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Interview with Laurel Slyck, Author of Did Anyone Tell You This Was Going to Be Easy?

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Did Anyone Tell You This Was Going to Be Easy??

I started writing this as a legacy to leave behind; it was to be something that my kids and family could read to know my whole story. The more I got into writing it though, the more I realized that the message was broader and the more I began to think that others could benefit from reading about my resilience.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Did Anyone Tell You This Was Going to Be Easy?, what would they be?

The Rocky theme song!

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

I like to read good fiction set internationally and I like to read memoirs too. My favorite genre to write so far has been memoirs, but I also like writing other non-fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Bravey by Alexi Pappas and The Secret Keeper of Jaipur by Alka Joshi are at the top of my pile at the moment.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There were a few top scenes. I'd have to say, the Scout Mountain scene at the end of the book felt the best to write.

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

I sometimes stop midway through a run to write a thought that I don't want to miss. I use the Notes feature of my phone so I don't have to carry paper around!

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

One foot in front of the other.

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

We all have the power to change our own circumstances.

Laurel Slyck is the author of the new book Did Anyone Tell You This Was Going to Be Easy?

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Interview with Derrick Smythe, Author of To Wield a Plague

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write To Wield a Plague (Passage to Dawn)?

To Wield a Plague was inspired, at least in part, by my readers. Dwapek, the main protagonist in To Wield a Plague, plays a small yet memorable role in my Passage to Dawn series. Because readers really connected with him, and he’s one of my personal favorites, I began brainstorming which story might be best to develop and write for him.

Meanwhile, I wanted this to be something readers with no prior knowledge of the series could also enjoy, so it made sense to do a back story to introduce Dwapek’s homeland, and the events that helped shape him into the ill-tempered, eccentric halfling readers meet in The Other Magic. I already had much of his backstory written in my notes, but they needed to be expanded, adjusted, and fine-tuned in several places.

Lastly, I wished to introduce a plot element that will play a role later in the main series, something to reward my loyal readers with a few Easter eggs.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of To Wield a Plague (Passage to Dawn), what would they be?

Oh I don’t know, maybe House of the Rising Sun? There are not brothels in this story, but the tone of the song fits this story and the main protagonist well enough.

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

Definitely epic fantasy. I occasionally read historical non-fiction, suspense, or mystery, but epic fantasy, like my writing, is where I find the most joy.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR currently consists of Phoenix Rising by JA Andrews, A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie, The Black Book by Edward W. Robertson, and I’m currently alternating between two books depending on my mood, A Prince’s Errand by the father and son team of Dan and Robert Zangari and The New Tsar by Steven Lee Myers. They are both fantastic, though in different ways.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write would probably be a flashback early in the story, when Dwapek meets a mysterious roving merchant. His innocent naivety at the beginning of the scene comes to a screeching halt, creating a contrast of emotion that foreshadows the challenges to come.

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

If waking up in the wee hours of morning to write undisturbed in a household of three children under the age of five is quirky, then yes.

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

I hope readers are reminded in the power of free will and compassion, no matter the circumstances.

Derrick Smythe is the author of the new book To Wield a Plague (Passage to Dawn)

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Interview with Neil Turner, Author of Scared Silent

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Scared Silent?

Let’s get this out of the way first: I’m a hopeless sucker for underdogs. My novels tend to grow out of juxtapositions of stories and bits of information that stick with me, so I can’t recall exactly how Scared Silent developed in my mind (and believe me, one doesn’t want to examine the inner workings of my mind too closely!).

My stories are built around people caught up in terrible situations, and the desperate circumstances of seemingly disposable people were on my mind as I wrote Scared Silent. The novel is something of a cautionary tale about the cost of not supporting youth who are cast adrift without a healthy support system, but it also targets prosecutors who treat the justice system as a blood sport.

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

I think Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” is appropriate for Tony in Scared Silent and throughout the series. Reaching way back in time, Elvis Presley sang a song in the 1960s called In the Ghetto that is excruciatingly poignant. The story it tells comes to mind not only for Denzel, but also for Darnel Wix and those around him.

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

I’m an avid reader of several fiction genres, but if forced to choose, I’d select thrillers and suspense of all stripes. I also read a lot of nonfiction, with a bias toward biography and history. As an aside, I think it’s essential for a writer to be a reader.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m very excited about sinking my teeth into A Place Called Freedom by Ken Follett. Great writer! I’ve pre-ordered the next Dismas Hardy novel from John Lescroart. I love the character and series. As always over the past year or two, there’s a Robert Dugoni novel in the pile. I better stop myself there… Well, there’s also The Anomaly by Herve Le Tellier, Gilly MacMillan’s The Long Weekend, and What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline. And now I’ll really stop.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Yikes, that’s a tough one. I always enjoy the opening chapter, where I start assembling a puzzle for readers to sort through, but let’s go with a later scene in Scared Silent that introduces a new character nicknamed Chippy. I already know she’ll be back in future books. Chippy is different from any character I’ve created before and plays a pivotal role in the story. I love discovering new characters to spend time with!

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

I’m afraid I don’t (unless listening to music while writing is quirky? Nah). However, I’ve heard some wild stories from and about other writers. An author who is at his most productive while writing in the bathtub probably tops the list, on two counts. First, for the sheer lunacy of it (I hope he writes in longhand; I should have asked when he told the story) and secondly, for not thinking twice about telling us!

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

Motto: Don’t do anything in the shadows that you wouldn’t do in the town square at noon.

