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Interview with Natalie Wright, Author of Season of the Dragon

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Season of the Dragon?

I first began developing Season of the Dragon in 2016! Inspired by my longtime Feng Shui practice, I wanted to create a magic system that was roughly based on elements coupled with seasons. I noodled on the magic and mythology of the world for several years, but the story was going nowhere. Then, I spent a week in a writing retreat for a completely different story concept with writer, actor, screenwriter, and story consultant, James Bonnet. He kept asking me the question, “Why?” He pushed me to move beyond worldbuilding fun-time and dig deeper. Why does this story need to be told? What relevant question does it answer? My work with James helped me understand the emotional “spine” of a story.

I went back to the drawing board on what would become Season of the Dragon. The essential question I wanted to answer was what happens to a person when they deny their inner truth? I felt this was relevant as so many of us struggle to simply be ourselves. And how better to work through this story question than with a character who literally has two souls! Quen’s battle with her inner self forms the emotional spine of this fantastical, magical journey.

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

I most enjoy reading the kinds of things I want to write—Fantasy and Sci-Fi. I love smart, techno-mystery Sci-Fi, and fantasy with fantastical settings and well-developed magic and myth. Though I love amazing world-building, I lose interest in a story unless the characters and their relationships are well-developed. In my own writing, I’m inspired by Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time, George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire, and N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth series.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Obelisk Gate (Broken Earth #2) by N.K. Jemisin; Fevered Star (Between Earth and Sky #2) by Rebecca Roanhorse; and the Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu.

Of course I have a ton more! But these are the three I'm most looking forward to in the near future.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The drunken, bawdy, tavern scene! After a trying day at work for the band of rogues and mages, it was fun to write a scene that allowed the characters to cut loose. And the scene leads to another of my favorites—one in which the sexual tension between Quen and Aldewin is heating up. Levity and romantic tension—my favorites!

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

My quirky writing habit is why I write with the door closed and the shades drawn. Calm down—it’s not what you’re thinking!

My writing process is, at times, like method acting. To get “into character,” I’ve been known to perform dialogue out loud; walk, dance, or perform hand gestures the way a character in my story would; make faces while looking in a mirror, and other odd things! So, if you see me in a café writing, don’t assume I’m gone off my nut! I’m probably contorting my face to match what my character is going through so I can more effectively write about it.

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

Never give up.

Not long before my mom passed, she gave me a silver book with that saying inscribed on it. I keep it on my writing desk always to remind me.

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

She was always loved. Once you read it, you'll know what I mean.

Natalie Wright is the author of the new book Season of the Dragon

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Interview with Valerie Taylor, Author of What's Not Lost

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write What's Not Lost?

Readers who made Bridget Jones’s Diary popular in the 1990s inspired me to write WHAT’S NOT LOST. Fast forward thirty years, these women and men now want to read stories featuring relatable characters in mature relationships. That’s why, I created fifty-something Kassie O’Callaghan who struggles to balance her professional ambitions with her desire for happily ever after. Much like Bridget Jones, Kassie confronts her yearnings with both honesty and humor.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of What's Not Lost, what would they be?

For something special, I included a playlist in the back of WHAT’S NOT LOST. Readers say they enjoy listening to it as they journey through the story. Several songs could serve as Kassie’s theme song; however, I think as a hopeless romantic, she would pick Till There Was You by The Beatles. Here’s the link to the playlist. Enjoy!

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

Don’t laugh. WHAT’S NOT LOST is classified often as romantic comedy, contemporary romance, or women’s fiction. Yet, my two favorite genres to read are historical fiction and mystery/thriller. Though I read a wide variety, including non-fiction. Imagine that!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

There’s not enough room here to list all the books on my TBR pile right now. So, here are three. The Lincoln Conspiracy by Amor Towles. And There Was Light by Jon Meacham. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie. Good thing I’ll be reading more of Ms. Christie soon, as I’ve started writing a cozy mystery series, and I need all the guidance I can get!

It may look like I only read well-known authors. But that’s not true. I also read a lot of relatively new authors, but it would not be fair to all of them for me to list just a few here. There are incredible writers penning insightful, entertaining, and binge-worthy books these days. I want to read them all.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Hands down, the Prologue in WHAT’S NOT LOST was my favorite scene to write. I’m thrilled that readers universally love it, as well. Which is great, because prologues are often criticized. If I say too much, it’d be a spoiler. What I can say is that in an early draft, the scene was smack in the middle of the book. I woke up with a start one morning, ran downstairs to my manuscript which was spread across my dining room table, pulled out that chapter, and moved it to the front. Then, I rewrote it and made it the Prologue. Best thing I ever did.

I hope you’ll read it to find out why readers seem to agree!

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

All the years I worked as a marketing manager in corporate America, I would take off my rings when I would settle in at the keyboard. Now that I’m retired from that world, I rarely wear rings. Instead, I have to wear earrings. When I get stuck on a scene, I tend to rub them. What’s the deal with that? Do I really think ideas pass through my earlobes?

