Category: Interviews

Author Interview: Troy Young

  1. What inspired you to write?

Being an author wasn’t something I’d always dreamed of, but I’d always been creative and had stories in my head. I just didn’t feel the need to get them out.  Then I was teaching I’m a part-time business professor), and I was telling my students about their second career.  What would they want to do if money was no longer an object?  Maybe a post-retirement gig.  One student asked me what I would do, and on the spot, I said I’d like to be an author.  It still took me years after that to finally do something about that.

I was visiting Florida, where my parents have a winter home, and I went for a walk in the hot Florida sun.  An hour later, with no hat or sunscreen, dehydrated and delirious, a story had formed in my mind.  When I came back to Toronto and told my staff this story (I’m a CEO of a non-profit association), one of them said, “when are you going to stop telling us these stories and actually write something?”  So I wrote it to spite her.  That was my first novel.

  1. Are you a reader? What are some of your favorites?

I find I am not reading as much as I used to.  Damn devices and the internet have cut into my reading time.  But as a kid, I was first drawn to the fantasy genre by Robert E. Howard’s Conan and J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. I also was an avid reader of the Hardy Boys, and still own all the original series.

Later, I branched out a bit more.  I remember a YA book I read called Rebels of the Heavenly Kingdom which helped cultivate an interest in China.  Later series that spoke to me was David Eddings’ Belgariad and Malloreon. But I think Raymond A. Feist and Janny Wurtz’ Empire series are the books that really stand out for me.

I’ve also read Harry Potter more times than I can count.

Outside of the fantasy genre, I really enjoy Edward Rutherfurd’s books, like Paris, London and New York, historical novels which tell the tale of the history of these cities.

Lastly, H.P. Lovecraft is probably the most influential writer for me, if only because my first real published works as based on his Cthulhu Mythos.  Currently I’m reading Matt Ruff’s Lovecraft Country which has parallels to my own work (if not written a little better than mine).  I really enjoyed his take on the genre.  Others I’ve read in this genre are Neil Gaiman (although my favourite book of his is Fortunately, the Milk) and some Stephen King.  I’m not a huge fan of King, finding some of his stories meandering and repetitive, but I really enjoyed Carrie. 

  1. What is your newest work, and what is going to happen in the future?

I just finished my overarching series The Other. The last story, In the Depths of R’lyeh, wraps up an 18 novelette/novella series. It is a series of linked stories (much like Lovecraft Country) the reader is expected to read in order that slowly reveals a large universe spanning event millennia in the making.  All of reality either survives or is snuffed out.  

I published each of the stories on their own, and once I got six written I’d unpublish them and repackage them into the larger book.  Book three of the series will come out in September, 2021 and I’m considering publishing them as an Omnibus in December.

Out of this, since it is my most popular works, I’m publishing a series of related stories that flush out elements introduced in the original series.  The first one is about a witch being hunted by the Freemasons in 1798.  The characters were first introduced in The Curse of the Windsor Witch, set in 2019.  There are a number of past events alluded to in my work, so now I’m going to be filling in those details with the historical telling of these tales.

I also have the third book in my sci-fi western series The Gunslinger’s Emancipation that I need to start. Busy, busy, busy.

4) Do you have advice or tips for Indie Authors?

Write, write and write some more.  Look to groups on Facebook (like 20bookto50K) filled with authors supporting you and your work. Read as much as you can about the entire business (writing is the easy part) and treat it as a business (if you don’t it’s nothing but a hobby; that’s fine, but that’s all it will be unless you treat it like a business).  I’d also recommend Mark Dawson’s course on advertising and invest in either Grammarly or ProWritingAid to help with editing (I have the pro version of both).

  1. What influenced you as a writer?

I’ve received most of my inspiration from the works of others.  The Mandalorian inspired my sci-fi novel.  Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book inspired the first thing I ever published, a four-page short story. And of course, H.P. Lovecraft inspired my cosmic horror series.

Stephen King’s On Writing was a huge help and an inspirational read for me.

I find though things fit into place for my when I go for a walk.  Most of my initial plots form on a walk.  If I’m having difficulty figuring where things are to go next, talk a walk.  Walking clears my head and provides me with moments of clarity.

Links:

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Troy-Young/e/B07QGKW4WH

Author website: www.floridamanthenovel.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TroyYoungAuthor

https://www.facebook.com/TheOtherLovecraft

Twitter: @FloridaNovel

IG @troyyoung1971

Author interview: Billie Jade Kermack

1- I have an extremely overactive imagination and writing became a way for me to offload my thoughts. It wasn’t long into jotting ideas down that recurring themes and characters started emerging. I have always loved to write.