Philosophy: Live and let live.

Quotes: You honestly don’t want to get me started on this topic…

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

Don’t be too quick to judge; we all have a story that informs who we are and what we do in any given moment. There are complicated circumstances and jumbled emotions behind Denzel’s choices in Scared Silent.

Neil Turner is the author of the new book Scared Silent

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Interview with Jeffrey J. Lach, Author of Freakishly Human

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Freakishly Human: The Rise of Jayden?

I wanted to tell a story about everyday people and their everyday problems-broken hearts, ailing family members, leaving behind friends- and how those things seem like they are enough to break them. But then when the impossible is thrust upon them, they rise to the occasion, overcome adversity, and become heroes to us all.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Freakishly Human: The Rise of Jayden, what would they be?

Young MC, "Bust A Move"

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

I like to read a lot of different things, but Fantasy and Sci-Fi are what get me the most excited. I also love a good adventure. The first four books I plan to write will all be Sci-Fi and/or Fantasy, but I have some ideas bouncing around for a thriller as well.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I am currently working my way through the “Sovereign of the Seven Isles” series by David A. Wells. I am hoping to finish that in time to catch the release of “Marqued” by Lauren Duell.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I have always been a sucker for an underdog who comes through in the end. Because of that, I really enjoyed writing Doug’s entrance into the major battle. He had been dismissed as someone who couldn’t help, but ultimately, he played a key role in the battle’s outcome.

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

I like to have a salty snack (Goldfish crackers, or pretzel rods), a Monster Energy Ultra Zero, and some quiet. I know a lot of authors have a playlist they listen to when they write, but I can’t do it.

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

I love the quote “The same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It’s about what you are made of, not the circumstances.” It reminds me that life happens, and how you react to it comes from within.

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

We all look at life through our own lens. Sometimes, what we initially believe to be a curse becomes a gift in the end. It is all about perspective.

Jeffrey J. Lach is the author of the new book Freakishly Human: The Rise of Jayden

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Interview with Rich Ryan, Author of Wyld Druid

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Wyld Druid?

I've always wanted to write a fantasy novel of some sort. Urban fantasy has been on my mind for the last ten years or so. The amount of isolation and idle time caused by the Covid pandemic set off a cascade of inspiration, ideas, and opportunity. Wyld Druid is really the result of that combination. Honestly, the story seemed to write itself after I would spend time in nature.

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

This has got to be the most fun question ever! I can't come up with a song for each character, but the overall theme song would probably be "Heroes" by Alesso.

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

Urban fantasy is definitely one of my faves to read and now to write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

"Primitive Weapons" Tye Caine Mysteries volume 2 by David Barbur, "Heroic Hearts" Anthology by Jim Butcher and Kerrie Hughes.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

So hard to choose. I loved writing any of the scenes where Jimmy transforms into an animal. But, my favorite was definitely the final battle.

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

The main quirky habit I have is spending time in nature as the direct inspiration for my writing.

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

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has" -Margaret Mead.

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

Deep down inside we are all heroes.

Rich Ryan is the author of the new book Wyld Druid

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Interview with Paty Jager, Author of House Edge

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write House Edge?

This is book two in the Spotted Pony Casino mystery series. I had originally written a short story with Dela as the main character but at a casino in a different state to fit the criteria of the short story contest. Afterward, I decided I wanted to write a mystery series with her as the main character.

I moved her to my home state of Oregon and put her working at a fictional casino on a reservation near me. Making her a disabled veteran was my way to shine a light on their plight and give her a backstory that would put her in the position of head of security. The premise for this book came about from reading the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Journal (CTUJ) the reservation newspaper. A lot was written in the newspaper about the dam breaching in Idaho and how it affected the fishing. I set up a conference about the dam breaching and fish to bring in people from other areas to be suspects. Of course, throwing a wrench in Dela’s new life, I brought back her high school sweetheart just to give more tension

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

For Dela I would pick the song, "I Will Survive." For FBI Special Agent Quinn Pierce "I Hold On" by Dierks Bentley. And for Tribal Police officer Heath Seaver, "Memories" by Mac Davis.

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

I enjoy reading murder mysteries as well as writing them. I also enjoy reading nonfiction books about Native Americans, specifically the tribes I write about.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

“Fatality in F” by Alexia Gordon, “Hollywood Ending” by Kellye Garrett, “Dead Legend” by D.Z. Church, “Winter Counts” by David Heska Wanbli Weiden, and “A Rising Man” by Abir Mukherjee.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene I wrote in House Edge was where my character, Dela Alvaro, saves a woman from being killed by her husband. She doesn’t hesitate to help, even getting beat up some herself, but she apprehends the man and saves the wife.

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

You can't change the past, but you can change the future - work toward that goal.

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

That we can all work together for a better world.

Paty Jager is the author of the new book House Edge

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | May 10

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 Neil Turner, Natalya Anderson, Paty Jager, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!

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New Romance Books to Read | May 10

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 David Burnett, Rebecca Wilder, Rina Kent, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!

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New Books to Read in Literary Fiction | May 10

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 Jennifer Weiner, Shion Miura, Ali Mercer, and many more. Enjoy your new literary fiction books. Happy reading!

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New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books | May 10

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 Jeffrey Lach, Mike Chen, Erich Krauss, and more. If Fantasy is what your library needs, you’ll be able to pick up the latest from Derrick Smythe, Rich Ryan, D. R. Perry, and more. Enjoy your new science fiction and fantasy books. Happy reading!