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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Fallen: Unchained (State of Grace Book 1)?

I spotted a premade book cover online by my amazing cover designer. I stopped scrolling and stared at it for a long moment, trying to figure out what it was that intrigued me so much. Suddenly, a story exploded in my head. I reached for a pad and pen and a couple of hours later, I had the entire plot outlined. At first, the idea seemed easy with the dual timelines as long as I got them set out clearly beforehand. It turned out not to be quite so easy and took a fair bit of wrangling and puzzling, but in the end, I got there. The core message I wanted to convey with the two characters' challenges and triumphs was that although life is never easy, it comes with rewards that will fill our hearts, no matter how small they might seem, if we allow them. And how our ideas, relationships, and acts of kindness – or otherwise – can have a huge impact, not only at the time but in the future as well. Since it’s a romance, the overarching premise had to be about love. In this case, it became a story about a second chance at love after tragedy and loss but also about hope and perseverance against all odds.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Fallen: Unchained (State of Grace Book 1), what would they be?

For Kiran, it would be Rise Up by Andra Day. For Alina, Bigger Than The Whole Sky by Taylor Swift. The lyrics and feel of each song seem to fit the characters perfectly, at least they do for me when I listen to them.

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

I love a good political or military thriller à la Tom Clancy or Scott Mariani, and when I need utter escapism, I go for mystery or adventure yarns – in the vein of Indiana Jones – no matter how farfetched or unrealistic. I have a few Fantasy and Urban Fantasy authors whose books I will read as soon as they’re released, but I’m quite picky about those genres. Of course, I also read romance, mostly the suspense kind, but also some romcoms if it's from an author I particularly enjoy.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I currently have a ridiculous TBR list of more than six hundred books on my Kindle waiting for me to get to it, and at the top of that list is The Cave by Gia Colt. It’s a new romance book with a trope that isn’t my usual go-to, but I thought I’d switch things up a little and try something different. Next to my cozy reading chair sits two paperbacks; The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro and The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Oh, what a tricky question. I think it was probably Kiran's meeting with his older brother Michael. A lot of suppressed resentment and anger was finally given air, and many questions were asked and answered. Their conversation was somewhat cathartic, for me at least, and unraveled much of the mystery surrounding Kiran's existence and reasons for what he'd endured for such a long time.

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

I'm not sure it's particularly quirky, but I always have a scented candle burning when I write. I often change it so the scent suits the chapter or section of the story I'm writing. I'll have a heavier, spicy scent for darker scenes or action sequences, and lighter floral or citrusy scents for the softer, romantic parts. I also have to have something to drink, whether that is water, coffee, or wine, depending on the time of day.

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

"Find the Silver Lining." I'm normally a positive and happy person, and I always try to find something good, the silver lining, in every adversity. It can be very hard to see sometimes, but if I give it time and peace, I usually find it.

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

I hope the reader remembers the love and friendship that can blossom during the most difficult of circumstances, and how a small act of kindness can change someone’s entire life.

 

Cassidy Reyne is the author of the new book Fallen: Unchained (State of Grace Book 1)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Demon Hunter's Wife?

So I work weekends as a bass player in a wedding band, meaning every Saturday night I drive off to a distant part of the country and rock the house while my wife and daughter stay home. Every Saturday morning we have a great breakfast of pancakes and coffee and orange juice, and I thought what would it be like if instead of going out to play bass I was going out to fight demons. The idea revolved around a wife asking a husband “What’s the gig tonight?” and his reply being “Oh, just a couple of werewolves to take care of.” The whole story came out of that breakfast-based conversation and what that wife would have to do if her husband didn’t return home.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Demon Hunter's Wife, what would they be?

I have a whole Spotify playlist for the book here. I don’t have specific songs for characters, more so for moments and feelings. "Be The Song" by Foy Vance reminds me of the father-daughter relationship in the book. A song called "Paralysed" by S Carey which I interpret to be about a parent’s worry that their children will grow up and forget them. It mirrors some of the main character’s feelings in the book. If the book were a film I’d see the end credits crashing in on "Kings and Queens" by 30 Seconds To Mars, followed by Meatloaf's "I Would Do Anything For Love" which if you read the story should make absolute sense.

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

I love any book with mystery and humor. If there’s not something strange pulling me through I tend to get a little bored. My favorite genre to write and read is science fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I keep going to charity shops and so have a massive TBR. Looking at my shelf I have Jurassic Park, Interview With The Vampire, some Jeff Vandermeer, and quite a few Terry Pratchett books. I’m halfway through Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams and The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

To keep from giving too much away I really enjoyed writing the first chapter in the book. It’s the meeting between our hero Sadie and her husband-to-be: Dirk The Demon Hunter. She returns home from a drunken night out to find her mother possessed by a demon and he smashes through a window to save her. It has humor, a little bit of romance, and just enough projectile vomiting. There is another towards the end of the book that takes place during bath time which I loved, but don’t want to give the game away so you’ll have to read it.

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

I’m not overly superstitious so don’t have any lucky mugs or anything. I do tend to laugh to myself when I’ve written a particularly surprising silly bit. I expect my wife thinks I’m odd chuckling away in my study on my own when I’m supposed to be writing. I do like coffee. Good coffee helps a lot!

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

I’ve never really spoken a motto out loud but I think it would be something along the lines of, “Don’t worry about being bad at something now. Practice it so you can be good in a few years.” Long story short, “Be patient”. It’s how I allowed myself to be rubbish yet keep writing early on.

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

I’d like it if readers remembered who wrote it… It was me. I wrote it. But also to try not to be too hard on yourself. That’s one of the underlying themes.

 

C J Powell is the author of the new book The Demon Hunter's Wife

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Belt of Chaos?

