Author Interviews
Interviews appear in Amber's (A.R. Grosjean) newsletter on the 15th when available, and will begin appearing here as well. If you would like to be interviewed please fill out the questionnaire here. Thank you! These are Indie Authors.
J.M. Samland Jamie mostly writes in dark fantasy, but he does have a book of short stories that dabble in contemporary fiction, mystery, and steampunk. How did you decide to become a writer? I wrote a lot through high school, then stopped for almost 20 years. I started back training taekwondo, something I also quit in high school, and when I was close to black belt, I thought "what else have I stopped?" And blam, 5 books in 2 years. What inspires you, and motivates you to write? I pull inspiration from myself, hoping to get a fan someday. Other than my mom. She's my #1 fan. Do you get writer's block? What do you do to get out of your writing funk? Not really. If I'm stuck on one project, I go to another, which lead to my book of short stories. Share an inspirational story you encountered on your writing journey. Since I've published, several friends have said they want to write a book too. Only one is. She's told me what an inspiration and model I am to her. It's very touching. The most recent release or the next book you're about to release......Share blurb and 5 reasons why someone should read that book. Include a link if already released. If there are any reviews for this book, please include them as well. Ooo Shiny! Volume 1 will be released on August 8th. It's a collection of short stories marketed for reading on the toilet. https://amzn.to/3AOFXxE 5 reasons to read it? - quick read - not immersive, very accessible - fun and funny - variety of genres - my mom says the story about the pawn shop is the best thing ever ------ The dark lord's call pulls the exalted king from his eternal slumber, but he's trapped behind a stone wall. A centipede pleads for help, but what if it's a hyper-advanced AI from the future? An assassin uses everyday objects in his craft and grooves to 1990s top 40 hits. Cannibal ghosts drive campers into an eating frenzy. What if Ivan the Terrible's Golden Library were hidden under the Red Square Krispy Kreme? What if a competing dungeon offered dental? Ooo Shiny! is a collection of 19 absurd stories from a mind that can't focus, each taking only 5 to 15 minutes to read during your morning constitutional. Sometimes rambling nonsense that aims to make you smirk or your eyes roll, even the most black-hearted, humorless souls will find at least one chuckle in this collection. Grab a stick of unicorn jerky, put down your time-traveling phone, and respawn into the dungeon next to the D.E.D. sorority mixer! As one advance reader called it, "Fun... In a disturbing way..." Who is your ideal audience? "new adult" and up. I don't go overboard with violence or language, but some of the imagery might be a bit much for younger. What sets you apart from other writers? Probably not really anything. I don't take myself too seriously and have fun with the process. Is there another author your books are similar to? James Clemens (aka James Rollins) was a strong influence in my early work. If you have multiple books available, which one is your favorite? And why? I'll have 5 out by the end of September. I'm proud of them all for different reasons. - Realms of Terswood was my first - I drafted Trials of Throk'tar very quickly, like it was writing itself - I drafted Necromancer of Urbus for NaNoWriMo and didn't plan on writing it until the week before I started. - Ooo Shiny! was just fun to be ridiculous and silly - Seeds of Farsil is a farewell to a trilogy with a scope far greater than my previous novels. What does your writing process entail? Planner, pantser? Research required? Editing methods? etc I'm mostly a pantsers. I'm trying to plot more so that I'm more efficient and have to toss out less after draft 1. I've started using a plot wheel so I can see the gaps in the pacing and clearly see how events foreshadow later things, etc. After draft 1, I try my best to set the work down for a while, but I'm insanely impatient, so that rarely works. Behind the scenes......Music or no? Any other tactics used in the aid of writing? Streaming Lofi girl all the time! I can't write in silence, but also can't have lyrics or anything with too strong of beats. It's so hard to not tab over to Chrome... I haven't come up with a way to avoid that yet. What would you tell a new writer to help them get started? Just write, have fun with it. Don't edit too hard or be hard on yourself reading it back. Just get words down. Do you have a newsletter? Share a subscribe link if you have one. Include what to expect with your issues (if you'd like to share this information) https://jamiemsamland.com/free... I give a link to download some free stories with a signup. I email very infrequently with updates about my writing. I'm working to come up with more content for greater value. Is there anything you would like to add? Any tips or anecdotes you'd like to share? I wrote REALMS during the COVID lockdown, like I'm sure 4 million other people did. I had a bunch of terrible fan fiction from high school and scraped all that when I was preparing to test for my black belt. I published the book a week before I tested for my third degree.
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Pat Spencer How did you decide to become a writer? Include age when you began to write. I first decided to become a writer in First Grade when my teacher made a big fuss over my report on George Washington. But in my later years, when my career guidance counselor told me how little the average writer earns (think starving artist syndrome), I decided to go into education and write as a sideline. During that time, I wrote for a newspaper, a tabletop magazine, and a trade journal and published a textbook. Only after retiring did I write fiction. What inspires you, and motivates you to write? I enjoy the writing process so that motivates me. I also like the camaraderie of participating in writers' critique groups. I also think writing is good for the brain. What genres do you write? Or plan to write in the future? My published book, Story of a Stolen Girl, is an international thriller. My two works in progress are historical and literary fiction. I also published several short stories. Do you get writer's block? What do you do to get out of your writing funk? So far, knock on wood, I have not had writer's block The most recent release or the next book you're about to release......Share blurb and 5 reasons why someone should read that book. Include a link if already released. If there are any reviews for this book, please include them as well. I am currently querying publishers for two books: Golden Boxty in the Frypan which is inspired by my mother's experiences as an orphan in the 1930s. The second novel is Sticks in a Bundle: The Early Years. This novel, the first of a trilogy, is about a woman, born in South Africa in 1961, who grows up in a Soweto shanty under the rule of apartheid. She dedicates herself to fighting racial injustice with her written words. Who is your ideal audience? My ideal audience is made up of readers who like to learn while being entertained and are ages 13 to 100+. What sets you apart from other writers? I think I am more compulsive than most writers about editing prior to letting anyone read my work. Is there another author your books are similar to? Share all that applies to each book. Others have compared my writing to Barbara Kingsolver's work. I am humbled when someone says this. I only wish that were true. If you have multiple books available, which one is your favorite? And why? Story of a Stolen Girl is the only book I have published at this moment unless you count my textbook. The novel is definitely my favorite so far. I also several published short stories. What does your writing process entail? Planner, pantser? Research required? Editing methods? etc I do an enormous amount of research before and during the writing process. I try to be a planner, but as I write, I have bouts of being a pantser. Behind the scenes......Music or no? Any other tactics used in the aid of writing? I don't listen to music while writing, but I do while editing. I get tense and irritated when finding some of my dumb mistakes or reading something that I thought was wonderful, but now makes no sense at all, so I listen to soothing music during editing. What would you tell a new writer to help them get started? Read online articles about the craft, and specifically read lots within your desired genre. And join a supportive, yet honest, critique group. Is there anything you would like to add? Any tips or anecdotes you'd like to share? It is important to me that my writing takes the reader to a place, era, or circumstance they know little about and leads them to learn more about the subject.