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

Oh, I have several mottos. For years, I had “Play the Cards You’re Dealt” on a Post-it note on my bathroom mirror. Recently, I learned from my granddaughter, that her mother (my daughter) really hates that saying. I didn’t realize how often I’d repeat it.

I’ve replaced that with something Eleanor Roosevelt said: “Do the thing you think you cannot do.” As an author, it most certainly resonates with me daily. It helps motivate me to keep the writer juices flowing.

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

Early readers (a.k.a. inquiring minds!) have asked, “Who says the last line?” It appears there are varying opinions, which is a good thing! Though WHAT’S NOT LOST is the conclusion to a trilogy, reviewers admit it succeeds as a stand-alone. However, for readers who’d love to know the unabridged backstory of Kassie’s saga, especially her trips to Venice and Paris, please check out WHAT’S NOT SAID and WHAT’S NOT TRUE! In the end, I hope readers know that having them happily ever after is why I write.

Valerie Taylor is the author of the new book What's Not Lost: A Novel

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Interview with L. H. Davis, Author of Alien Apocalypse

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Alien Apocalypse?

Real life.

My grandparents lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so I visited often. I love the people and culture.

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

"We are Family" by Sister Sledge.

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

Define Stephen King's genre (we all know it's not simply horror) and that's my favorite. I enjoy writing in many genres including historical, YA, fantasy, Sci-Fi, and mystery.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

A Sci-Fi book called New Earth.

It's a matter of when not if. Something (black hole, giant asteroid, etc.) will threaten Earth, and we will see it coming many years in advance. Our options are few, and leaving Earth is the only likely scenario where man continues to exist. This book explores that event.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene where they explore the fish camp and meet the young lady, "Willow." When she falls for Bryson, both Kayla and Becke are jealous of her, but they still have her back when the jacker attacks.

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

Sorry, no. I treat it like a job.

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?

No matter how bad things get, life is still good and people can laugh.

L. H. Davis is the author of the new book Alaien Apocalypse

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Interview with D.F. Pieper, Author of Day of the Ancestor

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Day of the Ancestor?

This book was inspired by a lot of readers who said “I’m looking forward to reading the next one in the series.” To which, I replied, “There’s a series?” But seriously, even from the very first reviews that rolled in for Day of the Devourer, readers said they wanted another one. I’m grateful and humbled by it and now here’s the sequel. Mostly it’s inspired by the same things as the first book. You’ll find a lot of nods to sci-fi movies from the eighties in these books… but as one of my beta readers said “but in the best way.”

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

For Rej, it would be something with a driving beat, but that sounds like it’s written by some post-punk burnout. Something like Gamma Ray by Beck.

Astra would want you to see her saluting to a march by John Philip Sousa, but in her room with the lights off, she’d be glooming out to Dido.

Thaddeus would put on a rousing chamber music concerto by Vivaldi and lament how no one appreciates the counterpoint that the recorder provides to the bassoon anymore.

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

No, it’s not necessarily the same. I do love a good sci-fi adventure, but I read in a lot of different unrelated genres. I read horror and paranormal fantasy. I love historical fiction, thrillers, and even mysteries sometimes.

The best songwriters don’t just listen to their own genre and great chefs don’t just eat one cuisine. I think that it's important for creativity to be exposed to a lot of different sources.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Well, the problem is the pile keeps piling up. I have a lot on my plate, so it takes me forever to finish reading a book. I’m switching between two books right now—Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House, and Stephen King’s Fairy Tale. After that I want to get back to Network Effect by Martha Wells.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Any of the scenes on Arídu. It’s a planet where the galaxy throws its junk and the whole economy revolves around reusing and reselling the junk. From the trashkeepers who guard the junklords’ collections, to the scrapnabbers, and finally to an interesting character called the Junkman, that world was a lot of fun to create.

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

I wake up at 5:00 AM to write. It’s the only way I get anything done. As soon as my kids wake up, they’ll want help with the homework they forgot to do the night before. I used to have grand ideas of putting on music that helped me picture the scene, but I keep opening Spotify and then realizing I finished an entire writing sprint and never clicked play. Also, please do not, under any circumstance, tell my cat that he’s part of the routine or I will never get anything done.

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

Yes. People who say “write what you know” don’t use their imaginations enough.

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

Remember to sign up for my newsletter and read the third in the series which I hope to release by the end of this year!

D.F. Pieper is the author of the new book Day of the Ancestor

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Interview with Kiana Hettinger, Author of Corrupted Vows

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Corrupted Vows?

The story behind Corrupted Vows started with the idea of exploring the theme of second chances in a dark and dangerous world. I wanted to write a story that was both gritty and romantic, where two people who were once deeply in love but separated by tragic circumstances were given a chance to reunite and fight for what mattered most to them - their child.

