it. I won’t say which one.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
Absolutely not. No censorship. None.
Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?
Obsessive dialogue or dialogue that isn’t real. I also don’t like stories that feel a need to tie up all the loose ends. Life is full of loose ends! Let them be. And please don’t start your story with a weather report. So many newbie writers do this. But this said, there is room for breaking the rules, even mine. (Although I wouldn’t call my pet peeves rules. They are just things that don’t work for me.) I conduct workshops a lot, including a recent one at the American Writers Museum and I really encourage writers to do more reading; read the classics, the best of the best. It will help.
Where can people find you and your work?
Amazon. Any bookstore. If they don’t have, they can order.
www.davidwberner.com
Twitter: @davidwberner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.w.berner
Priscilla Bettis
Your Name: Priscilla Bettis
Genre of your work: Horror
Titles/Year of Published Works:
“The Sun Sets Nonetheless,” The Vampire Connoisseur anthology, edited by Todd Sullivan, Nightmare Press, December 2020.
“Cordelia’s Curse,” Dark Recesses Press webzine, January 9, 2022.
“The Hay Bale,” January 10, 2022.
“Lucretia’s Hum,” Among the Headstones anthology, edited by Rayne Hall, January 31, 2022.
“Mollusk Madness,” 34 Orchard, April 2022.
Dog Meat, Potter’s Grove Press, mid-2022.
Bio:
Priscilla Bettis read her first horror story, The Exorcist, when she was a little kid. Priscilla snuck the grownup book from her parents’ den, and The Exorcist scared her silly. From that moment on, she was hooked on horror and all things deliciously off kilter. As an adult, Priscilla turned to engineering physics, a wonderful profession, but what she really likes to do is write . . . or die trying, probably at the hands of a vampiric wraith. Priscilla shares a home in the Northern Plains of Texas with her two-legged and four-legged family members.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
Scary fiction stories help me purge fears of real-life horrors. And sometimes horror is just plain fun, like riding a scream-worthy roller coaster!
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Writing makes every author a little more knowledgeable. We have to research to get settings, science, and history right. For example, I’ve learned about Southern hay farms, how slugs reproduce, and historic Virginia cemeteries.
Which makes a better writing snack, salty or sweet?
Sweet, and it should be chocolate. Never trust people who eat potato chips while writing.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Richard Matheson because, boy, he could sure crank up the tension in a story.
Zoltan Komor for his outrageous, crazy imagination.
Camilla Bruce for her insight into the human psyche.
Andy Davidson for his dark, lyrical prose.
Catherine Cavendish for her eerie, spooky settings.
I could go on and on, and that’s a good thing. It means there are plenty of fabulous authors out there!
What have you found to be a good marketing tool?
A good marketing tool is interacting with others online, truly caring about what others are up to. Looking at it from a reader’s point of view, I don’t want to read books written by authors who are rude online.
Zombies, slow or fast?
Zombies should be slow. There’s something creepy and dreadful about a deceased person barely upright, shambling about. A fast zombie is a different species altogether. Either way, aim for the head.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
Censored? No. Write about anything; just know that readers will innately censor by not buying, and bookstores will not stock books that aren’t selling.
Where can people find you and your work?
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Priscilla-Bettis/e/B08R97Z63M?
Website: https://priscillabettisauthor.com
Trever Bierschbach
Name: Trever Bierschbach
Genre(s) of your work: Speculative fiction focusing on Dystopia and Fantasy
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Embers of Liberty 2018
When Heroes Rise 2019
Bio:
Trever has been writing since he was very young. He is a fiction writer, poet, avid reader, gamer, and has countless hobbies with an amazing wife that tolerates all of it. He writes because the stories and ideas have to go somewhere, even if no one else reads them. Much of his writing can be found on fragsandbeer.com, medium.com, and highlandarrow.com. He is also a journalist covering various geek interests and fandoms. He also has two shorts available on Amazon under the titles Wastelander, and Watelander: Not as they Appear, and the short story collection When Heroes Rise.
When he’s not writing he works for a software company in Peoria, helps keep house in Pekin. He’s a member of the competitive air rifle club through the German American Society of Central Illinois, and helps his wife with her own jewelry business – Ravenwing Creations.
Most of Trever’s fiction interests lie in fantasy and science fiction, but some of his writing includes alternate history and dystopian speculative as well. His next novel will begin a trilogy of books following a young priestess devoted to saving her people enslaved by a powerful demonic deity.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I enjoy fantasy because there are few limits on what I can do as an author to tell the story I want to tell. The only real rules are those of the world I’ve built to tell those stories in. My first book is dystopian but it still follows the same principles as fantasy for me. I think, with fantasy, our options are wide open to explore almost any theme.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Hard to say, since I’ve been writing for so long, but getting published sure has changed things. Marketing, writing, selling at shows, and looking for any opportunity to get books in the hands of readers has become a second full-time job for me. But, it’s the most fun I’ve had at work.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman have had a huge influence on my writing and are, by far, my favorite authors. Their Dragonlance Saga taught me a lot about worldbuilding and handling a large cast of characters. They’ve written one of the few books that I regularly return to, and have read over half a dozen times.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
I think there’s a place for them for sure. It’s tough for small, new book stores to stay in business and I feel like it’s always been that way. Independent stores tend to do better carrying used books and some new stuff from local authors. There isn’t enough of a profit margin and from what I understand the distributors make it tough on smaller shops. To me, as long as we’re getting books to as many people as possible, and making them as easy to obtain as possible, then I’m all for it.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
Quite a lot, in some of my work. I’ve tapped into a lot of my own personal experiences with grief and anger after the passing of my parents, for example. I’ve been able to use that and channel it into some of my current work and the characters in it.
What motivates you to complete your (writing) work?
This current work is the product of years of character development, to the point that I’ve come to care a lot about her and her story. Besides wanting to see that complete, I find that when I don’t write, I think constantly about the stories I want to tell. There are stories in my head that need to be told and that’s a lot of motivation.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
Very few, if any. The world is an ugly place, always has been and always will be. It’s also a beautiful place, and one can’t exist without the other. It’s our job, as artists, to show both. We have to make people uncomfortable with the bad things that happen. When we avoid them, or ignore them, it doesn’t make them go away. I’ve heard people say that too much of a thing like violence desensitizes people to it but I would argue that lack of exposure to the dark is worse.
Where can people find you and your work?
Locally I’m in several small book stores listed on my website as well as a list of appearance I’ll be at for the next few months.
Website: treverbierschbach.com
Twitter: @tjbierschbach
Facebook: treverbierschbachwrites
Embers of Liberty: https://www.amazon.com/Embers-Liberty-Trever-Bierschbach-ebook/dp/B07JLW8N1M
When Heroes Rise: https://www.amazon.com/When-Heroes-Rise-Trever-Bierschbach-ebook/dp/B07MBK1H4Q
Marcy Bialeschki
Your Name: Marcy Bialeschki
Genre(s) of your work: Romance-Suspense, Romance-Thriller, Action Adventure-Romance
Even though these are all very similar, I think I should list them all because while romance is the common thread, the other categories mean something a little different to most people.
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Deception & Consequences, self-published, 2023
Seduction & Revenge, self-published, 2023
Before I could get the rest of the series up on KDP, Words Matter Publishing picked me up and they republished Deception & Consequences (2024) and Seduction & Revenge (2024) as well as the rest of the Vengeance Series and all my other books.
Nightmares & Premonitions, 2024
Secrets & Infidelity Revealed, 2024
Where No One Will Look, 2025
Aria’s Closet Adult Coloring Book, 2025
We Call Him Coach, 2012
Bio:
Marcy Bialeschki is an award-winning, internationally recognized romance-suspense novelist whose first book, Deception & Consequences, made her a #1 bestselling author. Bialeschki’s iconic lovers Aria and Mac are the heart of the Vengeance Series, which includes the following titles: Deception & Consequences, Seduction & Revenge, Nightmares & Premonitions, and Secrets & Infidelity.
Marcy is a retired teacher who resides in central Illinois. She prides herself on featuring the settings she loves, giving her books a distinct Midwestern local color. Known for developing unforgettable characters and creating impeccable pacing, Marcy loves to build a rich plot with enticing subplots that engage the reader on every page.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
I didn’t begin seriously writing until after I retired from teaching. By seriously, I mean with the vigor to get published. When I was writing Deception & Consequences I had many 12 -15 hour days writing. I couldn’t type fast enough to get it all out. I still have some of those manic writing moments, but I try not to go overboard and let it consume my life—because it easily could. With that said, my is pretty much centered around my writing. I make time for other things and obligations, but writing has changed my life by altering my focus and priorities.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
All-time favorite and probably the one who influenced me the most is Flannery O’Connor. While my writing does not have a religious or moral motif, I tend to push boundaries with reality but yet still make it all seem real. I also have a seemingly innocent darkness that is not the focus of the work but certainly impacts it. And finally, I like the twist or shocking reveal at the end.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
I think there will always be a strong market for print books. Many writers today are making sure of that with new visuals that an audiobook can’t compete with such as sprayed edges and foil inserts on the cover and even artwork inside. But as I said, this is probably a response to the popularity of audiobooks. The audiobook is quick, convenient, and less expensive for the consumer. I have looked into audio, but it’s too expensive at this point. I mean, if I’m going to do it, I want to do it right—professionally. I’m just not there yet in terms of being able to get the kind of sales that would make the venture profitable. I tell everyone that they’ll know I’ve made it when my books start coming out in audio.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
I hate marketing. My publisher does a lot of it, but it is a small publishing house. Besides, I can’t rely on someone else to do everything for me. To answer your question, my best tool is small business collaboration. I have made a connection with several small businesses in my area and we boost each other. For instance, I work with a boutique and I am often “styled by Shop On Main” when I go to events. I take pictures, post them and tag the shop. They let me sell my books there, I do their radio ads and get to plug my books, I model in their fashion shows, and more. Every time I do something for them, their business gets exposure and so do I. It’s a great relationship. I have two other businesses I work with in the same way.
For me, bad marketing is social media because I hate it and I’m no good at it. The problem, of course, is that social media is crucial these days.
What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
I don’t list triggers. I write my synopsis of content in a way that reveals enough about the triggers that I don’t have to list them. And people reading those back covers can decide for themselves if it’s a book they should read.
Where can people find you and your work?