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Ann Payton How did you decide to become a writer? Include age when you began to write. I've always loved to read, and when I was around 12, I noticed that teachers reacted enthusiastically to my writing. That stayed in the back of my mind through young adulthood. I remember sitting in a pediatric waiting room with my little ones and reading an article a mother had written about daycare options on cruise ships. I was blown away to think she'd gotten PAID to do that. So, when our kids got older, and I felt I needed a goal to work toward when I wasn't working my day job in a science lab, I decided to become a freelance travel writer. What inspires you, and motivates you to write? Working toward an exciting goal makes life so much more exciting for me, I can't imagine going back to mundane, going nowhere ruts. I also find that when the world is insane, or bad things are happening to loved ones, I can take refuge in the world I'm creating in a book. What genres do you write? Or plan to write in the future? When my daughter was in her senior year, I dealt with my empty nest dread issues by writing a travel adventure novel about a mother who handles her empty nest by running off to Colorado and having crazy adventures there. I followed up with a mystery novel set in the college science lab I coordinated for 20 years. Making that mystery work involved so much time and frustration that I took a break from it and wrote my father's story which expanded into a family biography. I finally made the mystery work by cutting the end off, but there's so much good stuff in that amputated end that I need to expand it into a second book. After that, who knows. I hope to get back to giving lectures on cruise ships one day. Do you get writer's block? What do you do to get out of your writing funk? I generally don't have problems with writer's block. When I get stuck, it's because I don't know what's going to happen next and doing more research fixes that most of the time. Share an inspirational story you encountered on your writing journey. Not long after becoming a science lab coordinator, I saw a notice offering small grants to boost preschool learning programs. I’d just left a preschool teaching job, and I’d been wishing that the little ones could play with some of the science toys in the lab, so I had a brainwave. Wouldn’t it be cool if we could check kits out to teachers, so every kid in class could have a set of bottles full of magical but harmless chemicals to explore? My new bosses who made suggestions for the proposal and then brought in a grant specialist. He liked the idea but said we should make videos to explain how the chemistry works. All I knew about making videos was that homemade ones were usually lame, so what chance did I have of making good ones? But I soon realized that I had a superpower. The whole college seemed to be behind me, providing help with all the stuff I didn't know. Later I took the kits to the University’s the annual Chemistry Day. The 3rd year I signed up, the director of that program told me that, of all the displays and demonstrations offered by various organizations, our Kids Chemistry Kits always booked up first. That’s what comes of having PEEPS. After that, I knew I had wings and I’d be crazy not to fly! The most recent release or the next book you're about to release......Share blurb and 5 reasons why someone should read that book. Include a link if already released. If there are any reviews for this book, please include them as well. Coordinating a college science lab seems a terrific job for this fledgling graduate. The instructors are fun and appreciative. Maci loves helping with field trips and magic shows, and the intrigues of science are endlessly fascinating. Except, why all the secrets? The dean orders Maci to say nothing about finding a bleeding man in the parking lot. Reporting missing lab equipment is also taboo. When Maci investigates fraudulent expenditures, the lab reagents she prepares fail. Toxic fumes from a broken bottle force an evacuation. Someone uploads a devastating virus into a state-wide system—from Maci’s computer. While she’s pushing to discover who’s behind the trouble, the instructors conclude that it’s Maci. Her one loyal ally acts a lot like a stalker. She’s on her own dodging booby traps, bloody threats, and termination. Anne's 5 reasons 1) Enthused reviews on Amazon! 2) Details are 100% authentic 3) Fun characters 4) Beautiful Rocky Mountain settings 5) Heart-pounding lab chase scene Mile High Lab Rat (A few of many reviews!) Captivating “Very creative writer. Captivating story. Lots of detail. It's a book you just want to read without stopping. I look forward to the sequel." Naomi Hamann A Lab Rat Mystery that keeps you on the Edge! “...there was never a dull moment! I felt like I was in Maci's shoes the whole time wondering just who I could trust and who was after me!” Valerie Temple Author A Patch in the Wilderland Lots of twists and turns “This book is definitely for the current, former, or future "lab rat"! Lots of detailed and accurate descriptions of behind-the-scenes lab preps and life in the sciences, interspersed with a mystery of epic proportions. Lots of twists and turns, right up until the final big, explosive finale! A good, quick read!” Nicole H. Markelz Great blend of science, romance, and mystery! “Great setting of a science lab to learn about a world I never knew about! Story is driven by romance and mystery and a head strong MC that you root for! Great read.” Caitlin Howell A great read I couldn’t put down “A stunning, fast-paced story packed with surprising twists…laugh out-loud funny…written beautifully. I would follow Maci anywhere!” Judith Fowler, forensic psychology writer Who is your ideal audience? Adults who love nature, science, Colorado, mysteries, and/or learning new things. People who've spent time in science labs will love revisiting that ambiance. What sets you apart from other writers? That's a tough one. Several people have told me that I'm odd. I was surprised. I didn't see anything odd about what I'd said, but I took it as a compliment. The editor who worked my final draft of "Mile High Lab Rat" said that it was fantastic, and she'd never read anything like it. I can't say why, but maybe you'll read it and tell me. Is there another author your books are similar to? Share all that applies to each book. "Mile High Lab Rat" has commonalities with Nevada Barr's national parks novels. "No Market For 'Em" is similar to Rick Bragg's "All Over But the Shoutin" and Tony Hillerman's "A Life," but each life inevitably takes its own course. My best comparison for "Rocky Mountain Walkabout" is Winton Groom's "Forrest Gump." If you have multiple books available, which one is your favorite? And why? "Mile High Lab Rat" is my opus. My writing skills have grown considerably, and I also took the time and got the feedback required to make this work top-of-the-line. What does your writing process entail? Planner, pantser? Research required? Editing methods? etc I can't just sit down and write. I have to know what's happening next or I tend to tap dance with words. Yes, research is huge! Behind the scenes......Music or no? Any other tactics used in the aid of writing? No music. Maybe I should try it, but I haven't. What would you tell a new writer to help them get started? Forget the clock/calendar. Give your writing all the time it needs to be all it can be. Do you have a newsletter? Share a subscribe link if you have one. Include what to expect with your issues (if you'd like to share this information) No newsletter yet, just my blog at breathtakebyways.com. Is there anything you would like to add? Any tips or anecdotes you'd like to share? Having a writing group is a major boon for me. If you get a chance, join up and enjoy!
