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Interview with Jeffrey L. Kohanek, Author of The First Wizard

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The First Wizard?

In my Wizardoms books, wizards are the ruling class and humans dominate the world. Yet, that was not always the way of things, and legends speak of a time where elves and dwarves ruled...a time before wizards. I decided it was time to tell the tale of how wizards and humans came into power. This is the tale of how the first wizard came to be.

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

Epic fantasy has been a life-long love of mine, as a reader and a writer. The many hundreds of books I read in the genre formed my own storytelling.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Too many to list. I need to find more time to read, but my own characters demand release and take over.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Typically, humorous scenes are my favorite, but this book has a more serious and emotional tone, so there is not as much humor as some of my other series. The prison break scene was fun because it included the introduction of a squad of dwarves called the Head Thumpers. They add some color to the story.

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

I often write with one of my two French Bulldogs on my lap or at my side.

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

Things will work out if you maintain a positive attitude and remain determined, regardless of what obstacles get in your way.

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

I hope they are inspired by the strength of spirit the main characters display (human, elf, and dwarf).

Jeffrey L. Kohanek is the author of the new book The First Wizard

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Interview with Coral Alejandra Moore, Author of Inundation

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

There’s no one event or idea that inspired this book. It was more the culmination of a lot of stuff that I’d been feeling and thinking for a few years. I had wanted to write a sprawling urban fantasy book that was largely populated by people of color having adventures. I had also wanted to write a book that spoke about questions of faith and the lies we tell ourselves. This book is what happened when those two things combined. That said, the first scene of this book that occurred to me was a confession scene between Camila and Marcos and as soon as I had written it I knew I had to write the book because it worked so perfectly.

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

Gravity by Sara Bareilles. It's the song I always think about when I think about Camila and Marcos and their fraught relationship.

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

Fantasy and Paranormal are my two favorites. And those are absolutely my two favorite genres to write in as well. I love having the freedom to make up any detail of the world that I want.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR is an ever-shifting pile that will collapse someday to smother me. But at the moment I am absolutely obsessed with The New Protectorate series by Abigail Kelly. It's a little bit sci-fi, a little bit paranormal, and a little bit monster romance. I love it.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The same scene I talked about earlier, the confession scene. It was the genesis of this story, because that was the moment when I knew what it would have to be about: the relationship between Camila and Marcos and how it had to evolve before it broke them both. If you want to read it, I posted it on my blog last week so go check it out on my website.

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

Not really, I do whatever works at the moment. But, there's always a copious amount of coffee. That doesn't change.

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

Octavia Butler has one I love from the Parable of Talents: "In order to rise from its own ashes, a Phoenix first must burn.”

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

Oooh. That's a tough one for this book. Probably that the lies we tell ourselves to make it through the tough times aren't always true.

Coral Alejandra Moore is the author of the new book Inundation

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Interview with Meghan March, Author of Redemption

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

The anti-hero of the Mount Trilogy and Redemption, Lachlan Mount, holds a very strong place in my heart, and when I left him in agony at the end of a prior book over his daughter being kidnapped, I couldn’t leave him there. He had created an empire of darkness that threatened his family, and he had to find his way out into the light. That’s how Redemption was born.

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

I absolutely adore reading about consciousness and spirituality. I’m currently re-reading the Power vs. Force trilogy by Dr. David R. Hawkins and Yogananda’s commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. I love to write all genres though—fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and I’m even working on a cookbook! To me, it’s all self-expression and storytelling, which is what sets my heart on fire. I could never be limited to reading or writing only one genre. #creativerebel

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Mahabharata and the Zohar.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There’s a scene that involves a meeting taking place between Mount and a brand new character on the Mississippi River, and I ADORED writing it. It’s my favorite scene in the book!

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

I almost always have a dog in the room! I have never written a whole book without a canine companion. Also, water. Remember to hydrate!

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

Be the prayer—endeavor to be kind, compassionate, considerate, and forgiving to everyone, in all circumstances, including oneself.

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

Anyone can change. It only takes a single sincere instant.

Also—leave reviews if you love a book. Authors around the world thank you greatly.

