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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Woman in Coach D?

Just after the quarantines were lifted during the pandemic, I had my first train ride for quite a long time. As an anxious traveller, I felt even more nervous than usual. I realised a lot of us were probably feeling quite anxious about public transport. I wanted to explore those feelings through my next psychological thriller. Jenny begins the book anxious about her train journey, then the appearance of someone from her past amplifies those feelings. The rest of the novel is a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Woman in Coach D, what would they be?

"Jump" The Girls Aloud version because Jenny was a teen in the early 2000s. In order to find her missing friend, Jenny has to jump through hoops (literally at times) facing her fears as she completes the dares Susie asks of her.

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

I'm a mood reader. I love suspense but I will also dip into literary and fantasy fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I'm very guilty of buying books that sit on the shelves waiting to be read. Only for me to then buy a new book to read instead. I've been reading Stephen King recently. I'm just finishing Apt Pupil. But after I finish it, I'll probably buy yet another new book rather than read my TBR!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

After Jenny thinks she sees her best friend on the train, she receives pages of her teenage diary along with dares and challenges that she has to complete. There are two dares that I loved writing. In one she has to walk through the woods at night with the eerie sounds of her and Susie's childhood casette tapes playing over a loud speaker. And in another challenge, Jenny has to swim underneath ice.

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

Nothing too quirky. But I end up in different parts of the house. I never seem to actually write in my office. It's usually on the sofa or the dining table.

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

Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper, from "Formation" by Beyonce. Every time I have an unpleasant experience in this industry, I use those feelings of disappointment and anger to fuel me on to work even harder.

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

From this specific book - not to let fear rule your life. Fear can be healthy at times, but it can soon become toxic. The main character in The Woman in Coach D has been allowing fear to rule her life for too long. While I'm not suggesting you swim under ice or walk through the woods at night, there are healthy ways to stand up to fear. I hope this book sparks a little bit of motivation to do that from time to time.

Sarah A. Denzil is the author of the new book The Woman in Coach D

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Seagull and the Spy?

I was inspired by Panama City's old town, a magical place where exotic characters seemed to appear everywhere.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Seagull and the Spy, what would they be?

Es la historia de un amor (a bolero written by a Panamanian).

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

Entertaining novels.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Paradise by Abdulrazak Gurnah and The Island of missing trees ny Elif Shafak.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The discovery of the abandoned apartment.

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

I work every morning from 8 until I get tired (11 or 12).

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

Keep trying.

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

Reading is a pleasure.

Marcelo Antinori is the author of the new book The Seagull and the Spy

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Walla Beach: A Coming of Age Story?

There really isn't a story behind the story since the plot is a true story that happened to me during my youth. After discussing the story with friends, I was encouraged to put it into book form so others could share in its excitement.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Walla Beach: A Coming of Age Story, what would they be?

"Born to be Wild" by Steppenwolf.

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

True crime books interest me the most and my book has some of that flair.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Fragments of My Life by Henry J. Rychlicki.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The concert in the sand.

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

None yet...

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

Always be kind to others.

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

Bikers are normal people who like to have fun.

Dr. Gary M. O'Bireck is the author of the new book Walla Beach: A Coming of Age Story

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Cold Spite (Cold Justice- Most Wanted)?

Writers are always casting Navy SEALs as heroes (rightfully so), but I wondered what would happen if one decided to use his powers for evil. Hence, the book!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Cold Spite (Cold Justice- Most Wanted), what would they be?

FBI Agent Delilah Quinn: "Always Been You" by Shawn Mendez

HRT Operator Cas Demarco: "Love Me Anyway" by P!nk and Chris Stapleton

Former Navy SEAL Joseph Scanlon: "Fresh Out The Slammer" by Taylor Swift

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

I love many different genres as long as there is a hint of Romance. Romantasy, Historical Romance, Police Procedural, Thrillers and Romantic Suspense.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Too many to mention.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I actually loved writing the beginning of the book when Cas and Delilah are undercover and in love--and I rip them apart.

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

I have a lucky mug that I drink a chai latte out of every day. And I have two black labs who keep me company while I write.

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

Never, Never, Never Quit.

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

I just hope I took them on a great ride.

Toni Anderson is the author of the new book Cold Spite (Cold Justice- Most Wanted)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Full Circle (Belle Bannon Series)?

This is the third installment in my Belle Bannon series, and in each installment I use a rather obscure, true, historical event to inform a present day thriller plot. In Full Circle, that event occurred on November 16, 1943, in Florence, Italy. A gang of Italian thugs known as the Carità gang supported the Nazis by rounding up Italian Jews hiding in Florence and the surrounding towns, then shipping them off to Auschwitz. On that horrible Tuesday, the gang broke into a convent where the Catholic nuns were hiding Jewish women and girls ranging in age from 11 to 80. Instead of sending them immediately to the camp, gang members spent four days brutally assaulting them. In my story, one of the young girls survived, and now, in her 90s, just discovered that one of the Caritàs, the son of the leader, happens to be a revered U.S. Senator. He gets wind that she’s about to tell the world what he did and hires a ruthless assassin to kill her. Belle must stop the assassin and expose the senator. And, of course, it being a thriller, the clock’s ticking.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Full Circle (Belle Bannon Series), what would they be?

Like Omar Little in The Wire who whistles “Farmer in the Dell” as he approaches, I’d pick something very cheery like someone whistling “Yankee Doodle” as Belle calmly approaches to rip someone’s head off.

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

Love all subgenres of thrillers and horror.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

One Baldacci, one Michael Connelly, one Greg Hurwitz, one Jon Land, and one Karin Slaughter.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Like the good guy facing the bad guy, everyone in town holding their breath as each is about to draw his gun on the dusty main street in the climax of an old-time western, I loved writing the final confrontation scene between Belle and Veshenko, the assassin.

