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Interview with Andy Southall, Author of Brightest Star

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Brightest Star?

In recent times we’ve lived through some turbulent leaders. I wondered how our current crop of politicians would fare in a Sci-Fi setting and in outer space. This book and the ones that follow are the results.

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

Chadwick would be something about never giving up - I Will Survive. Frimp would be about revenge - Don’t Get Mad, Get Even. And Bee something lively and about traveling - Hit the Road Jack.

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

Science-Fiction is up there, so I also enjoy writing Science-Fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Pale Blue Dot by Carl Sagan, The Wandering Earth by Liu Cixin, and Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marion James.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I loved writing some of the Frimp scenes: his first speech in front of the Assumptors, his bike ride across Java, his adventures on Shield. Somehow - unintentionally - he finishes up with the best settings.

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

I write first drafts in longhand using a propelling pencil,

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

The more you read, the better you write. And a quote by Confucius: “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

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

I can’t. Every reader will take something different away from a book, and my job as a writer is to leave enough space in a story for the reader to insert their own interpretation and thoughts.

 

Andy Southall is the author of the new book Brightest Star

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Interview with Deanna Lynn Sletten, Author of The Secrets We Carry

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Secrets We Carry?

While The Secrets We Carry is fiction, it was inspired by my great-grandmother’s early life. As a teenager, she and a friend came over from Finland to Portland, Oregon, sometime around 1913. I have multiple pictures and postcard photos of her from that time period and even a postcard sent to her in 1915 with an address in Portland on it.

I knew my great-grandmother until I was seven years old, and only after she passed did anyone learn about how she came to this country at such a young age. She never spoke of her youth in Finland or of her teen years in Portland. We know she became a travel companion for an elderly woman and traveled to New York State, where she met her husband. That was all we knew.

All these years later, I studied the pictures and facts I knew and created a story around them which became this novel. I’m not saying that anything that happens to Sofiya in the book happened to my great-grandmother. She was only the inspiration.

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

I read a lot of historical fiction, but I also enjoy reading biographies, autobiographies, and true stories about famous or historical people. I actually read many different genres. My favorite authors are Alice Hoffman, Paula Brackston, Stephen King, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Truman Capote, and so many others.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Too many to mention. I have two thick books on the trial of Lizzie Borden that I hope to one day get through. A memoir by Agatha Christie. Two books I picked up on vacation last year titled, The Life and Death of Kid Curry and Haunted Utah. And so many more on my Kindle.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The final letter Sofiya writes where she finally gives up her secret. It not only brings closure to her family but also to the reader.

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

Nothing too quirky. My favorite time to write is after ten o’clock at night when it’s dark out and the house is quiet. I do write in the day, too, but I prefer nighttime.

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

That it’s important to remember those who came before us and the struggles that may have paved the way for you today.

 

Deanna Lynn Sletten is the author of the new book The Secrets We Carry

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Interview with Emily Silver, Author of Roughing The Kicker

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

I am a football fanatic! The Colts are my team and I absolutely love them! It absolutely inspired this series when it came time to write, so this book, and series, was born out of my love for football.

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

I had This is Us by Jimmie Allen and Noah Cyrus on REPEAT while writing this book! I heard it while writing this book, and it was so perfect for Jackson and Tenley that it is their song!

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

Contemporary romance is my favorite, and it’s the same as my favorite to write in! I’m a sucker for a HEA!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I cannot wait to read A New King by Maria Luis!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I loved writing the pumpkin patch scene. It was so fun and light-hearted, and it made me so happy!

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

I have to have a movie on for background noise, so I love watching old animated movies while writing. It helps keep me focused!

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

Say yes to new adventures!

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

I hope my love of football shines through and it makes them fall in love with the Mountain Lions!

 

Emily Silver is the author of the new book Roughing The Kicker

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | July 19

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, Brad Thor, George Dawes Green, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!



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New Romance Books to Read | July 19

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 Emily Silver, J.P. Comeau, Katherine Center, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!



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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | July 19

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 Nathan Pettijohn, Deanna Lynn Sletten, Liska Jacobs, and many more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!



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New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books | July 19

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 Carol T. Luna, Andy Southall, Raven Gulley, and more. If Fantasy is what your library needs, you’ll be able to pick up the latest from Auburn Tempest, Michael Anderle, Theo Clare, and more. Enjoy your new science fiction and fantasy books. Happy reading!


Science Fiction


Fantasy


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New Young Adult Books to Read | July 19

Are you an avid reader of Young Adult books? This week you are in luck! With all of these new novels, you’re bound to find a new favorite book to add to your reading list. This week includes new novels from bestselling authors F.C. Yee, Lexi Ryan, TJ Klune, and many more. Enjoy your new young adult books. Happy reading!



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New Biography and Memoir Books to Read | July 19

Looking for some new biography and memoir books for your library? There are so many new releases this week that you’re bound to find a new favorite. You can pick up new books from Jenna Fischer, Paul Pringle, Lis Smith, and many more. Enjoy your new biography and memoir books. Happy reading!



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New Science Fiction & Fantasy Books to Read | July 2022

New Science Fiction & Fantasy Books to Read | July 2022

Have you been searching for some exciting new sci-fi and fantasy reads? You’ll be able to explore fantastic new worlds with these amazing new releases from bestselling authors Stavros Saristavros, Alyssia Wiggins, Jamie Davis & Michael Anderle, Jessie Mihalik, Jim Butcher, and M.R. Forbes. Happy reading!



The Tome of Syyx (The Fateful Force Book 1)

by Stavros Saristavros

Release Date: April 6, 2022

The Tome of Syyx is an epic tale of heroes, villains, and common enemies. Tasked with helping secure the future of the town of Sanctuary, four young adventurers soon discover that armies of orcs and hobgoblins are far from the only threats to peace on the frontier. Ancient evils stir. Deals must be brokered. But can everyone be trusted?

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My Family Grimoire

by Alyssia Wiggins

Release Date: May 4, 2022

It's not enough to have her heart ripped out by the loss of her best friend and grandmother, but to be the sole protector of the family grimoire with immense power is an emotion beyond all others. Lucky for her, she has the guidance of a snarky familiar. While taking on things she only imagined possible in fairy tales.

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Marshal The Stars (Lone Wolf Squadron Book 1)

by Jamie Davis & Michael Anderle

Release Date: June 10, 2022

Fighter pilot Beau Ward was always willing to bend the rules to get the job done. His “independent” attitude got him bounced around the Federation Fleet for years—until he took it too far. A long-standing debt has been called in, and he’s the one who must pay it back.

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Eclipse the Moon

by Jessie Mihalik

Release Date: July 12, 2022

Acclaimed author Jessie Mihalik returns with an exciting new novel about a rainbow-haired female bounty hunter tasked with preventing an interstellar war.

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The Law: A Dresden Files Novella

by Jim Butcher

Release Date: July 5, 2022

From the number one New York Times bestselling Dresden Files series, a forthcoming novella that thrusts Chicago’s only professional Wizard, Harry Dresden, back into battle–both a legal one... and the kind with explosions.

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Candy Bomb (Starship for Sale Book 4)

by M.R. Forbes

Release Date: July 11, 2022

The adventure of a lifetime continues in the fourth book in the #1 sci-fi bestselling Starship For Sale series. If you like found starships, unlikely heroes, and intergalactic mayhem, you’ll love Starship For Sale.

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