Can you tell us a little about your books and yourself?

I'm Jeff Gunhus. I've authored five novels, three for my middle grade/young adult series called Jack Templar Monster Hunter and two novels for adults, Night Chill and Killer Within. In my spare time, I own and run a national home services company with a few thousand employees and chase around my five kids with my wife Nicole. 

What inspired you to write your books?

The Jack Templar books were inspired by my son who was a reluctant reader. I wrote them as a way to hopefully inspire a love of reading in him. It worked and he is now a voracious reader. The adult books are my homage to Stephen King and Dean Koontz who I enjoyed reading growing up (and still do.) The horror and thriller genres are fun for me to dive into and I've been blessed with great sales and fans. 

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Every book teaches me something new. The Jack Templar books were the only books I've written in the first person which can bring you inside the character but also has limitations as well. The horror and thriller novels were great reminders that character comes first as the reader has to care about the people they are following in order to feel the emotion of the situations in which they find themselves.

What are some challenges that you faced while writing?

Time is always the scarce commodity. With a business to run and a family to enjoy, the only time to write is from 5am-7am. Luckily, I'm a morning person and feel the most creative before the sun comes up over the horizon.

Who or what in your life would you say influenced you the most?

I grew up overseas in Greece, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia from the ages 5-12 and I didn't have access to TV. As a result, I read pretty much every day and got hooked on books for life. 

What are your hobbies and interests away from the desk?

With five kids, I'm interested in finding things I can do with them We fish, kayak, hike, play tennis and I coach sports teams. There's never a dull moment!

What do you get passionate about?

I'm passionate about getting kids excited about reading. I speak on the subject and wrote a small book called Reaching Your Reluctant Reader. It's not just literacy, put instilling a passion in kids so they want to read in their spare time. 

What does "success" mean to you?

Success is being proud of your relationships, being proud of the way in which you achieved your accomplishments and feeling confident you've honored the path and much as the destination. 

What are your current projects?

I am editing the follow-up to Night Chill and four chapters into Jack Templar #4.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Read On Writing by Stephen King. Read it a second time. Then put your butt in a chair and write. Every day. Period. 

Killer Within (An Allison McNeil Thriller)
http://www.amazon.com/Killer-Within-Allison-McNeil-Thriller-ebook/dp/B00IYX1YKK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400610014&sr=8-1&keywords=gunhus

Night Chill
http://www.amazon.com/Night-Chill-Jeff-Gunhus-ebook/dp/B00CRKPTL6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1400610014&sr=8-2&keywords=gunhus

Jack Templar Monster Hunter
http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Templar-Monster-Hunter-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B009SRYACA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1400611615&sr=8-3&keywords=gunhus

Jack Templar and the Monster Hunter Academy
http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Templar-Monster-Hunter-Academy-ebook/dp/B00C1GLB7C/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=133G08QKXKQ5EQP3GQDD

Jack Templar and the Lord of the Vampires
http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Templar-Lord-Vampires-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00FIOIFO6/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1H07MZWGK9PPTHTYX79R

http://www.JeffGunhus.com

1. Can you tell us a little about your books and yourself?
Hello, my name is Cheryl St. James, and I'm the author of the Lucy Pinkston mysteries. Lucy is a gilded-age detective working in Boston, Massachusetts. Lucy solves cases with the support of her Indian-born adviser, Mr. Farouk, and her brother, Jack Pinkston.

2. What inspired you to write your books?
I was lamenting the lack of a female Sherlock Holmes, and the idea of Lucy came to me. But of course, she didn't turn out as planned. Lucy is a great detective, but she is also a young woman growing up in a very restrictive environment. The way she handles this is similar to the struggles of modern day women. Even though we aren't wearing corsets and taking afternoon tea, we can connect with Lucy's struggles on a very basic level.

3. Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned to let your characters be themselves. Like I said, I wanted Lucy to have more of a bite. Shrewd like Sherlock, but with a feminine twist. Once I started writing, she made her quirky personality known. I learned to let your characters be themselves--don't force them to act a certain way. The result might be more entertaining that you initially imagined--Lucy certainly is!

4. What are some challenges that you faced while writing?
My eternal challenge is the seemingly endless rounds of editing. It is so frustrating getting your manuscript back from the editor, riddled with red marks. It's a challenge, but a necessary one. I like to think of it as an evolution.

5. Who or what in your life would you say influenced you the most?
I'm influenced by creative people. I feed off their vibe, and it sustains my passion for writing. I love hearing about other people's creative processes, and I really love studio tours. It's like taking a walk in someone else's daydream.

6. What are your hobbies and interests away from the desk?
I'm an avid walker, and I love music. So I steal parts of my day for strolling and listening to internet radio. Beyond that, I am an unabashed Murder She Wrote super-fan. I recap episodes on my blog, MurderSheBlogged.net and I have a ridiculous amount of fun doing it.
 
7. What do you get passionate about?
I'm super passionate about art. We should find time for the creative process and encourage it within ourselves and other artists. If you have even the tiniest inkling to create, transition time-wasting habits into ones that sustain your creative spirit.

8. What does "success" mean to you?
Success is one person reading the Lucy books and forgetting the stresses of their day. I don't write books for myself, I want people to join Lucy's world and forget their own struggles. If I take your mind off a horrible boss for a few minutes each day, I feel like a million bucks.

9. What are your current projects?
I'm currently writing the third Lucy book, "Lucy Pinkston and the Centennial Case." Lucy has been hired to protect a fossil exhibit at the Centennial celebration in Philadelphia, and she runs into some familiar faces during the case.

10. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Kick the "aspiring" out and just write. Figure out how you work best and stay committed. Don't write the first book if you don't want to write the 15th. Stay the course, it's the only way you'll get better at your craft. Start a writer's group in your area for support. Don't critique, encourage each other and celebrate your group successes. You'll look back in a few years, amazed at what you've accomplished.

1. Can you tell us a little about your books and yourself?

The name of my book is Ponder Awhile a collection of 48 spiritual poems on various aspects of life,death and God.The basic aim to show the oneness of God and Religions.

I was born and bought up in Mumbai-India.Studied in Cathedral and John Connon followed by Jai Hind College (science) before joining the Merchant Navy where I worked as a Navigating Officer. Although I come from a family of priest, fathers side being Brahmins and Mothers- Parsi priests, I was an atheist and didn't believe in the existence of God. During a voyage from South Africa to South America I gained enlightenment in the Atlantic Ocean which altered my view of life and God. I had this experience at the age of 25 and at the age of 33 I became a poet spending the next few years writing. in Pune.I have recently shifted to Dubai.

2. What inspired you to write your books?
Enlightenment, God inspired me to write. I had to share God knowledge to uplift humanity and unite religions which fought over which prophet or God was greater even though there is only one God mentioned by all religions as the Light.

3. What are some challenges that you faced while writing?
It was the most arduous thing I have ever done and will probably ever do.Would meditate 6-8 hrs a day and contemplate the rest of the time for many years. A very lonely journey as very few understood when I was writing and I was lost to this world.

4. Who or what in your life would you say influenced you the most?
The Light or God and the masters.

5. What does "success" mean to you?
Peace of mind, finding out what reason one has come on this planet and then dedicating oneself to accomplishing it.

6. What are your current projects?
I am done writing for now took me 11 years to be content with one book.

7. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Be truthful to yourself, write if your purpose of being here on this planet is to do so otherwise follow your call.

• Mohit Misra (Amazon US)
• Mohit Misra (Smashwords)

Can you tell us a little about your books and yourself?

I'm from Hemel Hempstead, just outside of London and this became my setting for Ground Zero series. GroundZero  is a "mini series" built up of three short installments spread over 24 hours. I am currently a Network Engineer but it has always been a dream to write full time so in September 2012 I decided to throw caution to the wind and publish some of my stuff. 




What inspired you to write your books?

I was diagnosed with dyslexia in school and really struggled, I was not supported by my teachers so I took things into my own hands. I got myself a laptop when I was around 13 and started writing, now I am able to read and write confidently all by teaching myself, writing really did change my life. I hope that I can show others like me that nothing can stop you doing what you enjoy!


Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I would say I have seen that I can do what I love which is writing. I have had some amazing support and fantastic feed back, I know I am not a professional writer and I am still learning. But my confidences has grown and I know that nothing can stop you doing what you really want to do.


What are some challenges that you faced while writing?

For me personally it has to be the standard that is expected for someone who is using their hard earned money to download my book. My dyslexia is still a big challenge and I have to live with that everyday when I write, with a fantastic editor and group of friends who have supported me I have been able to overcome this. I just hope that my readers can see passed this and also maybe inspire other people with dyslexia. 

Who or what in your life would you say influenced you the most?

For me it has to be my friends! I have a wonderful network of friends and they always shine through in my writing. In my ground Zero series you will find all of my friends, every character is based on one of them! It is however difficult when I have to kill someone off and then I have to explain why I killed them over another character.

What are your hobbies and interests away from the desk?

Music, it has to be my music. I can never pull my headphones off, if I am not working, out with friends then I am sat at home listening to my music. I would also say comics, I love anything Marvel! My office looks more like Marvel shrine rather then a place for my writing.

What do you get passionate about?

This has to come back to my dyslexia. I am very passionate about showing people you can do anything if you put your mind to it. I remember in school I was telling a teacher I wanted to be a writer, she just laughed and said to my face I could never do that with my current skills. I was so angry that someone told me I couldn't do it, so I ignored it and kept on writing. Now look at me, people are reading what I write! I really want to show people that dyslexia is not something to hold you back.

What does "success" mean to you?

Good question! I personally think someone reading my work and enjoying it is success. Dont get me wrong I would love to write full time as a day job. I would live in Italy, drink a glass of red wine and watch the sun go down as I write. But I have a successful and ever growing career in my day job. I would love to write full time and be successful enough to do so, but right now I just love the fact people are reading my work!

What are your current projects?

I am currently working on the last in my Ground Zero series which I hope to release in the next year, time and work depending of course. I am also working on a one off horror which I hope to also release in the next year or so, this will be my first novel rather then my normal novellas. I am really excited about this one and I cant wait to share more when the time is right.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

It would be, JUST DO IT! Don't care about anyone else and what they say, just do it! All you need is a laptop and some free time, give it a try! If anyone wants any advise or pointers, check my website out and email me or even tweet me.

Check out the book Ground Zero: Lockdown.
http://www.danielbishopebooks.com/

Can you tell us a little about your books and yourself?

I’m originally from New York but love to travel and experience new cultures and new ways of thinking about the world. I’m lucky enough to have had the opportunity to live in Mexico and Central America for several years and what I saw there inspired me to start writing mysteries and thrillers, after several years writing adventure stories for my son. I’m probably best known for the Emilia Cruz police procedural mystery series set in Acapulco, including CLIFF DIVER, HAT DANCE and the collection of short stories MADE IN ACAPULCO.

Emilia is the first and only female detective on the Acapulco police force, taking on both Mexico’s drug war and culture of machismo. Readers can get a free download of THE BEAST, the story that reveals how beat cop Emilia Cruz fought her way into the detective ranks at carmenamato.net.

Like most mystery writers, my favorite beverage is coffee. I spend far too much time on Twitter but am still happily married with two grown children. We own 5 Kindles and more than 2000 print books.