Meghan March is the author of the new book Redemption

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Interview with Harper Michaels, Author of Coming Home

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Coming Home: The Complete Collection?

This is a collection of three stories close to my heart. All of them are about strong women coming home to face difficult situations and find love.

The first story, Saving Grace, is about a burnt out medical student coming home to find peace. My friendship with a woman in the medical field inspired this one. The next story, Rachel's Journey is about a woman coming home to say goodbye to her dying father. This story was inspired by losing my own dad. The last story, Stronger, is about a woman recovering from a scary medical situation and is inspired by my cousin who had the very same condition.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Coming Home: The Complete Collection, what would they be?

I used Kelly Clarkson's Stronger when writing these short stories. I feel like the song really gives the background to the stories of these three women who are able to overcome so much.

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

I love reading and writing contemporary romance.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Anything by Cassie Mint, Sara Key, and Ellis Worth.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The most emotional scene is saying goodbye to Rachel's dad. Even though it was hard to write, it was very cathartic to me.

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

Listening to anything Taylor Swift while writing.

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

Choose love in everything you do.

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

That we are stronger than we think we are.

Harper Michaels is the author of the new book Coming Home: The Complete Collection

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Interview with Jennifer Faye, Author of A Seaside Bookshop Christmas

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write A Seaside Bookshop Christmas?

It’s never just one thing that inspires me to write a book. Rather it’s a bunch of little things that come together in my imagination to create the idea for a book. It’s as close to magic as I’ve ever come and so much fun to see the final results.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of A Seaside Bookshop Christmas, what would they be?

All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey.

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

I like to read all sorts of things from romantic suspense to fantasy to sweet romance and other genres in between. I guess the one theme that runs through all of those reads is romance. There’s something special about falling in love and it’s why I love to write sweet contemporary romances. And when you add in secondary characters, it makes it all the more special.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

This past year I’ve started reading a number of books at the same time. It’s fun to bounce from book to book. Let me check my e-reader. Hm… - Wildwood Lodge by Jennifer Griffith - A Very Country Christmas by Zara Stoneley - Silenced in Sequins by Debra Sennefelder - Frozen Souls by Rita Herron

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There were many scenes that gave me great pleasure to write but if I have to pick just one, it would be the resolution—the way the hero and heroine found their way back to each other. It was very touching and revealed so much about them.

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

I have an eighteen-year-old cat. I affectionately refer to her as Writer Kitty. Since I became a professional writer, she has sat me and held me down as I write each and every book. She’s very special and I love her a lot.

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

Live and let live.

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

I would like them to remember the happiness they felt when they read my book.

Jennifer Faye is the author of the new book A Seaside Bookshop Christmas: A Single Dad, Friends to Lovers Small Town Romance

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Interview with Joe Wirth, Author of Zenegades

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

Camping around the American West when I was in my late teens and early twenties definitely played a major role in inspiring this book, particularly in terms of the people I met along my travels who I later considered to be Zenegades. I also had this book shopping ritual back when I was in college that entailed me browsing through new releases before ultimately purchasing an older, counterculture book. I kept asking myself questions like why can’t the new releases be like these older novels? And that’s when it clicked that I would create a modern-day novel with counterculture themes.

In terms of what helped catalyze the plot behind Zenegades, it came down to another hypothetical question: what if today’s young people finally stopped putting up with so much bullshit?

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

There are quite a few song references in this book, and each character essentially has their own playlist. Here are some songs that apply to the Zenegades crew (without being too specific): • “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine • “Stuck in the Middle With You” by Stealers Wheel • “Sympathy For The Devil” by The Rolling Stones • “Plum Blossom Melodies” by Huan Yin • “Dhun” by Ravi Shankar • “Pusherman” by Curtis Mayfield • “Down in the Valley” by The Head and the Heart • “Ain’t No Use in Tryin” by Trampled By Turtles • “Why I Sing the Blues” by B.B. King • “Hello Waimanalo” by Billy Kaui & Country Comfort • “Got That Will” by Lee Moses • “Somebody to Love” by Jefferson Airplane • “Franklin’s Tower” by Grateful Dead • “This Must Be the Place” by Talking Heads

