Mar 10 2022

Author Kat Quinn #interview #newrelease

Please give a warm welcome to author Kat Quinn

Tell us a bit about yourself…

Oh hayyyyy, I’m Kat. I like cats, bats, and tacos. The last one didn’t rhyme, but I definitely feel as though it deserves recognition.

First Interview

What has happened work wise since our last interview?

Well, since the first time we did one of these fancy chata-a-majigs, I finished up Dizzy’s series! Which is super duper cool. As many may guess from the magnificent Disaster Zone Jones herself, I am in possession of my own fancy ADHD brain, which comes with a lot of squirrel-centricities. The great thing about that is that it helps me be really sporadic and creative, often finding links between totally unrelated things because my thoughts can zip around and ping off of a heckload of stuff all at once. One of the limitations a lot of ADHD folks, like myself, need to be aware of… is that once something is ‘boring’ to us, we are super likely to abandon it, even if that’s before the project we were once obsessed with is fully finished. The fact that I not only fully completed one book, but an entire series?! And a short story that’s in an upcoming anthology? And still have a TON of enthusiasm left in the tank for this?! It’s an ADHD miracle. Which I attribute to being fully aware of what I want to do (keep writing), and how to get there (never push against my interests, always follow them to where they lead me and never make this feel ‘boring.’). Ooops, ramble! But hey, let’s just say that’s true to form.

TL;DR: Completed the Disaster Zone Jones trilogy, and also have a short story coming up in the limited run “My Perfect Pleasure” anthology coming in May.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Honestly, Dizzy came to life all on her own, and despite the fact that I am techhhhhnically already working on something else right now, I still sort of consider her my ‘current’ project. I’ve never had any control over what she does, or how she does it. Every time I made a suggestion about what the DZJ crew should do, they pretty much IMMEDIATELY overruled it and went off on their own adventures, the lovable, ragtag, group of freakin HOOLIGANS. So, my inspiration was… well, following the whims of what happens in my brain and just letting them proceed on their own, rather than trying to reign them in. Like I said, I’ve embraced not pushing against my interests because it seems to be what keeps everything so interesting. I do hope to eventually get back to writing that griffin shifters book that Dizzy trampled over during her stampede out of my fingers and onto the page, but I’ll wait until they get insistent enough about making me listen. I’ve learned my lesson about trying to force a story, and the answer is… don’t. It’s not nearly as fun.

What are you working on now?

The book I’m writing now—a story that was just meant to be a Halloween short I had in my drafts from like two years ago—was meant to be a fun little ‘break’ from writing the main storyline in Dizzy’s universe (There’s a TON of other characters and events, all with their own books planned, written in the same universe.), has suddenly decided it would like to be a full novel. Hahahah, because of course it did. This was NOT in the plan, even though it’s been listed in the pinned post in my reader group as being ‘in progress’ for a long time. Genuinely thought it would be a short little 10k word piece; barely a blip of a thing. Anyone familiar with just how thiccc my books are, shouldn’t be surprised that the story had other ideas—*I* shouldn’t be surprised that the story had other ideas—but like I said… I’ve learned to not try and force a story. I’ll go where it takes me, or where it tells me to take it. At this point, I’m pretty sure these books have lives all their own.

After that? The hope is I’ll be working on another story from the main universe I’m working in. There are some pretty strong characters vying for the position to be next up to bat, and I’m having a very hard time choosing between [redacted], [redacted], and [redacted], especially, because they’re all making their points very aggressively. I’d pretend like I know which one is next up for sure, and make some sort of official announcement but… well… I don’t trust the other two to take things lying down [insert joke about sexual positions here, bow chicka bow-wow!], and suspect they’ll put up a heck of a fight. Wouldn’t want to tempt them to kick down the door and overrule that decision, too, so I guess I’ll just see who starts talking when I start writing.

Do you have any quirks while working?

