Tag: author on author interview

Interview with Author S.A. Schneider

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

When my daughter was younger, I was her girl scout leader. I noticed most of the girls read, but they were reading books with male protagonists and I wanted to create a book with a female hero. Now there are quite a few books with girl hero’s.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

What inspired me to write Transgression of Magic, book 2 in the Town Magician series? Book 1. Seriously, this book couldn’t have been written without book 1 being before it.

I originally wanted to write a short story about wizards and magic for a local Wizarding World fest at Kent State. That grew into the Town Magician series. the first story started about 7,500 words and now I  have 4 books planned and several short stories.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

For book 2, Transgression of Magic, its about kids dealing with their parents mistakes. Even parents mess up and don’t make the right choice at times, and Samual has had to deal with that. It was something I thought about after book 1, Embracing the Magic, and needed to figure out what happened between Samual and his father after he became Town Magician.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I’ve always loved fantasy and read fantasy. It was a natural fit for me and I can picture wizards fighting goblins and dire wolves better than I can picture a murder mystery or action thriller.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

Maybe Toby, the Grand Wizard. It’s a bit bumbling, like a cross between Fizban from Dragonlance and Merlin from Disney’s Sword in the Stone. If not Toby, Cat. There is a lot more to Cat than we know, but its been hinted at. What is really going on with this animal? Hard to say.

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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I’m on Facebook mostly and reach out to parents and teachers. I also have an Instagram and YouTube and am working on more videos for parents and teachers. While I write middle grade, I try to offer information and educational aids to the teachers and home school parents.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Write. Tomorrow, write. Then write some more. Make up stories and get them on paper or some online document or even dictated in audio. Just tell stories. Forget about spelling and grammar. That stuff will come and you can work on it once you’ve written. But we don’t have our kids really write stories much. We teach them spelling and grammar and sentence diagrams and what a verb and noun are, and then we move on. we never have them write much and it’s backwards. They would get so much more out of the lessons if they already had experienced some writing. Forget that stuff until 4th or 5th grade. Just get the younger ones telling stories.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

Well, book 3 is planned out and being worked on. More exciting is my Oddish Questor series about a group of sibling investigators that explore Bigfoot and other cryptids. Think Scooby-Doo meets the X-files.

I’m finishing up my video game series also that focuses on video game storytelling.

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About the Author

S.A. Schneider has a wolf, so of course he writes middle grade fantasy, wouldn’t you? Since his Lego and action figure days, he’s crafted worlds and stories within those worlds. This pursuit continues into his middle grade fantasies.

He doesn’t stop with inspiring kids to write linear stories. Oh no, no. S.A. shows kids how storytelling in video games work and how they can learn to write those . He wants others to join him and delve into creating fantastical worlds.

Enjoy the Adventure!

https://www.sa-schneider.com/

Interview with Author Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I am a mom to 2 grown children and a grandma to 1 and have been married for 13 years! I have multiple fur babies who make life quite interesting at times. When I was younger I didn’t feel like I fit in much and suffered from depression. In my 30’s I was diagnosed with autism, which made my life make sense. 

During my teenage years when I was first dealing with depression is when I truly started writing. I had written skits and short stories when I was younger but as a teenager, I really delved into writing. It was how I coped with what I was feeling at the time. Those first poems were what turned into my first book about 20 years later. 

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

My most recent book “Thoughts of a Warrior” came from a very strange moment. My mom mentioned something about me dieting (I was trying to lose weight at the time) and unintentionally made me feel horrible. To deal with that I wrote a poem. 

After writing that poem I decided it was time to release a follow-up to ‘Thoughts of a Warrior’, my first book about being depressed. It needed a follow-up showing that we can make it through the bad times – doesn’t mean there aren’t still some bad times but they are much fewer and farther between.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Mental illness knows no boundaries but that doesn’t make you broken. 

No one is alone. We all struggle, we all have ups and downs.

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4) What drew you into this particular genre?

There was a particular night that pushed me to publish. My youngest, who was struggling with depression, was crying about why no one liked her. It completely broke my heart and I realized that I wasn’t doing a good enough job talking about mental illness. That was the moment that I realized I needed to be loud.

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Youtube has been the best. I host a weekly show, Write or Die Show, interviewing others and talking about mental illness. My guests and I share, connect and bring attention to mental illness. 

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Write for yourself, don’t try to be something you aren’t. And remember that the first draft is not the final draft.

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About the Author

Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services, after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions.

Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. From the age of 14 she struggled with depressive thoughts. There were times in her life that she wasn’t sure how she would continue. Depression continues to be a battle in her life but she is glad that she continues to live. She has spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her own mental health. In 2021 she started a YouTube channel, Write or Die Show, to spread awareness about various mental health issues and to end the stigma associated with mental health.

Growing up she never felt that she fit in, being the last to understand jokes and confused about many emotions that she saw on others. In 2021 she finally had answers to the questions about herself that had been nagging at her. She was diagnosed with moderate Autism.

Another of Randi-Lee’s passions is kickboxing, which she has been doing for about 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing in 2015, competed at the World’s kickboxing tournament later that year and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes. 

Randi is a mom to two, her youngest child has autism and grandma to one. Randi encourages and supports her youngest child’s entrepreneurial spirit as he follows his dream of being an artist. When she can she incorporates his art into her stories. 

Published Works:

Non-Fiction:

Thoughts of a Wanderer

A Mother’s Truth

Embracing Me

Fiction

A Little Scare

Children’s Books:

Operation Deck the Halls

Diamond the Cat

Contact Information:

https://linktr.ee/randib

Interview with Author K.T. ANGLEHART

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?


