Nov 17 2020

Author J.J. Dean #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author J.J. Dean

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m an avid reader, a grade A goofball and I love to eat. Most of my characters are spawns from pieces of my crazy brain, I’m quirky on the best of days and have an unhealthy obsession with Charlie Hunnam. I spend half of my time writing, and the other half staring into the distance wondering why my characters won’t cooperate and why I decided to write the assholes in the first place. I cuss a lot without making an apology for it, I procrastinate so hard that it’s become a disease, and I’m full of random facts that have wasted a lot of brain space that I might have needed in the past.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

There was a long period that I didn’t even think about writing. At age thirteen, I tried to follow in my mother’s footsteps, deciding to take a pen to paper and see where the ink would take me. Only, what I wrote was utter gibberish and made me cringe so hard that I threw the entire notebook away. After that failed attempt I was more focused on art, photography, and design. I thought for sure I’d end up in a career field associated with those. However, a year ago found my love for writing rekindled and I’ve not looked back since. It’s strange how that happens, but perhaps it just goes to show it was meant to be, right?

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Pinterest. That app is a goldmine for inspiration, I kid you not. Many of my books were created based on a single art piece I found and fell in love with. One book was purely created from the love I have for my mother, wanting to put that feeling into a book with all the feels and emotions. I guess I find inspiration in all kinds of places, but my main go to is a cheeky little Pinterest board.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a few things at once. My main projects at the moment would be the third book in my series, The Fall, and a secret project I’ve only revealed in my reader group because I’m a sneaky tease like that. I have a whole bunch of other things tucked away up my sleeve that I’ve started, but I’m pretty sure they won’t see the light of day for a little while.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I have a whole bunch that have no doubt dubbed me a weirdo to my other half. My main quirks would be talking out loud, feeling out the way the sentences I write would sound before typing them. Pretty sure it looks like I have a split personality disorder since I have full out conversations with myself. Another one would be listening to music that suits the vibe of the book I’m writing, or doesn’t suit it at all and I’m forced to focus even harder to write a sad scene while Wham! plays in my ears. Guess I like a challenge LOL!

What are your hopes for the future?

My hopes would be that I continue to write what I love for as long as I can. This is a career I never thought I’d achieve but wouldn’t change for anything. Continuing down this road and finding myself still loving what I’m doing, enjoying sharing my words with others, is the dream. If I find myself still writing the ideas that spring to my mind ten years down the line, I’ll consider myself a very happy nugget.

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

Honestly? It’s a tough world to delve into. I’m still no where near the level a great deal of authors are at, and I’ve been writing for a year. This job takes a lot of love, dedication and perseverance. You have to push through the hard days, grow a very thick layer of skin, go at your own pace and don’t ever compare yourself to others. You’re you, your words are yours, and it’s a unique thing to be proud of. Comparing yourself will only hurt you and hinder the progress you’re heading towards. Always do a whole lot of promotion. Don’t be afraid to push your book out there, to show the world how hard you’ve worked on something you adore. And one vital piece of advice I can offer that was passed down to me: don’t read bad reviews. If you see those review stars sitting low on the chart, avoid it like the plague. I’ve been burned by many a review already, and the heart crushing ache it leaves you with is not worth it. You won’t please everyone with your books, and that’s okay. Remember that.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

The only thing I can say is that I love my followers to the ends of the earth. Their support and encouraging words are always a thing of beauty and each follower makes me honoured to have them in my corner. I wouldn’t be where I am without them and, for that, I’ll always be humble grateful. I don’t think they’ll ever know how much I value them all.

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/J-J-Dean/e/B07J1MG8R9/

Instagram https://instagram.com/jjdeanauthor

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

Oct 16 2020

Author Ruby Wilder #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Ruby Wilder

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I worked full time as a chartered accountant until the end of Septemember when I decided to make the terrifying leap and quit my job to become a full time author. I’m married, and a mum to a grown up girl and three german shepherds, the youngest is 13 weeks old.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Yes. I penned a book when I was 18 years old, but I didn’t dare do anything about it because it was so racey and I was a good girl! I wish I had a copy of it now.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Halloween and mythology are the main inspo. All three books in the trilogy build up to Samhain – I love anything spooky or weird.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a supernatural thriller about a girl who was murdered in her past life and is haunted by visions of it. She tries to solve the crime so she can move on with her life. Its very creepy and dark

Do you have any quirks while working?

