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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Do You Remember Me??

I identify with the main character. There is a lot of me in there. Hopefully, at least a little happier. This story started while I was journaling. I shared a portion with a writer friend of mine and she said "You need to write the rest of this story."

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Do You Remember Me?, what would they be?

Everlong, Foo Fighters. As the credits roll, Walk, Foo Fighters.

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

Literary Fiction. Truthfully, I will read anything.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Walking in the snow. Anyone who has truly been in love can identify with that "out of body" experience.

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

Nope. I just write when I feel the urge. I actually procrastinate at my day job because I'm writing. I keep hearing writers joke that they will clean your house while they are procrastinating. I'm the opposite. I have to make myself not sit down at the keyboard on the weekends when I need to be spending time with my wife. She always wins out in my decision process though.

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

Peace be with you! It's pretty self-explanatory.

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

Remember the times we cried. The times we laughed. I don't know. Remember my name on the front. And if you liked what you read, tell a friend and then see what else I have written.

 

William M Crouch is the author of the new book Do You Remember Me?

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Stolen by the Billionaire?

Blaze Robinson is the third of four best friends who met while they were on scholarship at the billionaires' boarding school where they went to high school. The first guy was Tristan "Twist" King, a computer hacker turned stock market genius who picked up his hacker black hat one last time for the woman he loved. His story starts in Twisted. The second man was Micah Shine, an heir to a mafia family who witnessed a horrific crime as a child and has been in hiding ever since, who falls in love with a beautiful con artist in Atlantic City against his better judgment and gets pulled back into the world of organized crime.

Blaze seems to be the only one of the quartet who has always been on the straight and narrow, enlisting in the US military right out of high school and eventually joining the Navy's elite SEAL team, but even a handsome man's looks can be deceiving. He parlayed a small loan from a person he shouldn't have taken money from into a crypto fortune while in the military, and after a mission gone terribly wrong, emerged into civilian life as a billionaire. When the mafia comes to collect the debt and demands he commit a crime instead of repayment, Blaze uses his military-acquired special skill set to threaten the ingénue niece of the head of the Mafia crime family, inadvertently putting her in danger. Never one to leave a damsel in distress or shy away from a fight, Blaze rescues Iowa farm girl Sarah Bell, and they take off in a forced-proximity road trip across the country, stocked by the mafia at every turn. The last of the four high school friends, Logan Bell, is a story for another day.

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

Blaze -- "Innocent" (TV) by Taylor Swift.

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

I read almost everything except horror. I love SF&F and romance the most, and I write mostly romance.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Lessons in Chemistry (Hazelwood), The City We Became (Jenisin), Neon Gods (Robert). I'm behind on reading.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

When he holds a knife to her throat.

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

Not really.

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

Love always wins!

 

Blair Babylon is the author of the new book Stolen by the Billionaire

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Next 167 Hours?

I really wanted to write a story that people could relate to. We all struggle with mental health in some form and we often use humor as a way to deal with it. I took these two elements and found a way to tell a story that would make people feel like it's ok to laugh, cry and feel all their feelings! This story was my way of normalizing therapy and mental health for everyone! Especially the LGBTQIA+ community.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Next 167 Hours, what would they be?

Anxiety by Sophie Pecora.

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

Mystery, Humor and Thrillers. I love to write a mix of humor and mystery.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I love to support other Indie Authors. So right now in my TBR pile is: Anxious Gretchen: Space Archaeologist by E.C. Spence, The Rivals by Ariell Monroe and Not in the Plan by Dana Hawkins.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The firefly scene! During a therapy session, Ember recalls their family camping trip when her and her older sister, Sawyer snuck off into the woods in the middle of the night to find themselves in a magical moment that created an unforgettable bond between the two sisters. I may have pulled inspiration for this storyline from a time in my own life when me and my twin sister used to catch fireflies in our backyard as little girls.

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

My Pug is always sitting on me somewhere. Whether it is on my shoulder or lap, she has to be right next to me when I write. She thinks she is a cat. I love being snuggled under a blanket with my laptop, my puppy, and a homemade mocha.

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

The answer's always no unless you ask.

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

That we all struggle and it's okay, in fact, it's more than okay. It's normal. The world is a better place because you are in it.

 

Christa Hickcox is the author of the new book The Next 167 Hours

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Ambitous' Secret: Hope's Story?

Behind every successful story, there’s normally also tales of failure, that we don’t get to see. So with this story, I wanted to show how and why ambitions, and/or the lack thereof, play an important part when dodging or accepting defeat. And I was motivated to write this story, based on the women in my life. As men, we tend to think that beautiful women have easy lives. And while that may be true throughout a lot of situations, the contrary quite often plays its hand as well. Sometimes, being beautiful can be a gift and a curse.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Ambitous' Secret: Hope's Story, what would they be?

1) Oil Money by Bryce V.I.$ and Jada. 2) Money, Power, & Respect by B.I.G & Lil Kim.

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

Contemporary Fiction/Urban/City Life. And yes. It’s my favorite genre to write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Art of War, Forty Eight Laws of Power.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I loved writing every scene.

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

Alcohol...

