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Interview with Sandra Wagner-Wright, Author of The Life & Times of Sarah Good, Accused Witch

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Life & Times of Sarah Good, Accused Witch?

Books 1 & 2 in my Salem Stories series focus on the Derby & Crowninshield families in Salem, MA. But finishing Book 2, I realized that a series called Salem Stories could not ignore the witchcraft frenzy. So, I began looking at the many people affected by this tragedy. Ultimately, I found Sarah Good’s experiences to be the most compelling story I could tell.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Life & Times of Sarah Good, Accused Witch, what would they be?

"Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen" for Sarah Good.

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

I enjoy reading well-researched historical fiction by authors like Philippa Gregory, Stephanie Dray & Hilary Mantel. I’m also intrigued by the world-building found in fantasy fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

"All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr; "The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration" by Isabel Wilkerson; "Boleyn Traitor: A Thrilling Story of Ambition, Power, & the Dark Side of the Tudor Court" by Philippa Gregory

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene I most enjoyed writing is the first scene in Chapter 17. Constable George Herrick’s assistants woke him in the middle of the night because they believed their prisoner had escaped while they were sleeping. So they return to the barn only to discover Sarah Good nursing her infant. When confronted, Sarah says she let herself out while her guards slept. But she had nowhere to go, so she returned to the barn. Humor can often be found in the midst of tragedy.

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

When I lay out a story, I am obsessed with timelines in the historical record & the life arcs of my characters.

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

"Sometimes your joy is the source of our smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy." --Thich Nhat Hanh

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

Fear & ambition can quickly merge into a mob frenzy that destroys lives.

Sandra Wagner-Wright is the author of the new book The Life & Times of Sarah Good, Accused Witch

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Interview with P. M. Reynolds, Author of Areon

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Areon?

I am a history teacher, and we were covering mythology. As we were discussing the pantheon of gods, I had a thought that what if there was a god who didn't have a pantheon. More like an outcast and is eventually banished from Asgard.

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

An inspiration for one of the chapters was 30 Seconds to Mars 7:1.

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

I really do like fantasy, and that is typically where I like to stay. I do have ideas for a crime series as well as a non-fiction book.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Mostly Brandon Sanderson books.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Areon is talking to Anubis towards the end of the book. It hit me harder than I thought, and I knew it was coming.

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

I tend to write out the book on paper first, and then after each chapter, I will type it up.

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

I wouldn't say live by, but one I have to remind myself a lot is "Embrace the suck."

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

You will have some questions, and the answers will be found in book 2.

P. M. Reynolds is the author of the new book Areon

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Interview with Debbie Cassidy, Author of The Darkest Stars

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Darkest Stars?

A love of sci-fi shows like Firefly and Stargate had me wanting to write my own space adventure.

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

I’m very much a mood reader. Some weeks I’m reading horror, others I’m deep in the pages of a fantasy romance. I love urban fantasy, dystopia, and contemporary novels that can make me cry.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m on audio book mode right now and listening to We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark and loving it! Next on my TBR is… I don’t know. I’ll see what catches my eye.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

It’s hard to pick a favourite, but I did enjoy the asteroid belt scene. It had my heart pounding as I wrote it. I felt like I was there!

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

I tend to stand up periodically, walk around, and talk to myself or the cats. They’re very good listeners.

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

Don't be a dick....Wait, can I say that? *Shrugs* Oh well, too late now 😉

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

That a glass-half-full view of life changes your whole perspective.

Debbie Cassidy is the author of the new book The Darkest Stars

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Interview with Sandra Boyle, Author of The Second Seed

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Second Seed?

I am not sure where this book came from.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Second Seed, what would they be?

Leyn: Kashmir — by Led Zeppelin.

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

science fiction/fantasy to read, like to write nonfiction, science fiction, and contemporary romance.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I have nothing in the pile at this time.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I don't have any favorites.

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

No quirks, just the computer and me.

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

Every person should be able to take care of themselves, is my philosophy.

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

I don't really have one. People's memories are very personal.

Sandra Boyle is the author of the new book The Second Seed

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Interview with Isabel Jolie, Author of Only the Devil

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Only the Devil?

