Archive Section of

Meet & Greet Authors

Authors are listed alphabetically by LAST names G through L.

*All the information/websites/links were current AT THE TIME OF INITIAL POSTING. As time passes, please be aware that the links provided might not be active.

Jennifer L. Gadd

Name: Jennifer L. Gadd

Genre(s) of your work: YA paranormal, YA fantasy, YA science fiction, picture books, hi-lo books (high-interest, low-readability for reluctant and challenged readers)

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Were-Children Series

Cat Moon (2016 republished from 2013)

Finn the Hero Series

Finn and the Boys (2016)

Finn and the Fish (2017)

The Second Battle (2017)

Space Cadets Series

Space Bugs (coming in early 2018)

Bio:

Jennifer L. Gadd is a life-long reader and writer who holds a deep interest in writing books that children and young adults will want to read with joy. She writes mostly fantasy and science fiction, as well as hi-lo books for struggling readers.

She has lived in Texas, Illinois, and Alaska, and currently resides in Kansas City, Kansas, where she is a reading interventionist at an urban middle school.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

The genres of my published works are, pure and simple, some of the types of things I enjoy reading and that I hope YA readers will read with pleasure.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

I don’t know that it has. I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t a writer, to be honest.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

My favorite author is F. Scott Fitzgerald (with a shout-out to Zelda, from whom he took a lot of stuff.) What I like about Fitzgerald is the juxtaposition of both the beauty of his prosody and the conciseness of his language. My other favorites are Agatha Christie, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Anne Perry, and Sharyn McCrumb.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I have nothing against mainstream bookstores, although I prefer to shop at locally-owned shops when possible. What I really lament is the lack of any bookstores of any kind in so many areas.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

My day job is everyone’s worst nightmare—their middle school English teacher! I know English teachers are supposed to really big on the True Meaning of Literature, but I’m not. Specifically, I’m a reading interventionist, and I just want kids to enjoy reading. Once non-readers start to enjoy it, then their reading issues start to resolve—because they’re reading. All I want is for readers to enjoy reading my books.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

Given the genres of what I have published so far, it’s obvious that I have never personally experienced most of the plot points about which I write. But I do know people. I think that’s where personal experience plays a big part—in knowing life and people, how they speak, how they interact, what makes them tick. Those things certainly play a part in my work.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

If you mean a book I’m writing, how do you not do that? In fact, I usually have the ending written, or at least thought of, before I begin writing. I might not leave it that way once I get to that point, but it’s there to work towards. If you mean a book I’m reading, motivation doesn’t really come into it. I am a super-fast reader, so getting to the end isn’t a problem.

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

There have been barely a handful of books I’ve started and made an intentional decision not to finish. Very, very few. Two of them, though, are wildly popular right now, and I don’t want people to hate me forever, so I’m not going to name them.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

Unless it involves hate speech, absolutely not. And this is something I’m passionate about in terms of YA literature. Folks who think kids shouldn’t be reading things about racism, rape, drug use, poverty, suicide, child abuse, or whatever their hot-button issue is, really underestimate them and do them a disservice. What they’re really saying is that they themselves don’t want to deal with it. It’s too uncomfortable for them. The kids can experience all these issues, can live through them, but gosh and golly, they sure shouldn’t be reading about them. What a crock.

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

In my own writing, it’s the formatting that turns me into a big ball of stress. I positively despise it, but whatcha gonna do? You have to get everything all book-shaped to make it work.

I do have some peeves regarding things I read, though. First and foremost, I would list anachronisms. An aforeUNmentioned work that is massively popular right now has the major conflict resolution centered around an anachronism. The big, emotional, climactic scene in the historical fiction book could not possibly have ever happened in real life. Man, that crawls up my nose, because it wouldn’t take more than a five-minute Google-whack to find that out. A major author with a major publisher shouldn’t be having those issues. I think a well-written book requires solid, correct research before the writing can begin.

This question kind of end the interview on a griping, whiny down-note, doesn’t it? Sorry about that!

Where can people find you and your work?

Amazon Author Page:

https://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-L.-Gadd/e/B012GMWTPI

SmashWords:

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/fionnabhar

Website:

http://jennifergadd.wixsite.com/jenniferlgadd

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jlgadd/

WordPress:

https://jenniferlgadd.wordpress.com/

WattPad:

https://www.wattpad.com/user/JenniferGadd

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R. Gadd

Name: R. Gadd

Genre(s) of your work: Romance, contemporary romance

 Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Twelve Months – 2016

Twelve Months: Reprieve – 2017

Twelve Months: Broken Chord – 2018

Bio:

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a fascination with words; how they sound, the definition of each one, the reaction certain words have on others. Some people sing, some dance, some paint. For me, words are my creative outlet. I live in Wales in the U.K. I devour books… I’m a self-confessed romance novel junkie. I love music and going to concerts. I adore the process of writing,  creating new worlds, and new characters. It’s a strange thing playing God with fictitious people, but I love it. In factual life, I’m a mother, daughter, fiancée, sister, mean dancer, and strawberry laces enthusiast.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

The romance genre was something I fell into. It was Brontë and Austin that set my allegiance with romance in stone. There’s something quite wonderful about the eras that they wrote about. Some aspects of those eras (especially Brontë) are dark and suppressing, but there’s something desirable in their romantic prose that is missing from the new age. I like the respect, the manners; it’s all very polished and refined. That being said, I love how the quintessential hero in books these days have evolved.

Nowadays, we’re more often than not faced with rude, arrogant, bad boy persona leading males. It’s such a turnaround, and they also have a place in my heart, along with the likes of Captain Wentworth and Rochester. I like writing about these leading men’s flaws, their human sides, which I don’t think we got to see a lot of in classic romance. It’s built within us as human beings to value love, and that’s why I like writing in this genre so much. It has such an overwhelming effect on the human spirit, and if I can generate that feeling in others, I will continue to write romance.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Writing can be a very solitary process. I feel locked into my own head most of the time. The more books I write, the harder I find it to socialize and have fun when I’m not supposed to be working. I’m more obsessed with words and grammar now than I’ve ever been. I’ve always loved literature, but the past five years has proved just how much I love it.

The major thing I’ve noticed since writing is that I’m no longer capable of switching off from the world around me. It’s like my off button is defunct. Even when I’m not writing, I’m continually thinking of plots, new characters, watching people’s mannerisms, and storing new words and phrases that I hear into my grey matter. I read articles, books, even other people’s social media statuses, and I begin to think of ways I could have improved it if I’d been the one to write it. My friends and family have learned to tolerate how easily distracted I’ve become, even though I know it annoys them that I can’t tune out the world and focus on a single conversation.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I love T.M Frazier. Her writing is so dark and gritty, and I love how she writes romance in such a nonconformist way. I really like Penelope Douglas; she really knows how to write an amazing story with plenty of twists and turns. Cora Brent is another favourite of mine. She writes in a very human, very earthy way. When I’m reading a Brent novel, I always feel like I’m right there between the pages with her characters.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I’m not about to wax lyrical over the reasons why I dislike them. However, there is something lacking, something sterile and clinical about mainstream bookstores. Books are magical resources that can transform a person’s mood in the mere turn of a page. That seems to lessen somewhat when the major names come into play. That being said, everything has its place in the world, and so do corporate bookstores. What we have to remember is that if it wasn’t for the online versions of these corporations, then it would be incredibly difficult for indie writers to share their work.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

That everyone is human, and forgiveness is something each of us needs to learn in our own time. Life, love, and the path it takes us on is a skewed one. Certain elements in someone’s existence can bruise senseless and sometimes cause them to make terrible decisions. I think there’s a real message of how resilient we are as people. One reviewer summed it up quite eloquently. They said: ‘Love can hurt and be awesome.’ That short sentence resonated deeply within me. Whoever wrote that about my book, thank you so much.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

I don’t use myself, my friends and family, or anyone I know as material for my books. My life is just that — mine. I don’t want to write about me, and I find it a little intrusive to write about people I know. However, I love people watching; I like seeing how others interact, their mannerisms, facial expressions etc. I’m surrounded by a network of incredibly sharp tongues, so it was inevitable that some of the jokes and one-liners I’d heard over the years would make it into the books.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

The readers —  it’s as simple as that. I’m a hardcore procrastinator, so getting messages from my readers puts a spring in my step to finish a chapter. Somedays, it’s easy to forget that there are people out there that want to read my stories. On the days where I feel like throwing in the towel, I look at my reviews, and remember the good, constructive criticism that I’ve received from fans of the book.

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

When there’s no depth in the characters. I dislike books that are lacking in personality. I need to feel endeared to a character to really be able to enjoy a story.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

Writing is an art form, I find no censorship in art. So, no, I don’t think writing should be censored.

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

Again, I hate undeveloped characters and storylines, and reading dialogue that sounds stunted or robotic. If something doesn’t flow or if I can’t imagine a particular character saying a particular sentence, then I can’t immerse myself in the story.

Where can people find you and your work?

You can find the ‘Twelve Months’ book series on Amazon:

USA: https://www.amazon.com/Twelve-Months-R-Gadd-ebook/dp/B01LWVYGL3/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1519820500&sr=8-6&keywords=twelve+months

U.K: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Twelve-Months-R-Gadd-ebook/dp/B01LWVYGL3/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1519820610&sr=8-2&keywords=twelve+months&dpID=5135%252BKke83L&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

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Ricardo L. Garcia

Name: Ricardo L. Garcia

Genre(s) of your work: Science Fiction

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Short stories since 1985 in two languages in paper magazines, anthologies, online magazines; two self-published books: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Phoenix-Man-Ricardo-Garcia/dp/1492809993/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384399417&sr=1-1&keywords=Time+Of+The+Phoenix+Man and https://www.amazon.com/Quantitative-Factor-Ricardo-L-Garcia/dp/1517397502 . Last story sold: https://www.antimattermag.com/helping-hand/ September 2017.

Bio:

Ricardo L. Garcia (Havana, 1955), is one of the authors belonging to what many regard as the Golden Age of science fiction in his country of birth, Cuba—and the only one to write in either English or Spanish, as he fancies at the moment, if normally he favors English. His work has appeared in English, Spanish, Galician, Bulgarian, and Esperanto.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I discovered science fiction as a kid, and it was love at first sight. I have written and published some poetry, and I guess I could write fantasy too, but I just don’t care for anything but science fiction.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Oh well—when I was teaching college English, I suppose it thrilled my students to have an actual author in the classroom. But writing is simply something that makes me happy.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Arthur C. Clarke, hands down. Not only he had quite a heck of an imagination, but he really did work the science angle, something that is so sorely lacking in much of what passes for science fiction these days. Oh, and that wonderful British irony of his—having at one time studied at a British school, that’s something I can relate to. Also James Blish, Michael Crichton, Robert A. Heinlein, Hal Clement, and the classics from the 50s. Sorry—I grew up reading them!

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I don’t have anything against them, if I think they could benefit from also showcasing independent authors.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

Hard to answer, that one. I suppose I hope they have a terrific time reading my stuff (I’ve been told they do) but basically all of my stories are exercises in What If…? So maybe I also want them to stop and think for a moment about all those things that make me wonder. Go figure.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

Not a whole lot, I’d say—there’s an English Lit. professor in one of my stories (“Quod Erat Demonstrandum”) if I fervently hope I’m not him. And the main character in my novel, Time of The Phoenix Man, has a twin of sorts—well, two. Or not. And no, they aren’t twins. Or maybe they are…let’s leave it at that. (I have a twin brother.). And, well, I have always loved astronomy, if I can’t handle the math part to save my life. (But my twin can, easily.)

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

I haven’t a clue. Sometimes I have this idea dormant in the back of my mind for years, then suddenly feel the urge to sit down and write it in a couple hours. Sometimes it takes me forever to complete a story/chapter. And quite a few times I have revisited something I published twenty, thirty years ago, say, and write a new, different story using the same basic idea. And often my good friends at the Spain-based miNatura science fiction and fantasy magazine prod me for stories (they’re merciless at that, when they really want to).

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

Besides its being unredeemably boring? Profanity. I can overlook the occasional word here and there, but more than that, and the book ends in the trash bin. (A couple years ago I did just that with a book by Richard Matheson, who otherwise I consider a terrific author. Only that book of his, a recent one, was conceivably intended for a different audience than the rest of his excellent work.)

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

No.

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

Same as above.

Where can people find you and your work?

For the most part, Amazon, Perihelion magazine (No. 2014, Jan. 2015—but since they don’t keep the links, maybe no longer), Antimatter magazine (Sept. 2017). For those interested in other languages, I can suggest where to look. Oh, and my Facebook author page,  https://www.facebook.com/Ricardo-L-Garcia-705042366295755/?ref=bookmarks

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James Finn Garner

Name: James Finn Garner

Genre(s) of your work: Humor, satire, mystery

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Politically Correct Bedtime Stories (1994)

Once Upon a More Enlightened Time (1995)

Politically Correct Holiday Stories (1995)

Apocalypse WOW!  (1997)

Recut Madness  (2007)

Tea Party Fairy Tales (2012)

The Rex Koko, Private Clown Mysteries:

Honk Honk, My Darling (2011)

Double Indignity  (2014)

The Wet Nose of Danger (2014)

Locavores (play–2016)

Single White Vigilante (webcomic–2018)

Bio:

I am a Detroiter by birth, Chicagoan by disposition. My first story was an episode of the “Batman” TV series; since my mother told me a comma was meant to give the reader a rest, I inserted a comma after every word. I have always wanted to be a writer, but really found it difficult until I began performing improv when I was 25. This freed up my funnier side, and showed me that a misplaced word does not result in fatalities (usually).

I’ve performed in shows and cabarets off and on since then, and like to stay sharp by reading on various stages for Chicago’s “Live lit” scene. My first book, Politically Correct Bedtime Stories, were originally performed as part of a cabaret I was hosting; after getting rejections from 30 different publishers, it was brought out by Macmillan and became an instant best-seller. Which goes to show, you should never give up.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

My serious writing, while presentable and enjoyable, always feels a little squishy to me, like it could veer off in any direction for no real reason. When I write humor, I know immediately if it is working or not, and if not, what it will take to make it right. I also take pride in working in a medium that not many people can execute well. Now, if only Americans would start reading humor again (if they ever did).

How has writing changed/altered your life?

It helped me quit my day job a long time ago, so that’s nice.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Michael Chabon–his themes are intriguing, and his style can seem effortless yet take my breath away.

Terry Pratchett–makes me laugh, though he could’ve used an editor more often.

Raymond Chandler–I love to get lost in his world.

Kurt Vonnegut

James Joyce

Saul Bellow

Damon Runyan–I just have a warm spot in my heart for Nathan Detroit, Nicely Nicely Johnson, Blooch Blodinsky and all the guys and dolls at the Hot Box. My favorite summer reading.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

The next best thing to an indie bookstore. They supply books and a gathering place for many readers in small- and medium-sized cities, so they should be given a little respect. Amazon, of course, is a whole ‘nother beast, but we have to learn to live with it.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

The desire to recommend my books to everyone they meet, all the time.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

I’ve noticed that I will NEVER pick up a story again to work on it if I stop midstream. Even if the thing I’m working on is terrible, I try and finish it, because I hate to think of it lying in a folder, half-formed and never loved. If it never gets finished, then it was just a half-baked idea, but I still feel guilty about the neglect.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

No, of course not. Certainly not on the writer’s part–self-censorship will stop anyone’s writing dead in its tracks.

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

I wish it didn’t take me so flipping long to finish a book, but I think that’s more than a peeve.

Where can people find you and your work?

Best place to start is my website:  http://www.jamesfinngarner.com . From there you can find links to all my books that are still in print, as well as the stranger items in my bag of tricks (baseball poetry, web comics, and other odds and ends).

http://www.jamesfinngarner.com

@jamesfinngarner (Twitter)

@james.finn.garner (Instagram)

http://www.rexkoko.com

http://www.singlewhitevigilante.com

http://www.bardball.com

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Chris Gerrib

Name: Chris Gerrib

Genre(s) of your work: Science fiction

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

The Mars Run (re-released May 2018)

Pirates of Mars (re-released May 2018)

The Night Watch (re-released May 2018)

Bio:

Chris Gerrib admits to being a bit obsessed with Mars, but in a healthy way – all three books of his Pirate Series are set on Mars. Chris lives in the Chicago suburbs and still has a day job in IT.  He holds degrees in history and business from the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University.  He also served in the US Navy during the First Gulf War, and can proudly report that not one Iraqi MiG bombed Jacksonville, Florida while he was in the service.  In his copious free time, Chris is a past President of and currently active in his local Rotary club.  His website is www.privatemarsrocket.net

Why do you write in the genre that you do? 

I’ve been a space nut for as long as I can remember, going back to when I would ride my bicycle to the small library in the small town I grew up in (Westville, Illinois).  When I started writing in the early 2000s, I wasn’t seeing a lot of fiction set in our Solar System.  Having grown up on that and missing it, I decided to write what I wanted to read.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

I don’t sell a lot of books, but I do have a few fans who’ve become friends.  That was nice. Also, I’ve met a lot of fellow writers that I’ve become friends with and fans of.  Finally, writing has become something that I miss if I can’t find the time to do it.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

That’s a very long list. I’ve developed a reading list that’s mostly of authors that I met when their first book came out.  I’ve watched them grow and become better writers.  So here’s a probably incomplete list, and I apologize to all the writers I miss!

John Scalzi – he’s the king of great opening lines

Mary Robinette Kowal – brilliant characters

Jim C. Hines – consistently funny

Tim Akers – he’s a tough read but his religious fantasy is stellar.

Kate Atkinson – she’s not an SF writer, rather a British author of literary mysteries.  Her books are so immersive.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I really think this is two questions.  I define “mainstream” bookstores as those that have a brick-and-mortar presence.  I love those.  They are an author and a reader’s best friend.  I define “corporate” as Barnes and Noble.  I still like them, and the people who work there are great fans of books.  Sometimes they get handcuffed by their bosses, which is sad.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

A little.  I was in the US Navy many years and many pounds ago, so that influences my military.  But since I’ve never been to Mars and never fought pirates, I end up making up a lot of stuff!

What motivates you to complete your (writing) work?

I have the luxury of not writing to deadline, so what motivates me is just the desire to get done.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

I’m not a big believer in censorship.  I think writing a book with detailed instructions on building a nuclear bomb or designing a killer plague should be stopped, but that’s about it.

Where can people find you and your work?

Right now, I’m strictly on Amazon.  The Kindle Direct program was just too appealing for somebody with limited marketing dollars and time.  You can see everything at my author’s page (https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Gerrib/e/B00J7GLF48?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1558540514&sr=8-1)

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/christopher.gerrib

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chris_gerrib

Blog: https://chris-gerrib.dreamwidth.org/

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Gerrib/e/B00J7GLF48?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1558797643&sr=8-1

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Stephen J. Giannangelo

Your Name:  Stephen J. Giannangelo

Pseudonym (if you use one): I do not use one, but I am now also using a company name for writing projects, interviews and public appearances: Killer Insights LLC.

 

Genre(s) of your work: True Crime, Serial Murder, Forensic Psychology

 

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

1996: The Psychopathology of Serial Murder: A Theory of Violence. Praeger Publishing.

2012: Real-Life Monsters: A Psychological Examination of the Serial Murderer. ABC-CLIO Publishing.

2022: Monsters in the Mirror: Reflections on the Study of Serial Murder. Waterfront Productions.

I also write a great deal for other publications, and contribute to other books with Essays, Introductions and Forewords.

Bio:

I’m originally from Boston, Massachusetts. Attended Boston State and Framingham State colleges there and Sangamon State University and University of Illinois Springfield in Illinois. I have a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Forensic Psychology. I retired after 20+ years as a Criminal Investigator and Special Agent Supervisor with the State of Illinois Revenue BCI and which included assignments with the Illinois State Police and FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

I’ve also taught at the University level for over 20 years within Criminal Justice, usually courses on Serial Murder and Psychology of the Offender.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

Reflective of the title of my second book, Real-Life Monsters, I enjoyed horror films as a child but was never afraid of any of it. Fiction doesn’t scare me because I know it’s not real. But when I ran into actual real-life monsters like some of the serial killers and mass murderers of the 60s and 70s, I found what really terrifies me about what humans are capable of, and I’ve studied it ever since.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

It hasn’t altered my life, because it’s always been an essential part of it. I wrote for pleasure for as long as I can remember, about sports and collecting and later for various automotive publications. Once I landed on the study of abnormal psychology and particularly serial killers, I knew what I’d be writing about from then on.  Writing in my life hasn’t changed; only the topics. I wrote before I ever took a college course and I’ll be writing when I’m finished teaching them.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

It’s quite a list. I’ve loved and enjoyed the case study work by Jack Olsen. I have to include pioneers of serial killer study like Eric Hickey, Steve Egger, Fox & Levin, Roy Hazelwood, John Douglas and Robert Ressler. I love the work on psychopathy by Robert Hare and Kent Kiehl. Landmark works by Harold Schechter, David Canter and Adrian Raine. And I was thrilled to receive contributions in my last book from a couple of authors who have influenced me for many years, Katherine Ramsland and Peter Vronsky. The list goes on.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

 I have to say I don’t have a strong opinion about audiobooks or have a feel for their future. I know people who absolutely love them, but I haven’t really embraced them myself, as I’m in love with the written word, printed on paper in a book I can hold in my hands. Yes, I’m a dinosaur. I’ve literally never read a book on Kindle.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I fear for their existence.  Dinosaurs like me who love to browse the stacks are becoming extinct, and it’s a sad thought. We all love the cool, old, hole-in-the-wall antique bookstore with all the treasures you find there, but they are becoming a distant memory. The big stores may follow.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

I have to admit to a certain amount of evolving on this. When Real-Life Monsters came out, I had a conversation with a person on a Ted Bundy discussion site who recognized my name and said he’d been looking for me, “but you have literally no online footprint.” I quickly figured out making a facebook page and being involved online was a must for marketing.