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S.G. Blaise How did you decide to become a writer? Include age when you began to write. My writing journey began when I dreamed of becoming a professional writer around the age of ten. I wrote my first story after waking up from a nightmare. However, I only started calling myself a writer when I began working on my first book, The Last Lumenian, in 2014. I spent over six years developing and writing the story until it was ready for publication. My main inspiration came from a dream. I was on a cross-country road trip across Europe with my family. I woke up in the middle of the night, jetlagged, with an idea and wrote it down with the only illumination coming from my phone. It was the first draft of my story. Although a lot changed from that version to the one I published, the world, characters, and storyline all started there. What inspires you, and motivates you to write? I'm inspired to write knowing that I'm creating a unique experience for my readers. I hope to create stories that gets readers thinking about the characters even after the book is finished. Although these stories take place in an intergalactic setting, the characters go through experiences similar to what we experience, and the reader sees it from a different perspective. What genres do you write? Or plan to write in the future? While The Last Lumenian series is a fantasy action story, it also weaves together elements of romance, magic and mythology with science fiction, creating an original and complex setting for the main hero. The readers experience multiple storylines that allow them to be truly immersed inside the story and get to know Lilla and her world as if they are experiencing it themselves. Do you get writer's block? What do you do to get out of your writing funk? Through my writing journey, I have discovered a method that works for me that eliminates writer's block. I tend to generate as many notes as possible and produce a rough outline of each scene. So when I sit down to write, I let the words flow like water. While this may not work for everyone, I also find it vital to have other creative outlets that allow my mind time to take a step back and think before going back to writing again. I've recently taken up improv and found it remarkable to assist my writing and incorporate more improvisation when needed. Share an inspirational story you encountered on your writing journey. It is surreal to look back at the very beginning. There were so many emotions--excitement, joy, and even fear. At first, I felt embarrassed to call myself a writer. Hiding the fact that I began to write a book. It was the most vulnerable I’ve ever felt--writing is like opening up your soul. Letting your readers gain a glimpse of who you are. It was exhilarating and so scary at the same time! When I sat down and began to write, it was like the floodgates opening up.. Every second I had, I spent it on writing. Every fiber of my being demanded I keep writing, no matter what. I realized that I had a serious need to learn the writing craft that would allow me to tell the best story. So I searched for a place where I could take workshops focusing on writing and found a local writing community. This wonderful community offered many useful resources and workshops. I immediately signed up for one. That first critique session, I sat on needles and was sweating bullets, waiting for my turn to bear the comments and critiques. I had no idea how it would feel! How would I react if someone would be too critical of my writing? I knew that I did not want to be defensive or to take it too much to heart, it would destroy my ability to keep writing. I decided then and there that I would keep an open mind. Anything they said might help make my writing better. My goal was to elevate my writing and become a better writer. The fact that I was shaking like a leaf, and could barely take notes was beside the point. Yes, there was frustration hearing certain comments that seemed to miss the point, prompting a reflexive and protective stance that wanted to bubble to the surface, but I smashed that urge to speak up and took the comments smiling, deciding to examine them later. Not only did I survive that twenty minutes where eight people took turns commenting on my baby, (I mean writing!), but I left that meeting feeling inspired and with a slightly better understanding of storytelling. I chalked it up as a win! This experience taught me that when we push ourselves out of our comfort zone, there are endless possibilities to where it might lead us. The most recent release or the next book you're about to release......Share blurb and 5 reasons why someone should read that book. Include a link if already released. If there are any reviews for this book, please include them as well. My most recently released book is True Teryn, the second book in the Last Lumenian series. However, the third book in the series, Proud Pada, is set to be released on December 6th, 2022. Lilla is on her next mission as a Sybil, when she must travel to the Pada world following the trail of a ruthless murderer. Navigating deadly politics turns increasingly difficult, when the Teryn emperor goes missing. Now the Teryn empire is heading towards civil war, and Lilla must uncover who is behind the conspiracy before it's too late. Unfortunately her success depends on the Proud Pada. 5 Reasons Why Someone Should Read Proud Pada 1. Come along for an epic Sci-Fi Fantasy Thriller that will keep you on your toes. 2. Escape reality with Proud Pada and get absorbed into an intergalactic world. 3. Lilla is a beacon for female empowerment and continues to fight for others and the ones she loves. 4. Find out the future of Lilla and Callum as they encounter their next adventure. 5. Get absorbed into an intergalactic world embroider international rebellion and large scale divine war https://www.amazon.com/Proud-P... Who is your ideal audience? Sci-Fi Fantasy lovers any age from 15+ What sets you apart from other writers? I differ from other authors because I want to make the world a better place, one fantasy at a time. Not only do my stories offer a much-needed escape from reality, but they also contain underlying themes to help readers process experiences in their life in a way they might not have thought of before. Furthermore, I aim to help other aspiring writers fulfill their dreams of being an author by offering tips and tools to assist in their writing journey. Is there another author your books are similar to? The Last Lumenian Series has sci-fi elements similar to Brandon Sanderson’s Skyward and fantasy elements like Wheel of Time from Robert Jordan. If you have multiple books available, which one is your favorite? And why? Although each book in the series holds a special place in my heart, my favorite book in The Last Lumenian Series is the first in the series, The Last Lumenian. The Last Lumenian lays the groundwork for the series as a whole. It introduces the main character Lilla and gives background into her upbringing to provide the reader with a better understanding of the character. What does your writing process entail? Planner, pantser? Research required? Editing methods? etc My writing process entails spending a couple of months researching, developing notes, and outlining the story. Once writing starts, I spend anywhere from 4-8 hours on writing, as long as it takes to finish the scenes I started on. After, my work is sent to the editor for any needed adjustments. I have found that this process works best for me. Behind the scenes......Music or no? Any other tactics used in the aid of writing? Depending on the scene I am working on, I will put on some music or eat something that might provide further inspiration for the writing process. What would you tell a new writer to help them get started? If you want to write a story, sit down and start writing now! When inspiration sparks, fan the fire and write for as long as you can. Sometimes the hardest part about a writing journey is the beginning, but it will be worth it in the end. Do you have a newsletter? Share a subscribe link if you have one. Include what to expect with your issues. Yes, I do have a newsletter. Those who sign up for my newsletter will get access to preview an exclusive first look at all content relating to The Last Lumenian Series and any of my upcoming projects and events. Click the link below and sign up! sgblaisenews.com
