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Interview with J.M. Lane, Author of Setanta and the Lady by the Water

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Setanta and the Lady by the Water?

I have been writing Setanta and the Lady by the Water for nearly ten years. It has gone through several iterations—from an epic 800-page novel to a children’s picture book. It wasn’t until I was recovering from cancer that I realized what I was truly writing about: trauma—more precisely, intergenerational trauma. I explore this in the book through curses and family history, showing how events that took place long before Setanta existed continue to affect his life in the present.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Setanta and the Lady by the Water, what would they be?

Ar Ár Son by Ronan O'Snodaigh.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Western.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson and The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I don’t have a favorite scene, but my favorite part of writing is that moment of realization that comes when you’re not looking for it, the sudden clarity about what a character might do in a difficult situation you’ve left them in.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I write on everything; laptops, tablets, phones, the backs of receipts, anywhere, for fear of losing a thought to the next wandering one that replaces it.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

The way you do one thing is the way you do everything.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That part two is coming this Christmas.

J.M. Lane is the author of the new book Setanta and the Lady by the Water

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Interview with L. H. McGinnity, Author of Moonlit Bloodlines

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Moonlit Bloodlines?

I originally set out to write a new romance, but I struggled to connect with any of the love interests I was creating because, honestly, my husband is kind of perfect. He’s perfectly imperfect for me, and I love the way he is. No fictional guy could measure up. That made it hard to imagine falling for anyone else. So instead of forcing something that didn’t feel right, I decided to write about something I could truly connect with: a married couple. That shift brought this story to life, after a few earlier attempts fizzled out before the halfway mark. I’ve always loved magic, shifters, and potions, so this book became a world where “what if” could happen. I hope readers enjoy it as much as I loved writing it.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Moonlit Bloodlines, what would they be?

If I had to pick a theme song, “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz fits Ronan perfectly. But honestly, it works for Lily too. Their journey is full of transformation, uncertainty, and emotional weight, yet through it all, they hold on. That song captures the quiet strength and devotion they share, even when everything else is shifting.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre to read is fantasy romance, and interestingly, that’s what I originally set out to write. But as the story unfolded, new ideas kept coming, and the romance gradually took a back seat to everything else. While there’s still a romantic thread, it’s no longer the central focus of the story.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Unbound by Penelope Bloom—I don't have many others right now, being so busy with this book launch.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Funny enough, my favorite scene to write didn’t even make it into the final book. It was a little slice-of-life moment that I absolutely loved, but it ended up making the chapter way too long. I still wanted to share it, though, so I’ve made it available as a bonus scene through my email list. Sometimes the quiet, everyday moments say the most, and this one stuck with me.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I write on the couch… always. I can’t write in our office because it feels too closed in. But in the living room, with the vaulted ceilings and all that space above me, something just clicks. I can dive in and write like crazy. I actually wrote most of this book in just two weeks… then spent months editing it, of course.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

If I can’t feel it, I can’t write it. The stories that stay with me are the ones I connect to with my whole heart.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That quiet moments can be just as powerful as epic ones, and that the people you come home to are sometimes the real story.

L. H. McGinnity is the author of the new book Moonlit Bloodlines

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Interview with Jeffrey L. Kohanek, Author of Hijinks Investigations

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Hijinks Investigations?

I’m a fan of TV shows and movies that blend action and comedy, especially those featuring government agents or private detectives. Shows like Psych, Castle, Red, and Men in Black inspired me to create an urban fantasy series combining elements from all of them. I chose Las Vegas as the setting for several reasons. First, it’s the secret hub of supernatural activity—a fact the US government works hard to keep hidden.

