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Interview with Stephen Yuhas, Author of Building the Enterprise in Flow

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

Thank you for this question. I always knew I had a book in me. I always thought it would be fiction and be along the lines of Stephen King. But you write what you know, and I know business transformation. I’ve been doing the same “work” for more than 30 years across many different job titles and companies, from small startup companies in the 1990s to large Fortune 50 enterprises. The work has always been to find an easier way to get work done and implement solutions that remove friction for the people doing the actual work. When I was part of the massive AI-led layoffs last year, I decided to take the opportunity to start writing about these experiences instead of jumping right into a new job. Once I started, I couldn’t stop until it was done. I think I found my future because of this amazing experience.

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

The main character is the “Flow Coach.” Their theme song would be “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Whenever the Flow Coach is told something isn’t possible or is a waste of time, they see it as a personal challenge, and they pursue the impossible relentlessly.

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

Horror - Stephen King is my hero.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Boring, I know, but I need to catch up on Product Managers in Retail, focusing on AI. But if Stephen King releases anything new, I’ll pounce on that first.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I love the “Diamond in the Rough” chapter because it is one of the strongest signals of transformation that tells you you’re on the right track. It’s about a person on the team or in the organization who is extremely talented but overlooked because the chaos is getting the attention, not the people. When the chaos subsides, the diamond in the rough surfaces, and the dynamic changes completely.

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

Hmmm… I don’t think so. I get completely focused when I am writing and lose all sense of time. But that’s not quirky—just a state of zen.

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

Start small and build incrementally. So many organizations try to jump right into a new methodology, tool, or framework, and this just adds more chaos on top of the existing chaos. My approach is different. Start with a team or a program, diagnose the symptoms of chaos, and then build small, incremental solutions until the chaos is gone. Then you can expand and scale from there.

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

That real transformation starts at the grassroots, not from the top. Skill up to tackle things at the team, project, or program level, and then spread the things that work and discard the things that don’t.

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Stephen Yuhas is the author of the new book Building the Enterprise in Flow

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Building the Enterprise in Flow

Interview with Patrick Ullmer, Author of Run Way

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

What inspired me to write “Run Way” was dissatisfaction with a book written by a popular mystery author about a pop singer being kidnapped by three evil people. The book’s synopsis made it sound like a search-and-rescue story, but that turned out to be false advertising, as in the story, she is never rescued. I was so disgusted that I immediately thought, “I could write a better book than this!” However, as I began thinking more about this prospect, I decided that I would want to make my story take place in a different timeline. The 1980s certainly fascinated me because it was a time of creative excess, no internet, and a grungy but colorful atmosphere. I decided to make my story not a white-knuckle thriller, but rather a cozy thriller, which starts out comedic but turns dead-serious halfway through. I wrote this book in a “Rashomon” style, making each chapter a different character’s point of view so that the reader would not know what to expect when the twists and turns abound.

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

Juliette is a huge fan of Italo disco from both recognized and obscure artists. If I had to choose, it would probably be “Never Say Goodbye” by Chip Chip. Mitch, on the other hand, does not like synth-pop but is a massive movie buff and John Wayne fanatic, so I think his favorite song would be a Western theme composed by Elmer Bernstein.

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

I would say, thriller. I write what I want to read.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Too many to count, actually. Examples would include The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Odyssey by Homer, The Aeneid by Virgil, and a number of Michael Crichton books, including Congo and Sphere. I like to credit myself with the phrase, “Great literature begets mediocre and sometimes good literature.”

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene was in the last chapter of the book, where someone asks another, “What will you do now? Because I know what I will do.” I originally wrote the last chapter as a tail-end epilogue. However, while editing, I added a scene of dialogue where the main characters reach a new threshold in which one must make a decision that will change both of their lives forever. Not only did this transform the ending of the story, but it changed the entire story and who the main character actually was. The reader is literally left to write the next chapter in their head because, with this new approach, it ended this story but began another.

