Category Archives: Author Interviews

Author Interview -Bethany Martin

Posted on by
4

Beth Anne Book

What name do you write under and is it a pen name?
Bethany Martin, which is not a pen name.

What is the name of your most recent story and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?
My story is called “The Peculiar Case of Matthias Chase” (I know, it’s a mouthful). The simplest way I can sum it up is this – a wild mix of kidnappings, demons, and sassy characters.

Is the above story part of a series or anthology?
The Peculiar Case of Matthias Chase is not part of a series, but it is part of the anthology a Door to Our Minds, which is full of other short stories written by some amazing teen authors.ADoor-Final - FRONT COVERWhat or who inspired you to start writing?
Ever since fifth grade, I’ve really enjoyed writing, especially argumentative essays, however I really got into creative writing about 2 years ago, when I joined Wrecking Havoc on Paper. My friends in band, as well as author A.G. Porter, convinced me to join, and I’ve been hooked on creative writing since then.

How long have you been writing?
Like I said above, I’ve loved writing for a long time, but I suppose you could say I’ve actually been writing for just a little over two years.

Beth Anne Martin

How did you come up with the cover design idea/concept and who designed it?
Well, for one thing, I’m such a sucker for minimalist designs. A simple, yet intriguing cover will always interest me more than super detailed covers (not that detailed covers can’t catch my eye too). Second, because the ‘X’ seen on the cover, as well as the smoke, are such a big part of my story, I knew I needed to incorporate those. I’ve had other, different ideas, but I really think no matter what, I’ll be happiest with the cover I have now. The cover was actually designed by Amanda Orneck, the author of Sister of the Circuit. 

 

Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your story?
I can’t think of any one song specifically, but I tend to listen to the soundtrack for Over the Garden Wall while writing, so I’m sure I listened to that at least a few times while writing this story.

How did you come up with the title for your story?
I’ve had this title from day one. In all honesty, I hadn’t even been working on this story when I came up with it. I was sitting in my friend’s room and I just said the title, sort of as a joke. However, a plot came after that, and the name just stuck.

As a reader, do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers, or audio-books?
I definitely like hard-covers most, but I see nothing wrong with a paperback. I don’t dislike e-books or audiobooks, but they’re not what I prefer at all. I like feeling actual paper and smelling a new book.

Have you ever read a book more than once? If so, what was it?
I’ve totally read the Harry Potter series a couple of times (Goblet of Fire being the one I’ve read the most). There are many other books I’ve read multiple times as well. I have nothing against reading a good book over again.

Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?
Absolutely. I oftentimes only pick up books with an interesting or aesthetically pleasing cover. Usually I’ll read the back of the book, as well as the first page, but every once in a while there are good covers that have me invested in the book all on their own.

What is your favorite film based on a book?
This is definitely a hard one. Even though I haven’t read the book, I recently watched The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society on Netflix, and it was fantastic. Of course, I also love Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets as a movie.

What is your favorite book genre at the moment?
Hands-down mystery/thriller. I am fascinated by true crime, so anything of that nature is a must-read for me.

What books have made it on your wish list recently?
A book I would like to read is Columbine by Dave Cullen. I picked it up at Barnes and Noble recently, and what I read of it before leaving was very interesting. Another book I’m eager to get my hands on is the second book is Marissa Meyer’s Renegades duology, Arch-Enemies. It comes out early November, and I cannot wait. Renegades was fantastic, and Meyer never disappoints, so it’s been at the top of my wish list for a while now.

What books are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
I am currently reading “Unsub” by Meg Gardiner in hardback.

If you could invite any four (4) authors (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?

  1. Lois Lowry– her book, The Giver, is what really got me into dystopian, and I think all of her books are absolute works of art (Gathering Blue is my personal favorite).
  2. William Pene du Bois– I read The Twenty-One Balloons when I was younger for a project, and it’s still one of my favorite books to this day. It’s such a dreamy and whimsical story, and I’m sure a conversation with du Bois would be fascinating.
  3. Gillian Flynn– Gone Girl is probably my favorite book of all time, and talking to the genius behind it would be a dream-come-true. I’d love to talk with her over dinner about true-crime and how to write the perfect mystery. And, she can sign copies of her books for me.
  4. J.K. Rowling– Overdone, yes, but who wouldn’t want to have a dinner party with her? Harry Potter plays a huge role in my reading journey, it would feel like a crime to not take advantage of an opportunity to chat with Rowling.

What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?
The best advice I’ve been given thus far is probably not to edit as you are writing. Nina Soden told me this, and while it was definitely a struggle to adjust to, I’m glad she told me. Now, I’m not constantly being so critical to myself, therefore I can write freely and actually come up with some great ideas.

What authors inspire you?
I have loads of author inspirations, but the two biggest are A.G. Porter and Nina Soden. I’ve learned so much from working with them, and I them a lot of gratitude because of how much they have not only improved my writing, but motivated me to keep with any story I come up with.

Where can your readers follow you?
On Instagram @bethanymartinbooks and please give the Wrecking Havoc on Paper Instagram a follow, @whop.teens

If you are interested in reading The Peculiar Case of Matthias Chase and purchasing your own copy of a Door to Our Minds, fill out the information form below and I’ll be sure to email you more information as soon as the anthology is released. 

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Author Interview – Lilly Brown

Posted on by
2

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to be introducing you to some amazing young adults who will be releasing a short story anthology in the next month or two.