Marcyb.net
Marcy Bialeschki | Barnes & Noble®
Dewhitt L. Bingham
Name: Dewhitt L. Bingham
Genre(s) of your work: Nonfiction
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Hope Deferred Makes the Heart Sick/2017
Viola Liuzzo: A True Martyr
Bio:
Dewhitt was born and raised in Festus, Missouri, 30 miles south of St. Louis. He received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in criminal justice from Lincoln University (HBCU) in Jefferson City, Missouri and a Master’s of Science degree in criminal justice from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. He is employed at McLean County Court services where he has served as a probation officer for the past 31 years. He is also a distinguished adjunct professor at Heartland Community College where he has served as a criminal justice instructor for the past twenty-one years. While being committed to changing the lives of probation clients, Dewhitt teaches Introduction to Criminal Justice, Probation and Parole, Juvenile Justice, Introduction to Corrections, Career Seminar, Introduction to Criminology and Women in Criminal Justice at Heartland Community College. He is the Head Elder and preacher at Integrity Deliverance Church and his research interests include white collar crime, social injustice and the bible.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I write about nonfiction because I love history and believe if you forget where you came from you are destined to repeat it.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Both of my books have brought me closer to the history that has socially, politically, economically and spiritually changed my life. For example, in my research of my next project “The Douglass Experience”, I had no idea that the Douglass Cooperative High School (DCHS) in Festus, Missouri, my hometown, was a forerunner in civil rights. DCHS was the first black high school in the area in 1939. Prior to DCHS/1939, if you wanted to earn a high school diploma you had to travel 30 miles to St. Louis or 89 miles to Cape Girardeau. I did not realize that Festus was very progressive when it came to the desegregation of education. I did not know that my grandfather was the first of five graduates from the DCHS in 1940 and that the great Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, lead counsel in the 1954 Brown v. the Board of Education, was co-counsel in the 1943 Emma Jane Lee v. the Festus Board of Education case and used this case to win the Brown landmark case. Emma Jane Lee was a teacher at DCHS.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
W.E.B Dubois: The Souls of Black Folk
IDA B. Wells: Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its Phases
Carter G. Woodson: The Mis-Education of the Negro
Michelle Alexander: The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
Mia Bay: To Tell the Truth Freely
Jack Greenburg: Crusaders in the Courts
Sonya Sotomayor: My Beloved World
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
Both of my college degrees are in criminal justice and I know a great deal about criminal justice. Having worked and taught in the field for over 30 years, I have a great deal of knowledge about how the system works. But, when it comes to education, the most important piece of literature I’ve ever read was Alexander Austin’s “Educational Excellence”.
The reason I wanted to preface my comment with the aforementioned thought is because it is my opinion that it is difficult for the corporate bookstore to give the small-time author an opportunity. If you are not considered a prestigious author or what I call a name brand author, the corporate bookstore will not give you an opportunity to put your book on their shelf. But Austin taught me 35 years ago that education is what you make of it. In other words, you can learn from the small-time author just as much as you can learn from the so-called big-time author. Everything is about opportunity and if the corporate bookstore will not give me an opportunity to share my stories, I have to take other means to accomplish that goal.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?
In a time when hate crime is on the rise, the president of the United States is selling hate, and thankfulness seems to have disappeared, hope deferred really does make the heart sick, but love covers a multitude of faults. Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for a friend. Therefore, it is my hope that my readers will take on the loving, compassionate and merciful spirit of IDA B. Wells, Rosa Parks, Viola Liuzzo, John Lewis, W.E.B. Dubois, and the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., all of whom I write about.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
The Genre that I write about is nonfiction. It is something about the truth. The bible says that it will make you free. Dr. King in his quote of William Cullen Bryan stated “Truth crushed to earth shall rise again.” In other words, truth always wins. So, personal experience plays a great part in my writing and what I write about.
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
I have the outline for my next project and have started working on it, but I hate that I have not been able to write for the past three months. The reason I have not been able to write is because, I work 40 hours a week at the probation department and I teach two classes at the college. But that is the usual. What is unusual this semester is I’m teaching an online course for the first time while taking an alternative delivery course on how to teach online, being taught by the Heartland Community College Professional Development staff. So, I am an official student this semester for the first time since graduating from grad school in 1987.
Though I am very busy, I’m really excited about my next project because the high school I graduated from, the school that came about after desegregation of the Douglas Coopertive High School Trojans and the Festus High School Tigers, Festus Senior High School, has officially committed to collaborating with me to tell “The Douglass Experience”. The great story of my grandfather Warren H. Bingham. The story of Ron Harrington and Don Byas who went to Douglas in 1951 and the Missouri Athletic Association allowed them to compete in the Missouri state track and field championships before 1954 Brown v. the Board of Education and the two of them won the state championship by themselves. In 1953 again before Brown, Marvin Byas (Don’s brother) and Robert Cook did it again. Each taking first or second in eight events including the 100-yard dash, 200-yard dash, high hurdles, low hurdles and field events. Not to mention, Ralph B. Tynes (Caucasian), superintendent of Festus schools in 1954 transported Willa McCullough (African American teacher at DCHS) to the white school every day because he wanted it to work. I can’t wait to get into it as there are many people still alive and well. Though many have passed on like my grandfather who went to Lincoln University, my alma mater after graduating from Douglass in 1940 and who had to leave college to fight in WWII in 1941, and Mr. Tynes who my high school gym was named after. But, Mr. Tynes’ daughter a 1958 Festus Senior High School graduate, Mr. McCullough (94 years young) who coached those great Douglass track teams and my first year of high school football (before retiring the next year) along with his wife Mrs. McCullough, are still alive.
What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
I can’t think of a time that I haven’t finished reading a book that I’ve started with the intent to complete. I read nonfiction. So, when I pick it up it is hard to sit it down.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
As a criminal justice practitioner, I really believe that there are some guns that do not belong on the street. Just as there are some guns that should not be on the street, there is some literature that should not be published. This would be limited to instructional books on how to go about killing a man or committing murder. However, I would not want to sacrifice the first amendment to do so.
Where can people find you and your work?
I’m in the process of setting up a website, but people can find my work at Amazon.com.
https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Deferred-Makes-Heart-Sick/dp/0692840877/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544485000&sr=8-1&keywords=hope+deferred+makes+the+heart+sick
https://www.amazon.com/Viola-Liuzzo-Martyr-Dewhitt-Bingham/dp/1985795000/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1544485041&sr=8-2&keywords=viola+liuzzo+a
Michael A. Black
Name: Michael A. Black
Pseudonym (if you use one): Don Pendleton
Genre(s) of your work: Mystery, Thriller, Western, Sci-Fi, Nonfiction
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
I published my first short story in 1990 (“All the Players” in Hardboiled Magazine). Since then I’ve had 30 books an over 100 short stories and articles published. My latest novels under my own name are Blood Trails and Chimes at Midnight. I also write the Executioner series under Don Pendleton. The latest titles in that series are Missile Intercept, Fatal Prescription, and the forthcoming Dying Art. My most recent short stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine “Walking on Water” in the Mar/April 2018 issue and “Dress Blues” in Down and Out magazine #1.
Bio:
Michael A. Black is the author of 30 books, the majority of which are in the mystery and thriller genres, although he has written in sci-fi, western, horror, and sports genres as well. A retired police officer with over 30 years’ experience, he has done everything from patrol to investigating homicides to conducting numerous SWAT operations. Black was awarded the Cook County Medal of Merit in 2010. He is also the author of over 100 short stories and articles, and has written two novels with television star, Richard Belzer (Law & Order SVU). Black is currently writing the Executioner series (Fatal Prescription, Missile Intercept) under the name Don Pendleton. His latest novel under his own name is Blood Trails.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
It’s always been my goal to be published in as many different genres as I can. I’ve cracked a lot of them, but I’m still working on a few, like romance. I have very eclectic reading tastes, consuming anything and everything. I’ve always felt that good writing is good writing regardless of the genre.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
It was my childhood dream to one day walk into a bookstore and see my book on the shelf. Luckily, I’ve been able to realize that dream.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
There are so many I’ be hard pressed to name them. Since a lot of them are personal friends, I’ll leave it at that, since I don’t want to miss mentioning someone.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
I’ve always loved bookstores and libraries. Unfortunately, brick and mortar bookstores, especially those small, independent ones, have become something of an endangered species. Barnes & Noble is perhaps the last of the big, corporate bookstore chains. I try to support them, because I’d miss them if they go the way of Borders and a few others. I love to go to a bookstore, any sized bookstore, and browse and talk to people.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?
I always try to write the best book I can, and I hope that readers might take away the sense that I’ve told a good story and kept them entertained throughout the book.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
My personal experience figures into my work a great deal. Since I often write mysteries and thrillers, I draw upon my experiences in the police work and the military to make things authentic.
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
For me the key to finishing is to write that first draft in my head. Once I know how it ends, I use that as motivation to keep going, in chronological order, so that I can get to that last scene and deliver a knockout.
What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
I used to feel compelled to finish every book I started. This was a hold-over from my college days when I made the effort to do all the reading and not cheat. As the years passed, however, the old saying, “So many books, so little time” became more prominent. Now, if I start a book and I don’t like it, I simply stop reading it and go to the next one. My “To Read” pile is always growing. I do try to give each book a fair chance, though.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
While I’ve never been a fan of censorship, I do think that an author should be circumspect in his or her writing. Expressing certain opinions and writing about topics that are meant to hurt or destroy never appealed to me. Nor do I see the value in gratuitous scenes that are vulgar, cruel, or upsetting. Thus, I’d prefer that an author uses common sense and good taste when writing.
Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?
My only pet peeves are writers who write about something without thinking it through and doing the necessary amount of research.
Where can people find you and your work?
I have a website, but it’s in need of updating. (I’m working on that.) I’m on Amazon.com and Crossroad Books does my ebooks. And you can order my books at Barnes & Noble or your favorite bookstore.
www.MichaelABlack.com
Amazon writer’s page
Felix Blackwell
Your Name: Felix Blackwell
Genre(s) of your work: Horror, thriller, fantasy
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
The Cold People and Other Fairy Tales from Nowhere, 2016
Stolen Tongues, 2017
In the Devil’s Dreams, 2018
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
All fiction genres are actually just subgenres of Fantasy, and all my life, I’ve dreamed of other worlds. As a child, I found joy in serene and scary fantasy worlds alike – in the form of books, movies, and video games. I was especially influenced by films like The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Lord of the Rings, and by video games like Resident Evil 2 and Silent Hill 2. My favorite books were the Goosebumps series and some of the works of Poe.
