Author Meet & Greet
All are welcome here.
Connect with authors through their social media links (if they choose to share them), learn about their writing process, and purchase their works.
The 4 most current interviews are posted here. Older ones may be found under the Archive: Author Meet & Greet on the main page of this blog by the author’s last name.
**Jack Ketchum’s Interview from December 2017 is PINNED at the bottom of this page**
So, without further ado, let’s get to know
Meet & Greet Author: #294
Kendra Slone
Your Name: Kendra Slone
Genre(s) of your work: YA Fantasy
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
The Hailwic Chronicles: The Shifter (2020)
The Hailwic Chronicles: The Forgotten Prince (2024)
Bio:
Kendra Slone loves to live in fantasy worlds in her free time. From reading and writing books to playing video games or watching movies, she is always searching for the next best thing to grab her attention. She loves to cross stitch, bake tasty desserts, and is a newbie at painting miniatures and building legos.
She is the author of The Hailwic Chronicles, a YA fantasy series that she started writing when she was young. An avid reader in the same genre she writes in, Kendra has always wanted to publish a book of her own. She made that dream possible by self-publishing her first book, The Hailwic Chronicles: The Shifter, in October of 2020.
Kendra lives in a quiet, small town in Illinois with her husband, two cats, and two dogs. She also spends as much time as she can with her mother and nephew. Want to know about her future projects and life updates? Follow her on social media for more!
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
Growing up reading was my way of getting away from the real world. Books about dragon
riders, magical worlds, and thrilling adventures were always my go to. I loved them so much that I have had a version of Hailwic and all of its characters in my mind since I was at least twelve. I loved stories about good vs. evil, mythical creatures and figuring out why each character was the way they were. I write fantasy because I love to allow my imagination to go wild like I did when I was kid. Iโd also love to expand my writing when Iโm finished with The Hailwic Chronicles. Perhaps a standalone thriller or horror story?
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Iโve been writing stories since I was a kid, though I canโt say they were always good. I remember having a notebook with a Pikachu on the front of it and writing short stories about Pokemon in it. I wrote and rewrote stories about a boy and a dragon in Jr. High. Itโs something that Iโve always loved to do when I had the time, but I didnโt get serious about it until 2019. I decided that year that I would finish writing a novel and pursue self-publishing. It was this path with writing that made me realize that I can set a goal and follow through with it until the end. It made me realize what I was capable of and that I could follow my dream of writing books like I always wanted to do. It gave me a purpose.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Christopher Paolini wrote the Inheritance series. It became my favorite book of all time. Eragon introduced me to a world of dragons and magic like I had never read before. I was excited to read each book the moment I got my hands on them.
J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter series. Iโm not much of a fan of her these days, but I wonโt deny that her books filled many years of my life with magic. Not only did I love Hogwarts, but so did my friends, my cousins, and the people around me. It was something that brought many of us together in discussion and excitement. I mean who didnโt secretly hope that thereโd be an owl pecking at your window with your Hogwarts letter in its beak?
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
I think audiobooks are an awesome new way of enjoying the books we love. I myself would love to have audiobooks done for my own work, but it’s not in my budget at the moment. I think there are many people out there who would love to read more, but just donโt have the time to sit down and do it. Audiobooks provide a way to allow them to enjoy a good story again while driving to work or doing the dishes.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
I think connecting with other local authors has been a good way to learn about other book events. Putting myself out there has been the best tool so far. Sharing posts on social media helps at times too. But no matter what, it is difficult. Iโm not sure if Iโve found the best way yet, but Iโm working on it.
Do you believe writing should be censored โ that some topics should remain taboo?
No, I donโt think so. We learn by opening our minds to other experiences, worlds, cultures, and languages. To restrict these topics, no matter how extreme some might think they are, is to keep us in a bubble. I think it’s dangerous to believe that one’s way of thinking is the only way. And if the topic is dangerous, I think itโs important to learn why it is.
What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
I hadnโt thought about it before, but I think it is a good idea depending on the material youโre writing. There are some things that certain people may not want to read because it could bring up a bad experience they have been through. Trigger warnings should definitely be used for anything graphic.
Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?
I sell much better at events than on social media. The only time I have done extremely well on social media is around the time of release dates. As I said in a previous answer, marketing is hard.
Where can people find you and your work?
You can find my books on Amazon!
The Hailwic Chronicles: The Shifter (1)
https://a.co/d/bW47ze6
The Hailwic Chronicles: The Forgotten Prince (2)
https://a.co/d/6inHi8O
You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok: @authorkendraslone
My website is: http://www.authorkendraslone.com
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Jennifer Shaw
Your Name: Jennifer Shaw
Pseudonym (if you use one): J. M. Shaw
Genre(s) of your work: Fantasy Adventure
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Callum Walker Series:
- The Ascension โ 2021 (First Edition); 2026 (Second Edition)
- The Convergence โ 2022 (First Edition); 2026 (Second Edition Expected Release)
- The Fractured Veil โ 2023 (First Edition); 2026 (Second Edition Expected Release)
- Forsaken Souls – 2025

After 31 years, I’m sure Terrinoni does have some great memories and lessons to share. I like that Else says books fill her soul with joy; I can relate!
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Thanks so much for reading, Priscilla! Yes, I agree – great books and the feelings they provoke can last forever.
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I agree with Stephen about fictional horror vs real-life horror. Stephen King doesn’t scare me, but the nightly news does!
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Really! I try to keep all politics and “viewpoints” out of my blog, but it’s hard sometimes!
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I did Google Busboom Castle. Wow! What a place! Great interview.:-)
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Monsters, cemeteries, crumbling buildings…McFarland and I could be friends IRL!
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Me too! ๐
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I enjoyed Kenny Sills interview. I understand people’s desire for trigger warnings, but in my case, I’d rather have the power in my own hands to decide, to read some then close the book if I need to.
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Sorry for the late response – we were at the State Fair! ๐ I added that trigger warning question because I have run into that issue a LOT over the past, say, year or so. I wondered what other writers had to say about it.
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It was interesting to “meet” Ellen Jo Ljung. It sounds like she is living a big, fulfilling life!
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I know! Very groovy interview! ๐ Thanks for reading, Priscilla!
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It’s nice to meet a fellow horror author in Jay Whales! I agree with his take on how writing gives you the control, especially at times in life when you have no control!
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That’s very true, Priscilla! One of the many groovy things about being a writer (AND being an indie!)
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A fellow horror author! It’s nice to “meet” Brianna Malotke. I think poets are so creative. Good tip about Canva. I need to learn to use it.
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I used Canva a tiny bit when I was working. It IS very useful and pretty “friendly” to use. Thanks for swinging by, Priscilla! ๐
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I like Eugene’s answers. Good meet-n-greet!
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Thanks, Priscilla! Got another one coming on Halloween! ๐
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Sue, many thanks for hosting Breakfield & Burkey on your blog site. Much appreciated.
Charles Breakfield
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Of course!! Pleasure to have you both!! ๐
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