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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Darkest Chase (Dark Hearts of Redhaven Book 3)?

The Darkest Chase is a small-town grumpy sunshine romance with the lights turned down. Think of it like entering concert or a theater. I've always loved to throw together characters who are light and shadow, and that's definitely Talia Grey and Micah Ainsley. She's a walking sunbeam. He's a human storm. She's a sheltered girl. He's had his soul split apart by life. Together, their opposite polarities find a new balance with all of the healing, heart, and emotion I love to infuse into a story.

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

I should say romance, and it's at the top of my list, but I also read a lot of pure mysteries and thrillers. I read a decent amount of non-fiction lately as well, history and biographies are my go-to. I think it's good for authors to mix it up and expand their own reading tastes beyond their genre, and I've always done that by habit.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I've had the Riley Thorn books by Lucy Score on my reading list for some time. I saw she released a new one recently, so I think it's finally time to dive in. I'm also a fan of Brittney Sahin's work and her whole Falcon Falls Series rocks.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Easy. When the tension between Micah and Talia boils over and their true feelings erupt. It's steamy, emotional, and kind of dark when it comes to the loving they get up to. It's a refreshing change from my usual sultry scenes and it just oozes feelings.

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

It's never too late to embrace yourself, embrace love, and transcend old wounds. That's the short, simple message of this book, and even if it's pure fiction I think it's also true to life.

 

Nicole Snow is the author of the new book The Darkest Chase (Dark Hearts of Redhaven Book 3)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Five Fatal Flaws?

"Five Fatal Flaws" is about five flawed characters who may or may not be capable of committing one, or more, crimes. The characters are very dear to me, having been created in a series of flash fiction stories over the past few years, even before the actual crimes in the novel became part of the plot for my story.

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

Each of my characters has a theme song. You’ll have to read to the book to find out the obvious connections: "Hurt" – Johnny Cash, "Back to Black" – Amy Winehouse, "The First Cut is the Deepest" – Rod Stewart, "Hip to Be Square" – Huey Lewis and the News, "Firestarter" – The Prodigy.

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

Although I predominantly write psychological suspense, my reading preference leans towards women’s literary fiction. I do still read a lot of suspense, though. In order to write in your genre, you should read in your genre.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

This is really a coincidence, but my TBR pile is filled with Louises: Louise Beech - 'End of Story', Louise Candlish - 'Our Holiday', Louise Doughty - 'A Bird in Winter'.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favourite scene to write was the penultimate chapter. I obviously can’t give away anything about it as that would be a MASSIVE spoiler, but it is set in the Alpine mountain resort of Leysin in Switzerland, a place that is dear to my heart, where I spent many years as a young adult, and is the hometown of one of my characters.

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

No quirky habits apart from consuming massive amounts of tea to get me through my writing. But if I’ve had a satisfyingly productive day, a congratulatory glass or two of Prosecco is definitely my reward.

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

Never give up on your dreams.

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

I aim to provide a sense of place with my writing, to accompany my quirky characters, and I strive to write prose that touches the reader’s heart.

 

Louise Mangos is the author of the new book Five Fatal Flaws

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What perspectives or beliefs have you challenged with The Shooter's Sister (Raven Ledger Duet: Book 1)?

These violent tragedies are mainly shown to us from two perspectives: the unfortunate and violated victims and the monster who murdered them. We see only what the media wants us to see. The victims should be front and center of these horrific events. I was watching a documentary on a school shooter (mainly their time in the courtroom) and the camera panned to his sister. I began to wonder how awful it would be to have a brother or sister who committed mass murder. We’ve all been betrayed by family and friends at some point in our lives, but imagine having to carry the shooter’s burden and hatred with you. Your sibling didn’t seem unstable or capable of doing something so egregious, thoughtless, and vindictive. The shooter’s family members are often as disgusted and bewildered as others in the community. But through insurmountable loss and sorrow, the victims’ families may find it difficult to empathize, I know it would be hard for me. The victims’ families want someone to be held accountable for the sudden loss of their loved one(s). In my opinion, that’s just human nature. It would seem only natural to place blame on the shooter’s family members. At times, these individuals become a target of hate and retribution. People, being people, need answers. I know I need them when something horrific happens in my life. We all want to understand why and how someone can commit a barbaric and vile act against innocent people. I’ve been in situations where I’ve been blamed for the sins of others. In my small world, I’ve dealt with narcissistic psychotics at home and in the workplace. I know what it’s like to be betrayed and decide whether to defend myself or move on. Raven Ledger shouldered all the burden of her brother’s horrible actions. She wasn’t able to grieve for her losses and she wasn’t able to forgive her brother. Like her, I understand the crushing weight of carrying someone else’s burden, mistake, and intentional misconduct.