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S.A. Crow Attention: Adult content within books. Must be 18+ How did you decide to become a writer? I think I started writing in elementary school. It wasn't until I was in my 20s that I wrote my first novel, sadly I lost that manuscript but I've rewritten it recently. What inspires you, motivates you to write? To share my stories that live freely in my head. To say something about how I would like relationships to work. What genres do you write? Or plan to write in the future? I write romance suspense in this pen name. Under Ann Crow I'm writing urban fantasy noir mysteries. The most recent release or the next book you're about to release......Share blurb and 5 reasons why someone should read that book. The Bookend Revision Technique A writing craft book 11/30/22 Focus on both ends of your story The revision process doesn’t need to send you into hiding. Instead, it can be the tool that takes your work to the next level. The Fire Inside Book 3 of The Fire Series due 12/22/23 Steve a freelance journalist and co-founder of the band Home. Finds after writing an exclusive piece on an extreme BDSM and white slavery group with connections all over the world, his life falls apart. He is blacklisted professionally, and after an embarrassing moment is released on social media his fans are out for his blood. He reaches for the one person he believes can love him for who he is, and believe in him. Mallory fell into a nice friend with a fantastic benefits relationship with Steve, the best man in her best friend’s wedding. When he wants more from their relationship, she has to decide if she can truly trust that romantic relationships can work for her, despite her family curse. Can she find her way through her fears to stand beside a good man who is wronged and needs her strength? Who is your ideal audience? Readers that love a little suspense with their romance. What sets you apart from other writers? I work hard at writing strong characters, and non-toxic behavior or relationships. Is there another author your books are similar to? Share all that applies to each book. Lori Foster Carian Cole Cari Quin & Taryn Elliott Layla Nash and Ivy Layne What would you tell a new writer to help them get started? Tell the story you want, all a first draft has to do is exist. Join a writer's group where you are encouraged and can ask questions. Do you have a newsletter? Share a subscribe link if you have one. Include what to expect with your issues. Yes, https://landing.mailerlite.com..., A free novella download, updates, sneak peeks, giveaways, and more. Is there anything you would like to add? I'm also a writing coach and create writer's planners.
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T.L. Ryder How did you decide to become a writer? Getting a degree in Anthropology taught me a lot about writing. At first, I wrote a lot of non-fiction. Then one day, I got inspired to write something in my favorite fiction genre-- Sci-Fi! I started writing as an adult, but I really admire people who knew from childhood that they were destined to be writers. What inspires you, and motivates you to write? I'm really interested in the human condition and the idea that fiction can reveal hidden truths while they entertain. What genres do you write? Or plan to write in the future? I write Science Fiction, Paranormal Romantic Suspense, and Weird Western. The most recent release or the next book you're about to release......Share a blurb and 5 reasons why someone should read that book. Include a link if already been released or a pre-order link if you have one. If there are any reviews for this book, please include up to 3 as well. My most recent release is Novaflight (September 6th 2022). https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9... Prototype ship. Eccentric captain. Novice crew. Locked and loaded for the most dangerous missions in the galaxy! The United Planetary Authority is at war. The first problem is that the enemy is relentless. The second, they have no idea who the enemy is. Biomechanical weapons have been plaguing all of UPA settled space. And the Bugs are winning. D'abraxas is a non-member planet. Her government is suspicious, xenophobic, and not particularly eager to join the war. But some younger members of D'abraxan society want sign on for UPA service despite their elders concerns. And with their superior natural abilities, the UPA will welcome them with open arms.. The D'abraxan best of the best get funneled to Special Ops to tackle the most dangerous missions. When the D'abraxans join the brand new Spec Ops ship Destrier and her eccentric, "get it done" captain, their unit is either going to beat the Bugs, or get recycled by the Bugs into spare parts trying. Join the crew of the Destrier as they save the universe, one suicide mission at at time. 5 Reasons to read Novaflight: Fast paced action. Lots of derring do. Strong female characters. A little romance to go along with the explosions. An entire team of characters to love. Who is your ideal audience? My ideal reader is someone who enjoys fast paced action adventure, likes a little romance but isn't looking for a lot of spice, and who enjoys complex politics and interpersonal relationships. What sets you apart from other writers? I'm not afraid to be ludicrous. Is there another author your books are similar to? Novaflight is in the Robert Heinlein Space Opera tradition. Ran Shaipur is political science fiction similar to Frank Herbert. Blood Gambit is Paranormal Romantic Suspense similar to Lyndsay Sands. What would you tell a new writer to help them get started? Write and don't worry if it's "good" or not. Write a lot! And follow your heart to tell the stories that you love. Do you have a newsletter? Share a subscribe link if you have one. Include what to expect with your issues I have two newsletters. One is a weekly for Sci-Fi fans with updates from me and various promos. The second is a monthly for PNR fans, also with news and promos. Sci Fi: https://storyoriginapp.com/giv... PNR: https://storyoriginapp.com/giv... My Sci Fi newsletter comes with a free novella and my PNR newsletter comes with a free short story. Is there anything you would like to add? Any tips or anecdotes you'd like to share? When in doubt, keep writing!