The inspiration for the characters of Caitriona and Gabe came from a desire to create complex, flawed individuals who were struggling with their past and present choices. Caitriona, in particular, was a character I felt a strong connection to as a writer because of the challenges she faced - having to navigate the dangerous world of the mafia while also dealing with the emotional turmoil of reuniting with her ex-lover.

The story of Corrupted Vows is ultimately about the lengths people will go to protect the ones they love, even if it means confronting their own demons and risking everything they hold dear. I hope readers will be captivated by the passion and intensity of Caitriona and Gabe's story and the dark, seductive world of the mafia that surrounds them.

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

Oh, I love this question! Let me see... For Caitriona, I would choose "Control" by Halsey. The song captures her fierce determination to protect her child and the inner strength she possesses.

For Gabe, I think "Believer" by Imagine Dragons would be a fitting theme song. The lyrics speak to his resilience and his willingness to fight for what he believes in, no matter the cost.

And for the two of them together, I would choose "Shallow" by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. It's a song that captures the intense passion and connection between two people who have been through so much together.

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

As an author, I am passionate about exploring a variety of genres both as a reader and writer. While my novel, Corrupted Vows, falls within the dark mafia romance genre, I also enjoy reading and writing in other genres such as contemporary romance, suspense, and fantasy. I find that each genre offers unique opportunities for storytelling and allows me to explore different themes and character dynamics. Ultimately, what matters most to me as a writer is creating compelling characters and stories that resonate with readers, regardless of genre.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Currently, some of the books on my TBR pile include "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides, "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens, "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah, and "The Guest List" by Lucy Foley. I also enjoy reading non-fiction books on a variety of topics, including psychology and history.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write in Corrupted Vows was definitely the final showdown - it was intense, action-packed, and emotionally charged, and it really allowed me to showcase the growth and strength of the characters.

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

I like to have some background noise while writing. It can be anything from classical music to white noise, but I find that it helps me focus and get in the zone. I also have this habit of talking to myself as I write, almost as if I'm explaining the story to someone else. It may sound strange, but it really helps me work through plot points and dialogue.

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

Absolutely! One of my favorite quotes that I live by is "Be the change you wish to see in the world" by Mahatma Gandhi. To me, this quote means that instead of waiting for someone else to make a positive change, we should take action ourselves and be the catalyst for change.

In my writing, this philosophy translates to creating complex characters who are flawed, but ultimately strive to make a difference and do the right thing, even in the face of adversity. I also believe that it's important to write stories that tackle difficult and sometimes uncomfortable topics, such as power dynamics and corruption, in order to spark conversations and promote empathy and understanding. Overall, I believe that as writers, we have the power to inspire change through our words, and it's our responsibility to use that power to create a better world.

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

If there's one thing I want readers to remember after reading Corrupted Vows, it's that even in the darkest of situations, there is always hope for redemption and forgiveness. The main characters in this book have made mistakes and have been through incredibly difficult circumstances, but they never give up on each other and are willing to do whatever it takes to protect their family. Ultimately, their love for each other is what saves them and brings them a happy ending. I hope that readers can take away from this story that no matter how bleak things may seem, there is always a chance for a brighter future.

Kiana Hettinger is the author of the new book Corrupted Vows

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Interview with Caleb Birch, Author of Peril and Splendor

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Peril and Splendor: The Journey to Yragos?

I’ve enjoyed playing video games from a young age, and I’ve always been fascinated by fantasy movies that feature dragons and magic. I wanted to create my own adventure story using mythology and the fantasy elements I love. Readers who are familiar with online role-playing games would recognize many aspects of the story.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Peril and Splendor: The Journey to Yragos, what would they be?

It's My Life by Bon Jovi, and Be Yourself by Audioslave.

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

Yes, I love reading fantasy of all kinds. Terry Pratchett inspires me. I also enjoy philosophical non-fiction works.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, and Immortals’ Requiem by Bobbe Vincent.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The final battle with the dragon at the end.

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

Not really. Just a good cup of coffee and a table.

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

The purpose of life is to experience all things desired.

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

To live in the moment and follow your heart. Listen to your feelings.

Caleb Birch is the author of the new book Peril and Splendor: The Journey to Yragos

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | March 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 H.Y. Hanna, William Landay, Deanna Raybourn, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!

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New Romance Books to Read | March 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 Alice Duke, Carolyn LaRoche, Kiana Hettinger, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!

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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | March 7

Literary fiction readers are in for a treat. This week’s latest releases list is full of intriguing reads you won’t want to miss! The new releases list includes so many bestselling authors like Valerie Taylor, Jenny Jackson, Emilia Hart, and many more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!

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New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books | March 7

Set off on an adventure to new worlds this week! This selection of new science fiction and fantasy books will surely please! Science Fiction fans should be excited about the latest from bestselling authors Laurence Davis, Sam Maggs, Malka Older, and more. If Fantasy is what your library needs, you’ll be able to pick up the latest from Cassandra Boyson, Natalie Wright, Martha Carr, and more. Enjoy your new science fiction and fantasy books. Happy reading!