The story begins with the opening of the first portal to another universe at Area 51 in the late 1940s. Being just south of that site, Vegas eventually became the new location for gateways between our world and realms where magic and mythical creatures run wild. This premise sets up our story. The other reason I chose Vegas is that I currently live there, allowing me to scout and research the real locations where the action unfolds. This adds an element of realism and familiarity for anyone who’s been there. The result is a fun, fast-paced paranormal detective adventure filled with magic, mystery, and mayhem—guaranteed to make readers laugh along with the antics.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I read fantasy. Period. I enjoy all kinds of magic; spells, enchanted relics, magical creatures, which is why I also write in the genre. However, when it comes to film and TV, I’m equally drawn to thrillers, comedies, and sci-fi.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I tend to enjoy the comedic moments the most, and since there are so many in this book and series, it’s hard to choose just one.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I rarely write at my desk. Instead, I sit in a chair in the living room with my feet up on an ottoman and one or both of my French Bulldogs nestled beside me.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Keep a positive attitude, make an honest effort, and things will work out. If that doesn’t work, figure out a new approach and try again.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

The characters. No other element is as important to me as a reader or as an author. In this series, the characters all have their own quirks, and when they are put together, those quirks create a fun dynamic. Here are some quick character bios:

Fierce, stubborn, and filled with snark, Agent Cara Cruz does not play well with others. Driven by a desire to live up to her dead father’s legacy, she hunts down magical beings who threaten humanity. Her greatest enemy may be the one that lurks within—the one whose terrible power is unleashed when she loses control.

Spencer graduated as the class clown, likely to make a joke out of any situation. He is blessed with a photographic memory, but his greatest gift might be the one that gets him killed: his blood. If he can survive his first test, he and his best friend, Leo, might just remain in Vegas as private detectives.

Powerful empath abilities twisted Leo’s childhood, and he never really grew up. Broken by emotions he cannot control, he is unaware of social norms, says whatever comes to mind, and acts on impulse—likely to do anything at any time. His OCD and quirks are means for him to cope. He leans on his best friend for guidance and his dog for emotional support... even though the dog is crazy too.

Flick, the French Bulldog, loves life, but more than anything else, loves to lick. He is happy, energetic, and adventurous. Feeding him the wrong thing is not recommended. Even with a stable diet, Frenchies are gassy. How can this little pork sausage help solve supernatural crimes? Read and find out.

Jeffrey L. Kohanek is the author of the new book Hijinks Investigations

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Interview with Rima Ray, Author of Death of an Idol

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Death of an Idol?

Death of an Idol began with a single haunting image: a young woman falling from a cliff beneath a cobalt Jeju sky, betrayed by someone she trusted. That image stayed with me. I wanted to explore the collision between fame and trauma, and what it means to be truly seen in a world built on masks. The inspiration came from my love of psychological thrillers, my curiosity about the darker side of the K-pop and entertainment industry, and my desire to tell a story weaving obsession, grief, and identity into something both suspenseful and intimate. Tae’s journey—from idol to professor to accidental detective—felt like the perfect vehicle for that exploration.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Death of an Idol, what would they be?

Tae’s playlist includes “Red Lights” by Stray Kids—which is literally featured in the book—sultry, obsessive, and dangerous. Also on the list is “Where Am I” by Cha Eunwoo, another track featured in the story. In fact, the character of Tae was inspired by the South Korean actor and K-pop idol Cha Eunwoo.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Yes and no. I’m obsessed with psychological thrillers and mysteries—anything by Agatha Christie, Val McDermid, Freida McFadden, or Gillian Flynn has me hooked. But I also devour literary fiction, especially books that blend beautiful prose with emotional depth—authors like Celeste Ng, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Hanya Yanagihara. I love writing thrillers but always aim for a voice that’s poetic and introspective, even amid the suspense. I want the atmosphere to linger.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Teacher by Freida McFadden, A Darker Domain by Val McDermid, The Good Son by You-Jeong Jeong, and Death in Tokyo by Keigo Higashino.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene with Nari and her parents in the car gave me chills just imagining it. For readers, you’ll know what I mean when you get to it. The visuals, the stillness, the slow reveal—it was all incredibly cinematic in my head.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I need some matcha milk tea or coffee to sip on. My cats occasionally jump onto my table to get pets and inevitably press the keyboard, adding a line or two.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

A motto I live by comes from a Michael Jackson song: “Keep on with force—don’t stop. Don’t stop ‘til you get enough.” It sums up my approach to life—it’s about wanting everything I can get out of it while I’m here. Call it ambition or just plain greed for experience, but I don’t believe in holding back.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Grief isn’t linear, love isn’t always pure, and sometimes the most dangerous people are the ones who love you the most.