What inspired you to write your books?

We lived in Mexico at a time when the drug wars were really beginning to heat up. One Christmas a junkie stumbled into midnight Mass. Father Richard was leading us in the Prayer of the Faithful when a man staggered up the center aisle, his limbs jerking as he alternately murmured and shouted incomprehensible words. We all shrank back as he made his way towards the altar, an unexpected and volatile presence.

As the congregation looked on in growing panic, the man accosted Father Richard. The priest didn’t move or stop the prayer, just dug through his robes for a pocket. He pulled out a few pesos and pressed them into the man’s hand. By that time several of the male congregants had come onto the altar as well and they gently propelled the drug-addled man back down the altar steps and through the church to the rear door.

Christmas mass continued and the addict remained nameless to the shaken congregation. But he stayed with all of us, evidence that Mexico’s own drug problem was growing as more and more drugs transited the country en route to the insatiable United States. 

He reminded me of the drug war raging just outside our happy expatriate bubble. We were an American family in Mexico City, embracing a new culture, exploring a vibrant city, and meeting people who were to impact our lives for years to come. But we always knew that the bubble was fragile and as if to prove it, Mexico’s news grew worse in the new year: shootouts in major cities, multiple drug seizures, rising numbers of dead and missing, the murders of mayors, governors and journalists.
When we moved back to the United States, I was surprised and saddened by how little of what was going on made it into the news. Especially as the number of people missing in Mexico continues to climb, I’m hoping a mystery series can raise awareness of what’s going on in Mexico, with plot elements straight out of the headlines, an authentic dive into one of the most beautiful settings on earth, and a little salsa fresca from my own years living in Mexico and Central America.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I knew a lot about Mexico and the drug war violence before I started writing but have learned much more over the past few years. The official Mexican government count remains elusive, but most news outlets report that at least 60,000 people have been killed or have been reported missing due to Mexico’s drug violence over the past decade. While most think that the casualties are rival drug cartel members fighting each other for control of the lucrative smuggling routes, known as plazas, too many of the victims are those simply caught up in the violence.
In the Emilia Cruz series, she keeps records of women who have gone missing in Acapulco and her hunt for one of them continues through all the books. Emilia calls them Las Perdidas—the Lost Ones. Her list is also a nod to the murders of over 340 women in the Cuidad Juarez area, on the US-Mexican border. More bodies are found every few months and no one has ever been held accountable.

What are some challenges that you faced while writing?

My biggest challenge is not to take on too many big projects at a time. There are so many things an author can do these days, from running a Facebook or Goodreads group, participating in book clubs and review groups, taking on research projects--the list goes on and on. I’m enthusiastic about so many things, but am gradually learning how to pare down and only tackle projects I truly enjoy.

Who or what in your life would you say influenced you the most?

My grandmother is definitely the person who has been the biggest influence in my life. She was strong minded, well-read, fashionable, and most importantly, knew how to build community. She was the core of my extended family. She also taught me the value of a good handbag and I still have her collection of evening purses.

What are your hobbies and interests away from the desk?

Apart from writing, I love to travel. Last summer my daughter and I drove all the way from central New York to Prince Edward Island in Canada. We visited colleges, kept on the watch for moose in the road, and saw the house that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables books. Later I realized we’d driven the whole way without turning on the radio. We were too busy enjoying each other’s company and the incredible scenery through New England and Canada.

What do you get passionate about?

I was inspired to write about Mexico because of what I believe to be a very unequal social situation there. To some extent, Mexico has a caste system. In my view, that inequality encourages the drug cartels. The money to be made from drug trafficking enables people to attain a lifestyle that is otherwise denied under that caste system. It’s heartbreaking to see how drug violence is eroding the beauty and culture of Mexico.

What does "success" mean to you?

What a great question! Success as an author today is about building a community of readers and fellow authors who share the same interests. We connect to share ideas, views, and experiences. I love being able to connect with that community on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. One of the most exciting projects I’m involved in brings together authors who all write mysteries set in Mexico. The Mexico Mystery Writers Cartel website will be live in a few weeks and I think the combination of four different author perspectives will be the core of a vibrant new online community.

In more concrete terms, success means being able to give back. In 2014, I’m donating $1 from the sale of each Kindle book I sell to Water.org, the charity co-founded by Matt Damon to bring clean water and decent sanitation to communities worldwide. Fellow authors Sharon Lee Johnson, Norm Hamilton and Jerold Last have helped me form the Writing for Water team. With all this help, I’m hoping to be able to raise enough through book sales to provide 25 people clean water for life.

What are your current projects?

DIABLO NIGHTS, the third full length Emilia Cruz novel is in the works and slated for a late June 2014 release. In it, Emilia finds a relic from Mexico’s Cristero War of the 1920’s, when the government tried to suppress the Catholic Church. Emilia’s efforts to determine the authenticity of the relic leads to her into a labyrinth of drug smuggling, police corruption, and murder.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Don’t fall in love with your first draft. Fall in love with your characters, in the setting, and in the plot twists. Keep editing and rewriting until your manuscript is as good as it can be. Learn to be a ruthless editor of your own work.

In addition to political thriller The Hidden Light of Mexico City, Carmen Amato is the author of the Emilia Cruz mystery series set in Acapulco, including Cliff Diver, Hat Dance and the collection of short stories Made in Acapulco. Originally from New York, her books draw on her experiences living in Mexico and Central America. Connect with Carmen on Twitter @CarmenConnects, find her books on Amazon and get a free copy of the first Emilia Cruz story, The Beast at carmenamato.net.

Can you tell us a little about your books and yourself?

