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

The question I get most is "Why middle school?" I wrote about middle school because it was such a brutal but formative time in my life, and many people can relate. You have raging hormones, feeling like an unruly kid kicking the back of your seat. You're noticing the opposite sex for the first time, but you have no idea how to even talk to them. School is hard, bullies make it even harder, and your self-worth feels like it's tied to how popular you are. You're trying to figure out who you are with the odds stacked so high against you, and sometimes, the best you can do is just weather the storm and survive.

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

Nole – "On the Wing" by Owl City

Keki – "Someone to Call My Lover" by Janet Jackson

Dapple – "Beer for My Horses" by Toby Keith

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

I grew up on fantasy like The Lord of the Rings and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but also YA books like Stargirl so both my reading and writing are a bit of each.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Everything by C.S. Lewis. I made a loose goal in my head to read all of his works, but I often get too caught up in how many are left and where I'm going rather than enjoying what's in front of me.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Midnight beach. It still feels like a warm hug whenever I think about it.

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

I write mostly on my tiny little phone screen in the Notes app and then edit on the computer.

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

I have a post-it note hanging from my monitor that says "Highly productive generosity" and another that says "Writing will set you free."

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

Be gentle. Be kind, and quick to forgive. We all make mistakes, and you never know what someone else is going through.

Nathan Roth is the author of the new book Kianola

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Starship's Mage, 10th Anniversary Edition (Book 1)?

Starship’s Mage was originally written as a short story, based on the trope of “A Wizard Did It” – IE, that when technology became so advanced as to be handwaved anyway, it might as well be magic. So in Starship’s Mage, it was magic. Then my partner convinced me to try the self-publishing thing as an experiment and I expanded the short into a novella and plotted a few follow-on novellas. A year later, there were five of those novellas and they became a novel. That novel started my entire career, ten years ago. Now, I’ve come back to the book, edited it throughout for clarity, and commissioned new covers for it and the first four sequels, and we’re releasing a Tenth Anniversary Edition to commemorate the first decade of Starship’s Mage

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

I read a lot of space opera and general SF adventure, along with a great deal of military history, but I’m known to read just about everything. Mostly, though, it is in the same space I write in.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Working through Norman Friedman’s “Naval Weapons of World War One,” with the new D&D Player’s Handbook, Megan O’Keefe’s Catalyst Gate, Ada Hoffman’s The Outside and the latest Warhammer Fantasy RolePlay core rulebook.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The confrontation between crime lords early in the fifth act. “You have eight hundred years of history at being thugs. That’s cute. I have a battlecruiser—and I’m coming for you.”

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

My writing is very regimented as a defense against my ADHD. The downside of this is that if I get distracted and don’t start on the hour, I often can’t get myself to start work for that hour at all!

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

Nothing can be right for everyone. You have to find what’s right for you and stick to it.

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

That integrity and honesty can often overcome where trickery and cynicism will fail.

Glynn Stewart is the author of the new book Starship's Mage, 10th Anniversary Edition (Book 1)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Moroccan Sunset: Dawn of a New Beginning (Annie's Journey Book 4)?

When I was first writing Beyond the Sea, the first in the ANNIE’S JOURNEY series, there was a political intrigue mounting and I was highly suspicious El Amir, the mysterious Moroccan with the mesmerizing golden eyes, would have a sinister side. I couldn’t do it and his character was peeled back layer by layer through the first three books, revealing a man who is bound to the honor of his cultural traditions, a patron of the arts, and an avid conservation philanthropist. He had given up the chance for love with Annie because of honoring his tradition and I was so excited to give him a chance at love. But it could not be an ordinary dutiful Arab bride that he knew would not ignite the same passion he felt for Annie. With Elena Al Farooq, I found someone who could make him believe that love and tradition could go hand in hand.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Moroccan Sunset: Dawn of a New Beginning (Annie's Journey Book 4), what would they be?

Queen - "I Want to Break Free".

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

I love to read romance and women's fiction, but also books with mysterious circumstances. I don't write romcoms, but I love to write about young women going through loss or tragedy and how they get through it on their way to romance.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I am currently reading Danielle Steel's Palazzo. I would love to read Matt Haig's The Life Impossible and Abraham Verghese's The Covenant of Water.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There are a few, but I particularly like the scene where El Amir is about to excercise his falcon. It is the first time Elena asserts herself, shocking everyone, especially El Amir.

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

I pace while I speak the scene out loud like I am listening to the characters and I keep at it until the dialogue sounds right.

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

No matter what the culture of someone I meet, especially in my travels, I try to smile, treat them with respect and offer a few kind words.

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

Throughout the multicultural series, there is a consistent theme that people from different backgrounds, upbringing and traditions can not only get along but accept each other for the treasure they are. The friendship formed between Sarah and Elena, who seemingly come from such diverse backgrounds, is a good example of how inside they were quite similar. The characters feel real. They struggle; they push limits; they seek love; and they learn from the others around them. I am hopeful readers will take away some small piece of wisdom about co-existing with one another, no matter the culture.

Nina Purtee is the author of the new book Moroccan Sunset: Dawn of a New Beginning (Annie's Journey Book 4)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Perfect Match (Vice Club Nights Book 2)?

Last year my family and I had a fantastic holiday in Italy and some of the places we visited are featured in the story. For me, Florence is more romantic than Paris, and I was so inspired that I wrote some of the scenes while there.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Perfect Match (Vice Club Nights Book 2), what would they be?

"Femme Fatale" by Duran Duran as Tori is strong and sassy. For Gio, "Shot at the Night" by The Killers.

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

I don't really have a favorite genre as I like to read all sorts of books, but mostly romance, small town, billionaires, MC, dark, suspense and military. I write about billionaires and former military main characters but I'm always looking to add a little twist or suspense. Perfect Match has a few surprises.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Steel by Eva Simmons, The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods and Inda by Charissa Gracyk.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Definitely the ones set in Italy as it was a wonderful way to relive my holiday. I want to go back now!

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

Not really, but if I get stuck on a story line the treadmill at the gym helps. Some of my best ideas have come to me on the treadmill.

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

Do what you love.

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

Life is full of surprises and so is my book.

Cate Lane is the author of the new book Perfect Match (Vice Club Nights Book 2)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Luck and Love in 1902?

The idea for the story began twenty two years ago when I learned of the 100th anniversay of the eruption of Mount Pelee in Saint-Pierre Martinique, which, in two minutes, killed 30,000 people.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Luck and Love in 1902, what would they be?

Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On".

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

My favorite reading genre is historical fiction, which has spurred me to write this historical romance.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Sheltering Angel: A Novel Based on a true story of the Titanic by Louella Bryant, and Daughters of the Resistance by Lana Kortchik.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Their escape from Saint-Pierre.

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

I simply become somewhat possessed and determined to write what I'm feeling.

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

I have two: "Information does not travel in a straight line" and "Nothing will ever be accomplished if all objections must first be overcome".

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

When one door closes, another door opens.

Jody Gorran is the author of the new book Luck and Love in 1902

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