Probably? Hahaha. I discovered, while writing Dizzy’s third book, that I actually have some positive triggers that can help me enter that sweet-sweet hyper focus state that us ADHDers can magically achieve, which is how we’re able to get an intense amount of work done unexpectedly. If I listen to a specific lo-fi playlist I cultivated (with headphones on to block out the rest of the world), while sipping on a cup of Lin’s Future Brew (a tea from the books that I actually had custom-blended and are available here: https://linktr.ee/authorkatquinn ), I can submerge myself into the story and it just flows the right way. Thankfully, my cat is a very good manager and reminds me to do things like… give him cuddles, which is a great reminder to take a break and drink some water.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to be able to do things like fall in love with more of these robust characters the way I have Dizzy and her crew. Genuinely, realizing it was time to set them free and move on to another story had me crying just a little bit, which I’m pretty sure comes through in the afterword of their final book. Accidentally, I started saying goodbye to them and it just hit me all at once. What horrible but fulfilling heartbreak to endure, living life with these people who are completely real to you, and having to part ways, even if you don’t feel ready for it. Loving something and someone with that intensity is a gift, even if it’s sometimes a painful one. So, I hope that my heartache is eased by [redacted] and their group, by finding just as a big a love in them as I did Dizzy.

Also, I’d really like to get some tacos and shaved ice this week. That’s a pretty reasonable hope, right?

What have you learned about publishing since our first interview?

Honestly? I don’t actually know. Sure, it’s been a couple years and I’ve now pumped out that third book, so I’m sure I’ve learned plenty along the way… but I’ve taken it at a leisurely, manageable pace so all those lessons have been gradual. I suppose the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I can do this; that anyone can do this. If you take ten years to write one book, if you go forward with an idea you’re not sure people will connect with, if you haven’t ever written anything before and aren’t sure if it’ll be any good… as long as you’re brave enough to do it anyway, there’s a place for you. There are NO rules, regardless of what anyone tells you. Just guidelines available for consideration, but not a requirement for your own path if you don’t click with them. And I’ve known this one for a while, but no matter how hard you try… you’re going to fuck up along the way. Why stress about being perfect? That’s not actually realistic. Do the best you can, fuck up, and learn from it how to do better. I’m darn proud of my first series, but I also know that I could have gotten into the trap of never actually showing it to anyone because I could have nit picked at it forever and ever and ever. In the future? Sure, I’ll probably look back and find some bits and pieces that could be done differently… but those are lessons I could never learn without having been brave enough to try. I’m not afraid of whatever mistakes I’ve made, because they show I’m still working on how to get better and better. I hope there’s never a point where I have nothing new left to learn.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Stay hungry, but never let yourself starve.
Everything is possible.
Oh, and pop tarts are just ravioli.

I’d also love it if you check out my reader group Quinners Not Quitters to do things like keep an eye out for signed bookplates, or argue with me about whether or not pancakes could be used as currency in modern society during out Taco ‘Bout it Tuesday debates.

Linktree

Book One

Book Two

Dec 28 2021

Author K.R. Hall #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Karen Hall

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I grew up as a Navy child. My dad was transferred about every two years. I was terribly shy, and it was hard to make friends. I was in the Air Force from 1984 to 1992. I moved to Colorado with my then three-year-old son.

I was a single mom for 14 years. I met my soulmate in 2003, and we married in 2004. I have three adult children. Hubby and I had our dream home built in 2015. We live there with our two chihuahuas.

I’m addicted to chocolate. I prefer dark chocolate, I enjoy milk, but I hate white. I love Cherry Coke Zero Sugar. I drink iced tea and hot tea. In the winter, I drink dark chocolate hot cocoa with Reddi-Wip whipped cream.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

I wanted to be a writer in the third grade, but my dad said I needed a job with a guaranteed income. December 2009, I quit my job due to health issues. My first six months of being unemployed were great. I still got up early to see my husband off to work then I cleaned the house. It was just the two of us, and it was easy to keep clean. I read a lot from my favorite authors, Sue Grafton, Dean Koontz, and Stuart Woods. I also read romance novels. My first Paranormal Romance (PNR) was VA Dold’s Le Beau series.

I met Vickie at the Reader Appreciation Weekend for the Denver RomCon in September 2016, and she changed my life. I remember being very nervous. When Vickie came around the corner, I tried to calm down. Her smile lit up her face when she spotted me.