I’ve always loved mysteries. Growing up, I was particularly fond of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries. So when contemplating writing a series myself, I decided to create a character not quite like Sherlock but similar. A highly intelligent person with a unique way of seeing the world. Someone who arrives at clues and conclusions that would escape ordinary people. The result is my Sonnclere Mystery Series. The protagonist is a young female chemist by the name of Dr Neroli Sonnclere who suffers from a condition called hyperosmia. It means she has an especially acute sense of smell. While Sherlock Holmes applies his deductive reasoning and vast knowledge, Dr Sonnclere uses her sense of smell and training as a scientist. Like Sherlock, she stands out from others. She’s tall with red hair and a big nose. And also like Sherlock, she’s socially awkward in her own way. Maybe not quite as strange as Sherlock, though.

 What inspired you to write your books?

Apart from Sherlock Holmes and mysteries in general as I mentioned earlier, science inspires me. I’m neither a doctor nor a scientist, but I enjoy watching documentaries on nature, medicine, archaeology and so forth.


 Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

To stretch myself. When I started my writing journey, I was advised that I should begin with what I know. That was fine at first. However, as I gained confidence, I found it limiting. Had I carried on the same route, I’d probably not have much to say. Hence, I try to write about subjects I know very little about. This means I have to do a lot of research, and exercise a lot of imagination. A challenging process, but I believe it enables me to write more interesting stories. And as an added bonus, I learn new things along the way.

Get the Book (US)  and UK.

 What are some challenges that you faced while writing?

Finding the time. There’s nothing like being in the zone and spending hours hammering away on the computer. Unfortunately, life gets in the way. I am also impatient by nature. I wish I could be as prolific as other authors who churn out book after book. But I like to take breaks in between and give my stories and me some space.


 Who or what in your life would you say influenced you the most?

First, all those literature classes I had to “endure” at school. While I liked to read, I didn’t necessarily want to discuss what I read, much less write papers critiquing it. Writing creatively had also never crossed my mind. Until one professor turned it all around for me. I remember him wearing a short-sleeved white shirt, black-rimmed glasses and a toothy smile, reading an excerpt from one of Shakespeare’s plays. I can’t recall which in particular, but I was completely enthralled. The words were so beautiful, his rendering so impassioned. He made me wish I could write like that. I’m still wishing.

Second, my family. I grew up in a home that treasured books, music and art. I am grateful that they have always supported me in my artistic pursuits.

And last but not the least, my faith in God inspires me. It not only gives me strength and hope, but amazingly I get my best ideas while I am praying.

 What are your hobbies and interests away from the desk?

I love stories, whether they come in print, film or TV. Predictably as a writer, I read all the time—anything from thrillers to crime and romance novels. Sometimes, literary fiction and the classics. When I get the chance, I also enjoy travelling and going to museums and galleries. Since I trained as an artist, I still like to paint. Unfortunately, I don’t have time to do much of it these days.

 What does “success” mean to you?

Success means doing what I love to do, doing it well and earning a living from it. I write to entertain people, too. To give my readers a few hours of fun and excitement would make my efforts worthwhile.

 What are your current projects?

I am in the middle of my third Sonnclere Mystery instalment. I’m really excited about it. Still set in London, it’s about the creation of a truth drug and the consequences that follow its discovery. I’m taking the story from the laboratory to the press and ultimately to the highest echelons of power.


 Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Write. Start writing and keep writing. If you persist at it, you will get better. Write about stories that thrill you, that make you think and feel. If you aren’t passionate about your characters and plots, how will your readers be passionate about them, too?


Links:

Author Central (US)

Author Centra (UK)

Nook US

 Nook UK

Smashwords

Can you tell us a little about your books and yourself?

Well, I released my debut book in May 2013. It was a 13 year journey that started when I was 23 and questioning my identity and purpose, feeling really alienated and unwelcome in the world. This search eventually led me to a place within myself that demanded a decision: either I continue a life of pretense, or I drop everything and follow my heart. I chose to follow my heart. This led to a 5-year African adventure that took me into the depths of the unknown, where tribal people co-exist with Africa’s wildest wildlife. It was an adventure I could never have imagined. But I won’t give away too much, because that will ruin the story, for those who haven’t read it yet!

Get the Book - My Life My Africa.

As for me, I am a traveling Soul, an adventurer devoted to serving those in need. I have a deep passion for the marginalized, neglected and impoverished ... especially the children. I founded the My Life My Africa Children’s Foundation as a vehicle for me to serve through, but I am still questioning whether this was the best way, or whether I should rather partner with already established organizations and communities as I travel. I am leaning towards the latter, but we’ll see what time reveals.

What inspired you to write your books?

Currently working on my 2nd book, my inspiration remains the same. After discovering how lonely I am in an illusory world of fleeting material attractions, I decided to change the course of my life and to go in search of Love, Freedom and True Community. My books are the real life adventures on this Journey. Book 1 took me for 5 years into rural Zambia, Book 2 took me into an urban slum community of 80 0000 people in South Africa ... and I am currently in the south of India, capturing the story of Book 3.

I am a spiritual man who believes in the Divine, and my inspiration for writing comes through this Divine connection, as it is revealed to me ... and more importantly, as I listen, because this noisy mind is full of distractions!

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Writing my book has been more of a lesson to me than anything else. And I think that as long as I write, I will continue to evolve at my best rate. Obviously there are the writing skills that develop. And then it took time for me to find my REAL voice and to be comfortable with this, rather than pretend to be someone I am not.

I found myself struggling to be completely honest, for fear of what opinions people would hold against me, so I compromised my Truth along the way, though my intention has always been to be completely honest and transparent.I also learned how selfish I am, until my editor – who is the BEST in the world! – taught me how to think about the reader and to take their hand and walk them through my story.And finally, I learned that I will never be fully satisfied with my work, but that this is the point and I must learn to let go at some stage and to trust the process.

