Aug 31 2021

Deena Rae eBook Builders #interview

Please give a warm welcome to Deena Rae Schoenfeldt from Ebook Builders

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I’m a stage 3 cancer survivor, mother of 3. I have started doing ebook adaptation for my Mom’s publishing business in 2009 then opened up to independent authors and publishing houses. I have taken over all of the book – print and ebook – design of my mother’s business.

How long have you been a book designer?

I have been doing ebook adaptation – aka ebook building – for almost 12 years and have book doing the complete book design – paperback/hardback typography/layout and ebook adaptation for 7 years with a 2 year break while I underwent cancer treatment.

Have you always wanted to be a book designer?

Heavens, no. I wanted to be a lawyer, a dictator, a serial killer….anything at all to be different than my mom. But I am good at making a book fit with the author’s vision. Plus, I have a really bad temper and if I was a lawyer I would end up punching the opposing side.

What do you do as a book designer?

I take the author’s manuscript and flow it into InDesign. If the author wants the book to be branded to the storyline, I add page graphic backgrounds, images, etc to make it stand out from the majority of other books being sold. I then export it to epub (ebook) and tweak it so that the ebook and print editions are as similar as possible.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I cannot work in silence. Usually I have Fox Business on (during stock market hours since I also swing trade the market). But I have been know to work while I stream Law & Order. I also do not read the manuscript as I am doing the design. If I did it would add hours to the time it takes me to do the layout.

What are your hopes for the future?

World domination, always. I will settle for staying busy.

Do you have any advice for new book designers?

For people wanting to do what most people call ‘formatting’ learn the industry specifics. Know about rules to paragraphs and headings. Nothing irritates me quite as much as seeing a book that has been ‘formatted’ by someone who is just out to make a buck. Chicago Manual of Style is your friend. Always be learning more and improving your skills so your clients are thrilled and don’t get ‘dinged’ in reviews on the finished product. My advice for authors and really everyone is to have a tribe of professionals you can go to for advice or help. I have a group of people involved in publishing – authors, cover designers, book designers, editors – that I go to when I need help, advice or to bounce ideas off of.

Are you available for new work or booked solid.

My schedule is flexible. I can usually have 10-15 book projects in the various stages of completion during a week. I can do up a draft for an author then send it to them for approval then immediately start on another while I am waiting to hear from the previous author. I usually have no problem working in a rush job.

Deena and Tiffany M. Fox created these awesome notebooks for authors.

Now Pantsers Can Benefit From Simplified Plotting

Whether you are a bestseller or an aspiring author, this planning workbook will help you keep your characters, plot, and timeline straight.

With pages to detail your locations, characters, scenes, plot points, etc., this workbook organizes all the prewriting, writing, and post-production aspects of getting a book into print.

110 pages of plotting worksheets to help flesh out your characters, keep your timeline straight and keeps your book consistent and flowing

Each workbook contains:

4 2-page spreads Main Character worksheets;
6 2-page spreads Secondary Character worksheets;
10 2-page spreads Location worksheets/visual ticklers;
Space for up to 84 scene breakdowns;
Book budget to track payments to each of your publishing team members and miscellaneous expenses;
Project production / publishing schedule;
2 2-page spreads to list beta readers and reviewers for feedback tracking;
Lined pages for notes and ideas.

Contact E-BookBuilders if you have suggestions to make this better for your specific genre.

Aug 7 2021

Author Daria Binx #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Daria Binx

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I’m Daria Binx, a reverse harem indie author. Currently I have two books published in my series, Misfits of the Fae Realm (Misfit Princess and Misfit Betrayal). I live in Southern California, U.S.A. I’ve been married to my husband for 15 year and I have 4 kids. In my everyday job I work as a licensed nurse with special education students in the school district. I am obsessed with The Golden Girls, Hello Kitty and Disney. Fun Fact: My husband and I met while working together at Disneyland.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Funny thing about this question – I was asked this same question by a reader in an author party I was participating in and I almost answered no, never. But a memory triggered and I had a flashback to when I was a teenager. I was in my room and I had just finished watching the 10th Kingdom (it was released in the 90’s) and I was attempting to write a story. I didn’t get very far with it and I wound up tossing it aside because I thought it was stupid. I didn’t attempt to write again until maybe 2 or 3 years ago when my husband suggested I try to write a book because of how much I was obsessively reading. I remember looking at my husband and thinking he was crazy. But later that night inspiration hit and I began writing my Misfits of the Fae Realm series.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

I’ve always loved fairy tales, fantasy, and magic. I’m also an LVN (licensed nurse) so nursing is ingrained in my soul. One night while I was sitting in the living room with my family, my younger son did something and it sparked the story idea. My early writings for Misfit Princess began.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently plotting out the story for the 3rd installment of the Misfits of the Fae Realm series as well as a few other series. I have so many plot bunnies!