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

I play the sax, so often will have a little Coltrane playing softly in the room.

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

If you're learning, by definition, you're growing, and if you're growing, by defininition, you're living. So, learn to live!

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

Like Belle, we all have flaws. Some, again like her, rather serious. But they can be overcome and sometimes, even channelled for good.

Mike Pace is the author of the new book Full Circle (Belle Bannon Series)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Mudpuddle Manual of Natural Magic (Natural Magic Book 1)?

All of my favorite books, from childhood on, inspired me to write this book. If I had to pick a word it would be “delight.” You know that feeling when you just want to hug a book and slip it under your pillow so that maybe even after you fall asleep while reading it, you’ll continue to dream in that world? That’s the feeling I had and wanted to share with readers. The character’s names and a few other small details were inspired by the Maida book series by Inez Haynes Irwin. I adored that series as a child, and fully immersed myself in it! It’s not well known as she wrote the first story in 1905. I was a quirky kid and read a lot of old books!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Mudpuddle Manual of Natural Magic (Natural Magic Book 1), what would they be?

It's an eclectic mix! "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac, "Magic" by Coldplay and The Nutcracker Suite!

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

I love cozy fantasy and women's fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Assistant to the Villian, The Invisible Hour, The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

It's a toss up! I loved writing the scene where Maida discovers magic is real and is dragged into a new world, literally kicking and screaming. I also loved the encounter with absolute truth and every single exchange with the literary squirrels.

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

When I'm stuck, I always go thrifting. My best ideas come from sorting through other peoples junk!

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

A rising tide lifts all boats - I truly believe in the power of community.

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

A feeling of delight!

Ciara Blume is the author of the new book The Mudpuddle Manual of Natural Magic (Natural Magic Book 1)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Arise the Queen (The Goldenchild Prophecy Book 4)?

It's actually inspired by a true-to-life person. I first came across Gwendolyn of Cornwall's story during my research for another book, and fell head over heels with the vision I had of her. She was Boudicca before Boudicca was Boudicca!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Arise the Queen (The Goldenchild Prophecy Book 4), what would they be?

Ooh, love this question! I actually do have a theme song that I use for all my videos for this series. "The Greatest Quest" by Adriel Fair, but if I had to choose a contemporary/popular song I'd have to say "Fighter" by Christina Aguilera -- an oldie, but it fits.

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

My reading tastes have shifted so much, but I really love reading Romantasy of all flavors.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Court of Talons by Jennifer Chance, House of Fire & Magic by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Josephine by Anne Gregor.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Oh, man. There are so many! I loved giving Gwendolyn her moment of vengeance--long overdue after 4 books. But I also really loved the "kiss scene" in this book. I think so often, especially as a veteran romance writer, I have evolved away from "the kiss" and neglected to savor the moment in the way it should be. This is also something I adore about YA -- a return to the exquisite joy of that first kiss.

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

I don't have a lucky mug, but I can't start without coffee, for sure. My amazing husband roasts our coffee at home and it's just so delish!

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

I strive to live by the Golden Rule -- always. It's important to me that if I expect a certain treatment from others that I return that favor.

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

I would very much love it if women felt empowered by Gwendolyn's story. Gwendolyn is such a strong character, and I love so much that she's the first person I know historically speaking who kicked a cheating husband to the curb and took him for all he was worth (essentially taking back what he took from her).

Tanya Anne Crosby is the author of the new book Arise the Queen (The Goldenchild Prophecy Book 4)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Burn the Freeze?

I've always been fascinated with how the mind potentially relates to the universe. I've also been involved with corporate America and seen the greed that many are consumed with. I think those two parts of my background were the impetus for this story.

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

They're in their forties so it would most likely not be current. I'd say anything that has an edge and rebellious spirit to it - The Clash, punk rock, Public Enemy.

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

Thrillers, Sci-Fi, Classics.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Midnight Library, The One.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scenes where the main character is tapping into universe intelligence. I also enjoy creating a dystopian world.

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

Don't judge others.

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

Try to do what they can to eliminate the polarization and hatred that some people seem consumed with. Also, try to understand new technology since it's what people in power ultimately use to govern society.

S.M. McVicar is the author of the new book Burn the Freeze

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write 23 and You and Me?

When I first started thinking about this novel in 2018, home DNA tests were BIG, and I’d just heard a story about a real-life secret baby who discovered her dad through one of the tests. While I wasn’t ready to write a secret baby trope, the idea of those DNA tests really appealed to the nerdy part of my brain. So I wrote a story about a man who’s grumpy (for reasons) and learns he isn’t who he thought he was, from an overbearingly sunshiny woman.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of 23 and You and Me, what would they be?

23 and You and Me has a TON of music in it – the heroine, Sunny, is a singer/actress – and one song that’s highlighted is "Shallow", the duet from A Star is Born. Sunny and the hero, Gabe, sing it karaoke-style, and that’s when they realize they’ve fallen for each other.

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

Rom-coms are my favorite!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I just finished The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood, and right now I'm reading Earth Magic & Hot Water by Lauren Connolly.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene I loved writing the most was the scene where Sunny and Gabe drive into a snowstorm. Sunny skids into a guardrail (an experience I had once!), and Gabe overcomes his fear to take over driving. Once they make it to the next small town, the motel is full, of course, except for one room. Gabe and Sunny have to pretend to be newlyweds to snag it, and I loved writing the hijinks!

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

I don’t know if this is quirky, but I write every morning before work. A friend and I usually get on Zoom about 5:45 in the morning, and we sprint together until around 7:30.

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

I hope readers will be inspired to live their life for themselves and no one else.

Michelle McCraw is the author of the new book 23 and You and Me

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