I think writing is a form of escapism to me; it allows me to go back to that youthful sense of wonder for things that can never be.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
For me, writing is a lot like playing an instrument. There are feelings we humans can only express artistically, whether through music or poetry or performance. Writing is how I get out the feelings I cannot phrase through other mediums.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
I would say that I have favorite works, but not favorite authors. Lovecraft has been the most influential on my vision of horror, and his stories The Temple and Nyarlathotep and The Call of Cthulhu are burned into my mind’s eye forever. The literary weight of Dan Simmons’ writing style is something I aspire to someday, and his novel Summer of Night is an adventure I love going on every decade or so. I would credit Scott E. Sutton’s writing and art in The Family of Ree series as the catalyst for my foray into writing at a young age.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
I think they have their place, and are especially useful to people who are sight-impaired, but I don’t think they’ll eclipse print or ebook formats. I’m glad they exist, because they give readers another means of consuming books, but I personally can’t focus on audiobooks because my mind starts wandering about two minutes in!
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
Bookstore? What’s that?
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
Communicating with readers and producing high-quality writing are the only paths up the mountain. Any marketing service you have to pay for is bullshit and won’t work.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
No. But I personally avoid very controversial subjects that are commonly found in the Extreme Horror subgenre. I don’t have the stomach to write them, nor the balls to attach my name to them. What would my mother think?
Where can people find you and your work?
www.felixblackwell.com and www.facebook.com/felixblackwellbooks
Diann Floyd Boehm
Your Name: Diann Floyd Boehm
Genre(s) of your work: Children’s Books and Young Adult Historical Fiction
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Coming Soon: Ruby Takes Chicago release date November 15 – available for preorder.
Boomer the Curious Bunny 2023
A Time to Fly 2022
Charlie and the Tire Swing 2022
A Song of Peace 2021
The Moonling Adventures 2020
Harry the Camel 2019
The Little in the Moon – Moxie Town 2018
The Little Girl in the Moon 2017
The Little Girl in the Moon – the Big Idea 2017
Bio:
Diann Floyd Boehm is an award-winning international author. Diann writes children’s books and young adult historical fiction books. Diann writes books to inspire kids to be kind, peace, like themselves, and to “Embrace Imagination.” You can find all her books on Amazon.
Diann does speaking engagements, book signings, and school visits. Her creative flair encompasses the performing arts, including roles in musical theatre productions in Dubai produced by Popular Productions out of the UK. In addition, Diann enjoys making guest appearances on various live-streaming shows. Diann is the cohost with Dr. Jacalyn on her USA Global TV and Radio™.
Diann was born to the parents of George and Mabel Floyd in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but grew up in Texas with her five brothers. She has traveled extensively to many parts of the world. Diann lived in the Philippines for over two years. Later, she lived in Dubai for 14 years, where her husband worked for the Norton Rose Fulbright law firm. She has a Bachelor of Education degree from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, and her kindergarten certification from The University of Texas at Austin. Diann has taught in the classroom overseas as well as stateside. More about Diann at https://www.diannfloydboehm.com
Diann is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former classroom educator. Throughout her life, Diann has been involved in various humanitarian projects.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
As a classroom teacher, I was always a storyteller, especially for young students. So, writing for children was a comfort level for me. I write children’s books and young adult historical fiction to give readers stories that embrace their imagination.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
The positive responses from, parents, and schoolteachers encourages me to continue writing. These positive responses have inspired me to write more stories, knowing I am making a positive difference in my parents’ and readers’ lives.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
C J Peterson is one of my favorite authors because her stories are captivating. She has several series and stand-alone books, and with each one, you want to know more about a character. I especially enjoy The Holy Flame Trilogy and following the journey of Casey Carter, a firefighter/paramedic. I appreciate how she seamlessly works in Bible quotes into her storyline. Ms. Peterson knows how to pull the heartstrings and make the reader not want to put the book down. I enjoy her quote, “While the stories are fiction, the journey is real.”
Zane Carson Carruth is one of my favorite children’s authors. I enjoy her books because children enjoy them. She was so clever in coming up with the idea of the first tooth fairy school as we follow the adventures of Abella. Kids relate to her stories because every child loses a tooth and wants to know what happens when the tooth fairy takes it. Ms. Carruth answers all the children’s questions, and they fall in love with Abella.
I also enjoy the creative team of the various Pete the Cat books. I enjoy the stories, the music, and the pictures. I saw first-hand in my family, as well as in schools, young kids, in love with Pete the Cat.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
Yes, audiobooks are a firm part of the future. There are many reasons for the popularity of audiobooks. One important factor is their use for the people who are blind. Audiobooks give this population the same experience as their friends who have sight. This equal experience gives the blind reader have fun interaction about the same audiobook their sighted friends listened to.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
Word of mouth is a strong marketing tool, but the best decision I ever made was to work with the experts at Abundantly Social and Creative Edge. These two companies have teamed up to provide, a way to market an author! An author must find the right person or company that works with their personality to help spread the word about their work.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
I am not one to ban books. I believe librarians should arrange books according to topic, reading level, and age appropriateness. Books written ages ago but are classics should be allowed in school with the appropriate explanations to the students and parents. If we hide history and prior culture from students, we do more harm than good. How can they improve society if they have not seen what has failed and what hurts humankind?
What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
Writing children’s books, I have not had to deal with Trigger Warnings as my books do not deal with violence, strong language, etc. So, I do not have an opinion.
Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?
I enjoy speaking to crowds and sharing my books. I believe my enthusiasm for my stories gives insight to the books and inspires readers to want to have their own copy of the books. I would not have most of my speaking engagements if it were not for Creative Edge and Abundantly Social spreading the word about my work.
Where can people find you and your work?
Amazon – Author Page
Diann Floyd Boehm
Youtube
X = Twitter
Pintrest
Justin Boote
Your Name: Justin Boote
Genre(s) of your work: Horror, dark fiction
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Love Wanes Fear is Forever; 12 short stories and 3 drabble trilogies. Aug. 2020
Love Wanes Fear is Forever Vol. 2. Jan. 2021.
Badass (Terror Tract Publishing)-a novelette. May 2020.
If Flies Could Fart-a short story. Sep. 2020
Grandma Drinks Blood-a short story. Oct 2020
A Question of Possession-a novelette. Nov. 2020
Bio:
Justin is an Englishman living in Barcelona for over 35 years and has been writing for 5 years. He started off with short stories, to date having written around 200, about 50 of which have been published in diverse magazines and anthologies. He now dedicates his time to writing novels; the first of the 9 he has currently written to be published shortly, a demon/zombie 5-book series.
When not writing he is addictively playing Candy Crush or tormenting his cat, Loki.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
From since I can remember, I have loved horror. My mother loved it, too, so I no doubt inherited it from her, but it was seeing the T.V. adaptation of Salem’s Lot when twelve that really sparked my love for all things creepy and scary. So, to write in that same genre was just a natural process.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
It has given me something to focus on during the long, lonely hours of the day and a drive to succeed in a highly competitive market. Having recently been made unemployed (thanks, Covid), I see it now as my fulltime job, hoping it will continue so I don’t have to return to being a waiter!
Who are your favorite authors and why?
I started at an early age reading James Herbert. The simplicity of his style and brutal plots were an easy way to get into the horror market. Then, Stephen King, for obvious reasons, and Clive Barker, mainly his collections The Books of Blood. Now I try to diversify, from famous household names to fellow indie authors like myself.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
Audiobooks have a future, but I don’t see them ever taking over from the popularity enjoyed with paperback and especially e-books. Maybe because many readers are far too distracted, and easily so, to be able to concentrate on listening to the story being read to them (me included!)
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
On a personal level, I grew up in a small village in England and now live in a non-English speaking country, so have had very little physical interaction with them, always buying from small, local stores, but my feeling is that the larger companies are going to have to change their ways if they want to continue thriving as they have done in the past. Lowering their prices for example. The profits on paperback and hardback are huge for these companies, but ultimately, unless they adapt it will be their downfall.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
Word of mouth is always a surefire way to get your books seen, especially if you join relevant reader groups of your genre. The absolute best way, though, for me is to have a backlist, or write the next book. The more books you have, the more opportunities to run promotions. As for bad, spamming everywhere with your book, hit-and-run authors as I call them, who just keep posting their books in every conceivable place yet never interacting with others or taking any interest in readers and writers. Guaranteed to put off potential buyers.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
Pure and simple, no. Everything has its place and writing about those topics can sometimes lead to understanding the reasons behind those topics. No one was ever forced to read a book they didn’t want to.
Where can people find you and your work?
https://www.justinboote.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Justin-Boote/e/B073Q44SZP%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
https://www.facebook.com/BooteJustin
Debra R. Borys
Name: Debra R. Borys
Pseudonym: I write under my own name above and my maiden name Deb Donahue
Genre(s) of your work: Mystery/Suspense
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Debra R. Borys’s Street Stories series: Painted Black (2012), Bend Me Shape Me (2013), Box of Rain (2015), and Cry Baby Cry (2018)
Deb Donahue Books: Eyes at the Window (2015), A Bull by the Horns (2016), Chasing Nightmares (2017)
Bio:
Former Chicagoan Debra R. Borys spent eight years volunteering with homeless on the streets of both Chicago and Seattle. She is a freelance writer who specializes in fiction but has experience in everything from news shorts to how-to manuals. Several of her short stories have been published in online and print magazines. She also writes Midwest mysteries under the pen name Deb Donahue.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
Mystery and suspense is the genre I love the best as a reader and was a natural fit as a writer. I credit the Hardy Boys and Bobbsey Twins mysteries as the source of inspiration from my youth.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Publishing my first book fulfilled the dream I always had to be a published author. Every book published after that one has been sauce on the Christmas pudding.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
I always liked Stephen King, but not for the horror. I love those books of his which show a group of people banding together to fight as a team and do what’s right. In Dorothy Dunnett’s historical novels, I love the way she built worlds and characters that you can visit time and again and find something new in every reread.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
I don’t discriminate between mainstream, corporate, or independent bookstores. Bookstores rule, regardless of who runs the cash register.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?