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

Sometimes I surround myself with scented candles while writing. They calm my nerves while I write. Usually, the TV is playing in the background. It may sound strange, but I think more clearly with noise in the background.

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

My motto would be the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you would want to be treated.” I have learned from experience to try to find the good in people, no matter how hard it may be. If you have personal issues with someone, try to reconcile because, who knows, you might need that person’s help someday. This story does have a theme about this.

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

I would want readers to realize that keeping personal dignity is better than compromising it for fame. There is a specific scene in the book where Juliette realizes she may have to compromise her personal morals to become more famous, given how seedy the modeling and movie industry is. When she tells Mitch her fears and what she truly feels like as a model, he consoles her by explaining to Juliette that her dignity is far more beautiful than fame. This scene illustrates how Mitch, who is occasionally rude, crass, and uncouth to others, truly respects Juliette’s purity, and despite many of his outrageous statements beforehand, he wants Juliette to not only be safe but to remain pure with her dignity intact.

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Patrick Ullmer is the author of the new book Run Way

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Run Way

Interview with Siera London, Author of A Hard Habit to Break

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

Some stories I plan; others capture my imagination unexpectedly. The Calvary family came to me fully formed on an ordinary Sunday afternoon, somewhere between the Maryland shoreline and the West Virginia hills. I crossed the Potomac River with nothing but open road and a quest to connect to the world around me. If you’ve read Fake It Till You Make It, Eli and Amarie’s story, then you already know my heart for mending. You know I love nothing more than the beautiful, messy, sometimes devastating work of transforming life’s disasters into a journey toward love, healing, and wholeness.

I don’t arrive at the happy ending by bypassing the hard parts. I walk straight through them because the truest parts of the story reveal themselves in the struggle. Noah and Rachel were like peas and carrots through childhood into adolescence. But young love is often challenged by friends, family, and our future ambitions. The conflict separating Noah and Rachel hasn’t diminished with time. If anything, these professional rivals must tackle higher stakes of success and the real risk of professional failure if love gets in the way.

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

Something about “The Orange” by Zach Bryan is Noah’s theme song. He wants Rachel to want him with a desperation he doesn’t understand or care to admit. For Rachel, it has to be “My Weakness” by Denitia.

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

I’m recently vision-impaired, so I don’t read as many books as I did three years ago. Thank heaven for audiobooks. My husband and I devour espionage and domestic thrillers.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

To Catch a Sinner by Lucy Wilson-Tagoe; Avery Flynn’s Hexy Beast; My Fair Warrior by T. B. Bond; Moment of Truth by Juri Hines; Struck Speechless by Tati Richardson.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Definitely the meer-cute moment between Noah and Rachel. It’s a chaotic scene with parents, three protesting goats, an angry kitty, and two former high school sweethearts who wanted to avoid each other. It captures the craziest of life’s unexpected entanglements with humor, heart, and emotion.

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

I have to write with my feet up. The second- and I mean nanosecond- my feet touch the ground, anxiety floods both hands.

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

Sort of, but not really. I repeat these words daily: “Come on, Siera. No one can do what’s meant for you to do. You can do this.” The “this” varies from day to day. It’s more of a personal motivation statement than a motto for me.

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

It’s My Best Friend’s Wedding, with a smooth layer of Sweet Home Alabama icing. It’s funny. It’s family. It’s never forgetting that you define who you are in this life. Noah and Rachel once loved each other, but life can be tricky, leading us to believe we must choose one thing over another. They didn’t choose happily ever after. When Rachel returns home for her father’s wedding with a handsome plus-one, Noah is feeling less than neighborly. I adore my bold and confident female architect, once the outsider because she’s a pale-skinned Black woman with red hair and freckles. And Noah? He’s a charmer, but he’s not a user. He accepts Rachel exactly as she is, even when he won’t do the same for himself—always the shining star, the high school hero, the small-town firefighter who does what everyone expects. He won’t let the town do that to Rachel. I tackle some powerful themes about identity with humor, and we get to watch a community choose each other over dollars and cents. In today’s world, that doesn’t always happen. And I incorporated my cat, Frie, aka ClamClam, in the story. I’m very proud of this one.

