Blog

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Shadow of the Eagle (The Children of Verus Trilogy Book 1)?

The epic fantasy story that begins with The Shadow of the Eagle was something I’d been working on before The Rephaim books were published. The first book in that earlier series came very close to landing a publishing deal, and when it fell through at the last hurdle, I started playing around with an urban fantasy idea that became Shadows, the first book in The Rephaim series. (I wrote that story just for fun—and, ironically, it’s the one that got picked up by publishers internationally.)

But I never stopped thinking about Tristan and Sabine. A few years ago, I revisited that earlier manuscript and realized I still loved them and the world I’d created. Working with professional editors had made me a much stronger writer, so I thought a quick polish might make it worth sending out again through my agent. What began as a line edit turned into a full-blown structural revision as I expanded the world and mapped out a stronger three-book arc.

The story itself started with the characters of Tristan and Sabine—and how each would cope when they discovered their world wasn’t as simple as they believed, and how that revelation would endanger the people they loved and served.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Shadow of the Eagle (The Children of Verus Trilogy Book 1), what would they be?

Sabine: “I Can’t Make You Understand” – Moga Family Band
Tristan: “Simple Man” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
Rhys: “Shoot to Thrill” – AC/DC
Axl: “Hey Brother” – Avicii

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

My reading tastes are pretty eclectic (see TBR below!), but my go-to genre is always fantasy—especially stories with rich world-building and an engaging romance, even if it’s just a subplot.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Crooked Kingdom – Leigh Bardugo
Nemesis Games – James S.A. Corey
The Anatomy of Songs – Megan White
The Guardians of Dreamdark – Laini Taylor
The Impossible Fortune – Richard Osman

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

It involves a training session between Tristan and Sabine, where he’s teaching her to use a sword properly. They’re training alone for the first time, which heightens the interaction. I love this scene because it ramps up the sexual tension and also uses the action itself to tell the reader more about them. I had help from a Historical European Martial Arts expert to ensure the swordplay in the scene was realistic, particularly given the difference in skill level between the pair.

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

No, I really don’t (although this question has made me wonder if maybe I should?).

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

You never know what’s around the corner—it might be something tough, but it might also be amazing. (In writing, I hold on to Anne Lamott’s gem: “Give yourself permission to write a shitty first draft.”)

Paula Weston is the author of the new book The Shadow of the Eagle (The Children of Verus Trilogy Book 1)

Connect with Paula Weston

Author Site

Facebook

Buy The Book

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Seven Souls of Esmerelda Black?

I started with the logline: To save her sister, Esmerelda isn’t going to sell her own soul to the Devil—she’s going to feed him the souls of others. The story spiraled from there as a twist on the classic Faustian bargain. The seven deadly sins found their way in later, helping to tie the novel together in unexpected ways.

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

Fantasy of all types (romantic, romantasy, dark, epic, historical)- I love them all! And yes, it's my favourite genre to write in.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crows, both by Rachel Gilleg.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The fox hunting scene (spoiler: no foxes were harmed), because I’ve always loved horses and riding. When I was younger, I used to watch hunts set out across the countryside. I’m very much against fox hunting, but the group rides just looked like so much fun.

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

I’m a sporadic writer—sometimes a sentence here, a paragraph there. I also skip around in the novel, writing whatever I feel like at the moment. Writing to a schedule has never worked for me. The downside is that my first drafts are a hot mess, and it takes quite a few rounds to fix them.

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

I'd love for readers to think about how far they would go to save someone they loved.

N K Brown is the author of the new book The Seven Souls of Esmerelda Black

Connect with N K Brown

Author Site

Facebook

Twitter

Buy The Book

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Price of Blood and Joy?

I have always loved vampires, and I wanted to blend this with an alternative dimension.

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

Hells Bells by ACDC.

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

I still love paranormal and romantasy. Right now, I'm reading the series of Throne of Glass by Sara J Maas.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Throne of Glass series, The Ever King by LJ Andrews, and Quicksilver by Callie Hart.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene is when the villain Ari uses glamour to fool Joy.

