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.

Nov 6 2021

Author L.K. Beal #interview

Please give a warm welcome to Author L.K. Beal

Tell us a bit about yourself…

My name is Lisa & I write under two pen names. I live in the UK with my son & husband and our many pets. I love all things paranormal, coffee and the ocean. I’m pretty boring really, I tend to live through my novels!

Have you always wanted to become an author?

I wanted to become a writer when I was a kid but never thought I’d be able to. I loved to read, but writing? It seemed out of my reach.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

My newest release, Lark awakening, was inspired by the need to tell a wolf shifter story that was relatable. Something that made readers think “yeah, I would react that way, too.” I wanted it to be funny, too & Lark has a quirky sense of humour, like me.

What are you working on now?

Right now I’m working on Lark ascending, the sequel to Lark awakening. It’s in the early stages. I wasn’t planning on a second book but my readers asked – demanded – and I thought, why not?

Do you have any quirks while working?

Is writing under pressure a quirk?
As a mum to a very clingy but amazing little boy, a wife (he’s not so clingy but just has hard work), a caregiver to my mum & dad as well as a writer is pretty hectic. But I thrive under pressure so it’s all good.

What are your hopes for the future?

My hopes for the future as an author include people reading and enjoying my books. I have no other goals. Even if only one person loves what I write, I’ll be a happy camper.

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

My advice for new authors is be clear about the direction you want to go in. Point yourself towards it – shoot. Don’t let ANYONE hold you back. If no one reads what you’ve written – at least you can say you gave it 100%.
Also, never EVER compare yourself to another writer. That right there is a dream killer.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

I’d love to say – Thank you for taking a chance on me. I might be new to the new adult world but I promise you, I will work my butt off to make you love me.

L.K. Beal’s Den of Mischief

Feb 11 2021

Author Scarlett Philips #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Scarlett Philips

Tell us a bit about yourself…

Let’s see… I’m a 33 y/o mother of 4. Three girls, ages 12, 7, & 5, and a boy also 5. Yes, I have twins. Lol The youngest 3 all have autism, so I spend my days driving them back and forth to therapy. About 4 years ago, I decided I needed a hobby. Other than mindlessly watching tv. So, I started reading, and haven’t stopped, also haven’t really watched tv since. lol My longest weekly streak on Kindle was 122 weeks. Sadly, I broke my streak when I started writing and took a break from reading. I know some of you will understand the heartbreak. I write books that combine the real world with fantasy, currently, that’s in the form of a magical small-town reverse harem.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

No. I have wanted to be many things in my life: a singer, an actor, a model… a marine biologist, a lawyer. That one I actually started going to school for. I have a BS in legal studies. It’s completely useless to me lol but I had planned on continuing to law school when I graduated. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, kids and life got in the way so, after a couple of years, I decided to turn my love for books into a career. Or that’s the goal at least. Let’s see how everyone likes my writing first 😉

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Hmmm, I don’t know that anything specific really inspired me to write. I was minding my own business reading a book, as is normal for me lol, and I just all of a sudden thought “hey I should do this. I should write a book.” So I put my book down and started writing about a magical town named Everton and a single mom who decided to move back home to her long-lost friends after her husband died. That was this past November. My first book is set to release Feb 26th and I’m currently writing book 2 in the series.

What are you working on now?

Oooops I kinda already answered that lol. I’m working on book 2 of my Everton Ever After series, Surviving in Everton. Book 1 was SUPPOSED to be a standalone, but the characters didn’t listen to me, so it ended on a cliffhanger. Book 2 will answer some unanswered questions from book 1 and will… hopefully lol end in a hfn. I plan on having this series be a continuation series. So, while it’s not going to be several cliffhanger books followed by one hea as the last book, future books will follow the same characters as they deal with different things.

Do you have any quirks while working?

Hahaha I was literally just talking about this to my BFF last night! Sooo yes. Lol I tend to talk out loud when I write. Sometimes, that’s literally just saying what I’m writing out loud, and sometimes it’s spelling the words as I type them. It’s supposed to help me not make typos, but I have been known to say the correct letter then STILL write the wrong one.

What are your hopes for the future?

Oh God, my hopes? I dream small lol my hope is just that other people like my books and read them. That’s really it. I mean I think that’s what all authors want right? For people to like their books?

