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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Miraculous Life of Rupert Rocket: A Novel of the Fae?

First, I wanted to write a magical realism story. Second, I liked the idea of setting Sleeping Beauty as a gay man in modern New York City. Third, I was born on Christmas morning, and I wanted to imagine the universe giving me something wonderful rather than getting forgotten in the holiday fervor.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Miraculous Life of Rupert Rocket: A Novel of the Fae, what would they be?

"If It Wasn't for Bad Luck" by Ray Charles.

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

Science fiction and fantasy, just like I write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I just finished Camouflage by Joe Haldeman, and I'm starting Timescale by Gregory Benford. I'm trying to make my way through all the Nebula award winners.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

When Rupert confronts his grandmother's enemy for arranging a curse on his family, he is ready to confront her (essentially bitch-slap her), and she's being extremely polite and welcoming.

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

Nope. I do tend to start writing something and then put it away for months at a time to get my subconscious working on the next chapter or scene.

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

I am a philosophical Taoist. My favorite quote from the Tao Te Ching (Daodejing) is, "A tree you cannot put your arms around begins as a tiny sapling; a terrace rising hundreds of feet into the air begins with a shovelful of dirt; and the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."

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

Your family doesn't have to share your blood. You can choose your own family.

 

Mark Salzwedel is the author of the new book The Miraculous Life of Rupert Rocket: A Novel of the Fae

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Saving Raine?

The impact of infidelity and how to find the strength and courage to love again. That's the story behind the story in Saving Raine.

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

Raine Reynolds - "Not the Only One" by Sam Smith.

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

Women's Fiction, but I'm trying to get into Historical Fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Too many! Lol. The Thing About Home by Rhonda McKnight, The Choice by Nicholas Sparks, Fallen Grace by Sadeqa Johnson.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The cooking scenes with Raine and Donovan. I love egg rolls and making them with the person you love is even better.

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

I tend to write at night, when my husband is sound asleep, the house is quiet, and I've made a new cup of coffee.

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

Live. Laugh. Write. In that order.

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

If I could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading Saving Raine, it would be the power of resilience and the capacity of the human spirit to overcome even the most devastating of circumstances.

 

Marian L. Thomas is the author of the new book Saving Raine

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Stripped Away?

The book is about young women that have escaped the king's law that requires them to be stripped away from them. I started writing this book after Roe v. Wade was overturned and was inspired to write a book that talked about women's rights in a different way.

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

Rom Com is my favorite to read. I haven't written a pure rom com yet, but I'm looking forward to doing so soon.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Too many to even count. But I'm really looking forward to the third book by Hannah Grace.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I loved writing the scene on the river because it was something I experienced in person.

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

I write late at night.

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

I sorta live by the idea that you should just do it, especially if it scares you.

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

We all struggle with things that can't be seen.

 

Stephanie K. Clemens is the author of the new book Stripped Away

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Man of Action (The Family Business Book 2)?

I wanted to explore a deeper character arc and a new type of trope I’d never done before. The groveling trope was something I saw a lot of people talking about, and I wanted to see if I could make a character do something terrible, and then grow in a believable way.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Man of Action (The Family Business Book 2), what would they be?

For Tom: "mirrorball" by Taylor Swift. For Selena: "Cinnamon Girl" by Lana Del Rey.

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

Romance!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Wild Love by Elsie Silver, Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez, and The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene where Tom opens up to Selena about his childhood. It was so emotionally raw for me to write, but it was also so needed.

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

I have terrible focus, so I like to do writing sprints from other authors on YouTube so I can get some words in.

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

My main one is to be kind to others!

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

It only takes one choice to start down the path of being a better human.

 

Elle Rivers is the author of the new book Man of Action (The Family Business Book 2)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Warrior's Captive (Valcan Mates Book 1)?

This book was inspired by my love for all things gladiators, mixed with my obsession for sexy aliens! I love the freedom of mixing science fiction with romance and creating entire worlds from nothing but my weird imagination.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Warrior's Captive (Valcan Mates Book 1), what would they be?

"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" by Bryan Adams.