Still, I’ve found a great marketing tool to be public appearances at various conferences and conventions.  Naturally they aren’t always successful, but I’ve found the opportunity to meet people in person that haven’t heard of my work and talk about the topics with them. Often these conversations spark a feeling that maybe I might have written something they might find interesting. I also enjoy meeting people at events who have read my work and offer specific, insightful feedback.

I’ll also say that personal conversations with readers are what sharpened my focus of my most recent book (Monsters in the Mirror) as I learned more about what some people enjoy reading about. My first 2 books were textbooks, but this one is a “pleasure reader” of murder and mayhem that I think some people will enjoy.

Public speaking and open panel discussions are also good for marketing and interest in the work.

I can’t really think of a “bad” tool, just ones that haven’t been as successful just yet.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

I don’t think anything should be censored, at any level. Some things are age-appropriate, of course. I agree with the concept of resisting slander and untruths, but currently we live in a society that includes people who believe that some opinions and perspectives should actually be legally suppressed, and I find this enormously disturbing. Censorship on social media and print media should be an offensive concept. It’s a slippery slope for anyone to have the power to decide where discomfort and choice end and controlled speech begins.

There was once a Letter to the Editor in my local paper advocating for a reduction in First Amendment rights regarding the proliferation of violent and disturbing material, because it supposedly incited people. I brought this letter in for discussion in my class because we routinely discuss media and pop culture effects on society. But this was an outrageous thought just a few years ago. Now it’s mainstreaming. It’s concerning to me.

The idea of a government official determining what “misinformation” is for me is unacceptable, considering the wild bias involved in essentially every news source, no matter what you believe. It’s far worse than “cancel culture.” It’s the “thought police.”

My argument may sound self-serving given the genre I write about, but I strongly feel this is about history and learning, and if it’s a topic someone finds disturbing, they should choose another one.

What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?

While I’m always cognizant of the value of mental health concerns, some things can be carried too far, I think. I suppose a warning before a film or a presentation that the following may contain objectionable and disturbing material (I give one the first night of my classes), might have value.  In many cases, though, I think trigger warnings might be too much. Maybe in very specific situations. Let’s say I’m not opposed to them, but I wonder if they are really helpful. I’m more inclined to suggest cognitive therapy that could teach a resistance to triggers as opposed to hiding from them.

Where can people find you and your work?

My 2 most recent books are found on Amazon:

Real-Life Monsters: A Psychological Examination of the Serial Murderer – Kindle edition by Giannangelo, Stephen. Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Monsters in the Mirror: Reflections on the Study of Serial Murder: Giannangelo, Stephen J, Vronsky, Peter, Borowski, John, Ramsland, Katherine, Keto, Ashleigh, Yaksic, Enzo, Scruggs, Father Casey: 9798218008123: Amazon.com: Books

And facebook pages:

Real-Life Monsters: A Psychological Examination of the Serial Murderer | Facebook

Monsters in the Mirror: Reflections on the Study of Serial Murder | Facebook

I can also be contacted directly by email at: KillerInsights@gmail.com

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Robert I. Girardi

Name: Robert I. Girardi

Genre(s) of your work: History, Military History, American Civil War

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Remembering the Grand Army of the Republic, Chicago History Magazine, 2015

“’Prince John’ Magruder in Texas,” in Confederate Generals in the Trans-Mississippi, vol. 2,

2015

The Civil War Generals: Comrades, Peers, Rivals, in Their Own Words, 2013

The  U.S. Army at the Outbreak of the Civil War, in Desperta Ferro, 2013

The First Battle of Bull Run, in Desperta Ferro, 2013

“Leonidas Polk and the Fate of Kentucky in 1861,” in Confederate Generals in the Western

Theater, vol. 3, 2011

Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, Sesquicentennial of the Civil War Issues,

2011-2014

Gettysburg in Art and Artifacts, 2010

The Civil War Art of Keith Rocco, 2009

Campaigning with Uncle Billy: The Civil War Memoirs of Sgt. Lyman S. Widney, 34^th Illinois

Volunteer Infantry, 2008

Kentuckians in Gray, 2008

The Soldier’s View, 2004

The New Annals of the Civil War, 2004

Brigadier General William Passmore Carlin, U.S.A., 1999

The Military Memoirs of General John Pope, 1998

Captain H.W. Chester, Recollections of the War of the Rebellion, A Story of the 2^nd Ohio

Volunteer Cavalry, 1996

Bio:

Robert earned his M.A. in Public History at Loyola University of Chicago in 1991. He is a past president of the Civil War Round Table of Chicago, a fellow of the Company of Military Historians and is an associate member of the Sons of Union Veterans. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois State Historical Society and has been on the editorial review board of the Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society since 2009. He has consulted for the Chicago Historical Society and the Bureau County Historical Society.

In 2013 he joined the Board of Directors for the Camp Douglas Restoration Foundation, He was the keynote speaker at the re-dedication of the Illinois Monument in the National Cemetery at Andersonville National Historic Site and was awarded a research grant by the Friends of Andersonville. He was the 2010 recipient of the Chicago CWRT’s Nevins-Freeman Award for service and scholarship. In 2014 he was awarded the Iron Brigade Association Award for Civil War Scholarship by the Milwaukee CWRT.

Robert has a lifelong interest in the Civil War and has studied all facets of the conflict.

He speaks to groups of all ages and levels of expertise on multiple aspects of the Civil War, especially the experience of the common soldier, and the role of Illinois in the war. He has written numerous essays and book reviews and was the guest editor for the 2011- 2014 Sesquicentennial of the Civil War issues of the Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society. His most recent essay appeared in the Winter 2015 issue of Chicago History magazine.

He has recently retired after 31 years from the Chicago Police Department, 25 of which he spent in homicide.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I love American History and the Civil War was the greatest crisis of our national existence. The divided nature of life in both the North and South led to untold suffering. The nation that exited the war was stronger in its identity and purpose and led the U.S onto the world stage as a major power. The scars and emotions of the 1860s have never fully healed and continue to provoke controversy today.

.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Writing has always been my passion. It allows me to express thoughts and exchange ideas with a vast audience

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I have always enjoyed William Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Edgar Allan Poe, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I enjoy the way these writers play with words, evoke mood, present dialect and tell a story.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

Unfortunately, these stores often overlook many authors and instead have morphed into coffee shops that sell books, instead of bookstores that sell coffee.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

I hope my readers will gain a different insight into many of my subjects. I have gone against the grain of many writers in the field by closely examining the facts and hitherto ignored evidence, thereby coming at times to a different understanding of the facts. I also like to present the subject from the point of view of those engaged in it, rather than from a 21^st Century assessment.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

My writing is the culmination of a lifelong passion of studying and reading about the events and personalities involved. My education provided the skills and my years of professional writing has given me some craftsmanship.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

I have a passion for the subject, but a hard deadline under contract is a good motivator too.

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

Sloppy research, misspelled words, misrepresentation of facts.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

Not at all.

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

I abhor political correctness in every form. I also do not appreciate an author who does not present a fair account of all sides of a story.

Where can people find you and your work?

My books are available in major bookstores, specialty stores and on Amazon. I speak regularly in the Chicago area and have given presentations all across the U.S.to Civil War round tables, libraries, historical societies, Rotary Clubs, schools at all levels and senior facilities.

I have a website at www.Robertgirardi.com, an author’s page on Amazon.com

I also have a Facebook page.

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Hollye Green

Your Name: Hollye Green

Genre(s) of your work: Children’s Fiction, Adult Supernatural Horror Fiction

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

FrankenSister, Three Sisters of the Sky. I Would Bring You Sun

Bio:

I’m an author, artist, singer, and lover of origin stories and myths. I also teach SEL and body safety to K-12 and adults with disabilities. Our stories make us who we are and connect us in the human experience. I live in Peoria, Illinois with my son Connor and two lovely dogs.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I have always loved a good supernatural story. The first novel I read was The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson (I was nine.) I devoured anything by Ray Bradbury. I also fell in love with Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume. The children’s books are informed by the work I do as a teacher. Three Sisters of the Sky is a lullaby book about nighttime not being so scary. I Would Bring You Sun is about showing caring and empathy to loved ones. The book I am working on now is “Oh. Snakey Snake”. It is about a snake, a skunk, and a bat who become friends because no one wants to play with them.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

It has given me other worlds to visit. It has allowed me a voice even when I am alone in my room.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Neil Gaiman – his stories are rich, scary, funny and engaging. Amy Tan – because she effortlessly weaves research, biography and truth into a beautifully crafted work.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

I believe they are here to stay. Having a story read to you is a tradition that some people never experience in childhood. It is a gift because you still get to use your imagination to make it come alive. I have horrible eyesight so it is a lot of effort to actively read for pleasure. Also, some people like to create while listening, crochet, tidy up, make art. Humans have a need for story and this is just another successful delivery system.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I think they miss the point sometimes. It used to be about a welcoming atmosphere and browsing and “smart” gifts instead of the real “meat” of literature. I prefer small, indie stores – we have one in Peoria “Lit. On Fire”. Dynamite little place with live events. The owner is a wonderful friend who really helps others.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

Word of mouth – opportunities to read in person (libraries, events, etc.)  I feel like Amazon Kindle can take advantage of new authors through some of their programs. I took my books off for a while until it was requested that I put them back on – where I could control the price instead of having to accept their “free for 90 days” ebook program.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

Edited for quality – yes. Not sure about censored. Clearly there is an audience in mind when someone writes. I have been told not to write about some dark things that happened in my childhood, but I do because they are important. Discussions and conversations about controversial issues can shed light on hidden problems and spark healthy solutions. Ultimately, the things that happened inform who I am today and allows me to help others.

Where can people find you and your work?

You can find everything at my website: HollyeBGreen.com, but books are available at Barnes & Noble.com and Amazon (including ebooks for Kindle).

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Jenna Greene

Your Name: Jenna Greene

Genre(s) of your work: YA fantasy and Children’s

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

2015 (Imagine)

2017 (Reality)

2018 (Heritage)

2019 (Reborn)

2021 (Renew)

2021 (Winston, the Well-Dressed Wombat)

Bio:

Jenna Greene is a teacher and author from Alberta, Canada. She enjoys reading, dancing, crafting, and napping. She is known for her IMAGINE series, as well as her REBORN MARKS series. She lives with her husband and daughter, as well as their cat, Thomas.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I love YA and I love the freedom that comes with the fantasy genre. You are only limited by your imagination. Youth have the ability to accept that magic could be real, whether metaphorically or tangibly.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

I don’t know that it has altered my life, because it is my life. I began my life babbling stories in my crib and I’ll continue weaving tales until I pass. I don’t want to see the world as it is. I want to see the world as it could be, or should be. I want passion, creativity, innovation, and wonder. Passionate characters who can learn and change and be inspiring to themselves and others.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Haha. Well, that changes daily, just as my favorite books do to. (But yah to Avi and Jane Austen)

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

Connecting with an audience is the best marketing tool, whether that be via email, Facebook, or in-person events. Readers want to know how authors create their stories, and how relatable a writer can be.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

I don’t. Imagination can’t be limited and neither can life. If it can be experienced, it should be written about. Of course, how it is written can and should be scrutinized.

Where can people find you and your work?

All the usual places: Amazon, Kobo, etc.

www.jennagreene.ca

@jgreenewrites

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Joan Hall

Name: Joan Hall

Genre(s) of your work: Suspense/Romantic Suspense

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

The Stranger – 2016

Unseen Motives – 2016

Unknown Reasons – 2017

Unclear Purposes – 2019

Anthologies (Collections with other authors):

Unshod – 2016

Bright Lights and Candle Glow – 2016

Macabre Sanctuary – 2016

Quantum Wanderlust – 2017

Bio:

Joan Hall writes mystery and romantic suspense with strong, determined female leads and enigmatic male characters. A lover of classic rock music, several songs have served as the inspiration for some of her books.

When she’s not writing, Joan likes to observe the night skies, explore old cemeteries, and learn about legends and folklore. She and her husband live in Texas with their two cats.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I’ve always enjoyed a good mystery and once thought being a private detective would be a fun job. I didn’t start out with the intent of writing romantic suspense but it naturally found its way into my books. My upcoming series will also incorporate elements of folklore and legends.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Not really, but because of writing, I’ve met and made several new friends. I’ve found the writing community to be very supportive.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I’ve been a fan of Mary Higgins-Clark since I read her first book, Where Are the Children. I haven’t read any of her recent work, but her success speaks for itself. I also like John Grisham and Agatha Christie.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

Although I buy almost all my books online (and in electronic form) these days, I have fond memories of browsing the shelves of my local bookstores. I hate to see these brick and mortar structures go away.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

I’ve used elements real-life experiences/observations in my books. In my first novel, a teenage girl’s father dies. To capture her emotions when she learned the news, I thought back to my own father’s unexpected death.

What motivates you to complete your (writing) work?

The sense of accomplishment of seeing my books in print.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

I don’t like the idea of censorship or banning books. If that begins, where does it stop? If I don’t agree with the subject matter of a book, I simply don’t read it.

Where can people find you and your work?

Website   |  Goodreads  | Twitter   |  Facebook   |   Amazon    | Instagram   |   BookBub

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Darran M. Handshaw

Name: Darran M. Handshaw

Genre(s) of your work: Science Fiction/Fantasy

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

The Engineer/2017,

The Quantum Soul (short story: The Machine in the Mountain)/2017

Bio:

Darran M. Handshaw is the author of The Engineer, his debut novel. In addition to writing , Darran works as an R&D Engineer at a technology company. There he designs and invents new products; he holds more than 15 patents in firefighting and data capture. Darran also volunteers as a firefighter and EMT with his local fire department, where he recently completed a two-year term as Fire Captain. Darran hails from Long Island, NY, where he lives with his wife, Stefanie, and son, Corwin, who fill his life with love, wisdom, and endless adventures.

 Tell us a bit about your new release, The Engineer.

            The Engineer is a story that follows the adventures of (you guessed it!) an engineer named Actaeon in the ruined, futuristic city of Redemption.  When you think of Redemption, you could imagine what a city like Manhattan would look like six hundred years into the future.  Then imagine it devastated by some cataclysmic event that also causes all the people (the Ancients) living there to disappear.  The events that ruined Redemption are a mystery to the characters in The Engineer, who are part of a society that has established itself in the fallen city one hundred years before the story begins.  The people that live in the city have quite varied opinions on the city and the artifacts left behind.  Some fear the artifacts and seek to destroy them, others horde them to gain power, and others worship them as a god-like magic.

            The people living in the bones of the ancient city have formed Dominions, which are like city-states – each with different beliefs, methods of governance, and distinct cultures.  Much of life in Redemption is rooted in survival, politics of power, and battle for resources.  Actaeon is a bit of an oddball though, because he’s more interested in how things work and how he can invent things that will help improve the world around him.  His skills end up becoming quite valuable to many of the Dominion leaders and that draws him into all sorts of interesting situations that he needs to solve.

            People that have read the story tell me that fans of Horizon: Zero Dawn, Stargate: Atlantis, MacGyver, Numenera, and Mad Max would enjoy the story.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

The great thing about science fiction and fantasy is that the possibilities are endless.  The normal boundaries of setting, technological feasibility, or character capability are gone.  The result is limitless creativity where the only boundaries are the ones written into a story.  With science fiction, things can be more challenging, because technology used should be either rooted in fact, theory, or presented in a believable way to a reader.  With fantasy, you have even more freedom, but it must be presented in a consistent and believable way to the reader, which can also be difficult.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

I’ve always written for fun, ever since I was a child.  Only a few years ago did I decide that I was going to finish and publish a book.  Writing changed my entire life, because, through writing in a text-based roleplaying game called Redemption MUSH, I met another player who would eventually be my wife and give me a wonderful son.  My debut novel, The Engineer, tells that story.  You could probably imagine why it was so important for me to write that story!  It also happened to be quite the epic, and unanticipated, adventure.  It is something that I think others will enjoy reading.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

My favorite authors of all time are always those whose stories and characters stay with me after I read them.  There are a few that really stand out for me.  When Prince Corwin rediscovers who he is in Roger Zelazny’s Chronicles of Amber.  The gritty, but good-humored, war veterans Fiddler and Hedge in Steven Erikson’s Malazan Books.  The epic, generational-spanning story of The Forever War by Joe Haldeman.  Or the way Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 effortlessly moved between inept hilarity and shocking trauma.

All those authors and their works made me into the author I am today.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

Mainstream bookstores help to bring more books to people.  Big book bookstores can afford to carry more books and open stores in areas where a small, local bookstore might not attract customers.  Services like Amazon’s Createspace and KDP even allow indie authors to self-publish without dealing with a traditional publishing process that might change their work drastically.  Benefits like this are great!  However, there is still a big place for local mom-and-pop bookstores that carry a tailored selection, local authors or books that are no longer in print.  I don’t think those big corporate bookstores will ever completely replace smaller bookstores.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

Most of all, I hope they enjoy a good story.  It has been great to hear when readers enjoy scenes in The Engineer or in my short story.  Comments like that make it worthwhile for me to have spent all that time writing the story.  A big takeaway in The Engineer (without giving too much away) is how life can take you in the most unexpected directions.  The main character, Actaeon, ends up going down some paths that are not at all clear at the start of the story.  It is a surprise to him and he has to make some major decisions in his life because of it.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

As an R&D engineer that designs products, my experience came into play many times during The Engineer, since Actaeon needs to be creative in how he tackles the various problems that are thrown at him during the book.  There are artifacts left behind in the ruined city of Redemption that seem like magic to many of the characters in the world, but they are workable pieces of technology that are so advanced that most characters couldn’t begin to comprehend how they work.  It was important to me that these things weren’t just fantastical elements in the plot, and so I put a lot of thought into how they would actually work.

As a firefighter, past fire captain, and EMT, I’ve also employed my experiences in The Engineer.  In emergency services, we are required to make quick decisions based on our experiences in a process called Recognition-Primed Decision Making.  It allows us to make correct, intuition-based decisions to choose the best outcome in a life or death situation.  In The Engineer, Actaeon frequently ends up in situations where he needs to make quick decisions in order to save his life or others.  It was quite fun to write about his reactions in those situations, and the way he dealt with the dangers reminded me of one of my favorite characters of all time: MacGyver.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

In the case of The Engineer, it was how important the story was to me that helped me finish the book.  I also realized that if I set aside some time every week to write, I’d eventually finish a project that seemed impossibly large at its inception.

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

A lack of action or progression for too long.  Scenes where characters hem and haw for chapter after chapter, or sit around discussing things to death while forgetting that they have something extremely important to accomplish – you know, the things I don’t have patience for in real life!

I’ve noticed that these issues tend to arise when authors (and yes, even very popular traditionally published authors) try to write scenes without outlining to see where the characters decide to go.  This is a method called Discovery writing, and is pretty exciting to write (since the author has no idea what will happen), while allowing a more organic, natural progression to take place in the story.  The problem arises though, when authors that use this technique and fail to edit out or parse down the boring scenes that their characters needed to go through for the writer to discover their motivations or feelings.

I prefer to write with a flexible outline myself.  I like to see where the story is going and only write the essential scenes to get there, but I’m always open to characters surprising me, which could change the outline of my story.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

No way.  Writing is an art that should be allowed as a freedom of speech.  There are definitely things I don’t wish to read about, but I have eyes and a brain – I can avoid them!

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

My wife is my best editor, and she taught me how to avoid using present progressives too often in writing.  It tends to be jarring for some readers, and without them, the story is much smoother.  Now, when I read works rife with those present progressives, it irks me.

Where can people find you and your work?

Thank you for the interview!  (you’re welcome! 🙂 )

The Engineer is available in both Paperback and e-Book on Amazon, and in e-Book on Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iBooks.  You can find it here: https://books2read.com/Engineer

The Quantum Soul, which has my short story The Machine in the Mountain, is also available on Amazon in e-Book and Paperback.  You can find that here: http://getbook.at/quantum

If you’re interested in what I’m working on now, you can follow me at the sites below:

Facebook: fb.me/ActaeonRellios/

Twitter: twitter.com/Engineer7601

Amazon: amazon.com/author/engineer

Goodreads: goodreads.com/TheEngineer

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Heidi Herman

Name: Heidi Herman

Genre(s) of your work: Newly published novel women’s lit/chick lit, previous works in children’s and Icelandic folklore

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Her Viking Heart, 2018

Images of Iceland [Adult Coloring Book], 2018

The Icelandic Yule Lads: Mayhem at the North Pole, 2017

Happiness in Living Color [Adult Coloring Book], 2017

The Guardians of Iceland and other Icelandic Folklore, 2016

Homestyle Icelandic Cooking for American Kitchens, 2016

Yule Lads & Other Legends Activity Book, 2015

The Legend of the Icelandic Yule Lads, 2015

Bio:

I was born in Illinois. My mother is from Iceland, and she met and married a US serviceman who was stationed in Reykjavik during WWII. I grew up with stories of trolls, sea creatures, and brave fishermen. I  once insisted to an elementary teacher that Leif Ericsson, not Christopher Columbus discovered America and that the history books were wrong. After a 30-year career in business, where I authored numerous magazine articles, white papers and technical assessment reports, I retired from corporate life and began writing full-time.