Putting things in excel and not word! Once an accountant, always an accountant…

What are your hopes for the future?

I have given myself a full year to devote to writing – I hope things work out so I don’t have to go back to an office job again. But even if I do, I wont stop writing.

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

Don’t let anyone put you off. You write your book your way and get it out there. Stick at it. Even 100 words a day is progress

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Thank you! It’s hard to believe people want to read my stories, and I’m overjoyed that they do. There are some wonderful people who say the nicest things and I just want to keep writing for them.

Website

Amazon

Facebook

Instagram

Ruby’s Wildlings

Sep 16 2020

Author Emma Luna #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Emma Luna

Tell us a bit about yourself

So my name is Emma and I have an addiction. No wait…that’s the opener to something different – a very bad joke. Apologies, there’s a reason I don’t write rom-com. But actually the start is very true because I am addicted to books; writing, reading, editing – you name it and I like to do it.

I am in my early thirties (can’t stress the importance of the word early enough here!!) and I am originally from East Yorkshire. So yes I do have a northern accent, but I wouldn’t say I have a gravy obsession. Now I live in Cambridgeshire with my long suffering boyfriend, Mr Luna. He is my biggest support and he also helps out with anything technical because that’s not my area of expertise. He created my website as a surprise – I know that’s relationship goals right there!

I have an obsession for buying novelty notebooks and they are scattered all around the new house, filled with book ideas. I use adult colouring books as a way to relax – currently I am completing Alan Robert’s The Beauty of Horror colouring book and it is frickin epic. It’s filled with page after page of gorgeous horror graphics. I have the next two in the series to complete too. But I also have the Disney colouring books to do too. That tells you everything you need to know about me; I love things dark and scary, but you have to have a bit of romance with it. That’s exactly what my books are like. I also drink far too much diet coke, have an amazing yet crazy family and am obsessed with Harry Potter!

Have you always wanted to become an author?

This is a hard question because there has never been a time that I haven’t been a writer but at the same time, I’m not entirely sure I ever saw this as a realistic option until it happened.

When I was a small child and my dad would take me into bed, I would always make him read me a story and pretty soon we had gone through all the stories and so I asked if we could make up our own. We took it in turns saying a line each and creating these funny books. Pretty soon that became my routine and Mum joined in too. Now, this is something that I watch my dad do, and I get to do with my nephew! So creating stories is just in my blood, but I never thought I would be able to publish and be an author. Instead I went down the traditional job route and became a midwife. I worked as a midwife for years and then started doing extra training to teach because that was an area I loved doing. Whilst doing this training I did some editing courses and that sparked a love in me that I didn’t even know I had.

Meanwhile, in my spare time I started integrating into the community and I started my own blog. I met some amazing people; readers, authors and Pa’s. But a couple of them particularly took it upon themselves to push me to do more and so I did.

Unfortunately for health reasons I’m not able to practice midwifery as much as I would like to do and so I threw myself into both writing and editing. I loved it so much that I began to wonder why the hell I hadn’t been doing it all along. But fear and lack of self-confidence can be a real evil and it held me back for too long, until now. And the rest as they say is history.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Honestly, I have no idea. I wish I could tell you some elaborate story as to how I came up with the characters and the plot but I don’t have one. They were just the voices in my head that were shouting the loudest when I sat down to start writing. When I write I have a rough idea of what I want to happen but mostly I just let the characters have free reign and do as they please, which they do love to do.

What are you working on now?

Ohhh, shush, it’s a secret. I am working on a super secret project that I am not allowed to tell anyone about just yet. But I can promise you that when you do find out you will love it. You won’t have long to wait either because I’m going to be dropping hints in The Asylum very soon.

