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Interview with Max Monroe, Author of Playing Games

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Playing Games?

Playing Games was inspired by a lot of things, but mostly, it came from a place where we wanted to see two very opposite characters—a star quarterback and a neurodivergent genius—fall in love. We wanted to experience a love story that showcased accepting someone for who they are fully and with opened arms. And that’s exactly what Playing Games is all about. Also, Lexi, the FMC in Playing Games, is actually a reader-beloved character from our earliest series and there was a huge request for her to get her own book.

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

Blake Boden’s song would be “R U Mine?” by The Arctic Monkeys.

Lexi Winslow’s song would be “Falling Slowly” by Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova.

We also have a great playlist for Playing Games that you can find here.

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

We both love reading the same genre we write--contemporary romance, but Max also enjoys reading Fantasy and Monroe enjoys reading Thrillers.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Max: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Monroe: The Crash by Freida McFadden

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There were a lot of scenes in Playing Games that we loved writing. The opening scene between Blake and Lexi, when Blake convinces her to grab “dorm room pizza” with her was so much f un. Their banter and chemistry was off the charts and really set the tone for the book. Honestly, pretty much any scene in Playing Games with Blake and Lexi’s addicting banter was our favorite to write.

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

Lately, we’ve been taking week-long trips together to write a first draft. But the quirkiest thing about the trip is that we never write in the same room. LOL. We write in separate rooms, but during breaks gab and gush over the book we’re writing.

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

“Pivot!” -Ross Gellar This is definitely a bit of an inside joke between the two of us, but it has served us well. In the funniest way possible, it showcases a never-give-up mindset.

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

The one thing we would want readers to take away from Playing Games is this: “Love isn’t about making perfect sense. Love is about finding someone who sees your quirks and calls them magic.”

Max Monroe is the author of the new book Playing Games

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Interview with R.G. Roberts, Author of War of the Submarine: The Rebel Collection

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write War of the Submarine: the Rebel Collection?

The original idea for the series, “War of the Submarine,” hit me while I was a student at the Naval War College. A friend and I started spit balling about how World War III would start and what kind of war it would be, and my immediate response was: “World War I was the war of the battleship and World War II was the war of the aircraft carrier, but World War III will be the war of the submarine.” I wanted to explore both a non-nuclear modern world war plus what happens when true stealth is difficult due to the proliferation of satellites and radar detection. As a navy veteran, the answer came easily to me: submarines. This boxed set is the combination of books 1-4 (plus a prequel and a novella, book 2.5), so it covers both the beginning of an increasingly likely World War III and the “becoming a hero” journey for Commander Alex Coleman. Both the premise of another world war—one more akin to WWI where kris-crossing alliances are a significant root cause rather than a singular evil—and the opportunity to explore what kind of leaders a long peace develops called to me like a siren song. “War of the Submarine” explores both a multi-faceted war and what said war does to leaders, both good and bad, as they struggle to find their footing in a world no one expected to fight for.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of War of the Submarine: the Rebel Collection, what would they be?

“This is Me,” from “The Greatest Showman” fits Alex Coleman to a T.

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

Tossup between military thrillers and epic fantasy, and yes, I write both.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

David Weber, “Toll of Honor;” C.S. Forester “The Happy Return” (rereading); Deborah Harkness, “A Discovery of Witches;” James D. Hornfischer, “Who Can Hold The Sea;” Dr. Robert Ballard, “Into the Deep;” and Brook Allen, “Antonius: Son of Rome.”

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Picking one favorite across six books is hard, but it would probably have to be something with STS1 Wilson. Maybe the one with the barstool fort when he’s drunk and wrecking havoc.

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

Sometimes I need to change my writing location to get myself going, so my local Panera Bread is a favorite place to go. I also have a writing mug that has joking titles for every one of fifteen drafts a writer goes through.

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

“I will try.” It’s the motto of my alma mater (which I share with several characters), and it fits far too well.

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

The best leaders aren’t afraid to give a damn.

R.G. Roberts is the author of the new book War of the Submarine: the Rebel Collection

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Interview with John Bailey, Author of Rite of Passage (Legends of the Dracominus Book 1)

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Rite of Passage (Legends of the Dracominus Book 1)?

The story is about boy meets girl and stuff happens. It is about how people connect in more than just a physical way. The story is inspired by forty years of marriage and me bringing up topics just as my wife is thinking about them.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Rite of Passage (Legends of the Dracominus Book 1), what would they be?

Uriah Heep, "The Magician's Birthday" for the back story.

Thin Lizzy, "Warriors" for Leavenstar.

Righteous Brothers, "Unchained Melody" for Elan until the end.

Johnny Cash, "Hurt" for Elan at the end.

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

Through my life I have moved through genres as my interests changed and evolved. Now it really depends what mood I’m in. Non-fiction, fiction although recently, since being in Canada, children’s bedtime stories have taken centre place.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Two books by my bedside ready to go are: Billy Connolly – Rambling Man – My Life on the Road. Ultra-processed People – Chris Van Tulleken.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

If I had to pick one it would be the ending.

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

No, the only thing I have found that helps is write/ read bullet point or short rough out for scene before bed. Then get up whatever time I wake and write. The minimum time I need to write in any one sitting is four hours set aside.

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

A mixture of Stoicism and Taoism. My quotes I tend to remind myself of are: There are many paths to the top of the mountain, but the view is always the same, and everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.

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

That life is molded by our choices.

John Bailey is the author of the new book Rite of Passage (Legends of the Dracominus Book 1)

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Interview with E.R. Jensen, Author of Spellbound in Spud City

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Spellbound in Spud City?

The Twisted Talent series came to life when I began asking questions about supply shortages surrounding Covid-19 and speculating over 'what ifs". I decided it would be a great idea for an urban fantasy. I chose the location of Boise for Spellbound in Spud City because I lived there for almost eleven years and wanted to bring my familiarity with the area into my writing.

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

Fantasy, though I am getting into reading contemporary romance.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Cursed Descendant's Series by A.S. Green and Curse of the Dragons by Raven Storm.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The final conflict. For those who are familiar with the Boise & the Treasure Valley, there is a very real warehouse in that exact location. I knew when I began writing the book that it needed to be the scene for the big battle.

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

I like listening to really loud rock music with lyrics, sometimes I'll put it on repeat. I occasionally have a cat on my lap, but they come and go as they please.

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

No dream is too big.

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

How important friends are to help you get through the tough times.

E.R. Jensen is the author of the new book Spellbound in Spud City

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Interview with Vinnie Fisher, Author of Beyond Your Shadow: Legacy Through Multiplication

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Beyond Your Shadow: Legacy Through Multiplication?

After years of mentoring and seeing the need for inspiring and equipping 2nd career leaders to coach and mentor the next generation of leaders, I decided to write this book!

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

Non-fiction business and leadership

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The Fatherhood Qualities of a Mentor.

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

Not really. But sometimes I put worship music on to get hyped up and fcoused.

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

Progress Over Perfection!

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

A call to mentorship for everyone.

Vinnie Fisher is the author of the new book Beyond Your Shadow: Legacy Through Multiplication

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