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William Schumport #authorwilliamschumpert is a Horror Author and Illustrator born and raised in Oklahoma. Horror has always been a highlight of his life. A cancer survivor since 1998, storytelling has always been his focus, even as finding a career was difficult growing up. From grade school to college, I’ve studied art and writing. He earned a BA in Art Communications, as well as minors in Mass Communication, Development Psychology, Writers' Comp, World History, Script Writing, and Films. He wrote his first story in college (The Mansion of Bagger’s Hill, available in Vol. 1 of Fright Vault) and had work featured in Southern Nazarene University’s poetry collection. Since that time, he has written #horror and #manga. As of 2022, he has been featured in multiple podcasts and has thousands of followers on social media. #amwriting #amdrawing #horror #manga #betterbrainsbookshorror Debuting at the end of January comes another spell bounding horror novella. What would happen if you were to erase someone? Someone who had meaning to a mother? George unleashes a curse after erasing what appeared to be a smudged pic of a child… Discover the horror that awaits for him and his family. In what is my most chilling story yet… Stills is the title of his book. What was your favorite book to write? Why? Horror and Suspence. I’ve always loved those genres. What is your writing space like? A writer’s desk. Microphone to the side, along with my coffee mug and lamp light. Do you do anything besides writing? Like cover design, marketing service, or anything else? Cover Design, Illustrations, Digital Marketing, Audiobook Narration More screams to come! Follow him on social media and my website to learn more! Social Networking: http://facebook.com/william.j....
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Havelah McLat When did you begin writing? 2011 What inspires you, motivates you to write? Write a story that makes you excited and do at it your pace. Be open to be creative and let imagined fly. What genres do you write? Or plan to write in the future? I write clean fiction. I hope to publish Anastasia retelling at the end of the year or beginning of 2024 What do you keep in your writing space? My laptop. And other stuffs. What is your writing routine like? It depends on my mood. Usually in the morning Do you have any writing pet peeves? I am sure I do. But I can't think of one straight out of my head. Share an inspirational story you encountered on your writing journey. I started writing because my older sister wrote a story for me. That is when I say I want to write one of my own. It looked fun. And the rest is history. The most recent release or the next book you're about to release......Share blurb and 5 reasons why someone should read that book. Include a link if already released or a pre-order link if you have one. If there are any reviews for this book, please include up to 3 as well. I just released When You Returned on April 25, 2023. Here is the blurb: Is their love strong enough to heal the wounds of the past? Once a renowned skater, Jaclyn is now a single mother, working at the beloved skating rink in a small town in Colorado that has been in her family for generations. When the rink is at risk of being lost, she looks for help from professionals. The last person she expects to help them get back on their feet is Lavern, an old flame from high school. After running from grief over the loss of his brother eight years ago, Lavern is back in town on assignment from a company that helps struggling businesses. Assigned to help the rink recover, he now must face the girl he once loved and left behind. Together, Lavern and Jaclyn are the only hope to save her family's rink. But confronting the pain of the past might be more than they can imagine. Five reasons why you need to read When You Returned. 1. It is a second chance romance 2. It has all the vibe and cozy and sweet romance 3. Who doesn't like ice skating. Some of the reviews even say it makes them want to ice skate again. 4. Though it has heavy themes, there is plenty of good laughter and encouragements and happy ending. 5. If you like friends to lovers trope and found family, then this book is for you. Link for When You Returned https://www.amazon.com/When-Yo... Who is your ideal audience? New adult. There are heavy theme like abandonment, death loss, grief. There is implement they had sex but nothing shown on page. It is clean romance🙂 What sets you apart from other writers? Hmm, people tell me I am good at writing tragedies and sometimes conflicts. What would you tell a new writer to help them get started? If you feel overwhelmed writing a long novel, try short stories. They are good way to help you find your voice and then grow from there. Do you have a newsletter? Share a subscribe link if you have one. https://havelahmclat.wixsite.c...