We hugged, and my husband took a photo of us. Vickie is so down to earth. She could tell I was nervous, and to help settle my nerves, she said to me that she put her pants on one leg at a time, just like everyone else.

We spent the weekend getting to know each other at the event. I told Vickie about my ideas about writing a book about bear shifters. She told me that I should write it and she would love to help me out. I called her and emailed her a lot while I wrote my first book.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Many things inspire book ideas. A lot of them have been inspired by photos. My newest book, Project X-Force: B.E.A.R. – Bravo Echo Alpha Romeo, was inspired by the cover model’s image.

What are you working on now?

I am starting to write my first RH (Reverse Harem). Just as a harem comprises one man with multiple women, a reverse harem consists of one female protagonist and three or more male love interests. However, this is not a situation where the woman must pick her one true love by the end of the story; instead, she enters into relationships with … several (if not all) of them.

Vega: Stargazers’ Prophecy is the sixth book in a twelve-book series with other authors. Author Gina Manis saw the movie Stardust and had the idea for the series. The other authors joining us are Jewels Arthur, Jade Waltz, Skyler Andra, Quell T. Fox, J.R. Thorn, Krystal Pena, Ciara Skye, Hanleigh Bradley, Zelda Knight, Naomi Panthera, Kenzie Graves, and Eve Bradley.

Do you have any quirks while working?

My office is full of stuffed animals (mainly bears). I have bear figurines and wall art. I must have silence when I write, but sometimes I turn on my bear water fountain. I tend to nibble while I write. I sometimes will have nuts, string cheese, and beef jerky. I also have chocolate candies.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to make it to the USA Today’s Bestsellers list one day. I would also like to have a little orange flag from Amazon Bestsellers. In the meantime, I will continue to write and hope readers will enjoy my books.

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

Just keep doing what you love. I rewrote my first book six times before it was published. I have only been an indie author. It would be best if you did what feels right for you. Don’t let anyone tell you how or what to change.

An editor told me to change the lead character’s nationality in a book. I explained that I didn’t feel comfortable doing so. My book was written a certain way, and the people who have read it enjoy the book.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Thank you for trusting my books. I’m thrilled that you like them. I enjoy writing and have loads of stories that are bursting to come out of my head and onto paper. I will continue to write and self-publish.

Karen’s Hall of Books

Nov 20 2021

Author K.R. Fajardo #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author K.R. Fajardo

Tell us a bit about yourself…

My name is K. R. Fajardo and I am an indie author from East Texas. I currently have 4 self-published books and many projects in the works. My genre of choice is fantasy but I also dabble a little in paranormal fantasy and paranormal romance. My interests include 80’s music (specifically 80s hair bands), reading(of course), RPG video games (Assassin’s Creed and the Witcher are my favs), and watching movies. Dr. Pepper is my caffeinated beverage of choice.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

To be honest, I never considered it an option. Kind of like becoming a movie or rock star, it was one of those things that was reserved for the privileged few. I always loved reading and the escape it gave. And for years I had this one character running amok in my head, driving me crazy at night, but it wasn’t until my youngest child started to school and I found myself with some free time on my hands, that I decided to sit down and put some words on paper. One hundred and twenty thousand words later, K’s story was finally free. Shortly after that, I discovered self-publishing was a thing that existed, and fumbled my way through the process. And I am so glad I did. I have learned so much since then and met so many wonderful people from all over the world. It truly has been an adventure learning to be an author, but I don’t regret it one bit, and I never want to give it up.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

The Shadow Chronicles series is literally the voice in my head that would never shut up. K has rooted around in my mind for as long as I can remember. I think she is the embodiment of everything I wish I was. Strong, fierce, drop-dead gorgeous, and yet still vulnerable. And she is a vampire, because they have always fascinated me. Her story is unique in that it is told from the point of view of the other characters in the book. Her thoughts and feelings are never revealed, and that leaves her open to the interpretation of the reader.

What are you working on now?