Do you have any quirks while you work?

Yeah, doesn’t everyone haha. So because when I start to write I can go for a while, I like to be comfy because my body does not thank me for it afterwards if not. So, I sit on the sofa with my legs up all relaxed and use a laptop tray desk. It’s not the most conventional desk but it works for me. Then I eat far too many white chocolate chip cookies and drink lots of Diet Coke, while I ignore the world around me.

What are your hopes for the future?

Honestly, right now I feel so incredibly blessed that I am in a position where I am able to write and edit at home, full time. Mr Luna is so supportive of my goals and he works so hard so that I can stay at home and concentrate on my writing and my health. So I want to make him proud and keep writing. I aren’t going to sit here and say I dream of becoming a USA Today Bestseller, although that would be nice. Hell, I would take just an International Bestseller badge and be grateful. But all that I want is for people to read my books and enjoy them. When I read I get transported into a whole different world and I love escaping my own. I want to be able to write worlds that people want to escape into. I would also love if my editing business Moonlight Editing continues to do as well as it is at the moment.

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

My biggest piece of advice would be to keep writing. There will be times when you get despondent and times when you think that you can’t do it, but ignore that voice in your head and just keep writing. Don’t publish because you want to make money or because you want to be famous, publish because you want people to read what you have written.

But I also cannot stress the importance of finding a good team to work with. You cannot produce an amazing book all by yourself, you need to have people who can help you. You need alpha or beta readers to go over your words and make sure that a reader will interpret it the way you want them too. You need a kick ass cover designer because people do judge books by their covers. You need to use an editor and/or a proofreader. This is often the step that a lot of people miss out because it can be one of the more expensive steps. But it is also one of the most important. If your book is not grammatically correct with good flow and readability then it doesn’t make a difference how great the plot is, people will not read it. Then you need a team to help spread your name and get people knowing who you are. Having all of these people in place are what will make you a massive success! I am lucky to have a great team and the reason I am here producing this interview is because of all their love and support.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

I don’t think that there are any words that can accurately describe how grateful I am that you would be interested in following me and my work. It is so humbling to me that you have either read something I have written, seen one of my takeovers, or maybe just stumbled into The Asylum and have decided that you saw something in me that you liked. I hope that I can live upto your expectations. I can promise you that I will continue working hard to bring you lots of new stories that you will love. So the only thing that I can think to say, which by no means is enough, but thank you. Thank you for taking a chance on a newbie author and for listening to me ramble on. Thank you for reading my big, big book and hopefully loving it. Thank you for being a kick ass LUNAtic!! I am very lucky to have each and every one of you as followers.

Amazon

Bookbub

Instagram

Goodreads

Emma’s LUNAtics

Facebook author page

Website and Newsletter

Bio:

When she’s not adulting or chasing her writing dream she loves dog-napping her Mums shih-tzu Hector, chilling curled up on the sofa with her Boyfriend binge watching the latest series or movie, drinking too much diet coke (it’s her drug of choice), buying too many novelty notebooks, and completing adult colouring books as a form of relaxation. Oh and she is a massive hardcore Harry Potter geek. Ravenclaw for life!

In her spare time she likes to create new worlds and tell the stories of the characters that are constantly shouting in her head. She also loves falling into the worlds created by other authors and escaping for a while through reading.

Emma Luna is a midwife and lecturer who lives in Cambridgeshire, UK, despite her heart still very much being Northern. She lives surrounded by her crazy family; her Mum, who is her best friend and biggest fan; her Dad who helps her remember to always laugh; her Grandparents and Brother who can never read what she writes, her gorgeous Nephew who lights up her world and her long suffering man-child Boyfriend who she couldn’t live without (but don’t tell him that!).