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

I tend to gravitate toward literary fiction, but my bookshelf is also full of beat, alt-lit, philosophy and satire. I don't necessarily have a favorite genre to write, partly because I enjoy combining genres together. Although I used to do a lot of journalistic writing, these days I prefer writing fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

As much as I try to buy one at a time, I already have a few unread books that I’ll be reading as fall turns into winter, including: • The Sarah Book by Scott McClanahan • How Should a Person Be? By Sheila Heti • Ski Bum by Colin Clancy

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but the scenes that take place in Hawaii were my favorite to write.

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

Sure, I have a few. I’ll often put on a goofy outfit that doesn’t match, I’ll wear full-brim hats, and I’ll talk to a tiny Gandalf figurine while I’m writing. I like to think that if I can laugh at myself in the mirror, then I’m in the right mindset to write fiction.

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

I’m always trying to further my Zen practice on a daily basis, but I also live by some goofy mottos that I made up myself. These include mottos like: “You can never stop a woodpecker from pecking wood.” “You won’t get the best parking spot, unless you check to see if it’s available.”

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

Their own interpretation of what it means to be a Zenegade.

Joe Wirth is the author of the new book Zenegades

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Interview with Theophilus Monroe, Author of Double Shift

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Double Shift?

Nicky has to fight against her nature, what she's always been, and learn to accept who she's become. When she has to let go of her past, she finds a more beautiful life now than she ever had before. Cain, on the other hand, has a bloody past. He's striven for centuries to try and atone by doing good, but his murders of ages past continue to haunt him and seem to catch up to him despite his efforts to move past it.

I think both of these books come from a recognition that I've often limited myself because of things that happened in my life in the past. Ultimately, though, there's no reason why what used to be has to define what can be. These are redemption stories coming from two very different perspectives.

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

There's a song by the 90s Alt-Rock band "Live" called "Run to the Water" that fits Nicky's story well. As for Cain, well, "Hungry Like the Wolf" by Duran Duran has to be it.

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

Paranormal / Urban Fantasy -- the action-packed stuff!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid series.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

A lot of the "club" scenes with Nicky were a lot of fun to write. A diva by night, a badass monster hunter by late-night.

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

Nothing too quirky, but I did build my own writing area from scratch. A nice 10 x 16 building separate from my house where I write all my books free of distractions!

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

"Dominating Life!"

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

Your past isn't a prison of the present or future. Both protagonists have gruesome pasts, but they've grown, they've evolved, they've changed. Every day is a clean slate. No matter what mistakes you've made in life, you still have a chance to become who you want to be today!

Theophilus Monroe is the author of the new book Double Shift

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Interview with Robert B. Sloan, Author of Hamelin Stoop

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Hamelin Stoop: The Battle of Parthogen?

I’ve always enjoyed fantasy books and have loved telling stories to my children and grandchildren. So this was an effort to write something that they would enjoy and benefit from. Also, the story of The Pied Piper and The Lost Children is one that always intrigued me as a story that needed a better ending.

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

Detective fiction, but a close second is young adult fantasy.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Secrets of Character by Matt Bird, Voice by James Scott Bell, Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel by Jessica Brody, and The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis (which will be a reread).

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I have an exciting scene in this book where a princess is chased by a shape changer that was a lot of fun to write.

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

I love to write either early in the morning or late at night. I sometimes like to make the room dark, close my eyes, and dictate.

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

I try to live by a Christian worldview.

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

That good triumphs over evil.

Robert B. Sloan is the author of the new book Hamelin Stoop: The Battle of Parthogen

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | November 7

Hold on to the edge of your seat as we hunt for clues and solve the case with these exciting new mystery and thriller books for the week! There are so many bestselling authors with new novels for you to dive into this week including Kathleen Bailey, Michael Lynes, Michael Connelly, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!

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New Romance Books to Read | November 7

Looking to fall in love with some new romance reads? You’ll adore these exciting new novels! This week you can get your hands on books by bestselling authors Rebecca Wood, Melissa Dymond, Jennifer Faye, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!