What risks have you taken with your writing that have paid off?

I write about sensitive, controversial topics through storytelling. I find that real-life fiction is the best way to represent the themes. Even though personal experiences and characters are laced through every book I write, it’s important to write robust stories around my protagonists. I want to give readers a sense of time, place, and emotion. I intend to bring readers deep inside the story so they can see a situation from various points of view and feel what the characters are going through.

When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?

It was my imagination that saved me from the abuse I endured as a child. From a young age, I’ve been able to put myself in someone else’s head, pretending I had their life instead of my own. Through personal experiences and exposure to things happening around me, I’m able to go into those dark spaces and draw from the feelings of fear, isolation, and poverty. Then I draw upon my fleeting moments of happiness and contentment. My times of laughter and sorrow. The strong characters I write that help my protagonist are scripted of people I wish would have stepped in to help me—then and now. Loyalty is important to me and one of the hardest things to find in people.

 

Paige Dearth is the author of the new book The Shooter's Sister (Raven Ledger Duet: Book 1)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Atlantis, Land of Dreams?

This story chose me. My mother passed her interest in Atlantis to me when I was young, and I’ve since been fascinated with ancient civilizations and the myriads of possibilities surrounding them. Around Christmas 2023, when I had just finished a romantic thriller, inspiration struck. This was the time to write about Atlantis. I knew it would be a second chance romance between a woman who could communicate with animals and a woman who practiced the healing arts, both over fifty years old. So, while writing the next book in my mystery series (already scheduled), I immersed myself in everything about Atlantis and pre-diluvian civilizations, from spiritual, archeological, and geological perspectives. When I started writing the book, I would dream chapters and type them up the next day. The novel lays out a viable hypothesis of what happened to the real Atlantis. I intended to go far beyond a conventional romance and present a believable historical fantasy world readers would long to visit, and hopefully recreate in humanity’s future. It’s a sweet love story too.

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

I think the two main characters, Ariel and Lysandra, would agree on the same song—"When you Believe" from The Prince of Egypt.

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

My favorite genres to read and write are mysteries and fantasies, preferably with a romantic element.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

'Gideon the Ninth' and 'The Way of Kings'.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Oh, are you going to try to make me pick a favorite? There were so many—so many tender interactions, terrifying life-and-death moments, not to mention the love scene. Alright. Maybe this will be a fun teaser. Every generation has its slang, its catchphrases, or expressions people use to express themselves in ways other than plain words. Throughout the novel, various characters use the expression, “bury a spoon,” and Ariel doesn’t know what it means. Before arriving at the last page, I finally have a major side character tell her the story behind the phrase. That was also fun to write after stringing readers along.

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

I wouldn't say I have quirky writing habits; however, I have an adorable Havanese who loves to lie on my feet or legs while I'm typing.

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

"Everything is always working out for me."

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

The law of one. Everyone and everything, every cell and atom, person and planet in the universe are connected. We're all made from the same stuff, a part of each other. There is no "us" and "them;" there's only us.

 

Edale Lane is the author of the new book Atlantis, Land of Dreams

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Evorath: The Complete Trilogy?

Evorath was born because I loved fantasy too much. From a young age and being obsessed with watching Fantasia, to playing my first Final Fantasy game, to reading Lord of the Rings for the first time in middle school, to participating in online roleplaying, and to a deep dive into the mythologies of the world, I just couldn't get enough fantasy. As I got older, I started to think, what if I put all of the things I love most about fantasy into one cohesive world. So, about 20 years ago, I started building the world of Evorath and I haven't really stopped. About 10 years ago, I decided it was time to put that into novelized accounts of the world. And now, after some ups and downs, I decided to re-release my debut trilogy as one collection so reads can get a full glimpse of the world prior to my next series release in October.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Evorath: The Complete Trilogy, what would they be?

This could be a fun one. Zelag would be "Creep" by Radiohead, to match his angsty personality in this trilogy and general sense of not belonging.

Savannah would perhaps be "What's Up" by 4 Non Blondes.