Feb 8 2020

Author Mark McQuillen #interview

Tell us a bit about yourself

Im a 62 year old ex military self taught indie author, Ive been writing for almost five years with my writing partner Mara Reitsma. Our 5th anniversary is February 15th. and I live in Morris, IL. Im seperated. I love animals.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Ive always been a writer since I was about 8 years old when I read the Hobbit for the first time. Later in life I wrote my own AD&D campaigns, then I wrote Tolkien Fan Fiction for four years before writing Valkyrie Darkness.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Well the inspiration for the current series is telling Malices entire story..In Tales of the Petals Mara and I are telling of Mals time as an Archvillianess, and as always in my books things are not as they appear to be.

What are you working on now?

What we are working on now is the third book in Tales of the Petals entitled “Den of Whispers.”

Do you have any quirks while working?

I dont know if its a quirk but I write something everyday.

What are your hopes for the future?

Well right now my hopes are to get a publisher and or an agent..Ive been working on it but so far no luck…

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

My advice to new authors is learn as much as you can about this buisiness, work your butt off and as you have one person who likes your book youve done your job.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

As far as my fans go, hold on to your hats folks the best is yet to come.

Twitter

Website

Amazon

Facebook

Goodreads

The Black Rose

Valkyrie Takeovers

Mark McQuillen – Reader Group

Jan 14 2020

Author – Artist Alexa Wayne #interview

Please give a warm welcome to AW

Tell us a little bit about yourself

Hi! I’m Alexa Wayne, aka the OCD Vampire. I’m obsessed with Vlad III or Vlad the Impaler. I am an introvert, and I do not hide it anymore. I even believe it to be an asset for someone who is like me. I am writing and drawing all day long with my little dog, Carey, by my side.

I took many art classes to help me in my development as a well-rounded artist. I didn’t wish to rely on anyone to become the writer that I envisioned in my head. I love everything when it comes to creating something. I like doing research, marketing, graphic, and web design. I enjoy the entire process of turning a piece of art, including a novel, into something incredible.

Have you always wanted to become an artist/designer?

I grew up in the artistic world. I went to acting school for thirteen years of my life, and that included classical ballet, along with singing and various types of acting and dancing styles. If someone asked me why I love to read and watch the most, it would be Dracula or vampires in general. To me, the comic book is the most accurate form of art when it gets closer to acting. Some would argue, of course, debate it to the contrary, but acting has many faces.

Time passed, I needed something more, and that was to gain writing experience. The Geek Initiative became the first professional blog I worked for, and it was epic. I enjoy the geeky environment and the opportunity they gave me. The founder, Tara M. Clapper, and editor in chief became my first novel editor.

She gave me the backbone I needed to find my way as an artist and author. I am now the proud creator of Gothic Bite Magazine. I write paranormal suspense novels in the horror genre. It took me some time, but now I know that I am proud to be a monster nerd, and a hundred percent living in her twisted mind!

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I find inspiration most of the time in music, books, research, and whatever is online or on television. I love to use research and other forms of art as inspiration. It is quite amazing what one can find in the most transparent or subtle places.

I also enjoy walking outside with my dog. We live in a country town surrounded by woods, so walking is fantastic around here. It’s like being lost in nature, and I put on my music and wait for inspiration to strike.

Of course, I have my secret weapon, which is going to the esoteric stores in our small and old little country downtown. It’s peaceful and quiet. It has perfect energy all around. I enjoy it, and most of the time, it leaves me with many ideas.

What are you working on now?

I am currently working on a personal comic book project as the penciler and colorist as well as scripter when it comes to my art. The inspiration is from one of my novels. My inker is Kendra Hale, as well as my editor and beta reader for the script.

As for writing, I am working on the new release of Lord Impaler Series #2, The Gravedigger. It comes out on Tuesday, January 28th, 2020, on Amazon in paperback and Kindle, free on Kindle Unlimited. I do my own graphic design, of course, and create the marketing merchandise for it as well.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I forget the time, and my dog must remind me to stop and eat. I’m often in my own little bubble, and the world around doesn’t exist anymore. I must listen to music while drawing; otherwise, my work doesn’t flow well.