Do you have any quirks while working?

I don’t think any that are far out there. If I’m in the writing stage I’ll play some music – nothing in particular. M&M’s were a staple for a short while but have changed it up. Coffee is usually nearby as well.

What are your hopes for the future?

I would love to keep writing. I have so many story ideas planned and I would just like to have the chance to get them all written. A big dream would be to be able to retire and write full time.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

I think one of the main things is that everyone’s journey is different. You can’t compare your successes to others. It’s hard, I am aware of that, but just remember that you achieved greatness by getting your book published. That in itself is a momentous occasion.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

When I started this journey my whole goal was to only sell 1 book, and that it wasn’t a family member that bought it. I am forever grateful and thankful for all the readers who have read my books or have it on their TBR lists. The readers are the ones who give me the confidence to continue and keep pushing through the anxiety and the doubt. Thank you!

Jul 10 2021

Author Della Roe #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Della Roe

Tell us a bit about yourself…

My name is Della Roe. I live in Texas with my two teens, 3 cats, 2 dogs and a fish named Neptune. All but one of my animals were named after a Goddess or God. It’s kinda my theme.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

No, I fell away from books as a teen. I had always been a day dreamer though. When I picked up Twilight I devoured it, I searched for more books to sedate my new found love. The love of reading plus always having my head in the clouds lead me to writing.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

This book just kinda happened. I had no plans for it. I just wrote what came to mind.

What are you working on now?

I just am finishing up the edits of my first book. It’s about a girl who is struggling to survive. She gets fired from her job and gets possessed. It’s a romantic paranormal book. I’m not sure if it will be a ménage or MF. The characters haven’t told me yet.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I write at night. When I should go to bed, thats when I need to get the words out. I like to listen to music to space out the day. Reset my mind to go into creative mode.

What are your hopes for the future?

My hopes are to become a full time writer one day.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

I’m still a baby author myself and I’m still learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. And book people in advance! Good book designers/editors/etc are booked out far in advance.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

I don’t have any followers yet, so maybe follow me and give my books a try 🥰

Della Roe’s Readers Group

Apr 13 2021

Author Dakota Brown #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Dakota Brown

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a mountain girl. I live at altitude and I ride horses and take care of my hobby farm. I write reverse harem paranormal romance, though I have some sci fi in the works, too. I might even hit some epic fantasy in the future.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

I think the answer to that is yes, even though I didn’t actually know it was a thing I could do until the 6th grade. I didn’t realize authors were “real” people when I was younger, but creative writing was always my favorite subject. It’s been a long road, but totally worth it.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Um, well, I’m writing about an 80’s obsessed exorcist who owns a pizza shop, so, I might also love the 80’s and pizza. I actually took some elements from a short story I wrote years ago but failed to sell, and turned it into my current novel.

What are you working on now?

As I said above, I’m working on a series called Pizza Shop Exorcist. Chris Price is a sassy exorcist who somehow ends up ‘consorting’ with the demons she would normally be sending back to hell. She’s also got a vampire and a half angel for good measure. And maybe even more as the series progresses.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I like to listen to music, but it has to be music I’m familiar with because I don’t want it to distract me, and new songs will. I can listen to the same music for years and it’s fine. If I’m adding new music, I have to listen to it while I’m not writing first.

Also, tea. All the tea.

What are your hopes for the future?

To keep writing full time. I’d like some big press contracts. Netflix maybe? LOL. The sky is the limit. My main goal though is to continue to make a living doing what I love, and putting out quality work that my readers love.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

It’s hard, but don’t give up. If you’re working with a publisher, make sure you’re completely comfortable with all of the elements of the contract. If you’re working solo, make sure you get a good editor. I’ve done both, and they both have their good points and bad.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading my books and loving them.

Dakota Brown Readers Group

Teaser for book two, Price of Exorcism.