Mostly I want them to enjoy a great story. In the case of my Street Stories novels, I hope they take away a new awareness of what it’s like to be homeless so that they will look differently on those less fortunate than themselves.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
My years of volunteering with homeless organizations lends authenticity to my Street Stories novels, and my years of living in rural Illinois provides fodder for the storylines that are possible in seemingly idyllic country settings.
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
I assume you mean writing, and not reading? Often having another project nagging at the back of my mind helps me finish the current work. Mostly, though, it’s the characters in the current manuscript urging me to finish their story, and impatient that I’m taking so long.
What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
So many things. Poorly executed/edited books that make it impossible to lose myself in the story and enjoy reading it. Characters that I don’t like or don’t care about. Absolutely unrealistic plot twists that I know would not happen to real people. Etc.
Where can people find you and your work?
All books can be found on Amazon.com, including some collections of short stories not mentioned above. Most books are also in the Illinois library system.
Debra R. Borys
https://www.amazon.com/Debra-R.-Borys/e/B004WWU9EY
https://debra-r-borys.com/
https://streetstoriessuspensenovels.com/
https://paintedblacknovel.wordpress.com/
https://bendmeshapeme.net/
https://boxofrainstreetstories.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/deb.borys
https://www.facebook.com/StreetStoriesSuspenseNovels/
https://www.facebook.com/paintedblacknovel/
Deb Donahue
https://www.amazon.com/Deb-Donahue/e/B00HPYY0CS
https://debdonahue.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Deb-Donahue-158884367607442/
https://www.facebook.com/CoffmanCozies/
Randi-Lee Bowslaugh
Your Name: Randi-Lee Bowslaugh
Genre(s) of your work: Non-Fiction, Children’s Books, Horror
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Non-Fiction:
Thoughts of a Wanderer 2017
A Mother’s Truth 2018
Embracing Me 2021
Good-Bye too Soon 2023
Crime Stoppers of Niagara, Then & Now 2023
Fiction
A Little Scare 2021
Children’s Books:
Operation Deck the Halls 2020
Diamond the Cat 2021
Woofie’s Hospital Trip 2021
Bunbun & I 2023
Bio:
Randi is a mental health advocate, author, and YouTuber. She started writing at 14 years old as a coping strategy for her depression. Twenty years later she is now a mom, grandma, and thriving creative individual.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I love inspiring others so non-fiction was the perfect genre. Since that is a heavy subject to write about I break it up with the children’s and horror books.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
It has made me happier, I love writing and being able to create and inspire is amazing.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
Audiobooks have been around for a long time through books on tape. I think that they are here to stay but are not a replacement for reading. I love listening to an audiobook while walking my dogs but I love reading while snuggled up on the couch. They each have a place.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
No, because even if it is written it doesn’t need to be read. I think some topics don’t need to be written about however, it is up to the reader to decide what content they take in.
What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
I don’t use them but I have read books that do. I think that they give the author a sense of peace knowing that they have let the reader know in advance.
Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?
I have had better sales through Amazon.
Where can people find you and your work?
All of my books are on Amazon under my name Randi-Lee Bowslaugh.
https://linktr.ee/randib
https://amzn.to/3PlzbF8
Craig Boyack
Your Name: Craig Boyack
Pseudonym: C. S. Boyack
Genre(s) of your work: Speculative fiction. Includes science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
I have thirteen published works, dating back to February of 2013. That’s a lot to list
My most recent ones are Voyage of the Lanternfish, on January 1, 2019, and Viral Blues, on September 13, 2019. (Friday the 13th for my 13th book.)
Lanternfish is a pirate fantasy with a splash of humor. It’s destined to become a trilogy.
Viral Blues is the second volume of an ongoing series about a heroine who battles the things that go bump in the night. It’s also filled with dark humor.
Bio:
About C. S. Boyack
I was born in a town called Elko, Nevada. I like to tell everyone I was born in a small town in the 1940s. I’m not quite that old, but Elko has always been a little behind the times. This gives me a unique perspective of earlier times, and other ways of getting by. Some of this bleeds through into my fiction.
I moved to Idaho right after the turn of the century, and never looked back. My writing career was born here, with access to other writers and critique groups I jumped in with both feet.
I like to write about things that have something unusual. My works are in the realm of science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy. The goal is to entertain you for a few hours. I hope you enjoy the ride.
Craig
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
We spend far too much time in the real world. Just watch the nightly news and it’s depressing. I like to escape to a place where the good guys win, where heroes exist (even if they don’t know it yet), and there’s always something new to discover. Maybe there are others who feel the same way and would enjoy my stories.
I’ve always had a vivid imagination, and writing some of it down feels productive. My blog is called Entertaining Stories, and that’s the goal.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Aside from the bad back, I’m much more observant these days. I notice people and what they’re doing. I pay attention to their larger stories. Research is a big part of writing, and I’m learning new things all the time.
I’ve also met some wonderful friends along the way. People who are willing to lend a hand when I get stuck, and I always try to repay the favor. Some of us formed a group blog, called Story Empire, and it’s designed to help our fellow authors.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
This is the tough one, because I’m tempted to list a bunch of my friends, many of whom are outstanding authors. I’m afraid of missing someone, so I’ll take the bigger name approach. I loved the work of Michael Creighton. I like my pulp, so Robert E. Howard and L. Sprague de Camp. I read a lot of Westerns in my day, so Terry C. Johnston. I always appreciate a bit of humor, so I’ll throw Robert Asprin into the mix.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
I kind of like hanging out there, but usually don’t find the kind of things I want. (I think most of the authors I listed are dead, so they don’t have any current best sellers.)
Book selling is in flux right now. It’s going to be interesting to see what it looks like in ten years with Amazon creating physical stores.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
It’s a huge part of story craft. I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time in the outdoors, and learned many things others don’t know. These little tidbits seem to weave their way into my work. We know what makes us happy, sad, frightened, and it’s important to tap into those feelings when designing our characters.
What motivates you to complete your (writing) work?
I’m kind of a bulldog when it comes to completing my stories. I have one abandoned project, and still threaten to go back one day.
I’ve always written stand-alone tales, but recently my colleagues talked me into series work. (I still have the bruise.) The promise of a series is a huge motivating factor, because now fans are looking forward to the next volume. It’s an extra form of pressure to produce.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
I do not, but a filter might be nice on occasion. I look at a filter as something the author controls. It’s okay to offend some people, and not every story will appeal to all readers, but if your manifesto is going to get people killed, or cause the spread of hatred, maybe it’s best to rethink it.
Where can people find you and your work?
My main location is at the Entertaining Stories blog. I have all my social media set up to lead back there. It’s easy to comment on whatever topic I have, and I’ve made a lot of friends that way.
My books are all Amazon ebooks, so that’s the only place they exist. At the time of this interview, I’m pushing Viral Blues pretty hard. It’s dark humor and is perfect for the Halloween season.
Follow my blog: http://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com
Check out my novels here: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00ILXBXUY
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Virgilante
On Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9841203.C_S_Boyack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColdhandBoyack
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/entertainin0737
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/c-s-boyack
Jason E. Bradstreet
Your Name: Jason E. Bradstreet
I write under the similar pen name- Jay E. Bradstreet
Genre(s) of your work: Titles/Year of Published:
Paranormal fiction is my thing, particularly in the darker horror niche. I also love to produce bad poetry.
My fiction titles are “Tales & Things” an anthology from December 2017.
And “The House and He” was published the beginning of 2018.
I have many more that are on the way!
Work(s):
Poetry = ‘Madman’s Flight Plan’, ‘If I Ever Make It Home’, ‘Government Heartburn’.
Fiction = ‘The House and He’, ‘Tales & Things’, and coming very soon is ‘Laughter Upstairs’.
Non-fiction = an upcoming work about my treks to haunted places called ‘Shadow Travels’.
Bio & Why do you write in the genre that you do?
Born and raised in Castle Country, Utah, my life was a snowball of paranormal experiences and information intake that seemed to often revolve around the supernatural. All of my earliest experiences were ghostly, so to speak. Castle Country itself was built on coal mining, which brought about tons of tommyknocker stories and spirits who suffered tragedies related to the mines. All of these influences turned me into a sponge for creepy information and travel to notorious places. It reflects in what I enjoy writing about.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Writing is an amazing decompression tactic. Not only does it permit you to speak without being interrupted, but it also allows you to get things off your chest in your own words and on your own terms. You can tell your story that has the possibility of living long after your final breath, and that could change a life or help someone through a hard time generations after I am gone. Not all magicians depend on hat tricks 😉
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Oh, man. The hard question arrives.
I love Rod Serling for his magic with words, permission to explore the strange, and his work ethic. Cormac McCarthy has a raw and shocking style that hits with action and suspense. Of course my roots began with Poe and Lovecraft. Keeping it short, I admire anyone who is prolific and dedicated to the craft.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
They are incredible places to get lost in varieties of intriguing topics, and they are comfortable places to breathe the sweet scent of paper. Much like libraries, they feel more comfortable to me than churches. I
can only hope that they survive the internet markets.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
Not only do I find inspiration from happenings in my own life and knowledge, I feel it is hard to convey things to the page if you do not have at least a hint of experience with it yourself. Whether it is
a location, a person reflected in a character, or an emotion you feel in a moment in time. Research can definitely do the trick, but it can only go so far into the hearts of readers who have had the experience.
What motivates you to complete your (writing) work?
Honestly, I am motivated by the idea that I must get these stories finished and push them out into the world before somebody else does it their own way. My entire life has felt like there is a ripple in the universe or a thievery of ideas I have planted into the minds of others who ran with it and made something out of it that I had worked hard to piece together. If I wait too long to piece it together, somebody may grab hold of it and make a product that feels lackluster compared to what I would have done, and they get the credit for the idea while I would get accused of ripping off the idea.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
No!
Where can people find you and your work?
A fast Google search for Jay E. Bradstreet and JEB Empires will always get results.
A good way to find most of my social and contacts in one place is on my website http://www.JEBEmpires.com
Check out my Amazon author page. Please hit the FOLLOW button for much more to come and review my books…. https://www.amazon.com/Jay-E.-Bradstreet/e/B078M6RFBX%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
I guest blog for the Angels of Light Paranormal Society. Read some articles, see some pictures, and comment…. https://alpsyubasutter.blogspot.com/
Facebook is a good way to see photos and videos from the Shadow Travels https://www.facebook.com/jebradstreet and seek my JEB Empires page there.
