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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Teens' Guide to Financial Independence (Teens' Guide Series)?

This is one of a series comprised of five books specifically designed to provide guidance and support for teenagers as they navigate the various modern day challenges that are likely to arise during their journey towards adulthood.

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

Since I tackle real-life issues faced by young adults, I like to balance it out with pure escapism. I’m currently immersed in Richard Osman’s hilarious and brilliant novel, The Thursday Club. Once I got started, I figured I’d read all of his books before moving on to anything else..

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Anything by Richard Osman.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I was awful at interviews and ended up losing out on getting the jobs I really wanted. I once received a golden piece of advice that completely transformed my life overnight. I enjoyed writing about that, hoping this simple ‘trick’ will help many get the jobs they truly desire.

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

'Forward with Clean Hands'. Meaning I shall only ever write what I believe to be honest and true.

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

The special information to guarantee success at job interviews, contained in Chapter 3, Interview Techniques.

Kev Chilton is the author of the new book Teens' Guide to Financial Independence (Teens' Guide Series)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Supply and Sabotage?

I wrote my novel to raise awareness about narcissism and bipolar disorder within a family setting. It’s a common myth that “Family is everything” but that isn’t always the case. Loving, caring family is everything and sometimes that’s not the hand of cards you’re dealt. People who haven’t experienced narcissistic abuse or family members with bipolar disorder may not understand what that feels like. I wanted to change that by shining a spotlight on these disorders. Narcissism runs in my family, but as a child, narcissistic abuse seemed normal because I’d been surrounded by it my entire life. It took me years to see how I grew up wasn’t normal or healthy. I want to help young adults (and adults alike) recognize narcissists’ Red Flag behaviors earlier in life so they don’t waste time in toxic relationships. Red Flags are irrational behaviors all narcissists share. Narcissistic abuse is about the narcissist, not the victim, and I wanted to make that abundantly clear through fiction. Fiction is also more accessible to young adults and that’s why I chose to write a novel. Supply and Sabotage is also a love story, full of dry humor and plot twists, so it’s not just about narcissism. It’s a poignant coming-of-age story about a teenage girl who, as she awakens, has to face hard truths about her family and find belonging outside her family of origin. I often write “Discovery is recovery” in my Facebook posts because I believe once you understand narcissists’ irrational behavior you can separate yourself from it and regain your sanity. One of the final stages of healing is helping others. Sharing my story is about saving others from the confusion I experienced. After reading my novel, readers will have a clear understanding of narcissistic abuse and be able to protect themselves. It was incredibly empowering to write Supply and Sabotage. I’m thrilled it’s now available on Amazon! As cliché as it sounds, if my story saves even one person from being a victim of narcissistic abuse, I’ll be satisfied.

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

For Eva, it’s “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor and “Titanium” by David Guetta and Sia.

For Marge, it’s “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon.

For Janice, it’s “The Fear” by Lily Allen.

For Aaron and Nelly, it’s “Dirty Laundry” by Don Henley: kick ‘em when they’re up, kick ‘em when they’re down. Kick ‘em when they’re up. Kick ‘em all around!

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

I love literature and fiction but I read all genres. I look for quality writing that draws me into the story. 'Educated' truly resonated with me and inspired me to write my own novel. I also loved 'White Ivy', 'Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine', 'The Push', 'Lessons in Chemistry' and 'Yellowface'. I’m always reading something and have my next book lined up. If the story sounds interesting and I like the writing style, I’ll read the book.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m looking forward to reading Amor Towles 'Table for Two'. I loved 'Rules of Civility'. Towles is an exceptional writer. I’ve also been reading a lot of Patricia Highsmith since she’s the expert at thriller writing. I have an older book of hers, 'The Tremor of Forgery', that I’m really looking forward to reading. Her novels captivate me and I can never tell what’s going to happen next.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I loved writing the San Francisco café scene between Marge and Eva. In the café scene, Marge asks to meet with Eva, the main character, to make amends for bullying her during her childhood. This happened to me in real life, but my middle sister asked to meet with me once I was accepted to graduate school at SFSU. She set it up as if she were going to apologize but then asked me not to move to San Francisco, her city. The audacity of her request was overwhelming and at the time I couldn’t process it. Looking back now, I see it’s such a clear example of sabotage that I had to include it in my novel. After Marge says this to Eva in my novel, Eva leaves the café to meet a friend and her anger races to catch up with her. I personified her anger because narcissistic abuse victims often disassociate during abuse and can’t feel what they should feel. Once her anger pounces on her, Eva is so angry she starts to cry, and then she starts to laugh out of sheer relief that she’s no longer numb as she was as a teen who was relentlessly bullied. Narcissistic abuse can make you numb if you experience it long enough and you won’t recognize abuse for what it is. Eva does recognize the abuse, is outraged and has a healthy emotional reaction to the setup and betrayal. She’s also forced to let go of any hope of her sister ever being healthy. Right before she leaves the café, she finally confronts Marge, telling her she’s a malignant narcissist and will always be sick. It’s a powerful scene and it sets Eva free.