Today, I am very excited to introduce you to Lilly Brown, who I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the last 7 months. She has been working hard to finish her short story, The Spark, which will be included in an anthology being publish within the next couple of months. I promise to keep you posted on the publication details as we have them.

So, without further ado, let me introduce you to Lilly Brown, author of The Spark.

Lilly BookWhat name do you write under and is it a pen name?
I write under the name Lilly Brown and no it is not a pen name.

What or who inspired you to start writing?
I don’t really have a specific inspiration as much as I’ve just always wanted to write a book. However, another author and my former writing coach, Amanda Porter, was the one who gave me the opportunity to write.

How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing tiny little stories probably since I could write, but I’ve been seriously writing for about three and a half years.

What is the name of your most recent story and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?
My latest story is call The Spark and I would describe it as a group of moody teens who don’t want to do what they’ve been told to do.

Is the above story part of a series or anthology?
It is in an anthology called a Door to Our Minds, which includes my story and four other stories. However, The Spark is also the first book in a series that I’m planning to continue with now that the anthology is getting ready to be published.
ADoor-Final - FRONT COVER

What or who inspired you to start writing?
I don’t really have a specific inspiration as much as I’ve just always wanted to write a book. However, another author and my former writing coach, Amanda Porter, was the one who gave me the opportunity to write.

How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing tiny little stories probably since I could write, but I’ve been seriously writing for about three and a half years.
The Spark - Lilly Brown
How did you come up with the cover design idea/concept?
The basic idea came from one of my favorite scenes in the book but my cover artist, Amanda Orneck took it and made it so much better.

Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your story?
I listened to a lot of Broadway soundtracks. I listened to many video game scores and plenty of Star Wars as well.

How did you come up with the title for your story?
My main character is firey and I like to think of this book as the beginning of the story so I thought “The Spark” was fitting.

As a reader, do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audio books?
Hardcovers all the way. I kind of hoard them but they’re just so beautiful that I can’t help it.

Have you ever read and book more than once? And if so what is it?
Yes I have read a book more than once–seven times, I’m pretty sure and it the Warriors Super Edition, Crookedstar’s Promise.

Have you ever read a book based on its cover?
No. I don’t trust covers alone. There have been so many times where I see a cool cover and then I read the blurb and it sounds super boring so I always double-check books.

What is your favorite film based on a book?
The Phantom of the Opera is definitely my favorite film based on a book, as well as musical.

What is your favorite book genre at the moment?
Fantasy. It’s my favorite right now and I can’t remember a time when it wasn’t.

What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why?
Bright Burns the Night by Sara B Larson is at the top right now. I found the first book in her series at a used bookstore and I loved everything about it, especially how she explained the lore of the fantasy world.

What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
I’m reading Part of Your World by Liz Braswell and it’s a hardcover.

If you could invite and four (4) authors (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?
This may sound totally basic but the first would be J.K. Rowling. Harry Potter is one of my favorite book series and I have always admired Rowling for the way she wove every part of each book together. The second would be Erin Hunter. Even though Erin Hunter is a pen name for the group of authors behind the Warriors, Survivors, and Seekers series, I’m still going to use them as my second author. I’d love to find out how they are able to write and publish so many books and keep every character and timeline in order. The third person I would invite is, Liz Braswell. She’s is one of the two authors of Disney’s Twisted Tales series and I admire her ability to take classic stories and rewrite them. The fourth author I would invite is Leigh Bardugo, the author of the Grisha Trilogy and Six of Crows Duology. I love the way she connected these two series and I really admired her world-building skills.

What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?
To not edit as I go. I would end up editing things out that I really liked but I would get rid of it because I thought I didn’t need it. I finally learned to let my editor edit.

What authors inspire you?
The list is very long but I’ll cut it down to just a few. Obviously, the four I would invite to a dinner party inspire me. Also on this list is: Kendare Blake, Ashley Chappell, Stephanie Garber, Marissa Meyer, Amanda Porter, Nina Soden and Tui T. Sutherland.

If you are interested in reading The Spark and purchasing your own copy of a Door to Our Minds, fill out the information form below and I’ll be sure to email you more information as soon as the anthology is released. 

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Author Interview – Jared Barlament

Posted on by
Reply

Every now and then, I have the pleasure of welcoming another indie-author to my blog as a guest. Today, I am excited to introduce all of my readers to Jared Barlament, author of The Agony of an Age.

Author-J.-W.-Barlament-174x300

  • What is your name and where do you call home? My name is Jared Barlament, and I reside in the midwestern United States.
  • Do you have a pen name? I like to fashion my name as J. W. Barlament, because J. W. just sounds so much more formal and classical than Jared does. I don’t bother with any pseudonyms, though, because I don’t see the need for me to hide my identity like a secretive superhero.
  • What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say? The title of my most recent book is The Agony of an Age. It’s an immense fantasy saga that tells three interwoven tales of power, warfare and incessant torment.
  • Is the above book part of a series? Indeed it is. The first book in the series, The Plight of a People, was published on October 16th of 2017. The aforementioned successor is coming this October 16th of this year, and I hope to have the final novel out on October 16th of next year.
  • What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing? I’m still making my way through high school, so I haven’t had as much time to develop my craft as others. I’ve been writing creatively for as long as I’ve been able to, though. Ever since early childhood, I have always been able to feel a thunderous need within me to write down the ideas inside my mind.

book

 

 

How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)? Originally, my covers were going to be far more elaborate, but I was wary of hiring anyone. My sister, who is excellent at that sort of thing, volunteered to do the first book’s cover. She wasn’t entirely reliable, though, so my girlfriend ended up teaching herself Photoshop just to make my covers for me. If that isn’t dedication, I’m not sure what is.