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

Don’t be shy. Make friends with other authors, PAs, and readers. If you don’t know something or don’t understand something, ASK FOR HELP. This community is amazing and most people would gladly help new authors. I’ve been lucky enough to come into this community with an amazing PA and through her met some awesome authors and other PAs that truly want me to succeed. So just don’t be afraid to take that step and find your people.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Thank you! To everyone that’s read my book or plans to, it really just means the world to me. I can write as much as I want, but without readers like you, it wouldn’t mean near as much. So, thank you again. I truly appreciate your support.

Scarlett’s Stalkers –
Scarlett Philips 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.

Dec 28 2019

Author Takari Hunter #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

I want to state for the record now I’m really horrible about talking about myself. I never know what to say, but I’m willing to try if you’re willing to listen. I grew up in a small town in Midwest USA. Books have always played an essential role in my life. I loved them even before I could read. My parents would give me a new book for successful potty training (embarrassing baby stories lol). As I learned to talk, I began to make up stories to go with the pictures and “read” them to my very attentive stuffed animals. I taught myself to read at 4 or 5, with a little help from my friend Julie—who was a year older than me and was using what she learned in school—was the game-changer.

Fast-forward to the present day, I’m still an avid reader. I typically go through a book a day. I have lived all over the United States but settled back in my home state of Iowa after my divorce. Once my son started school, I knew I was locked in—at least until he graduated from high school. Now that he’s done with that, I’m free to move around again. I have a list of places I want to go to before making any significant changes. I may end up just staying put—it is where my family and my son is after all. Plus, I’m pretty sure my cat, BB, wouldn’t know what to do if he couldn’t police the neighborhood from his window perches anymore.

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Have you always wanted to become an author?

It was definitely high on my list of possible career choices. All of my English type course professors encouraged me to write. I have always written short stories and poetry. It’s my way of journaling. I just never had any clue on how to get started, as far as where to submit a manuscript, finding an agent, etc. This was before the internet, and the unlimited information it provided, and LONG before Amazon came along to give self-publishing authors a platform. I shelved that dream for a really long time and focused on a career in business, until now. *evil laugh*

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

I find my inspiration by watching people or from interesting pictures I find on Pinterest. Sometimes, I’ll come across an image that screams really loud at me, it demands to have its story told. The pictures that inspired this current book/series ate at me for months. It wasn’t as loud as others, but it kept pulling me back to it. I knew there was a story and that it would be good, but it just wasn’t forming a clear picture in my head right away. Here’s the original inspiration:

Beautiful, isn’t it? ***NOTE: I have no rights to this artwork. I don’t know who the original artist is, I found it on Pinterest.

What are you working on now?

I’m still working on the Masquerade of Myths series. I need to get Betrayals & Broken Promises as close to perfect as I can before I release it out into the world, but I’ve also started outlining and plot the scenes for books two and three. This is just the first series that will be housed within the Hell on Earth World. There are currently, at least, three more series planned that will pick up the world story arc (it’s a big one) but will showcase a different heroine in each, with lots of crossovers involved. There’s always a possibility there will be additional series added to the world. It all depends on how many it will take to tell the story(stories).

I’m also working on, in the background, an epic fantasy series. It was actually the story that got me back into writing and started this journey for me. I finished book one a while ago but wasn’t happy with the scope of it, so tore it apart. I’m really working on the world-building and character development for the entire cast (there are A LOT) before I start again. Don’t expect to see this one for quite some time. I’m only casually working on it when I have writer’s block for my current WIP.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

Hmmm, that’s a good question. I sometimes need music and other times I need absolute silence. The one thing I can’t have is somebody in the house talking. My son has learned to either use his inside voice while I’m writing, or he escapes the house completely when he sees me sit down and pull up my laptop. I don’t think I have anything really quirky though. If something pops into my head, I’ll get back to you.

What are your hopes for the future?

I want to make this into a full-time endeavor. I’m willing to put in the work and time to make that happen. I’m more concerned with the quality of my stories versus the quantity I put out right now. I want to get to the point where I’m reliably publishing four books per year, one every three months. I’m excited and altogether nervous, but even failure can be a success if you can learn from it and get back up to try again.

