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Interview with Gregory D. Little, Author of Unwilling Souls

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Unwilling Souls?

I was really captivated by a few ideas I thought of separately but wove into a single setting for a short story: a world where the gods had tried to exterminate humanity and had summoned up great beasts to trample the human cities flat. But both the gods and their beasts had been beaten, the gods imprisoned inside the hollowed-out center of the planet and the beasts reduced to bones that a triumphant humanity used to rebuild civilization. In the short story, two star-crossed-lover teenagers decide they are going to sneak down to the gods’ prison to see what all the fuss is about. Very bad things ensue.

I loved the story on its own, but it got me thinking. What if this pair wound up having a child together? What if all the trouble the parents caused was left to their daughter to fix? Ses, the protagonist of Unwilling Souls, is that daughter.

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

Imagine Dragons was taking off when I first was working on this series. The song "Nothing Left to Say" off their first album always makes me think of Ses, though I'm not certain why.

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

I read more widely than what I write, but my favorite books do tend to fall within the sci-fi/fantasy/horror umbrella. That’s how I stay excited for my projects: I write the kinds of books I most like to read.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Too many to name! I’m still behind on Adrian Tchaikovsky and Tamsyn Muir, two of my favorites.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Since this is a full series, I’m going to cheat and pick more than one. Then I’m going to double-cheat and pick them both from the final book, Unfinished Dead. The book has two climaxes.

One I think of as the mystery climax, where I finally reveal to readers why this world is the way it is. It was immensely satisfying to finally put it all down on the page!

The other climax is of the plot and action, which I’d had in mind since the first book. Some of the details had changed, of course, but the overall concept hadn’t. It was very gratifying to finally arrive and see that it actually did work just as I hoped it would.

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

I like to pick music that evokes the kind of book or scene I’m working on and then put it on repeat to try and get into a flow state, but I don’t know how odd that is. My books are sometimes odd, but I guess my writing habits are not!

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

You have to acknowledge your weaknesses before you can work on them.

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

There's nothing I love more when I read a story than feeling a sense of awe and wonder in the discovery of possibilities I'd never considered. My hope is that readers will feel the same about my books and remember it.

And that The Dying World, Book 2 of my sci-fi series Mutagen Deception, comes out on April 25th 😉

Gregory D. Little is the author of the new book Unwilling Souls: The Complete Series

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Interview with Lexxi James, Author of SINS: The Debt

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write SINS: The Debt?

In the earlier books in the series, Smoke D'Angelo is a ruthless mafia kingpin. Between the disappearance of his father and the brutal attack of his sister, he gave up everything to protect his family--even his humanity. I wanted Smoke to have a second chance at love.

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

"Lovely" Billie Eilish and Khalid.

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

I read what I write. I spend every spare moment devouring romantic suspense, military romance, and billionaire romance.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

"My Dark Romeo" by Parker S. Huntington & LJ Shen and "Brutal Billionaire" by Laurelin Paige.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

So many to choose from. Tia realizing Smoke is right behind the bathroom door... showering.

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

This go around was all about the candles. This month is one I found in an amazing coffee shop. It's called Blackberry Arugula by 1820 House Candle Company.

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

"Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time." –Maya Angelou

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

Believe in love. Always.

Lexxi James is the author of the new book SINS: The Debt

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Interview with K.T. Blakemore, Author of The Good Time Girls

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Good Time Girls?

I wanted to write a book about strong women in the West who are survivors. Women who take no prisoners and succeed through sheer grit, determination, and a parcel of luck. So many tropes are written about the West: the stoic pioneer woman, the painted lady with a heart of gold, the sheriff’s come to save the day, the Butch Cassidy type gangs…why not add in two smart-mouthed ex-dancehall girls who live on the outskirts of society and barely within the law?

I also wanted to write a book with a sense of humor. My mother told me there isn’t enough humor in the world, and it might be good to give some back to it. I had been writing a series of historical thrillers (as Kim Taylor Blakemore), and I thought I, too, needed a good strong dose of humor.

When I’m on to an idea – in this case I started with a title that came from the blue, “The Meteoric Rise & Fall of Emily Duluth as Told by Her Rival, Pip Quinn” – I become a voracious reader and researcher. I had no idea who these characters were, but I knew they had to be dancehall girls or actresses of some kind. Here’s a few of the books I read about women of the west: Desperate Women, Wicked Women, The Bedside Book of Bad Girls, A Dynasty of Western Outlaws, Daughters of the West. I met with historians at historical societies in Arizona and took in the wild landscape. The early writing took place during the height of Covid – Google Maps and internet research too precedence. I was hooked.

The very first official scene was written in a workshop. We had to write for seven minutes and use three words: tease, spider, and corner. Pip Quinn strutted into Ruby Calhoun’s cigar shop, and the story was off and running.

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

Ruby would love The Maple Leaf Rag, and Pip would love Wayfaring Stranger.

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

I love historical fiction, particularly stories based in America. Sometimes I go on kicks, like cozy mysteries or psychological thrillers or non-fiction (SALT: A World History by Mark Kurlansky is one of my favorites).

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Jane Fury by James Robert Daniels, The Art of the Con by R. Paul Wilson, and Devil Up by TR Pearson.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I particularly love an early train scene that features Endicott Lee and his sister Erline, who are travelling to their Aunt and Uncle’s farm. They both help and hinder Ruby at the beginning of her quest, and make me laugh.

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

I am sure I do, but they’re just habits to me. I meticulously write the daily word count I should achieve for the week and meticulously erase it at the end of the week and write in the real, and not nearly as ambitious, word count.