 

 

  • Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)? Typically, I listen to classic rock or jazz, but writing has made me appreciate classical music so much more than I used to. Nowadays, I listen to a wide variety of classical while I write, but Tchaikovsky and Holst have always been my favorites.
  • How did you come up with the title for your book(s)? My first book’s title was its working title for a long time, and I figured it was unique enough to keep. Turns out, people weren’t fans of it, so I attempted to make the second book’s title much snappier within the same format.
  • Do you have a book trailer? If so, where can we watch it? As much as I would love to display great armies of men, beasts and deities battling to the death, I’m not quite that good with a computer.
  • Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books? For reading, I definitely prefer hardcovers. They have a more classic vibe to them, and they’re certainly much less flimsy than a paperback. I tend to zone out on audiobooks, and my eyes just can’t take the monotonous screen gazing necessary for an e-book.
  • Are you a self-published/Indie author? That I am. I attempted to get into the traditional industry for my first book, but I quickly found it to be a soul-sucking process. Thus, I chose to go my own way.
  • If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route? In addition to the reason listed above, I also enjoy the freedom of it all. I get to choose how much I make off of each book. I decide how to edit. I decide what the cover will look like. It’s certainly a big bonus to have that kind of creative control.
  • Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it? I read The Art of War a few times before realizing that I would be reading it and forgetting its material until death if I didn’t take notes. Since then, I have taken notes on the content and notable quotes of every book I read. Hopefully, this will prevent me from having to read anything else a second time.
  • What is your opinion of novellas? They aren’t my cup of tea, but to each their own.
  • Have you ever read a book just based on its cover? I can’t say that I have. I have picked up books based on their covers, but I always read the back cover and take a peek inside before I decide to buy.
  • What is your favorite film based on a book? Without a doubt, Jaws. Very few films are even as good as the books they’re based off of. However, the film version of Jaws is vastly superior to its literary counterpart. There’s a reason barely anyone knows it was originally a book anymore.
  • What is your favorite book genre at the moment? Classic literature, hands down. There’s just something so aesthetic and downright magnetic about reading a story written in a faint period of the distant past.
  • What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why? I don’t have a wish list at the moment, because I have a massive pile of books on my nightstand waiting to be read. Thus, I have sworn to hold off on getting any others until those are done.
  • What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format? I just began The Divine Comedy in a beautifully decorated hardcover format.
  • If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why? I don’t care much for today’s celebrities, but there are plenty of historical figures I would love to have for dinner. A grouping of Baruch Spinoza, David Hume, Carl Jung and Friedrich Nietzche would certainly make for an interesting discussion.
  • What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing? Self-discipline is key. Anyone can begin to write a book, but very few people can ever finish one. Being overly harsh on yourself will do no good, though. The goal is to keep your mind under your control and prevent it from being seized by distractions.
  • Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing? You know, I never realized how much my life revolves around those two activities until I came across this question. I do enjoy taking spontaneous walks in nature, as well as biking, drumming, and map-making.
  • Where can your readers follow you? I do believe that’s what the links below are for. I would especially recommend checking out my website. It is there that I post a whole host of intriguing articles on political, philosophical, spiritual and societal topics.
    Blog: https://jwbarlament.wixsite.com/anindividualmind
    Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17243214.J_W_Barlament
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/anindivmind
    Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/J.-W.-Barlament/e/B076J36J31/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Do you have questions for Jared? Comment below so he can answer all your questions. If you’re an author and would like to be interviewed, check out the author interview submission here! 

Tips from famous authors…

Posted on by
Reply
art business close up decor

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

If you do a google search for the best tips for new authors, you’ll be inundated with a ton of advice. Some suggestions will be good… others, not so much. Below are some of my favorite tips from famous authors out there:

  1. Be open to criticism – Be it from your peers, your beta readers, and most importantly your editor. You have to be open to listening to your editor! (Stephen King)
  2. Write for yourself, not the market – Write what you care about. Don’t try to write for the market or just to sell. If you aren’t writing what your passionate about it will never sell. (Neil Gaiman)
  3. Practice makes perfect – Writing is like a sport. If you don’t practice you’ll never get better. Just a little bit every day – a page a day – will make you better. (Rick Riordan)
  4. Ask practical questions – The moment you make a decision about your story, a character choice, a plot choice, etc. you need to ask yourself practical questions about it. How will that work? How will it affect the characters? When you start asking yourself those types of practical questions and finding answers then the unrealistic becomes realistic. It becomes possible. (Salman Rushdie)
  5. Teach yourself that everything is interesting – A common desire for new writers is to edit everything, and although editing is VERY important, you don’t want to edit yourself as you write. Put everything into your story – everything is interesting – everything is important. You can edit out what really doesn’t matter at the end, when you’ve finished your first draft. (Malcolm Gladwell)

Watch the Reedsy video here:

 

Author Interview – TM Blayte

Posted on by
Reply

Being an indie-author is hard… amazing, exciting, and so much fun, but it is HARD!!! Getting your book in the hands of readers is often draining. So, for that reason and because I believe that we indie-authors need to help each other out, I welcome all authors to my blog as guests.

Front Cover

Therefore, I’d like to welcome TM Blayte, author of Until We Are Free, to my site.

