Blog

Sign up for our email and we’ll send you the best new books in your favorite genres weekly.

Interview with Allyson Lindt, Author of The Layover

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

I have a contemporary book world with so many interconnected characters, and sometimes side characters just scream for their own book. That was Carly. She was the BFF who wasn't afraid to speak her mind and who was happily single, so of course I had to give her her own story.

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

Carly would be Raspberry Beret. Raul and Diego... anything sweet and tender and really sexy. Like Seal's Kiss from a Rose.

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

I love so many genres, but my absolute favorites are contemporary anything--romance, fiction, fantasy--and urban fantasy. I love to write the same things I love to read, though I probably read a lot more urban fantasy than I write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I'm just diving into Twilight Heist by Katherine McIntyre, and Good Girl Fail by Roni Loren. I've been looking forward to both for a while.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I think the fake wedding scene, where Raul and Diego's little girl Ellie 'marries' her daddies to Carly in the old church they're turning into a restaurant. It was so much fun and such an adorable scene.

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

I really like to go to coffee shops to write. I have a few that I rotate through, and I prefer to be there early in the morning. A large coffee and a blueberry muffin and I'm set for words for a few hours.

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

Always be willing to adapt.

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

I always hope readers will remember my characters. That living my characters' lives with them for the hours it took to read the book will leave the kind of impression on a reader that leaves them thinking for a long time when the book is over.

Allyson Lindt is the author of the new book The Layover

Connect with Allyson Lindt

Sign up for our email and we’ll send you the best new books in your favorite genres weekly.

Interview with T.W. Malpass, Author of Layers of Darkness

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Layers of Darkness?

I had just come off writing three books in a series. I needed a break from it, and I was considering a standalone novel or a story collection. I decided on the horror anthology I had planned. It includes new stories and other projects I have left on the back-burner for some time.

I find writing short stories/novellas quite liberating. Moving from one story to the next reasonably quickly seems to free up my creativity in a different way than writing a novel or part of a series. There were lots of themes I haven’t had a chance to explore before, such as existential dread, and this collection gave me the opportunity to do so.

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

Music did play an important part in the writing of this anthology. In the story RIPE there was a particular piece of music called Return of the Dark Lord by composer Peter Gundry, which I had in my head to play over specific scenes. There was also a song from 1937 called With My Little Stick of Blackpool Rock that actually featured in the story DREAM TOWN.

I often use music when writing. It has a significant influence on my creative process.

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

I do tend to read a lot of horror because it’s the genre that speaks to me most, but I sometimes read non-fiction, true crime. It can help with my writing, certainly when it comes to better understanding human psychology.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Tony and Susan by Austin Wright. I've also heard some good things about The Institute by Stephen King.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I think the final scene of the story OLD CRONE was the most enjoyable to write. I can’t say too much without spoiling it, but it is a macabrely satisfying end and fitting for something that was inspired by Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

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

Ha! I tend to be quite method when I’m writing. One of the lead characters in the Fallen Gods Saga was blind, and I spent days trying to perform simple tasks in the house wearing a blindfold in the hope of getting a better understanding what it was like to experience the world when you can’t see it.

I also locked myself in the boot/trunk of a car once. Don’t ask!

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

Never censor yourself during your first draft.

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

With my current anthology, I’m hoping readers can see the range of stories I am able to tell and the various themes explored within them. I really try to use horror as a vessel to explore the human condition because I believe that should always be the motivation behind any narrative.

T.W. Malpass is the author of the new book Layers of Darkness: Six Twisted Tales of Horror and Psychological Torment

Connect with T.W. Malpass

Sign up for our email and we’ll send you the best new books in your favorite genres weekly.

Interview with Paula Adler, Author of Make A Wish

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Make A Wish: A Welcome To Beck Creek Novel?

I love writing small town Texas romances. I call this Small town - Southern - Semi-sweet! My books aren't super spicy, but they aren't cutesy, either. I like my characters to have a little life behind them, making them a little wiser and just a little jaded. It makes finding love all the sweeter.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Make A Wish: A Welcome To Beck Creek Novel, what would they be?