In the winter of 2012, my mom published her childhood memoirs, which some of Iceland’s folklore. I was again immersed in childhood memories of legend, lore and imaginative stories. The troll-like Christmas characters sparked the imagination of many and led to my writing my first book, “The Legend of the Icelandic Yule Lads”, in 2015, followed by two more books on Icelandic folklore and an Icelandic cookbook. I worked on my craft and expanded my writing into full-length novels, incorporating an Icelandic element to women’s literature and contemporary romance. I continue to work on more novels as well as new stories of the Yule Lads and other Icelandic mythological characters. I still live in Illinois with my two Schnoodles, Dusty and Thor.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I cross several genres. The children’s stories are to share my Icelandic heritage and my newest novel, as well as future novels in progress are more focused on a character’s emotional journey and overcoming life’s obstacles.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Writing has always been a part of everything I do. I find I communicate best in written form and truly enjoy writing full time now.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

There are so many authors whose work I enjoy and I seem to add more all the time, but I have a few all-time favorites. For romance novels, I really like Jude Deveraux. She has such great character development, fast-paced action, and does a lot of research for her historical novels to really give the reader a sense of the environment. Dean Koontz also is a favorite because he has such imaginative storylines and does a great job of executing the storyline with great tension and action.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

A new perspective, a new way of looking at things and appreciation for things around them. I want to write about things we all experience – life challenges, loss, emotional turmoil – and present different ways of dealing and overcoming the challenges through my character’s actions and choices. I believe happiness is a choice no matter what and sometimes people just need to see some examples of how to do that in order to apply it to their own lives. I think reading stories is part of how we learn, like parables or fables.

One of my favorite expressions early in by business career was “learn from the mistakes of others because you can’t live long enough to make them all yourself”. I think that’s great advice, but not only from the mistakes, but also the successes. We can copy the good behavior or smart choices of others to attain positive outcomes in our own lives and we can identify those things through the stories in books and movies.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

I would say it plays a lot. The Icelandic aspect is from my mother and much of it is inspired by her memories. In the novels, I think for any writer, your own personal experiences and life lesson are part of what you want to share and different elements are imbued into characters.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

For me, most of the storylines are complete before I start writing. I’m more putting the story on paper and filling in the details. The motivation comes from the next story demanding its turn in the spotlight.

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

I love to read and really want to become immersed in the story. Anything that prevents that can make me stop reading. I might be bad dialogue, dull storylines, or underdeveloped characters that I have difficulty connecting with.

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

It does drive me crazy when there are historical inaccuracies or time travel books where the author establishes rules and then breaks them in the storyline.

Where can people find you and your work?

My work is available on Amazon, Apple iTunes, Barnes & Noble, and other ebook online retailers, as well as directly from the publisher.

http://www.heidihermanauthor.com

http://www.heklapublishing.com

http://www.twitter.com/storiesbyheidi

http://www.facebook.com/heidihermanauthor

https://www.amazon.com/Heidi-Herman/e/B00VRZPZGG/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

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John T.M. Herres

Name: John T. M. Herres

Genre(s) of your work: Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy/Adventure. I’ve even dabbled with a children’s story.

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

My only novel to date is Hell’s Beginning, published Oct. 23, 2017.

I also have 2 poems and 5 short stories published, 1 each in 7 anthologies.

Bio:

John T. M. Herres is a multi-genre Author and sometimes Poet.

He was born an “Air Force brat” in California and settled in Texas in 1973, where he lived for the better part of 38 years before moving to North Mississippi.

John began concentrating on writing in 2010 and self published a book of poetry at that time.

He has, at this point, five short stories and two poems published; one each in seven anthologies. His first novel, Hell’s Beginning, released October 23, 2018.

In his words, “I write fiction. Excitement and action are what reading is all about! #WRITEON!”

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

To be honest, I don’t always know what genre I’ll be writing when I start. I do have projects I’ve been invited to join with specific themes, so those I have to keep a particular genre in mind. For my ‘inspired’ writing, the first sentence starts bouncing around in my noggin until I write it down, then more follows. Usually sentence by sentence, like it’s being dictated to me almost. I tell you, it’s an interesting way to discover the story.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Unlike so many other Authors, I didn’t really grow up reading or writing. When not in school, and times I just happened to not be on restriction, we were encouraged to go outdoors. “Get out of the house,” is how I believe we were told.

I think the first books I read for pleasure were the TOR paperbacks of the Conan tales by Robert E. Howard, later involving Lin Carter and L. Spague de Camp. That would be right around the time I first decided to try to write a story. I got four chapters and stopped. Many people who read it said it sounded real interesting, but I didn’t pursue it and have since lost it.

In later years, I read Stephen King, Dean Koontz, a couple by John Saul. There were probably others. The early works of SK, though loaded with religion-related themes, were enjoyable at the time. I found that if a story didn’t enthrall me, I wouldn’t give it a second glance. I do remember times of reading 3 completely different books and being able to keep the details for each in mind. (ah, the good old days…)

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

Though I am unable to frequent an actual book store, I believe them to be beneficial. I could say the prices are a bit high, purely from my financial outlook. I am not really able to consider purchasing books, nor have I been for a very long time.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

A sense of awe.

The feeling that something is following, making them peek over their shoulders.

That tingling sensation from reading something and feeling the events described.

Maybe even an occasional chuckle or belly laugh.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

A whole lot more than I would want people to realize.

I’ll leave it at that and let everyone’s minds dwell on it.

Where can people find you and your work?

Website   http://johntmherres.com/

Amazon Author Page   http://amzn.to/2wVe2f6

Goodreads   http://bit.ly/1v9G0HQ

Bookbub   http://bit.ly/BB_JTMH

DeviantArt   http://bit.ly/DevArt_JTMH

Hellbound Books Publishing   http://bit.ly/2Dmz8Uq

Facebook   http://bit.ly/2GgYCXy

Twitter @iamyeehaw   http://bit.ly/1n4NSI1

‘Indigo Matters’ is available in “Full Moon Slaughter 2; Altered Beasts” by J. Ellington Ashton Press

http://bit.ly/FMS2-AB

My poem, ‘Silent Screams’ is available in “Beautiful Tragedies” by Hellbound Book Publishing

http://bit.ly/BeautifulTragedies

‘Duplicate Counterpart’ is available in “Demons, Devils and Denizens of Hell Volume 2” by Hellbound Book Publishing

http://bit.ly/DDDoH2

“Super Sick: Tales of Twisted Superheroes” by Plague Pirate Publishing published another of his original poems

https://amzn.to/2FpA9iR

‘The Interview‘ is available in “Mystery Monster 13: An Anthology (Creature Feature Book 5)” by J. Ellington Ashton Press

https://amzn.to/2zdYGlr

‘Deadly Cavern’ is available in “Trick-or-Treat Thrillers- Best Paranormal- 2018” by J. Ellington Ashton Press

http://bit.ly/ToTT-Pnrml

‘Harold’s Revenge’ is available in “Trick-or-Treat Thrillers- Best Horror- 2018” By J. Ellington Ashton Press

https://amzn.to/2CILbMV

First full novel, “Hell’s Beginning” published by Hellbound Book Publishing

http://bit.ly/jtmh_HB

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Jeffrey James Higgins

Your Name: Jeffrey James Higgins

Genre(s) of your work: Thrillers, creative nonfiction, essays

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

 Furious: Sailing into Terror, 2021, by Black Rose Writing. (Debut novel)

The Interrogation, 2021, Kindle Direct Publishing. (Short Story)

Find more short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays at http://JeffreyJamesHiggins.com.

Bio:

Jeffrey James Higgins is a former reporter and retired supervisory special agent who writes thriller novels, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays. He has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received both the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN Newsroom, Investigation Discovery, CNN Declassified, New York Times, and Fox News. He was a finalist Adelaide’s 2018 Best Essay Contest and a quarterfinalist in ScreenCraft’s 2019 Most Cinematic Book Competition and 2021 Cinematic Short Story Writing Competition. Black Rose Writing will launch his debut thriller, Furious: Sailing into Terror, on May 20, 2021. Kirkus Reviews called it, “A taut and suspenseful tale on the ocean.” Discover Jeffrey’s writing at http://JeffreyJamesHiggins.com.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I’ve always loved reading thrillers, and I’ve identified as a writer since I was five or six years old, so when I started writing fiction, choosing the thriller genre made sense. Writers should be passionate about what they write, and if they pick genres for other reasons, like chasing the market, it shows. My twenty-five years chasing criminals and terrorists also gives me insight into thriller writing. I’ve been in many life and death situations, and those experiences inform my action scenes.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

I’ve wanted to publish books since I was a child. After working as a reporter, I entered law enforcement and enjoyed it so much, I stayed for decades. I retired four years ago and have been writing full time since then. It has taken me years to learn the craft, and I’ve made many mistakes, but now that I’m getting published and receiving great reviews, I feel like I’m finally following my calling.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I enjoy many authors, and I discover new writers all the time. When I was young, I devoured the Hardy Boys, but quickly moved to adult books. I traveled the world through the writing of Jack London, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Arthur Conan Doyle. For nonfiction I love Mark Bowden and Sebastian Junger. I like many thriller writers, but Michael Crichton and Dean Koontz top the list. Michael Connelly is the king of police procedurals. For pure prose, my favorite writer is Cormac McCarthy.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

Audiobooks are selling in record numbers, and while the pandemic may have had something to do with that, I think they are here to stay. I listen to audiobooks when I run. It’s a great way to consume more content. My parents told me stories every night, and I credit them with firing my imagination. Audiobooks may seem new, but they are really the oldest form of storytelling.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I love all bookstores, and I enjoy spending afternoons browsing, but bookstores need to provide expertise, coffee shops, author signings, or other events to offer readers something they can’t find online. I also love Amazon. Many authors criticize them for dominating the market, but true monopolies don’t exist in a free market. Amazon will remain on top as long as they meet customers’ needs, and right now, they do that. Their search engine is the best way to explore titles and clicking a button and having a book show up on my doorstep the next day still seems like magic.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

Marketing is much different from writing fiction, but it’s a necessary skill for authors, and I’ve been training myself. I’m trying the basics, such as social media posts, ads on Amazon and Facebook, giveaways, interviews etc. Furious is a nautical story, so I’m also targeting unconventional markets, like marinas and sailing schools. I’m making many mistakes and learning the hard way, but hopefully, I’ll become more effective.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

I believe nothing should be censored. People have agency in their lives, and they can choose not to consume books that offend them. While we’re not experiencing much government censorship, there has been a dramatic increase in book banning and shutting down dissent by social media platforms. Amazon has taken down books it finds offensive, bookstores have refused to carry titles under threat of violence from angry mobs, and New York publishing has tried to silence people with whom they politically disagree. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say, “I believe in free speech, but . . .” Everything after the “but” is anti-free speech. We live in dangerous times.

Where can people find you and your work?

My debut novel is available for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. The early reviews have been great. I self-published The Interrogation on Kindle Direct Publishing. It was a was a quarterfinalist in Screencraft’s 2021 Cinematic Short Story Writing Competition. My other short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays are free to read on my website, http://JeffreyJamesHiggins.com.

Twitter: @jeffreyjhiggins                  https://twitter.com/JeffreyJHiggins

Facebook: @JeffreyJamesHiggins    https://www.facebook.com/jeffreyjameshiggins

Instagram: @jeffreyjameshiggins     https://www.instagram.com/jeffreyjameshiggins/

LinkedIn: @JeffreyJHiggins             https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-james-higgins/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21097942.Jeffrey_James_Higgins

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jeffrey-james-higgins

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jeffrey-James-Higgins/e/B08XWKRKP6?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000

Website: http://jeffreyjameshiggins.com/

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Beth Hildenbrand

Name:  Beth Hildenbrand

Genre:  Dark Fantasy/Horror

Title- Cain Heretic Son

Bio:

Beth Hildenbrand lives in Ephrata, Pennsylvania with her husband Matt and her sons. Beth enjoys hard rock/heavy metal music and loves going to concerts. She has a passion for vintage black and white horror movies.

Why Genre:

I was greatly influenced by classic horror. Books as well as movies. I was raised in a very religious family. The two combined to help me write Cain Heretic Son. It’s a modern day story with Biblical elements turned into a Supernatural Fantasy.

How has writing altered my life?

It’s been wonderful! I am self published. The Indie Author Community is amazing. They have really welcomed me with open arms and I have made a lot of really great friends.

Fab. Authors and why:

I have always been a big Barbara Michaels fan. I Love her books with the mystery and elements of the supernatural. I also enjoy Bentley Little and Graham Masterson. Lately I’ve been reading other Indie Authors. There are some really good writers out there.

Audio book?

I see a definite growth in audio books. I’ve been considering it for mine. People are so busy in today’s world. I can absolutely see audio books getting bigger in the future. Personally I’m still a paperback girl but I must admit I’m learning to appreciate my Kindle.

Mainstream bookstores:

I believe they still fill a need. Who doesn’t enjoy a bookstore. The racks and the smell of books. It’s easy to order online now but I still enjoy feeding my need for exploring a bookstore.

How much personal:

I definitely put a lot of myself in my writing. The setting for the book takes place in the small town where I grew up. The tavern where a good deal of action happens is a real place. The characters are loosely based on people in my life. I lost both of my patents while writing the book. I can honestly say I put my pain, anger, and frustration into the pages.

Censored:

I am totally against censorship of any kind. Writers put the hearts into their books. Anyone who creates does as well. If people don’t care for your writing they can put your book down. If we censor things we can never have open conversations we can’t grow or learn from others ideas.

Where to find book?

My book is available on Amazon Kindle ebook and Paperback. Free on Kindle Unlimited.

Amazon link- https://www.amazon.com/Heretic-Son-Modern-Cain-Novel-ebook/dp/B085N6Z3XZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=Heretic+Son+modern+day+cain&qid=1585151463&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyVURFUUFKTkQ1SktFJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzE4NTY1MzFQQjhVMEVLRDVKSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjA2NjQ0MVc0SFJSSE1JRTRKWiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl#aw-udpv3-customer-reviews_feature_div

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beth.hildenbrand.5

Website-https://bethshereticpages.wordpress.com/2019/11/29/beths-heretic-page/

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Fiona Hogan

Name: Fiona Hogan

Pseudonym : F.B Hogan is my horror name. Fiona Cooke Hogan is the name I use for all other genres.

Genre(s) of your work: Multi-genre – Gothic and contemporary horror, humorous, romance, contemporary women’s fiction, supernatural, faerie and ghost story.

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

The Lights Went Out and Other Stories –  2015

What Happened in Dingle – 2016

Death Comes Calling – 2016

The Nightmare – 2017

Bio:

Fiona Hogan is a writer, blogger and editor living in the beautiful midlands of Ireland. She has published four books of fiction on  Amazon – The Lights Went Out and Other Stories; an eclectic mix of supernatural, humorous, dark faerie and romantic fiction, and What Happened in Dingle, a hilarious pub-crawl of a novella. Both are published under the name Fiona Cooke Hogan. She has two collections of gothic horror – Death Comes Calling and The Nightmare by F.B. Hogan. Fiona is a Tolkien obsessive, is addicted to any Medieval/Fantasy series with a broadsword and has a fondness for zombies.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

 I’m greedy, I write horror, humorous and romantic fiction, supernatural tales and dark faerie. I also write poetry, prose and am currently adapting a short story to the screen.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

It’s given me focus, now that I have finally let loose the writer, there is no stopping my creativity, my only problem is that I have too many projects on the go at the one time. I set up my own editing business – The Editing Hub so that I can be involved in all aspects of the creative process and love helping other writers on their journey, being a writer as well as an editor gives me a better selection of skills to apply.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I grew up with Hardy, Austen, the Brontes and am addicted to Poe, Lovecraft and the contemporary horror writers such as King, Koontz and Connolly. It’s hard to just name a few, I’m also a huge Neil Gaiman fan and the highlight of last year was getting to talk to him at a signing.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I love bookstores and am in the process of becoming traditionally published, but I have had the great delight of seeing my book of short stories – The Lights Went Out and Other Stories, upon the shelf in my local bookstore.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

An escapism, I’ve been told that my work is very descriptive and lyrical and also cleverly crafted, I would hope to draw readers into my own world, sometimes disturbing (my horror) and often thought provoking.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

A couple of my shorts were loosely based on my experiences – Blood Orange from ‘Lights’ is similar to my own experience of living in a squat in London in the early 90s. I think there is a little bit of me in  most of my work, either through dreams or people I knew, or just a situation I found myself in.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

With my horror, it tends to come as a complete idea, the novel I’m writing at present is a case in point, although it is putting up a fight. My collections of short horror just came into my head over periods of weeks, which was fabulous. My mixed genre short stories came about over a period of years and I compiled an anthology from various notebooks and scraps of paper! The novel that is being considered for trad publishing came into existence because I had my leg in a cast and had nothing to do but rest and I thought I might enter a competition.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

Good question – Not really, I think a great writer can write on any subject if he/she writes well, but there will always be sensationalist writers who are just interested in notoriety and don’t care if people might be hurt along the way.

Where can people find you and your work?

Amazon Page

Fiona Cooke Hogan – facebook page

unusualfiction

theeditinghub.com

twitter

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Carol Shay Hornung

Your Name: Carol Shay Hornung

Genre(s) of your work: LGBTQ Mystery

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Slips of Yew: A Dez Duchiene Mystery, Book 1 (2021)

Bio:

Born in Chicago, raised in Madison, Wisconsin, and a graduate of Ripon College, the upper Midwest is my home. I’ve marched in protests, hung a Pride Flag on the door of the Little White Schoolhouse (the birthplace of the Republican Party, in Ripon, WI), and enjoyed many a glass of wine at my favorite theater or overlooking a beautiful lake.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I like fun, adventure-type stories with a message. Slips of Yew came about after years of frustration. I’m drawn toward writing male protagonists. But my critique groups would often comment “a guy wouldn’t do that.” So, I felt the need to step up and write a strong female character … but I’d get the comment “a girl wouldn’t do that.” When Dez Duchiene appeared in all his fabulous glory, I found a voice that let me say and do what I wanted, without gender stereotypes and expectations.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

The ease of writing this character led me to articulate what I’ve really known since I was a small child, but didn’t have the vocabulary to express – I am gender nonconforming, and delight in seeking out stereotypes and kicking them to the curb.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I have a love/hate relationship with literary authors. I love the craft and care used in developing character and story, but get frustrated by the inevitable angst and tragic endings. Dennis Lehane has always been a favorite of mine. I saw him on an author tour long before he hit the top of the best seller list and he said his goal was to write genre mystery with a literary sensibility. While writing this book, I also came across Rebecca Makkai. In The Great Believers, she depicted gay characters as wonderful, fully developed, real people … but with the AIDS epidemic as the setting, tragedy befell most of the characters. It’s a heartbreaker. Beautiful, but a heartbreaker. With my series, I promise two things – there will always be a happy, satisfying ending, and Dez’s marriage to Stevie will survive every challenge it meets.

Where can people find you and your work?

In addition to Slips of Yew, I’ve published a paranormal mystery, the Ghost of Heffron College, and a more traditional mystery with a protagonist with autism, Asperger Sunset. All three books can be ordered through your favorite local bookstore or ordered from Amazon. You can find out more on my Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Carol-Shay-Hornung/e/B00DV3VZJS/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

Follow my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CarolShayHornung

And my blog: https://carolshayhornung.wordpress.com/

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Rebecca Howie

Name: Rebecca Howie

Genre(s) of your work: YA, Mystery

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

2016- The Game Begins

2017- A Woman Scorned

Bio:

Rebecca Howie is a procrastinating writer from Scotland who prefers spending her time in fictional worlds rather than the real one.

Her first book, The Game Begins, was released in February 2016, and reached 16th in the Teen and Young Adult Detectives category on Amazon within a month of its publication.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I love mystery novels, and I’ve loved the YA genre since reading The Hunger Games, so there wasn’t really a decision to be made about what genre The Game Begins would be.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Writing the first draft of The Game Begins made me realize that I hadn’t dealt with a lot of the things I’d been going through at the time, and since I’ve started using writing as an outlet, my whole opinion on art and creativity has shifted completely.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

J.K. Rowling, because although she was unemployed and couldn’t afford heating and had every publisher she wrote to rejecting her, she kept writing, and now has another four films based on her books being released soon; Agatha Christie also needs to be on this list because she’s awesome, and her writing stands up even after all this time, and Ian Rankin, because he’s one of the few authors I’ve read recently whose work has had a lot of hype and actually been deserving of it.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

A lot. I wrote The Game Begins just a few months after school, so everything was still fresh in my mind and I was trying to get used to having graduated and not having to get up for eight o’clock every morning to catch the bus.

Some of my ideas for future books are based on things I’ve gone through or just fictionalized versions of them, and I like being able to see those events from another perspective and writing a different ending.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

With my first book, I wanted to finish writing it because I’d never written a full length novel before and I wanted to know that I could, so that kept me pushing on until I had it finished. Writing the sequel was a lot more difficult because it was a sequel and I had so many boxes I wanted it to tick, so a lot of that motivation was just me refusing to give up.

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

Sometimes it doesn’t take much, like if it’s had loads of hype and I’m three chapters in and don’t see what all the fuss is about, or if I’ve had to put the book down to do something else and start finding ways to avoid going back to it.

If it doesn’t interest me and I’m not particularly bothered about the characters, I probably won’t finish reading it.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

I don’t have a problem with people writing about whatever they want. Obviously there are some subjects that would be uncomfortable to read, but if someone wants to write about something, let them write about it.

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

My biggest pet peeve is when the first chapter is basically just the character introducing themself, and giving us their whole life story up until the point the story takes place.

I recently started a novel which had hundreds of 4 star reviews on Amazon and it had a really interesting premise and the first chapter promised it’d be a good read. Until I got to the second chapter which involved the main character telling us their name, where they worked, and every single thing that I’d just read about in chapter one.

Needless to say, I put the book down and walked away with a migraine, but I still can’t physically make myself keep reading books that do that.

Where can people find you and your work?

Amazon (.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Game-Begins-Beckett-Mysteries-Book-ebook/dp/B01BYMDHMK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1519151555&sr=8-2&keywords=the+game+begins)

My blog. (https://rebeccahowiebooks.wordpress.com/blog/)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccah2016/

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Jalyn Isley

Name: Jalyn Isley

Genre(s) of your work: Spirituality and Self-Help

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
The Fruit of Your Spirit
Nine Keys to Achieving Purpose and Enjoying Life (2017)

Bio:
Jalyn Isley is a Human Resources Manager with ten years of experience in employee relations and talent development. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University in 2008 and her Master’s Degree in Human Resources from Rollins College 2014.