Rima Ray is the author of the new book Death of an Idol

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Interview with J. S. Keim, Author of Trouble At The Winston Hotel

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Trouble At The Winston Hotel?

My husband's job has always been in the hospitality industry, and we spent some time living part-time in a luxury hotel in Florida. I thought it would be fun to see the hotel from the perspective of a little mouse.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I like women's fiction and have published over fifty bestselling books in that genre.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My Kindle is full of hundreds of books waiting for me to read. Books by Susan Mallery, Susan Wiggs, and others.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I loved the part where Theodore has to jump on the phone to make a call.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I work in my home office every day, with help from my two dachshunds who comfortably sleep nearby.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Be honest and grateful for my readers.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That it's okay to have a little fun in your life, that we all need love and laughter.

J.S. Keim is the author of the new book Trouble At The Winston Hotel

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Interview with Blue Evergarden, Author of Diaries of a Borderline

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Diaries of a Borderline?

Blue Evergarden's Diaries of a Borderline offers an intimate and transformative poetic journey, following a single protagonist’s quest for self-love and healing. Artfully divided into four parts, each section vividly portrays a tumultuous emotional odyssey.

Part 1, “Diaries of a Borderline,” centers on unraveling the aftermath of trauma, chronicling the protagonist’s struggle with dissociation, loneliness, and the elusive pursuit of reclaiming a shattered identity.

Delving deeper in Part 2, “This Is Why She Falls Apart,” Evergarden explores the delicate tapestry of self-worth and self-love, tracing the complicated journey of survival and reliance amidst inner turmoil and despair.

Entering a transformative phase in Part 3, “Leaving Her Graveyard,” the protagonist awakens to the potential of becoming everything she once believed she wasn’t, finding the resilience to confront her inner demons and emerge stronger.

Part 4, “The Gifts She Found,” celebrates the protagonist’s triumphant emergence into self-acceptance and inner tranquility. This final section encapsulates the euphoria of releasing past burdens, discovering self-love, and embracing the promise of a brighter future.

Diaries of a Borderline is a poignant, soul-stirring journey through the complexities of mental health and the transformative power of healing. With vivid prose and raw emotion, Evergarden weaves a tapestry of hope and resilience, inspiring those who tread similar paths.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love experiencing poetry as if it were a sacred ritual—each line a star, the dark whispers. Can you feel it too? It’s the same genre I write, though my voice leans toward what I call haunted intimacy. Poetry, for me, isn’t a form; it’s a resonance.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Wild Iris by Louise Glück, A Magnificent Ordinary Love by Celia Martinez, Flower Crowns and Fearsome Things, and She Followed the Moon Back to Herself by Amanda Lovelace. I’m always drawn to collections that feel like they’re excavating memory through soft, revered strength.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scenes where her heart begins to root into her soul—even in the face of uncertainty. Especially then. Those were the moments I felt like I was writing from the edge of a cliff while still holding the hope of a garden in my chest.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I do breathwork before I write—always. It grounds me. I also bring my stuffed animal companions—Jiji, Pikachu, and a shiny Celebi—with me to cafés. They sit with me while I write and remind me that tenderness is the language the light speaks.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

As we remember, so we bloom, and when we forget, may our feet return us to the soil that reminds us under a light that smiles us into bloom.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

It's in the way quiet musings the heart learns to attune to absolve the ghost.