What are some challenges that you faced while writing?
I think my answer above covers this question. But to add onto it, one of the big challenges is the alienation from everyone around me. I get so locked into my own story that I see everyone as characters or, if they are not characters then I see them as insignificant. So this is tough. It’s lonely.And then another challenge has been that when I am writing, I stop reading ... and since I have been an avid reader since childhood, this is something that does me little good.Then of course, there are countless cigarettes, coffees, vodka martinis and whiskey’s ... as I struggle to break through creative barriers.

Who or what in your life would you say influenced you the most?
My father is my hero and role model. He is the one who gave me wings to fly. He taught me to dream and encouraged me to pursue my dreams with full faith.
My mother has been an anchor, and it is coming from her womb and her home that has provided me with the security I needed to be a traveling Soul.
And then James Redfield, Graham Hancock and Paulo Coelho have been largely responsible for my spiritual awakening and this calling to be a writer/adventurer, that I now follow.

What are your hobbies and interests away from the desk?
Travel, travel, travel!! And with this comes the exploration and sharing of different cultures and foods, which I love. Music, dance and anything creative is a joy to me, and then I am also just a simple guy who enjoys sports and just hanging out.

What does “success” mean to you?
This is a tough one. On the one hand, if my books can generate royalties to sustain my simple life on the road, I would consider that ‘success’ ... BUT that is not completely honest, because without a partner to love and to share the Journey with, it would be meaningless ... and without a deep sense of stillness and inner peace, it would all also be worthless.So ultimately, ‘success’ for me, is to do the work that has been assigned to me to do, with no attachment to the outcome.
And in the process, to find inner peace ... and ultimately the beautiful woman to love and share it all with.

What are your current projects?
Have just started Book 2, and am looking for sponsors to help me sustain myself in India while I do this. And then am currently investigating a few orphanages in the Andhra Pradesh and Kerala districts of India, to get involved in.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Trust the Voice within you, and just start writing.Whatever excuse pops into your head, know that it is your enemy that has no other purpose than to destroy your joy.
Just write. Don’t think about sales or audience or grammar or spelling or publishing or anything ... just start writing ...today ...right now!
And keep a journal with you ... always ... everywhere you go ... even the toilet.
And buy a copy of Steven Pressfield’s ‘The War of Art’.
And stop saying ‘I want to write’... start saying ‘ I am a writer’ ... because you are.
And most importantly, ENJOY THE RIDE!

My Life My Africa (US) 

My Life My Africa (UK) 

Can you tell us a little about your books and yourself?

Oh, sure. I am Dr. Keshia L. Gaines. I graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a doctorate in philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Leadership. I am the author of "Why are Students Not Learning on the School Bus?" and "Learning on the School Bus (the student version)." I've been in the education field for over 10 years and I enjoy teaching, writing books, and traveling.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Yes, I did. My first book had a lot of research and facts on a doctorate level. I realized that many of my readers and fans could not understand some of the big words (ex. neuroscience) and research, so I decided to release a version that is easier to understand for students and the general public.

What are some challenges that you faced while writing?

Well, I think the most challenging part of writing my first and second book was the editing. I worked closely with editors and graphic designers from other states. I kept having the book revised and revised until it was almost perfect. I worked really hard on the book, so I wanted everything to look professional and to be grammatically correct. I know my editors were ready to complete the project, but I challenged my team to revise, edit, and layout the book to the highest level of professionalism.

What does “success” mean to you?

Success, to me, is to meet my goal(s). One of my goals was to finish my Ph.D., so I finished my Ph.D. Another goal was to write a book, so I published my book. Another goal was to travel and promote my book, so I travel and promote my book across the United States. Success, to me, is setting a goal and achieving the set goal. I believe that I am very successful.

What are your current projects?

I want to write a third book, but I am still working out the details. I know I want it to be in the education field, but I am still thinking about the title and the possible content.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Oh, sure. If you want to write a book, buy a pencil/pen and a small notebook. Start small. Write a page a day. Stick to your goal of a page a day and in one year, you will have a 365 page book. Add pictures and wha-lah!!! 

Also, buy a copy of my worldwide book "Learning on the School Bus" at Amazon or Barnes & Noble for an example of a good book layout.

Website: http://www.busstop2busstop.com/
Dr. Gaines’s E-mail Address: keshgaines@yahoo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LearningOnTheSchoolBus?ref=hl
YouTube Video 1-TV Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-6a8Q82Kpc
YouTube Video 2- News Flash: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGBhZVJsVQ4
YouTube Video 3- Book Review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xU3kIt7MXfg
Link to Clothing Line: http://www.zazzle.com/busstop2busstop

TO BUY THE ORIGINAL BOOK

AMAZON: Why are Students not learning on the School Bus
BARNES & NOBLE: http://bit.ly/18tbMWU

TO BUY THE NEW WORKBOOK- ONLY $9.95

AMAZON: Author of Why are Students Not Learning on the School Bus

Can you tell us a little about your books and yourself?

Daughter of Vengeance is my latest book, and I believe the market is begging for a female lead in a fantasy novel that isn't an Amazonian woman or a weakling. Michelle is just an average girl growing up while being trained to be an assassin and spy for the King. She had been kidnapped and forced to be a concubine for a rather sick man and was rescued by a woman who later becomes her closest friend. Ultimately Michelle discovers there's a plot to overthrow the King and destroy the world as she knows it and she has to overcome adversity, set aside the failings of her family's history and rise to the occasion.