Jalyn relocated to Florida in 2011 to continue her HR career where she is currently responsible for managing the talent and development of the company’s leadership team. Outside of PepsiCo, Jalyn spends her time in the community by volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club.

In 2015, Jalyn founded her own company which teaches her clients how to become the CEO of their lives so they can turn their personal and professional goals into realities As a motivational speaker, author and success coach, Jalyn empowers people to drive for results and reach their full potential in every area of their lives including their careers, finances, relationships and health.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I am a firm believer that self-discovery and awareness help people grow into better versions of themselves each day. I try to encourage people through my writing.

How has writing changed/altered your life?
I feel most alive when I write. And when I share my writing with others, it brings out the best in me.

Who are your favorite authors and why?
Deepak Chopra – he knows how to simplify a message for any audience.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
I used to love the atmosphere of bookstores but I would like to see the customer experience evolve. It would be great for bookstores to advertise workshops, social gatherings and interactive experiences on social media.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?
I hope readers will feel encouraged to celebrate themselves and share their gifts with this world.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?
My best work comes out when I share my personal experiences. They also help me to stay grounded and authentic, which is important since I give a lot of advice!

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
I remind myself that someone needs to hear what I have to say. It forces me to stay engaged and finish my project.

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
If I feel like there is some form of social injustice, prejudice or stereotyping, I will stop reading the book.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
I don’t believe in censorship.

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?
No pet peeves other than writer’s block!!

Where can people find you and your work?
Instagram: @JalynIsley
YouTube: Jalyn Isley
Website: http://www.JalynIsley.com

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James V. “Jim” Jacobs

Name: James V. “Jim” Jacobs

Genre(s) of your work: Young Adult

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

No Ordinary Season published by Father & Son

A Teacher’s Guide written for Voices of the Prairie Land published by the Mother Bickerdyke Historical Collectiond

A number of short stories and essays/articles.

Bio:

See my website: www.jimjacobswriter.com

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

Uh, well, several answers: (1) I taught students entering young adulthood. (2) My daughters and their struggles and triumphs inspired me. (3)  My emotional development stopped in high school.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

From the time I was a kid, something pestered me emotionally to put thoughts, stories, and ideas on paper. No, I can’t say that I like to write, rather I have to write. It has been a driving force in my life.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Interestingly enough, my favorite writers are not YA authors. Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man is my favorite novel. James Baldwin was a very good novelist, but a great essayist. Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God is a brilliant and much underrated novel. I have enjoyed the mysteries of a little-known writer, Susan Van Kirk. I also like the late Philip Roth.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

Gee, I don’t know. It seems to me that people still enjoy holding a book in their hands. Hopefully, audio books will be a companion or supplement to physical books. Considering that my daughter Nikki Jacobs (www.nikkijacobs.com) earns part of her living by reading for audiobook companies, I hope it is not a fad.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

Well, my publisher has gotten me into some Barnes & Nobles. My experiences varied from store to store, depending on the local management—great in a few, good enough in some, not so great in one. But I have had wonderful experiences, for the most part, in the small, privately-owned enterprises. Purely observationally and anecdotally, I think the big national chains are in trouble. It seems that the regional chains and the small local stores that cater to a regular customer base or specialize in a specific genre are the ones who are surviving—sometimes even thriving.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

It’s a huge part. I take what I know, what I have witnessed, and what I have lived and then scrub, hammer, chisel, and sculpt all of these into a story that didn’t really happen, but is always truthful.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

No, I am opposed to broad censorship of the written word. But some books are not suited to some audiences or reader groups. For example, I don’t believe an elementary school teacher should use the works of Anais Nin with her/his students. (An extreme example to demonstrate my opinion on censorship.) However, there is no reason adults should be kept from reading erotica, if they choose to do so.

Where can people find you and your work?

Amazon.com using this URL: https://tinyurl.com/ycnvxny5

www.jimjacobswriter.com

Some Barnes & Noble will order if not in stock

The Book Nook in Peoria, IL

The Book Rack in Davenport, IA

The Calico Cat in Galesburg, IL

The Wordsmith Book Shoppe in Galesburg, IL

6140Run in Galesburg, IL

www.jimjacobswriter.com

https://tinyurl.com/ycnvxny5

Facebook page is No Ordinary Season

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Renee James

 Name: Renee James*

Pseudonym : Renee James*

*Renee James is my female identity and my pen name.

Genre(s) of your work:

Mystery/thriller

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Coming Out Can Be Murder (2012, Windy City Publishing)

Transition to Murder (2014, Magnus Books)

A Kind of Justice (2016, Oceanview Publishing)

Seven Suspects (October 2017, Oceanview Publishing)

Bio:

Renee James is the author of three mystery/thriller novels featuring Bobbi Logan, a transsexual woman with body issues and a penchant for stirring up trouble with bad people. She self-published her first novel, Coming Out Can Be Murder, in 2012 following a long career in magazine publishing. The book won book-of-the-year honors from the Chicago Writers Association and a bronze medal from ForeWord Reviews. She republished it with a plot change in 2014 as Transition to Murder.

Her second book, A Kind of Justice, was released by Oceanview Publishing in October 2016, and Oceanview will release her next book, Seven Suspects, in October 2017.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I like books with plots, so that led me to genre writing, and I favor the Mystery/Thriller genre because it lets me write about characters dealing with moral and ethical issues at times they are under severe stress. Because I emphasize character more than plot, I’m not exactly in the mainstream of either genre, but hopefully, I add some dimension to both.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

I’ve always been a writer, but the switch to fiction, circa 2010, was life changing in many ways. It gave me a huge new challenge to pursue—learning a new craft, and a difficult one at that. It gave me license to more fully explore my transgender identity—Renee James isn’t just a pen name, she is part of my identity. And maybe most of all, writing novels has brought me into the company of book people—other authors, agents, editors, reviewers, educators, and many others—and they are, collectively, the most welcoming and supportive people I’ve ever known.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I grew up on John Steinbeck. I love emerging authors like Lori Radar-Day (The Day I Died is the best mystery I’ve read in years) and Rebecca Makkai (The Borrowers is wonderful literary fiction that dares to have a plot). I worship John Grisham’s story-telling genius, and I’m a fan of the big names in the Thriller and Mystery genres, though I tend to fade away after three or four books with the same hero.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

Writers aren’t supposed to admit such things, but my heart was broken when Borders shut down. My local store was a great place to browse, read, sip coffee, meet friends, and just inhale the aroma of books. Barnes & Noble is okay—corporate, not interested in authors like me, but less intimidating than Amazon. Amazon scares me, because of its overwhelming size, and because it already dictates pricing and seems destined to own the book market.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

First and foremost, I hope they enjoy the read and find their time and money well spent with my book. After that, my great hope is, people come away from my books prepared to receive transgender people in their lives the way they would anyone else.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

My first novel was an extension of a fictional diary I wrote when I was contemplating gender transition. I was imagining what my life would have been like if I had transitioned when I was in my thirties. The diary was fictional, but the conflicts, characters and scenes were mostly based on my personal experiences and those of my friends. Even in the subsequent books, my best characters and conflicts are drawn from what I’ve seen and heard in my own life.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

Actually, I don’t always complete a story. I have opening chapters for three or four books in my computer right now, waiting for me to feel like those characters would be good company for a year, give or take. Once I start, though, the story is mostly about the heroine, and I’m motivated to finish the book because that’s how I find out how things turn out for her.

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

I need to be interested in at least one character and to have a sense of plot or conflict in the first forty pages or so. A lot of the books I put down fail in that regard, though I’ll add quickly that many of them are probably good books, they just didn’t ring my bell. The other thing that has started to offend me is over-the-top violence, especially in thrillers. It seems like the excesses of Hollywood have spilled over into print, and I sometimes get the feeling the author is using blood and gore to titillate an audience because it’s easier than developing a plot with at least one foot in reality.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

We’ve tried censorship and it just doesn’t work. As a college student, I did a paper on Catcher in the Rye, which was widely censored because Holden Caulfield swore a lot. It was stupid to censor the book that defined an entire generation of readers, but that’s the thing with censorship—the people arrogant enough to think they know what the rest of us should read are people with no boundaries. I think the movie people have a reasonable compromise with the G-R-X rating system, but I don’t think that’s practical for books, given that we give birth to more than a million titles a year in the U.S. alone.

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

I’m old and crabby, so I have lots of peeves: the introduction of a blizzard of characters in a chapter, especially the first chapter; backstory dumps (we all do it—tell you more about what happened before the story started than we’re telling you about the story); naming frenzies (even the most minor, single-mention characters get names); meaningless description (if you’re going to tell me what someone is wearing, it should define their character or build mood or make me laugh or cry, but if you’re telling me because you just came from a class on description, I’ll scream!). Most of all, I hate reading my own work a year later, after everything has cooled off, and I can see all the things I should have done instead of what I did.

Where can people find you and your work?

My books are on all the comprehensive on-line bookselling sites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Indie Bound, and I have a very humble, home-made web page: reneejames-author.com.  The email contact form on my page comes directly to me, and I answer all non-junk emails. The best brick-and-mortar store to find my books—and hundreds of other great mysteries and thrillers—is Centuries and Sleuths in Forest Park, IL. If you’re in the area, you owe it to yourself to stop in there anyway—it’s a great store with a great staff.

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Zeke Jarvis

Name:   Zeke Jarvis

Genre(s) of your work:  Fiction and Creative Nonfiction

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

In A Family Way (short stories, Fomite Press), 2015

So Anyway… (creative nonfiction, Robocup Press), 2014

Lifelong Learning (short stories, About Editions) 2018

Bio:

Zeke Jarvis is a Professor of English at Eureka College. His work has appeared in Posit, KNOCK, and Moon City Review, among other places. His work has twice been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I feel like fiction lets you reflect on life, thinking about things in a new context in order to get a deeper understanding of them. For instance, in my short piece, “Breaking Point”, I imagine a person who gets hired to be a jerk until the client feels justified in yelling at him. While this job doesn’t exist, the story does give me a chance to think about the strange and arbitrary nature of when and how we’re polite, how we hold in anger, etc. So, by being weird on a literal level, we can be more honest and direct on a figurative level.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

It’s kept me from being handsome and popular (insert frowny face emoji here).

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I like both Aimee Bender and Kelly Link, because I feel like they have very distinctive visions. When I read their work, I think, “only this writer could have written this story”. That also makes the stories feel very personal. I also greatly admire Zadie Smith, because she’s able to take a lot of different elements and make them cohere. Cormac McCarthy shows a tremendous sense of discipline in his voice, understanding the “less is more” principle. Toni Morrison is bold, but her risks absolutely pay off.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

They’re frustrating, for sure, because they limit the breadth of work that the public sees. They also sell a lot of crap. That said, they can also pull people in to reading, and that’s a very important role.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

A few moments of happiness and a more complex understanding of the world. If they have those two things, then I’d be honored.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

It impacts it a lot, just not in a very literal way. My work looks at my most active anxieties, but it does so in an indirect way. I use metaphor to cloak where a concern came from, but the concerns or interests expressed in any story are deeply personal. For instance, in “Displays”, I look at a couple who takes their kids around a neighborhood to look at Christmas lights, but, as they do so, they also case the houses that they’re looking at. I’ve never had this experience, but the idea of trying to talk with one’s spouse “above the heads” of one’s kids is part of my lived experience. So, I take what I’ve lived through or what is bothering me, and I situate it in a parallel experience to think about it in a new light.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

Sheer terror. It keeps me from stopping.

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

A lack of either energy or imagination. A reader has no obligation to a writer, and we all have many demands upon our time. Why waste it on uninspired fiction?

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

This is interesting, because I actually wrote an encyclopedia on banned books (Silenced in the Library). Books get challenged for absurd reasons (a Where’s Waldo book got challenged because one page featured a topless sunbather). I don’t think that they should be banned. I’m fine with labelling, giving readers a sense of the level of maturity that a reader should have, but outright banning is often the result of people who haven’t really thought about the context of a work, what it’s trying to examine or challenge.

Where can people find you and your work?

Zekedotjarvis.wordpress.com

@zekjar

https://www.facebook.com/zeke.jarvis.5

Also, just google my name!

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L.B. Johnson

Your name:  L.B. Johnson

Pseudonym:  Brigid Johnson, L.B. Johnson

The genre of your Work:  Memoir, Young Adult, Coming of Age

Bio:

After 20 years as a commercial pilot and being really tired of being away from home for weeks every month, I followed in my Deputy Sheriff Mom’s footsteps and picked up a doctorate in Criminal Justice and now work in law enforcement. My husband and I live in Chicago with our two rescue Labrador Retrievers.   All of my books have been bestsellers on Amazon in their genre and I donate 100% of their sales to animal rescue and Search Dog Foundation.

Why do you write in the genre that you do? 

I’ve had a pretty interesting life, and lots of life stories to go with that. I’ve actually written 3 memoirs, all with different themes.  One deals with our love of pets and our grief on losing them, one deals with adoption, both two and four-legged (I am an adoptee and was a teen birth mom), and the third deals with becoming a commercial pilot back in a day when women weren’t encouraged to do that.  I could have said, “Mom and Dad, I’m joining a cult”, and it would have been met with more enthusiasm.

How has writing changed/altered your life? 

It’s been a healing process.  I wrote my first book “The Book of Barkley, Love and Life Through the Eyes of a Labrador Retriever” when I lost my beloved furry best friend 3 weeks before losing my only brother, my human best friend, both to sudden, aggressive cancers.  Writing our life story really did help me heal and it’s kept my brother’s memory alive for my 99-year-old Dad who has mild dementia. It’s also made me a little more extroverted.  I’ve twice won the Reader’s Favorite International Book Award and to go to Miami for the huge awards gathering with so many great authors was not something I’d typically do, I’m very much an introvert off the job, but it was awesome.

Who are your favorite authors and why? 

I love John L. Moore, who writes contemporary Western fiction from his cattle ranch in Montana and J.L. Curtis who has written the Gray Man Series about a retired Texas Sheriff that still fights crime even as his body has to get used to old age.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?   

I’m pleased that Barnes and Noble and Waterstones in the UK have carried my books, but honestly, the majority of my sales are through Amazon. I do have to tell a funny story about a corporate bookstore.  My husband was in one while on a business trip and saw my first book with its own display (it had gone to #1 at Amazon).  There was a sign that said, “also by this author” with another book laid out there.  But I hadn’t finished my second book yet.  It was another book by a Dr.  L.B. Johnson – On Erectile Dysfunction!  My publisher had to make a quick phone call to them!

How much does personal experience play in your written work? 

Well, since 3 out of 5 books are Memoir, I’d say a lot!   Which leads me to that one-star review where someone said: “the author just talks about herself”.

What motivates you to complete your writing? 

I love that my 99-year-old Dad re-reads my books over and over. I worked hard to finish my last book “True Course – Lessons from a Life Aloft” before he leaves us.  He loved it. I also like that I can use the sales to help the smaller animal rescues throughout the US that normally don’t get a lot of funding.

Do you believe that writing should be censored? 

I believe in free speech, but I also believe that if it’s something I personally find offensive, I can just quietly put it aside.

Where can people find you and your work?

www.lbjohnsonauthor.blogspot.com and  https://twitter.com/LBJohnson8

The books are available online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Toni Johnson

Your Name: Toni Johnson

Genre(s) of your work: I write all sorts of sci-fi and fantasy. Tales of the Automazombs is light steampunk and horror.

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Tales of the Automazombs: A Desperate Plan (2017)

Tales of the Automazombs: A Darker Road (2018)

You can also read my short stories in the January 2017 issue of Devolution Z and the May 2018 issue of Electric Spec.

Bio:

Toni Johnson is an illustrator as well as an author of science fiction and fantasy. She lives deep in a forest in Chicagoland with her husband and daughter, having grand adventures with imaginary monsters.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I definitely write what I read. Stories of monsters and strange lands have always been my favorite. They wrap real world issues, both societal and personal, in a layer of the fantastic. I like that a fun adventure can also change someone’s perspective.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Well, I drink a lot more coffee. I’m my own boss when I write, so I’ve had to figure out what setup helps me get the most words on the page in a day. For me, that’s the local coffeeshop in the morning.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Douglas Adams’ work holds a special place in my heart. I grew up reading the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (and watching the TV mini-series on VHS over and over until the tape died). I love his humor. I’m also a huge fan of the recently-ended Memoirs of Lady Trent series by Marie Brennan. The descriptions of dragons and overall concept hooked me immediately. It’s like if Charles Darwin was a woman and studied dragons instead of finches.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I prefer small independent bookstores, for that connection to the community, but if a place helps people find a book they love, I’m all for it.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

At its core, Tales of the Automazombs is about perseverance. There’s this awful plague that seems unstoppable and all of these smaller more intimate problems in each short story. But people adapt, they fight back, they survive however they can.

 

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

That’s part of write what you know. Everything I’ve experienced gets filed away in my brain for later use. Places I’ve been, the characteristics and mannerisms of people I’ve met, even aspects of myself all get mixed together to create something new.

 

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

Finishing projects has been a lifelong struggle. Sometimes I’ll look back on the times I failed to complete a work and use that to push myself forward. But there are times that not finishing is the right way to go. I’ve learned that when I lose passion for a story, it’s often because I subconsciously know that some part of it isn’t quite right. Those stories go on a shelf until the solution presents itself.

Where can people find you and your work?

You can buy the first two Tales of the Automazombs books on Amazon. My author page is https://www.amazon.com/Toni-Johnson/e/B005CRXA80/

Tales of the Automazombs also has its own page with extra stories, short comics, a map, and other worldbuilding tidbits. https://automazombs.com/

I’m on twitter @tonijdotcom and my blog is https://tonij.com/

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Brian R. Johnston

Name: Brian R. Johnston

Genre(s) of your work: Nonfiction

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

The Art of Being a Baseball Fan (2016)

Bio: 

Brian R. Johnston lives in St. Joseph, MI with his wife and two children. He is the author of the book, The Art of Being a Baseball Fan, and is also a contributor to the Wrigleyville Nation website, Public Libraries Online, Windy City Reviews, and the Herald Palladium newspaper in Southwest Michigan. In addition, Brian has over a decade of experience working in public libraries.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I write nonfiction because I like to observe the world around me, reflect on it, and express what I am thinking. I’ve identified that as my niche in the big sea of writing that is out there. There are far more new authors trying to write fiction than those trying to write nonfiction, and while I think it’s great that so many people write fiction, I see a need for nonfiction that I want to fulfill. I once heard a speaker at a conference say that the key to writing a good book is to identify the book that you want to read but that nobody has written yet. It’s one of the best pieces of advice for aspiring authors that I have ever heard. Just writing a book doesn’t automatically create demand for it. You have to find a demand for something, then write the book.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Writing is my way of expressing myself. I always score on the far introvert part of the scale on any personality test I take. I’m not a talker. I need to write because I need to think and reflect before saying what I want. Some people do that through speaking, and that’s great. We need those people. I’m just not one of them.

One unexpected benefit of all the writing I’ve done over the past few years is that it has allowed me to capture a specific moment in my life. Some people do that through photography, including my wife. I do it through writing. I can go back later and read what I was thinking and to see how far I’ve come since then. I recently was reading through parts of my book (written in 2015) and identified several things I’d change about it. But I’m not going to edit or re-release it, because the point of the book was to capture my feelings at that time in my life. To go back and change it now would defeat the point of writing it.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I don’t have a favorite author, but I like reading mostly nonfiction. History and sports are my favorite topics, but I’m open to others. I like reading books that both are entertaining and from which I can learn something valuable.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

When you go to one of those big bookstores, you’ll find the shelves mostly filled with the same authors that everyone knows about. It’s the same with publishing houses. They go with what’s familiar because they know that’s what will sell. A couple years ago, I heard a speaker at a conference say that change comes from the fringes, not the mainstream. New voices have a hard time breaking through in the writing industry, which is a shame because for our society to evolve, we need to give as many new authors as possible a chance. Instead, we keep giving all the same types of authors our room on the shelves. It is a mission of mine to help new authors get their start, because I’ve been in that position (and still am in a way) and know how difficult it is. Thankfully, there are more ways than ever today for writers to make their own break through self-publishing. But it’s still an uphill battle.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

My goal is always for the reader to think about the world in a new way, whether it’s through a short Facebook post or through reading my book. For me, writing is not just about entertainment. It’s my way of contributing to the world and prompting others to think. Even though my book is about baseball, I believe that fans and non-fans alike can take something from it.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

For me, it’s critical. When I’m about to write something, I ask myself, “What can I say about this topic that no one else has said? How does my point of view offer a new perspective, even on a topic that we already know a lot about?” If I can’t answer either of those questions, then why should I expect anyone to read what I wrote?

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

In both writing and in reading someone else’s work, it’s a sense of accomplishment. I like knowing that I started something and saw it through, even when obstacles emerged. Two years after releasing my first book, I’m still proud of myself. It took ten months and a lot of effort to finish it, and now that I’ve proved to myself that I can do it, I have motivation to do more writing and to start a second book, which I hope to do this year.

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

It’s not often that I don’t finish a book. When I don’t, it’s because I’m not learning what I was expecting or the writing doesn’t bring the subject to life in the way it should. Whenever I’m considering reading something, I always check out the reviews, paying particular attention to the quality of writing and whether the author gave the subject a fair treatment before starting to read. It takes a little time, but I know I’ve made up for it many times over by not reading something that I wouldn’t enjoy or that wouldn’t be beneficial.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

There’s far too much to be said about this topic to adequately address it here, but for now let me say this: We all need to have respect for each other’s writing. Unless the publication of a writing causes a direct and immediate threat to people’s lives – which is often hard to prove – then it should not be censored by any government body. If you don’t like what someone else is writing, then don’t read it! You can even take the time to counter it with a work of your own. But don’t try to use the force of law to tell someone else that they can’t read something. The more we share our ideas with each other, the better off that all of us are.