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

I like to watch paranormal shows when I'm writing.

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

Even in a world of darkness, true love survives.

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

That no matter what happens, you can survive. Drawing on your strength and believing in yourself can help you overcome anything. In all of my books, from my academy stories to my dark mafia series, resilience helps the characters face and rise above every obstacle. When I look back at the dark moments in my own life, I’ve tried to adapt and not let negativity consume me. It’s difficult, but when you make it through, and you will, the feeling of survival is overwhelming, much like when Joy escapes from the queen and Ari’s clutches and rushes into Enzo’s arms.

M Guida is the author of the new book Price of Blood and Joy

Connect with M Guida

Author Site

Facebook

Buy The Book

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

The inspiration behind this novel came from my trilogy, Milijun, and the new worlds and extraordinary characters that inhabit its pages. The three standalone novellas that make up Those Alien Skies follow the incredible— and perhaps a little frightening— events of the Milijun series. Although each story takes place in a different corner of our universe, they are bound together by the principal characters who bring them to life, many of whom first appeared in the Milijun Trilogy. I wanted to offer readers three complete yet interconnected tales of mystery, discovery, and universal wonder—woven together into one cohesive novel.

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

‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra. Perhaps adding ‘with no holds barred’!

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

Almost. I love reading the more thoughtful Science Fiction tales eg: Arthur C Clarke, Peter Cawdron, but I also love mystery and psychological thrillers. Anything that challenges the mind to think beyond the trappings of our daily lives and invites us to ponder what universal existence really means for the human spirit.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

‘Never Flinch’ by Stephen King, and ‘Vanish’ by Shelley Burr.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

That’s a difficult one for an author to answer without giving too much away. I’ll keep it simple, but if I may, I would actually pick two. The first would be when Laura Sinclair, at her new home on Ventur,e is stunned by the attitude of the Type-3 Civilization Krinduti visitors to the human children. Secondly, the haunting moment when Stella Browning inscribes the memorial to Orx, her deceased robotic companion, and the subsequent intervention by the alien Rbuzen.

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

Not really. I do most of my writing in the afternoon [I am not quite awake in the mornings!!]. Then I will edit by hand in a comfortable spot, rework, and then go through again. Only then will I approach a professional editor. I am utterly obsessed with that approach!

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

Never give up. Consider yourself as part of the greater cosmos and act that way. As food for thought, here’s a quote concerning humans from an alien Rbuzen in ‘Milijun’: 'You have your beliefs and your creeds, but you do not know much of it," Rkapth said. "Truly, you only see what you are able to see and weave your theories accordingly.'

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

After finishing this book, I hope readers remember the intimate reflections on survival and belonging. Hopefully, those observations will linger long after the final page. Humans are unique and wonderful creatures—but likely not the zenith of creation. We should remain open to sharing our life journeys and unafraid of what may seem paranormal or beyond our understanding.

Clayton Graham is the author of the new book Those Alien Skies

Connect with Clayton Graham

Author Site

Facebook

Twitter

Buy The Book

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Broken Alliance?

My goal was to explore the blurring line between science fiction and science fact, a reality we see today with AI deeply integrated into every aspect of our lives—from social media to digital tools. While this reliance formed the underlying threat in Broken Alliance, the true heart of the story is human. It's a narrative about human perseverance and, crucially, humanity's responsibility to actively guard our future in a rapidly evolving technological world.

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

Oh, wow. Andre, the Captain, the Tracer who just wants to be an adventurer and live a peaceful life exploring (but can't abandon his found family!)... I'd have to say: Rocketman by Elton John. Kat Mallory, the General, turned begrudging politician. The fighter pilot who just wants to be a good soldier but knows she has to be "more." Going with: I Won't Back Down by Tom Petty. For Bex Tyler, Net-Strider turned Tracer, it's all about finding themself so: Unwritten by Natasha Beddingfield.