  1. What is your name and where do you call home? My name is TM Blayte. I call Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa home.
  2. Do you have a pen name? Yes. TM Blayte is my pen name.
  3. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say? Until We Are Free. It is about a teenage rebel, working against his organization’s enemies, and against his own organization, which is led by his father.
  4. Is the above book part of a series? Yes. It is the first in a planned trilogy.
  5. What or who inspired you to start writing? I liked history in school. Using stuff we were taught about colonial Africa, the Vietnam war, and the French revolution, I was inspired to add revolution elements to a mandarin vampire story. And then remove the vampires.
  6. How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing since before I was sixteen.
  7. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)? I’m published by a small press. Their department took care of everything cover related.
  8. Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)? No. I like working in silence.
  9. How did you come up with the title for your book(s)? The original title was Revolution Until We Are Free. It felt appropriate, because an overall theme of the trilogy is we are never truly free. So any successful revolution actually never ends. After I signed my book with Alban Lake Publishing, the editor suggested changing the name to Until We Are Free.
  10. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books? Whenever I can get my hands on them, I love audio books. They don’t come cheap, so I mostly read e-books.
  11. Are you a self-published/Indie author? I am published with a small press, Alban Lake Publishing. No agent.
  12.  Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it? Yes! I read all the Harry Potter books over and over again, until I knew the chapter names of all seven books. I’ve also read Frost Bite by Richelle Mead a couple of times. However, as I’ve had more to spend on books in the past year, I almost never repeat books anymore.
  13. What is your opinion of novellas? Awesome. I love reading and writing them. I think they are perfect. As a university student, I usually want something I can start and finish on a Saturday. In comes this wonderful literary invention.
  14. Have you ever read a book just based on its cover? Never. Ever. Ever.
  15. What is your favorite film based on a book? I would have to say Game of Thrones. It is a show a reader can appreciate, but the film guys take artistic license as well. It has the perfect balance.
  16. What is your favorite book genre at the moment? That is a tough question. Very tough. But let’s go with Fantasy.
  17. What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why? One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus, Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orïsha, #1) by Tomi Adeyemi, and The Fallen by David Baldacci. The first two, because they are what everyone is talking about in YA circles. The Fallen, because I am a longtime Baldacci fan.
  18. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format? Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer. I’m listening to the audio version.
  19. If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why? Lecrae. He is my favorite rapper. Celine Dion, she has the best vocals in the game. J.K. Rowling, come on, who wouldn’t? Beyoncé, it’s not what you’re thinking. I used to be a rapper in my teenage years. I simply want to pass on one of my old demos, so she can pass them onto J.
  20. What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing? Wait. The business is subjective.
  21. Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing? Yep. I enjoy listening to good music. Genre doesn’t matter, as long as it is good. I also love binge watching series. My favorites are the Blacklist, The Big Bang Theory, Bosch, and Game of Thrones.
  22. Where can your readers follow you?

■ Blog: https://www.tmblaytespeaks.wordpress.com
■ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tmblayte
■ To purchase a copy of Until We Are Free: https://www.infiniterealmsbookstore.com/product-page/until-we-are-free-by-tm-blayte
■ Newsletter: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDnT36u5d62e0CwQhWLyW2NAjL5NE6UvLnBZPD_qlXCeOiqg/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link

_____________________________________________________________________________

Front CoverUntil We Are Free

If sixteen-year-old human, Nyl Jayms fails to kidnap the Elder Princess, in order to force her brother, the king, to negotiate with humans, the only other option is a war that could lead to the annihilation of one or both races. It has been nearly six hundred years since the war of the gods, and humans are still second class citizens, in what the characters believe to be the last shred of civilized earth. The Riders, a group of human rebels now have enough resources to stage a full-scale war, but want to try negotiations to spare human lives. Why then, does it seem some council members, including Nyl’s dad, want a war, and will do anything to disrupt negotiations? 

Author Interview: Levi Cheruo

Posted on by
Reply

Today, I’d like to welcome author Levi Cheruo to my blog. He is a gifted, Kenyan, writer with some excellent advice for new authors!

kenya

 

  • Tell us a little about yourself:

I am a passionate writer, a gifted poet, an accomplished lyricist, a recorded singer, and above all a freelance journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.

I have penned down FIVE titles, which are readily available and accessible both online and offline in Paperback and eBook formats via CreateSpace Publishers, Amazon, etc. They include:

[1] There is no Country Called Kenya: If you Must Steal, Just Steal a Little Please

[2] The UglyBeautiful Tale of a Stupid, Stupid Heart: When Mother Hen Eats her Grownup Chicks

[3] A Must-Have Guide for Every Aspiring Writer: Easy, Learnable, Realistic and Sure Ways to Earn Money as A Writer Online (Earning a Living as A Writer) (Volume 1)

[4] Please! Remember to Forget Me! And Other Short Stories

[5] Crawling to my Death and Other Poems: A Poetry Anthology

More so, I have two other works that will be hitting bookstores at the soonest opportune possible. These include a Swahili Riwaya titled Yajapo Yapokee, and an English Novella titled Married to my Shadow: Love is for the Dying and Weak in Spirit.