I’d Like To Be Your Last by Clay Walker – “I don’t care if I’m your first love, but I’d love to be your last.”

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

I don't tend to read in my genre while I'm writing, but I always go back to it! I love anything with dragons... which I'll write someday!! I love literary fiction. I love Women's Fiction (which I write); I love romance. Basically, I read everything except horror!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

A Bullet at the BBQ – SL CalderThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid Last Dance on The Starlight Pier by Sarah Bird The School Mistress of Emerson Pass – Tess Thompson Lots of craft books.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Ryder and Kenzie dancing!

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

Coffee!... except that's probably not quirky!

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

I choose to be happy.

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

There's no time limit on love.

Paula Adler is the author of the new book Make A Wish: A Welcome To Beck Creek Novel

Connect with Paula Adler

Sign up for our email and we’ll send you the best new books in your favorite genres weekly.

Interview with Robert Horton, Author of Dr. Connie Smythe

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Dr. Connie Smythe?

I have always wanted to write a book that will be both informative and entertaining. There are messages in the book that I hope people get while reading and enjoying the book.

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

Mystery and History. They are not the same as I write, but I do incorporate them into my writing in a fun way.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Clive Cussler.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Meeting of the families for the first time.

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

If in need ask for help.

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

There is hope in all things even when it seems the darkest, you will get through it.

Robert Horton is the author of the new book Dr. Connie Smythe

Connect with Robert Horton

Sign up for our email and we’ll send you the best new books in your favorite genres weekly.

Interview with John Etterlee, Author of Blood Red

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Blood Red?

The current conflict in Ukraine inspired me to write the book. I thought it would be an interesting story to include a top secret team (which may or may not be true) working with Ukraine behind the scenes to keep Russia from expanding and infringing on sovereign nations.

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

I think I would have to go with Blow Me Away by Breaking Benjamin. It’s such a powerful song that seems like it would be the perfect theme song for war and Rob Walker.

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

It certainly is. My favorite genre is, by far thriller books.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Currently I am working on Armored by Mark Greaney, Rising Tiger by Brad Thor, and Rouge Asset by Andrews & Wilson. But the amount I've been writing lately leaves little time to read.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene would probably be the explosion in Poland. I don’t want to give it away for those who haven’t read it yet. But I think it added a nice plot-twist to the book.

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

Well, I always have a hot cup of coffee from my Keurig and a couple Sphynx cats laying around me in my office. They are basically my mascots. I have photos of them jumping onto my desk and giving me face rubs.

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

Yes, I do. It is actually a poem written by Marianne Williamson called, “Our deepest Fear“ If anyone reading this has never read the poem I encourage them to give it a Google. It’s very good life advice!

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

It would be that the books I write are written from military experience. I try to be as real as I possibly can with locations, gear, equipment, etc...

John Etterlee is the author of the new book Blood Red

Connect with John Etterlee

Sign up for our email and we’ll send you the best new books in your favorite genres weekly.

Interview with Measha Stone, Author of Ravaged Innocence

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Ravaged Innocence?

Luka appeared as a small secondary character in Ruined Innocence and he was so much fun, he needed to tell his story. He's overbearingly protective and immediately feels protective over Avery. He deserved a shot at finding love with her.

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

Romance and Thrillers are equally amazing reads. I write romance, but would love to play with a Thriller one day.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

This Girl by Colleen Hoover, Bachelor Beast by Pam Goodwin, and There are No Saints by Sophie Lark are the top three on my list.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There's a scene where Luka is at the bar she works at because he's not willing to let her out of his sight even when she's working, and she serves him a horrible beer. He drinks it, because he doesn't want her to know how horrible her taste in beer is.

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

I need to write in the dark. My best writing time is at night, but it's not enough to have it dark outside. The only light in the room comes from my computer monitor.

Measha Stone is the author of the new book Ravaged Innocence

Connect with Measha Stone

Sign up for our email and we’ll send you the best new books in your favorite genres weekly.

Interview with T.W. Pearce, Author of Forbitten Fae

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Forbitten Fae?