Draconis' Bane and Deadly Intentions are my previous novels and at one time were one larger novel. Due to their size though, they were broken down into two separate stories about a spoiled Prince who was brutally attacked by a cult of magicians who want to see the dragon race wiped out. Tristan, the Prince, is the child of a half-dragon and although he looks perfectly normal, there is power inside of him that is released upon his attack. The magical curse placed him in a coma where he lived a life of torture and abuse. When he recovers, he is no longer the spoiled young man he once was. In fact, he has no memories of this world at all. His entire frame of reference is that of an abused human child in our world. Eventually, with the help of his friends and family, he begins to remember who he was...though the lessons he learned while under the power of the curse remain with him. He takes it upon himself to root out the cult who attacked him and threaten his family.

I've been telling stories and writing for most of my life, though up until a few years ago my writing was primarily for my own enjoyment as a hobby. I also love to read, though most of the books I read these days are fables to my three-year-old daughter.

What inspired you to write your books?

What inspired me to write were the authors that I love to read. Robert Louis Stevenson, Jules Verne and Arthur Conan Doyle were my childhood heroes of literature. I eventually, as it seems most fantasy authors do, discovered J.R.R. Tolkien. My modern inspiration came from Raymond E. Feist though. I discovered his novels when I was in college and really enjoyed the range of characters he delivers, each with their own distinct personalities.

However, the inspiration for writing a book came from my wife, who sagely advised "if for nothing else than the experience".

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I shared Draconis' Bane, as I was writing it, with some friends and they insisted that I try to get the book published. While writing Deadly Intentions I began shopping Draconis' Bane around for an agent or a publisher. After two years, I gave up having it published at all and finished Deadly Intentions.

I'd meant to sell them together, but a writer friend of mine pointed out that typically novels of that length are Epic Fantasy and could I see myself writing 150,000+ word books routinely. I took the advice and decided to make Deadly Intentions a sequel to Draconis' Bane. As I shopped them around as a pair, I began working on Daughter of Vengeance. Eventually, I stumbled upon self-publishing and after a lot of research decided on a company and released Draconis' Bane, having no luck with traditional agents and publishers.

I would say the most important lesson I learned though was self-reliance. Even in the traditional publishing world, writing is very much a solitary proposition and sometimes it's very easy to get discouraged. If you work hard, release professional and original material, you will find an audience. As a self-published author, finding that audience took time and a lot of patience. Despite what a lot of the self-help books and website tell us, there are no rules anymore. Audiences are everywhere and all you can do is make your book and yourself available to them.

What are some challenges that you faced while writing?

Remaining motivated. I'll be honest, there were times when I was collecting rejections from agents, publishers and even reviewers and I began to question my own abilities. I've never been at a loss for ideas, concepts or directions for my stories, nor have I struggled with characters or what to do with them. I spent a lot of time learning how to weave a solid story and I have my fundamentals in place. Sometimes though, it's hard to keep that in perspective when you can't seem to get anyone to say "yes".

Marketing. I'm horrible at it. I have trouble talking myself up and I feel silly trying to sell myself. However, as a self-published author I had to learn as I went and I've wasted time and money marketing to the wrong people, paying for silly gimmicks and giving away my work. I've learned a lot from my mistakes. The biggest mistake for me was freebie week. You can climb into the top 100 of your genre on Amazon, or even the top 100 fiction, as I did...but if you can't sell copies of your book afterwards, what's the point? I'm sure it's worked for others, but it didn't for me. Out of over 5,000 copies of Draconis' Bane, I got money for each copy. Out of the 12,000 copies of Deadly Intentions, which was my freebie week book, I got money for 4,500. I did manage to sell a further 100 copies of Draconis' Bane during that week, which was fantastic. But I still view freebies as lost profit and 7,400 copies of lost profit stings. I've had much more success with Facebook, Twitter and my own website than I ever had giving away my work.

Who or what in your life would you say influenced you the most?

I spent most of my life pointing out my father's failings and completely missing the landslide of good advice he gave me while he was alive. Most of what he taught me I still use today. It's hard to say if he would be proud of what I've done over the last few years, but he was an avid reader so I would have had another set of eyes for beta-reading. I know a lot of people have loftier heroes, people they never meet or meet once and then they are forgotten. For me it's the little things. Getting an email from a reader my work has touched in some way fills me with a greater sense of accomplishment than a glowing review.

What are your hobbies and interests away from the desk?

I have a couple of internet radio shows, I curl in the winter and play paintball in the summer. I also like playing video games when I can carve out the time.


What do you get passionate about?

Writing. Seems pretty obvious for a writer to get passionate about writing, but I really am. I love putting words to paper and evoking a response.

What does “success”  mean to you?

If I could replace the income I get from my current job with my writing, I would consider that success. Anything beyond that is a dream.


What are your current projects?

I'm currently working on the next novel in Michelle's world called "Edge of Reckoning". In it Michelle's world will continue to evolve as a new conflict has broken out and I'm introducing a new continent and race to my readers. Michelle herself will also continue to evolve as she's given birth to a daughter of her own and must balance that responsibility against the safety of her nation.

I also spend time updating my fanpage and posting short stories or blog posts to my websites.


Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Always put out the best product you can. The market, especially on Amazon, iBooks and Smashwords, is saturated with authors who want to make money. They throw a novel every 2-3 months trying to generate as many impulse buys as possible. If you're serious about writing, serious about your work being appreciated and serious about making a career out of it...take your time. Anything worth having is worth putting effort into.

This includes the construction of the novel as well. There are artists for every budget, hunt high and low and get an artist or photographer to do your cover artwork. If you don't feel you can do a cover page yourself, there are plenty of low-cost options out there including most self-publishing services. Edit your work yourself at least twice, more if you think it's needed. Then get it edited by someone else. If you can't afford an editor, find an English major who will do it for pizza or beer. Just make sure you get the editing done before giving them the beer.