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

Yes! I always work out after I write. I have a spin bike and I do 30-45 minutes of spin and then light weightlifting. While writing Supply and Sabotage, I needed to move out the energy of my story. I would breathe out the abuse that didn’t belong to me and breathe in fresh, healing energy. It left me feeling light, energetic and peaceful.

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

True power is realizing you are your own healer, hero and leader. It’s from 'Inward' by Yung Pueblo. You have to do your own healing work. No one is going to do it for you. Also, don’t seek validation from others unless you know they share in your experience (like Facebook Groups dedicated to narcissistic abuse recovery and awareness). People who don’t have abusers in their family or are enablers won’t help you, and, in fact, can say things that are quite hurtful. Go within. Get honest about the people in your life. If a relationship hasn’t been working for years, perhaps it’s time to let it go. Be your own best friend and find your way to inner peace and happiness. I’m not saying recovering from abuse is easy, I’m saying the rewards are more than worth it. If you seek therapy, be sure it’s from a trauma-informed therapist who understands narcissistic abuse.

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

The abuse is not about you. As they say in Al-Anon, you didn’t cause it, you can’t control it and you can’t cure it. Abuse is about the abuser and what’s going on with them. They’re projecting onto you and making you a target. If you’re in a relationship with a narcissist, get away, stay away and love yourself.

Lisa Palmer is the author of the new book Supply and Sabotage

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Guardian's Tale (The Clash of Glass Book 1)?

When I wrote the original Minos trilogy, which focuses on a young person beginning their journey into the mystical world of Lineage, the idea came to me to write about the same secret society, but from the perspective of someone who was approaching the end of their time. The notes I’d made sat in a drawer for about a year as I focused on other projects. One morning the character of Hazel, who’d had a small part to play in the Minos books, popped into my head with a new story line that she wanted me to explore, and so this new series ‘Clash of Glass’ came into existence.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Guardian's Tale (The Clash of Glass Book 1), what would they be?

Hazel Brahmas – "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC.

Benjamin Bartholomew – "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd.

Gustav Orthrus – "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones.

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

It has varied over the years, but I tend to favour Fantasy, Science Fiction and Modern History (Factual). When writing Urban Fantasy books, I often draw on each of those styles to help create the world and characters that are often grounded in both a mystical and realistic environment.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

'The Iron Ship' by KM McKinley, and 'Neptunes Inferno' by James Hornfischer.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Chapter 17 – Workshop encounters. When writing this section, I had a clear picture in my head of the action that takes place and it took me back to the Ray Harryhausen ‘stop motion’ films from my youth. I recall watching many of these movies, such as Jason and the Argonauts, and being entranced by the unsettling movements of his creations. In this chapter I attempted to capture some of that experience when describing the antagonist.

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

If I find myself struggling, I will put on some scene appropriate music. This can often be a film soundtrack (Such as Hans Zimmer) to help get my mind into the mood.

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

Life is not a rehearsal.

John Lonsdale is the author of the new book The Guardian's Tale (The Clash of Glass Book 1)

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

The Box, started out as me trying to understand the depression that I was going through. I didn’t know at the time I was suffering with depression so I used my story as a way to explore my feelings and circumstances. I gave all of my depressive feelings to my main character Mia Hill to see what she would do. As I learned more about my depression, I found more ways to challenge her. I feel like one of the things that has helped me deal with depression through the years was writing about it through Mia.

