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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Adventures of Stone Callahan: Toxicity?

Stone is the son of Billy Callahan, the individual responsible for spearheading The Callahan Clean Earth Protocols. The prequel to this series is The Two Worlds of Billy Callahan. While searching for artifacts in Israel with his father, 12-year-old Billy falls into a crevasse and discovers an ancient Orb. Left behind by an ancient alien race, the Orb unveils the staggering ecological havoc inflicted upon Earth by these extraterrestrial beings. The aliens designate the person who locates the Orb as the one responsible for persuading humanity to avoid the errors made millions of years ago.

Gifted with a supernatural power passed down from his father, Stone becomes resolute in his mission to stop a wealthy group's destructive plan to revive a world plagued by fossil fuels, toxic substances, excessive meat consumption, and unregulated plastic production. The sight of global warming and pollution unfolding before my eyes made me realize that only a superhero could bring an end to this madness. I created one.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Adventures of Stone Callahan: Toxicity, what would they be?

Marvin Gaye: Mercy Mercy Me.

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

Action/Adventure - I like to write action/adventure with a focus on climate fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

“House of Suns” by Alastair Reynolds and “Death’s End” by Cixin Liu.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Two of the main characters attempt to convince a police officer not to arrest them.

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

I listen to Jason Lewis’ Isochronic Tones on his free YouTube channel. When I first heard it, I was like, "Wait, what?" The rhythmic tones create a calming ambiance, enhancing my focus as I write. I suggest it for anyone dealing with attention disorders. Visit Mind Amend to check him out.

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

Every day is an opportunity to change the world for the better. Don’t waste it.

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

Think of the Earth as your childhood bedroom. If it was a mess, your mother would make you clean it up before you went to bed. Let’s get busy!

 

R.F. Walden is the author of the new book The Adventures of Stone Callahan: Toxicity

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

Visiting Gettysburg, and also seeing a hidden room of the Underground Railroad.

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

Simple Gifts (an old folk song).

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

Historical Fiction. It is what I read and write. I also enjoy science books.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I am currently reading Dickens' Pickwick Papers and on deck is Frenchman's Creek by Daphne du Maurier.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

When Isaac and Joy meet the bounty hunter in the woods on their way to Norfolk.

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

I have to be drinking coffee when I write.

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

I live to write!

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

Do what is right and act as your conscience dictates.

 

Craig R. Hipkins is the author of the new book Bandy

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Affairs of State?

I like a great story that also illuminates important social-political issues that threaten our society.

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

Love the One You're With.

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

I love political and legal thrillers. Stories that entertain, teach, and make you think.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Demon Copperhead (anything by Barbara Kingsolver!), Walter Isaacson's Leonardo Da Vinci, Lee Child's The Enemy.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

That's a tough one. I really enjoyed the first love scene; in fact, it was the genesis for the whole book ("What would happen if..."). But my favorites were the sailing scenes, describing the beauty, peace, and sometimes the fury, of the ocean and wind.

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

I like to be in the same room with my wife. I wear noise-cancelling headphones to minimize distractions, but we enjoy the silent companionship while we both work.

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

Leave the world a better place than you found it.

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

Affairs of State is a work of fiction, but the religious right really does want to destroy democracy.

 

C.A. James is the author of the new book Affairs of State

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Appetizers and Alibis?

I was watching Beat Bobby Flay one night. When they introduced the two chefs, the name Chef Jessica just lit a spark of inspiration. I created the character and general idea for the entire series from there. However, my Jessica and the one on the show are different.

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

All Star by Smash Mouth.

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

I honestly love almost everything. Romance, women's fiction, mysteries, biographies, etc.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Honestly? Too many to list. But I have been making my way through Laura Hern's Lainey Maynard Mystery Series. Check them out!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There is a scene where they go to the victim's (her friend) apartment. She has never been much of a snoop, so she doesn't know what to do at first, but soon gets confident.

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

I have to have Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D or Big Bang Theory on while I write. Not sure why, but they help me focus. I guess because I have seen them so many times, I don't actually have to watch.