I listen to relaxing music such as Marilyn Manson, Metallica, Disturbed, Exit Eden, and Dance Macabre. I know people don’t consider those relaxing, but they are to me. I love them!

What are your hopes for the future?

I would love my webzine, Gothic Bite Magazine, to become LLC and accessible enough so that we can support causes such as 4Oceans or Bats QLD. GBM is a webzine created by monsters for monsters so that gothic people have a place to go and feel welcome. We try to help the indie community as much as we can. Again, this project is possible because of my #1, Kendra Hale.

I guess, for the future, all I want is to be happy and be capable of helping people achieve their dreams. I want to be able to live off my art and writing, so I can help others. That is literally all I want.

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

I grew up in the art and publishing world. Books surrounded me since I was born. Raised by my grandparents and mother, my grandpa worked for a binding & printing company. He would often come back with boxes of books and encyclopaedia worth so much money but didn’t “make the cut” because of small printing errors.

So, my advice would be if you wish to become a graphic/web designer or illustrator, do not be afraid to stand out. I mean by that to not fit in any cookie cutters. Look at the latest trends yes, but also; don’t be afraid to find inspiration in the past. Myself, I am more of a European stylist in design than American simply because I prefer certain aspects of it. Put together your portfolio and a professional website. Don’t be afraid to pay for a professional website if you must. Graphic and web design require a certification because of the complexity of the rules and printing industry as well as online industry.

When it comes to authors, do not stop writing because people tell you that you cannot make it. It is NOT true. Do not listen to those voices. Keep writing and again, stand out. When everyone goes right for the style of writing or book cover, don’t be afraid to go left. Do not settle for anyone but yourself and how much you believe in your story. Another common mistake, do not do everything yourself. Do not fear your limits and hire a graphic designer or illustrator for your book cover. The phrase “do not judge a book by its cover” is a good lesson to learn but sadly, every one of us bought at least one book just because the cover was amazing. So, investing in editors, graphic designers and web designers are crucial parts of being an indie author. It is in those details that one can stand out from the sea of indie authors.

In conclusion, do not let fear and peer pressure dictate what you wish to become or do with your creation. Just keep going and you won’t regret it.

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

I don’t know that I have any fans. Haha! But, to anyone reading this, this phrase helped me a thousand times over, “Because you are afraid doesn’t mean that you’re not strong.” Whatever it is you dream of is worth your time and effort, and if you feel anxious, do not worry, your anxiety is lying to you, and you are going to be okay.

Sep 27 2019

Author – Poet April Bock #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a California girl living in the cold tundra that is Minnesota state, the summers are so beautiful here though. I love gardening, especially tomatoes. I grow multiple kinds every year. I love all things creepy and have a big makeup obsession.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Actually no, writing was just something I dabbled with although I have been working on a memoir for years, it was a few close author friends that told me if I didn’t publish my poetry, they’d kick my ass. They are taller than me, so…

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Theda Valle, Brenda Britton and Ira Myriam were my inspirations. Their love and absolute faith in my writing ability really have me the crave too open up my mind and write some amazing poetry. Seriously I couldn’t have done it without them.

What are you working on now?

A few things actually. My memoir and then my brilliant writing partner Elizabeth Ellis and I are working on a collection of short stories. If you follow us on Facebook you’ve most likely seen them started as “story fuckery time”. We live write when we do those.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

I HAVE to have music on, so my headphones are pretty much permanently attached to my head. I don’t have an office, I have a certain spot on my sofa where I sit. I have certain pens I use and only them, and I suppose my biggest quirk is I write EVERYTHING by hand. At least my solo work I do.

What are your hopes for the future?

To write, have a huge yard and adopt all the doggos! And other animals lol

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

It’s not as scary as you think it is. Especially with a great support system.

Do you have anything to say to your readers?

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your live and support!! I’ll keep serving your beloved Pocket Fairy Fuckery!! I love you all xoxo

Poems of a Phoenix (Pocket Fairy Poetry Book 1)

Raw, hard hitting poetry that will leave you wanting more.