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

“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor and “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten. Despite all the heartache and emotional turmoil my main character goes through in the book, she finds the fight inside of herself in order to get through them and survive the best way she can.

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

My favorite genre to read is literary fiction and it happens to be the genre I like to write as well.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

'The Niger Wife' by Vanessa Walters, 'Open Water' by Caleb Azumah Nelson, 'The House of Broken Bricks' by Fiona Williams, and 'What Eyes Can’t See' by Paulette Stout.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There are so many! But without giving anything away, I loved writing the scene when Mia stood up to her boss at work, demanding a position she knew she deserved. She demonstrated strength, confidence and an audacity that I wish came naturally to me.

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

I like to wake up at 4:45 every morning to write because I feel like that is the time I am at my most creative and there is so much less distraction!

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

I believe that one of the things that can help us overcome depression and trauma is if we use our creativity (drawing, painting, writing, gardening, dancing, etc.) to expel the emotional pain we are suffering with.

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

I want readers to remember that we are all going through our own traumas that shape us into the people we are today. It’s important that we learn to communicate with each other to avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary emotional pain.

Cathelina Duvert is the author of the new book The Box

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Rise of the Storm Lord (Chronicles of the Bard King)?

You know, "Rise of the Storm Lord" actually started out pretty modestly. It was supposed to be just the prologue for "A Tempest of Shadows." But as soon as I started writing, Jerith's character just took off. Before I knew it, his story was so rich and detailed that it was clear it needed its own book. Jerith’s journey is all about discovery and transformation, which I think is something we can all relate to. The more I wrote, the more I realized how much there was to explore in his world. It’s funny how stories can sometimes take on a life of their own and surprise you. What started as a simple backstory turned into this epic adventure that stands on its own. Writing is such a wild ride because of moments like these. Jerith's tale, with all its unexpected twists and turns, ended up being a great adventure and really set the stage for the rest of the series.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Rise of the Storm Lord (Chronicles of the Bard King), what would they be?

For Jerith's song, I’d choose "Valhalla's Calling" by Peyton Parrish. The song's epic and powerful sound perfectly captures the legacy and heroic destiny that he is stepping into. Its themes of honor, bravery, and the call to greatness resonate deeply with his journey and the heritage he inherits. The soaring melody and intense energy of the song make it an ideal theme, reflecting the young hero's path and the epic challenges he will face in "Rise of the Storm Lord."

For Valeria, I’d choose "Savage Daughter" by Ekaterina Shelehova. The song's powerful and evocative lyrics perfectly encapsulate her fierce independence and deep connection to her heritage. With its raw, folk-inspired melody, it pays homage to both the Norse and Native American elements that shape the Sutian culture in "Rise of the Storm Lord." The song speaks to Valeria’s strength, resilience, and untamed spirit, making it an ideal anthem for her character.

For Lysa and Rian, I’d probably choose "Lose Control" by Teddy Swims. The soulful and passionate lyrics of the song perfectly reflect the complexity and intensity of their relationship. The emotional depth and raw honesty in the music resonate with the struggles and triumphs they experience together, making it a fitting theme for their intertwined journeys.

For Harrison, I’d choose "The Sound of Silence" by Disturbed. The song's haunting and intense rendition perfectly captures the anxiety and precariousness of Harrison’s situation. Its lyrics about silence and the weight of unspoken words resonate deeply with his role as a scribe surrounded by danger, where any mistake or misspoken word could mean his end. The song's dark, brooding energy mirrors the tension and uncertainty that defines his character's experience in "Rise of the Storm Lord."

For Marek, I’d choose "Immigrant Song" by Led Zeppelin. The song's driving rhythm and powerful vocals capture the fierce energy and indomitable spirit that define Marek. Its themes of Norse mythology and epic battles resonate deeply with his character, whose towering frame and lethal grace in combat make him a force of nature. The intense and exhilarating feel of the song perfectly reflects Marek's commanding presence and his unstoppable nature on the battlefield.