Be available. Have a twitter, a facebook fanpage and a website at least.

Chose appropriate marketing. By that I mean, if you're writing a Twilight-style vampire novel...don't try to sell it to Anne Rice fans. Market it to young adults, there are podcasts and radio shows hosted by teenagers for teenagers. Get in touch with them about "sponsoring" a show for 5 bucks. Get creative. Remember that the market is saturated with self-published authors, you need to stand out in a positive way.

Keep writing. Whether you're waiting for your latest rejection letter, or hoping that your latest marketing scheme will pay off...keep writing. Short stories, blog posts, tweets, facebook updates, chapter stories, novellas, a full length novel, it doesn't matter as long as you're writing. Studies have shown that you need to invest 10,000 hours to master something. If you spend 10 hours a day writing, that's still almost 3 years.

Website

http://www.davidtemrick.com

Books (newest to oldest)

Daughter of Vengeance

Deadly Intentions


Draconis' Bane

Can you tell us a little about your books and yourself?

I started writing Among the Undead about 2 years ago, I wrote the first two
chapters, got busy with life and work so I left it aside to pick it up later.The concept of the story was conceived basically while driving. With my business I have to travel some distance and the only thing that keeps me awake is music. Music helps me creatively, always has and I started creating
these scenarios with characters in my head which now I've turned into books.

My background is quite far from writing actually. I'm a fashion designer by
trade, later I went to school for graphic design and eventually started my own
uniform company. I've always been a creative person, I've done everything
from fashion, uniforms, websites, designed logos, photography and nowputting
these thoughts in my head on paper.

What inspired you to write your books?
There was a time when my husband and I pretty much watched every zombie
movie ever made out there, it was a weekly ritual and I think that's where
the inspiration came from. But aside from the gore which we've all come
accustomed to watching zombie flicks, I wanted an actual story, a story of
survival, the possibility that if you do lose it all you can indeed  get it
back, second chances, the ability to coexist with strangers and make a
family out of it while trying to survive chaos and uncertainty. Also it was
very important to me to have a story set in my hometown of Toronto. I can't
write about places I don't know because I can't relate to them.
One thing I can tell you is that I like to make the impossible, possible. My
characters, especially in Among the Undead are almost superheroes but
they're not, they are just really good at survival.

Among the Undead (Escape to KP)

Miss-Fortunate Reality

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
How challenging it is to successfully put visuals into words. Attention to
detail with every character while keeping the reader engaged. I wanted strong personalities for my main characters, and they needed to be different because they needed to clash but yet madly love each other. It was easy with "Lauren" but putting myself in a male perspective of "Tyler" was
quite the challenge, especially with part 2  of Among the Undead (to be
released spring 2014).

What are some challenges that you faced while writing?
Finding time, I have two young boys and I finished Among the Undead over the
summer of 2013 while they were both at home.With Among the Undead I had to learn a lot about weapons; guns, swords,knifes, etc. I've never used any of it but I do have a keen interest in guns
so it wasn't hard to do the research in the different types the characters
used.

Who or what in your life would you say influenced you the most?
One of my favorite writers was/is Edgar Allan Poe, and all the film
adaptations of his books with the late Vincent Price was my obsession for a
very long time.Horror and movies about the occult pretty much shaped my childhood,
adolescence and adulthood. I think that was a great influence for Among the
Undead.I also write romance novels and that comes from me. My stories are not your
average boy meets girl, they are about betrayal, adultery and finding that
impossible love.

What are your hobbies and interests away from the desk?
Work takes much of my time, so writing is my hobby. But on my off time I
like to spend it with my family and my best friends.

What do you get passionate about?
I love music, and I have to create new  playlists all the time to suit my
mood for that period of time. This gets my creative juices flowing and I
start thinking of things to do or in this instance possible stories. I'm
also very passionate about changing my body and I love to work out, eat
right and spread the word. I like to motivate others to do the same.

What does "success" mean to you?
I've been very lucky to be successful at almost everything I've done and I
say almost because I have failed miserably at some things as well.
I think "Success" is not only what it looks like on paper or what others see
or even a monetary thing but it's what you can accomplish and see it through
to the end. I feel very successful to have completed three books, and
although I may never be the next Stephen King or J.K. Rowling, I've written
and published and some have even read my books which is more than I could
have ever imagined. I'm thrilled.

What are your current projects?
I'm polishing up Among the Undead - Part 2 and I'm working on two other
romance novels at the moment.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
If you have a great idea for a book, don't get discouraged because you have
no writing experience or background. You'll never know until you try.

Can you tell us a little about your books and yourself?

Greenland Games it’s a story that took me about two years to put together. It’s an environmental fictional  story, where two different worlds are seen from the perspective of human eye, on the Macro world in one hand, and  the point of view of the Micro cosmos world in the other hand. A story that reveals true facts about the human sustainability on the earth and the human and corporative affairs that rolls under the carpet.

I am a very extrovert individual, with a very multifaceted approach to life and a playfull character. I work as a professional car designer in Europe, spend my free time writing about diverse topics that concerns my perception of the world. Traveling plays a fundamental role on this creative process and of course my relation and interaction with friends and strangers. A week out having fun, refresh my thoughts as well.


What inspired you to write your books?
My books are inspired from different sources, mostly from the themes that concerns me, the environment makes priority at this stage, but also my personal experiences and the ones collected from people around me. I have lived in three different continents and that gives you an edge for a wider view of what’s going on many social stratus, life styles and in the political, financial and the environmental arena, all these elements influence my view and what I do.