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Alexandra Grace How did you decide to become a writer? Include age when you began to write. I've always love to write. I started with short stories and poetry when I was young, but my dream was writing a novel. The problem...never had an inspiring idea. It wasn't under my early forties that I was struck with an idea and gave writing a book a try. It was during the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020). With everything slowing down, I guess my brain was given time to think about something other than work. As I started writing down a few things and plotting my debut novel, I was struck by how much writing and my characters fueled me. From that point on, I never looked back and writing is now an obsession. I hope to never stop. What inspires you, motivates you to write? All my books so far and others planned have or will have a military or veteran main character. I've always been inspired by them and touched by their sacrifices. I want to bring attention to both. Now, writing is something I have to do or I feel empty, and military personnel and veterans are my muse. What genres do you write? Or plan to write in the future? Contemporary fiction with a touch of romance and Contemporary Romance What do you keep in your writing space? I'm a little chaotic. I have writing materials all over the place and it's unorganized. Maybe when I get to do this author thing full-time, I'll be a little more organized. :) What is your writing routine like? Whenever I have a few minutes, I write or edit. Lunch break at work, at night while my husband is watching TV, weekends, early morning before work. If it's an unfilled moment of time, I'm probably filling it with writing or editing. Do you have any writing pet peeves? Not yet, but the longer I do this, I'm sure I'll gain some. Share an inspirational story you encountered on your writing journey. The only one I can think of is the one that inspired my debut novel. I saw a documentary on veteran Micah James Herndon's Boston Marathon run in honor of his fellow service men and women who didn't make it home. After that, my MC (Jackson Vane) and his story were born. The most recent release or the next book you're about to release......Share blurb and 5 reasons why someone should read that book. Include a link if already released or a pre-order link if you have one. If there are any reviews for this book, please include up to 3 as well. Most recent release: A Journey Worth Taking (prequel novella, Sydney & Will's Story) - Link: https://www.amazon.com/Journey... - Reviews: 1) 5 Stars by Emily = I will preface this by saying that I don’t read a lot of military romance because they just make me too sad. But I’m so glad I took the risk to read this one, and I will definitely be reading the other books in this series. Normally, the instalove trope doesn’t work for me; it usually feels cheesy and forced. But in this case, the author makes it feel as natural as breathing. I love how one look at Sydney had Will turning away from his playboy ways. I love how Sydney made Will fight for her, and how eventually he melted down her barriers. I loved the opposing family dynamics between the two partners, and I loved their past relationship history. The writing style of this book was engaging. I loved the inclusions of the journals and letters. I also loved a dual POV story, and this author did that really well. Finally, the cliffhanger ending was done beautifully. Overall, this book is a solid five stars. I can’t wait to find out more about Sydney and Will’s story. 2) 5 Stars by Jenn = READ IT!!!! A Journey Worth Taking is a beautifully written and light-hearted novella. For Will and Sydney, it was love at first; like a written in the stars, finding your soul mate kind of love. This story was funny, truthful, and heartwarming, with just the right amount of tastefully steamy moments. It has it all!! I don't know what I was expecting when I picked this book up, but I was pleasantly surprised. It flowed well and was easy to get into. I highly recommend A Journey Worth Taking!! Alexandra Grace, I am desperately needing more from them. 3) 5 Stars by Andrea = Journey worth taking is a true heart melting love story between Sydney and Will, two side characters in the journey series. While reading this book I had to frequently stop because I wasn’t ready for it to end. I also had to take breaks so I didn’t ball my eyes out knowing how their love story ends. I love how Sydney is a strong independent woman who doesn’t need no man. Yet along comes Will who won’t take no for an answer. His charm and determination are what every woman dreams of having. For a closed door romance Alexandra aced the sexual tension throughout the book. This is a great start to the series and is definitely a brilliant start to the series. Upcoming release: A Journey Beyond (Book 4 in The Journey Series) Who is your ideal audience? Women of any age that likes sweet with heat romance stories with emotion What sets you apart from other writers? I hear that my stories are unique, making them refreshing for readers since they don't follow the expected path. It may not set me apart but readers seem to mention it a lot in reviews. Is there another author your books are similar to? I'm still searching for a similar author. :) What would you tell a new writer to help them get started? Never stop writing. Even if the story isn't coming to you the way you want or in chronological order. Write down the scenes that come to you when they arrive. Piece them together later. One successful scene will lead to another and another and you can fill in the gaps as they come. Newsletter: https://1cce63-6085.icpage.net... Information included: My book releases and news, giveaways/promos, books I recommend, fun bookish things, and more. Added Note: Book 4 is being released in early fall (Sydney's story). [The cover will be shared once Amber gets it]
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Vicky Peplow How did you decide to become a writer? I became an author five years ago. I had a story stuck in my head for a while and figured it was time to get it on paper (actually a computer screen) and see if it was worth publishing. It turns out, it was. What inspires you, motivates you to write? Everything around me inspires me to write, but the most part is my partner, Lorie. She supports me in everything I do, and I couldn't be more appreciative. What genres do you write? Or plan to write in the future? I like to dabble in multiple genres and so far, I've written in paranormal, crime, thriller, historical fiction, children's books, and romance. In the near future I'm looking to branch out into sci-fi, space opera and poetry. What do you keep in your writing space? We actually have an office/computer room where I do my writing and keep all my research and other writing materials. What is your writing routine like? I usually check emails before I start and re-read what I've wrote so far before I begin writing. I usually start around 9 am and finish my day around 4 pm depending on what I'm writing. Do you have any writing pet peeves? Yeah, I have dyslexia, so I tend to have to go over everything I write twice to catch mistakes I've made. My editor catches those I don't see. Share an inspirational story you encountered on your writing journey. When I wrote The Old Coal Miner's Lamp, I got to speak to a few ex-coal miners, and they told me their stories which I incorporated into the book. One miner told me about when he had lost a brother in another mine, and he was certain the spirit of his brother came to him while he was working and told him he was ok. He only found out when he got home that his brother had actually died that morning. I could hear the emotion in his voice even though it had happened over fifty years ago. The most recent release or the next book you're about to release......Share blurb and 5 reasons why someone should read that book. Include a link if already released or a pre-order link if you have one. If there are any reviews for this book, please include up tp 3 as well. My most recent release is Enchanted Hearts which is a romance short story. I went a little different with this one as it has no dialogue within the story (I like to try something new.) In a world where love and art intertwine, two souls, Amelia and Sebastian, embark on a journey that transcends time and inspires generations. Bound by a shared passion for creativity, their love story unfolds like a symphony, weaving together the transformative power of art and the depths of their hearts. Amelia, a talented painter, and Sebastian, a gifted musician, find solace and connection in each other's artistic expressions. Their enchanted hearts beat as one, fueling their creative endeavors and guiding them through the challenges of life. Together, they explore the boundless possibilities of their art forms, pushing the boundaries of their own abilities while sharing their deepest emotions and vulnerabilities. As their love blossoms, Amelia and Sebastian's artistic collaboration becomes a force that touches the lives of many. Their creations radiate with raw emotion, capturing the essence of love, joy, heartbreak, and resilience. Their work becomes a testament to the transformative power of art, leaving an indelible mark on the souls of those who encounter it. But their love story is not without its trials. Amelia and Sebastian navigate the complexities of life, facing setbacks and moments of doubt. Yet, through it all, their love and artistry remain a constant source of strength and inspiration. "Enchanted Hearts" is a captivating tale that explores the profound connection between love and art. It is a testament to the enduring power of creativity and the unyielding spirit of love that transcends time and space. Join Amelia and Sebastian on their remarkable journey as they navigate the realms of passion, creativity, and the eternal enchantment of their hearts. Discover a world where art and love intertwine and be swept away by the beauty and transformative power of "Enchanted Hearts." 