New Books - NewInBooks

Interview with Jaydeep Shah, Author of Boondocks

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Boondocks (Survive the Doom #1)?

This is a great question. I grew up watching Hindu mythologies and folklores, and Indian horror shows. I always wanted to write something about Indian myths, but I knew I’m not good at it. Since I already had begun writing and publishing horror stories, one day, an idea struck to write a horror fiction with some references to Hindu myths and Asian evils. I even outlined the story, but that didn’t work out. For months, I kept changing the outlines, but they all were failures.

Then, during my Creative Writing studies, when I had to write a comic story, suddenly an idea struck to create the character of wizard who can bring the strongest churel of ancient era back to life. I submitted my comic story, and the professor and other students loved the story. I decided to publish it as a comic, but then I thought I could expand it and turn the story into an apocalyptic thriller.

Finally, after graduating from college with my bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing, I began to work on the story again, I decided to create one more antagonist, an immortal rakshasa, the king of the underworld. Now I had an entire story laid out perfectly in which I can add as many as references to the myths and folklores, while keeping the story setting in modern times.

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

So far, I have written and published a children’s fiction, and some adult horror thriller stories. But, I enjoy reading all the genres from children’s fiction to young adult fantasy stories, and from romance to horror, as long as there is a well-built plot with strong characters.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

My TBR piles are just growing and growing. There are too many books to read, and I’m way behind. Currently, I’m reading the A Song of Ice and Fire series. Then, I’m planning to read The Mousai series by E.J. Mellow.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There are multiple scenes I loved writing. The first one is Prologue where the backstory of the churel (witch) is introduced. The second one is when the wizard named Dansh meets a rakshasa (demon), the king of the underworld, Sekiada. Another is the war between the soldiers and demons at the border of the desert of Rajasthan. And finally, the climax. I won’t say much about these scenes, especially the climax, as I don’t want to reveal any spoilers about the story. But yes, these three scenes I enjoyed writing the most.

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

I don’t have any quirky writing habits, but I have heard about some. It would be funny though. I always observe my surroundings to find if there is something lucky that helps me write more. So far, I haven’t found anything quirky about my writing habits. Haha!

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

Never give up. Live in the present. Enjoy every moment.

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

Have all the fun you want. Travel the world. Make a lot of connections. Be happy.

Jaydeep Shah is the author of the new book Boondocks (Survive the Doom #1)

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Interview with Alexi Venice, Author of Hawaiian Paradise Surprise

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Hawaiian Paradise Surprise?

While watching the athletic, handsome surfers in Molokai, Hawaii one afternoon, I experienced a burst of creativity to write a romance featuring Nash Denning, a legendary surfer, and Jill Cabott, a bestselling author. Jill is reluctant to entertain romance after being widowed in the prime of her life, but as she discovers her self-esteem again, she connects with two men—the dashing Nash and Ben Warner, a recently retired businessman.

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

Funny you should ask. I incorporated some fun music in this story. Jill listens to authentic Hawaiian music while she writes, then has some interesting conversations with Jim Morrison from The Doors after partying hard with the surfing millennials at a beach bonfire. She’s also serenaded by Nash and his surfing brahs late one night. He sings a pastiche of Sara Smile by Hall & Oates. I would defy anyone not to laugh while reading this scene. Well, and maybe cringe a bit too.

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

I love a romance in a beautiful setting with characters who are relatable on a human level, maybe because of an unfair situation or health struggle. Jill Shalvis always delivers a beautiful narrative. Her storytelling and motifs of falling in love with someone who isn’t perfect were an inspiration for the obstacles Jill and the swoon-worthy Ben Warner face together in Hawaiian Paradise Surprise…

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Banker’s Wife by Cristina Alger.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I love writing humor, tension, and suspense. Whether it’s a chance meeting or a planned date, humor provides the release for those clumsy romantic encounters that never go according to plan, right? I strive to make the dialogue real while I build suspense with body language. For HPS, one of the last scenes in the book was my favorite to write because the dashing Nash and heartbroken Jill come clean with each other in a surprising way…

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

My entire life is a quirky habit. While writing, I wear a San Francisco Giants ballcap and have Peanut, my chi/terrier, on my lap all day.

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

Who did you love today?

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

The recipe for a tasty Mai Tai. No, seriously, exploring love on a deeper level with a partner who isn’t perfect.

Alexi Venice is the author of the new book Hawaiian Paradise Surprise

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Interview with Sidney Son, Author of Through the Abyss

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Through the Abyss?

I wanted to present thoughts and ideas in an entertaining way that get readers thinking about the world.

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

Jonathan Hawthorn - Kryptonite by Three Doors Down, and Ariella Marconi - Respect by Aretha Franklin.

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

Esoteric history and science.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Untones - by L.S. Povovich and Soul Bottles by Lawrence M. Schoen & Brian Thorne.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Chapter Two - The introduction of Ariella Marconi and the description of the underwater sea lab.

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

I have a Bic pen which I have written every word of this book. I just replace the ink tube with new ones.

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

Variation of Lao Tzu - Knowing others may be wisdom but knowing yourself is enlightenment.

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

Our history, origins, and the world in which we live is not what we have been taught.

Sidney Son is the author of the new book Through the Abyss

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Interview with Sarah Forester Davis, Author of Her Name is Hazel

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Her Name is Hazel?

The characters of Killian and Hazel came to me while driving my kids to school one day. Their story takes place in my hometown, and each day a little bit more of their story would play out in my head.

I actually was going to wait to write Her Name is Hazel until I had finished the 3rd book in my Confession series, but Killian and Hazel were very determined for me to work on theirs. I'm extremely glad I did. The entire story was written in thirteen days, and it's been a consistent best seller since being published.