But respecting others’ views is a two-way street. If someone does not want to read or see something that goes against their moral, political, religious, or other views, don’t try to force your views on them, either. Just as I have the right to read whatever I want, I have just as much right to not have to see it. Having an open mind doesn’t mean that we all have to embrace everyone’s point of view. Instead, it means that we should give each person a chance to express themselves and let everyone else make their own decision of whether to accept it or not. There is far too much intolerance from all sides today, and it’s a shame.

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

There are a lot of things to which I pay attention in writing, but I will mention two here. One is tightening up language. It drives me crazy when someone uses twenty words to say what could easily be said in ten. Adverbs, in particular, are overused even by professionals. More words don’t always make the author’s point clearer. In fact, too many words can bog down an otherwise great piece of work and make it less memorable to the reader.

The other thing I’ll mention is closed-minded writing. If you’re making an argument, and you either intentionally leave out facts that harm your case or otherwise fail to address them, you’re doing a disservice to yourself and your readers. A lot of authors do this, especially when writing about controversial issues, but I suppose that’s the purpose of living in a free society. We give everyone a chance to express their point of view and to hold each other accountable.

 

Where can people find you and your work?

• My book for sale on Amazon

• An interview with Randy Richardson (CWA President) about my book

• My personal blog: blogspot.com

• My archive on Wrigleyville Nation

• My archive on Public Libraries Online

• Herald Palladium newspaper (search for my name to find my columns)

• My Facebook author page

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Rysheem Jones

Name: Rysheem Jones

Genre(s) of your work: Autobiography, Drama & Romance

Titles/Years of Published Works:

My Life of Love and Pain (2016)

What Is Love (2016)

Blood Will Always Be Thicker Than Water (2016)

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I enjoyed writing my third book in a drama setting, because drama sells.

How has writing changed/altered you life?

Honestly, after publishing my first autobiography, my parents disowned me. I am not welcome over in their home. Writing that autobiography allowed me to express and release a lot of built up tension.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

I love to inspire others through my writing and speaking. I hope to continue to inspire others to live out their dreams and goals.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

A lot. Whatever I am feeling, I like to write about it. For example, my second book, What Is Love, was produced to due romance questions that people have asked me several times throughout the years. I took those questions and formatted them into a short love guide.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

I am passionate about writing and that motivated me to express my words in order to tell my tale.

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

If within the first 15 minutes if a book does not catch my attention, I tend to become bored with the material.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

No, I believe writing should be used as a tool to teach while your reach your audience.

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

No.

Where can people find you and your work?

You can via email at Sheem82@gmail.com OR Facebook Sheem Jones

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Monica H. Kang

Name:  Monica H. Kang

Genre(s) of your work: Non-Fiction, Business

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Rethink Creativity: How to Innovate, Inspire, and Thrive at Work

September 2018

Bio:

Monica H. Kang, Founder & CEO of InnovatorsBox® , helps companies and leaders transform with the power of creativity. When she is not traveling around the world to speak at conferences or work with clients, she teaches entrepreneurship and leadership as an Adjunct Professor at BAU International. Prior to InnovatorsBox®, Monica was a nuclear nonproliferation security expert. She completed her M.A. at Johns Hopkins University, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. She lives in Washington, DC and spends her days developing new projects on creativity over a chai latte and chocolate croissant.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

I have always been a thinker and writer, but writing this book gave me a whole new appreciation of learning how to put complicated genuine thoughts into words. While writing this book, I experienced both a sense of fear of oversharing half-baked thoughts and the joy of realizing when I perfectly untangled what I was thinking. Now that book one is done, I’ve been thinking more about the writing I do in my daily routine. How can I write to not just communicate in my emails, texts, and articles, but inspire? How can I make the reader feel like I am there and smiling back with joy? I think more about the voice I am using in writing and wonder how it comes to life. I’m excited.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

That you are uniquely creative just the way you already are. The more you practice and live your life with creativity, the more enriched you will feel at work and at home. The thought of people finishing the book with a new realization that they are not limited and can transform their own lives with creativity is thrilling. I just can’t wait to see those faces beaming with new knowledge  and hear what happens when more people unlock their creative potential around the world.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

My book is deeply tied to my personal journey. I did so because I wanted to share the truth with my readers and connect with them. Creativity is not some flashy thing you see on stage, it is something you build over time. I hope that through sharing my creative journey I can inspire readers to embark on their own.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

Sometimes naivety helps. I was determined to put my thoughts on paper and share them with the world because I wanted to stop people from feeling stuck and uncreative in their jobs. I know what that feels like and it is not fun. It also helped not knowing just how long I would spend writing and rewriting this book. If I had known that it would take me seven months to edit, I may have been more cautious. If I had known that I had to spend so much time doing outreach to market and explain the book, I would have been overwhelmed.

Instead I just focused on how much I needed to share the power of creativity. I knew that if I did not write it, more people would remain stuck at work. Having a clear intention of why you want to write a book for your audience and why you want it out by a certain timeline is essential.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I love great storytellers who make me feel curious, reflective, and full of wonder . Some of my favorite storytellers are J.K. Rowling and Neil Gaiman. In nonfiction, I love Triumphs of Experience by George E. Vaillant, Wired to Create by Scott Barry Kaufman and Carolyn Gregoire, and Reset by Ellen Pao.

 

Where can people find you and your work?

I love connecting with people via LinkedIn. Say hello here. You can learn more about my book and book tours at my website. Look forward to meeting you soon!

https://rethinkcreativity.co

www.Innovatorsbox.com

 

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Emersyn Keith

Your name: Emersyn Keith

Pseudonym: E.G. Keith

Genre(s) of your work: YA Fantasy

Titles/Years of Published Work(s):

Havoc (2022)

Bio:

E.G. Keith is a young author that, until recently, never mustered up the right amount of patience to write a full novel. With a debut novel that several have good opinions on, she hopes to make a splash in the author world with her punny jokes, witty remarks, and evil way of thinking. She is very into Greek mythology and spends a lot of her time looking for books on the old stories, and she is convinced that her story, no matter how unique, has already been told by an old Greek writer. She strives for perfection in everything she does, and the several annotations in the first draft of this novel can prove that.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

People often say that you should “write the books you want to read,” and I believe that’s what I was trying to accomplish when I set out to write my book.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Writing, either essays as assignments or novels that are just for fun, has changed my perspective on things very much. I like to write my books with a dual point of view so that you can see how two people narrate the same story. It has also gotten me a lot of attention, which can be seen as a good and a bad thing.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Rick Riordan is one of my favorites, since he’s written some of my most favorite books, and Cassandra Clare has to be another one. I believe I like her writing so much because we write the same dramatic stories of love, adventure, high fantasy, and warrior main characters.

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 will definitely be big in the near future. Most people, especially now, don’t have time to sit and read a book, and audiobooks will satisfy the want to read without having to stop your work. I definitely think it will be very big for a lot of people very soon. But there are still plenty of people in all the bookstores I visit.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores? 

I think they are great places to shop for new, glossy, untouched books, but indie bookstores and places that aren’t too well known should definitely be talked about and visited more, especially if you’re the kind of person who likes things to be more comfortable and well-loved.

What have you found to be a great marketing tool? A bad one?

Social media is definitely a huge help when it comes to marketing. I am fortunate enough to be born with media parents that have connections which have hugely helped market my book, but social media apps, like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are amazing when it comes to marketing. And I don’t really believe there can be a bad marketing tool, unless you just don’t try to market it at all.

Do you believe writing should be censored — that some topics should remain taboo?

I think, while writing is a very healthy way to have ideas and creativity expressed, some topics are just not made for my eyes. People are very cruel, but if you find your target audience, then you should write what you want. So I guess it greatly depends on the person and the audience that the person is trying to reach. I’m going to read what I want and my parents have encouraged me to do that even if what I wanted to read wasn’t “age” appropriate. They trust me to talk to them about things that are disturbing rather than hide those discussions. That helps.

What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?

I believe trigger warnings are, in some works, definitely needed. It shows the reader that you are thinking of them if you include a trigger warning. Plus, you never really know what triggers someone, and what a reader has gone through. Trigger warnings may not be necessary for one person, but needed for another.

Where can people find you and your work?

As of late March, 2022, my books will be sold virtually on Amazon and (hopefully) in some bookstores!

E.G. Keith on Facebook, egkeith.com is the website, and eventually if you search Havoc by E.G. Keith on Amazon, it will appear.

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David M. Kelly

Your Name: David M. Kelly

Genre(s) of your work: Science fiction

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

2015 – Dead Reckoning and Other Stories (Short story collection)

2017 – Mathematics of Eternity: Joe Ballen, Book One

2018 – Perimeter: Joe Ballen, Book Two

2019 – Transformation Protocol: Joe Ballen, Book Three

2020 – Kwelengsen Storm: Logan’s World, Book One

2020 – Hyperia Jones and the Olive Branch Caper: Hyperia Jones, Book One

2021 – Intersection: Joe Ballen, Book Four

2022 – Kwelengsen Dawn: Logan’s World, Book Two (Release June 7th)

Bio:

David M. Kelly writes fast-paced, near-future sci-fi thrillers with engaging characters, cynical humor, and (mostly!) plausible science. He is the author of the Joe Ballen, Logan’s World, and Hyperia Jones series, and has been published in Canadian SF magazine Neo-opsis.

David’s interest in science and technology began early. At the age of six his parents allowed him to stay up late into the night to watch the television broadcast of Neil Armstrong stepping on to the surface of the moon. From that day he was hooked on everything related to science and space.

An avid reader, he worked his way through the contents of the mobile library that visited his street, progressing through YA titles (or “juveniles” as they were known back then) on to the classics of Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Harry Harrison.

David worked for many years in project management and software development. Along the way his interests have included IPSC combat (target) pistol shooting, crew chief on a drag racing team, and several years as bass player/vocalist in a heavy rock band. He also managed to fit in some real work in manual jobs from digging ditches and work on production lines to loading trucks in a haulage company.

Originally from the wild and woolly region of Yorkshire, England, David emigrated to Canada in 2005 and settled in Northern Ontario with his patient and supportive wife, Hilary. Foot surgery in 2014 temporarily curtailed many of his favorite activities – hiking, camping, piloting his own personal starfighter (otherwise known as a Corvette ZR-1). But on the plus side, it meant a transition from the world of IT into life as a full-time writer—an opportunity he grasped enthusiastically.

David is passionate about science, especially astronomy and physics, and is a rabid science news follower. Never short of an opinion, David writes about science and technology on his blog davidmkelly.net. He has supported various charity projects such as the Smithsonian’s Reboot The Suit and the Lowell Observatory Pluto Telescope Restoration. He also contributes to citizen science projects such as SETI@home.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

Watching the moon landing fueled a lifelong interest in space, science, and technology, so I naturally gravitated into reading science fiction. When I decided to try my hand at writing, to escape the boredom of a tedious train commute, sci-fi was the obvious choice, though I do have plans for writing in other genres at some point.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

It’s changed it completely! I used to work as an IT project manager, which brought with it high levels of stress and depression. When I was forced to stop working due to foot surgery, I finished my first book and have been writing full time ever since. Writing has reduced my stress levels enormously, and I’m now almost addicted to it. I love how a lot of people are genuinely excited and interested when I tell them what I do for a living. And meeting other sci-fi fans and readers at comicons and book fairs has been a lot of fun. I’ve missed it in the current covid time, and hope to get back to it soon.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, Harry Harrison, Douglas Adams, James S. A. Corey, Arthur Conan Doyle, Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammet, Charles Dickens. There are different reasons why they’re my favorites – but generally speaking, I love the characters and worlds they create, how they pull you into the story and keep you engrossed until the very 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 they’re a bit of a passing fad and that they’re far more profitable for the retailers than the authors. That said, if people prefer to listen to my books instead of reading the print version, I’d love to be able to accommodate that in the future. And I certainly appreciate how important they can be for people with visual impairments.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

Are there any left?  All the ones I see seem to be selling almost everything else BUT books. I’m grateful for the indie bookstores and libraries that are doing a great job to spread the word about indie authors.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

I’ve had some success on a small scale with Amazon advertising, but I believe the best form of marketing is producing good books and generating word-of-mouth. In terms of less effective strategies, I found that listing my books with NetGalley resulted in few reviews, so that’s likely not something I would try again.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

I don’t believe in censorship in any form, though I believe people should be held accountable for what they create. I also think that censorship can sometimes lead to more creativity. I’m thinking, for example, of screenwriting in the 40s and 50s where they had to find very creative ways to convey certain taboo topics or scenes.

Where can people find you and your work?

My website, Amazon, and most other online book retailers

https://davidmkelly.com

https://www.amazon.com/David-M-Kelly/e/B00PQXCCHU/
http://www.facebook.com/David.Kelly.SF
http://twitter.com/David_Kelly_SF
www.goodreads.com/DavidMKelly

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Barry Kester

Your Name: Barry Kester

Genre(s) of your work: Musical Theatre

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Round In Circles – The Story of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Carousel.” 2022

Bio:

After a career as an accountant and tax advisor, in 2010 I finally set out to do what I really wanted to do with my life and write a book.  I knew it would not be easy, and it wasn’t, but after considerable effort, life’s inevitable interventions, and masses of research, Round In Circles is the result.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I have always loved musical theatre, particularly the shows of “The Golden Age”, so when I was considering a topic about which to write my first book, it seemed the natural choice.

My next book, will be something completely different.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

The English language has long been a passion of mine, and I have been an avid reader since childhood.  My whole life I have nurtured a desire to try my hand at writing, and finally doing so during these past few years has made my retirement a real joy. I was not at all sure I would find a publisher, but that did not matter.  It was the process that gave me so much pleasure.  Of course, finding a publisher, and holding a copy of the (beautifully) printed book in my hand was a very welcome bonus, and a source of great pride.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Jane Austen.  Her mastery of the English language is exquisite.

In a lighter vein, I like Robert Harris’s books.  He is a master story teller.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

They certainly have their place. I used to have to travel quite a lot and caught up with a lot of books that were on my to read list whilst in the car. I don’t think they will ever replace printed books.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

Obviously social media is becoming increasingly important and I suspect is the main tool for most new authors.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

No. The only exception I would consider is in respect of a direct incitement to hatred and violence.  Authors must be free to write about life as it is or as it was, and not as self-appointed arbiters would deem to be appropriate today.  That is the only way we can learn from history’s mistakes and hopefully not repeat them.

What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?

Whilst there may be occasions when they are needed, I am not a fan. I bought an egg mayo sandwich from a major supermarket not so long ago, and the wrapper contained a stark warning that “this product may contain eggs.”  Enough said.

Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?

I haven’t had much experience yet, of selling in person, though I have been interviewed on a couple of podcasts that have resulted in sales.  My blog as yet only attracts a small number of visitors, and I must give more time to it.

Where can people find you and your work?

On Amazon and in most major bookshops all over the world.

https://amzn.to/3e3FNZX

http://www.Hakolsheli.com

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Dan Klefstad

Your Name: Dan Klefstad

Genre(s) of your work: Gothic horror/vampire

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Fiona’s Guardians (2020)

Bio:

Dan Klefstad is a longtime radio host and newscaster at NPR station WNIJ. His latest novel, Fiona’s Guardians, is about humans who work for a beautiful manipulative vampire. It’s getting positive reviews on Goodreads and was also reviewed favorably by the Chicago Writers Association. Dan’s latest short story, “Who Killed Publishing?” has almost nothing to do with vampires. You’ll find it in the Summer 2020 edition of Literary Heist. Another short story, “Cowboy Load,” Came out in the January 2021 issue of Resolute Gentleman. Dan writes in DeKalb, Illinois, and Williams Bay, Wisconsin.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I’ve always been fascinated by monsters, and vampires in particular, ever since I watched Bela Lugosi as Dracula. Even as a kid, I understood vampires worked on different levels. Taken just as mythical creatures, I was always fascinated at how they were portrayed as stronger than we humans, and sexier, plus they keep living for centuries unless something catastrophic happens (like a stake through the heart). As I entered adulthood, I began to appreciate these creatures more as metaphors for enervation. They could symbolize a person draining your life force, or a stand-in for a government or corporate entity you suspect is slowly making you poorer. When readers finish my book, I hope they ask themselves, “Who’s my vampire?”

How has writing changed/altered your life?

It helped me realize that creative expression, while deeply personal, is meant to be shared with the world. If you keep it to yourself, you get no feedback to improve, but you also deprive others of the chance to experience it. I’m reminded of the archaic term “man of letters” which meant a person who not only read a great deal, but also wrote – and their essays, stories, and poems were “letters” to the community that reads. It really drives home the idea that a writer – any creative person – is contributing to a global body of knowledge or aesthetic appreciation. I think it’s worth updating the phrase to “person of letters.”

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I loved John Le Carre (“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”) for the depth and intricacy of his storytelling, and his emphasis on the moral responsibility we share, especially in groups like spy agencies. Have to admit, I thought he’d live forever. Another author I miss is Robert Hellenga (“The Sixteen Pleasures,” “Snakewoman of Little Egypt”), who gave me the courage to write from the pov (point of view) of first-person female narrators.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

I believe they’ll always be here because humans are essentially multi-taskers, and audiobooks (like radio or podcasts) allow us to consume a story or other information while cooking or driving. I love reading text, and I think that’ll stay with us too, but actually reading requires a commitment to focus on one thing – the book. But reading with your own eyes, and hearing a character’s voice in your head, is a more direct link to the author. Having a recorded narrator, bringing their own interpretations through inflection and emphasis, is a mediated experience, thereby placing your experience “once removed” from the author.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

They’re great for book buyers, as long as those companies aren’t allowed complete market dominance. A reader can order a dozen books online from Amazon or Barnes & Noble, download them to a proprietary device (Kindle or Nook) and start reading right away. Or you wait one or two days for the paperback to arrive. But large retailers have put pressure on publishers, starting with national chains in the 1980s. As they captured more and more market share, fewer and fewer corporate owners controlled the available shelf space, which meant they could decide what books to stock, how much they’d charge, and when to send unsold books back to the publisher. The once-powerful publishers responded by printing fewer and fewer titles, which helped for a while, but many were forced to merge, which meant fewer acquisition editors. All this partly explains why authors have struggled to publish and sell their books. Thank goodness for indie bookshops, which is why I always recommend my readers shop local first before finding my book on Amazon.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

Social media is a good marketing tool. It’s also a terrible one. Again, we have too few people (or bots) deciding what posts get seen and what don’t. I’ve found you can gain readers on Facebook and Twitter, but you have to break the rules to get around the algorithms which are designed to crush any free promo. I’ve been hanging around FB groups devoted to vampire fans and goths to find friends who I can later message privately to promote my vampire novel. I don’t have my first sales figures yet, but views of my YouTube readings are way up since I started using this tactic. If you try this, tread carefully or you might get blocked or reported. And Facebook will start limiting your attempts to add friends once they get wind of what you’re doing. When that happened, I just went to Twitter and started DM-ing followers who allow that kind of approach. But many don’t, so be aware of who you’re spamming. And a note about spamming: I call it engagement. I recommend you think of it that too.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

I think we’ll agree that some stuff shouldn’t be published. We know what that stuff is. I don’t believe in censorship but I do believe in gatekeepers.

Where can people find you and your work?

All the US online retailers (Amazon, Walmart, B&N). In the UK, my book is on Amazon and Waterstones. Dymocks in Australia and New Zealand. And at Prairie Fox Books in Ottawa, IL, and Books on First in Dixon, IL.

My site: http://www.danklefstad.com/

Amazon listing: https://www.amazon.com/Fionas-Guardians-Dan-Klefstad/dp/1916212638/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3J92SV2KE7VG3&dchild=1&keywords=fiona%27s+guardians&qid=1609973126&sprefix=fiona%27s+guardians%2Cstripbooks%2C281&sr=8-1

And a YouTube vid of me reading the opening chapter: https://youtu.be/Lw87kUdX2vE

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Marilyn Kriete

Your Name: Marilyn Kriete

Genre(s) of your work: Memoir

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Paradise Road: A Memoir published March 2021 by Lucid House Publishing

Bio:

After a colorful life spanning four continents and 16 cities, earning her keep as cook, chambermaid, waitress, fisher-woman, missionary, speaker/teacher, tutor, and academic writing editor, Marilyn now lives in Kelowna, BC, Canada, with her charitable husband and three demanding cats. Their two grown children were adopted from Mumbai, India and Athens, Georgia. Besides her favorite activities–writing and sleeping– she enjoys hiking, cycling, blogging, reading, playing word games, watching documentaries, and cleaning other people’s homes. Her poetry and nonfiction have appeared in The Lyric, Storyteller, The Eastern Iowa Review, The English Bay Review, and Brevity Blog. Paradise Road is her first memoir.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I love memoirs! My life has been full of rich and unusual experiences to write about.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

I’ve always known there was a ‘writer inside’, but for many years there was no space in my life for writing. Now I’m finally doing it, I feel as if I’m doing what I’m meant to be doing. And readers are responding extremely well.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Bill Bryson—because he makes me laugh while learning so much about other places and topics.

Margaret Atwood—I love her creativity and intelligence.

So many others…Lionel Shriver, Barbara Kingsolver, Barbara Gowdy, Rohinton Mistry, T.C. Boyle…writers whose books tend to be offbeat and unusual.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

To be honest, I haven’t really given this much thought, though I’m aware that audiobooks have gained more fans during the pandemic. Perhaps that trend will continue. For me, one of my all-time favorite activities is long-distance driving with a great audiobook. But that’s generally the only time I listen to them.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I rarely go to any. My favorite place to buy books is in second-hand bookstores and thrift stores.  I wish we had a cozy little indie bookstore nearby, but we don’t.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

My book was just published, and I’m just figuring out how to market. So far, I’ve reached a lot of friends/acquaintances through Facebook and have sold through that. I have yet to try Instagram, Twitter or other platforms.