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

Well, I’m new myself, but I’ve been around the community for a while. I think my best advice is:

DON’T GIVE UP. This is a skill that needs practice and lots of work. Nobody starts off perfect, nobody ends up perfect either. There’s ALWAYS room for improvement.

FIRST DRAFTS ARE NOT PRETTY OR PERFECT. They’re not supposed to be. Every time you revise it, the words will come together more, and it’ll look better and better.

EDIT. Hire an editor. Yes, this will be one of the most significant expenses you’ll incur on your book, but if you find a good editor, it’s worth the cost. Self-editing is essential, but you won’t get it as clean as a professional editor. You read what you think you wrote, not what you actually put on the page. Find an editor who is knowledgeable and interested in helping you grow as an author. Ask them questions.

Ok, that’s enough advice from me for now. 😊

Do you have anything to say to your readers?

To all my future readers: Thank you! Thank you so much for taking a chance on me by reading my book(s). When I write, it’s with the hope that I’m able to tell you the story well enough that you join the people in each book on their journeys.

I love hearing from people about anything: send a picture you think could inspire a story, how you related to something I wrote, even constructive criticism (don’t be an asshole) is welcome; tell me what I’ve done right or what I could use improvement on, tell me about your day. I’m a tad socially awkward, and small talk is not a skill I’m good at, but I’ll do my best to form a connection so I can speak more freely with you.

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Betrayals & Broken Promises

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Betrayals & Broken Promises (Masquerade of Myths Book 1) by Takari Hunter

Being a chameleon demoness already made things tricky, but did it need to be this difficult?

All Dahlia wanted was her freedom, but first, she needed to buy out of her promised bonding, a promise that was made for her before she was even born. Almost a century of trying had taken its toll, and she’d done things she wasn’t proud of. Lost parts of herself along the way and flirted with the darkness inside her.

And it flirted back.

She told herself it would all be worth it in the end, but before she won that battle, everything in her life systematically blew up in her face—one piece at a time. Blaming it all on the beautiful, egotistical vampire who showed up in her life would be easy, but it started long before he arrived. With his help, she might succeed, but Dahlia wasn’t sure she could trust an outsider—not even one sent by Lucifer himself.

Dahlia was standing on the brink of having everything she’d ever dreamed of, but she also risked losing it all.

Was her freedom really worth the cost?

Sep 28 2019

Author Kell Inkston #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I love birdwatching, gardening, and exercise. Favorite drink is black coffee, Sumatra origin preferred.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Nope, mostly because I just didn’t think about it. Truth is though I had been telling stories since I was a little kiddy, so I suppose the desire was always there waiting for me.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

So I thought it would be a wonderfully cool idea to mix the familiar with the horrifying, and thought it would be awesome to have one’s entire worldview threatened by a situation that they find themselves alone in. That’s the desire behind Clare in Substation 7: she’s casting herself into the abyss of a truth that may not want her.

What are you working on now?

A Halloween special short story. You can find it on kellinkston.com when it’s done!

Do you have any quirks while writing?

Not many, though I do love drinking huge amounts of coffee while I write- it keeps me comfortable while I work 😛

What are your hopes for the future?

To become one of THE GREATEST WRITERS OF THE TWENTY FIRST CENTURY.

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

Read as many articles as you can get your hands on. Join facebook groups that have authors in them and pick up as much as you can. Their years of experience will put you on the fast-track to success.

Do you have anything to say to your readers?

I love you all!

Jul 4 2019

Author Amelia Oliver #interview

Please give a warm welcome to Amelia

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Amelia Oliver, I’m a small seaside town girl from the UK. I’m a mum, an author and an all round crazy person.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

I have. But you know… Life. I was encouraged by my good friend Jules, who is also an author. Well… She pushed me into it really. I owe her everything!

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

I’ve lived by the ocean nearly my whole life. And as a kid I would make stories up of a world under the waves, with mythical creatures and an ordinary girl like me, who finds out that she is more than just an average person. Everly came to me and drove me crazy, so here we are.

What are you working on now?

Right now I am working on several projects. Book 2 in The Everly Davis Chronicles, an anthology and a book that has yet to decide which direction it is going in.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

Not really, although I do all of my writing on my phone. I don’t have a computer, so I use Google docs. It allows me to write anywhere. I’m a disorganized writer, I don’t even make notes…Until I need notes.