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

I live and breathe romance! But I'm also a fan of science fiction and horror. I'll pick up a good thriller from time to time as well.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I plan to read Bride by Ali Hazelwood next. Then, it's the rest of the Clecanian series by Victoria Aveline.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene is always the meet cute! I loved writing Serena and Rager's meet cute, right after he kidnaps her from her father's home.

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

I always light a candle by my side when I write. When I'm done for the day, I blow it out. No particular reason, I just like do to it!

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

Things are about to get weird!

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

That love and lust are two different things and both are needed to swipe you off your feet.

 

Alyce Guertin is the author of the new book Warrior's Captive (Valcan Mates Book 1)

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If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Cruel Empire (McTiernan Clan Series Book 2), what would they be?

I have a whole playlist on Spotify linked in the book, but the theme song for Alfie and Emilia would be "Rose Tattoo" by Dropkick Murphys, and the theme song for Connor and Cassidy would be the acoustic version of "Demons" by Imagine Dragons.

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

I actually love to read and write all genres of romance, it has to be angsty and have a good plot, though.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

JR Ward's "The Beloved," Kylie Scott's "Repeat, and FT Lukens' "Otherworldly."

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Definitely the showdown and the aftermath, without giving away too many spoilers - sooo angsty!

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

I have to have absolute silence when I write, mostly because I talk to myself A LOT. I am also a huge outliner, my book outlines are usually about 10-15 pages long before I even start writing!

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

Stop overthinking, start writing. (I'm my own biggest obstacle.)

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

The series doesn't end here! The third book with Tommy and Sloane is on the way in May, and this trilogy will be a part of a larger series covering all 3 Boston families - 13 books total! So stay tuned 🙂

 

AJ Fallow is the author of the new book Cruel Empire (McTiernan Clan Series Book 2)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Warrior Princess (Warrior Empress Book 1)?

I wanted to write to a younger audience - about a 15 year old princess who has to become a warrior to survive and the many hard lessons she learns along the way.

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

Sci-Fi, Action Adventure, and Space Opera.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Dune, again. Moon Is A Harsh Mistress, again. Backyard Starship.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Oooh, tough. This is book one of the series, so when she finally makes it to the Warrior Academy on Haden and is confronted by the Director on how she survived to get there. . . won't spoil what happens.

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

None. I just like to write, get into the flow, and let the structure of the story unfold. Yeah.

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

I use it in other books - "People show their true soul in times of terror." Also, I developed a Warrior Creed for the warriors to embrace, it is, "I am a warrior of the creed. Honor and integrity are the coins of my realm. I take each day as new without the weight of the past, face first into the wind, check the nature of my path and the lights on my trail. I own my actions and those of my tribe. We are one. I fight injustice as I see it and attack evil where it shows. I fight to protect those that can’t. I lead when called, follow those with a plan and never quit. I excel in each moment, each battle, each war knowing they may be my last. I am a warrior of the creed."

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

They were surprised, engaged, and had fun reading it. They have a lot of choices when selecting books, so it is really important to me to both write stories I enjoy, and also write stories others will really enjoy.

 

J. T. Skye is the author of the new book Warrior Princess (Warrior Empress Book 1)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Deke Me (Cessna U Hockey Book 1)?

When I was writing my Cessna U Wildcat baseball series, I wrote a scene that included the hockey team. Since I wanted to write a hockey series, I thought why not expand the world to include other sports. Thus, the Cessna U Hockey was born.

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

My favorite genre is definitely romance! I read a few nonfiction titles on occasion, but nothing beats a couple falling in love.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My list is super long, but I want to listen to Nine Month Contract by Amy Daws. I’m supposed to be on an audiobook ban, but we all know how that goes.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I had so much fun writing this it’s hard to pick one scene. If I were to choose, it’d be the surprise dress swap. It’s a sweet gesture from him that turns pretty wild.

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

I would love to have a quirky writing habit, but honestly, I just write whenever I can steal time.

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

Years ago, I was at the bookstore looking for stocking stuffers for my children. On a bookmark, a shortened quote, “Never, never, never quit” from Winston Churchill stood out to me. Needless to say, each child received that bookmark, and I have repeatedly reminded them of his words. It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t live by that motto myself.

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

If the hot hockey player asks you to be his fake girlfriend, say yes! Lol.

 

Kimberly Readnour is the author of the new book Deke Me (Cessna U Hockey Book 1)

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