“Were you going to tell me?” I said, voice rough.

“Yes, before we went to hell. Though I hadn’t figured out how I wanted to broach the subject. Most, except other demons, wouldn’t have been able to sense the binding, especially as readily as Azrael did. I should have known he would sense it. Azrael is exceptionally different, even by our standards.”

I let out a breath and tried to unclench my shoulders. Fuck.

“If you will let me, I will improve upon these protections later.”

“Why not now?” I managed to gasp out.

“Because right now,” he leaned closer. “I want to see if you taste as good as you smell.”

This time I did whimper. The hand holding the mirror trembled, and Ezra took the mirror from me before I dropped it. Then he traced both of his hands up my back, fingers burning across my skin. His lips touched my neck and I forgot how to breathe.

May 14 2020

Author Dakota Haywood #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

My pen name is Dakota Haywood, I actually chose the last name because it was my late grandmothers last name. I’m twenty years old and currently a nursing student. My passion is to help people, but my dream is to share my writing with others. I am so proud and happy to be able to share my writing with the reader community and I can only hope I make others just as happy with my writing.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

I have always wanted to be an author. It’s been my dream since I was able to write.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

My inspiration for my book was actually a dream. I dreamed most of the plot and only changed up a few things. Almost all of my ideas come from dreams.

What are you working on now?

Right now I’m working on the unnamed second book in the series called Secrets. I’m also working on a side project featuring Pandora, but that won’t be coming out for a while now.

Do you have any quirks while working?

One of my biggest quirks when writing is I always have to write it first using my lucky pen. It’s a pen that can literally be purchased anywhere but for some reason I attatched to it and now have a little freak out when I can’t find it.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to be able to make my readers happy and to improve on my writing.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Being a new author myself all I can say is never give up. It took me four years to gather the courage to publish my book and I’m glad for it.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

For all my followers, I appreciate and value you so much. You have gave me more inspiration and happiness that I can even begin to repay❤️

Secrets

Amazon

Facebook

Instagram

May 13 2020

Model – Actor – Writer Donny Lewis #interview

Please give a warm welcome to Donny Lewis

Tell us a bit about yourself…

Hello, my name is Donny Lewis. I have been a professional model since I was 18 years old some 25 years at the top of the fashion industry. My first big advertising campaign was for Guess jeans in 1996. Since that time I have worked all over the world for most all of the major brands. Levi’s, Valentino, Armani, Boss, YSL, Esprit, Zara, H&M, Dolce & Gabanna, Bulgari, Salvatore Ferragamo, Roberto Cavalli, and many many many others. I am probably known in the industry more for the number of men’s and women’s fragrances I have done. Don’t think there are many people that have done 18 different perfumes and had a perfume contract for 20 years straight with various brands! All of this is easy tot find with a quick google search if you want. I suppose you are asking for something a bit more personal.

So here you go;
I am from a town in what is known as the South Plains of Texas. Our big claims to fame in the area are, Buddy Holly (from Lubbock, TX), and Waylon Jennings (from Littlefield, TX). We also have oil, cattle, cotton, route 66, and sand storms. There is not much else there to speak of and in keeping with that theme, my home town had a total of 216 people in it. I graduated with a class of 12 in my high school. So it is safe to say that I am from small town USA. I was never a good student but I did have good grades. I have a very curious mind and love to learn, I just did not always care for what they were teaching.

We were a farming family. We raised cotton, sheep and boarder collies, mostly. I could drive a tractor at 8 years old. (Not at all uncommon). My first car was a 1990 white 5.0 mustang.

Have you always wanted to become a model?

No. lol I actually had no idea that it could be a job until a model scout saw me and explained a bit about the business.

How did you get started?

Showing sheep actually. 🙂
I still was not interested in being a model until there was no dreamed of Football career and the best academic scholarships I was offered were only 1/2 scholarships to Yale, Princeton, Emory, Rice and Austin College. They all offered based on my SAT and ACT scores (standardized test required for entrance into university), which I scored in the top 1%. That was quite a big deal but alas, for a farm boy from a modest family, 1/2 off of way too much is still way too much! LOL. So I did about 2 years worth of University over the 2 summer semesters at the local junior college (they gave me a full scholarship) and one fall semester (I had to pay for at West Texas A&M University), and tested out of every class I could. Finally, I decided that I would see if I could take up that model scout guy on his deal to fly me up to NYC and sign on with Next model management. They took care of my flight, my apartment, my first test shootings, and a little pocket money. All as a loan that would need to be paid back if I started working! But, no strings attached if it did not work out. The way I saw it I had nothing to loose. I would try it for an experience. IF, it worked out then I would do it for no more than 2 years so I could save up enough money to pay for the rest of my education. I had plans to get a law degree, and move into politics.
I actually really enjoyed my time in the business and making some pretty decent money while traveling around the world. So, I just kept doing it. Having been to 89 countries so far! I mean, I am a little farm boy from West Texas that gets to live on two continents!