Where can people find you and your website?

www.purplesplashofglory.com

www.MarilynKriete.com

 Marilyn’s Memoir Celebration | Facebook

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Mitzy Krizek

Your Name: Mitzy Krizek

Pseudonym: Prometheus Susan. (Mitzy is a nickname that I have always gone by.)

Genre(s) of your work: Paranormal romance

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Betrayed 2019

New Beginnings 2019

Bio:

For years she has had stories floating around in her head, deciding to follow a dream to put those stories to paper. To bring to life the muses that have become a part of who she is. Prometheus is a wife and mother to two boys. Residing in northern Illinois with her family, two cats and Fred, her pet bunny. Besides her love for her family and friends, coffee is her biggest love and addiction. Summertime will find her at the beach or water park, soaking up those beautiful rays of sunshine. She finds cooking to be very relaxing and likes to try out new recipes. Pink and sparkly is her signature.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I love wolves, dragons, dolphins, and vampires. Collect dolphins and wolves for years. In fact, my bedroom is done in wolves, while the bathroom is dolphins. Also, I have tattoos of dolphins, wolves, and one that to me depicts vampires. Working on a dragon design. Having the ability to shift into something other than who you are intrigues me.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Travel more now doing signing events. It has gotten me out of my comfort zone, be more social, talk to people that I do not know. Meeting other authors, learning more about the industry, meeting readers. That is one of the best parts. Watch a lot less TV.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I have many. Lora Leigh, JR Ward, Gena Showalter, Eve Langis, Laurann Dohner, Stacey Rourke, Rue Volley, Michelle Pillow, Mandy Roth
Sherrilyn Kenyon. and many more. And why? So many reasons, but I think the biggest is to escape from everyday life for a time being. Get lost in the story.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I love them, Can get lost for hours in one. Not only romance books but cookbooks. I love cookbooks. My family has gotten used to experimenting with new recipes. Now romance books I do prefer e-books. For one, the husband does not know exactly how many I have, takes up less room. But do have my signed books that I have picked up at signing events. There is nothing like meeting the author and getting a signed book. I was a reader before I was an author.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

It plays quite a bit. I have always been a people watcher. You can learn so much and get inspired by just watching others. Sometimes it’s just a word that I overhear and my mind twists it into something completely
different. In fact, Betrayed came about by reading something online, cannot remember exactly what now, but ‘hot wife’ was mentioned. Those two words twisted in my mind and became that story. My characters all have a love for coffee, which I am very much addicted to, they also favor pink as their favorite color which is mine.

What motivates you to complete your (writing) work?

The joy of bringing my muses to life, watching their journey as I write them. And having the cover sitting waiting is a great motivator.
But, I think the biggest motivator for me is the closer I get to completion, the anticipation of others reading my work, loving the characters as much as I do and hating those that deserve to be
hated. And hearing from readers who have read my books is the best motivator.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

No, I do not. Some topics are sensitive but should still see the light of day. No matter the topic, there will always be someone who it offends regardless of how you approach the topic.

For instance, Betrayed is about a woman (wolf shifter) who has shunned her other side and falls for the illusion that the man she meets had led her to believe while in fact, he is a sex trafficker. She ends up imprisoned in that world.

New Beginnings, the main female character was in an abusive marriage. In fact, killed her late husband in self-defense. Some may find those topics taboo but I feel it shows the strength of the woman as she overcomes what she had to live through to survive. We all have an inner strength, it’s finding that and welcoming it. Would I ever write
about abortion? Probably not. But that is my personal choice. Each writer and reader needs to make that decision on their own. That is why we have freedom of speech.

Where can people find you and your work?

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07SXCG5CG

facebook https://www.facebook.com/prometheus.susan.1

instagram https://www.instagram.com/prometheus09172018/

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Kevin A. Kuhn

Name: Kevin A. Kuhn

Genre(s) of your work: Speculative Fiction

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

“Do You Realize?” Published – 2017

Bio:

Kevin lives in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with his wife Melinda, three children, and two fierce schnoodles. He is a technology executive who enjoys sipping cheap bourbon, avoiding yard work, and living vicariously through his children’s sports. While Kevin has no musical skill whatsoever, he appreciates a broad spectrum of artists from Pink Floyd to Prince and Radiohead to the Rolling Stones. His golf game is horrific with flashes of mediocrity.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I prefer to write speculative fiction / science fiction because there are no limits. In my first novel my character gets to travel back to ten days in his past. This provides a rich plot line that allows the character to grow in ways that would be difficult with a more traditional book. In my current work-in-progress, I follow a character that appears to be immortal. This creates suspense and allows me to explore the past while maintaining a connection throughout the novel.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

I began my first novel when I hit fifty with an accompanying mild mid-life crisis. The writing was a fantastic outlet and really helped me get my head around what mattered in my past and where I was headed. My writing gave me the clarity and courage to make a career change that has been incredibly rewarding. I shifted from a corporate executive role to a University teacher and it has been both refreshing and fulfilling.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I love to read and have many, many favorite authors. I enjoy Isaac Asimov and J.R.R. Tolkien for their world building and sweeping timeframes. They both created unique fantastic settings but somehow manage to make their characters feel very much at home inside those worlds. I’m also a huge fan of Stephen King for his ability to make the supernatural feel believable, create intriguing and very human characters, and his fascinating insights on everyday life and everyday people.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

Well, independent bookstores are my favorite. They tend to have more character and passion about books. But I’m also a fan of all bookstores as I think reading is a very healthy, positive activity. So, anything that gets books into the hands of readers is okay by me. I do wish the major chains would support more variety, instead of so much focus on a relatively small number of established authors.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

My goal in my first novel was to make my readers laugh, cry, and learn something new. My hope is that my readers will find some small inspiration in my novel that will stay with them. One Amazon Reviewer said, “Read this. A midlife crisis turned into a self-awareness project and appreciation of the life we are given and living. I actually laughed and cried here. This has not happened in 30 odd years.” As an author, this is the fuel that gets me though what I find to be a very isolated, lonely journey.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

A great deal. “Write what you know” is great advice. I believe pulling creatively from your own experiences adds realism and depth. Readers will really connect if you’re honest and open about your own insights, fears, and dreams.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

Great question, I believe it’s very easy to start a novel, but very difficult to finish it. They seem to pick up weight the further you go. It’s both due to the necessity of tracking and resolving plot and character details, but it’s also due to the weight of decisions over time. You become so invested in the characters and the story, it becomes difficult to narrow down the growing set of possibilities. But the motivation comes from releasing the book to others. Getting to hear all the different ways that readers interpret the work is extremely rewarding.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

I just read, “All the Ugly and Wonderful Things” by Bryn Greenwood, which tells the story of a very young girl, in a very difficult environment who falls in love with a much older man. Greenwood takes a very difficult topic and simply tells a fascinating story, passing no judgement. It’s up to the reader to come to their own conclusion on the ethics and morals of this complex story. That what great writing does, it makes us think and question our beliefs.

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

The same challenge that I struggle with in my writing – to show and not tell. When you write, it’s much easier to have the narrator explain a character’s thoughts and feelings, but it completely pulls you out of the book. It reminds your sub-conscious that the story is not real. Great authors show emotion and motivation through the dialog and action of the character. When that is done well, you get this movie in your head that is just a pure joy to experience.

Where can people find you and your work?

Amazon – http://a.co/5UTDNDA

Author Website – kevkuhn45.wixsite.com/bigkuhna

Twitter – https://twitter.com/Big_Kuhna

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/BigKuhna/

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/KevinKuhn

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 Desiree Lafawn

Name: Desiree Lafawn

Genre(s) of your work: Romance – Fantasy & PNR

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Northwoods Magic, Northwoods Fairy Tales Book One

The Descent of Eve, A Glass Traveler Novella

Bio:

Desiree lives in Northwest Ohio with her husband, two children, and two rowdy cats. She is a craft addicted, roller derby skating amateur foody who loves to enjoy a glass of chardonnay with a side of whatever snack the kids left untouched in the pantry, most likely goldfish crackers.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I love writing in fantasy and PNR because there are really no restrictions. I am not limited to reality and the boundaries of “this world.” Anything can happen if I create it.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

I have met so many amazing people and some of the current best friends. They encourage me every day to do and be better, and if I had not started this journey I would not have met them. I am pretty grateful for the entire experience.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I have so many I don’t know how to even pick one or two! I love Laurell K Hamilton because she really pushes the boundaries of sexuality in her books without being gross or tacky. I love P Jameson because she is so versatile. Her characters are gritty, flawed and loveable, and she isn’t restricted by her genre. She writes shifter romance, but she makes her own rules. She also writes contemporary romance as well and I am excited to follow her journey and see what else she can do. I read a lot of Lynn Kurland and Nora Roberts as well. Ugh. I read A LOT. I could go on and on about this for sure.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

I hope that they enjoy my books! I also hope that for a little while, they enjoyed the world I created and want to visit it again. As someone who reads and rereads my favorites many times over, a reader who wants to reread my work would be the greatest compliment.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

We tend to write about what we know, so while my stories are purely fiction of course there are going to be elements of experience thrown in. The locations are places I have been and enjoyed, some characters share my hobbies and some have characteristics of people I have met in my life – even in passing. I think that is probably true of every writer – we are little sponges, we absorb a lot.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

I am lucky to have a very good group of author friends and we motivate each other constantly. I am very easily distracted and can get derailed from a project at any given moment. We are always giving each other a hard time and there are a lot of chats that end with “aren’t you supposed to be writing? Get off the internet!” It’s great to have that kind of motivation, ha ha. I also have my best friend as a beta reader and if I take too long she verbally abuses me until I give her something to read 🙂

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

In general I always try to finish something I started reading, but I think the biggest issue would be bad editing. There are ALWAYS going to be errors and I like to think I am pretty tolerant but if tense changes repeatedly to the point that I don’t know what is going on them I am not likely to keep reading.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

I know what I will and won’t read, but I am not a huge fan of censorship – especially for grown adults. Look at the banned and challenged classics book list!  I am all for proper classification, but censorship? Everyone has a different idea of what is appropriate for them, I think we can all decide for ourselves what we will expose ourselves to.

Where can people find you and your work?

Amazon author page –  https://www.amazon.com/author/desireelafawn

Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/DesireeLafawnAuthor/

Facebook Reader Group, Lafawnduh’s Lounge – https://www.facebook.com/groups/273210479824847/

Website- https://www.desireelafawn.com

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Jackie Lawson

Name: Jackie Lawson

Pseudonym: J Lawson

Genre(s) of your work: So far I have YA/NA fantasy and LQBTQIA+ humor. I have some general fiction and general fantasy in the pipelines as well!

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

The Amulets:  2019

The Convergence: 2019

Zippers, Three Way Kisses, and Other Absurdities: My Life As An Ally: 2019

(Seems like a lot in one year, but I had these backlogged before I decided to self publish)

Bio:

Lawson was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa.

From an early age, Lawson loved reading and excelled in language arts. In junior high, she began writing poetry and short fiction. In high school, she had an article published in a local newsletter advocating tolerance and equality.

In college, Lawson majored in English Literature with the intention of teaching college level English. There, she worked on the school’s literary magazine, where she also published a few of her poems.

After college, Lawson moved to Peoria, Illinois, where she found a position with a nurse case management company as an administrative editor. She also developed a writing training program for the company to implement.

Lawson met her husband in 2008. They were married in 2013 and have a son, DJ, who is 9. They also have three dogs, Bailey, Loki, and Kratos.

The Amulets is Lawson’s debut novel. The idea came to her in 2015 from a short dream and, through the course of discussion with her best friend of over twenty years, it was developed into the outline for a fantasy trilogy series.  Lawson started writing The Amulets in 2017, finishing her first draft in 2018, and publishing in February of 2019. While processing edits, she started on the second book in the series, The Convergence, which she published in June of 2019. The final installment in the trilogy should arrive in 2020.

Lawson also recently published an LGBTQIA+ humor memoir titled Zippers, Three-Way Kisses, and Other Absurdities: My Life As An Ally. Based on real events, the book follows a girl through ten formative years of her life from first introduction to the LGBTQ culture to almost complete immersion.

Lawson plans to continue writing, delving into general fiction as well as more fantasy, and is even considering a spin-off novel for a secondary character in her fantasy trilogy.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I enjoy the freedom in fantasy. Not everything has to have a scientific explanation and that allows for much more imaginative scenarios to otherwise regular/mundane/ordinary situations and experiences. My preference is to write relatable stories with just one or two elements that turn things on their sides.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

I’ve always known reading and writing were good outlets for emotions of all kinds. I wanted to write a novel when I was much younger, but I always seemed to run out of steam before the halfway point. I feel like I personally hadn’t lived enough or experienced enough to be able to fully develop that part of my writing brain. I’m so excited to finally be at the point where I can bring these stories I think up to fruition!

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I cling to certain authors depending on my moods. I adore JR Ward for the edgy/angsty moods, Karen Marie Moning for the fantastical and dramatic moods, and Janet Evanovich for the happy moods. There is never a time where I’m not in the mood for a good classic from Jane Austin and Dickens (both Charles and Emily) to Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne. I love how their work is timeless and valid through any time/age/

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I have to be careful here because I worked for one for many years! I appreciate that brick and mortar bookstores of ANY kind still exist. The experience of spending hours in a bookstore, looking at anything and everything, it one that still thrills me. With shopping in general spiraling quickly to online dominance, it scares me that this experience will be lost to future generations. That being said, I also strongly support local independent bookstores and try to do most of the events I participate in at those stores to bring in community support and awareness.

How much does personal experience play in your written work? 

It really depends on the work. In my fantasy works, I like to write some of my own communication characteristics into them, however I want to keep myself fairly removed as well. There’s always a little something of myself in what I write, simply because that’s where I came from. It’s just easier to be objective when I’m not writing myself into a work. Zippers is a little bit different in that it’s about 95% autobiographical, but it was also originally only going to be printed for friends. I spoke about it to enough people who said it absolutely needed to be made available to the masses, so I heeded the advice of people I care about and respect.

What motivates you to complete your (writing) work? 

When I start a book, I think about it even when the writing stops. I work full time during the day, so most of my writing happens in the evenings or on weekends. That means between those writing times, I’m still always thinking about what could happen next or what needs to happen coming up. It gets to a point where I start to stray from my original outline (which is fine in some cases) but if I get too many ideas/options going on in my head, it gets harder to reign it back in when I sit down to write again. Basically, I write to keep myself on track and less tangential. Plus, hitting that “publish” button is one of the greatest feelings in the world, second only to hearing someone truly enjoyed what I put on paper.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

Absolutely not. Life isn’t censored; writing certainly shouldn’t be. Freedom of expression and freedom of choice are equally important. If you want to express it, do it. If you don’t want to hear about something, choose not to read it. For me, the concepts are simple.

Where can people find you and your work?

www.authorjlawson.com

www.facebook.com/AuthorJ.Lawson

twitter.com/AuthorLawson

The Amulets:  https://www.amazon.com/Amulets-Trilogy-J-Lawson/dp/1795160233

The Convergence:  https://www.amazon.com/Convergence-Amulets-Trilogy-J-Lawson/dp/1071432036

Zippers, Three-Way Kisses, and Other Absurdities: My Life As An Ally:  https://www.amazon.com/Zippers-Three-Way-Kisses-Other-Absurdities/dp/1072725592/

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Patti Lee

Your Name: Patti Lee

Genre(s) of your work: Contemporary Women’s Fiction

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Between February and November (November 2022)

Bio:

Patti Lee began writing in 2019, bringing women’s fiction stories to life by tapping into the hopes and sometimes fears of readers. Her debut novel, Between February and November, won the International Firebird Book Award in fiction in 2022. An award-winning essay writer, her creative non-fiction has been included in Crone Rising by Jazz House Publications, and her short story, The Ward House, was included in the Of Cottages and Cauldrons autumn anthology, also by Jazz House Publications.

When she’s not working her administration job for a small non-profit, she’s either writing or playing with her grandkids. Or thinking about writing or playing with her grandkids. She is a groupie of singer-songwriter Josh Ritter and alt/folk duo Parsonsfield but has also been known to play the soundtrack to Hamilton on repeat. She currently resides with her husband in Vermont, where she has more cats than throw pillows.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I like writing fiction because I can make up whatever I like and there aren’t a lot of rules, which in and of itself is odd for me because I’m a rule follower. I also like writing fiction because it’s easy for me to take an overheard conversation out of context and make it something it’s not, or probably isn’t. Most writers will tell you there is a nugget of truth in their fiction – whether it’s their own truth or something they heard in line at the coffee shop.

Writing fiction allows me an opportunity to write, or rewrite, the story the way I want to tell it. I like writing contemporary women’s fiction because I can focus on a real, relevant issue. I write about things that can happen to anyone, and in women’s fiction, the story focuses on a woman’s journey; whether it’s a romantic relationship, a familial one, or her own personal journey – although there isn’t necessarily always a happy ending, there is some kind of personal growth.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I don’t have a favorite author. If you would have asked me that decades ago, I might have said something different. It really depends on my mood and where I am emotionally. Some of my favorites include Stephen King for the suspense factor. Diana Gabaldon for her amazing skill at describing settings and scenes without it sounding like she’s describing settings and scenes. Janet Evanovich for her relatable characters and her ability to make me laugh out loud while I’m reading. Nicholas Sparks has an uncanny knack of pulling on my heart strings. And Jodi Picoult, who usually does all of the above. Lately I’ve been enjoying reading books written by some of my peers from Twitter and Facebook – Dzintra Sullivan, Maria Diversa, E. J. Wenstrom, and KC Ridge to name a few.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

Audiobooks are definitely a growing market and I believe will only increase over time. I’ve had several people ask me if my novel is available on audiobook for different reasons. Those with a reading disability find it especially helpful to have an audiobook option. And, audiobooks make it easy to ‘read’ while working out, walking, running, or driving to work. While I think audiobooks are here to stay, I don’t think they’ll replace printed books. When Kindle first came out, many believed it was the wave of the future, but people are coming back to printed books.

Where can people find you and your work?

People can find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PattiLeeAuthorPage/.

I can also be found on Twitter @pattiauthor where I’m a regular member of the #5amwritersclub.

My website is www.pattileewriter.com and my Amazon Author page is https://www.amazon.com/author/pattilee.

 

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Savy Leiser

Name: Savy Leiser

Genre(s) of your work: picture books, contemporary young-adult, contemporary new-adult, music journalism

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

The Furever Home Friends series:

            Book 1: Princess Allee, released August 2017

            Book 2: Smile, Chewie!, released August 2017

            Book 3: Just Me, Wrigley, will release August 2018 (available for preorder)

            Book 4: Character not announced publicly yet, but will release fall 2018

            Future books will be announced soon! We will be releasing about 2 new books per year.

 The Making of a Small-Town Beauty King (young adult), released February 2016

 Sculpt Yourself (new adult), will release November 2018

Bio:

Savy Leiser is a Chicago author, editor, journalist, filmmaker, and teacher. In 2017, she founded The Furever Home Friends, a startup that shares real dogs’ stories through a series of picture books that teach kids about social issues. The Furever Home Friends has since won multiple Chicago startup awards. Savy also works as a music journalist for Halftime Magazine and Yamaha SupportED, and she teaches creative writing workshops at Open Books. In 2015, Savy graduated from Northwestern University with a B.A. in Communication, and she is currently working on her Master’s in Writing & Publishing at DePaul University. You can visit Savy at savyleiser.com, her blog and website, where she also offers freelance copyediting services.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I write in a variety of genres because I have a variety of passions! From the outside, it might seem like I do a lot of different things, some of which may not seem connected at first glance. However, I have defined my overall mission as a writer: to use the power of storytelling to change the world for the better. When I write kids’ books, my goal is to bring awareness to rescue dogs and shelter adoption, and to inspire social empathy in young readers. When I write young-adult and new-adult novels, I use storytelling to depict the world I’d like to see: one without sexism, where LGBT+ relationships are normalized. I think each of these genres gives me the freedom to explore different angles of tackling these issues. For example, when I write for kids, I get to tell a story through a dog’s eyes. When I write YA fiction, I get to have fun creating snarky voices for each character. Each genre has its own benefits, and I like keeping my options open to exploring.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

It’s more that I can’t imagine a life without writing. Every other passion or interest I’ve ever had has contributed to my writing in some way. For example, I played a variety of musical instruments throughout my life, from piano to violin to bassoon to saxophone. While I loved performing, I knew that I was a mediocre musician and would never make a career out of that. However, I COULD make a career out of writing about music. Shortly after I graduated from college, I started working in music journalism. In a way, everything always comes back to my passion for putting stories together, whatever form that may take.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

My favorite authors tend to be those who I see as influences in my own work. Every once in a while, I’ll read a piece of work that inspires me to step up my game big time. John Green was always one of those authors for me. I’ve read An Abundance of Katherines multiple times, and every time I’m more in awe of how well he tied so many threads together.

More recently, I’ve also become a big fan of Rainbow Rowell because of how strongly she creates memorable characters. After I read Carry On, I was inspired to try writing a book in alternating first-person POV, because she did it so well in that book. The next novel I wrote was Sculpt Yourself, which is told in alternating first person, and is releasing this fall. In terms of children’s books, my favorite author has always been Barbara Park. Junie B. Jones was one of the first characters who showed me that kids’ voices could have intelligence and sass as well. Those books were a big influence when I started figuring out each dog’s voice for the Furever Home Friends series.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

Like almost everything in life, I have mixed feelings. I don’t necessarily think there is one right way to get books or stories out into the world. As a small business owner, however, I often struggle with the concept of big business. A lot of bookstores have deals with certain big-name publishers, which have created a sort of oligopoly on the market. Many bookstores also require all sales to go through Ingram, which has led to Ingram having a near monopoly on the book distribution market, and that’s caused all kinds of problems.