Blue Evergarden is the author of the new book Diaries of a Borderline

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Interview with Miranda Macias, Author of Truly Yours

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Truly Yours?

The idea for this book came about while watching YouTube videos. Out of curiosity, I researched how much money YouTubers could make, and the amounts staggered me. Full disclosure: they also made me a wee bit jealous! That prompted the idea of a mystery/thriller novel where a spiteful protagonist targets wealthy YouTubers. However, that premise didn’t have enough spice, so I wondered what similar-type content platform would add more zing. OnlyFans! Not only do OnlyFans performers make huge amounts of revenue, but there’s also controversy and sexiness there. Once that idea started to formulate, I couldn’t get started fast enough.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Truly Yours, what would they be?

(Don’t Fear) The Reaper by Keep Shelly in Athens.
This isn’t necessarily for the main character, but the story in general—seductive with a hint of seriousness.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Oddly enough, I don’t have a favorite genre. I mainly read period pieces, but that’s to take a break from the genres I write in. I have favorites in various genres, but one class of books doesn’t stand out from the others.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

There’s one book that’s been waiting for months—The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen. I love ‘Coming to America’ stories, and I also love espionage stories, so this is right up my alley. Best of all, the book has turned into a TV series. Since I’m done writing Truly Yours, it’s time to read the novel and check out the series. I can’t wait.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Hands down, the scene over the 405 freeway where Alma… vents.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Do your best and let the chips fall where they may.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

It’s about to get controversial. This book series seeks to explore touchy subjects through mystery/thriller novels. I’ll try to fairly represent the various viewpoints surrounding these subjects, but I’m sure people will still get upset. That’s inevitable, and that’s okay. Being challenged is a good way to learn. That applies to me, too, as the person who writes these thorny tales. I can’t wait.

Miranda Macias is the author of the new book Truly Yours

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Interview with Marti Ward, Author of Klandor Rising

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Klandor Rising?

It’s about nice, cuddly aliens who maybe (like us) aren’t all as nice as they seem. It’s about prejudice and exclusion. It’s about how to do colonization right—in the real world, or the universe. It’s about learning from our mistakes… or repeating them and facing the consequences. It’s science fiction that’s actually scientifically realistic. It avoids the standard tropes of space operas and intergalactic wars. It’s a return to the kind of sci-fi Isaac Asimov and Anne McCaffrey used to write, stories both of us have loved from the very beginning.

Marti here. These stories were my father’s. The first box set, Moonchild Rising (the prequel to Klandor Rising), came out the day he died. His fervent wish was that I bring as much of his incomplete and unpublished writing to publication as I could. So the idea for Klandor Rising was his. The fourth of the four novellas was actually the first one he wrote, followed quickly by the first novella in the set. The next two were mostly written by me, based on his notes—filling in the generation between the first contact story and the murder mystery in the final/original novella.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Klandor Rising, what would they be?

The Way We Were (for Irene; the eponymous, discriminated, orphaned Moonchild who, in this second Rising series, becomes the commander of the survey expedition.)

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

High/Dragon/Developmental Fantasy and the SciFi that has the same magic (like Anne McCaffrey's PERN - best series ever written) - not the modern kinds of SciFi that are just fairy tales, soap operas, and Napoleonic wars with unrealistic space dressage.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

There are around 1,000 books on my Kindle right now, across a range of genres; mainly fiction, mostly fantasy. The PERN series by Anne, Todd, and Gigi McCaffrey sits in pride of place opposite me as I write, occupying an entire row beneath a shelf of hardcover editions of the books I’ve written or edited. I’ll also be rereading Louisa Locke’s Paradisi/Caelestis trilogy, along with the latest additions. The mark of a superlative book is that you want to read it over and over again.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The first contact scene with Don and Fessi brought together all of our extensive background and knowledge in real anthropology and cross-cultural sociolinguistics, as well as the challenges of portraying truly alien beings while avoiding all the standard tropes.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Well, there will often be a cat on my lap, indeed, while writing this, one has been under my hands, whipping her tail in my eyes whenever I don’t give her enough attention. She actually featured on the mockup cover of Cassandra Lost and inspired the cats that appear in all four of my Marti Ward novels.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Many, but the one I write by is "putting the science back into fiction."