Only the Devil grew out of a question that wouldn’t leave me alone: what does greed look like when it’s clean, legal, and wrapped in suits instead of violence? The Sinful State series explores the deadly sins through modern power structures, and for this book—greed—I was drawn to white-collar crime. Financial crimes devastate lives quietly. They ruin retirees, families, and veterans without a single gunshot, and the people responsible often walk away untouched. That imbalance fascinated—and infuriated—me. I wanted to write a story where greed isn’t just about money, but about temptation, justification, and the moments where good people are offered life-changing choices at an impossible cost. Add a protector hero who’s seen what power does to people, a heroine who refuses to look away, and suddenly the line between right and wrong gets very personal.

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

I don't have theme songs for each character, but the theme song for the book is "Money" by Pink Floyd.

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

Romance has always been my favorite genre to read. It’s the only one that consistently keeps me up too late, telling myself just one more chapter—and then finishing the book in a matter of days instead of weeks. I’ve realized the same thing is true for TV shows: if there’s a couple I’m invested in, I’m all in. I want the tension, the obstacles, and that moment when everything finally clicks into place. That’s exactly why I write romance. My recent books fall into romantic suspense, which I love because it challenges me to weave emotional intimacy and high-stakes danger together. For me, the suspense raises the emotional payoff—and the romance makes the danger matter.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

When He Guards by Cynthia Eden, Hunted in Calusa Cove by Jen Talty, and Cold Heat by Toni Anderson.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

One of my favorite scenes to write is a quiet one. Daisy is overwhelmed and emotionally raw, and she tries to use physical intimacy as a way to avoid dealing with everything she’s feeling. Jake sees it immediately—and instead of taking what’s offered, he slows her down, grounds her, and insists she talk to him. There’s no sex in the scene, but it’s deeply intimate. For me, that moment captures who Jake really is: protective, perceptive, and far more emotionally present than he gives himself credit for. I remember finishing that scene and realizing I’d fallen a little bit in love with him myself—and that’s usually how I know a scene is working.

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

I’m not sure I’m quirky so much as consistent. My dog and cat supervise me all day, I always have a notepad within reach, and my morning coffee usually gets reheated more than once. I also love writing with a candle burning—it’s a small ritual, but it helps me slip into the world of the story.

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

I keep two quotes on my bulletin board, and they balance each other perfectly. The first one is simple: “There is no losing. You either win, or you learn.” I don’t even remember where it came from, but it’s the one I glance at when I start spiraling about having made a wrong choice. It reminds me that every step forward counts—even the messy ones. The second one is completely different and always makes me smile. It’s from a hotel coaster and reads: “There cannot be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full.” It’s absurd and dry and oddly comforting—and a good reminder not to take everything quite so seriously.

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

I’d want readers to remember how the book made them feel when they closed the final epilogue—that deep, settled warmth that comes from a romance that’s been earned. With Only the Devil, that feeling is tied to safety, devotion, and the relief of knowing that after all the danger and moral gray areas, these two people truly chose each other. If readers close the book smiling and wishing they could spend a little more time with Daisy and Jake, that means everything to me.

Isabel Jolie is the author of the new book Only the Devil

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Interview with Angela Haas, Author of No Climb Too High

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write No Climb Too High?

Every day it gets harder and harder to decipher truth from falsehood. And I only see the problem getting worse. How can we make ethical decisions when there’s no consensus on reality? What do you do when fact and fiction become identical? Well, you can, The Reality Reaction Team, that’s what.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of No Climb Too High, what would they be?

“Faithfully” by Journey. That’s their song. Also, “Slow Burn” by Kacey Musgraves.

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

I love reading romance so I can learn from it, but my genre is really sci-fi fantasy. I love writing both.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, since my friends rave about it, and the movie is coming out. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune is in my romance TBR

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

In this one, it is when Duke takes Roxanne shopping for more appropriate clothes for the wild. I loved the idea of him not being able to hold it together while she is modeling clothes from the fitting room. The banter was really fun to write!

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

I'm a night owl writer. Write late from 9 pm to 1 am if I'm on a roll. I always have to have music or the TV on with a show that relates to what I'm writing.

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

I have a canvas that hangs in my office that simply says, "I can and I will." It really helps me when I'm feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated.

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

The characters, especially the bulldog! I have a bulldog, and I loved writing him into the book. I want them to remember the moments of banter as well.

Angela Haas is the author of the new book No Climb Too High

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Interview with DC Beks, Author of His Brutal Protection

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write His Brutal Protection?

I lost my childhood best friend in September 2024. Being a dark mafia romance writer, I decided to weave this loss into my story.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of His Brutal Protection, what would they be?