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

I am fond of the Cowboy Blessing: Talk Less, Say More. Live Each Day with Honesty and Courage. Keep Promises. Be Tough But Fair. Stand Up for What is Right.

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

I'd like them to remember that, like Pip and Ruby, the key to success is picking yourself up from a fall, brushing yourself off, and hitting the road again.

K.T. Blakemore is the author of the new book The Good Time Girls

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Interview with Sadie Kincaid, Author of Dante

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

I love writing about ruthless Mafia men who would burn down the world for the women they love, and Dante encompasses this more than any other MC I've written. He is cruel and dangerous, but when he meets Kat Evanson, he falls hard and fast. Their story was so much fun to write and they both have a few secrets which I hope are going to throw the readers. I can't wait to hear what people think of them.

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

At Last by Etta James.

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

I love all romance but dark mafia is my favorite to read and write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Soooo many. There are too many amazing books out there and I'm a definite mood reader. I'm really looking forward to reading Their Broken Legend by Nicci Harris which is out in a few weeks.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Without giving too much away, there is a scene after Kat has to confront her past trauma and that was by far my favorite.

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

No, none at all. I'm fairly boring.

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

Don't look back and regret the chances you weren't brave enough to take.

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

That people aren't always what they seem...

Sadie Kincaid is the author of the new book Dante

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Interview with Kelly Finley, Author of All For Him

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write All For Him?

I was inspired to do a steamy Cinderella retelling. A dark tale with a scandalous prince, but this time, the rebellious princess saves herself.

I was also inspired by my trips to the Lowcountry and the indigo artists I've seen working there. Indigo has a complicated history in the South and I wove that theme into the story as well.

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

I create playlists for all my books. The ALL FOR HIM playlist can be found on Spotify.

My song for Silas, the MC would be "Just Say Something" by Nathan Ball. That song started this book. For Eily, the FMC, her theme song is "Cinderella's Dead" by EMELINE. There are honestly so many songs that inspired this story. Enjoy!

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

I read what I love to write—contemporary romance with suspense. After decades of reading non-fiction and academic texts, I crave the escape and stories. I'm always so impressed with the sultry worlds authors can create for us.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Highest Bidder by Sara Cate; Dirty Truths by Brittanee Nicole; Until I Get You by Claire Contreras

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

You're going to make me pick? If I have to, it's the meet-cute with Silas and Eily. She's a klutzy, funny artist with a mouth she can't control and he's a sexy, confident man who loves it. He's absolutely smitten and has no idea that she's been in love with him for years. That he was the prince who saved her when she was a girl.

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

I prefer to write very early in the morning. I drink coffee then green tea and write until lunch time. I try to protect that time and shut the world out, even my phone.

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

"Just keep writing." I think of Dori in "Finding Nemo."

I used to say it too my daughter when she'd get discouraged and now I say it myself when all else fails. I just keep writing.

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

I started writing contemporary romance because I wanted to read the kind of FMCs I wish there were more of—women who save themselves. They have passionate love in their lives, but above all, they love themselves. I also like writing strong men who aren't afraid to love, who celebrate strong women.

Kelly Finley is the author of the new book All For Him

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Interview with Baer Charlton, Author of A Skeleton in Bone Creek

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write A Skeleton in Bone Creek?

The series centering on Nash, being a First Nation female, came from my growing up two blocks from Paiute Reservation land in the tiny town of Bishop, California. Her being FBI and attached to the Special Operation as a Special Investigator allowed a wider map to be her jurisdiction, or even to travel to countries outside her jurisdiction.

Growing up in a small town inspired this first book in the series, A Skeleton in Bone Creek. The skeletons aren’t always in a creek or buried, and usually don’t stay quietly in people’s closets. As much as the skeletons are about the dead, they are a metaphor for the less than pretty of a town. They also represent the core of our being, and in Nash’s case, her internal conflict with her mystically seeing things the way her mother had.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of A Skeleton in Bone Creek, what would they be?

The theme song from Jaws is somehow fitting.

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

Mystery Thriller with international overtones is probably the broad paintbrush of what is on my TBR pile.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Currently, they are text books. The top five are structures for writing, and also writing screen plays.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Probably the series of small scene parts dealing with Nash getting comfortable with the dog, Powder. The dog's rejection of her using her sister's cheap shampoo is pivotal to Nash's accepting her heritage and who she is.

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

My computer is in our basement. There is a single desk light turned away from me, so essentially I'm writing in the dark. My wife refers to it as the Baer Cave.

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

Inside every person, there is a story. But inside that story is a story of how that story came to be. That story within a story, is the more fascinating story to tell.

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

How to order the next book.

But seriously, I don't get to choose what readers get from my books. I have readers who point out information, character points, or wisdoms from books I wrote ten years ago. Stuff I thought was throw-away, and yet, it was the piece they found to be the take-away. But for me, it is that the diversity I write is the diversity that surrounds us; in people, as well as animals.

Baer Charlton is the author of the new book A Skeleton in Bone Creek

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | April 4

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 Ken Tentarelli, Baer Charlton, Sally Hepworth, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!

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New Romance Books to Read | April 4

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 M.R. Noble, Sadie Kincaid, Kelly Finley, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!

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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | April 4

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 Zeb Beck, K.T. Blakemore, Kate Morton, and many more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!

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New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books | April 4

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 Beth Martin, Mark Lavine, Michelle Min Sterling, and more. If Fantasy is what your library needs, you’ll be able to pick up the latest from Gregory Little, Renée Jaggér, Hester Fox, and more. Enjoy your new science fiction and fantasy books. Happy reading!