And if I could peg down another main character's song...I'd say perhaps Irontail's would be "T.N.T." by AC/DC.

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

Philosophy. Though my love for reading started with fantasy, I typically focus on reading history, philosophy, and "niche-skill" books, like books on farming, statistics, etc.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I got into Dune for the first time this year, so I suppose eventually I'll get to the rest of that series. But I barely read fiction anymore, so most likely those will be deprioritized.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I really enjoyed writing the final battle with Yezurkstal. It felt like a big payoff after so many years of working through this first story. But honestly, the scenes I like the most are the ones where the characters are just talking/planning over a shared meal. I think people need to spend more time focused on friends and food and less on conflict.

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

Nothing too unusual. Just like listening to music while I write.

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

In a word, Voluntaryism.

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

This is only the beginning for Evorath. Whatever you might feel about the world, just know that the lore is so much deeper and the worldbuilding will only get bigger as the next series releases.

 

Joseph P Macolino is the author of the new book Evorath: The Complete Trilogy

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write My Chicest Paris Mystery?

The idea for My Chicest Paris Mystery came to me while I stood in line to visit the gargoyles atop Notre Dame in Paris, many years before the fire. I was so inspired to write her story that I plopped down on the sidewalk and scribbled a scene about her in my notebook. Writing about Misty, an overexcited American teen in love with Paris, was easy because I was an overexcited American woman in love with Paris. My trip was filled with mishaps: my credit cards didn’t work, I ran out of money, got lost every day, and was almost run over crossing a roundabout. Despite all of this, I loved every minute and can’t wait to go back.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of My Chicest Paris Mystery, what would they be?

"An American in Paris", A bit obvious but it conveys the joy and chaos of Paris. 🙂

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

I like to read both new and old middle-grade fiction, like 'Raymie Nightingale' by Kate DiCamillo and 'Betsy in Spite of Herself' by Maud Hart Lovelace.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

A vintage copy of Nancy Drew’s The Secret of the Old Clock and Eighty Days, and a nonfiction account of journalist Nellie Bly’s journey around the world inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene where Misty and her scruffy-bearded friend ride through the cobblestone streets of Paris and munch a freshly baked baguette. Through Misty’s eyes, I wanted readers to see the Eiffel Tower’s strange majesty, feel the wind on them as they whipped through the streets, and taste the crackling crust of the baguette. They would experience, with Misty, her first adventure and the joy that comes with it. That’s why we read, isn’t it? To step into someone else’s shoes, to see the world through their eyes, and to feel the empathy that connects us all.

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

I get a lot of my ideas while walking or swimming. But like most writers, I like the coziness of a coffee shop. Being surrounded by others helps me stay focused so I don't jump on social media.

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

Everyone deserves a good book that makes them laugh and cry. I hope my writing gives them that.

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

Whether your journey takes you through the cobblestone streets of Paris or keeps you at home, treasure yourself and embrace living and dressing in a way that fits you, free from preconceived notions. Remember, people, even your relatives, will love you for being you. Vive la you!

 

Kathleen Vincenz is the author of the new book My Chicest Paris Mystery

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Seduction of Myra?

I started to notice that most novels didn’t have as much aesthetic appeal as a good rock album or a good party culture movie, in my opinion. I thought a lot of Young Adults would be mostly turned off by this, so I tried to fuse some party culture, exotic ideas, adult content and radical hallucination experiences together with detailed and thought provoking themes of complexity. I also added some unusual action and conspiracy to compliment it all. I extracted all the quality writing from a book and a half, and put it all into one book to better entertain young adults. The end result was amazing and will entertain all ages and personalities of readers in my opinion. I think I executed the idea accordingly and then some. All was based on pleasing the reader rather than money.

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

Hessler: "Sunspots" by Nine Inch Nails.

Chanton: "Paradise" by KMFDM.

Racheal: "Heads a’roll" by Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs.

Myra: "Make This Right" by Toxic Avenger.

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

Party Culture/Young Adult (ages 18-25) which is my favorite to both read and write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

'A Clockwork Orange' by Anthony Burgess. 'Wonderland Avenue' by Danny Sugerman.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The hallucination scene at the end where a parallel reality comes to life.

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

I tend to use young adult slang from time to time but it makes the book truly authentic.

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

When times get easy your life is dulling down.

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

That the potential complexities of the english language is highly underrated.

 

Christopher Cearley is the author of the new book The Seduction of Myra

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