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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Bear It All: The Tanya Jean Story?

I wanted to give others hope that they too can live their life for them, as I am now doing. I wanted to encourage them to pursue the path that they choose and that it does not matter what others think about it. I believe that an individual should never be afraid to show and be, who they truly are, at their core. Always live life to the fullest, do it big, and do it on your own terms.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Bear It All: The Tanya Jean Story, what would they be?

"Landing in London" by Three Doors Down. "Me Against the Mountain" by Ian Munsick. "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" by Elton John.

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

I like to read self-help books and true stories. Sometimes I like to read fantasy or fiction books based on surviving the unknown.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

It's hard to pick just one. I would say that my favorite would be when Derek and I went to Cape Breton Island and I was able to walk on the beach and out into the water with his help, for the first time after learning to walk again. It felt like the waves were rushing up to meet my feet as I stepped out to greet them. I had a feeling of sheer joy and knew at that moment that I could do anything I set my mind to. It was then, that I truly felt I knew what was most important in my life and what I would focus on moving forward.

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

I like to write in silence, with a view of our beautiful homestead, surrounded by my animal friends and my favorite mug, full of hot tea.

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

Live Life Free!

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

Always be true to yourself and never let others dictate how you live your life. Work hard at carving out your own path and be the best that you can be. True peace comes from within, never give up. You determine your own fate.

 

Tanya Jean Steeves is the author of the new book Bear It All: The Tanya Jean Story

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write That Which Remains...?

I love writing Sherlock Holmes pastiches. He is my all-time favorite fictional character.

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

I love murder mysteries for sure, but I also like a good horror story as well.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I just finished my TBR file from last year. I read 30 books and still found time to write!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Trying to figure out how to make a gun disappear in The Tottenwood Mystery.

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

I have a Paget Picture of Holmes taken from an original Strand Magazine looking over my shoulder as I write.

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

It would be that this book was not written by Conan Doyle (tongue firmly planted in cheek).

 

William Todd is the author of the new book That Which Remains...

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Lips Like Sugar (Bluebird Basin Book 2)?

When I wrote Come As You Are and first met Cole Sanderson, I knew he'd be my next main man. He's an elder punk still trying to hold on to a tiny scrap of the golden days while navigating around a toxic ex and being the best dad and grandpa ever to his daughter and her new baby. But he's lonely and stagnating and needs something to snatch him out of his pattern. Enter Mira Harlow. Mira is a woman I see in my life around me but I don't ever see in romance. She's 50, running a business, parenting a 14-year-old boy, and caring for her mom who lives with them and has mild cognitive impairment. She is STRETCHED THIN and takes almost no time for herself. Enter Cole, who knocks her world on its side and makes her realize that maybe she can take care of herself too while she's caring for everyone else.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Lips Like Sugar (Bluebird Basin Book 2), what would they be?

Well... "Lips Like Sugar" of course. But favorite songs are a big part of Cole and Mira's first date, so I'll let you read to find out 😉

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

I love to read all genres of romance, but also sci-fi, fantasy, horror, lit fic...

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I just finished The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn and it was phenomenal. And I'm in my Laura Kinsale era, recently reading Flowers From the Storm twice in a row, and now I'm listening to For My Lady's Heart. Soooo good!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Their first date. IYKYK.

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

Just an iced chai latte by my side.

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

Put the oars in the boat.

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

That we are still worthy of love, romance, flirting, butterflies, being the main characters even after 40.

 

Jess K Hardy is the author of the new book Lips Like Sugar (Bluebird Basin Book 2)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Adventures of Compassion: Stories to Harmony?

My childhood was filled with the insatiable curiosity and daring spirit of Tintin, my childhood hero. The yearning to explore the world and connect with its diverse people and cultures transformed into a lifelong journey to all parts of the world. But amidst the beauty and the wonders, I, unfortunately, also encountered the stark realities of social challenges—poverty, inequality, and injustice across communities. Inspired by Tintin’s spirit of adventure, I thought to retell many of the incidents that impacted my own life, guiding me to explore the transformative power of compassion. Each story in this book relates to a different corner of the world. I was inspired by the characters grappling with real-world issues, from environmental degradation to social conflict, and to be witness to how acts of compassion, big and small, sparked change. In today’s world, just as in any era with its distinct issues and challenges, we really need to focus on growing compassion. I thought to use Tintin’s adventures as inspiration for my own adventures to inspire others to act more compassionately.

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

My favorite genre would have to be true history and autobiography. I learn so much about the ways that humans have dealt with social, environmental, economic, and health issues throughout history. History teaches me of all the ways we have adapted and pioneered new paths to reach this moment. Autobiographies, for me, become the personal narrative of these crucial and poignant moments in time. I don't write about history though I do use historical accounts in my writing to make a point when needed. I have not written an autobiography in the strict sense but I believe that the narratives I share are mainly based on my living experiences. In a way, my writing becomes a personal perspective that combines the lessons I have learned from history and personal experience.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Sociopath: A Memoir, by Patric Gagne. Forever Max: The Lasting Adventures of the World's Most Loved Dog by Kerry Irving. Whiskey Tender: A Memoir by Deborah Jackson Taffa. A Very Private School: A Memoir by Charles Spencer.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write was the diary entry of a young girl. I think readers will understand why, on so many levels, when they get to that story.

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

I have used the same laptop since 2015 (which I strongly believe is the universe's gift to my spiritual awakening) to write all 13 of my books so far.

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

Love Always | Always Love - this is the tagline of Compassiviste Foundation, the charity I founded. I endorse a compassionate priority to everything. We must always act with compassion as the lead and always remember that we are alive to love.

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

The stories may be forgotten because we consume so much information daily through a multitude of media. However, one thing that should stick with readers is to use the stories as an education that with compassion, collective force, and action, we can cultivate social harmony. The purpose of these stories is to highlight this fact; change happens when love is activated.

 

Ali Horriyat is the author of the new book The Adventures of Compassion: Stories to Harmony

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