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

Young Adult and New Adult.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Anything Colleen Hoover!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The entire airport chapters were my favorite!

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

I write the best from the front seat of my suburban during school drop off and pick up!

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

Take the trip, travel as often as you can. Memories are all we'll have in the end.

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

No matter how many times they try to cage you, remember... you always have the ability to let yourself fly free.

Sarah Forester Davis is the author of the new book Her Name is Hazel

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Interview with Michael Chatfield, Author of Connection Unknown

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Connection Unknown?

I just missed writing in SciFi and wanted to put out a book that allowed us to see the blending between the real world we live in and the virtual one that we are creating.

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

Eye of the tiger, a great song for when you take fate into your own hands and fight it tooth and nail.

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

I read SciFi, Fantasy, and litRPG mainly which are the same as the genres I like to write in.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I have several books in my TBR pile at any time, a mix of the other genres or anything that strikes my fancy.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I won’t answer as I hate spoilers, don’t want to ruin it for anyone else!

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

I don’t really have any odd writing habits, I like to write things out on pen and paper before I start most of the time. That way I can see where the ideas might lead me.

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

Nothing is impossible and you need to take a shot at the things you want to do or you never will.

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

I just hope that they enjoy it and that the adventure of the characters sits with them as a fond memory.

Michael Chatfield is the author of the new book Connection Unknown

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Interview with J.J. Gonzalez, Author of The Starstrike

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

I was recovering from some health issues at the time I started writing The Starstrike. Issues I wasn’t expected to face at my age. The idea of a strong heroine who rapidly ages began to manifest and I turned her tale into a new adult book in a sci-fi fantasy world.

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

Cold’s Remedy, comes to mind for my main character GG5. A lot of what she has to face in the world of humans revolves around her being different from them and struggling to adapt.

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

My all time favorite genres are Fantasy and Science Fiction with Romance in them, but lately I’ve been reading more Romantic thrillers. I do feel the need to write in the genres I like to read so I’m exploring the idea of getting into thrillers in the future.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

So many books on my TBR! The top two are House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas and Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I love the last fight scene. It was the one I was most eager to write and that I basically shaped all the events around. Ironically, I found myself most nervous to create it at the same time.

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

I’m usually one to sleep late—being more of a night owl—but when I’m in first draft mode I just wake up between three and five in the morning naturally and just get to writing before I eat or do anything. While it’s great to get the writing done early, it can be a pain when I stayed up late the night before!

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

I try to live and think from an empathetic perspective and correct my initial judgments with other possibilities. It helps me be a better person and write from interesting perspectives.

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

I would want them to remember how much my main character grows and develops. It was tricky writing in first person from a character who was constantly evolving and learning things about the world.

J.J. Gonzalez is the author of the new book The Starstrike

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Interview with Charmaine Ross, Author of Magic Claimed

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Magic Claimed: Cursed Shifters Book 1?

I love writing reverse harem as well as building dystopian worlds that explore the different realms of magic, different shifters, and Fae (All super sexy of course).

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Magic Claimed: Cursed Shifters Book 1, what would they be?

Anything ACDC (I like to nurture my inner metal head).

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

I love reading reverse harem (of course), wolf shifters abound and a little bit of Omegaverse never went astray.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Anything Mila Young, Eva Chase, Debbie Cassidy, Sam Hall and Jaymin Eve - I'll devour all of them.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I loved writing the scene where my heroine is finally able to get her revenge on Esoti, the warlock who has tortured her all her life.

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

I love writing in my local cafe. When I'm writing steamy scenes I often look at people and think: 'If only you knew what I was writing about.' lol

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

I am free to achieve the things I work hard for.

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

I hope that any reader would love the over-arching mystery of finally putting all missing pieces of the grimoire together and getting revenge of the evil Six who rule the world.

Charmaine Ross is the author of the new book Magic Claimed: Cursed Shifters Book 1

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Interview with Susan Sands, Author of The Island of Summer Sunsets

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Island of Summer Sunsets?

I have vacationed on Fripp Island for years and we love it! It's a tiny, protected wildlife and shore bird sanctuary, so while it's got homes and amenities, it's still very natural in many ways.

My friend who lives there now, grew up spending summers there. She lives next door to her mother, and they create art and accessories from the beaches on Fripp and surrounding, uninhabited islands in the area only accessible by boat. They sell their "beach treasures" online and through her sisters' decorating and interiors businesses in Savannah and Charleston. They are avid conservationists who love and care for their island home.

I was inspired a couple of years ago when I went to visit and watched how they live.

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

I read in all genres. It depends on my mood. I love historical novels and contemporary titles in women's fiction, romance, thriller, and literary fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I'm reading the Cicada Tree by a fellow Georgia author. On the TBR pile now are The Shop on Royal Street by Karen White, The Book Woman's Daughter by Kimberly Michele Richardson, and Deconstructed by Liz Talley to name a few...

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I Love the almost-kiss on the beach scene where both characters are dying to touch but they allow their doubts to keep it from happening.

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

I don't sit at a desk to write. I have a reclining chair, a large monitor, and and external keyboard. OR, I sit on my bed with my laptop.

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

I live and let live. I care mostly about having as peaceful a life as possible. Yes, there are always stressors, but staying positive and forgiving others is essential for my mental health and happiness.

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

Don't give up!! The world works magic in mysterious ways and we have no idea what tomorrow will bring to our lives.

Susan Sands is the author of the new book The Island of Summer Sunsets

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New Mystery and Thriller Books to Read | June 14

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 Fiona Barton, Simon Beckett, Bryony Pearce, and many more. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense novels. Happy reading!

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New Romance Books to Read | June 14

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 Alexi Venice, Susan Sands, Charmaine Ross, and more. Enjoy your new romance books and happy reading!