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

Hard work pays.

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

The sky’s the limit.

 

Dameyon Allen is the author of the new book Ambitious’ Secret: Hope's Story

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Wings of Ink?

This book has been living in my mind for years. I bought the cover around Christmas 2019 and have been dying to put the story into words ever since. If you know my Quarter Mage series, you know that the Crow Fairies have done despicable things in the past that seem hardly redeemable. So this particular brand of cruelty struck me as the perfect part for the Beast, while I wanted my Belle to have more sass and come from a broken past that allows for little hope. With an enemies-to-lovers setting and an arranged marriage, Myron (the Crow) and Ayna are set up for misery, banter, and sizzling romance that takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster.

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

Myron’s theme song is “Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars. I can’t remember how I stumbled upon this song, and the cheeriness of the beat doesn’t have anything in common with Myron’s broody temper. But there’s something about the lyrics that does fit. You’ll know why when you read the book.

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

I read a variety of genres, but love epic romantic fantasy and fantasy romance (YA or adult). Currently, I’m reading weird fantasy with my seven-year-old. It’s a nice change from the high stakes in my writing genres.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

On top of my TBR sits a reread of Bring me Their Hearts by Sara Wolf, but it will take me a few weeks until I can start, because up next is a read-through of Heart of Night, the sequel to Wings of Ink.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There were a lot of scenes I enjoyed writing. My favorite was probably the one where Ayna gets unlikely help to save Myron from an attack. When that particular help took form was one of the best moments during the writing process. And of course the banter. That’s always fun to write.

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

I’m a pretty boring writer. Usually, I sit on my couch, at the dining table, or in a coffee house while producing words. However, I do devour an ungodly amount of chocolate throughout the writing process. Does this count?

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

Life is what you make of it. Don’t be afraid to make changes. Don’t make changes because you’re running from something. If you do need to run, though, be aware of what you leave behind. You can’t walk with one leg through one door and with the other leg through another, so make your choices, or life will make them for you, and you’ll need to live with what you get instead of what you choose.

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

Love doesn’t always come in the package you wanted, and that’s good. If you dare open the package you’re gifted, you might get something so much better.

 

Angelina J. Steffort is the author of the new book Wings of Ink

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Unleashed (The Baksa Series Part 1)?

I like to inspire people, and I believe stories are the best way to make a connection. The inspiration for Unleashed was from a scripture in the Bible that states “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” In our lives, we are all given the opportunity to look upon people around us and decide if we will judge them or show them mercy. Unleashed follows what happens when a person who deserves judgment receives mercy, and how powerful the effects can be on many people’s lives as a result…all while slinging arrows and wielding swords!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Unleashed (The Baksa Series Part 1), what would they be?

For Cadel? A mix of “Promentory” (from Last of the Mohicans), “Black” by Pearl Jam and For Sa’res Maéve, I picture “Sound of Silence” by Disturbed and “Adagio in D minor” (from the motion picture Sunshine).

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

I LOVE epic high fantasy!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Still working through the Wheel of Time!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I have SO many! I loved writing this story, and it was just as much fun for me to watch the stories unfold while I wrote them as I hope it will be for anyone reading it! The moment when Cadel stops holding back and unleashes what has been building inside of him, realizing his full potential. When Sa’res discovers the truth of who she is. The final duel between an ancient threat and a burgeoning hero. Like any father would say…they’re ALL my favorites!

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

Because I am a single father raising five children, finding time to write in peace is a monumental challenge that would likely drive me insane if I was adamant about it. So I write amid the chaos of the home in the pockets I can find. The most common scenario typically ends up being me and my three-year-old son sitting at the kitchen bar together while I write and he plays some games on the phone or a puzzle or something. It has become customary enough that he drags me to our “writing station” whenever he wants to play and forces me to write while sitting beside each other.

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

"Be who you wish others had been for you."

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

Don't be afraid to do whatever it takes to stand up for your convictions, even if it costs you everything. You could change the course of someone else's life!

 

Travis Kuffel is the author of the new book Unleashed (The Baksa Series Part 1)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Adventures of Mad Gad the Bard?

I’ve always been a storyteller, especially funny ones. But later in life, I started writing as a means of therapy and I sat down one day and began writing about Mad Gad, this fun, confident, almost-coward, part-time criminal. And I was off. It was Mad Gad and his best buddy Shanks and they were getting into trouble.

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

I enjoy reading urban fantasy, fantasy, and science fiction, so kind of? I think mine is adventure fantasy? I’m learning more about these subgenres - mine might be flintlock fantasy? Though not very strictly.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

OH! Jim Butcher's Olympian Affair and Warriorborn! Also James Butcher's Long Past Dues.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There’s a line in this book. It was 2 or 3 in the morning. I’m up and typing away and it pops into my head and I chuckle. I type it out and I laugh again. I read it like how I imagine Gad is saying it and I laugh hard. And believe me, first, it is dumb. But in the middle of the book the group is running and Gad is doing his ‘I can’t really fight so I’ll scream insults and distract’ thing. And he’s sliding towards the back of an enemy and all he shouts is “IS THAT A FANNY? OH NO THAT’S A CRANNY!” And I lost it. I lose it. I chuckled right now.