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

You know, my favorite genre is really a mix of adventure and fantasy. I love stories with strong, complex characters and rich, immersive worlds. That's why I enjoy classic authors like Ernest Hemingway, Jack London, and Louis L'Amour—they have that rugged, adventurous storytelling I adore. But I also get totally absorbed in epic fantasy, which is why I’m a huge fan of modern authors like Patrick Rothfuss, Andrew Rowe, Kel Kade, and Melissa McPhail. Their books have that epic adventure vibe that I can’t get enough of. It's the best of both worlds, really!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Right now, my TBR pile includes "Ancestor" by Edward Crae and "Godkiller" by Hannah Kaner. I’m also waiting on Rebecca Yarros's third book of the Empyrean Saga, "Onyx Storm." I just finished "Choosers of the Slain" by E.S. Oliver and thoroughly enjoyed it, and I am patiently waiting on Kel Kade's sixth installment of King's Dark Tidings. There’s always something exciting waiting to be read!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write has to be this one moment between Jerith and Valeria. Jerith is freezing to death, literally. Valeria finds him, and without hesitation, she pulls him into the warmth of the schoolhouse, wraps them both in a blanket, and tries to warm him up. There's this intense vulnerability as Jerith confesses his guilt and shame, and Valeria, in her fierce, compassionate way, reassures him and helps him see his own worth. Just when you think the scene couldn’t get any more dramatic, Jerith's mother walks in, and there's this hilarious and awkward moment where Valeria leaps off Jerith's lap, trying to explain. The tension is sky-high, but it's also a bit funny and sweet. And then, boom, the big revelation: Valeria is actually a princess, the daughter of the very man causing all the suffering. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions—fear, shame, warmth, humor, and then this massive twist that throws everything into chaos. Writing it was an absolute blast, balancing all those emotions and the character dynamics.

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

Not really. I work a lot. A Whole Lot! I steal every spare moment I can for my writing. I honestly haven't had time to develop any quirky habits other than being super tired.

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

I have two, really. "Destiny only favors those that strive to change her." and "Outwork everybody!"

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

If there’s a lesson I want readers to take away from "Rise of the Storm Lord," it’s that inside each of us, there are two sides that can be diametrically opposed. We all have the potential for both light and dark within us. After all, sometimes good and evil are just a matter of perspective. It’s about understanding that complexity within ourselves and others, and recognizing that everyone has their own battles and struggles. This theme runs deep throughout the story and I hope it resonates with readers on a personal level.

JS Herod is the author of the new book Rise of the Storm Lord (Chronicles of the Bard King)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Murder Uncorked (A Vista del Vino Mystery)?

My love for cozy mysteries started when I was just a kid, curled up on the couch with my parents every weekend watching 'Murder She Wrote.' It was our little ritual. This passion didn't just stick; it grew. I carried it with me through college and started collecting every 'Murder She Wrote' book I could find. Eventually, I branched out to other series, but the charm of those cozy settings and clever plots always stayed with me. When I began writing 'Murder Uncorked,' the first book in the Vista del Vino series, I knew I wanted to blend this love of mystery with something very personal—my experience raising a son with Type 1 Diabetes and celiac disease. There’s a real need for more stories with characters who navigate life’s extra challenges, and I felt that this was something I could authentically write about. I hope to give readers a character they can relate to, and maybe bring a bit more understanding and empathy to the table, too. It’s about creating a community in the pages of my books where everyone finds a bit of home—or at least a good mystery to unwind with.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Murder Uncorked (A Vista del Vino Mystery), what would they be?

If I had to choose a theme song for amateur sleuth Casey Nolan, the heart of 'Murder Uncorked,' I’d pick Van Morrison’s 'Into the Mystic.' It’s a song that’s very close to my heart—I used to dance to it with my oldest child when she was just a baby. Every time it plays, I stop everything just to soak in its rhythm and lyrics. For Casey, this song reflects her journey into the unknown as she untangles the mysteries that wind through her hometown of Vista del Vino. Like the song, her path is about venturing into the uncharted, guided by intuition and a deep-seated desire to uncover the truth, no matter where it leads. It’s a song of discovery and facing the future with a sense of wonder, which is very much Casey's approach to life and mystery.