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Siera London is the author of the new book A Hard Habit to Break (The Calvary Brothers Book 2)

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A Hard Habit to Break (The Calvary Brothers Book 2)

Interview with R.L. Merrill, Author of Dreams and Reptiles

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

I was invited to join the small-town shared world Foggy Basin last year, and when I started thinking about who might be a great match—this year’s theme was folks who lived outside of town—I had two very distinct characters in mind, and both of them were looking to start over in a new place. The rest was, well, a dream to write! I loved it so much I went right into writing the holiday story, so I’ll have another novella set in this world out for the holidays.

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

I always make playlists for my books (you can find this one here)

For Francis, it would be “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics. It’s his theme song: sexy, snarky, and the gender-nonconforming deity Annie Lennox… what more could you want? For Kendall, he’s a little more rock ’n’ roll, so I’d say “Dreams” by Van Halen, which inspired the name of the Pride short story I released earlier this spring.

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

Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of memoirs from law enforcement folks working undercover and on particularly sticky cases. Under and Alone by William Queen and Bullies by Alex Abramovich were fantastic. I also love romantic suspense and monster romance, so it really depends on my mood.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’ve got a couple of books I need to judge for contests, and then I’ll be reading Homebound by Portia Elan for my book club pick in September. I host Queerly Beloved at Books Inc. in Alameda, CA, the second Tuesday of each month, and I’m excited that Portia will be joining us in September!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Kendall is a firefighter, and the 4th of July is a trying night for the Foggy Basin Fire Department. Francis comes to take care of him, and when Kendall wakes up the next morning, he finds Francis engaged in the sweetest, most heartwarmingly hilarious of activities. That’s all I’ll say.

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


I inherited a cat named Scruffy last summer, and Scruffy has become my accountability partner. He paces on my desk back and forth while I attempt to write, so it’s a bit like typing on an old-fashioned typewriter where you have to push the bar aside. My Great Dane, Velma, and Chinese Crested, Spike, also must be present while I’m writing. If I’m in the house, my cats Frankenstein and Dracula are right up against me as well. I’ve become a bit like Snow White, minus the little birdies.

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

Find your purpose on this Earth and live it each day. Bonus points if you are kind and generous to others and you use your words for good.

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

It’s never too late to live your dream. I didn’t start writing until I was in my 40s. I’m grateful every day that I have my writing to occupy my brain and help me process life.

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R.L. Merrill is the author of the new book Dreams and Reptiles

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Dreams and Reptiles

Interview with E. Ellis Allen, Author of Just A Cozy Little Murder: Everyone in Driftwood Cove is Lying

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

My husband and I went on a trip driving down the California coast. We stopped at a resort town that had just finished its tourism season, and the entire place was a ghost town. It made me wonder what life is like for people who live in resort towns all year long—who are they? Why are they there? Why do they stay?

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

For my protagonist, Celia Jamison, the song I think of is “Uninvited,” written by Alanis Morissette, but the cover version by Bellsaint.

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

I read in seasons. For the summer, I love murder mysteries and psychological thrillers. In autumn, I tend to find books that have plenty of symbolism and heart. In the winter, I read a lot of things with a paranormal slant, and in the spring, I tend to look for nonfiction, such as biographies.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I hate to admit it, but at the moment I do not have a TBR pile (which is unusual). I will probably start looking for books that connect with my seasonal mood reading.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write was the murder of Driftwood Cove's lovable hoarder. I enjoyed trying to put myself in her shoes and imagining the invasion of the fortress she had built around herself that could no longer protect her.

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

I generally like to write in the same place every time. I think it's important, even if the project is done in another room from other projects, to keep that habit. Returning to the same place each time I start to write is an immediate trigger, signaling that I am there to work.