Additionally, I am an occasional Op-Ed contributor for major local dailies here in Kenya namely:

  1. The Daily Nation

http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Letters/Ethnicity-Kenya-Politics/-/440806/2841514/-/fsy6my/-/index.html

http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Letters/We-can-do-away-with-false-prophets-and-talk-directly-with-God/-/440806/2533486/-/bw5vng/-/index.html

  1. The Standard Group Media

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2000083019/why-ex-pm-back-door-admission-to-11th-parliament-is-suicidal

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/ureport/article/2000192085/lets-avoid-the-road-that-will-lead-the-nation-to-violence

  1. News24

http://www.news24.co.ke/MyNews24/raila-a-political-cheat-or-timely-saviour-for-kenyans-20160106

http://uganda.news24.com/Regional-News/1001-reasons-that-makes-kenya-both-a-curse-and-a-blessing-20151210-2

  1. Sido News Network

http://www.sabaots.com/Levi_Cheptora_Cheruo.html

  1. Kenya Yote

http://kenyayote.com/political-appeasement-killing-the-spirit-of-effective-devolution/

  1. Kenya-Today

http://www.kenya-today.com/opinion/police-reforms-in-kenya

  1. Kenya London News

http://www.kenyalondonnews.org/?p=3769

Some of my fiction writings have also been featured in reputable sites such as www.africanwriter.com and www.writeoutloud.com.

  • What Inspires you to Write?

Not long after my birth, my parents walked their separate ways after a not-so-happy marriage that I would come to learn many years later was characterized by violence, drunkenness and negligence.

Denied both motherly and fatherly love, it didn’t take long to realize I was on my own. I started asking why…then Papa died, closely followed by Isabel, my late girlfriend, and the only kind soul I ever knew.

For me, writing is not only a past-time hobby but a therapeutic undertaking that has helped me discover the real me.

What happens around me greatly inspires me…. It could be the sudden loss of a loved one, the runaway culture of impunity, and rampant corruption in my country, a heartbreak, and most important, solitude and loneliness.

  • How do you deal with writer’s block?

I take a breath, do some soul-searching with some soft background music…then take some time off from my writing; often, writer’s block is as a result of not being at peace with either oneself or with others, therefore it helps to make peace. More so, taking some time off creates a room for sharpening your creativity, and embracing fresh perspectives that might work for your piece of literary work.

  • What’s your favorite book?

Waste Not Your Tears by Violet Kala

  • Who are your favorite authors?

My favorite authors include:

  1. Violet Kala, Zimbabwe
  2. Ngugu Wa Thiong’o, Kenya
  3. Chinua Achebe, Nigeria

  • Tell us about your books

My books are mainly centered on the themes of relationships, justice, equality, good governance, and leadership accountability.

The UglyBeautiful Tale of a Stupid, Stupid Heart was inspired by the 2007/2008 Kenya’s Post Election Violence, and the subsequent victory to the alleged perpetrators; There is No Country Called Kenya is an answer to the current wave of perpetual state-sanctioned thieving that threatens to tear Kenya apart, and so are the rest of the titles.

  • What’s the best thing about being a writer?

Writing in itself is therapeutic…it is a journey of self-discovery that arms you with a third eye and a third ear. And of course it comes with respect from others, it adds credibility to your ideas, opinions, views, etc.

  • Any advice for authors about book covers?

Do not judge a book by its cover it is said. However, I strongly believe that book covers still plays a major part as far as potential buyers are concerned. That said, authors should invest in their book covers, and ensure it is professionally designed to suit their title, and literary piece main theme.

  • What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Full-time job, pets, hobbies?

When I am not writing, I am reading. And when I am not reading, I am working on my Song Writing Skills, listening to all manner of music…. Currently, I do not have a full-time job, but I occasionally contribute articles for a number of local dailies here in Kenya, apart from updating posts on my blog.

  • How did you go about getting published?

Traditional Publishing is no longer appealing to amateur writers not yet established out there, and it is for this reason that I opted for Indie Publishing.

Not only does it give me freedom of determining the final product, but also saves me a lot of time that I would have wasted waiting for editorial reviews from a traditional publisher.

  • What is your writing process? Do you have a time, day or place you like to write?

Writing for me is not a linear process. I write as ideas come; sometimes, continuously, at other times, once in a while.

  • Any marketing tips you’d like to share with other authors?

There are many readers online nowadays, and as such, social media can prove quite helpful in marketing one’s books. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc., makes it quite easy to share links, info, previews, and sample texts.

There are also traditional advertising methods (which requires lots of cash), and can help improve your sales.

More so, there are dozens of sites out there dedicated for reviewing new books (mostly at an affordable fee). Reviews can add credibility, and an aura of social approval to your book, and thus attract potential buyers. Visit the sites below for a try:

http://bestthrillers.com/list-of-book-review-sites/

http://bestthrillers.com/list-of-book-review-sites/

  • What is the best advice you have ever heard?

When you are writing, you are just writing. You are not planning, you are not editing. You are writing. Once you have planned your story, it is time to sit down and write it.-JK.ROWLINGS, Harry Porter Series Author

  • What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

If you have an idea you strongly believe in, and that you know it will impact many a soul out there, do not sit on it…write your heart out…you deserve to be heard as soon as last year!

  • What are you currently working on?

A Swahili Riwaya titled Yajapo Yapokee, and an English Novella titled Married to my Shadow: Love is for the Dying and Weak in Spirit.

  • If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?

I will definitely bring along a Bible, a Church Hymnal Book, Violet Kala’s Waste Not Your Tears, and Nelson Mandela’s Abridged Autobiography A Long Walk to Freedom.

  • What are you reading now?