2. I am a big reader and more recently as a mum of three I have enjoyed listening to books on Audible. I go through phases of genres. Right now I am hitting a romance phase and like Jodi Ellen Malpas. I am also a Stephen King fan.

3. I am currently finishing up the third book in my paranormal romance series, it is called Hallowed. I am also working on an adult contemporary romance and a comedy episode script which I’m hoping to get funding for.

4. I love to help authors such as myself in any way I can – this is why I started a blog about every aspect of writing – it is the https://thesablescribbler.com/blog/
– tips, tricks and next level writing.

5. I have a deep love of movies and music and often relay those into my work. I also do SFX makeup for tv and film so I can use those visuals especially when working on some of my more darker works.
❤️❤️

Author Interview: Michael Chukwudi



1. The society of man inspired my writing. I want to use my writing to correct the wrongs in the society of man.

2. Yes! Every writer ought to be a reader because no writer writes in a vacuum. And reading helps one to see how words are woven. My favourite is anything from Chinua Achebe and at times from Jean Sasson.

3. My newest work and which is my debut is the ‘UnDeserved’. In the future, the society will be fit for living.

4. My advice is this; implore tenacity, patience and perseverance in your dealings. And you will evolve into a celebrated writer with time.

5. My passion to create a better world influenced me.

Author Interview: Lyndi Allison



1. What inspired you to write?

Reading and writing help me process my life circumstances and clarify my thinking. While stargazing around a campfire at a summer camp, many children and teens shared the grief and loss they carried. Since I love to read a good story, I wondered if I could string a few words together to tell one with grieving protagonists and was inspired to write the Summer Triangle Trilogy.


2) Are you a reader? What are some of your favorites?

I am an avid reader and a fan of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia and Madelaine L’Engle’s, A Wrinkle in Time Quintet. I loved Rebecca Stead’s character Miranda Sinclair, in When You Reach Me. As a teacher, I shared Rick Riordan’s, Percy Jackson Series with junior readers and discussed books like Beth Revis’ Across the Universe Series with teens. The Alien Skill Series by Rae Knightly is a recent favourite middle grade read and Carl Sagan’s, Contact, and Robert Sawyer’s, Flashforward are favourite adult reads.

3) What is your newest work, and what is going to happen in the future?

I released The Lines Between Our Stars in March 2021 and I am about to release The Between Us, books 1 & 2 in The Summer Triangle Trilogy. Currently, I am writing book 3, The Clashing of Our Worlds.

4) Do you have advice or tips for Indie Authors?

I suggest Indie authors take writing courses, read books on writing, read in your genre and write, write, write. Find a small group of writers who you trust to critique and Beta read. They will help you identify where your writing is unclear and hone your craft. Plug into online writing communities where you can ask questions and make friends with other writers. Stay true to your unique voice. No one can tell your story they way you do. Then, put your story out there.

5) What influenced you as a writer?

Other writers, the characters, images, and ideas found in my favourite books, and listening to children and teens influenced me as a writer. Nature inspired my settings. I struggle to communicate well and understand other people. These struggles become characteristics of my main characters.

Author Interview: Keith Weller

Writing for me has always been a cruel mistress. My brother was the original writer, I just continued it to the logical conclusion. I first started writing as a dare by a college professor, soon I was getting challenged by a former high school teacher. When I met my wife, she became my new inspiration convincing me to retake up the mantle and try my hand at it again.

The printed word has always been an addiction. As a young child I could be found with a comic in hand or a picture book. Even when it was bed time I could be found still reading by nite light. Growing up I was inspired by Anne McCaffrey, Dean Koontz and Sue Grafton. As the years have progressed I’ve enjoyed Brian Lumley, Ernest Cline, Naomi Novik and Sedwick Bowser.

My current work is titled Oath of Blood and Shadow. I have three more books ready for editing and eight more in development. My future goals are to continue to hone my craft for as long as I can to help inspire others.

Advice/ tips. This is a hard one and an easy one. You’re going to make mistakes, you’re going to want to give up. When that occurs thats when you know you need to persevere. There will be times where it seems so easy to quit, that’s when you make sure you’re still reading. You’re going to have those that try to tear you down, don’t let them. Find the inner fire that drives your passion and keep it stoked. Your first draft will not be pretty,, but its yours. Take the time after you write the rough draft. Set it aside for a few weeks, then return to it with fresh eyes. Keep honing it till it feels polished. Then send it off to an editor find beta readers and be prepared for your work to be ripped apart. This line of work, there is no place for an ego, only for growth. Make sure you know which way you want to go publishing wise and do your research. Be ready to pay for editing, cover art, marketing and the like. NEVER PAY TO PUBLISH THOUGH!