Raw YouTube videos are at this channel link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT2R-Ac1VYzJCEIymmR6pQ
And I’m on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jebstreet/
Hardly use Twitter, but may give it more attention https://twitter.com/EmpiresJeb
You can review my Google business by searching for JEB Empires
Professional profile is on Linked In, just search for Jay E. Bradstreet
Kelly Brakenhoff
Your Name: Kelly Brakenhoff
Genre(s) of your work: Cozy Mystery and Children’s Picture Books
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Cassandra Sato Series
Death by Dissertation/2019
Dead Week/2019
Dead End/2020
Dead of Winter Break/2020
Scavenger Haunt/2021
Duke the Deaf Dog ASL Series
Never Mind/2019
Farts Make Noise/2020
My Dawg Koa/2021
Duke workbooks2021
Bio:
KELLY BRAKENHOFF is an American Sign Language Interpreter whose motivation for learning ASL began in high school when she wanted to converse with her deaf friends. Her first novel, DEATH BY DISSERTATION, kicked off the Cassandra Sato Mystery Series, followed by DEAD WEEK, DEAD OF WINTER BREAK, and two short stories. She also wrote NEVER MIND, FARTS MAKE NOISE, and MY DAWG KOA, featuring Duke the Deaf Dog. She serves on the Board of Editors for the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf publication, VIEWs. The mother of four young adults and a hunting dog, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
Since the time I was in college, mysteries and thrillers are my favorite books to read, so it was natural that the characters and setting of my books would form into mysteries. I like amateur sleuth mysteries because you can take everyday characters and put them into extreme situations and see how everyone reacts.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
I have no free time.
I didn’t get serious about writing novels until my kids were in high school, and now we’re empty nesters. When I’m not working at my day job, I’m doing all the writing and publishing tasks. With constantly writing and learning how to get better, I will never be bored again.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Growing up I was a real bookworm. I love Mark Twain and the Lord of the Rings. In mysteries: John Grisham, Mary Higgins Clark, Sue Grafton, and Janet Evanovich. I’ve been in an in-person book club for more than 20 years, and we read from every genre. Everything I learn helps me do a better job of storytelling. I also enjoy reading non-fiction like the 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson. It’s challenging, and I’ve found a few gems I’ll be able to use for characters in my books.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
I’m going to get my books produced in audio in 2022. Personally I usually have at least one print non-fiction book going, a fiction book on my Kindle, and an audiobook on my phone where I listen in the car or around the house. I love being able to consume content, whether podcasts or books, in several formats. I think I’m like many people my age and younger who like to read but maybe don’t have time to sit in a chair all afternoon and splurge on a hardcover bestseller.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
Marketing is mostly about making relationships with people who like the same things I do.
I enjoy chatting with my readers by email a couple of times per month. I try to share websites or articles I’ve found helpful that I think my readers will also find interesting. Often people respond back to me, and we have conversations about what’s going on in their lives. I’m a huge extrovert, so I really enjoy that opportunity to get to know new people.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
Since I write children’s books too, I do think that topics should be age appropriate. Parents are the first teachers of their children and should decide when their child is ready for different stages of finding out about the world. For example, I was that mom who wouldn’t let her ten-year-old son watch The Hulk at a birthday party because I worried it was too violent.
But as far as censored books for young adults and up, I disagree with censoring books because of language or historically uncomfortable topics. However, readers shouldn’t consume writing without thinking critically about it and discussing the difficult topics with other people to come to a better understanding about the context of the writing. If you don’t think about or discuss your response to the writing, it’s not as beneficial.
Where can people find you and your work?
The mysteries are all available on Amazon and ebooks are in the Kindle Unlimited program. The short stories and children’s books are available on most platforms. Paperbacks can be ordered from any bookstore, or request that your local library purchase them. I also sell signed copies directly from my website.
Here’s my Linktree which includes all the ways to contact me. Thanks for having me on your blog and please keep in touch.
https://linktr.ee/kellybrakenhoff
Breakfield and Burkey
Your Name: Breakfield and Burkey (Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey)
Genre(s) of your work: Thriller, suspense, cozy mystery, women’s contemporary, historical fiction
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
PUBLISHED BOOKS – Techno Thriller Series – Fiction
The Enigma Book Series
Book 1: The Enigma Factor – 2013, 2nd edition 2019
Book 2: The Enigma Rising – 2014, 2nd edition 2020
Book 3: The Enigma Ignite – 2014, 2nd edition 2020
Book 4: The Enigma Wraith -, 2014, 2nd edition 2021
Book 5: The Enigma Stolen – 2015, 2nd edition 2021
Book 6: The Enigma Always – 2015, 2nd edition 2022
Book 7: The Enigma Gamers – 2016, 2nd edition 2022
Book 8: The Enigma Broker – 2016, 2nd edition 2023
Book 9: The Enigma Dragon – 2017, 2nd edition 2023
Book 10: The Enigma Source –2018, 2nd edition 2021
Book 11: The Enigma Beyond – 2020
Book 12: The Enigma Threat – 2021
Enigma Heirs
Book 1: The Enigma Tracer – 2023
Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles
The Flower Enigma—2022
The Killer Enigma—2023
SHORT STORY BOOKS – Fiction
Remember the Future- 2020
The Jewel- 2020
Nowhere but Up- 2020
Destiny Dreamer- 2021
Riddle Codes- 2021
Hot Chocolate- 2021
Hidden Target- 2021
Out of Poland – Novella- 2021
Caribbean Dream – 2022
Fears, Tears, or Cheers – 2022
SCREEN PLAY
Out of Poland – 2021
Bio:
Breakfield is a renowned technology expert in security, networking, voice, and anything digital. He enjoys writing, studying World War II history, travel, and cultural exchanges. When he is not writing or working, he appreciates wine tastings, wine-making, Harley riding, cooking extravaganzas, and woodworking.
Burkey is a technologist professional who excels at optimizing customer and worker experiences. She has worked with customers worldwide in right-sizing their applied technology investments. Writing is a passion for her with a marked preference for fiction.
Together, Breakfield and Burkey create award-winning stories that resonate with men and women from savvy young adults and beyond. They bring a fresh view of the technology heroes and threats in today’s connected world. Samples of their writing and free stuff are available at https://www.EnigmaSeries.com.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
Most of our writing is in the technothrillers or mystery genres. Our short stories are backstories to the main novels, where we wanted to explore more of specific characters and their lives. These work great as stand-alone stories. We are technologists by trade, and as such, we get to see a lot of new technology coming out often before consumers see or use it. We postulate on how different types of people might leverage a given technical advancement or inroad. We also consider how bad actors from the Darknet might use the newest technical creation for extortion, blackmail, and theft. We see both sides and like to write how the good can triumph over the bad.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Writing is part of our daily existence, and we meet to discuss how and what to do next in our writing process. Our day jobs pay the bills, but our actual, true passion is writing exciting stories to delight readers, and perhaps make them think.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
For Breakfield, it would be Kevin J. Anderson. Kevin is a consummate storyteller and prolific writer. For Burkey, it is JRR Tolkien for his incredible world-building and realistic characters. Both of these writers have stood the test of time in attracting fans.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
We believe audiobooks are a third complementary modality to print and ebooks. We offer all three media types for our novels. Why? Usually, at book signings or book fairs, we encounter someone who claims they don’t read anymore but will listen if your book is in audio format. We’ve several different reasons, but the most compelling one we got was a sight-challenged man who claimed that blind people needed books like ours in audio format. That was an opening conversation, to say the least.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
We haven’t yet found a single magic or silver bullet to be a perfect marketing tool. But the best marketing advice we can give is consistency. A once-and-done marketing effort is a waste of money and time. You will be disappointed if you do not do it regularly and consistently. Focused efforts help in a small way, but the results begin to build when your books and stories show up regularly through multiple marketing channels.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
No. Warning labels and age restrictions should be visible to help readers determine if the book is right for their mindset.
What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
We think they help guide readers. Our understanding is a trigger warning is a written or oral statement given directly before presenting material commonly known to cause trauma. It allows people to step away and avoid the adverse impact of what is to follow.
If only life would provide every one of us the chance to avoid an unpleasant encounter about to evolve, we could all miss car accidents, shooting sprees at the mall, unprovoked land invasions (Ukraine), etc. Life is always real-time and it comes without Trigger warnings. We see fictional reading as an escape for individuals.
Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?
We find that selling person-to-person is the most gratifying selling experience but is too limiting. Again, we take the multiple-channel approach and offer our books and audiobooks on our website, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, verbally on podcasts, and newsletters. The marketing approach must have multiple channels and consistency to reach all our potential readers/listeners.
Where can people find you and your work?
Email: Authors@EnigmaSeries.com
Website: https://www.EnigmaSeries.com/
Blog: https://EnigmaBookSeries.com/the-enigma-chronicles/category/blog-statement/ and https://roxburkey.com/
Medium https://medium.com/@enigmaseries
Connect and follow us on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesbreakfield/ and
https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxanneburkey/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EnigmaSeries and https://twitter.com/1rburkey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEnigmaSeries and https://www.facebook.com/roxanne.burkey.50
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6Vz4x5ctTnx3yUhZk1OJkw
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/enigmseries/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enigmabookseries/
Bublish: https://bublish.com/author/breakfieldandburkey
Amazon: Rox https://bit.ly/3pE0D8e and Charles https://amzn.to/3rjHjO7
Kelly Brocklehurst
Your Name: Kelly Brocklehurst
Genre(s) of your work: Horror; poetry
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Price Manor: The House That Remembers / 2024
“What Happens in the Mirror Maze” published in the Black Hare Press anthology Carnival / 2024
“Grandfather” published in One Albuquerque, One Hundred Poets: Poets in the Library Anthology edited by Mary Oishi / 2022
“Womb” published in Mine: An Anthology of Body Autonomy Horror edited by Roxie Voorhees and Nico Bell / 2022
Bio:
Kelly Brocklehurst (she/her) is a queer horror writer, editor, and poet. She is the author of Price Manor: The House That Remembers. Her poetry has appeared in Conceptions Southwest, The Oklahoman Review, and Mine: An Anthology of Body Autonomy Horror. Kelly lives in New Mexico. You can find her on Instagram @kellybrocklehurst.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
One of the hardest things I’ve found with my writing is explaining why I like to write horror. My go-to answer is usually that it’s a fun, safe way to experience the things that scare you, and maybe that’s why I started writing it. Or maybe I started writing it simply because I loved horror movies and books and wanted to see if I could write it too. As I continue writing horror, I find that it’s become so much more. It’s a way for me to explore my own traumas in a safe environment (although I wouldn’t use horror in that way if I weren’t also in therapy), and it allows me to explore topics that I don’t think I could explore if I were writing in any other genre—things like body autonomy and womanhood as I’ve experienced it.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Oftentimes, when I think of writing changing someone’s life, I think of it as: that person can make a living as a full-time writer. Writing has not changed my life in such a grand way. I still have a full-time job as a youth services librarian, and I wouldn’t give that up even if I could make my living just by writing. What it has changed in my life is my friendships, and I don’t mean that in a bad way. Through writing, I have made some amazing writer friends, who I otherwise would never have met. These are people who have helped me grow as a writer, but they’re also people who have shown me what genuine friendship looks like—something I sorely needed after years of having friendships that weren’t so great in many ways. My writer friends haven’t just made me a better writer; they’ve also made me a better person.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
This is such a difficult question. I love authors who can take ordinary people doing ordinary things and make the most engaging stories out of it—authors like Jessi Kirby and Sarah Dessen. I also love authors who make me think more deeply about the subject they’re writing about, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction—authors like R.F. Kuang and Junji Ito. I love authors who have shown me that it’s possible to write horror—Stephen King, Spencer Hamilton, Haley Newlin.