Why did I write this book? I've observed that many skilled grown-ups in the corporate world struggle to lead teams. It's like they're adventurers without a map, risking disaster with every move. This realization fueled my desire to give young minds a head start in leadership and bring a different kind of heroine into the spotlight. In the story, Sasha isn't your typical audacious and outspoken protagonist. As an introvert, she navigates challenges with keen observations and resilience. Her quiet charisma and inner world draw readers in, challenging the notion that leadership only comes in loud forms. Sasha's quiet toughness prevails, proving that a resilient leader can triumph over unpredictability.

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

"The Name of Life"

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

Mystery.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Last Flight.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The rescue theme.

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

Munching on snacks.

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

"Be kind."

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

Embrace change.

 

SHAN SHAN NIE is the author of the new book The Belt of Chaos

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

I created the plot for a writing discussion on AI, and then decided I’d better write the novel (without AI). As great as it was when finished, I felt it lacked something – and then I heard about wind phones!

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

My favorite reading genres are thrillers and Sci.Fi/Fantasy but I write across a wide range of genres and even read a bit of horror now and again. It all helps with my use of words and language.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell, The Women by Kristin Hannah, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, and The Ruin by Dervia McTiernan.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I enjoyed creating the wind phone conversation where one of the book club ladies has a conversation with her late husband, regarding his infidelity and what she is doing with his money. This one-sided conversation gave me great scope for heart-felt dialogue and a chance to give a backstory to one of the characters who pass through the story.

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

I think a lot about where the story is going and what I want to happen next and once I have a couple of solid ‘goalposts’ I start. Mostly the story flows and the characters start chatting. All I have to do is keep up with their conversations. Luckily, I’m a touch-typist, which really helps. I don’t need music, or peace and quiet – just direction for the next scene and I’m away.

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

Like the poster for the Church of Contemplation, I try to be kind, tolerant, and grateful for what life brings (or throws at) me. Sometimes I fail, but I keep trying.

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

Perhaps reading this story will inspire people to establish a wind phone in their area. Such a wonderful concept. Also, they can join my newsletter, and read a piece of short fiction about once a month.

 

Deryn Pittar is the author of the new book On The Wind

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Three Ways to Mend a Broken Heart (Destination Love Book 2)?

I really love the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall so I wanted to write my own version, adding revenge and a why choose element!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Three Ways to Mend a Broken Heart (Destination Love Book 2), what would they be?

Millie: "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus. TJ: "Cuffing Season" by Fariziki. Nate: "Nuthin’ but a G Thang" by Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg.

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

I love Dark Romance and Thrillers. I'm obsessed with the paranormal and any book that has a billionaire hottie!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Swift & Saddled by Lyla Sage. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez. Leather and Lark by Brynne Weaver.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The surfing scene. It made me laugh until I cried while I wrote it.

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

I try and get something each of my characters is into to create a vibe...for Millie, I ordered a bunch of crystals.

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

"Because I said so". Which just reminds me that what I speak into existence will be.

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

How funny it was.

 

Trilina Pucci is the author of the new book Three Ways to Mend a Broken Heart (Destination Love Book 2)

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

My books are autobiographical and they seem to follow a theme. My last book, Nut Job, centered around mental health while also following the theme of me being naked (modeling nude for art classes, and things of that nature) and The Stupid Machine was no exception. It’s about the complicated human body, doctors’ visits, the quest for fame, and the terrible machinations we have in place for job hunting as well as our terrible workplace environments.

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

I’m the main character of my books, so I would say “Get on the Good Foot” by James Brown. I love James Brown. I’m rarely on the good foot, so perhaps it’s a twisted sense of irony that I’d pick that.

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

These days I’m more focused on memoirs, autobiographies, and biographies. “Life is stranger than fiction!” is what they always say – RIGHT?! Many times that’s true. I write memoirs about my life, so I find it cathartic knowing others have made horrible life choices equal to, and even besting my confusing decisions.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m currently reading Keith Richards' (the guitarist for The Rolling Stones) memoir LIFE, and it’s wonderful, although it could have been edited a bit. Waiting in the wings are some biographies of old, stodgy presidents and generals (Ulysses S. Grant being both!) that my father gave me and I may hit those next.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I’m not sure why, but I wrote an entire chapter about the cost of baked potatoes, toothbrushes, and printer ink and I laughed out loud the entire time I wrote it. (I really amuse myself!!) So I would say it was my favorite because it came so easily for me.

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

I write in what I call a ‘vomitous’ style. I walk around for days, sometimes weeks, and in a few cases YEARS, thinking about a subject, mulling it over in my head, then dump it onto the page in one ‘vomitous’ blast, writing in a fury… sweating and hammering the keyboard like a man possessed by the devil until it’s all out.

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

Whenever I see a meme of a motto that someone has said (whether they said it or not) I always say to myself, that’s my new motto! But in reality, my motto is adapting to other mottos, so a motto that best compares to that motto philosophy, would be Bruce Lee’s “Be Like Water” motto. Man, I said motto a lot in this answer.

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

We live in a cruel and confusing world, guided by a body (The Stupid Machine) that’s in a constant state of breaking and sending pain signals to the brain, so if you can laugh about the absurdity of it all and not take life so seriously, you’ll live longer and be happier.

 

A.J. Schmitz is the author of the new book The Stupid Machine

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

"My Way"

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

Mystery Crime.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Crosshairs by James Patterson.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The chase scene near the end.

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

Smoking a cigar.

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

“Always render more and better service than is expected of you, no matter what your task may be.” —Og Mandino.

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

That they were entertained.

 

Owen Parr is the author of the new book In the Shadows of the Game

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