Do you have any quirks while working?

I don’t think so. The only thing that might be a quirk is that I almost always have gum in my mouth in every picture. Can’t do it so much with the acting but for photo’s no one knows but me.

Do you have any advice for new models?

My standard answer for this question has always been find a good agent! Though, the business has changed drastically in the past 5 to 6 years and there is a great deal of self promotion that is now required that was frowned up for most of my career. I would still say though that having a great agent in your corner is the best way to advance in the modeling industry. If you have say 1 million followers, then you will be just fine as well.

What are your hopes for the future?

I have many plans in the works as I have always had. I write, I have always loved books and wrote my first full novel when I was 14. Also, short stories, poetry, and screen plays, I even created and wrote a TV series. I will continue on that path, thankful that I have other means to keep the lights on! Very hard to break into and become successful as a writer. I applaud all that have and do! Other than that I would say my hopes and plans for the future are much what they are for the present. Do my best to be a good person and to be happy.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Thanks for following along @donny7lewis instagram, FB, Twitter, pinterest and youtube as well as my donnylewis.com website. As I experiment with this new dialog, sharing more of myself than just what I look like, the comments, ideas, and encouragement has been very nice. In the same way I did not know what to think about modeling before I got started in the business, I really did not know if I was going to enjoy putting myself out there in other ways. It’s always nice to learn new things about yourself. I have all of followers to thank for that.

Twitter – Website – YouTube – Pinterest – Facebook – Instagram

Jan 22 2020

Author Debbie Cassidy #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a mum of three, full time writer and multi-tasker. I’m a total homebody who loves reading and gaming. The Xbox and board games are my go-to pastime activities. My ideal night out would be a yummy meal and a movie. Ideal night in would be to curl up with a book or gather around the huge dining table for a game of Lords of Waterdeep or Cutthroat Caverns. Basically, I’m a total geek, and so are my family.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Yes, but back in the day it felt like a dream. I didn’t believe it would happen. I spent my spare time writing short stories and reading voraciously. The birth of independent publishing gave me the hope I needed to get my stories out there.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

I watch a lot of supernatural dramas and shows, and I love mythology. I have a huge collection of books on mythology. I also tend to have very vivid story-like dreams, and I draw inspiration from all of these sources. My current work in progress is no different.

What are you working on now?

The Deadside Reapers is a series about…you guessed it, reapers. But not your typical reapers. These reapers are demons born of Lilith’s bloodline. You’ll find fallen angels, loup garou, witches Grigori, a talking python and a sassy ghost.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

Oh gosh, yes, although I didn’t know this until my daughter pointed it out. I was wincing super hard the other day and she asked me what was wrong. I’d literally just wrote that the heroine was wincing. So apparently, I make faces based on what I’m writing. Thank god she hasn’t caught me writing a sex scene!

What are your hopes for the future?

I just want to continue to write stories that take readers on wonderful journeys. It makes me so happy when readers enjoy my books and it makes me happy to write them.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Do your research before you hit publish. Make sure you know the market you intend to write in. Don’t just hit publish and expect your book to sell. There are way too many great books languishing on Amazon unseen due to lack of visibility. Write a great book but do the work to make sure it gets seen. Best of luck!

Do you have anything to say to your readers?

Thank you so much for reading my books. Thank you for supporting me with your kind words and your encouragement and thank you for being as crazy about my characters as I am. I love you.

Buy link

Author links

Debbie Cassidy’s Fantasy Realms Reader Group

Aug 19 2019

Author Darcy Ray #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

– Well, where to begin… I’m Darcy Ray and this is my Pen Name. My real Identity is a secret so you might as well call me a superhero! I work in the medical field and I’m currently enrolled in nursing school due to graduate in November. I have 2 four-legged fur babies and I’ve been married since 2011 to my elementary sweetheart(awwwww)! I’m a southern gal who grew up in the hood, so I love deeply but will definitely stick up for what I believe in. Some of my favorite things in live besides books include sweet tea, Red bull, and fried chicken! I’m also a pretty open book, so if you wanna know anything further, I’m always willing to answer ❤

Have you always wanted to become an author?