I am currently reading God Dies by Nile El-Saadawi, Nawal, and The Common: A Modern Sense of Place: Issue 06 by Owuor, Yvonne Adhiambo

  • Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

The Ugly Beautiful Tale of a Stupid, Stupid Heart was inspired by the 2007/2008 Kenya’s Post Election Violence and the subsequent victory to the alleged perpetrators; There is No Country Called Kenya is an answer to the current wave of perpetual state-sanctioned thieving that threatens to tear Kenya apart; Please! Remember to Forget Me! And Other Stories was inspired by the untimely deaths of my girlfriend, father, grandfather, and grandmother.

  • What’s next for you as a writer?

As long as I am alive, I will continue uplifting souls, igniting dispirited hearts, cheering up sad faces, and restoring hope to the hopeless through my writings.

  • Where can my readers find you online?

Author Website/Blog: https://booksloverafrica.blogspot.co.ke/

Author Profile Page on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/levicheruo

Facebook Profile: http://www.facebook.com/cheptolevi

Twitter Profile: http://www.twitter.com/cheruo

Pinterest Profile: https://www.pinterest.com/cheptolevi/

Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/levi_cheruo_cheptora/

Author Profile Page on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/levicheruo

 

Author Interview: Alex Hinkley

Posted on by
Reply

I’d like to welcome Alex Hinkley, author of Nerd Psychology, to my blog today. I hope you enjoy getting to know him and hearing about his book Nerd Psychology!

author

1. What is your name and where do you call home?

My name is Alex Hinkley. I live in Western New York, specifically the Rochester area, and have lived here my entire life. I really like it here but wish we got less snow. Pretty much half the year is winter.

2. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?

Nerd Psychology explains why online trolls act the way they do.

3. Is the above book part of a series?

Not yet but I am currently thinking about writing other “____ Psychology” books to make it a series, and then filling in the blank with different things – such as Liberal Psychology for example.

4. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?

I used to play a lot of play-by-post forum roleplaying games growing up where you had to write about what your character was doing and interact with other people writing from the perspective of their characters. Doing this really grew my love for writing and after graduating college I decided to try to make a career of it. Overall I would say I have been writing for around 15 years, but writing professionally for about 7.

5. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)?

cover
It was actually kind of difficult coming up with a cover for Nerd Psychology because it is a psychology reference book, so how do you make that look appealing? I ultimately settled on using an image of a neuron because I felt it complimented the professional tone of the book itself. My friend Robert helped me position everything properly during the publishing process.

6. How did you come up with the title for your book?

In the book I go into the difference between a geek and a nerd, a nerd being a pejorative term for someone that ego boosts. Therefore the phrase “Nerd Psychology” seemed appropriate since I attempt to explain the psychology behind this specific type of person’s actions. It’s applicable to most people’s everyday lives since nearly everybody uses the internet these days and anybody who is an internet veteran has come across trolls at some point. Nerd Psychology helps you to understand their motives and how to deal with them effectively.

7. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hardcovers or audio-books?

I personally prefer reading an actual book that I can hold in my hands. While I understand the convenience factor, I don’t like e-readers because I like to smell and feel the book (yes I said smell – I love the smell of musty old library books). It helps immerse me into the book. That being said, I don’t really have a preference between hardcovers and paperbacks. Either are fine. Generally, hardcovers do tend to hold up better from wear though.
I AM THE SAME WAY!!! I love the feel of a book in my hands. I love the smell of a book… ink on paper. I do have a preference between paperbacks and hardcovers. I prefer paperback books – They are just more comfortable in my hand, and I know some people don’t like to crack the spine of a book, but for me a cracked spine shows love for that book. 

8. Are you a self-published/Indie author?

Yep, I went the self-publishing route. I didn’t know anything about the publishing industry and felt self-publishing would just be easier. Plus my books are aimed at relatively niche audiences so I figured it would be fairly difficult to get a publisher to sign on for them. Also keeping a larger percentage of the royalties from every sale doesn’t hurt either!
Totally agree, keeping the royalties is awesome. However, lately, I have actually been thinking more about submitting to a publisher. I just don’t know if that is even a thing once a book has already been published. I wonder if any of my readers know that…

9. Have you ever read a book more than once?

Not that I can remember. I have a huge backlog of books to read so I don’t really have time to read the same book again, even if I really liked it or it has been awhile since I read it. There’s so many new stories to enjoy and new knowledge to acquire!

10. Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?

Nah I will at least read the synopsis first. Covers don’t mean much to me past getting my attention. Once my attention is grabbed, however, you still have to win me over.

11. What is your favorite film based on a book?

I really like the 1987 film The Running Man with Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. It’s one of the few King movie adaptations that was actually good in my opinion. Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile are also up there, of course but The Running Man has a lot of re-watchability to me because it is an action movie while the others are more about the plot.
Stephen King is one of my favorite authors of all time. LOVED The Running Man… Loved The Green Mile… LOVED Shawshank Redemption even MORE. There are so many amazing books that man has written. I’d give anything to have just one-hour of his time to pick his brain.
 

12. What is your favorite book genre at the moment?

At the moment, I’m reading a lot of fantasy books. Trying to make it through the Wheel of Time. Man, that’s a journey! I’d love to write a fantasy novel myself one day.

13. What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why?

When I have time I’d love to read some of Richard Overy’s history books. He wrote what sound like interesting books about World War II.

14. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?

Right now I’m reading Finders Keepers by Stephen King in hardcover. I literally just started it yesterday. I liked Mr. Mercedes so I have high hopes for this one.

