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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write From Doubt to Do: Navigating Your Pathway to Possibility?

I’ve done many “seemingly” impossible things throughout my life. People often ask, “How did you do that?” Oh, and “When are you going to finally write your book to share your stories and share what made that possible?” It’s a question I often asked myself, but I was always oh so busy. Then COVID hit, which turned out to be a gift. It prompted me to step back and be honest with myself. I was burned out and wanted to make a significant shift, but it felt “impossible.” When I asked myself the question, what if it’s not? Long story short, it resulted in my husband and I moving to Mexico. Yes, in the middle of the pandemic. It allowed me the time and space to finally write that book.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of From Doubt to Do: Navigating Your Pathway to Possibility, what would they be?

For me? Just the title of Etta James’ song, “At Last” sums up how I felt when I finally published my book. “Defying Gravity” from Wicked is what I listen to when people try to dissuade me from doing what they think is crazy (Mexico, really!?!). And the sentiment in “I Won’t Back Down” is what keeps me going when I’m thinking, What the bleep am I doing? (Mexico, really?!?)

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

Crime/Murder Mystery that involves a dog to the rescue! Or empowering women detective stories. Love trying to solve a problem? No, not my genre. It’s escapist. I also enjoy inspiring memoirs and biographies which are close to my genre.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The 24th Hour – next in the Women’s Murder Club series by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. Flying in the Face of Fear by Kim Campbell. Professional Troublemaker by Luvview Ajayi Junes.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

At 16, getting accepted to be one of 100 students to be in the first high school cast of Up With People and the dilemma of how to pay for that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Me picking up the phone and making a presumptuous call to NBC Studios, resulting in me convincing Bob Hope to sponsor my travels. Sharing how that experience set the stage for me taking on the seemingly impossible throughout my life.

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

Joy, our beloved Golden Retriever at my feet and playing inspiring instrumentals from YouTube. Also, I’m really visual so I love using Post-It Notes as an alternative to traditional outlining.

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

Say, “Hell, YES!” to new possibilities… then figure out how to make it happen step-by-step.

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

I can give myself permission to LIVE my legacy moment by moment, choice by choice… doing what’s most meaningful to me now.

Kat O'Sullivan is the author of the new book From Doubt to Do: Navigating Your Pathway to Possibility

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Wings of War (War of the Alliance Book 1)?

This book is the first in a sequel series to my bestselling Elven Alliance series. However, it can be read without having read the previous series.

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

I love romantic fantasy, especially with a good dose of action. And, yes, that is the same genre in which I write!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I particularly love all the scenes on the airship! But the ones of Fieran and his father are my favorites!

Tara Grayce is the author of the new book Wings of War (War of the Alliance Book 1)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Pursuit of Innocence?

I was struggling to find a book that checked all my boxes and after being disappointed a few times in a row, I decided to write my own. It just so happens that I had a dream one night, and when I woke up, I knew it was the start of a story, so I wrote it down. It became the first 2800 words of my book, which ended up being chapters twenty-two and twenty-three..

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

I've been reading romance since I was a teenager, which is the same genre I write. I read 250 romance books the year prior to writing my own.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, Cruel Seduction by Katee Robert, True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren and 80 other books.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene where Lily gives herself completely. It was the scene I built the book around and it was interesting to see how it evolved throughout the six month writing process.

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

I truly wish I had a good answer for this, but sadly I do not. I move around from spot to spot in my house and write for hours at a time.

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

I have two. It's none of your business what other people think about you. Everything happens for a reason.

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

I want my readers to remember there's another book on it's way and to be excited for it.

Bethany Rosa is the author of the new book Pursuit of Innocence

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Cardinal Sins (Bound by Blood Book 1)?

I’ve always enjoyed dark stories with messy female characters (Gillian Flynn/Ottessa Moshfegh adjacent). As someone in recovery, I wanted to write a romance that wasn’t simply about the romance, but about trying to find oneself when struggling with addiction. I wanted to world build a crime-ridden city ruled by beautifully screwed-up people. I wanted an FMC that was self-destructive, but also relatable. I’ve also always been a fan of love triangles in books, but often found myself hoping the FMC would just get into a relationship with both love interests rather than only picking one. In Cardinal Sins, I was able to let my FMC, Zara, not have to make a choice.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Cardinal Sins (Bound by Blood Book 1), what would they be?

Zara Faire – "Borderline" by Tame Impala

William Ward – "Solitude" by M83

Alexander Vici – "Heaven Only Knows" by Bob Moses

Benjamin Ward – "Hurricane" by Cannons

Gabriel Castillo – "The Hand That Feeds" by Nine Inch Nails

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

Thrillers/Psychological Fiction/Non-Fiction/True Crime. Definitely not the same genre as I enjoy writing.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR is currently Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion, The Predator by Runyx, and Yellowface by R.F. Kuang.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The club scene between Ben and Zara, as well as the final climactic scene between Zara, Pope, and Baron.