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Don't take people at face value - don't exclude people, or pick on anyone, just because they're different, or just the driver/cook.

Marti Ward is the author of the new book Klandor Rising

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Bad Girls and Dark Knights: Free Romance eBooks

Make You Stay by M.L. Broome: He’s fun, flirty, and dangerously attractive, but we’re strictly friends. There’s no crossing that line, although, with each passing night, he’s getting harder to resist.

This book is Free on July 23, 2025

Daddy Issues by Mia Clark: Good girls get cuddled. Bad girls get spanked... then cuddled. Why is my little sister's best friend waltzing around our house wearing the skimpiest "outfit" ever? Don't ask. Not that I'm complaining. She has a body begging to be dominated and bent over my bed while I tell her what a naughty girl she is. Keep it up and you're mine, Fiona. Forever.

This book is Free on July 23, 2025

Cupid's Shot (High Five Novella Book 2) by Serena Pier: In this flirty and steamy Valentine's themed novella, discover the thrill of seeing an old friend in a whole new light, and watch sparks fly as past perceptions are shattered and new attractions take hold. Romance Tropes: Second Chance (at a first chance), Friends to Lovers, Small Town, Holiday Romance, He Falls First, Secret Admirer.

This book is Free on July 23, 2025

Thorn by Daphne Loveling: He's dark, brooding, mean - and he's my new bodyguard. My father is an MC president. His club is at war, and he wants me safe and out of the way. And Thorn is the man he's chosen for the job. I don't want a babysitter. I hate him for abducting me. But what I hate most of all is the way Thorn makes me feel when he says dirty, filthy things to me...

This book is Free on July 23, 2025

Always Mine (Barrington Billionaires Book 1) by Ruth Cardello: When it comes to getting what he wants, Asher Barrington is a hammer who is known for crushing his opponents. From the moment Emily walks into his office and challenges him, winning takes on a whole new meaning. He won’t change. She won’t back down. But together they sizzle.

This book is Free on July 23, 2025

Kindle Author Store

Mine to Love (Blood and Bourbon: A Mafia Romance Series Book 3) by Emily A. Myers: Described as a dark mafia fairytale romance, Gio and Darcy are brought together by a twist of fate. Darcy is a single mom on the run from her abusive husband, who ends up working as Gio's live-in maid. Gio is her protective and passionate dark knight. He spoils her, and they heal each other. Sweet, spicy, and suspenseful. Found family at its best.

This book is Free on July 23, 2025

Willow Branch Road by Tess Raynes: Beneath the shaded boughs of Willow Branch Road lies a long-hidden story of forbidden love, unspoken truths, and the ties that bind families through time. In the midst of the Great Depression, a dirt path dividing their worlds but not their connection. They were bound by a love they couldn’t claim and torn apart by societal expectations.

This book is Free on July 23, 2025

Auctioned for Her Blood (The Vampires' Illuminant Book 1) by Mara Leigh: Isolated since Mom died using magic to protect me, I've never, ever, gone out after dark. But I'm an adult now, and I refuse to die alone and a virgin. How could I guess my first night out would lead to an auction block, the passionate world of vampires, and a prison where the inmates are all hungry for my blood? Steamy RH series with 3 heroes.

This book is Free on July 23, 2025

Red Dragon's Flame (Darkwing Dragons Book 5) by Anastasia Wilde: Mikah is a fire dragon, built for battle and adventure—but now he’s nothing but a paper-pusher. So when a mysterious woman he met online says she’s in danger—and then disappears—he can’t stop himself from hunting her down in real life, trying to find out what happened to her. But his dark lady’s secrets are more dangerous than he ever imagined…

This book is Free on July 23, 2025