Some of my favorite authors do a combination of those things—authors like S.E. Hinton and Alice Oseman,
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
Audiobooks are somewhere in between. As a librarian, I see that audiobooks are popular among patrons, even more so now that they can be accessed digitally through apps like Libby and Hoopla. Despite that, we still see high circulation among physical books and ebooks. Audiobooks may continue to grow in popularity, but I don’t think they’re the wave of the future yet.
What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
I think they are useful for the readers who want them. Trigger/content warnings are a hotly debated topic, but really, they’re just a tool for readers to use when deciding if a book is right for them—much like reading a book synopsis or book reviews or looking at book ratings. They give additional information that readers might want or need when picking out a book. And if you as a reader don’t like trigger/content warnings? That’s cool—you can choose not to read them.
Where can people find you and your work?
Instagram: @kellybrocklehurst
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09Q2HQ74Y/about
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21629965.Kelly_Brocklehurst?from_search=true&from_srp=true
Dr. Ian D. Brooks
Your Name: Dr. Ian D. Brooks
Genre(s) of your work: Self-Help, Coaching, Personal Development
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Intention: Building Capabilities to Transform Your Story, 2021
Bio:
Starting off working in a clinical psychology ward then transitioning to work with “higher functioning individuals”, Dr. Ian D. Brooks has spent his 25+ year career helping people move forward. His clients include Netflix, Shondaland, Bank of America, Guitar Center, Nike Inc. Sony, and Warner Brothers. Dr. Brooks is the author of Intention: Building Capabilities to Transform Your Story; which integrates research and personal journey that drives readers toward introspection and action.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
The self-help genre ties to my educational and career experience where I believe my perspective is unique enough to move people forward. In summation, I choose this genre because I care about people being the best they can be.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Writing Intention has changed and altered my life in numerous ways.
The book offered me permission to open up about my thoughts on personal development in a way I had not allowed myself to do previously. Writing this book – much like journaling – provided a quiet sanctuary to document personal and client experience I gained over time. Writing required me to share details, paint a picture, and draw out emotions associated with client changes and their challenges. Further and in the moments of writing, I was evolving real-time by living the experiences I was writing about. Thus the book took on my personality and experience in way I could not have imagined when I first started.
Aside from the actual writing of the book, my life was also altered. The book brought clarity of my passion towards helping people in a one-on-one way; rather than across technical changes. For promotional purposes, the book required to become more engaged in social media and outspoken on my perspective. Prior to the book, my social media footprint was minimal and my opinions shared even less; yet, Intention required/demanded that I be seen and share my voice in a way that I shyed away from previously.
While Intention started as book written based on client experiences, I learned more about myself and grew as a result of its completion that I can only hope my readers/listeners can taste of what experience is like for themselves. It was a pleasure to be the author and my own client as I transformed my story.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Langston Hughes
Malcom Gladwell
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Each of the three have mastered the art of storytelling. Their use of words to paint a picture from the eyes of the past, present, and future offers a lens of which readers can clearly see what the author is painting. Langston Hughes through his poetry and writings, Malcom Gladwell through his research and stories, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle through the woven picture of Sherlock Holmes mystery, have make it enjoyable to read their materials.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
Audiobooks are here to stay and compliment hardcopy/e-books. In fact, audiobooks have been in around a lot longer than we consider. In graduate school, I recall reading textbooks for those who were blind or had reading disabilities. From a “mainstream”/non disability perspective where multitasking is the rule – not the exception and soundbites act gospel –, audiobooks play into the continuous demand to be on the move. Audiobooks allow listeners to gather information at anytime and anywhere without being tied to handheld books and in a quick fashion.
The type of book (non-fiction versus fiction) and narrator’s ability to tell a story, influence the listening experience and material retention. However, the use of audiobooks will only increase and continue to assist with different learning styles.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
I believe mainstream/corporate bookstores are necessary to expand reach of authors in a way that smaller/independent bookstores have not in the past. Such consistent visibility and extension of viewership creates instant brand visibility and authors can connect to readers who may not have considered them in the past. This culminates in higher inventory and access for readers.
This does not mean they are perfect for all book titles or authors. Indie and independent bookstores have a connection to the community and niche demographic that is often missed by mainstream/corporate locations. This demographic connection allows indie and independent stores specialize the book buying experience for their market.
So I like mainstream/corporate bookstores in assisting with sales and volume; whereas, indie/independent bookstores allow for greater connection with readers.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
The best marketing tool is the internet. It’s expansive, operates 24hrs a day/ 7 days a week, and offers real time sharing of information that isn’t constrained by time or space. The effective use of online advertising, social media, live streamed events, Podcasts, posted reviews on book forums, and websites can drive attention to desired audiences. Note that this marketing also diversifies the channels for distribution and easily establish a two way dialog to connect with and listen to your audience.
There are very few bad marketing tools as any tool used to capture an audience is worthwhile. Also, what may work for one author may not work for another. To rephrase the question, I would ask – where should you invest your energy and money in marketing? This is where internet data analytics and assessments of return on marketing investment shape where you place your time. If there are trends in data where emails are not being opened to capture your audiences attention, but site advertising is working better, then reinvesting more money in site advertising may prove more useful than email blasts.
A tool or method of marketing is only as good as the person conducting the marketing. So the person marketing must have a consistent message and interaction point for their audience. If not, then no matter how good the tool is, it will not be effective.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
No. The art of writing and sharing of any topic, is intended to provide knowledge, belief, perspective or story. While some topics challenge societal norms or personal values, they have a place in expanding our thoughts, reinforcing our beliefs, or even allowing us to change sides.
In writing, authors are documenting a sense of truth – be it through fictional characters that build a story and take readers on a journey or non-fiction authors who are sharing their beliefs – through their eyes. Where topics that are taboo come into question – in my perspective – is centered around how authors provide and readers interpret the context regarding the topic. Taking topics as absolute misses how stories are built to paint a picture and that there is variation to how that picture is seen through the eyes of the reader.
Topics that are taboo for one person are not necessarily taboo for another. Even if a topic is taboo for these same two people, their tolerance for the messaging may vary based on their perspective and context.
We have to be careful regarding censorship as, just because a topic cannot be said through the lens of one person, doesn’t mean it still cannot wand will not be said.
Where can people find you and your work?
My book Intention: Building Capabilities to Transform Your Story will be available on Amazon.com (in KDP and Print), Ingram Sparks, Good Reads, and at select bookstores across the country.
I can be found at http://www.RhodesSmith.com. This site offers access to my book, blog, news & press, as well as signing up for individual and group coaching sessions.
- Website – rhodessmith.com
- Amazon Link INSERT
- Twitter – DrB_Intention
- Instagram – DrB_Intention
Vic Broquard
Name: Vic Broquard
Genre(s) of your work:
I’ve written a number of computer programming texts on C++, C#, and Windows MFC programming. Ten are in print today.
I’ve also written fifty-five published novels. My three genres are Sci-fi, fantasy, and YA. I tend to write in series.
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Without Warning (fantasy)
The Trident Series: (fantasy)
Volume 1 The Trident and the Book
Volume 2 The Trident and the Scepter
Volume 3 The Trident and the Resurrection
The Adventures of Elizabeth Stanton Series: (science fiction)
Volume 1 The Evolution of the Path
Volume 2 The Great Messiah
Volume 3 Of Kings and Queens and Troubadours
Volume 4 Chaos in the Aftermath
Volume 5 Power Plays
Volume 6 Age of Exploration
Volume 7 Abducted
Volume 8 The Emperor and Empress
Volume 9 A Job Worth Doing
Volume 10 Degradation
Volume 11 The Second Crusade
Volume 12 When Worlds Collide
Volume 13 Dark Ages
The Lindsey Barron Series: (fantasy YA)
Volume 1 The Rod of the Apocalypse
Volume 2 The Board of Governors
Volume 3 The Crown of Moses
Volume 4 Dominus for President
Volume 5 The National Health Care Program
Volume 6 States Justice
Volume 7 Cross and Double-cross
Volume 8 Down the Dragon Hole
Zoran Chronicles Series: (fantasy)
Volume 1 A Dragon in Our Town
Volume 2 Dragons, Power, Courts, and War
Planet of the Orange-red Sun Series: (science fiction)
Volume 1 When Kingdoms Fall
Volume 2 Dark Ages
Volume 3 Age of the Towers
Volume 4 Difficillis Exitus
Volume 5 Age of the Lords
Volume 6 The Renegade Tower
Volume 7 Rebellions
Volume 8 The Aliens Return
Volume 9 Power Struggles
Volume 10 Guilds, Genetics, and Gods
Volume 11 Magi, Witches, Swords, and Superstitions
Volume 12 The Voyage of the Eagle’s Seed
Volume 13 Eagle’s Seed and Origins
Volume 14 Justifications
Volume 15 Responsibilities
The Return of the Wizards: Twelve Companions – The Making of Wizards (fantasy)
Slow Comes the Dark Series: (science fiction)
Volume 1 Creeping Darkness
Volume 2 Serendipity
Volume 3 Darkness Descends
Volume 4 Perversion Incarnate
Volume 5 Extermination Wars
Reclamation Series (science fiction)
Volume 1 For the Want of a Pill
Volume 2 Organ Donors
Dragons, Magic, and Me (fantasy)
Volume 1 The Box
Sol Empire (science fiction) due out this year
Volume 1 For the Want of Humanity
Volume 2 Fear
Volume 3 Greed
The Three Friend’s Grand Plan (fantasy) also due out this year
Out of print works:
Intermediate MFC, Broquard, Prentice Hall, 1998, ISBN 0-13-848276-4
Programming with OWL for Windows 95, Broquard, Prentice Hall, 1997, ISBN 0-13-492273-5
Programming with MFC for Windows 95, Broquard, Prentice Hall, 1996, ISBN 0-13-459546-7
Fundamentals Of Assembler Language For The IBM PC/XT, Broquard and Westley, Merrill, 1990, ISBN 0675-210585-01
Structured Problem Analysis and Logic Design, Broquard and Westley, Prentice Hall, 1985
In the Fantasy Area:
The Jingling Mordo Circus, Broquard, TSR: Dungeon Adventures, 1987
Underdark Tunnel Design, Broquard, TSR: Dragon Magazine, 1988
Bio:
Professor Vic Broquard has over thirty-five years experience in the computer programming field. He has programmed in the engineering arena as well as the business and systems programming areas. For the last twenty years up to 2010, he has taught full-time at a Midwestern junior college.