What are your hopes for the future?

My hopes are that I will be able to share my stories with people from around the world, until I can no longer.

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

Believe in yourself. That may be a cliché, but when it comes to writing, you have to believe that you are worthy. Also the author world is so friendly. Ask for help, you’ll get it. Everyone I have met so far has been so friendly and helpful.

Do you have anything to say to your readers?

Thank you SO much for supporting me. I feel like a tiny little colourless fish in an ocean of amazingly colourful big fish. I read other authors work, and I’m like “Omg. I wish I could write like this.” To have people read and like my book’s?, The best feeling in the whole world. I appreciate you all so very much. Amelia xoxo

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Blog post updated March 7th ~ 2010

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.”

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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

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May 23 2019

Graphic Designer Dark & Stormy Knight Design #interview

Please give a warm welcome to designer Christopher Coyle – Dark & Stormy Knight Design

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a graphic designer who moonlights as an indie romance writer, with a background in fantasy roleplaying games. I’m a moody Gemini who tends to embrace Zen, who’s traveled the world and loves life, embraces differences and celebrates the strange and unusual.

I primarily design covers for romance authors, and I try and create a distinct, unique take on their book with covers that aren’t necessarily “to market,” but will hopefully stand out from the others. I work closely with the author, collaboratively, from beginning to end, to try and bring their characters to life.

If I find stock photos that randomly inspire me, then I create “premades” based on that inspiration. They might not necessarily be designed around what’s currently popular, or “on trend,” but covers that make me happy – and hopefully inspire authors out there to create a story around that cover!

Have you always wanted to become a designer/artist?

If I wasn’t writing, I was doodling. Growing up, I wanted to be a comic book writer & artist, but I always seemed to focus more on one side than the other. If I focused on my writing, I let my art slip away; if I focused on art, my writing suffered. Going into graphic design, opposed to art, let’s me juggle the two a lot more effectively…so, I guess, yes. I like to tell stories, whether through speaking, the written word, or through an image.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

It’s a bit of a cop-out answer, but the truth really is that I find inspiration in just about everything. Sometimes, it’s just a random stock photo that sparks an idea, or I’ll have gorged on alien romances so suddenly I need to design an alien cover.

Usually, though, if I’m working on a commission, then I draw inspiration from the author – I ask what covers they like, what their character(s) look like, what mood/theme their book is, and let their inspiration guide me. Some authors prefer to give me more leeway, which I’m comfortable with, and I take my job very seriously.

As a designer, my primary job is to make the author happy. I want them to hold that cover in their hand, and be just as happy with it years from now as they are the moment I show them the final draft.

What are you working on now?

Oh, I’m not sure I’m allowed to drop names!

Sandra R. Neeley was one of the first authors I started doing commissions for, and I’ve done her Whispers of the Bayou series (book 3 is finished, coming soon, hint hint), as well as her science fiction book, Haven, and her Riley’s Pride series of shifter romances!

I have been working on the covers for Wendie Nordgren’s Space Merchants series, which I love working on because it’s “romantic” science fiction, so it’s mixing softer tones with a sci-fi environment!

A few new authors have approached me to do their first books, which is an incredible honor! I love working with new authors, watching them take the world by storm!

Do you have any quirks while working?

I listen to audiobooks while designing. It’s a bit weird, but I’m an avid audiobook listener, so when I’m designing, I’ll usually fire up Audible and re-listen to one of my favorites; which, depending on my mood, can be anything from Julie Garwood or David Eddings through Kresley Cole and Thea Harrison…

I won’t tell you how many Audible audiobooks I own, but let’s just say that I’m a sucker for Whispersync on Amazon!

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

Don’t be afraid of embracing your own distinct style.

Watch YouTube tutorials!

Experiment! Constantly challenge yourself to learn and try something new!

What are your hopes for the future?

I just want to keep creating covers! So, hit me up!

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

Wait? I have fans? Haha! For those authors who have entrusted their book babies to me, I absolutely adore you. You humble me, and from the bottom of my wee heart, thank you for trusting me!

Contact links

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Dark & Stormy Knight Design

Facebook Group (where premades are posted)

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.