Currently I am working on revising Stalking Fate for a rerelease with Butterdragons Publishing. The story is getting a complete overhaul with lots of new content that I think readers will enjoy. I also have several projects, including on Fae book and a paranormal romance in the works that will hopefully be ready for release next year.

Do you have any quirks while working?

Silence. I am easily distracted, so no music or TV’s can be playing in the background. Also, I have developed the habit of lighting a candle while I work. I like the aromas they emit and find it soothing to have the flame flickering nearby.

What are your hopes for the future?

To keep writing stories. It is every bit as much of an escape as reading and it is my own world. Would I love to say that I will one day be able to quit my day job and just write, sure. But that is the dream isn’t it. If it is meant to be, it will be. In the meantime, I will just do me and have fun creating new worlds.

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

Beware wolves in sheep’s clothing. In particular vanity presses. If someone offers to publish your book but then tries to charge you to do so, run. You can self-publish your book for a fraction of what those people are charging. Also beware all the so-called ‘coaches’ that are running around out there. Don’t get me wrong, there are some legit sites out there that will be of great help and many reputable coaches. But there are also just as many frauds. Social media can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. I have found many wonderful cover designers, editors, and formatters using these resources. I just recommend you do your research, speak to other authors, and interview any new prospective business before you send your money their way.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Thank you so much for sticking by me. I have had to deal with a lot of personal tragedies the last couple of years. This year in particular has been devastating. And through all these hard times, it has been your words of encouragement and patience that has helped me pull through. Finally, I have found my way back to writing, and it is all because of you guys. I love and appreciate each and every one of you. And you all have a special place in my heart.

Jun 7 2021

Author K. Williams #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author K. Williams

Tell us a bit about yourself…

Well, I’ve been married for way longer than I was single and most of my life. I have 4 grown daughters living in different places around the country. I write Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction and RH.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

I’ve always written. I decided I wanted to write a book a few years ago. 12 books and five and a half years later, here I am. I love doing it.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

I wanted to do a Rags to Riches, fish out of water type of book. Harlow spoke to me so much and I loved doing her book! It’s due out June 12!

What are you working on now?

Right now, I’m working on the first in a three book series about triplets. The first book is due out in August.

Do you have any quirks while working?

They change. I used to make sure I have a slushie before I would start writing. Now, I tend to write in the mornings after my run and before I have to get ready for work. And I also do a little writing before bed too.

What are your hopes for the future?

My hopes for the future is to write a book that everyone wants to read. Or for someone to discover the books I’ve already written and tells everyone to read them. (Hey Oprah!)

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

You can’t write a book if you don’t start writing. You have to start someplace. Also, write what you want to read, if you want to read it, someone else does too.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

I appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you so much for reading my books!

Amazon

Goodreads

Facebook

May 11 2021

Author Kira Stanley #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Kira Stanley

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I am the oldest child of 4 and an Aries which means I am a super go getter as well as my own worst critic. I have always been an artsy kid growing up and my parents always encouraged me to do what I was happy doing. I play a few different instruments, am an avid movie watcher and occasional drawler. I graduated Arizona State University with a degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in Sculpture because I found I really liked making things with my hands and saying, “Look – I made that. . .this is why. . .now what do you think?”. I love all different mediums of art (painting, music, writing, performance, etc.) and find that I enjoy most of it because it’s a different point of view I never thought of. I think it takes incredible courage and bravery to be in these kinds of creative roles as you are putting a piece of yourself out there that people will judge you on solely based on this ONE thing.

I am a mother of 2 children under four which makes life. . .interesting. LOL I have been married to my high school sweetheart for the past 12 years and I am very close with my family and siblings so I do most things with them. I am up for most any adventures (not camping . . . never camping *internal shutter*) and find that life is better if you laugh, A LOT.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

To be honest, No. At first I wanted to be an artist in drawing and graphics but I couldn’t make hands and faces well. Then I wanted to be stunt woman so I took martial arts and knife throwing. Then I wanted to be a hairstylist. Once I got into the real world after college I figured I could do artistic things on the side while working an 8-5 job to pay the bills. I actually stumbled into the author world because I had stories that had been building in my mind for the past couple of years and I wanted to get them out.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

I have a lot of people around me that range from severe to mild mental issues. My husband has severe PTSD and my sisters and friends have varied versions of depression, anxiety and paranoia. I am constantly surrounded by these people but because I love them I see them differently than others do.