I don’t want to say anything bad about any of these companies, however, because they’re all necessary in their own ways. I love small bookstores, especially those local to me in Chicago. I know what it’s like to run a small business, since that’s what I do with the Furever Home Friends. I know how hard it is to take a risk on a new business. I know a lot of bookstores would rather sell books from a small business like mine on consignment, rather than purchasing inventory outright, because the risk is lower; but for me as a small business as well, that’s not beneficial. So that’s a really loaded question…I love all bookstores, but I also love Amazon, and I also love the independent authors starting up their own businesses. I don’t think there’s one answer.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

From the Furever Home Friends books, I want readers to feel like they’ve made a strong emotional and empathetic connection with the dog in the story. Hopefully it inspires them to think more about the ways we can help animals, and how those same ideas can translate to how we can help other people. From my novels, I’d like readers to be entertained. I want them to laugh, because I often aim to be funny. In a lot of these books, though, I’ll often present multiple sides to a social issue through the perspectives of different characters. I’d love for readers to think about the multiple perspectives and how each one has its own validity. We often hear the phrase, “There are two sides to every story,” but that’s not true. I think there are infinite sides to every story, and we should consider as many as we can.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

SO much! Whenever I have friends or family read my writing, they’ll often point to a certain line or sentence and say, “Oh hey, I remember that!” For example, in Beauty King, there’s this scene where one of the main characters, Stephanie, builds a giant trebuchet and uses projectile motion equations she learned in AP Physics to calculate how far she can fling water balloons.

In high school, my friends and I built a giant trebuchet in AP Physics and would fling stuff all around the school parking lot. We were only supposed to make it a foot tall, but we ignored that, haha. Anyway, I dedicated that book to those friends. Beyond specific instances like that, a lot of the emotions and internal conflicts my characters feel are things I’ve also dealt with. Like Amber from Sculpt Yourself, I’ve also been that edgy, judgmental feminist. But I’ve also been like Kelly, the practical, career-driven artist. So I put them in a relationship with each other and saw what happened.

For the Furever Home Friends, the books are all based on real dogs, so I guess each dog’s experience creates the story!

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

Coffee!

Also playlists! I love making lists of songs that fit with the tone of each story.

Also nachos! Often, if you have a ton to get done, make it an excuse to eat a ton of snacks.

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

Usually, confusion. If I’m struggling to visualize the setting, or if I’m struggling to understand what the characters are doing and why they’re doing that. If a story isn’t clear to me, I’ll get frustrated and give up.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

Never.

That’s one of the few things I DON’T have mixed feelings about. If we stifle each other’s ability to express our thoughts, we essentially shut down conversation on some of the most important topics. If a book offends you, leave it a bad review. Start a conversation; start a debate. Don’t try to get rid of it.

I’m a big supporter of Banned Books Week!

Where can people find you and your work?

My website: http://www.savyleiser.com

The Furever Home Friends website: http://www.fureverhomefriends.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15144435.Savy_Leiser

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savyleiserwriter/

Furever Home Friends Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fureverhomefriends/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/savyleiser

 Instagram: @savyleiser

 Furever Home Friends Instagram: @fureverhomefriends

 

Amazon links to my books:

https://www.amazon.com/Making-Small-Town-Beauty-King/dp/1523866934

https://www.amazon.com/Princess-Allee-Furever-Home-Friends/dp/0999161415

https://www.amazon.com/Smile-Chewie-Furever-Home-Friends/dp/0999161423

 

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Levi

Name: Levi

Pseudonym: Irving Le Rosa

Genre(s) of your work: Occult fiction, Horror, Modern Fantasy

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

The Committee : US Abattoir I (2017)

Bio:

I’m 39, I’m originally a Central Illinois native. I’ve been in the area for the majority of my life; I’ve been involved in artistic pursuits for pretty much that entire amount of time. I don’t have any single area of focus – I’ve written music, I sculpt, I make armor, weapons, lamps, furniture, I even do some graphic design. I have a technical certification in digital pre-press layout operations, not that I do it for a living mind you. I am an inordinately talented hack and a moderately well-read Philistine.

While I am technically the eldest of my blood relations, I’m somewhere in the top middle of my actual sibling group – I have three brothers, a sister, a step sister, and I’m sure I’m missing a couple of people here, my point being that my family tree looks like an octopus.

I’ve been around people that ‘do’ for my entire life; I’m not the son of intellectuals, per se. My father was a maintenance man and my mom worked in a factory for 20 years. I used to install furnaces for a living; I grew up in an upholstery shop run by my grandparents on my mother’s side, and my grandmother on my father’s side was a fifty-year veteran RN at one of the local hospitals. I’ve spent time on farms, breaking into abandoned buildings, and all sorts of other stuff.

In my personal time, I engage in wildly varied pursuits. I’m a very hands-on sort of individual. I’m also a bit of a nerd. I invented a device to convert a QWERTY keyboard into a functional four way joystick, which is kind of a waste in a postmodern era where a USB joystick costs 15 dollars, but I made it work well enough to play Street Fighter Versus X Men on an emulator, so there. I designed a proprietary bullwhip assembly pattern, I build my own furniture – I believe in doing things according to my own design.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I enjoy dark fiction; I think everyone likes horror, to some degree. It offers the opportunity to reinvent the known. Additionally, since there’s a lot of unexplored territory surrounding common but disconnected themes, it’s possible to create a very complex narrative. I don’t read a lot of conventional horror myself, so it was an interesting place to explore the process of writing because a lot of my own expectations weren’t very directionally biased.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

I would say the process has altered my life in a few different ways. Some are related to the process of writing itself, some are more related to the subject itself than the specifics of storytelling.

It’s been a challenge trying to organize something with this many moving parts. Musically, the longest thing I’ve ever written tops out at seven minutes and contains maybe 1 page of lyrical content. I’ve done other creative projects that include a lot of writing and description, and I do a lot of writing as a general course of my daily existence – but none of these were ever a long term sort of thing. Writing a book definitely requires a greater amount of directional momentum and oversight. You need to know where you’re going, if not necessarily how to get there.

That’s really only half of it. In the case of The Committee, I actually started a weightlifting regimen to get in the headspace of one of the main characters – I put on over 50 lbs. as a result of that particular practice alone. I’ve written a few short papers on differing occult hypotheses, including a functional method for improving mnemonic recall during your sleeping hours thus allowing you to remember your dreams. Which relates to two of the other characters (at minimum).

In both cases, it’s not like it was something that I wasn’t already moving towards, but the process of writing and trying to place yourself in the varied mindsets required by the perspectives presented within your work crystallizes a lot of what otherwise seems haphazard. Some of those ground floor things that put you into contact with the things you’re writing about will directly alter your life as a result of you doing them. Sometimes permanently. You’re opening doors that don’t close again after you walk through them.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Neil Gaiman. Incredible, high-minded concepts related in a very direct, grounded manner. Impossible to argue with.

James Clavell. Merciless portrayal of the raw humanity of his characters. They’re flawed and messed up, it’s beautiful.

Frank Herbert. Scope of vision; incredible complexity and the expectations he had of humanity are simply awe-inspiring.

Douglas Adams. Beneath the absurdity of the man is a descriptive genius capable of creating the most vivid imagery.  Brilliant.

Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman. Excellent use of split-focus narrative style, great world building skills.

Alan Moore. Sledgehammer brutality wielded with incredible finesse.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I have nothing against the idea of a Barnes and Noble – if you can get people to read, I’m not too picky about how they’re getting it into their hands. I’m not really an elitist in that sense. I sell my books on Amazon, you know?

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

Don’t expect the obvious.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

As stated, I wrote a lot of my characters from the lens of personal experience, and in some cases I go out of my way to develop a stronger connection to that experience in order to possess a more clarified perspective.

Secondarily, there was a lot of development that occurred in an intellectual sandbox as well. In the case of my first book, a lot of the world-building was something I participated in with my friend, J. Kennedy; the original concept of “a zombie that isn’t a zombie” came about while we were developing characters and world “lore” for a table-top strategy game he was designing. The game kind of stalled out, but we talked about it non-stop, twice a week for hours at a stretch for more than a year straight. I have dozens of pages of notes, concept art, all sorts of stuff.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

Just keep coming back to it. It took six years to sort out the first book, though I wrote over half of it (roughly 75,000 words) in the last year of development alone; it adds up quickly. The second one already has more direction than the first did – now I just need to flesh out them bones.

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

It has to be decently written; there is such a thing as a minimal visual appeal requirement, it’s hard to read something that’s just not well-crafted, but it also has to move. You can’t have terrible writing and a dithering pace.

Tolkien is my favorite example of effective minimalist visual appeal – he creates an image in short order, there are occasional departures into deep description as required, and some of the parts of his books are incredibly sophisticated. He wrote languages, you know? Awesome preparatory work.

But for the most part the descriptive narrative takes a consistent back seat to the action. He tells you what hobbits are, how they look, and then doesn’t labor on it afterwards, it’s all forward movement from there. And it’s super-effective – they’re here, then they’re there, holy snaps the BALROG, all these things, back to back to back.

If it was all heavily fleshed out, Lord of the Rings would be the thickness of an encyclopedia, but it isn’t. It does an excellent job of providing the details and then, boom, log drop, and now you’re five hundred miles away in the middle of a war.  There’s a reason why it’s a gold standard.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

No. There’s a caveat to that – there are things that, as an author or a responsible human being, that you probably shouldn’t glorify. But there’s not a lot that you can just categorically exclude, assuming that it serves a valid purpose in furthering your narrative.

Where can people find you and your work?

I’m on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IrvingLeRosa

I’m on Twitter –  https://twitter.com/IrvingLeRosa

Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Committee-US-Abattoir-I/dp/173227410X

There will eventually be an actual site, but that’s where I’m at for now. Give it a read and let me know what you think.

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 Lisa J. Lickel

Name: Lisa J. Lickel

Genre(s) of your work: Romance, suspense, children’s cozy mystery, literary

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Lots, between 2009 and 2018

Bio:

Lisa Lickel lives in the rolling hills of western Wisconsin. A multi-published, award-winning novelist, she also writes short stories, creative non-fiction, and radio theater. She is an avid reader, a top Goodreads book reviewer, a blogger, and a freelance editor. Lickel is also a mentor and instructor with Novel-in-Progress Bookcamp and Writing Retreat, Inc., http://www.novelbookcamp.com, working with writers from across the US. Visit http://www.LisaLickel.com.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

Honestly, I started writing cozy mysteries after I learned what they were purely for mercenary reasons. A publisher was starting a mystery book club much like its popular romance book club, and I figured it was a good start. It was. Then I went to writing books I was interested in, subjects that were a little grittier and meatier. I actually signed with three agents based on one of those novels that I eventually published myself last year when none of the four agents I’ve been with were able to move the book.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Being able to write and work with authors as my regular part time day job has really been a blessing to me. I found it hard to work in the public sector for a lot of reasons, and I wanted to be able to take time off in the summer when my teacher husband was at home, and my parents or kids needed me. The work is also portable and I’ve taken it with me when we moved across state.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I am a big Anne McCaffrey fan. Her characters are so memorable. Ray Bradbury was the best writer of the twentieth century. Anyone who can make me feel like a twelve-year-old on the cusp of life every summer has a gift. Steven James is just brilliant. His amazing Patrick Bowers detective story arc is blinding. I’m reading Andy Weir right now, or I will be soon. I got interested in his work after watching The Martian, so I’m steeling up for a technical story. My buddy Nicolette Pierce makes me laugh out loud with her kitschy girl sleuth and angry romantic men, and Fredrik Backman makes me weep with culture clashes and clusters of people who need each other and just don’t know it until the end. I should stop now.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

Somebody has to have a brick and mortar bookstore. I wish more indies would be able to make it, but if big boxes commit to supporting authors in a locality, it’s okay with me. It’s impersonal, but it’s a bookstore. I don’t like the premise that a big box will come in and wipe out all the indies and then belly down and leave, but that happens in all kinds of businesses.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

I hope for thoughtful discussion, mindful exchange with others, sharing of experience. I enjoy book clubs, and how bibliophiles talk about stories they’ve read and hope to spark the same kind of conversation. The subjects I explore in my work are often around painful decisions the characters are faced with, prejudices, family, faith, conscientiousness, and love.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

The write-what-you-know thing is more important and inherent to authors than readers, and even us authors, think. What we are, how we’ve been raised, where we live, what we do all weave its way into our stories. While I haven’t had cancer, I’ve had scares, family and very close friends who’ve dealt with the disease. Another family member has been lost in the woods. I know people of mixed race and people who have been unfairly targeted at work. I love to quilt and farming. However, my neighbors are Amish and I’d just never write about them. It just wouldn’t be right.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

Contracts and deadlines help a lot.

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

Oh boy, that’s a hot one. I was raised with a strict rule of finishing what I start—no matter what it was. That said, there is a certain freedom in putting down something that just doesn’t move me. It makes more sense to spend time on something I think I’ll like. All those nasty reviewers who are too moronic to read the back of the book and then find some perverse pleasure in letting others know how idiotic they are when they write that they didn’t like the book move me in a different way. But I also do a lot of book reviews and even if I don’t care for what I’m reading, I feel obligated to read enough of a book to review it. Sometimes I don’t have time to finish something and try to get back to it later.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

There are things I don’t like and won’t promote, but I also want the same right to ask you to read and respond to my work as I give to your right to write and read what you want. There is plenty of material out there with no redeeming value, but marketing campaigns make people think they need it. I draw the line at denigrating material that has the sole purpose of promoting harmful behavior.

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

I’m a professional editor. I find it hard to read strictly for pleasure anymore because I’m always checking for errors—grammar, syntax. The apostrophe misuse makes me nuts. If I put something down it’s because there are stupid fixable errors that a good proofread should have caught. By the same token I can’t and don’t dare to solely edit my own work.

Where can people find you and your work?

In cyberworld, find information about me on my website and Facebook, occasionally Twitter and Pinterest and Goodreads—links below. I do some regular workshops in the Midwest. I’ll be teaching again at Novel in Progress Bookcamp in May in Wisconsin. My books are available on all the usual internet sites including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, iTunes; a few are available on Audible, and of course can be ordered wherever books are sold.

www.LisaLickel.com

www.facebook.com/lisalickelauthor

www.goodreads.com/lisalickel

https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-J.-Lickel/e/B002D66ECC

www.twitter.com/lisajlickel

http://authorculture.blogspot.com

http://wisconsinauthorreview.blogspot.com

http://livingourfaithoutloud.blogspot.com

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Lisa M. Lilly

Name:   Lisa M. Lilly

Pseudonym (if you use one): L.M. Lilly for non-fiction

Genre(s) of your work:

Fiction: Supernatural Thrillers, Occult, Suspense/Mystery

Nonfiction: Books On Writing Craft

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

The Awakening (Book 1) 2011

The Unbelievers (Book 2 in The Awakening Series) 2014

The Conflagration (Book 3 in The Awakening Series) 2016

The Illumination (Book 4 in The Awakening Series) 2017

The Complete Awakening Series Box Set/Omnibus Edition 2017

The Tower Formerly Known As Sears And Two Other Tales Of Urban Horror 2011

When Darkness Falls 2016

Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide To Plotting And Writing Your Novel (Writing As A Second Career Book 1) 2017

Creating Compelling Characters From The Inside Out (Writing As A Second Career Book 2) 2017

The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year (Writing As A Second Career Book 3)

Bio:

Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series, which includes The Awakening, The Unbelievers, The Conflagration, and The Illumination. The Complete Awakening Series is also available in a Box Set/Omnibus edition.

A member of the Horror Writers Association, Lilly also wrote When Darkness Falls, a standalone gothic horror novel set in downtown Chicago. She is currently working on a new mystery/suspense series featuring lawyer and former child stage actress Q.C. Davis.

Under L.M. Lilly, she writes non-fiction, including Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide To Plotting And Writing Your Novel; Creating Compelling Characters From The Inside Out; and The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year.

Lilly lives in Chicago, where she practices law and is a past officer of the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists. She joined AAIM after an intoxicated driver caused the death of her parents in 2007.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I started reading Stephen King novels when I was in fourth grade, and I love books like Rosemary’s Baby and The Stepford Wives. I’m also a huge mystery fan, particularly of books starring female private eyes like V.I. Warshawski. So, basically, for fiction I write what I love to read.

My nonfiction books on writing craft and time management cover what I wish I had learned when I majored in Writing/English in college.

I learned a lot in my writing classes but it was mainly about how to write vivid scenes rather than how to construct a good plot or create well developed characters. I feel like I learned all of that the hard way by trial and lots of error. I’m hoping my books can save other writers a little bit of time and effort.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

I’ve loved to write for as long as I can remember, and it was always something I was struggling to carve out time for. Over the last year or two I’ve been able to make writing the centerpiece of my work life which is wonderful. I’m much more relaxed and happier than when I was working 50 to 70 hours a week practicing law.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

When Borders first opened, I loved going to the stores because they had plenty of seating areas and it was such a novelty to be able to get a book and sit right in the café to read it, which is something I still love to do. I also really liked meandering among all the books and discovering ones I hadn’t heard of before. Mainstream bookstores now, though, seem to only carry the most popular books so browsing is not nearly as fun.

I’d much rather go to a small, independent bookstore for that. It’s a much better place to make discoveries.

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?

It helps me to sit down with my calendar and figure out how long it should take me to finish a book. So if I’m expecting it to be 80,000 words and I write about 2,500 words in a writing session, I schedule 32 writing sessions. I leave room to take breaks, but mostly I stick to the schedule and check off each 2,500 word session as I go.

I also use visualization.

I picture the complete finished manuscript being printed out my printer or the final book sale page on my website. I also write about how great I’ll feel when I get the project finished. Finally, I tell people when I’m aiming to have the book done. Sometimes I have to revise my estimate but it does help me push forward when I know that friends and readers will be asking me if I’m done yet.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

I’m not sure about this. Certainly there are topics I don’t want to write about or read about. It also concerns me that stories influence people, particularly as to what they consider to be normal behavior. For instance, the proliferation of books and films showing women as victims and treating them as objects can’t help but influence how both women and men see women as a whole. For that reason, I try to choose carefully what I read and write.

The idea of the government telling people what they can or can’t write bothers me, however. I think I’d rather see everyone able to write what they choose and leave it to readers to decide how they want to spend their time.

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

It drives me crazy when the main character of a book is a writer. It feels lazy, like the author couldn’t make the effort to create a fictional profession. That being said, Stephen King does this a lot and it has never bothered me in his work, so maybe it depends on how the character is otherwise portrayed.

Where can people find you and your work?

www.LisaLilly.com

www.WritingAsASecondCareer.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisamlilly

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAwakeningSeries

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-M.-Lilly/e/B005EO80OK

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5126606.Lisa_M_Lilly

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Vicki Lipe

Your Name: Vicki Lipe

Genre(s) of your work: Children’s literature (specifically illustrated haiku poetry)

Bio:

I’m a Midwest girl who has lived her entire life in various parts of Illinois but has called Galesburg, IL home for over thirty-five years. I graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, received my Masters’ degree from St. Xavier University in Chicago, and have spent my entire career teaching English, speech, and drama in junior highs, high schools, and, most recently, at our local junior college.

I have played piano since I was five years old and am active in my church playing keyboard in our praise band, accompanying vocalists regionally, directing children’s musicals, singing at church, and teaching women’s groups. I also conduct haiku workshops and book readings for all ages in schools, libraries, and other venues.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

My love for poetry began as a child reading the Psalms and grew as I encountered the great poets introduced to me by many dedicated teachers throughout my educational experience from grade school through college. I have always been intrigued by the power of words-still amazed at the innumerable combinations we can create using just twenty-six letters! Profound is the potential of just a single word to elicit a mental picture, memory, or emotion.

Poetry, by necessity, relies on word economy – especially traditional haiku (Japanese in origin), which contains only seventeen syllables (five on lines one and three and seven on line two). It does not rhyme and does not necessarily adhere to traditional punctuation. Nature is the focus of most haiku, and creating a moment is the goal. I suppose I am drawn to its beauty, simplicity and potential to stir the reader.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

When I was in the sixth grade in rural Southern Illinois, my teacher required all of us to write an essay for submission to a writing contest sponsored by our county’s soil and water conservation association dealing with conservation’s impact in Jackson County. While writing for that assignment, I got my first real experience with focused editing and revision. Lo and behold, of the over three hundred or so submissions, I won first place, received the grand prize of $25.00 and was asked to read the essay both at the awards ceremony and at a local radio station, thus launching my professional writing career!

Through the years, I was taught by some truly gifted English and speech teachers who continued to inspire me to develop as a writer and appreciate the power of both the written and spoken word. Majoring in English education in college was, therefore, a matter of course. I never even considered another path and have spent my adult life teaching the craft. Now that I am retired (and not grading student writing until the wee hours every weeknight and weekend), I hope to continue to write for publication (and, hopefully, make more than $25.00!).

Who are your favorite authors and why?

My tastes are extremely eclectic. My favorite book to teach was To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, but I also loved teaching all things Dickens and Shakespeare, along with short story masters like Mark Twain, Shirley Jackson, Guy de Maupassant, and William Faulkner. Favorite poets include Shakespeare, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Theodore Roethke, and Edgar Lee Masters.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

I believe they are here to stay and fill a necessary niche in the market.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

“It is what it is.” They have revolutionized the public’s ability to access literature. I just hope the local brick and mortar bookshops can survive.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

I am new to the publishing world, so I would prefer asking for tips rather than dispensing them!

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

Once allowed, you have opened Pandora’s box, so – no.

Where can people find you and your work?

You can check out my website: http://www.vickilipe.com. My books are also available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. If you would like to order directly from me or send me a purchased copy to be signed/personalized, contact me at haikus4you2@gmail.com.

If you would like to schedule a book reading and/or haiku workshop, please contact me at haikus4you2@gmail.com as well.