5 reasons why readers should read it: 1) Romantic Intrigue. This story introduces a compelling love story between Amelia and Sebastian, promising readers a captivating and heartfelt narrative of their journey. The mention of their shared passion for creativity and their love story "unfolding like a symphony" creates a sense of romantic intrigue that will entice readers who enjoy emotionally charged relationships. 2) Artistic Exploration: The book presents a unique angle by intertwining the worlds of art and love. Readers who appreciate the beauty of creative expression will be drawn to the story of Amelia's painting and Sebastian's music, as they delve into the depths of their art forms to channel their emotions and navigate life's challenges. This promises a rich exploration of the creative process that art enthusiasts will find alluring. 3)Universal Themes: The story touches on universal themes such as love, joy, heartbreak, and resilience, which resonate with a wide range of readers. The promise of a story that encapsulates these profound human experiences will attract those who seek emotionally resonant narratives that offer insights into the complexities of life and relationships. 4)Collaborative Inspiration: Amelia and Sebastian's collaborative artistic journey adds an element of partnership and shared growth. Readers intrigued by the dynamics of collaboration and how it can shape and elevate creative endeavors will be drawn to the story, especially as the two protagonists inspire each other's work and push each other's boundaries. 5)Emotional Resonance: The short story hints at a rollercoaster of emotions, from the highs of love and creative triumphs to the lows of doubt and setbacks. Readers who are invested in characters' emotional journeys and their development through challenges will be compelled to follow Amelia and Sebastian's story, as they discover how love and art intertwine to provide strength and solace in difficult times. Overall, the story promises a well-rounded and emotionally engaging narrative that combines elements of romance, art, personal growth, and universal themes. This combination is likely to attract a diverse audience seeking a story that tugs at their heartstrings while offering a fresh perspective on the interplay between love and creative expression. Who is your ideal audience? For the book mentioned above it would be anyone who loves a clean romance and also those who enjoy a quick read and are open to different ways of writing. What sets you apart from other writers? I am open to trying different genres and don't stick to the same genre as most others do. I also don't write to market. I write whatever comes to me. Is there another author your books are similar to? With my books ranging in genres, it's hard to say. My paranormal books are similar to Shani Struthers and S. E. England as they write in paranormal, horror, occult genres. What would you tell a new writer to help them get started? Trust yourself and write whatever comes to you. It's a trial by error process and make sure you have a good editor and Grammarly, ProWritingAid won't do it all for you. You need a human eye to look over your work. But keep going. Do you have a newsletter? Share a subscribe link if you have one. Include what to expect with your issues. http://eepurl.com/gVwRSD I don't send out newsletters all the time, so I won't swamp your email. I only send out emails if I have a new release, news, updates or running a competition. Is there anything you would like to add? Any tips or anecdotes you'd like to share? Here is some tips for upcoming authors. Find time to write every day. Read regularly. Keep an author swipe file. Outline your book. Sign up for a first-time author workshop. Network with other first-time writers. Find your first-time author voice. Use a development editor as a first-time author. Also here is a link to all my book in one place and my social media. https://mylist.bio/vapbooks?utm_source=smp_share
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Shelly M. Neinast How did you decide to become a writer? Started writing at age 15 then published first book in 2021 What inspires you, motivates you to write? I enjoy writing fantasy mysteries as it inspires my creativity in allowing me to write whatever fantasies pop into my head at the time. What genres do you write? Or plan to write in the future? I currently write YA supernatural mysteries. I have started a paranormal romance book and a time travel western that are in the works in the near future. What do you keep in your writing space? My laptop, notebook, jumpdrive, and coffee cup full of coffee. What is your writing routine like? I like to get my chores done in the mornings and then usually start typing by afternoon until about 3-4 p.m. Do you have any writing pet peeves? Yes, when I get ideas in my head late at night, and by the time I type, I forget them. I tried to sit up and write it down but I am so sleepy my mind is so groggy I forget it anyway. Also, when I try to think of certain words or phrases I want to use I can't think of exactly what I want and it angers me. Share an inspirational story you encountered on your writing journey. My inspiration for my current books have been from experiences I have learned through my travels in Greece of mythology while living there and visiting the ruins and talking to people. Another book was when I lived in Louisiana and experienced bayou living and the world of Cajun and Creole Voodoo beliefs. Basically, my inspiration for my novels come from my past experiences and a great imagination. The most recent release or the next book you're about to release......Share blurb and 5 reasons why someone should read that book. Include a link if already released or a pre-order link if you have one. If there are any reviews for this book, please include up tp 3 as well. Book 4 of The Twelve Gems of Murder. "The Black Diamond of Bayou Labarre" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSP92KVY The Blurb Amelia Flatterly a criminal investigator had recently returned from Crete to eradicate a Gorgon and a witch only a few months ago. Now, she learns that another witch from Crete who was trapped in a Sapphire gem was now loose in the Louisiana bayous. She enlists her friend Serafina and the two travel to Louisiana to find the witch and dispose of her once in for all. Only after they arrive they later find out that not only do they have to hunt down and kill a witch, they must find and destroy a hundreds-year-old creature that is half-alligator and half-human. Will the girls find and destroy both, the witch and the creature before they destroy them first? This novel is a fun fast-paced supernatural folklore read for all ages that includes paranormal creatures, Louisiana history, mystery, crime, and even a talking black cat. Who is your ideal audience? My books are geared for the young adult but are fun to read for any age What sets you apart from other writers? My novels are fun clean stories that are great to read for all ages. Also, every novel includes not only the story, but also has a section at the end of the novel that includes historical information about the topics or places in the story. Is there another author your books are similar to? I am not sure but would compare my novels to some of the Urban fantasy novels. What would you tell a new writer to help them get started? Just relax and let your creative juices flow and don't worry about what others say. It is your words your book.