I found it fascinating that people like psychopaths and sociopaths can be running free around the world and no one second guesses it but people who are depressed or have social issues are thought of as weird and crazy.

I then thought what it would be like for someone of higher academia, a “smart” person, to being forced into a mental institution. What it would be like for that person to have structure and goals for their life to then turn around and have it blow up in their face. Would they crumble? Would they lose hope? Or would they find a different side of themselves that they never knew?

And that’s were Crazy People was born.

What are you working on now?

Crazy People just came out on 4/20/21, so I am currently working on book 2 and outlining book 3. BUT I do have a WIP that I am working on about a fantasy world where the people believe that the color of your hair determines how light or dark your soul is. So for example a person with white blonde hair is a symbol of beauty and grace while someone with black hair is ugly and evil. This thought processes lead to what kind of life you lead and such.

Do you have any quirks while working?

Let’s see. . .I have to have it quite and I enjoy the click clacking of the keyboard while I work. It makes me feel like I am getting a lot done. I also talk to my characters. Like I will be making breakfast for my kids and I will say something in my head and my character will respond and I will laugh out loud or when I am by myself, turn to an invisible character and talk to them while a scene is playing out in my head. It’s kinda weird. LOL

What are your hopes for the future?

Truly I just want to get my characters and stories out there . . . even if everyone hates them and only one person loves them I am fine with that. I will write for that one person. It’s more important for me to show my kids that art has many forms and that you just need to be brave enough to do it.

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

WOW that’s a loaded question. I am just a little baby author myself but I would say to start building an inner circle of authors/PA’s or avid book readers before your book is even done been written.

I have recently met some authors that have taken me under the wing and it has been amazing. Just to have another person to talk about the highs and the lows with as well as to bounce ideas off of. I wish I would have been more vocal about writing my own book so that I would have had that support earlier on instead of just trying to build it once my book came out.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

I love you, really I do. If you follow me I truly do appreciate you having your faith in me as a writer, having my back online and supporting me while I learn and grow on this author journey. No matter how strong a person is it’s very easy to feel alone and unappreciated but those of you that follow me remind me that I am not alone.

May 8 2021

Author K.B. Everly #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author K.B. Everly

Tell us a bit about yourself…

Hmm let’s see. I was born in Newfoundland, Canada but I was raised military so I’ve spent most of my life where I live now in Southern MS. I have a daughter who pretty much torments me just for giggles but I love her to pieces. Along with her I’ve got two devil cats and a poodle pup who is the smartest dummy lol I’m also an amputee for about 10 years now after a motorcycle accident which was kind of how I ended up becoming a writer. When you can’t go to a physical job and stand for hours on end you look for something you can do. I’ve loved writing since I was a kid but never dreamed I’d get to do it for a job. I friggin love it though! My 4 year authorversary as K.B. Everly is coming up and I’m about to publish my 20th book 🙂

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Actually no lol I wanted to be a tattoo artist. Which I did for a while. As mentioned I always loved writing but art had been my outlet for years. The tattoo thing didn’t work out though. It wasn’t for me. I actually got the inspiration for my second book Blood from working in a shop. I realized pretty quick though that writing was my new passion, so I went with it.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

My current book is a firefighter RH which was inspired from watching one too many episodes of Station 19 lol I thought to myself “why not? Who doesn’t love sexy, sweet men in uniform saving people from fires?”

What are you working on now?

Firefly, the firefighter book mentioned above. Soon I’ll also be working on a second book in my Bad Habits duology that I wrote with author Emma Cole. Now that’s a dark one.

Do you have any quirks while working?