– Honestly, no. I wanted to become a Doctor or Teacher. Both I’m still striving to be. I have a knack for wanting to help people and I’m very compassionate about other peoples well beings. I mean, sure growing up, I always thought it would be cool to write a book and get it out there, but that thought never seemed real. I only knew of Big time Authors and never heard the term “Indie Authors”. However, back in 2015, I started reading again and I some how stumbled across the RH community. I dived so deep and I never wanted to emerge from the awesome worlds these authors have created. I started being a Beta and even and Alpha. Those two amazing authors who I helped inspired me and made me realize, I could be there one day.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

– Ha! Thats a good question. I honestly wanted a book where all the bad things happened. I was tired of reading the same thing over and over again. Noone wrote about periods or using illegal drugs. My FMC is an Escort, most wouldnt touch that because its trashy. So I wanted to break rules and do things my way. Thus Mafias Kiss.

What are you working on now?

– I’m curing working on Mafias Embrace, which is book two of the Lethal Beauty and Smoking Steel Series. I finished a short story for an Anthology, and I have like three other series/duets planned to come out by the end of next year.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

– I need chaos to write. Like loud music, people talking on Discord, and the TV on. It makes me concentrate. Weird I know! I also have to have a visual for almost EVERYTHING I describe. My Pintrest is full of stuff!

What are your hopes for the future?

– I plan on graduating this year and taking a year off school per my husbands request and just write. I also plan on improving my skills as an author and grow my audience. Hell, I even hope to become a best selling author one day.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

– LOL! I’m still a newbie and I’m also learning as I go. But if I had to give advice? Don’t give up. Write your book from your soul and not what everyone else wants it to be. People can feel that shit when they read. Also support everyone. You are no better or less than anyone else in this community. Well unless your a dick.

Do you have anything to say to your readers?

– Thank yall so fucking much for supporting me! I know some of yall may not like my book for whatever reason, but I still appreciate the fact you took a chance on me. I do read reviews and I try honing my skills to make them better. For those who are cheering me on, I fucking love yall! Yall keep me going!!!

PS: Please review books ❤

Buy link

Author links

Aug 2 2019

Author Devyn Sinclair #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

Hi! I’m Devyn. I live in Montana where the air always smells delicious and it doesn’t get dark until ten o’clock in the summer. When I’m not writing, I’m obsessed with baking and am on a mission to find the best lemon tart recipe!

Have you always wanted to become an author?

No, actually. For a long time I wanted to be an actor. I went to theatre school and pursued that for a while. But I had always loved books and writing, and it suddenly clicked with me that I could make THAT a career, and it felt so right that I made that the goal.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

I’ve always LOVED fae books, from Laurel K. Hamilton’s Merry Gentry series to Sarah J. Maas’s A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES. I liked the idea of writing about a beautiful world that was totally different from ours. With those things in mind, the idea for The Carnal Court just kind of fell into my head!

What are you working on now?

I’m working on EUPHORIA (Book 2 in the series), but also on an RH that’s a little darker in tone and not set in the same world. I’m playing around with the idea of a rockstar RH too! I have so many ideas—I need more hours in the day to write them all…

Do you have any quirks while writing?

I need a cup of tea while I write. The simple ritual of making the tea helps settle my mind and get me in the headspace for writing!

What are your hopes for the future?

That this series connects with an audience that loves it! I care a lot about this story, and it makes me really happy to share it. That’s why I write. So I hope that others will enjoy the story too!

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Consistency. In your schedule and output, publishing, etc. Momentum is hugely helpful, and it’s easier to gain that if you’re consistent with yourself.

Do you have anything to say to your readers?

I’m so excited to meet you—and I sincerely hope that you enjoy losing yourself in the world of the Carnal Court

Buy link

Author links

My review

Bloody hell this book was awesome!!!! I absolutely loved it!!! I couldn’t put it down so I read all night. This is going to be a massive book hangover.

I can’t wait until book two comes out October 24th. Do yourself a favour an one-click this amazing book. You won’t be disappointed.