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

Hmm, I don’t think so. Maybe the quirkiest thing is that I’ll write in the middle of the night?

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

I do actually - “Never underestimate the power of a good wink”… think about it.

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

That there’s always room for good. You’re never out of options to do good things, just easier ones. Gadriel isn’t a fighter, he’s in fights throughout this whole book. He doesn’t even have a weapon- but he tries to help anyway, even if he’s kind of a thief.

 

James Coyle is the author of the new book The Adventures of Mad Gad the Bard

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Steal the Stars?

It started with an idea about how an extremely civilized group of aliens might react to humans.

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

Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac.

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

I'm a mood reader, so it depends. Right now I read a lot of thrillers.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Stranger's Wife by Anna-Lou Weatherley.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I love writing romantic scenes. When they finally realize their love for one another, it's the culmination of the slow burn romance.

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

I usually have a little dog trying to crawl on top of my laptop. Cats too, actually.

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

Kindness costs nothing.

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

That it made them smile.

 

NYT & USA Today bestselling author Ann Aguirre & P.T. Maylee is the author of the new book Steal the Stars

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Embracing Bewilderment: A Reluctant Entrepreneur’s Journey?

I have always had a need to roam. I promised myself when I turned 30 I would travel the world. When I turned 31 I realized I missed that opportunity...or did I? Instead, I settled for a long-distance bike ride, sold one of my houses, and took a two-month leave of absence. That story is the first book of this three-book travel trilogy "The Buddha and the Bee". After reaching my destination, I decided not to return home and left California with no ultimate destination or timeline. In the end, I went from California to Antarctica.

Book two is "UNLOST". Book three is the conclusion of that two-month leave of absence that turned into a two-year around-the-world trip. I was inspired to write this, albeit 20+ years after the fact, because of my friends and family who kept telling me, "You need to write a book." So I did, "The Buddha and the Bee", which I really enjoyed writing and much to my surprise won over 20 independent book awards and has been an Amazon #1 best seller for over two years. I received so much wonderful feedback from the first book, I wrote "UNLOST" - which also won several awards.

Further positive feedback encouraged me to finish the series, although it took me a lot longer than I thought. So "The Buddha and the Bee" was inspired by friends and family. "UNLOST" and "Embracing Bewilderment" were inspired by all those who shared with me how much they enjoyed my books.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Embracing Bewilderment: A Reluctant Entrepreneur’s Journey, what would they be?

That's a good question, I'm going to have to go with, "Lawyers, Guns and Money" by Warren Zevon.

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

Non-Fiction and History and whatever you might call Hunter S. Thompson's work.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift, The True Believer by Eric Hoffer, Rim to River by Tom Zoellner, and Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I think it was the Pennine Way trek in the UK. When writing this part, it reminded me how much I enjoyed long multi-day treks with no time frame. Additionally, I enjoyed the challenge of writing a dozen pages about hiking alone.

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

While I do not have a college degree, I do have a Ph.D. in procrastinating. So when I am focused, not that this would be considered quirky, but may fall under 'writing habits’. When that ball starts rolling, the pen starts moving and the keys start clicking... I'll stay up for days writing.

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

You will never reach the finish line - so keep going.

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

It's a bit cliche but I would hope readers will put the book down (after leaving a review on Amazon) and realize you can do anything you desire.

 

Cory Mortensen is the author of the new book Embracing Bewilderment: A Reluctant Entrepreneur’s Journey

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write GILM!?

GILM! started as a song for my band, The Mars McClanes, but when my bandmate suggested we change a lyric from the outro to "inspiringly insidious," I wondered what that could mean. About six months later, I figured it out.

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

The easy answer is GILM! by The Mars McClanes. However, for Geoff "Bohemian Like You" by The Dandy Warhols, "Not Strong Enough" by boygenius for Corinne, and "Sour Times" by Portishead for Geoff's Dad.

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

I'm mostly into Contemporary Fantasy and Fantasy, YA or otherwise, but I also love a good biography. How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy isn't exactly a biography, but it's one of my favorite reads in the past few years. I love writing Contemporary Fantasy and Magical Realism. There's nothing like looking at the world around you and imagining how it could be different. Like, what would happen if I turned the corner and there was a troll sitting on the curb scrolling through his phone?

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

It's a little off in the future, but I'm excited to read Lish McBride's Red in Tooth and Claw later on this year.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

That's such a good question! It's probably the first scene. I need to get better at writing first chapters, at least the initial go-round. So far, I've re-written every one of my first chapters after I've already finished writing the rest of the book, and GILM!'s was a complete rip-and-replace. Spending time in Geoff's Dad's store, Curio City was a blast. It sets the right tone for the rest of the story—dark with a hint of hijinks like Buffy, Wednesday, or The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

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

I do this sense memory thing where I light a certain kind of incense to get me into writing mode as quickly as possible. I'm surprised it works. I know it's a trick, but it does.

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

That GILM! as a word is totally legitimate, and everybody's saying it.

 

Brian Corley is the author of the new book GILM!

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