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

While I was initially raised on a steady diet of classic science fiction—from Star Trek to Star Wars—my true direction as a writer was solidified by the discovery of Epic Fantasy. Specifically, reading Brandon Sanderson's work was the catalyst that pushed me to write my first book. I was immediately struck by the sheer boldness of his world-building and the masterful nuance behind every character's motivations. That certainty in execution elevated the genre for me. Today, because of that influence, both Science Fiction and Fantasy are on equal footing as my primary inspirations.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. I’m two books in now, just finishing The Great Hunt, with… oh, about 12 more to go? Yikes. I also need to get around to a few others, but that’s the big series I have my sights on at the moment.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Kat's standoff with The Council, for sure. I enjoyed her getting her licks in after she'd taken so much punishment from them as the "Good Soldier." I think her voice really shines through in this book, and I enjoyed every scene I wrote with her. Also, this might be a copout, but I have to be honest... I enjoy all of these characters so much, especially Bex and their story of growth and finding their sense of belonging. So, writing any scene with them was heartfelt.

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

I do the exact opposite of what a dozen people have told me is the "right way" to write a book. I absolutely write and then edit my chapters as I go along. I know, I know... Bad, David, but I find it helps me maintain a consistent tone between starting and stopping, and it also helps me avoid writer's block when I can step back and review what came before.

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

When it comes to writing, absolutely. If I’m ever struggling with how to move forward in my stories, I remember this amazing piece of advice I once got from another writer, and I ask myself: how can I make things harder for my characters?

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

That we’re going to be okay. We live in a world of greed, corruption, political upheaval, and violence—but humanity always finds a way. The human spirit will always prevail, and it’s the people beside you who make it worth fighting for.

David E Graham is the author of the new book Broken Alliance

Connect with David E Graham

Author Site

Facebook

Twitter

Buy The Book

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

This story began as a classroom assignment in grade seven. I am a hoarder of old writing—nothing I ever scribble down is ever tossed away. Years later, I stumbled across these pages and felt there was something there. The characters of Sitnalta and Najort had never really left me, so I set about rewriting and expanding their world into what it is now. At its heart, it’s a coming-of-age story about the choices one makes that can impact others. It’s a story I deeply believe in and feel is still relevant today.

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

I had to ask my daughter for help with this one. See if you can sense a theme. Sitnalta’s song would be "Long Live" by Taylor Swift—full of magic, friendship, and adventure. Supmylo’s song would be "Father Figure" by Taylor Swift, which we feel is self-explanatory. Aud’s song would be "Never Grow Up" by Taylor Swift; her love toward Sitnalta is very motherly, and she wants her to stay safe and protected. Najort’s song would be "It’s Nice to Have a Friend" by Taylor Swift, as Sitnalta shows him that he’s worthy of friendship and is so much more than what the world sees him as.

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

I love reading Fantasy. My favourite authors in the genre are Charles De Lint and Rick Riordan. I read all of Riordan's books with my kids. This is also my favourite genre to write in. I love the freedom fantasy can give me as a writer (provided I stick to the rules I created for the worlds I make).

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My daughter and I share books. Right now, she’s handed me a copy of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, and I’m looking forward to starting it. But I’m especially excited to check out It’s Not a Cult by Joey Batey. I’m a huge fan of his band, The Amazing Devil, and the book’s synopsis seems right up my alley.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Honestly, I loved writing the Epilogue. It's such a short little scene, but I was so gleeful writing it since it sets up everything that's to come in Sitnalta's world. There's this great little twist that I can't get into (spoilers) that I was so happy about.

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

I tend to do so much of my writing for my novels in pen. I have so many projects strewn about over many notebooks, and (in the case of Sitnalta) a couple of Denny's placemats. It's only after I feel I've written enough that I start to transcribe it onto the computer.

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

Don't ever sell yourself short. It took me a while to get to this point, but your ideas, who you are as a person, all have value. Don't ever let anyone take that feeling of self-worth away.

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

Sitnalta teaches us that everyone has choices, and these choices have the ability to affect change and make the world a better place.

Alisse Lee Goldenberg is the author of the new book Sitnalta

Connect with Alisse Lee Goldenberg

Author Site

Facebook

Buy The Book