Sinful Confessions (Pocket Fairy Poetry Book 2)

Sexy poetry that will make you melt.

Amazon

Facebook

Instagram

Pocket Fairy’s Readers

Jul 7 2019

Author Jodie Szarmach #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

So, I’m terrible at these lol, but here we go. I’m twenty-four, almost twenty-five and live in beautiful New England. For actual career stuff, I’m an EMT and I’m looking to move into 911 dispatch after having reconstructive shoulder surgery this year. I also ran a pony party business for several years and worked with police and military K9s – including dogs that were in tv shows like person of interest and movies. I’ve been an equestrian for the last twenty three years and I’ve had my horse for almost twenty!

Have you always wanted to become an author?

I’ve always written stuff but I never thought I would ever publish a book but here we are!

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Right now I’m working on my book series called Seeking Salem – the first book is releasing on July 11th and I saw the cover and HAD to have it. I didn’t have an idea lol then I started to spitball with some friends and my standalone turned into a series.

What are you working on now?

Book two, Wrath of Salem!

Do you have any quirks while writing?

Yes, I can’t write with music and I have to challenge myself to word goals or sprints or I struggle bus real hard. I write best in dead quiet.

What are your hopes for the future?

I would love to become so successful writing that it becomes a full time job but with everything that’s gone on the last eighteen months, I just want to be happy – that’s it.

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

Listen, listen, listen. Make friends and let them help. I jumped into the deep end and there was SO MUCH to learn. Don’t be cocky, don’t be rude, and ALWAYS remember you were once and unpublished word maker and you were scared too, respect goes a long, long way.

Do you have anything to say to your readers?

Honestly? I love and appreciate all of you. I couldn’t keep writing on the hard days if you wasn’t for you guys.

Buy link

Mark of Salem

Author links

Amazon

Facebook

Jodie Szarmach – Author Group

May 27 2019

Author Susie Clevenger #interview

Please give a warm welcome to poet/author Susie Clevenger

Tell us a bit about yourself

Goodness, I’m not sure where to start. I’m an author, poet, writer, amateur photographer, and a music junkie. My husband and I have a lot of friends who are musicians so we spend as much time as we can attending live music performances, even if it means we need to do some serious traveling to get to one.I also have a deep nature connection. I grew up in a small house surrounded by woods and lived most of my life outdoors. I learned the beauty of solitude, observation, listening, and the wonder of wildlife. In many ways it’s those early experiences that keeps me grounded now when life gets tough.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

When I was a teenager, I thought about it, picked up the idea again in my late twenties, but I didn’t publish my first book until age 61. Ironically it was a car accident in 2006 where I suffered brain damage that brought me back to poetry, and serious consideration of writing a book. I entered an intersection on a bright sunny day as one person and was changed in seconds. A lot of me was/is still present, but memory gaps, personality changes, and ADD became the soup I’m forced to live in. Thank goodness I have a husband who has and continues to love me through all of it. As part of my self-rehabilitation I began writing poetry in 2009. All things writing blossomed from that point.

What was your inspiration for your current book?

Ben Ditmars presented me with the idea of co-writing a poetry book that focused on how the experiences of our youth formed a foundation for who we are now. Our book Splinters is a bit humor, a bit survival, and a bit sarcastic. Our hope was/is when people read it, they realize some splinters go deep, but they don’t have to live in their wounds.

What are you working on now?

I’m going back and forth with what I want to do. I am considering an anthology of poems taken from my blog, Black Ink Howl, as well as including new poetry. My tag line under the blog title speaks my reason for creating the blog, “Venting the Orwellian Hand Maid’s Tale Psychotic of the current American Dream”. Also, I am tossing around the idea of turning my Twila series poems into a book. She is a thirteen-year-old who lives along the Atchafalaya river in Louisiana. Her generational gift of spirituality is a sort of dark coming of age story. This is a quote from one of the poems in the series, Night of River Bones,” The moon won’t come near the river when the Wailers rattle their spines against the cattails.”

°°

Do you have any quirks while writing?