15. What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?

Read every day if you can and keep a list of vocabulary words that you came across while reading and didn’t know. Always look a word up when you don’t know what it means, and write it along with its definition down on a piece of paper to help you learn it. This is an effective way at growing your natural vocabulary which in turn will make you a stronger writer.
I’ve never heard that advice before, but I think it is great. So many times authors use repetitive words in their books. I think this method for growing your natural vocabulary would be a great way to avoid this all to common pitfall. 

16. Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing?

I like playing video games. Final Fantasy VII on the original PlayStation is my favorite game of all time. I’m also a sports nut. Lacrosse is my favorite sport and I’ve held season tickets to the Rochester Knighthawks since 1995. In all that time I’ve only ever missed a couple of games that I can remember and they were due to bad weather or illness.

17. Where can your readers follow you?

Thank you so much Alex, for participating in this interview.

The Hunted (SECTOR C #2) – Book Tour Schedule

Posted on by
1

 Sector C The Hunted - Front Cover

I am so excited to share my newest novel The Hunted (SECTOR C #2) with everyone. Below is my scheduled book tour events. I hope to add more dates as we get closer to the release on October 31st.

September 18th – Cover Reveal

September 21st – Book Release Announcement

September 23rd – Author Interview

October 14th – EvilCheezProductions Author Interview

October 15th – Book Announcement

October 19th – Private Author Appearance – Local Elementary School

October 23rd – Vampire.com Article

October 23rd – Author Appearance at the Rocket City Nerd Con 4:00 pm-9:00 pm

October 24th – Author Appearance at the Rocket City Nerd Con 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

October 25th – Author Appearance at the Rocket City Nerd Con 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

October 30th – Author Interview on Legalthrillernovels.com

October 30th – Author Interview on Kennetheade.wordpress.com

October 30th – Author Interview

October 31st – RELEASE DATE

Thank you to all my readers and those to come.

 Sector C The Chosen - Front Cover  Sector C The Hunted - Front Cover

The Next Big Thing

Posted on by
1

the next best1

A Marketing Opportunity for Us All

I want to thank Lois Stern for this neat marketing idea and pass it along to all of you. Here is a way to help market yourself while helping your fellow authors. The basic idea is to respond to ten questions about a book or story you just published or are about to publish.

Would you like to be featured on my AUTHORS’ HALL OF FAME?

If so, just follow the numbered directions toward the bottom of this screen.

MY AUTHORS’ HALL OF FAME

(More to come)

Meet Lois W. Stern

lois_charli3_lite_blue

Books by Lois W. Stern

T2I_emerald_coverSapphire_fr.cov T2I_Topaz_fr.cover front_cover_ruby.sm slcs_cover_gold_lg TTSC_cover_300

CLICK TO READ LOIS W. STERN’S INTERVIEW

Author Bio

After twenty years as an active educator, Lois W. Stern continued to pursue her love of writing, soon becoming co-editor of a popular Long Island web-zine. As she created and authored her column Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives, she solidified her special niche of investigative journalism and put those same talents to work while writing her first full length book,  Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery. She followed up with her second book, Tick, Tock, Stop the Clock. – Getting Pretty on Your Lunch Hour  to address many of the less invasive paths to beauty. Watch this candid interview with Lois on The Writers’ Dream Show to learn more about these books.

After completing her two books on aesthetics, Lois began writing what she calls ‘Inner Beauty’ stories – inspiring stories to touch the heart and soul. She initiated her Tales2Inspire™ “Authors Helping Authors” project/contest as a means of sharing inspirational messages written by authors from across the globe. One of her goals has been to help talented writers build solid author platforms while highlighting them in a variety of ways to further their paths to discovery.

To learn more Lois and this project: Visit her website at www.tales2inspire.com 

See more at: http://tales2inspire.com/?p=1617#sthash.5PV51uFp.dpuf            

Meet Nina Soden

0115

Books by Nina Soden

Awaken - Cover Beginnings_-_Cover Revenge_-_ResizeCover Sector C Book 1 Front 3.25.15

CLICK TO READ NINA SODEN’S INTERVIEW

Author Bio

Nina has always been creative, be it art, theatre, film – anything but singing… she stresses that that is something you don’t want to hear! She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Theatre Arts with a minor in Military Science from Eastern Michigan University before heading off to Los Angeles like so many other starry-eyed actors in pursuit of fame and fortune in tinsel-town. While there, she worked to pay the bills but her love was always acting. She was actually able to achieve some level of success, mostly in commercials and independent films, but she considers those experiences as some of the best in her life.

After some major life changes, the publication of her first book entitle PRIVATE WORDS UNSPOKEN, a compilation of poetry, and a major cross-country move she moved from poetry to short stories and then to novels. Since then, her literary interests have grown and she would like to think her storytelling abilities have improved. She has done everything from office administration, to business development, to being the Director of a private preschool. She has jumped out of a C130 aircraft, fired an M16 machine gun, and given birth – TWICE! But no matter where she is in life, she always returns to her art.

Though she’ll forever be a Michigan girl at heart, she now lives in the South where she is married with two wonderful children. Is she isn’t working on her latest story you can find her lounging with a good book, playing with her kids, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to Starbucks coffee.

To learn more about Nina Soden and her books you can check out her blog, or follow her on one or all of the various internet/social media sites.