Well, I love vampire stories, and I've also always been intrigued by the mystical world of the forest fae. We all know that opposites attract, and you cannot get much more divided than a vampire, who is the walking dead, and a healing fae, who brings life wherever she goes. My imagination ran with the idea, and Forbitten Fae was born!

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

Definitely urban fantasy paranormal! Yes, it is the same as my favorite genre to write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I'm currently reading all the Sarah J. Mass books. She is incredible!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

That's a tough one. I think it would be the scene where Adrian is reminiscing about when he first truly fell for Moira (unbeknownst to even him). It was when she was healing a young child who had been attacked by a rogue vampire and she accidentally pushed some of her magic into Adrian. I won't say more because of spoilers, but that moment was extremely moving.

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

Lol. I have 2 dogs and two cats, and it seems I'm never writing alone! I always have some sort of creature nearby! In the warmer weather, I love taking a camp chair to the ranch where I board my 3 horses. I sit and watch them graze as I write on my laptop.

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

The Golden Rule! Treat others as you wish to be treated!

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

Remember that this is a series and to go get the next book! Lol!

Seriously though, please remember that a lot of time, effort, energy and money - not to mention sleepless nights, fear, worry, angst, doubt, etc. - all go into writing a book. Please be kind when reading and reviewing (and yes, reviews are TREMENDOUSLY helpful).

T.W. Pearce is the author of the new book Forbitten Fae

Connect with T.W. Pearce

Sign up for our email and we’ll send you the best new books in your favorite genres weekly.

Interview with Theophilus Monroe, Author of The Vilokan Asylum of the Magically and Mentally Deranged Omnibus

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Vilokan Asylum of the Magically and Mentally Deranged Omnibus?

I first developed the character of Dr. Cain in my book "Bloody Mad." In that book, Mercy Brown (a vampire) is committed to an asylum for supernatural creatures. Cain is her doctor. He appears again in The Legend of Nyx series in my book "Bat Shift Crazy."

A while back I sent my readers a poll. I asked them which of my "secondary characters" they'd like to see as the heroes of their own series. Cain won the poll by a landslide. I hadn't planned on writing a series featuring Cain before I sent that poll, but I could see why my readers wanted it. I couldn't think of a better story-telling vehicle than an asylum that treats supernatural creatures and magically-endowed persons. It was the perfect recipe for mayhem!

Before I knew it, the series had grown into nine books. Now, I'm offering all nine stories in one omnibus. I hope you'll enjoy it!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Vilokan Asylum of the Magically and Mentally Deranged Omnibus, what would they be?

"Hungry Like the Wolf," by Duran Duran. Since Cain's curse is that he's also a werewolf, it fits.

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

I read pretty much every sub-genre of fantasy. I probably read more epic/high fantasies than urban fantasies, but I do write both and enjoy them equally for different reasons. What I love about urban fantasy is the ability to bring real-world locations, situations, and history into a magical universe that allows us to approach the world we all live in through a different lens.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Brandon Sanderson's latest installment from the Stormlight Archive is sitting on my shelf waiting for me right now!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

In a universe where necromancy exists, a lot of characters from Cain's past return looking for vengeance. Some of them include the Witch of Endor and his brother, Able. Some of the scenes where he and his brother reconcile are especially powerful.

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

It's not so quirky, but I drink a lot of coffee while I write. I have a mug that my wife bought me a couple years ago that I always use. It says, "It may look like I'm listening to you, but in my head, I'm writing my novel." Guilty as charged. When I'm not writing, my mind often takes me back into my story. Some of the best twists and turns in my stories came to me while I was doing something other than writing.

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

“We cannot build the future by avenging the past... It is generally the trustful and optimistic people who can afford to retreat. The loveless and faithless ones are compelled by their pessimism to attack." ― T.H. White, The Once and Future King

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

Redemption is possible for everyone. No matter what mistakes you've made in the past, no matter how grievous they might be, you still have a chance to do the right thing today and tomorrow. We don't have to be defined by our past. Instead, it's the choices we make now that determine who we are.

Theophilus Monroe is the author of the new book The Vilokan Asylum of the Magically and Mentally Deranged Omnibus

Connect with Theophilus Monroe