MANY. Lol I can’t write during the day unless I’m outside of my house, whether that’s sitting in the car line at my kids school or posted up on my back porch area. Otherwise, it’s nighttime writing for me! I have to be drinking something or eating something while I write. For some reason it helps me concentrate better. I CANNOT outline for the life of me, so pretty much all my books are just written on a whim unless I have a coauthor who can outline 😂

What are your hopes for the future?

I just want to write that one book. You know the one that people know you for. I don’t feel like I’ve hit that point yet. I have loyal readers that have read everything of mine from the beginning and know me, but I want that one book that everyone in the RH community talks about. Even if it’s for a short time. That would be worth it.

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

Never doubt yourself. You’ll make friends and lose friends in the writing world, because let’s be honest, it can be a lot like high school. But don’t let anyone ever make you doubt that you’re not good enough. We should all raise each other up and support each other, not act like this is all some competition or popularity contest. Be true to you and the people who support you. Just keep writing!

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Man, there are not enough words for them. I wouldn’t be where I am without them. They’re the glue in my career that holds it together. I’m so grateful for them all and love them all dearly for reading my books. What I publish are tiny pieces of my soul being sent out into the world just for them. Thank you. Just thank you for being there.

KB Everly’s Readers Group

Apr 7 2021

Author Kyra Alessy #interview

Give a warm welcome to author Kyra Alessy

Tell us a little about yourself…

Well I’m pretty boring tbh! I grew up in NJ and moved to the UK for a one-year study abroad and I loved the UK so much I decided to never leave. (Don’t worry, it was legal, I had dual citizenship!) That was like fifteen years ago and since then, I’ve worked in London for awhile, got married, had a couple kids and I got back into writing about two years ago when I had a pretty popular series on Literotica, and the feedback I got from that was what made me decide to start publishing.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Yeah, ever since I was about 11 or 12. I’ve always known that was what I really wanted.

What was your inspiration for current book/series?

I don’t even know. The Dark Brothers was meant to be a short story what came to me in a dream, but then I started writing it on Lit and it just snowballed into ideas for 6 standalones.

What are you working on now?

I just finished book 3 of the Dark Brothers, Kept to Kill, which is being published on the 20^th May (I think you’re the first to know the date!) so I’m just starting the plotting for Book 4 which is called Caught to Conjure and follows a witch named Vivienne in the same world.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I need absolute silence, which means no writing during the day since my kids are not silent! When I can’t get the quiet I need, I have to listen to ‘airplane cabin’ white noise otherwise I just can’t focus. It’s ridiculous.

What are your hopes for the future?

It would be amazing to be able to earn enough from indie-publishing that don’t need to go back to a full-time job with a boss and stuff. I never liked it and writing in general is my real passion. I can say with 100% certainty that I’ve never put so much effort into anything ever!

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

Do your research before you start. There are a lot of free resources to learn everything, or at least be knowledgeable enough to not make costly mistakes that will break you before you’ve even started. Also, if you can’t afford a proofreader, get two or three Beta Readers and ask your ARC peeps to look for typos end errors. It’ll help you in the long-run!

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Just thanks so much for following me and sorry I suck at posting on Facebook, Twitter, and IG – although I am heavily into TikTok right now ( I love it!)

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Mar 14 2021

Author KC Freeman #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author KC Freeman

Tell us a bit about yourself…

Hi, I’m KC Freeman, contemporary fantasy and paranormal romance author. I live in North Carolina, USA with my husband, 5 kids, and fur baby, Harley. Before returning to my first love of writing, I did the usual – college (University of Maryland grad school), career (government mostly), marriage (married wonderful man 5 years younger so he can keep up with me), kids (5 – 2 in college now, 3 in high school).

I am grateful I finally have time to dive into all the stories bouncing around in my head since … forever.

My personal interests have always hovered within the realm of the supernatural, particularly angels and guardian angels. But there was not a lot of books to quench my interest so I decided to write them myself.

In my sparetime (ha! that’s few and far between), I like to read paranormal fiction, historical fiction, and have just started research into the ancient texts that were excluded from the Bible – there’s a lot of interesting stuff there. I also enjoy hiking but no one else in my family likes to join me so I don’t go too much. However, once a year my daughter and I participate in the Princess Mud Run (a 5K obstacle race where – true to the name – we come out covered in mud…everywhere).