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

As a PhD and academic, I've always leaned towards nonfiction readings and writing projects that incorporate a creative twist. The moment I discovered 'creative nonfiction' and immersive journalism, I was hooked—this genre really resonated with my desire to be both entertained and educated by facts. Over the years, I've realized that what I truly enjoy both as a reader and writer is blending the lines between creative nonfiction and realistic fiction. It’s about finding that sweet spot where I can educate and entertain, all while keeping things engaging and real.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR list is fairly eclectic, featuring a mix of cozy mysteries along with nonfiction works on writing, history, pedagogy and politics. I especially enjoy the work of Mia Manansala and Ellie Brannigan, who are masters at crafting engaging, suspenseful stories that transport me to places and cultures that I might not otherwise get to experience in real life. In addition to these mysteries, I also dedicate a good amount of time to educating myself on indie publishing and marketing, so books and blogs related to these topics are always on my TBR.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

One of my favorite scenes to write in 'Murder Uncorked' was a particularly intense and personal moment between Casey and her son Liam. The scene unfolds after Casey accidentally walks in on an older man injecting himself with insulin. Casey, always the sleuth, interpreted his discomfort as suspicious. Later, when recounting the story to Liam—including her attempt to reassure the man by mentioning she was the mother of a diabetic—Liam challenges her, pointing out that understanding diabetes as a caregiver doesn't equate to experiencing it firsthand. He explains how different it feels to inject insulin in public on his own terms compared to being caught off-guard. This scene was a favorite of mine because it captures Liam’s feisty teenage spirit and the essence of their mother-son relationship, while highlighting a crucial distinction between understanding and experiencing a condition. It was both challenging and rewarding to write, tapping into the core themes of empathy and understanding that I strive to weave through my narratives.

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

I wouldn't say my writing habits are quirky, but they're definitely about survival! During the early days of COVID-19, I finished my PhD dissertation on a laptop that was quite literally held together with duct tape, all while being tethered to an ethernet cable because the Wi-Fi feature was broken. Imagine this scene in a bustling household with my husband, our four kids, and a dog—all of us cooped up nearly 24/7. It was chaos! These days, I have a new computer and our household rhythm is more 'normal,' but I still often find myself writing amidst a whirlwind of activity. I’ve gotten pretty good at tuning out the world to capture those moments of creativity, no matter how noisy or chaotic the background might be.

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

I don't have a specific quote or motto that I live by, but my guiding principle is pretty straightforward: I strive to do right by others, contribute positively wherever I go, and leave things better than I found them. Whether it's a room, a challenging situation, or the world at large, my aim is to make a positive impact and improve things, even if just a little. It's about making a difference in the everyday, simple acts of kindness and responsibility.

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

After reading 'Murder Uncorked,' I hope readers remember the importance of empathy and understanding—especially how these qualities impact our interactions with others who might be facing challenges we can’t fully understand just by looking from the outside. Through Casey's journey and her interactions, particularly with her son and the other characters grappling with their own issues, I want to highlight the crucial difference between knowing about someone's struggles and truly understanding what it's like to live them. It's a reminder to approach every situation with kindness and an open mind, aiming to support and uplift rather than judge.

Erin Hayden-Baldauf is the author of the new book Murder Uncorked (A Vista del Vino Mystery)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Twenty Murders?

I’ve been deeply concerned about the silencing of women, especially here in Scotland where our First Minister’s career ended partly as a result of the issue I surface in the book. It may also end a future UK Prime Minister’s career if his party continues to refuse to listen.

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

For Morven it would have to be "Respect" by Aretha Franklin; for Dave, “It's A Man's Man's Man's World” by James Brown, and for Kerry, "Just a Girl" by No Doubt.

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

Romantic suspense is my guilty pleasure but I do enjoy a grisly crime thriller.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Val McDermid’s ‘Tartan Noir’ books, Peter May’s ‘Lewis Trilogy’, and Mo Hayder’s ‘The Treatment’.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

When Morven attends Police Scotland’s Hate Crime training session. I could just picture the seasoned officers trying to make sense of what is a deeply flawed piece of legislation.

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

I describe my two retrievers as my muses. The younger dog is a bloodthirsty little critter and I blame her for the gruesome murder and postmortem scenes.

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

As a student, I had a Voltaire-inspired quote pinned to the wall above my desk: “I may disagree with you, but I defend to the death your right to say it.”

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

The murders, characters and location may be fictitious but the rest is based on fact, and this is the most shocking aspect of the story.

Drew Augustine is the author of the new book The Twenty Murders

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