He also does Windows programming consulting for several local firms. He has had three Windows programming books published by Prentice Hall and was the primary author for two other published programming books.
In 1999, he received the “Gallion Award” for excellence in teaching. It is an award given by the students each year for the best teacher at the college.
His books reflect his teaching style and attitude. In his words, “I try to communicate the information in a manner that is easily understood by the student. I am application oriented. That means you will not find my books theoretical in nature nor a rewritten language reference manual. Rather, they are very readable and emphasize the actual doingness of programming. My students end up being able to actually write computer programs in the real-world. In the final analysis, the ability of someone to actually “do it” is what is vitally important.”
He is now retired from teaching and writing novels full-time.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
Why I Write Fantasy Novels
I get an enormous amount of pleasure and satisfaction from writing fantasy novels for three key reasons.
One, magic. What would life be like if one could cast magical spells? Such spells range from protection spells, such as my Skin of Stone spell – which protects the body from physical blows from things as sword strikes and even bullets, to offensive spells such as a Ball of Fire. Let your imagination flow freely and then ask yourself just what would live be like for you if you could do such things? Intriguing.
Two, mental skills that mimic magical spells. Often called psi powers, the same considerations apply. What would life be like if you had powers of the mind at your disposal, such as telepathy, telekinesis, and many more? Again, I find such notions highly intriguing.
Three, character development and interaction. I enjoy mocking up unique characters and then “wearing their hat,” writing as though I was that person. In fact, in one novel, I had a high action chapter involving seven quite different and unique characters constantly interacting with each other, making a fascinating read.
Back in the 1980’s, I played a lot of Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, even going so far as having an article published in the Dragon magazine and a game module in the Dungeon magazine. That, coupled with my love of Tolkien, led me to write my first such novel, The Return of the Wizards.
From there, I decided to merge magic spells and psi powers. The result was the Trident Series, which also became a love story as well. In the third book in that series, you can find the chapter with the seven characters in action that I mentioned above. Jon Brown has the psi powers, while his new friends have magical spell casting abilities. His friends are each very unique with strong personalities, quite divergent from each other.
One of my students once asked me why I didn’t have a novel involving dragons. So I wrote the Zoran Chronicles in response, making dragons the focal point of that series.
Harry Potter was impressive. I just knew that I had to respond. After all, the US needs its own version. Thus, I began writing the Lindsey Barron series, which soon grew to six novels to tell her complete story.
Then, later on, I added a twist. People can change. What would happen if the main evil wizard that haunted Lindsey in those six books suddenly changed – for the better? Enter the recent addition of the seventh novel in that scene! I’m just now finishing up the 8th, continuing to explore that huge personality change.
Several years back, they did a remake of Alice in Wonderland as a short mini-series. Impressed with it, I decided to try my hand at writing something akin to Alice. The result was Without Warning, a fanciful wonderland-like fantasy novel.
What I Like Most About Writing Science Fiction
Evolution of people and societies over long time spans. I was inspired to tackle such a broad span by Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Darkover series of many novels, which still ranks as one of my favorites of all time.
Okay, what exactly do I mean by “evolution?” There are many, many good sci-fi novels but it takes a whole series of novels to cover say five hundred years of a society’s development. Perhaps, my background in anthropology also tends to push me along these lines.
The fifteen novels in the series Planet of the Orange-red Sun begins with a primitive society located on the fringes of the galaxy stuck in what one might call the Bronze Age of development. Their planet has almost no heavier elements. Iron is so rare that a steel sword is worth “millions.” How can such a society develop beyond such a point?
Just how can a people develop and progress as a society if some have such powerful gifts, while others lack them totally? One solution that is followed is to allow these incredibly powerful people to be the sole rulers of the various kingdoms. Ah, with such ultimate power and no checks on their powers one might well anticipate major disasters will follow.
Does this relate to our own time where giant corporations control so much of our society and dump billions into getting certain candidates elected to political offices?
Evolution of societies: one of the key principle that unfolds is that “the solution to today’s problem becomes tomorrow’s problem.” A secondary key principle is that aberration in behavior is and can be easily transmitted down through many generations, though it can become twisted and distorted as it carries on through the centuries…
…I’m looking at my second viewpoint of evolution – that of aberration or how traumatic events propagate down the ages. For example, a parent abuses child; child grows up and abuses his children in a similar manner. Or a person is raped and thereafter the person is afraid, fearful of … Many of current TV shows are dramatizing this type of situation.
Coupled intimately with this is my personal belief that we are all immortal spiritual beings who have a mind and who are inhabiting human bodies. Call it Karma or whatever, but this notion is reflected in many religions.
An individual person can suffer very traumatic events, events that cause severe pain and unconsciousness or tremendous personal loss. Likewise, a whole society can also undergo a severe trauma. While society is beginning to accept the fact that these traumas can adversely affect the person for the rest of their lifetimes unless healed, my proposition is that since the person, the being, is immortal and will have further lifetimes (Karma or whatever), that trauma is still there and can still impact them in their future lives.
Worse, we tend to forget previous lifetimes. We try to avoid pain, and that other body did just die somehow. Also, the old out of sight, out of mind kicks in. We forget things, especially if those things are no longer present anywhere in our lives. Best left forgotten is frequently the norm. Yet, that un-erased, un-handled trauma is still there, buried deep in what many call our unconscious minds and can still impact our lives.
Just how do, why, and what do such traumatic events have on people and upon a society as a whole? This, then, is the second aspect of evolution that so intrigues me and which I often explore when writing science fiction novels.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
It has broadened my grasp and understanding of people and society.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series
Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Darkover series
Roger Zelazny’s Amber series
Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series
Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series
Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and Hobbit
In all cases, because they fuel my imagination and I can follow a character across time.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
They should buy and sell more Indie published books.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?
That there are parallels to our own world and times. That there is hope for the future. That there are ways to deal with disabilities. That there are ways to erase trauma, physical and emotional. What can happen if a person has more than one lifetime… Oh, and be entertained, lol.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
In my textbooks, my experience is everything.
However, in my novels, my exposure to the erasure of trauma plays a role. I want others to know and have hope. Beyond that, I mostly study and observe others, reflecting off them.
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
I’m a panster. When I get an idea for a story, I simply have to tell it. Usually, I have a starting point and an ending point in mind. Then, I’m off, allowing the story and characters to develop as I write.
The problem is that I get too many ideas. Right now, for example, I have eight novels in progress – just got another great idea and started its chapter 1 this week. This year, home remodeling and vacation has cut into my writing time.
What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
Many misspelled words. Horrible grammar. Obtuse writing. Pages of unfamiliar words that aren’t defined. And most of all, boring material that goes on and on.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
Nothing should be taboo. Nothing should be censored. HOWEVER, book covers should carry red warning labels, such as Hateful Material, Pornographic, Polarizing Views, Fake News etc.
I don’t want school children reading erotic stories or hate inciting materials, for example. That’s one other reason I like Amazon’s Look Inside feature, so I can get an idea of what the book contains before I buy.
Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?
Many misspelled words, bad grammar and punctuation turn me off right away. Where’s the Editor?
A story that goes nowhere, a story that is banal, especially in dialog, and one with overly flowery (literary fiction) prose or lengthy, page after page descriptions also turn me off.
Where can people find you and your work?
http://amazon.com/author/vic-broquard
http://www.broquard-ebooks.com
http://www.broquard-ebooks.com /blog
On Social Media:
Google+
YouTube
Janet Bruins
Your Name: Janet Bruins
Genre(s) of your work: Motherhood/Self-Help/Memoir
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Expecting It All: More Time, Money, Energy, and Space for Mothers (2024)
Bio:
Janet Bruins is an author and founder of a Picnic Heist, a new independent publishing company dedicated to supporting diverse voices in children’s literature. Her debut book, Expecting It All: More Time, Money, Energy, and Space for Mothers, blends memoir and practical advice to help new mothers balance family, personal growth, and everyday demands. She holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Michigan, a master’s from Purdue, and an MBA from Georgetown—and works in corporate finance (a career that helps pay the publishing bills). Janet lives in Reston, VA, with her family and a growing collection of picture books, where she continues to write, publish, mentor engineers, and volunteer in international development.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I used to be a self-help junkie, always looking for the latest life hacks. When I gave birth to my daughter, I found there were no books out there to truly support new moms—other than guides on caring for their newfound offsprings. So, the logical next step was for me to write the book myself.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Originally, before I decided to write Expecting It All, my plan was to study for and pass the CPA exams to advance my career. The only time I could find to study was between 5 and 7 AM, so I spent half a year waking up early, seven days a week. In the end, I missed passing the exam by two points (which is still terrible… real accountants would tell you they waltz into the exam room without any prep and ace it right out of college). That’s when I decided my test-taking days were behind me and maybe I should redirect my energy toward something else I could actually accomplish. Showing up every day to put words on the screen turned out to be far more doable than mastering the tax code.