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

The philosophy I live by is that every character has a fully lived life before the story begins. This leads to well-rounded, believable characters and adds to the book.

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

To remember what it is to be human. We all make mistakes. Hopefully we learn from them.

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E. Ellis Allen is the author of the new book Just A Cozy Little Murder: Everyone in Driftwood Cove is Lying

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Just A Cozy Little Murder: Everyone in Driftwood Cove is Lying

Interview with William Bernhardt, Author of The Superman Wars

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

This is the story of Jerry Siegel, the Depression-era teenager who came up with the idea for Superman, wrote it, and got his best pal, Joe Shuster, to draw it. Unfortunately, they lost control of the character and eventually were fired by the comic company. Jerry Siegel became the first American author to sue his publisher. That launched litigation that spanned almost seventy years and became the most important creator-rights battle of modern times. The Siegel family’s fight established precedents that have benefited creators ever since, not just in the comic world, but everywhere.

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

For Jerry Siegel, R.E.M.’s “I Am Superman.” For Jack Liebowitz, “You’ll Be Back” from Hamilton.

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

No. I tend to read the classics, books that I can see have stood the test of time, though I sometimes read newer books too, just to see what’s going on in the publishing world. And since I started researching this book, I have read a whole lot of comic books.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Citizens, Simon Schama’s work on the French Revolution. Ovid’s Metamorphoses. P. G. Wodehouse’s Heavy Weather.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Jerry Siegel finally seeing his credit restored in his character’s first big-budget release, Superman: The Movie, starring Christopher Reeve.

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

Not really, although my cat Bustopher does sometimes end up in my lap. I get up early, feed the cats, water the plants, take out the trash, and sit down to work. I typically work for many hours, then at some point in the afternoon, turn to other projects, like WriterCon!

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

You cannot fail if you refuse to quit.

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


Creatives must protect themselves, and we should support them when they do. If we stop supporting artists, we won’t have any meaningful art.

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William Bernhardt is the author of the new book The Superman Wars: A Battle for Truth, Justice, and an American Icon

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The Superman Wars: A Battle for Truth, Justice, and an American Icon

New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | August 11

Hold on to the edge of your seat as we hunt for clues and solve the case with these exciting new mystery and thriller books for the week! There are so many bestselling authors with new novels for you to dive into this week including Sophie Lyon, E. Ellis Allen, Patrick Ullmer, Warren Rainer, Patricia Wolf, and more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!

The Deep Green (Pacific Northwest K-9 Mysteries Book 1) Get The Book
Artificial Dragon: Intelligently Deadly (A Megan Burgan Novel Book 2) Get The Book
Just A Cozy Little Murder: Everyone in Driftwood Cove is Lying Get The Book
Run Way Get The Book
Hero (DS Walker Thrillers Book 5) Get The Book

New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books | August 11

Set off on an adventure to new worlds this week! This selection of new science fiction and fantasy books will surely please! Science Fiction fans should be excited about the latest from bestselling authors M.R. Forbes, Joshua T. Calvert, John Walker, RK Munin, and more. If Fantasy is what your library needs, you’ll be able to pick up the latest from Rich Inman, Jaylee Austin, Lola Glass, Amanda M. Lee, Sean Oswald, and more. Enjoy your new science fiction and fantasy books. Happy reading!

Song of the Fading Grove (Satyr Monster Romance Book 1) Get The Book
The Beast Unleashed (The Records of Eleshar Book 3) Get The Book
Wolf Blood (At First Bite Book 2) Get The Book
Survival of the Witchiest (A Nightshade Detective Agency Cozy Mystery Book 2) Get The Book
Unique (Welcome to the Multiverse Book 12) Get The Book
New Earth Get The Book
Confluence (New Earth Book 2) Get The Book
When the Light Died (The Ark Book 1) Get The Book
Origin (Dawn of Mankind Book 2) Get The Book
Mazorium Buys a Human (Origins + Abduction) Get The Book