My favorite authors are Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Stephen King, Anne Rice, Sarah J Maas, Cassandra Clare, Philippa Gregory, Michelle Moran, and Danielle Trussoni (who fueled my interest in angels with her book “Angelology”).

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Always. Always. Always. When I was a small child, I would peck out stories, plays, poems on my mom’s electric typewriter. Probably would have stuck with it, but was pushed to choose a college degree and career that was “safe and secure” financially so I became an accountant/auditor (hated every second).

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

I’ve always been interested in angels, particularly guardian angels. The story has banged around in my head since I was in my teens.

What are you working on now?

I’m wrapping up the edits to the third book in the GREYLYN THE GUARDIAN ANGEL series. I am also contributing a dragon shifter short story to a new anthology due to be released in the fall. However, I am most excited about my new series about a suburban mom who unsuccessfully keeps her “woo woo” psychic abilities in the closet. The best I can come up with a category to describe it would be paranormal cozy mystery.

Do you have any quirks while working?

Not really. I’ve written in my office (now claimed by my husband since COVID shutdowns so I’m now writing in a corner of the attic living room), in the car waiting on my daughter to finish swim practice, on the back patio, etc. I prefer my office and quiet (I can’t be creative if my son is playing Xbox in the next room or my husband is on a client call in the office). I do like to keep my crystals and visual inspirations nearby.

What are your hopes for the future?

My dream is to have the entire GREYLYN series in a boxset by the holidays with a couple short stories or novellas next year. However, my main focus is to make the new series, The Memoirs of a Mystic Mom, into a series where I publish two or three a year.

I also hope to travel more in the near future as I had just renewed my passport for a trip to Ireland before COVID hit.

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

In this career, we have a not-so-hidden syndrome we all suffer from. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. It’s called “imposter syndrome”. It is brought on completely by our subconscious negative beliefs about ourselves. Find a group/tribe of fellow authors who can support you during your bouts of doubt because it is completely a figment of your imagination. You are worthy of being successful as a writer. Trust yourself, your talent. Trust your story. Be true to your story. I found a wonderful group of supportive friends within the Scribophile community so I highly recommend the website for new and existing authors. I just wrote a post in my Facebook group, Soul Scribes about “embers in the wind”. It’s great advice for not withholding your story, your words, your fire from the world due to fear, or the monster imposter syndrome. If you do, the words, the fire suffocates and dies. Release your words, your story, your light to the world to fuel the light/fire in others. This is our purpose as authors. Not to keep something clutched tightly to ourselves but to release it so others may benefit from its energy.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Hang tight. We had a huge delay with the release of the 2nd book in the GREYLYN series when the publisher suffered economic setbacks last year and has now closed its business. Now, with the story rights in hand, I am relaunching the first book (3/23/2021) with some tweaks and revamped cover; and the rest of the series (Book 2 – Revelations; Book 3 – Redemption) WILL BE PUBLISHED THIS YEAR. Thank you for your patience and support.

(I will be forming a street team in the next few weeks, so be on the lookout for that as well)

Feb 25 2021

Author Kris Butler #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Kris Butler

Tell us a bit about yourself

I started writing as a way to process my emotions, which lead to my first book. Through my characters, I could make sense of the world around me and cope with things in healthy ways. The characters came alive, and they needed to be heard. Thanks to a friend, who was an author, She encouraged me to take the leap and publish. Finding myself through writing has been an unexpected bonus that has allowed me to connect with others and share part of who I am.
I write under a pen name to have separation from real life and most days, I can be found at home with my husband and dog. I work in the mental health industry, and it is a passion of mine. An introvert by nature, I enjoy reading, photography, and board games. A self-proclaimed nerd at heart, I follow many fandoms. I’m an avid fan of reverse harem and hope to add a new quirky perspective to the genre.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Not all. I never had the courage to try. I felt all the stories had been told and I was just an avid reader along for the ride. From reader to ARC reviewer, to Beta reviewer, to an Alpha reader, to eventually Writer, it has all been an incredible journey of self-discovery. I uncovered a passion and exuberance for something I didn’t know I would love or need in my life but now couldn’t imagine my life without it.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

I wanted to do something that isn’t seen a lot that I had a passion for. I’ve always been a huge fan of ice skating and did it for a while when I was younger. Once I decided to do a winter sports school, everything else fell into place and a girl running from her past emerged.