Blog: www.ninasoden.wordpress.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BloodAngelSeries

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Nina_Soden

Hall of Fame Directions

  1. Post your responses to the interview questions about your book on your own blog page.                                                                          (See sample interview questions and answers)
  2. Add my name, Nina Soden, my bio, book images and headshot to your blog page and link them  back to this page.
  3. After completing steps 1 and 2, above, send me the following:
  • The URL of your completed blog page
  • Attachment images of a) you, the author b) and your book images
  • Your author bio

4.  Send this blog to five or more other writers.

5.  Each time you forward this message to someone, start with: “I want to thank  . . .” sentence as seen above, substituting my name, Nina Soden, for the one currently appearing in that first sentence.

6.  Ask them to substitute your name for mine as they send out notices to their circle.

7. Tell them to post this same content on their website or blog, adding their images, URL links, bio and their answers to the same interview questions.

8. Ask the writers you invite to substitute your name in the “I want to thank” sentence at the beginning of this posting and include a link to your blog, before completing the interview questions.

9.  They, in turn, link to five other writers, and the cycle continues.

I will add the first ten authors who complete my AUTHORS’ HALL OF FAME instructions above and e-mail me @ BloodAngelSeries@gmail.com with all the information listed in step 3 above – Please put “Author’s Hall Of Fame” in the subject line of your email.

Author Interview – Shayla Eaton

Posted on by
Reply

I am very excited to have Shayla Eaton, author of The Curiouser Crusade: Your Strategy Guide for Defeating Writer’s Block and Conquering Your Novel in Six Months, as my guest today.

biopicture

  • What is your name and where do you call home? Shayla Eaton. Yukon, Oklahoma, until September 1, where I’ll rename my home Pensacola Beach, Florida.
  • Do you have a pen name? I don’t.
  • What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say? The Curiouser Crusade: Your Strategy Guide for Defeating Writer’s Block and Conquering Your Novel in Six Months.

A week ago Shayla sent me an advance reader copy of her book. I opened the eBook and dug right in. The book is a daily countdown with writing prompts and tips and of course the story of Curi and his sidekick, Sir. As they go along the map to defeat Writer’s Block, the reader, the hero, will unlock top secret stuff every 5 days. That could be a letter from the queen, a helpful PDF on dialogue, or a new location on the map.

I found the book to be a very easy, simple read. Although not all of the tips are going to apply to all writers it is a fun way to promote motivation and to make your daily word count goals. I did find myself, as I read, bookmarking many pages with helpful hints that I thought I would want to come back to later down the road. 

  • Is the above book part of a series? It is not a series. It is an interactive ebook with a countdown, daily writing prompts, and tips.

I kind of feel like this is a basic how to book for authors. It is a way to hold yourself accountable, and it does make you want to reach your daily writing goals.

  • What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing? My mom always supported my writing. Also, at the age of 16, I read Stephen King’s memoir, which had a huge part in convincing me to become a writing major. I have been professionally writing for five years. I’ve been writing since I was a teenager.

I have to interject here… Stephen King is one of my favorite authors and a huge influence on my writing style today.

  • How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)? Jessica Allee designed it for me, including all of the characters in the book.

CuriONbookWITHpen

  • Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)? I mostly listened to rainfor.me to allow for distraction-free writing.
  • How did you come up with the title for your book(s)? A friend of mine, Jen, read the Hero’s Journey to me, which sparked the idea for the title and subtitle.
  • Do you have a book trailer? No.
  • Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books? I love all books, but I’m a fan of the hardcover.
  • Are you a self-published/Indie author? I am a self-published author.
  • If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route? I believed my audience would benefit the most if I self-published.
  • Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it? Stephen King’s memoir—I’ve read that twice.
  • What is your opinion of novellas? I think they’re great! Short and sweet.
  • Have you ever read a book just based on its cover? Sure, who hasn’t?
  • What is your favorite film based on a book? The Great Gatsby
  • What is your favorite book genre at the moment? Dystopian

Well let me just say, my latest novel SECTOR C ~ The Chosen falls into the genre of dystopian… If you’re interested you can check it out here: Nina Soden on Amazon

  • What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why? Brave New World and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape—I just wanted to read them.
  • What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format? 11/22/63 and Do Over in paperback and hardback

Do Over is currently on my ‘To Read’ list as well.

  • If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why? Jon Acuff, Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson, and Ewan McGregor
  • What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing? Kill your babies. It means that there will be times when you write something amazing, but it doesn’t fit, so you have to kill it.

As a writer, I know that is one of the hardest things to do. I’ve written scenes that I LOVE and then had to delete because they just didn’t move the story forward. It’s painful but in the end it usually makes for a better story.

  • Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing? Cooking Italian food.
  • Where can your readers follow you? 

Blog: www.curiouserediting.com/blog

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/CuriouserEditing

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/CuriouserEdit

Amazon: TBA

BOOK BLURB

Did you know you only need to write 547 words a day for six months to get a 100,000-word novel?

The Curiouser Crusade is an interactive ebook with six months’ of writing prompts and tips to help you conquer your full-length novel. The hero—that’s you—is led to novel-writing victory by Curi, a squire who wants to become a knight. He can’t become a knight unless you write your novel and beat the villainous Writer’s Block.

When you complete your daily word count goal, checkmark the box. Five checkmarks in a row unlock top secret power-ups, helpful PDFs, and sage advice from a squirrel.

Are you ready to conquer your novel?

AUTHOR BIO

Shayla Eaton is a connoisseur of the writing and editing process, having edited over 200 books and countless articles, blogs, social media posts, and marketing campaigns. She now helps authors and organizations in her own business, Curiouser Editing. Of course, Shayla loves coffee and is an admirer of all things creative and bookish.