I can’t write if there is any human noise, like talking, television, music with lyrics, etc. I need to be secluded in my tiny claustrophobic corner of a bedroom. I usually light incense, open the window shade (day or night), and sit down to a desk my father built. Oh, and on the right side of the desk is always a pile of poetry books.

What are your hopes for the future?

I could go off on religion and politics, but that is a dead-end history always reaches. I hope we humans wake up, stop destroying life, and learn war never brings peace.

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

It is a tough place to get a shoulder in. Dreams take hard work, but there is no expiration date. Believe in yourself. Always be willing to learn, appreciate critique, and keep a light on when those rejection letters roll in from publishers. If you choose to self-publish, there is a huge family in Independent publishing who are willing to help guide you through the process.

Do you have anything to say to your readers?

I appreciate everyone who reads my work. You are such a blessing to me, such a well of encouragement. I don’t know where I would be on this journey without you. Thank you so much.

Poem: Night of River Bones

Buy links

Author links

May 22 2019

Author Aster North #interview

Please give a warm welcome to debut author

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a brand spanking new author, a mom, a wife and have a small farm full of animals.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Actually, no. I’ve always loved to read but I never felt “author-y” so I just devoured other people’s works. Then one day, I realized I had been telling stories for a while, so why couldn’t I write them down? Some of the best people I’ve met said go for it and here I am.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

I really don’t remember. It’s a story that I’ve been telling for years in bits and pieces. The RH component came after my intro into the book world of RH.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on book two of the Anomaly series (with more Willy!) as well as the first book of a new series which is going to be called Box of Puppets.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

I need music or I will get distracted by everything. Oh and snacks. I need snacks.

What are your hopes for the future?

I just hope people like what I write. As long as someone enjoys it, I’ll be happy!

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

The first piece of advice I got when I was hesitant to try was to “just write it” and go for it. You can always fix something later, unless you never put it down to begin with.

Do you have anything to say to your readers?

Thank you. To every single person who reads it, whether you love, hate it or somewhere in between, thank you.

Pre-order

Author links

Feb 12 2019

Author B.L. Brunnemer #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author B.L. Brunnemer

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m honestly just a crazy sarcastic woman with a computer. Lol. I’ve been married to my best friend, Robert, for eight years, together thirteen. Have two dogs, one cat. The cat is currently sleeping in her heated bed in front of the heater vent. (Yeah, they’re spoiled.)

Have you always wanted to become an author?

It never occurred to me that I could until I was older but yeah. I’ve always been writing something but never finishing it. I was always coming up with stories in my head. Getting them down on paper or on the computer was always the challenge.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

With Veil Diaries, I actually was watching a show, Dead Files. I wondered what growing up seeing the dead would be like. How it would affect a person. And the idea went from there.

What are you working on now?

At the moment, I’m working on the second book in my other series, Books of Stone. I’ve been dealing with a bit of writer’s block with this one. But we’re getting there.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

Quirks… Since I do have ADHD, my office is usually quiet with my desk facing a wall. Lol. My husband knows that if I’m working to leave me alone. Lol. When I hyperfocus on work then I get really grumpy when something interrupts me. At this point, he asks if I’m at a place where I can stop. If I can, then I stop, if I can’t I tell him I’ll come to talk to him when I finish what I’m doing. We’ve got it down to a science now. Other then something crunchy to munch on while thinking, that’s the only one I can think of. I used to sit in the chair with my legs crossed under me but I can’t do that with my new chair. (Yeah, I kinda miss it)

What are your hopes for the future?

My hopes are to honestly work hard to become a better writer, that I can make each book better than the last. And keep writing. I honestly want to write for the rest of my life. * Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world? 90% of writing is getting out of your own way. Turning off that critic in your head especially during the first draft. The rest is hard work.

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

Thank you all so much for your support! Without you guys, I wouldn’t have the courage to keep writing. You guys are the best! Seriously, on bad days I’ll go on facebook and someone will have posted a picture that reminds them of the book or someone has a new theory. It gives me the jolt I need.