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

No quirky writing habits beyond the crushing pressure of a deadline. I thrive in a state of procrastination.

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

“To free us from the expectations of others, to give us back to ourselves – there lies the great, singular power of self-respect.” – Joan Didion.

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

I hope they feel that aching, stumbling stomach flip you often get when you read romance. I hope readers want to fully dive into this world and feel very strongly about certain characters and situations.

Charlotte House is the author of the new book Cardinal Sins (Bound by Blood Book 1)

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If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Runaway (Hideaway Springs Series Book 1), what would they be?

"Broken and Beautiful" by Kelly Clarkson and "Kings and Queens" by Ava Max.

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

I personally enjoy reading Billionaire and Sports Romances but occasionally, I'll pick up a book or series about witches.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I'm hoping to read Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros this summer once my writing schedule winds down a bit.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

It's hard to pick a favorite but I think the scene where Pepper freezes on the ice during her performance and goes to a dark place in her head. Until a puck hits her skate and brings her back to the present. It draws the invisible line she needs to stay focused and the line leads her back to him.

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

It's not very productive for my writing but I do love to have a bowl of sunflower seeds with me (with shells). It gets messy but I can't function without it, especially when I need to take a moment to think. It gives me something to do.

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

A little competition is healthy, as long as it's with yourself. Set goals to be ahead of where you were last year. It's how I measure my success.

Roxanne Tully is the author of the new book The Runaway (Hideaway Springs Series Book 1)

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

"Fireflies" was inspired by a series of chilling events that unfolded in our lives. When my daughter was ten years old, we resided in a picturesque farmhouse just outside of Leesburg, Virginia. Strikingly similar to the setting depicted in the book, our home became the stage for inexplicable occurrences. One particular incident stood out—the eerie sight of a shadowy figure, resembling a woman, hauntingly reflected in my daughter's bedroom mirror. This unnerving experience prompted us to seek assistance from a local paranormal investigator, delving into the unknown depths of the supernatural. The profound impact of these real-life encounters compelled me to craft a narrative that explores the blurred boundaries between reality and the unexplained.

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

Samantha - "How Do I Live Without You" - Trisha Yearwood

Maddie - "One Last Time" - Ariana Grande

Kat - "I Hate Myself for Loving You" - Joan Jett

Norman - "She Blinded Me With Science" - Thomas Dolby

Chris - "Tears In Heaven" - Eric Clapton

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

I enjoy multiple genres, historical fiction, fantasy, and murder mystery. Interestingly I enjoy writing most about people faced with life changing situations or experiences that lead to personal and spiritual growth.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Lethal Horizon by Jason Kasper, Body in the Backyard by Lucy Score, The Keeper of Stars by Buck Turner, and Ask for Andrea by Noelle W. Ihli.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Within the pages of ‘Fireflies,’ there are not one, but two captivating storylines running in parallel. Without giving away too many spoilers, one of them is about Sam and Maddie, navigating the emotional journey of Maddie’s illness. The second storyline dives into the backstory of the spirit or ghost that Sam and Maddie encounter at the farmhouse. I found writing this historical prelude to the haunting to be most enjoyable.

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

One of the quirkiest aspects is how I draw inspiration from my dreams. It's quite peculiar, really—I'll wake up in the middle of the night, hastily jotting down snippets of emotions or imagery that linger from my dreams. Another idiosyncrasy of mine is my preference for writing in complete darkness. It may sound a tad dramatic, but there's something about the absence of light that enhances my focus and creativity. I surround myself with monitors filled with research and information, creating a cocoon of knowledge in the darkness.

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

“The Great Use Of Life Is To Spend It On Something That Will Outlast It”

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

If there's one sentiment I fervently hope readers will carry with them long after closing the pages of "Fireflies," it's the profound realization that love knows no bounds. In a world where fear and uncertainty often cloud our perceptions, I hope readers will find solace in the idea that love, in all its forms, has the power to illuminate even the darkest of nights.

K.D. Phillips is the author of the new book Fireflies

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Blood of the Martyrs (The Elder of Edon Book 2)?

Blood of the Martyrs is the second novel in The Elder of Edon and my second overall published work. Its background is a bit unusual; on a Summer’s afternoon in 2012, I got the idea to write The Elder of Edon on a whim. I spent two months drafting the story, and then went back to edit it for consistency. However, as I continued to edit it, the narrative ballooned to include more characters and plotlines than I originally intended. Sometime around 2013, I decided to break the narrative up into a trilogy. The first installment, Soul of the Prophet, was published in 2021 and is comprised of the first quarter of the original draft. This novel takes covers the middle of the original draft, and over the years it’s been molded by the many life events that I’ve endured since conception.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Blood of the Martyrs (The Elder of Edon Book 2), what would they be?