°
Euphoria: A Reverse Harem Fantasy Romance (The Carnal Court Book 2)

May 3 2019

Author Darcia Helle #interview @DarciaHelle

Please give a warm welcome to author Darcia Helle

Tell us a bit about yourself

Of all the questions I’ve been asked over the years, this is always the one that gives me pause. Why do I feel an uncomfortable, awkward twinge when I try to formulate a response? Help!

Part of me wants to give a silly dating site sort of answer: I love long walks on the beach, candlelight, and men who wash dishes. (All true!)

But, in all seriousness, I’m a total introvert, which is, in part, why I find this question difficult. I’m a thinker and a great listener, but I don’t talk about myself all that much.

Some things that make up the person I am: I’m fascinated by human nature, psychology, and madness. I have three dogs, one cat, all rescues, and all spoiled beyond reason. Each day is a battle against giving in to chronic health problems, most stemming from late-stage Lyme disease. Writing, reading, my furkids, my supportive husband, my family, and each and every reader who connects with me in some way keep me moving forward, one small step at a time.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Oddly, becoming an author was never a career consideration. In my younger years, I didn’t even realize that what I did was different from what other people did in their spare time. I’ve always written. As soon as I was able to put sentences together, I wrote stories. As a child, I’d sit with a pencil and stapler for hours. I’d transcribe the stories in my head onto the pages, make a title page, and then staple it all together. In my teen years, I wrote a ton of dark poetry. Then I moved on to essays and short stories. Later, I wrote a lot of health-related articles for early websites. And, finally, I found myself writing a novel because it was the only way to stop the noise in my head.

I was always an author, though I didn’t realize it.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

This past February, I published OUT OF THE DARKNESS, which is the second Joe Cavelli, Paranormal PI novel. This is a series that wasn’t supposed to be a series. The first book, INTO THE LIGHT, was published several years ago and was meant to be a stand-alone. But my mind is odd, untamed, and undisciplined. Ideas randomly pop into my head, demanding attention, and that’s what happened in this instance.

One day, I was doing something completely unrelated to Joe Cavelli’s character and the subject of ghosts, when for no reason I can discern, I thought: Out of the Darkness! It was like a public broadcasting announcement in my head, loud and determined. Gus’s character immediately followed, as if he was shouting, “Here I am! I have stuff to say! Pay attention!”

I paid attention. Really, I have no choice in these matters. And so Joe Cavelli had to go back to work, like it or not.

What are you working on now?

As I explained, I don’t have control of these things. I wanted to write the next Joe Cavelli novel. I even wrote the opening page—before I was rudely interrupted. A different set of characters knocked Joe aside because, apparently, their story is more important. And so I’m writing a stand-alone psychological suspense novel. I have to admit I’m intrigued by this one.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

I’m a hodgepodge of quirks held together under a façade of normalcy. With regards to writing specifically, I have two quirks. Before I sit down to write, I have to brush my teeth. It’s weird, I know, which is why it’s called a quirk. I can drink tea while writing, but I can’t have any sort of aftertaste in my mouth from something I ate or drank earlier. A sensory thing? I don’t have a clue.

My other quirk isn’t as weird. In fact, I think it’s true of many writers. I do some of my best creating in the shower. That’s often where I figure out plot trajectory, get to know more about my characters, come up with plot twists, and have random ideas for new stories. I’ve considered buying markers to use on my glass shower doors, but for now I just keep pen and paper nearby.

What are your hopes for the future?

World peace. Barring that, inner peace. And a movie deal. But mostly peace.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

New writers today have an array of options and far more control than in the past. I think what many authors don’t realize is that, regardless of whether you sign with a major publisher, a small publisher, or you self-publish, it’s a whole lot of work. The writing is, for most of us, the easy part. The challenge comes with navigating the business of writing, whether it be working with an editor, graphic design, promotion, or marketing. I recently took a course to learn how to properly use Instagram as an author. That’s not something you find in a college curriculum, and yet it’s just one important aspect of navigating the world as an author.

Given all this, my advice would be to study the things that don’t come naturally. You can write a fantastic novel, but it won’t matter if you don’t know how to sell it.

Do you have anything to say to your readers?

Thank you! I write the stories, but readers give them life. I am continually honored and humbled by the fact that, of all the books out there, someone chooses to spend time reading one of mine.