My drive will be different than yours and that’s alright. Each of us is unique in how we see the world and how the written word moves us. Im driven to keep setting a legacy for the future generations. Im driven with the hunger to challenge the norms and push the envelope of what is good writing. I like writing Dark Fantasy and Horror. It allows me to explore that which terrifies me. When I write about it, I conquer it. When I can master it, I own it. I write because I have questions that need an answer.

Author Interview: Yolanda Hill

1. What inspired you to write? Encouragement to tell my story from people in my circle.
2. Are you a reader? Yes I read nonfiction (biographies of indie authors, black history, leadership). I have just started reading fiction (romance so far)
3. What is your newest work, and what is going to happen in the future. My newest work is a steamy memoir and I have a few WIP including a sequel.
4. Do you have advice or tips for Indie Authors?Know your audience, research the writing process and don’t make a lot of changes that will delay your release.
5. What influenced you as a writer? My influences came from reading biographies of authors living what seems to be the perfect life or those dealing with the common drugs, alcohol and abuse. I didn’t see raw and uncut dialog regarding sex, lust, and STD’S.

Author Interview: Anurrith Drachenstein

1) What inspired you to write?
My social anxiety, something I share with my co-author Jay, got us into writing. It started as a Roleplay initially, a way for us to live through our adventures. Due to Covid, Jay got layed off and we found ourselves with more time, so we thought to try our hands as indie authors.

2) Are you a reader? What are some of your favourites?
Yes, I prefer reading romance, but nothing sweet and soft. I don’t have any favourites.
3) What is your newest work, and what is going to happen in the future?
We are just completing Rebels Revolution – Honour and Treason, the second part to Alien Invasion – Romancing the Rebel.
Most likely our next book will be futuristic fantasy, but it’s not set in stone yet.

4) Do you have advice or tips for Indie Authors?
Beware Editors that take you for a ride and bleed you dry with nothing to show for it.

5) What influenced you as a writer?
Our mutual love for history and paganism. Furthermore our combined knowledge of armed forces ( strategy, warfare ect ), archery, Kendo and archery.

Author interview: Jason Cook

1. What inspired you to write?

Part of my life was to write about it being dyslexic had its ups and downs now good story’s inspire me to write
2) Are you a reader? What are some of your favorites? I like to read temple’s books
3) What is your newest work, and what is going to happen in the future?
My news work is pirates of the south a women’s journey to brake into a industry that was male dominated and to over come her domestic abuse

4) Do you have advice or tips for Indie Authors?
There’s a book on us all keep writing and get a good editor


5) What influenced you as a writer? I like to write as a Plase I can change the world here is my web site and other books I like to write all different stuff not stick to one https://www.authorjasoncook.com thank you 🙏

Author Interview: William Edmonds

1) What inspired you to write?
I’m unable to exactly put a finger on what got me started. I’ve been writing since my early childhood and I can’t remember quite how it all began. Nowadays, what inspires me is simply the enjoyment of writing and my desire to keep going and hopefully give readers something to enjoy.
2) Are you a reader? What are some of your favourites?
Absolutely! I’ve read, and still do read, a range of novels for all ages, varying from Stephen King to Michael Morpurgo. Some of my favourite childhood books include ‘The BFG’ by Roald Dahl and Michael Morpurgo’s ‘War Horse’. In my adult life, I’ve discovered an interest in fantasy and horror and have enjoyed starting off with some of the works of Stephen King among others. I’m also, of course, an avid Harry Potter fan.
3) What is your newest work, and what is going to happen in the future?
My newest work is still my first work, ‘The Miracle Prince: The Power of the Pearl’, and the sequel, ‘The Raven’s Veil’ will be released in August. In the immediate future, I plan to complete ‘The Miracle Prince’ series. There will be 4-5 books depending on how long the conclusion turns out. Further down the line, I have plans for a YA horror along with a few other ideas.
4) Do you have any advice or tips for Indie Authors?
Being so new to the game, I’m not in the best position to give advice. However, I would say from experience to be patient with the marketing. Don’t expect a great ROI while you only have one book out and just wait.
5) What influenced you as a writer?
I take influences from some of my favourite writers and always have done. ‘The Miracle Prince’ series comes from my love of fantasy and is inspired by popular series such as Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Later on in the story, the influences from Lord of the Rings, Doctor Who and even some more true-to-life stories will come through. As well as other writers, I take inspiration from a range of cultures, mythologies and histories. I’ve been a passionate language-learner since my teens and use this to influence my world-building in ‘The Miracle Prince’.