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Kevin Hudson What genres do you write in? Include subgenres. Young Adult Contemporary and Speculative Fiction When did you start writing? What kickstarted this? When I was in high school, I thought I wanted to be a writer/director/Special Effects Artist. I convinced my friends to help me make movies in my garage, which was a really fun thing to do as a teenager. Eventually, that passion for movies took me to the Filmmaking program at UCLA, where I studied screenwriting. After graduation, while I was still in my 20's, I didn't have the desire to sit in front of a computer all day, so I instead focused on Special Effects, and worked on many Creature/Special Effects Makeup films like Predator 2, and Edward Scissorhands. Eventually, Computer VFX came into vogue, and I retrained myself to do VFX work on a computer, which so fascinated me that I learned to sit in front of a computer all day. I worked as a Computer Graphics artist for over 28 years, contributing to films such a Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Dark Knight Rises, Contact, and Ghost Rider. This career took me all over the world, which was an amazing journey giving me life experiences and my global outlook. I evolved my career again, joining the Walt Disney Animation Studios in 2013, where I contributed to many of their animated films like Frozen, Zootopia, and Big Hero Six. In 2016, I joined forces with a bunch of coworkers to create a short film, "Weeds." which traveled all around the world spreading it message of empathy for immigrants and people in need. This little film won awards all over the planet, was qualified for an Academy Award, and ended up showing on over 450 screens in North America. This experience reawakened the writer in me and I began writing screenplays again. I had such fun writing a screenplay called Ukrainian Summer, which is based on my years living in Europe, and time visiting Ukraine, that I decided to adapt it into a novel. And now I have my first Debut Novel written. What's in your writing space? I have a room at home that is kind of my "Inner Sanctum." I have a bunch of film memorabilia in it with models and 3D prints of different creatures I've built, and posters from films I've worked on over the years. I like my two screen setup, so I can have my outline on one screen and Scrivener up on the second screen. I remember reading an interview with the famous Western writer Louis L'Amour years ago, where he said he could write in the middle of a busy intersection. My ability to focus is good, and I can tune out most distractions, but he's got me beat. I don't know that I could do that. What is something about you that makes you different? I've done a lot of travel around the world and tend to think in a very Globally Inclusive Way, My writing reflects that with lots of characters discovering "found families" in different cultures. Also, because I have a background in film writing and production, I write in a very cinematic fashion. I basically write the movie I see playing in my head, and run it backwards and forwards till I get the words right. Got a routine? How would you describe it? Most days, I get up early, have a cup of coffee, and go to the gym. Afterward, I do a morning meditation and get to work on my computer. I love outlining my story extensively. It is the most fluid way to develop a story, and to discover weak areas, and problematic pacing. It also allows me to do my drafting non-linearly. I tend to write my beginning, scenes in middle that at fun, or ones that intrigue me to help me find the characters, and then I'll write my ending. I love writing the ending early, as it inspires me to finish the story and link it all together. Any writing pet peeves? My pet peeve is when I can quite land a story point, and I have to get it working. I surround myself with critical people I trust to tell me when it's not working, and I'm grateful to have them. We all need people to keep us honest. Name the titles you've published. Ukrainian Summer will be my Debut Novel, and am currently fielding representation. For your new release...What are 5 reasons someone should read this book? Ukrainian Summer is a beautiful escapist story about Liam, a Teenage Polyglot who can speak five languages but has a hard time connecting with people, so he embarks on a one-year language exchange to somewhere he thinks is about as far away as he can get - a fantasyland called Ukraine. Only as we see in the book it's a real place with wonderful people who help Liam to find himself. Many people had never heard of it prior to the war there, but the book introduces us to people and their culture. My hope is that people who read it will come away with a greater sense of how small our world is and the magic it holds for all of us. Do you have any crazy quirks? Name them. I can be a bit OC, but aren't most authors as we are working hard to manage around 100,000 words in a novel. Your favorite book. Why is it your favorite? My current favorite book is Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. Being a big computer geek and having worked during the independent gaming company days of the 90s, I so related to the characters in it and their passion for creating art. I even visited the Nezu Shrine in Tokyo on my recent trip to Japan as a result of reading this book. Who is your favorite author? I love John Green and have read most of his books. Such a great writer. Crisp clean prose. Efficient and transparent. Love love love. You are in a room filled with inspiring writers. What would you tell them before they write their first book? Research, Interview and Outline! Really brainstorm ideas. Speak the truth of your experience and don't be afraid of diving into difficult subject matter. Your ideal audience. Who is she/he? My ideal audience is made up of people who love travel and are seeking, as my character Petro in Ukrainian Summer says, "To make this world a more empathetic place for everyone, especially for people who are different." Do you have a newsletter or website? Share it here. I just started my own author website kevin-hudson-author.com. There is also a link on there to my film production website kevinhudsonproductions.com
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