A Thousand Years by Christiana Perri.

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

Dark Mafia Romance.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Bad Bishop by L.J Shen, Cruel Surprise by BB Hamel, and Secret Babies for My Ex’s Dad by Liz Archer.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The Epilogue.

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

Listening to white noise.

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

Why do tomorrow what you can do today?

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

That love transcends all things and breaks every barrier.

DC BEKS is the author of the new book His Brutal Protection

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Interview with Mary Auclair, Author of Protected By The Grumpy Ogre

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Protected By The Grumpy Ogre?

Protected by the Grumpy Ogre started with a very specific “what if?”: What if a woman’s life was wrecked by something she didn’t do—something invasive, and terrifying like a deepfake—and the only place she could breathe again was in the most old-school romantic setup imaginable: a remote cabin with a growly protector who swears he won’t touch her?

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Protected By The Grumpy Ogre, what would they be?

For Rona, it's: “Bad Reputation” — Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.
For Darhg it's: “I Won’t Back Down” — Tom Petty

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

These days, I read a lot of rom-coms and cozy fantasies.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Lucy Score, everything about Lucy Score these days! Right now I'm reading Story of My Life.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

It's definitely the scene where Rona pushes Darhg just a little too far right after the first night they spend in the cabin together.

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

I am a mood writer, so I light up a little candle, put on some ambient music, and get my favorite drink before sitting down to write. There's also always multiple dogs sleeping in my office, plus the occasional judgmental cat. The cat usually steals the dog's bed.

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

I guess it would be to do what makes you happiest!

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

That romance stories are at the heart of human civilization. We're wired to read them, spread them, and live them!

Mary Auclair is the author of the new book Protected By The Grumpy Ogre

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Interview with Sandra Boyle, Author of The Third Run

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Third Run?

My brother was the inspiration for this book.

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

science fiction/fantasy to read, like to write nonfiction, science fiction, and contemporary romance

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I have nothing in the pile at this time.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I don't have any favorites

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

no quirks, just the computer and me

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

Every person should be able to take care of themselves, is my philosophy

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

I don't really have one. People's memories are very personal.

Sandra Boyle is the author of the new book The Third Run

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Interview with E. R. Sanchez, Author of Tell Them Goodbye

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Tell Them Goodbye?

My novel was originally inspired by Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road”. I was just a 19-year-old student who had never been a reader, but this book made me a reader and inspired me to write this story about two teens on an epic road trip in Mexico. Then, after interviewing my relatives to flesh out the story, I realized I had much more. It’s like I put the inspiration from “On the Road” and my family members’ true stories into a blender, and the blend came out as “Tell Them Goodbye.”

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Tell Them Goodbye, what would they be?

The theme songs for the main characters would be Lola Beltrán’s “Cielito Lindo” and “Las Mañanitas.”

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

My favorite genres to read are thrillers and literary fiction. I write thrillers, and dream for people to say they’re good enough to be literary fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

On my TBR pile, there’s a memoir called “Solito” by Javier Zamora, a thriller called “Run: Outmatch, Outsmart, Outlive” by Christy Cooper-Burnett, and a poetry book called “Serious Longing” by Jessica M. Wilson Cardenas.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write was the second inciting incident, when the main characters’ plan goes off the rails, and they have to decide to keep going or return home and face the consequences. It helped me realize I’m on the right track to writing a thriller.

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

I like to write in silence and in total privacy.

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

The motto that I live by is one I heard as a boy when I saw “Rocky 5”. In the flashback, Rocky hears his old trainer say, "Get up you son of a bitch! 'Cause Mickey loves you." The quote combined with the day my trainer made me box everybody in the gym because I bragged that I didn’t need to spar since I wasn’t in the mood to fight and had done well in my last boxing match. I will never forget my trainer forcing me to get in the ring and spar someone different every round because I had to learn how to fight even when I didn’t want to. The combination resulted in the philosophy I live by, which is to push myself no matter what is in my way.

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

I’d like readers to remember that it’s not simply a book about two immigrants; it’s about the will we all share to accomplish what we feel is impossible to achieve, while also impossible not to go for. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to get to another country for a better life or trying to build the most successful company ever from scratch; it’s all the same because it’s your soul that wants the outcome, and it’s willing to risk everything to get there.

E. R. Sanchez is the author of the new book Tell Them Goodbye

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