Believe it or not, this is something I’ve put way too much thought into. If I had to pick a song for Fin, it would be "Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through" by Jim Steinman. It’s a triumphant power ballad and I feel Fin’s emotion every time I hear it. Rixis’ song is "More" by The Sisters of Mercy. It’s a slick, dark piece with a wicked guitar riff. For Naga, it’s "Poison" by Alice Cooper all the way (it’ll make sense once you read it). And finally, Typhoon’s song is "Elegia" by New Order. I like to think that whenever Typhoon is near, Elegia’s opening starts to play in the background.

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

I read just about anything that interests me. If I find a book at the bookstore or library that I want to read, I’ll take it and read it. As far as genres go, I’m very eclectic. I would say my favorite is horror, which you can see in BOTM. I also like thrillers and espionage. Pretty much any book that has an exciting hook that makes my heart race. About a year ago, I binge read the entire Wings of Fire series by Tui T. Sutherland, and while it’s meant for kids, it’s a hell of a good series.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I plan on reading the entire James Bond series of novels by Ian Flemming. I read Casino Royale last year and I enjoyed it immensely. I also plan to read The Godfather by Mario Puzzo at some point, along with A Night to Remember by Walter Lord. As I said before, my tastes are very scatterbrained. I plan to, at some point, read the entire Chronicles of Narnia series, parts of which I read when I was a child but never finished. Sometime down the road, I also want to re-read The Stand by Stephen King, which is my all-time favorite book.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

It would have to be the scene where Fin chases Rixis though the tunnels below the Black Ram and into the bathhouse. It took a long time to compose, and I took a lot of inspiration from a pair of real-life locations: the Ancient Ram Inn in Wotton-under-Edge, England, and the Edenborough Vaults in Edenborough, Scotland. I used to watch a lot of dumb paranormal reality shows when I was growing up, and those two spots used to scare the crap out of me! While I no longer believe in ghosts, those two locations stayed with me for years after, and I knew I would have to include them into one of my works at some point.

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

I light candles and listen to rock or new age music on a Bluetooth speaker next to my laptop. I also like to write mostly at night, as that’s traditionally been the time when I can concentrate the best. Sometimes, I like to watch YouTube videos or podcasts of topics and subjects that anger me. I work best when I’m pissed off out of my mind, and anger often feeds my motivation.

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

The ends will always justify the means, and the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Also, it’s not a bad thing to feel proud of your accomplishments and toot your own horn, and if your god says it’s a sin then maybe you need to find a new god.

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

There’s more to the world of Edon than what meets the eye, and by the time you’ve turned the last page, you’ve only just scratched the surface.

David Angelo is the author of the new book Blood of the Martyrs (The Elder of Edon Book 2)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Gloria Steinem: 90 Remarkable Tales from 90 Extraordinary Years?

This is my 3rd biography in this series, with "Jimmy Carter: 99 Remarkable Tales from 99 Extraordinary Years" and "Jane Goodall: 90 Remarkable Tales from 90 Extraordinary Years" being the other two so far. These living legends with momentous birthdays deserve the recognition they have fought for all their lives, and this kind of celebratory biography makes it simple yet comprehensive enough for everyone to enjoy. There are some obvious points and tales that we all know about, but then there were some deeper dives that helped make up the complete woven story. Each of these wonderful individuals has admirable qualities for many different reasons, but as for Gloria Steinem, and with two daughters myself, I would be remiss in not exploring the life of such a journalist and activist, and her unwavering commitment to social justice, equality, and empowerment.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Gloria Steinem: 90 Remarkable Tales from 90 Extraordinary Years, what would they be?

Well the obvious choice for me is "Respect" by Aretha Franklin. "Respect" is not only a timeless classic but also embodies the themes of empowerment, equality, and standing up for one's rights, which are central to Gloria Steinem's advocacy for women's rights and social justice. The lyrics, with their message of demanding respect and equality, resonate strongly with Steinem's mission and the broader feminist movement. But for a more contemporary and less obvious choice, "Brave" by Sara Bareilles could be a fitting theme song as well. "Brave" encourages listeners to speak up, be courageous, and stand tall in the face of adversity. The lyrics convey a message of empowerment and self-assertion, urging individuals to embrace their authentic selves and advocate for change.

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

Historical Non-Fiction is usually my favorite genre...I am a firm believe that truth is indeed stranger and more exciting than fiction. But it also depends on the author as I will sometimes read any genre of a favorite author.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

"Coming Home" by Brittney Griner, and "The Demon of Unrest" by Erik Larson are just two of the many I look forward to devouring.

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

Not really. I am disciplined and depending on my mood, I may need to have classical music on (no lyrics) and a dog or two by my feet.

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

Many mottos and golden rules do apply, but I like what my father still says: "Start slow, then taper off."

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

Simply stand up for yourself and others, and live your own life...as you only have one.

Anthony Dobbs is the author of the new book Gloria Steinem: 90 Remarkable Tales from 90 Extraordinary Years

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