What are you working on now?

I just released the second book in my series, the Council series, so I’m working on book 3, Fractured Futures. I’m also working on a dark retelling of Rapunzel as part of the Sinners Fairytale series that takes a fairytale and mashes it with a deadly sin. So Rapunzel and Pride will be coming at you in July.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I’ve developed a habit of eating Reese’s pieces, lol. I like to sit on my couch surrounded by a million pillows and blankets. It’s the perfect cloud nirvana to write.

What are your hopes for the future?

I’m just along for the ride and wherever this journey takes me. I have so many book ideas now and it was like once I opened myself up to writing, they just started flowing out.

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

Ask for help and find a mentor. It’s all overwhelming and scary, but finding someone to go through it with you is the best thing. Finding support with other newbie authors is also a great way to network and encourage each other through the process. I wouldn’t be anywhere without the support and friends I’ve made.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

I’m so honored that you’ve read my book and your support means the world to me!

KB’s Mavens of Mayhem

Linktree

Feb 15 2021

Author Kahaula #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Kahaula

A bit about myself

(Short) Kahaula is the Hawaiian Goddess of Sexual Dreams. I use Her name as my pen name out of devotion and respect to Her. I write Why Choose/Reverse Harem exclusively, but in many genres, like Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Apocalytic, Alt-History, and so much more.

(Long) A little bit about me! Kahaula is the Hawaiian Goddess of sexual dreams. Different people view Her and Her presence in different ways. I chose to use Kahaula as a pen name out of respect, and as a devotional to Her. I hope that my readers may also be inspired by Her.

I am a Hawaiian woman with a voracious appetite for reading and found it challenging to find stories with which I could connect. Instead of complaining, I opted to start writing my own stories. Most of my stories are romance novels simply because I believe real adult connections should happen organically, just like they do in real life, instead of silly euphemisms or fade to black nonsense. I believe my stories are made better by being honest and open about what my characters want or don’t want. I also firmly believe that story comes first, pun intended. I write in many genres: urban fantasy, paranormal, sci-fi, alt-history, post-Apocalyptic, combinations of those and more.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

I’ve always been writing, even from when I was little I had an affinity for words and story telling. I haven’t wanted to become an author until very recently and only because I felt I could do it justice. Being an author is a serious commitment and I intend to honour that choice.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

My dreams are where I get 99% of my stories. Very rarely am I inspired in a different way.

What are you working on now?

Lots! I write Why Choose/Reverse Harem Romance exclusively but I love branching in to different genres. Battle Queen is my first Sci-Fi Aliens book but I have another Sci-Fi Wolf Shifters set in an alt-Roman History story. I have a few Paranormal/Urban Fantasy books coming out this year as well as a Hawaiian Contemporary in August.

Do you have any quirks while working?

Absolutely. I’m a disabled chronic pain patient so I have a lot of requirements to help me sit and type without causing more problems. I’ve found a lot of different ways to be capable or at least persistent. Needless to say I’ve learned a lot about setting up a proper writing space!

What are you hopes for the future?

My hope is to make this into a paying career while maintaining a set of ethics and standards about the quality of my work. As far as I know, I am the only Hawaiian Why Choose/Reverse Harem author out there. I started writing because I wanted to see more stories that I wish I could have read. I want to be an example that what makes each culture unique is worth celebrating—and can be a viable source of income.

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

Just. Do. It. Already. Yes, becoming an author is a serious commitment with a steep learning curve. However, how well you do as an indie author is directly proportional to how smart and how hard you work—YOU control your future. Take it easy on yourself, forgive yourself, but always PUSH yourself.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Mahalo Nui Loa! Thank you so very VERY much! You keep me honest.