With my first draft in hand, my book and I were shaped by an embarrassingly large number of talented editors. I also got a peek behind the curtain at how a publishing company operates. This knowledge led me to start my own publishing venture—something I would never have dreamed of if I had passed those CPA exams.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
P.G. Wodehouse is my all-time favorite. Humor writing is incredibly difficult, yet he managed it with such effortless style. Michael Lewis is another favorite—not because I agree with all his views or his approach to shaping stories, but because he’s just so damn good at his craft.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
Audiobooks aren’t just the future; they dominate the present—at least for me. English is my second language, and I learned to ‘write’ through listening to audiobooks. It took over ten years of listening to four to five books per month before I could write a decent email. I only started reading physical books in the past year when I became interested in memoirs by editors and publishers—most of which aren’t popular enough to be voice recorded.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
Raw passion and enthusiasm.
Both Robert Gottlieb, former editor-in-chief of Alfred A. Knopf, and Judith Jones, editor of John Updike and Julia Child, believed that a publisher really needs to be excited about a book project for it to thrive post-publication. It’s that genuine, contagious excitement for a great read that draws others in.
When it comes to promoting our own work, though, many of us hesitate. Self-promotion often feels like bragging, and I definitely experience this reluctance when it comes to marketing my own book, often putting off those activities.
Ideally, a publisher should step in here, actively promoting its authors’ works. However, the industry operates differently. The standard practice is that authors are expected to handle around 90% of the marketing, while publishers take on only 10%. Some authors likely get even less support. While I understand the publisher’s rationale—marketing can feel like a black hole where endless resources are poured in with uncertain results—I think this logic is flawed.
It’s often said that people’s attention is scattered today, but I think it’s more accurate to say that people’s attention is focused on scattered places. When we were growing up, there were only a few TV channels, and Americans shared common experiences because the options were limited. Now, with millions of social media influencers and countless platforms, capturing any single audience’s attention is a monumental task.
This shift means that the publishing industry’s marketing infrastructure needs to evolve. Book marketing strategies that worked in the past may not be effective today. Or should it?
As I learn more about publishing, I find a recurring theme in publishers’ memoirs: it’s nearly impossible to predict a bestseller. I’ve always found this fascinating, as it’s a problem unique to publishing. In other industries, successful companies know their market and design products to meet specific needs. Yet publishing often defies these principles.
In the end, I believe book publishing is closer to a public service than a business. Toyota would never spend years crafting an exquisite car for an uncertain market, but that’s exactly what writers and publishers do—craft exquisite books. Some books need to exist not because they’ll bring wealth, but because they preserve something valuable. And this mission often conflicts with traditional marketing.
That said, we should still do our utmost to market our books, if only to keep food on the table and to write another day.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
I do not believe in censorship. Freedom of speech is precious, and the ugliness of certain words can be judged by posterity.
Where can people find you and your work?
janetbruins.com
Instagram: @janetbruins
J. Lee Burke
Name: J. Lee Burke
Genre(s) of your work: Suspense thriller
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Blackrock Island, 2017
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I enjoy writing crime fiction and leading my main character on a quest for truth and on a wild adventure.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
After working with Elmore Leonard for several years, I learned a lot about the writing process and how to think about and create the “bad guys” in my work.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Hemingway’s writing is a great example of tight terse prose and simplistic style of writing. Elmore Leonard is exceptional in the way he treats dialogue. Agatha Christie keeps the reader guessing ‘who done it’ until the very end.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
They have a job to do, but it would be nice to be able to present books even if you are not a ‘big name’ author.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?
A sense of what the human condition is in the work and how they can apply it in their own lives. Also, I hope the readers enjoy the main character and they want to continue reading about her or him.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
Some of the experiences have been enjoyed by the author, but overall, it is fiction.
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
Once you are into the story, there is a drive to keep writing it until the end. The ideas for the story help motivate me to continue writing.
What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
It is usually time and not the writing. I am a selective reader.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
Yes, especially for children.
Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?
Leave out the prologue.
Where can people find you and your work?
Amazon, Barnes and Noble, eBooks, Kindle, Nook, libraries
JLeeBurke.com
David Busboom
Your Name: David Busboom
Genre(s) of your work: Horror/Speculative Fiction
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Nightbird (Unnerving, 2018)
Every Crawling, Putrid Thing (JournalStone, 2022)
Bio:
David Busboom is a writer, science editor, and lifelong Illinoisan whose fiction has appeared in Unnerving Magazine, the Saturday Evening Post, MYTHIC, and Planet Scumm, among others. His debut collection is Every Crawling, Putrid Thing (JournalStone, 2022).
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
Growing up in a castle in the middle of Illinois (go ahead and Google “Busboom Castle” if you want to know what I mean), I was already in love with fantasy before I could read. By the time I started submitting stories in my early teens, that love had grown to include science fiction as well. I was always a frightened kid, too afraid to watch most horror films. Even a trailer on TV for something like The Ring would give me nightmares. I think that’s why, when I finally did get into horror around that time, it felt significant—like I was facing something, or like a part of me had just grown up a little.
When I sold my first story a few years later, it was a horror story. I’ve written many fantasy, science fiction, and crime stories since, and even sold some of them, but most of my output continues to be rooted in horror. I remember what it’s like to be afraid of the dark, afraid of the shadows in your own home. Writing about the imagined inhabitants of those shadows keeps me connected to that scared little boy and helps me cope with the more mundane but all-too-real fears of adulthood.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Writing is both my outlet and my shelter. Ever since grade school, it’s gotten me through some of the worst moments of my life, helped me cherish some of the best, and revealed things about myself I might never have realized. It’s also opened me up to a whole community I’d not have otherwise, of fellow writers, editors, and artists met online or at conventions. And, perhaps most importantly, writing is what led me to meet my partner, Shelby, in college. We’ve been together almost eight years now, with a house and a dog and insurance, the whole shebang. If it weren’t for us both being on the staff of the campus lit mag, I’m not sure we’d have found each other.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Brian Jacques is the writer who made me want to write in the first place. His Redwall series remains among my favorites to this day. Frank Herbert showed what great worldbuilding can do, and how it can be seamlessly and inextricably incorporated into a story’s themes. H. P. Lovecraft, despite his reprehensible qualities as a human being, could evoke pure creeping dread like few others ever have (and his ideas spawned a plethora of excellent stories by those who came after, some of which far eclipse anything Lovecraft himself wrote). And, finally, Ray Bradbury. He is my desert island writer, the writer I cannot live without, the writer with whom I identify the most, the writer whose heights I strive to reach.
I realize this is a very homogenous quartet of dead white men, so perhaps I should clarify that these are my formative writers, the ones who influenced me the most as I was deciding in my teens and early twenties what kind of writer I wanted to be. Among my living favorites (who are honestly too numerous to list in full) I count Laird Barron, Ted Chiang, Samuel R. Delaney, Kathe Koja, Carmen Maria Machado, and Cormac McCarthy as exemplary of the very best. Machado has done so much with only two books that, even if she never wrote again, I think her place in the literary pantheon would be secure for decades if not centuries to come. And, of course, I’ll always have a soft spot for good ole’ Uncle Stevie.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
Audiobooks are just another way to read. I don’t think they’ll ever replace print books, but they’ve been around for decades and they’re clearly here to stay, and I think that’s a good thing. They make books more accessible, and only an asshole would take umbrage at that. I most enjoy listening to audiobooks whenever I’m doing chores around the house or taking my dog for a long, leisurely walk.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
Hey, Barnes & Noble finally brought back the dedicated Horror section, so they can’t be that bad, right? And it still beats getting your books from Amazon by a country mile. But, given the choice, I always prefer to support my local indie shops (shoutout to Jane Addams Book Shop and The Literary in Champaign, and Priceless Books in Urbana).
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
I’ll be the first to admit that marketing is not something I think I’m very good at. In general, I try to just be myself and not spam people. If I see a tweet or a post that says “drop your links here, fellow authors” or something like that, I almost always take part, but I don’t generally do self-promotional posts on my own more than a few times a week, if that. I’m trying to get better about reaching out to blogs (like this one!) or podcasts when I have something to promote, but it all still feels a bit weird to me. I suppose I’ll get over it eventually.
One thing I know NOT to do (because it’s been done to me and I hated it), is to DM unsolicited links to strangers with little or no preamble beyond “buy my book!” That’s one of the fastest ways to make a bad first impression.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
No. I mean, if your writing advocates for eugenics or marital rape or something, then fuck you, you know? But stories dealing with those topics (or worse) can still be compelling and worthwhile. Lolita, for instance, deals with a horrifying subject in a way that is sensitive, artful, and scathing all at once.
What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
I don’t really have a strong opinion about them one way or another, though I rarely use them myself unless they’re explicitly requested. I’ve read and heard convincing arguments both for and against, and I certainly don’t want to do anyone harm, but such warnings seem most useful when dealing with specific traumas (like sexual abuse or self-harm) rather than broader concepts like racism or misogyny, which can encompass a much wider variety of behavior or content (for example, “TW: racism” could refer to anything from a slur appearing in a single line of dialogue to a graphic depiction of a lynching, so I wonder how helpful it actually is to people with related trauma; then again, I’m no expert).
If an editor or publisher wanted a trigger warning attached to one of my published books or stories, I don’t think I’d be opposed, especially if I could approve the wording and/or placement of the warning itself. If they’re going to be used, I like the idea of standardizing an unobtrusive position for them somewhere in the front matter, such that they are easily skipped or ignored by those who don’t want them and easily found by those who do.
Where can people find you and your work?
August 19-20, 2022 they can find me and my work at Dark History & Horror Con at the iHotel in Champaign, Illinois! But for those who can’t make it, here are the usual links:
Website/Blog: davidbusboom.com
Twitter: @DavidBusboom
Facebook: facebook.com/busboom1
Amazon (if you must): https://rb.gy/gwin1w
Liz Butcher
Your Name: Liz Butcher
Genre(s) of your work: Horror/Dark Fantasy/Speculative Fiction
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
- 2018, After Dark (Short stories)
- 2019, Fates’ Fury
- 2020, LeRoux Manor
- 2021, Never, Never
Sue Rovens 