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

You can't edit blank pages.

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

I would hope readers will remember Jessica. She is a loving, generous person and I want people to know her. The good thing is this is a long series so hopefully, they enjoy it enough to come back for the rest (26 books in total), because Jessica is just going to get better at sleuthing!

 

Erica J Whelton is the author of the new book Appetizers and Alibis

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

I had some loud, playful characters who wanted to tell their story. They very quickly took over my life for a few months. I had no idea what the story was until it was written.

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

Run by OneRepublic for Llyr, and We Are the People by Empire of the Sun for Rhaine (the poor fellow has issues haha).

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

MM fantasy - I'm a fan of fluff, sunshine/grumpy and fated mates. Now I get to write it too.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Fated Mates and Fanged Mistakes by Alice Winters and Dragon Falls by Davis Lavender. Can't wait to read them!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Mmm, probably the first scene, which actually didn't exist until the 2nd redraft. For the longest time, the story started at the fourth scene. Then one morning I woke at 4am and had an 'ah-ha' moment. I love first meetings and I’m so glad I got some sleepy inspiration for this one.

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

I type with my eyes closed whenever I write action scenes, and I regularly ask my dog for feedback (he demands payment via treats).

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

It's been hard work to get to this perspective but it's: it's all going to be okay, so have some fun.

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

Fighting for what's important to you has unexpected rewards.

 

Ness Hanon is the author of the new book Found

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Promoted with Tenure?

Promoted with Tenure was inspired by my love of a good mystery thriller, coupled with the ten years I spent in academia as a biologist. Some thrillers are written simply for the sake of a good story, whereas others are written to deliver an underlying message or pose a question for the reader. This novel falls under the latter category.

Promoted with Tenure is meant to get you thinking about the current state of identity politics in the United States and, more specifically, how often our subjective beliefs and biases drive the decisions we make in everyday life—including what we believe to be objective.

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

For the novel in general, I’d say Alanis Morissette’s “Ironic” and Nickelback’s “Woke Up This Morning.” Both of these songs are referenced in the novel, where they set the stage for major turning points.

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

I read an equal amount of true crime and mystery thrillers. True crime provides me with fresh ideas for my own writing and allows my mind to get a break from thinking about fiction. Reading other mystery thrillers shows me what’s been done before in the genre and keeps me motivated to explore new ways of storytelling.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz, Lust Killer by Ann Rule, and The Collector by John Fowles.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The final scene in the novel was my favorite to write. This is where everything that might have seemed random or insignificant falls into place. In essence, Promoted with Tenure is a story within a story, where identity politics are intertwined with a murder mystery. The final scene is where the two stories come into focus as one.

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

Although not too quirky: I always need a fresh cup of coffee, I have to write in order (no jumping ahead to later chapters), I edit my previous chapter first thing in the morning before moving on to the next chapter, and my wife reads each and every chapter as I finish them.

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

“The deepest sin against the human mind is to believe things without evidence” – Thomas Huxley. This is also the quote at the beginning of the novel that sets the stage for what is to come.

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

Think for yourself. In a time when the opinions of others are becoming more important than self-image, stand out as an individual—even if that means standing alone.

 

KB Fisher is the author of the new book Promoted with Tenure

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Ariadre and the Legend of the Fire Rose?

I wanted to create a world that people would enjoy visiting, so I set out to do just that! This story takes place in a forest, and I was inspired by the trees and the landscape around me. I was also inspired by my love of gardening and included many gardens and flowers in this story. Finally, I wanted the characters to have an adventure and for readers to feel like they were part of it.

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

Fantasy and fairytale retellings.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Firethorn Crown by Lea Doue, Stolen at Alpenglow by Leialoha Humphreys, The Abandoned Princess by Melanie Cellier.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene where Ariadre has tea with Grandmama.

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

I don’t have any quirky habits, but I enjoy writing outdoors when the weather is nice.

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

Never give up!

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

All of the life lessons that Ariadre learns along the way.

 

Kristi A. Cole is the author of the new book Ariadre and the Legend of the Fire Rose

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