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Felicia Mack Little

Your Name: Felicia Mack Little

Pseudonym (if you use one): Mack Little

Genre(s) of your work: Historical Fiction, Horror

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Daughter of Hades/2021

Progenie/2019 (Out of Print)

Bio:

Born in Conyers, Georgia, I studied International Politics in Seville, Spain. I lived several years in Germany. My studies and service in the Army have taken me all over the U.S. I travel to Europe regularly for research. I am currently on the Board of Directors of the Houston Writer’s Guild.  “Progenie” is my first novel.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I write historical romance, fantasy, and horror because I enjoy reading these genres. However, the landscaper of what I was reading was monochromatic. I know this is starting to sound trite, but none of the heroes looked like me. In these historical novels, black and brown populations have been erased or treated as throwaway devices to serve the white hero. I want to show black and brown, and other marginalized populations do exist and can play a part in escapist fare. I want to spark the imagination of other authors, be they black or white, about what romance, fantasy, and horror could look like.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Through writing, I have found meaning and expression. However, as an artist, it can be somewhat tortuous as an independent author, seeking validation and having to be a salesperson and market strategist.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Maya Angelou was an early favorite because she opened up a world of possibilities to a poor country girl, who seemed to have limited options.

John Irving is the master of character development. So many of his characters as so real, I go back and re-read them so that I can re-visit them.

James A. Corey, who is actually a couple of authors, their storytelling is the best I’ve read so far. I love the way they structure the story and themes and create compelling narratives.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

I don’t believe audiobooks will replace physical books, but, because of its convenience, it’s definitely a trend that is here to stay. While I prefer hard-copy books, but I love listening to audiobooks when I walk or drive anywhere.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I don’t have much of an opinion. I’m sure there is some movement or another against them, but I don’t have the bandwidth to be overly concerned. I do prefer small independent bookstores, especially the ones with cats…or dogs. I love the sense of community and their accessibility to independent authors.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

I think interviews, book signings, and events that contact potential readers are the best. Newsletters are necessary, but for me, right now, it is not the most useful. I have yet to harness the power of that medium.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

No topics should be taboo. However, writers should be prepared for the consequences of what they write.

Where can people find you and your work?

You can purchase my books on Amazon. You can find out more about me and sign up for my newsletter at: https://mack-little.com

Twitter handle: @zenbabie

Instagram: @zenbabie

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Ellen Jo Ljung

Your Name: Ellen Jo Ljung

Genre(s) of your work: Memoir

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Tales Told Out of School: Lessons Learned by the Teacher  (Published 2022)

Bio:

Illinois Master Teacher Ellen Jo Ljung spent nearly four decades teaching and learning from her students. She taught middle school, high school, and other teachers in three different states as her family moved. Author of two textbooks on teaching writing with computers and more than two dozen articles, Ljung also maintains an education blog.

A trailblazer in Problem-Based Learning, Ljung developed and taught a course that became a model for a state innovation program. She wrote many of the professional development materials for that program and for Teacher-Match. Ljung also helped bring Gay/Straight Alliances to her school district and is a co-founder of the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance [www. https://www.ilsafeschools.org%5D.

When she isn’t busy reading and writing in her home office, Ljung and her husband of 54 years create art glass sold in galleries and travel the world to kayak. They’ve kayaked on five continents, from Alaska to Africa to Asia. She is also a Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem for children in foster care and a political activist. In her spare time [isn’t sleep overrated?!], Ljung creates wearable art.

You can read her blog at www.imwriter.com and reach her at imwriter@imwriter.com.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

As a teacher and professional storyteller, I find myself generating my stories from experience. All of my early writing [two textbooks on teaching writing with computers when they were just coming to schools and dozens of professional articles] was expository, but I love stories. I’ve always treasured Barry Lopez’s quote:

Remember on this one thing, said Badger. The stories people tell have a way of taking care of them. If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed.

I retired from teaching when changes made it far less appealing. Writing and publishing this book has allowed me to end my career on a celebratory note, and its led me to so many interesting readers!

How has writing changed/altered your life?

I can’t remember not writing, so I don’t know how to answer this. I wrote mediocre poems in a notebook in grade school, I’ve journaled for ages, and I write for multiple venues now. But I do think I’ve always used writing, especially journaling, to figure out what I think.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Oh, so many… I love authors of good contemporary fiction like Colson Whitehead and Britt Bennett, I learn from authors like Ibram X. Kendi and Isabel Wilkerson, I relax with good mysteries, especially those featuring setting and/or female protagonists [Laura Lippman, Lisa Scottoline, Sara Paretsky, Marcia Muller], authors like Elizabeth Berg relate to my life, and – even though I’m not a big fan of science fiction – I find Ray Bradbury’s work more compelling than ever as so many of his predictions and warnings have come true.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

I know many people who love them, and I used to listen to them on the way to work – in fact, I learned to leave early so I wouldn’t have to stop a book at a critical juncture! – but I think there may always be a passion for paper books that we hold and connect with. And I can’t imagine life without an e-reader; my Kindle doesn’t keep my husband awake if I’m reading at night, and it allows me to have a slew of books at my disposal at all times. I suspect we’ll continue to support all these platforms.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

Word-of-mouth and Facebook posts have

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

I don’t believe in censorship. My parents encouraged me to read widely, and I got an adult card at our library when I was still in grade school. They also encouraged me to talk about what I was reading and helped me process more adult themes and issues. How can we learn about our world and our fellow human beings if we limit access? Censors undermine our ability to be exposed to and evaluate new and different ideas, to learn to think for ourselves after considering more options.

What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?

Having been afraid of guns all my life, having been mugged at gunpoint twenty years ago, I appreciate a theater’s warning me that there will be gunshots… but I don’t see the same need with books. It’s easy to know about the contents of a book these day with the most basic online search, so people with issues like my fear of guns can warn themselves if they need to.

Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?

I do best in person, though the internet has helped, too. I haven’t put my book on Amazon or released an ebook there yet, because I’m committed to selling through independent bookstores first and foremost.

Where can people find you and your work?

They can order from me directly or from Politics & Prose [https://www.politics-prose.com/book/9781624293788] or from Harvey’s Tales [https://harveystales.com/].

www.imwriter.com

www.blog.imwriter.com

Facebook: Dare to Teach and Learn

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Claire Fluff Llewellyn

Your Name: Claire Fluff Llewellyn

Genre(s) of your work: Poetry: Fiction and Non-Fiction, Horror, Dark Humour

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

LOVE is a KILLER: heart-ripping poetry [2019] – dark poetry about heartbreak, psychos and monsters.

RHYME & REASON: Facets of a Life [2020] – fiction and non-fiction poetry; sentiment, satire and silliness = ‘LIFE’ in a nutshell!

Bio:

Born in Worcester, England, Claire Llewellyn first took an interest in poetry at an early age through primary school readings of Roald Dahl. She also developed a penchant for music and the horror genre. Her schooling required her to write creatively in all formats and she soon acquired an affinity for it, constantly writing rhymes and short stories.

In her late teens, she pursued her musical interests and formed a band, ‘Stir Crazy’, performing classic rock covers and original material. She headed the band as lead vocalist and lyricist. When they disbanded, she bounced around musical groups and added the nickname “Fluff” as part of her persona in a new theatrical rock band venture that never came to fruition. However, it was her musical pursuits that lead her to move to Illinois in 2004.

As new opportunities arose, she became embroiled in a different kind of stage performance as an assistant to a Gothic illusionist. This adventure exposed her to the world of independent horror film making. She branched out into acting and ultimately formed her own small production company, ‘Bloody Brit Productions’, through which she directs her own screenplays.Whilst fond of traditional rhyming verse, which she mostly ascribes to, maturity has afforded her the confidence to experiment a little. Poetry, and writing in general, has helped her through some tough times, allowing her to express difficult emotions, and even showcase that cheeky British humour. She mostly publishes dark, and sometimes humorous, poetry that is both fictional and nonfictional under her own imprint: Bloody Brit Press.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I love word play, so I find writing rhyming poetry fun and challenging.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

That’s a tough one to answer as I have technically been writing since a very young age, I cannot imagine my life not writing.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Edgar Allan Poe and Roald Dahl. They both wrote poetry and prose. Poe for his brooding, macabre melancholia. Dahl for his twisted humour.

Do you believe that audio-books are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

As people have less and less free time and technology rules, I would say audio-books are the future and here to stay. It’s a more instant delivery of information, less taxing on the brain and eyes, and allows for multitasking.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

Hmm, they can be a tad on the pretentious side, but so can ‘boutique’ book stores. It’s hard for small indie publishers and self-publishers to distribute in those outlets.How much does personal experience play in your written work? A LOT!! I would say at least 85% of non-fictional pieces are based on personal experience and my fictional work relies on personal experience to craft believable stories and relatable characters.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

NO. As long as the reader is given a clear indication of the content, it should be their choice what they read. [An age restriction should be in place for x-rated content.][Although, it’s a tricky area in this crazy world we live in. You don’t want to promote dangerous,radical, harmful ideas or hatred. But if you censor writers and control what topics they choose, you are eliminating freedom of expression and stifling creativity. One would hope that most rational people would not act out on something they read. There will always be a minority of unbalanced individuals who are easily influenced, censorship will not cure them. At the end of the day, if you don’t like it, don’t read it. Words have no power without readers!]

Where can people find you and your work?

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Claire-Fluff-Llewellyn/e/B07PWNRJHRIG: britfluffFB

Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/britpoet/

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Cary Lowe

Your Name: Cary Lowe

Genre(s) of your work:  Memoir

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Becoming American: A Political Memoir, 2020 – winner of the Discover Award for best writing on politics and current affairs from an independent publisher

50+ essays published in the Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, and other major newspapers, 1978 – present

Bio:

I am the author of the award-winning book Becoming American. I previously published over fifty essays on civic, political, and environmental issues in major newspapers, as well as reports and articles in professional journals. Born in post-war Europe to parents who were Holocaust survivors, I immigrated to the United States and became a citizen in my teens. Much of my writing has focused on those experiences.

Apart from my writing, I am a retired land use lawyer with 45 years of experience representing public agencies, developers, Indian tribes, and non-profit organizations, and continue to work as a mediator affiliated with the National Conflict Resolution Center. I hold a law degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California, and taught at USC, UCLA, and UC San Diego. I also have served in several appointed government positions and on the boards of non-profit civic and environmental organizations.

 

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I always have preferred to write about things I know or have experienced first-hand. For many years, that took the form of essays on public issues. My book takes that in a more personal direction.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Writing has required me to tell stories or present positions in ways that are simultaneously concise and interesting. Having my writing published has enabled me to influence public thinking about issues of interest to me. Publication of my book, in particular, has given my readers a deeper view into my personal history, to the surprise of many (including ones who have known me a long time).

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Edith Eger, because her memoir of her wartime experiences relates vividly to my own family’s experiences.

James Michener, because his historical fiction writing stimulated my interest from a young age in being a writer.

Tom Hayden, because his analyses of contemporary political events are so sharp and comprehensive.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

I believe audiobooks will remain a useful and important way for some people to consume literature, but I think most readers will prefer to see the printed (or digital) words.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

Mainstream/corporate bookstores have the virtue of being able to stock large volumes of books in one place, allowing readers to conveniently peruse a variety of books at one time. On the other hand, with most print books available on order, local bookstores can compete effectively by offering more personal service and more intimate knowledge of the literature.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

I have found direct outreach to vetted contact lists to be the most effective marketing tool, followed by online interviews and Zoom presentations to groups. The least effective tool for me was a virtual marketing tour.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

I don’t believe that any topics should be entirely taboo, but I do believe that publishers (print or digital) have a responsibility to exercise some discretion in not distributing certain kinds of material, e.g., works that are defamatory, racist, or likely to incite violence.

What was the motivation behind writing your book?

My memoir entitled Becoming American chronicles my experience of being transformed from a child of Holocaust survivors in post-war Europe to an American lawyer, academic, and activist associated with many prominent political causes and campaigns of our time. The book began as a stand-alone story I wrote for relatives and friends about a trip with my daughter to Eastern Europe to visit our family’s places of origin, and particularly to find a hidden cemetery outside Prague containing the graves of my paternal great-grandparents. I subsequently wrote more stories about my life growing up in Europe in the years following World War II, with parents who were Holocaust survivors. After writing a half dozen stories, I realized they were forming a narrative that could become the basis for a book, covering not only my youth in Europe but also our immigration to the United States and my professional and political careers here. That first story became the opening chapter and portions of subsequent chapters.

My other motivation was a desire to contribute positively to the national discussion around immigration and American identity. I wanted my book to provide an inspiring tale of how much an immigrant can contribute to the social, political, and economic culture of America while still retaining ties to one’s ancestral roots.

Where can people find you and your work?

My book is available on order through all bookstores, as well as through Amazon and other online book sales sites. My essays may be found on the websites of major newspapers, particularly the Los Angeles Times and San Diego Union-Tribune.

Website Address:  https://carylowewriter.com/

Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/carylowewriter

LinkedIn Page:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-lowe-phd-aicp-43505718/

Publisher Page:  https://www.blackrosewriting.com/biographymemoir/becomingamerican?rq=cary%20lowe

Amazon Link:  https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-American-Political-Cary-Lowe/dp/1684334624/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=cary+lowe&qid=1583350009&s=books&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble Link:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/becoming-american-cary-d-lowe/1136141814;jsessionid=B460B63F6AC19E9668C3A28F29D72F64.prodny_store01-atgap10?ean=9781684334629

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Carrie Lowrance

Name: Carrie Lowrance

Genre(s) of your work: Poetry, Children’s and upcoming Clean & Wholesome Romance

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Lithium Dreams and Melancholy Sunrise (Poetry, 2015)

The Safety Of Objects (Poetry, 2015)

Don’t Eat Your Boogers (You’ll Turn Green) (Children’s, 2015)

Shadow of Soul (Poetry, 2017),

Brock’s Bad Temper (And The Time Machine) (Children’s, 2018).

Bio:

Carrie Lowrance writes humorous books for 7-12 year olds that teach lessons about hygiene, emotions, and other social situations. She is a day care teacher with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and often gets ideas for books from the children in her care. She finds the words and antics of children to be inspiring, both her books Don’t Eat Your Boogers (You’ll Turn Green) and Brock’s Bad Temper (And The Time Machine) have been inspired by her students. To find out more about Carrie and her books, please visit carrielowrance.com.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

In my younger years, I wrote a lot of poetry. I have always loved the art form but now I don’t write as much of it as I used to. As for children’s books, I love to write them because they are fun. I love coming up with stories and watching my characters come to life via my amazing illustrator. I’m currently working on my first clean & wholesome romance and have loved the genre ever since I picked up my first Debbie Macomber book. I don’t think a story has to have a lot of graphic sex, violence, and profanity to make it a good book.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Writing has changed my life in many ways. When I published my first book, Lithium Dreams and Melancholy Sunrise, I achieved my dream of becoming an author. I have wanted to be an author since I was nine years old and when I hit “publish” on Smashwords in 2015 that dream came true.

Writing and publishing books has also changed my life in that there is a lot to learn. So many people think you sit down and write a book and it will fly off the shelves on it’s own. If only it were that easy. The business of writing and publishing books is a constant journey of learning.

I made many mistakes when I first started out that I have had to correct. There is so much more than just writing a book. You have to learn to market yourself and your book, build a brand, and learn what it takes to do a “proper” book launch. There is a lot of planning and preparation that goes into writing and launching a book that people don’t understand.

How do you learn all about the business of writing and publishing books?

There are tons of “authorpreneurs” out there that teach the business of authorship. One of my favorite books on the subject is Breaking Orbit by Jonathan Green. I think it is a must have if you are writing your first book. It takes you through the process of writing, publishing, and marketing your first book on Amazon.

I also love that Jonathan is a down to earth guy and if you email him with questions, he will answer you personally. I have been following him since 2017 and have learned a ton from him. He is invested in his readers and followers and wants them to succeed. Bottom line is, find someone you resonate with and who is living the life you want to live. Make sure you have a personal connection with the person that you can relate to.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I’m a huge fan of Debbie Macomber and Karen Kingsbury because their stories are positive and make you feel good after you read them. I love both of their writing styles. Nicholas Sparks is also a favorite.

I read all genres so my favorite authors vary. Other fiction writers I like are James Patterson, John Grisham, Nora Roberts, Melissa Storm, Belinda Buchanan, Bella Andre, and the list goes on and on. As for nonfiction I like Jon Acuff, Jonathan Green, Sam Kerns, Dave Ramsey, etc.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

Audiobooks are a hot market and I believe that every author should have their books available in this format. In my opinion, when your books are in ebook, paperback, hardback, and audiobook it makes you look like a professional. Four out of my five books are in audio currently and I plan on doing the fifth one this year. I do my books via a royalty share with my narrators so I don’t have to pay anything up front and I have worked with some amazing people on ACX. Audio is also another revenue stream, so why not?

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

As a reader, I like them. As an indie author not so much. I find that it’s very hard to get your books into big name bookstores when you self-publish. I was able to do this once and  it didn’t pan out well so I’m focusing on other ways to get my books out there.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

Personal experience and having characters that are based “loosely” on people I know is very prominent in my work.

Where can people find you and your work?

Instagram: Children’s Author and Poet (@carrielowrance)

Website: https://carrielowrance.com/

Carrie Lowrance Author www.carrielowrance.com

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Tom Lutz

Your Name: Tom Lutz

Genre(s) of your work: New book, Born Slippy:  noir, thriller, literary novel

Year of Published Work(s): 2019

Bio:

I spent the first part of my life as a wandering musician, carpenter, cook, and wastrel, and then realized that there were people called professors, and they got to read books and write them for a living. I started going to school and never left, BA, MA, PhD. I teach now at UC Riverside in the creative writing department.

I’m the author of nine books: this new novel, three books of travel writing, two books of cultural history (one on the history of tears, one on the history of slackers), two books of literary history, and a philosophical essay on aimlessness. I’ve also done hundreds of book chapters, newspaper and magazine articles, stories, reviews, interviews, radio shows, podcasts, and short films, and edited thousands of articles, journals, and books.

For the last ten years, I’ve been the editor in chief of the Los Angeles Review of Books, which I founded and still run. And I have been writing feature films and television for the last decade or so as well, doing the Hollywood shuffle.

I live in Los Angeles and travel whenever I can.

Why do you write in the genres that you do?

Because my teaching job pays my bills, I get to write about whatever I want, whenever I want. I don’t have to worry about the books selling enough to keep me alive, which is a good thing, because although a few of them got on bestseller lists, a few of them definitely did not! But this freedom means I have been able to take chances on strange subjects, switch genres and audiences whenever I wanted, and really be my own boss, immune to the market. Because I studied and taught literature for years, the thing I wanted to do most—write novels—was incredibly daunting to me, so I kept procrastinating by working on other writing projects. Until now.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

My success as a writer has made everything else possible.  But more than that, I find that I’m a bit of an addict—I start to feel a little sick if I haven’t written for a while, and I know that if I’m getting depressed, or out of sorts, nothing keeps the doctor away like sitting down and getting lost in the process of writing.

Writing screenplays and pilots freed up my fiction juices, and gave me a sense of the pleasure to be had making people up, and let me finally sit down and write the novel. I have never had so much fun, never experienced so much pleasure (at work) as I did writing Born Slippy. I couldn’t wait to get back to it day after day.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Too many to count. In my genre: Chandler, Hammett, Mosley, Ellroy, Highsmith, Greene, Hiaasen, Leonard, Cha, Pochoda, Scottoline, Thompson, Le Carré.

In classic American literature: Wharton, James, Cather, Howells, Hurston, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, O’Connor, Ellison, Roth, Morrison.

Classics around the world: Garcia Marquez, Borges, Dostoevsky, Flaubert, Austen, Sterne, Fielding, Woolf, Tolstoy, Dickens, Brontë, Brontë, Achebe, Thiong’o, Nabokov, I don’t even know where to start….

Among my friends in LA: Percival Everett, Michelle Huneven, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Danzy Senna, Aimee Bender, Jonathan Lethem, Paul Mandelbaum, Laila Lalami, Seth Greenland, T.C. Boyle, Susan Straight, Michelle Latiolais, Andrew Winer, Charmaine Craig, Antoine Wilson, Jane Smiley, Jervy Tervalon, Michael Jaime Becerra, Alex Espinoza, Miriam Gurba, Lisa Teasley, Jerry Stahl, Mona Simpson, Gary Phillips, Steve Erickson, Yxta Maya Murray, Josh Emmons, Gina Nahai, Goldberry Long, Michael Tolkin, Lisa See, Denise Hamilton, Justin Torres, Bruce Bauman, Dana Johnson, Chris Kraus, Howard Rodman, Luis Rodriguez, Aimee Liu, Maria Amparo Escandon, Sesshu Foster—I’m just getting started…. And that is just fiction….

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I am in favor of all bookstores, the more the merrier. Like any serious reader, I know that there is nothing like a brilliant independent bookstore, and I love seeing some of them begin to thrive again, especially here in my neighborhood, Skylight, Eso Won, Chevalier’s, Vroman’s, The Last Bookstore, Book Soup…..

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

It is always part of the mix, sometimes in obvious ways—for instance, the places in this novel (Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan, Massachusetts, California) are all places I have spent time, and many of the characters are based, however loosely, on people from my life—and sometimes less obvious: my book on the history of tears has no personal experience described in it, but it is completely driven by trying to understand my own weepy family. The travel books are 100% my experience, but I always try, in that work, to look out rather than in: it is my experience of other people.

What motivates you to complete your (writing) work?

The pleasure of doing it. Also, I find that if you tell someone you are writing a novel, it is embarrassing if they keep asking you about the novel and it is never finished….

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

Absolutely not. Literature is an examination of what it means to be human, and so nothing human can be foreign to it. If you don’t want to deal with something, you don’t have to read it, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be written. I understand such a blanket policy opens the door to all sorts of horrific representation, and ultimately all sorts of hate speech. But like I say, we don’t have to read it.

Where can people find you and your work?

Tomlutzwriter.com has a calendar of events and will always be updated with new publications. I’m on Amazon.com, Goodreads, Facebook and very infrequently on Twitter and Instagram.