Greenland Games
Flying Heroes

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Yes writing it’s a very time consuming and enjoyable activity. It helps you to discover things in yourself, such as your attention to detail, and the reasons why you are observe things in a way that other people find it weird.Observation it’s a key element on the writers skills.


What are some challenges that you faced while writing?
Keeping on the structure of your characters and the timing of certain events in the novel, which are related to a branch of events, could be sometimes a quite big challenge for your mental concentration.

Who or what in your life would you say influenced you the most?
One icon who took my admiration from the very early age was Leonardo Da vinci, and his multitalented approach to life. Later was Mr Tesla, which I consider the most incredible inventor of the 20th century. In literature Mr Gabriel Garcia Marquez and his magic style, gave me another view of the world. Another thing of course was, my childhood, and my experiences as Teenager.  I did a lot of naughty things as a kid, which could have end up in a sudden death; but I was lucky enough to survive. So, nowadays, I do not take things for granted, everything in life needs to put up a big effort to reach a final goal. In this process, I always have very present the fact, that life itself its very fragile, so you have to watch your steps. Every day its a gift and we should make good use of it.

What are your hobbies and interests away from the desk?
 I do support human rights campaigns , have a blog for the bees and create music as well to balance out my creative universe. Design new ideas to create new products and have a few world patented inventions. Have done some painting exhibitions as well. I do also practice beach volleyball in the summer, scuba diving and love snowboard in winter.
www.gL-gL.org
www.admatson-beats.com
http://greenland-games.blogspot.de/
www.greenland-games.com


What do you get passionate about?
 I am passionate about many things, but one takes the most of it. Love and the people who are close to me.

What does “success” mean to you?
 Success could mean two things: It could mean and immediate positive result on the performance of one task or a breathtaking process that takes years of experience and can sum up in good or bad results. Both are positive, because from the good results you profit and improve. From the bad experiences, you must learn to avoid makingthe same mistakes of the past.

What are your current projects?
I am writing at this stage a new drama novel to be release soon 2014 base in 60% in real facts, but will have to make it also into the fictional territory to protect the identity of the players.  In the drawer, have three film scripts, one of them, already in development. One drama, one adventure and one comedy.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Work hard and don’t look back at your mistakes. Every day is a life opportunity, and you are the only one who can control what happen next.

Can you tell us a little about your books and yourself?

My name's Ryan and I am a bit of the following, Technology Enthusiast, Writer, Educator, Perpetual Student, Politically Interested, Whiskey Drinker, and lover of Cinema and Art. Mostly I enjoy writing. I'm from the GTA (General Toronto Area). During the day I work in a school with various students, mainly supporting their academic and social needs. I have a formal education in Broadcast Journalism, with a specific focus in Video Editing, Writing, and Cinematography. I like the color green, and the number three.

The Carpenter's Son is something I have been toying with for a couple of years now. It's fiction; however, a lot of the stories in it are drawn from conversations with my family. All good fiction has elements of truth in it.  
What inspired you to write your books?

I wanted to understand the push and pull factors of immigration at the time. My dad's family immigrated to Canada from Scotland. My grandfather served in the Navy as an Electrician during WWII. My grandfather was injured during the war and blown off the back of a merchant ship. Luckily he survived. Writing the book was as much about expressing a story that was personal, as it was about learning about my own families history.

What are some challenges that you faced while writing?

One of the biggest challenges was the process of getting interested than losing focus. I mapped out what I wanted to write, and how I wanted to tell the story. I had the plot laid out from the early beginning. I felt it hard to fill it in as time went by. I felt like I didn't leave myself a lot of options to steer the story in a different direction if I wanted or needed to. The vignettes helped. I was able to explore secondary characters to help give context to the main story. Writing the vignettes was the most enjoyable part of writing the story. I was able to help mold and shape the story from the sidelines.

What are your hobbies and interests away from the desk?

I enjoy reading, playing video games, watching movies, traveling, and learning. I'm interested in current events and politics. During the summer I try to spend a fair amount of time outdoors. During the winter I'm usually limited in terms of outdoor activities.

What are your current projects?

I recently completed, edited, and submitted a 1400 word non-fiction short story to CBC's Canada Writes Competition. I haven't really written a whole lot of non-fiction stories, and felt that it would be a great opportunity for me to explore a new avenue of creative writing. The story is called Tuesdays with Tim, which is a reflective piece about a student I worked with last year. There will be a total of four runner ups and one grand prize winner, all of which will have their content posted online at www.cbc.ca. The first prize winner will have their content published in Air Canada's enRoute magazine.

In terms of writing another novel, that's currently not in the works. I felt like I had a hard time finishing The Carpenter's Son. I think what I may be interested in doing is writing a handful of short stories and trying to either combine them into an eBook collection or potentially looking to get some of them published. I won't say I will never write another novel or novella again, but I would like to take some time to explore some other avenues of creative writing. Writing a book is like having a long term relationship with someone, it's not healthy to jump out and into one so quickly

Posting on my blog, at http://gradualthought.blogspot.ca fills my immediate needs to express myself.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

I don't think I'm at a point where I should be giving advice to be honest. I'm still learning through my mistakes and successes. I think this entire process has been a learning experience. I would say that the biggest barrier I've faced is the one that comes after I finished writing my book.
There's a ton of options and routes one can take when trying to publish, advertise, and share their content. The market for eBooks is saturated and ultra competitive. I do things because I love to do them. I think I wrote the book for the right reasons. I think it's important to remember that the process reaps its own rewards, not just the end result.

Want to connect with me?
Blog: http://gradualthought.blogspot.ca/ 

Want to know where to buy my book?
Amazon: The Carpenter's Son  
Barnes & Noble: The Carpenter's Son
Kobo: The Carpenter's Son
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/384485