I’ve been writing since grade school! At first, I was inspired by television—I thought, I can be funny too. One year, I won a storytelling contest, and that’s when I realized I loved writing stories, but not presenting them. I’ve been writing ever since, always choosing college and university programs that helped me hone my craft and taught me how to take a punch (figuratively speaking). I declared The Wise One my MFA thesis, and that became the first official book I published.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?


This is a hard one to answer. I’ve always loved all things witchy and magical. I grew up a huge Harry Potter and Charmed fan! One day, I imagined a witch who didn’t understand who she was and felt disconnected from everyone around her. Then I saw her journeying through the British Isles to find her birth mother—and herself—while learning she’s the key to both saving the natural world, at the cost of billions of souls, and destroying it (I love a good moral dilemma). That gave me the perfect excuse to visit Ireland and Scotland and breathe as much life into the pages as possible, tying in its folklore and natural beauty. So, I guess it was really a culmination of many things…

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

My first ever reviewer put it so perfectly that at the time, it brought me to tears: “Don’t be a bully, love is love, protect our beautiful planet, accept your faults, family comes first and love your friends unconditionally.” –Sarah Bell, ARC reviewer.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?


I’ve always loved the idea that magic can be found in the real world. There’s something timeless about the young adult journey—finding yourself, pushing past what you thought were your limits, and surprising yourself along the way. And honestly…who doesn’t love a good prophecy?

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?


Even though I feel like I’ve already asked my protagonist, Mckenna, everything I need to, I’d still want to say: What on earth were you thinking, taking off with a stranger to Ireland? Sometimes even the author can’t fully explain her character’s wild choices!

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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?


I’m not much of a social media person, but Instagram has connected me with some truly wonderful readers and fellow authors. It’s become a place where I can share my world and meet others who love it too.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just-starting authors out there?


Savour the romantic phase of writing, when you’re falling in love with your story and everything feels possible. And when that honeymoon phase ends (because it always does), remember: it’s all about process over perfectionism. Keep going.

8) What does the future hold for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?


The final instalment of The Scottish Scrolls trilogy is heading to my editor at the end of this month, with a release planned for 2025! After that…of course, there are more stories waiting. Writers never really stop imagining what comes next.

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About the Author

Katrina Tortorici Anglehart is an award-winning author from Montreal, with a multilingual prowess in English, French, Italian, and “Spanglish”. A dedicated academic, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a graduate certificate in Scriptwriting, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

Inspired by the wizarding world, the land of Narnia, and parallel planes, she penned The Wise One, inviting readers to connect with nature and its ever present magic. Her exploration of the landscapes and folklore of Ireland and Scotland greatly influenced her debut YA urban fantasy, marking the inception of The Scottish Scrolls series.  

K.T. Anglehart is a passionate advocate for bunnies, thanks to her late Netherland Dwarf, Magic—the inspiration behind her imprint, The Magic Dwarf Press. When she’s not writing or diving into magical reads, she revels in hiking, antiquing, and Netflix binges alongside her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, Andy. They currently live in Toronto with their three pets:  Nessie, a mysterious rescue dog from Puerto Rico, and their whimsical bunnies, Onyx and  Stirling. 

https://www.ktanglehart.com/

Interview with Author Andrew Tweeddale

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I started my working life as a chef, and after 6 years, went to university as a mature student to read law. I worked as a criminal barrister between 1992 and 1994 and then worked as an international construction lawyer until April 2022. I got into writing in 1995, when my wife came home one day and told me she had signed us up to write a book on arbitration law. I wrote two arbitration textbooks with her, and in 2004, I decided to write something more interesting and started on my first novel, Of All Faiths & None. When I gave up the law in 2022, I published that book and started on my second novel, A Remembrance of Death. 

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I visited Castle Drogo about twenty years ago. Work started on the castle in 1911 but was delayed by World War 1. The owner, Sir Julius Drewe, lost one of his sons in the war, and I thought it would be the perfect location to set an anti-war novel.

I wondered why Sir Julius wanted to build a castle in the first place, what it symbolised to him and how it must have felt to have your child die in the war. I also wondered what drove the architect Edwin Lutyens to design a Norman-style castle with all mod-cons, and how society viewed this folly. In my latest book, A Remembrance of Death, the Drewe family has to live with the loss suffered in World War 1, and the book is about living with grief and the loss of love.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

The main themes of A Remembrance of Death are love, loss, and the constraints of society. These themes are all part of the human condition and relationships. These are the books that stand the test of time because the subjects of love, loss and social constraint are as relevant now as they were a hundred or two hundred years ago.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Having decided to write an anti-war novel based at Castle Drogo, the genre chose itself.

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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

One of the characters that appears in Of All Faiths & None and A Remembrance of Death is called Jiddu Krishnamurti. Krishnamurti was a real person who Time magazine described as one of the five saints of the 20th century. In 1910, the Theosophy Society thought he would be the vehicle to carry the spirit of the World Teacher (i.e., the Messiah). In 1922, he rejected this idea and returned the wealth donated to him with the words, “Truth is a pathless land.” I would ask him whether he thought all religion was wrong, as it seems to me that to understand ‘life’, you cannot limit yourself to following an individual religion or path.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Facebook is probably the most helpful because of the Facebook ads facility that allows a writer to market to readers with interests in similar books. 

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

There is an old saying that if you want to be a writer, write. It’s true. Sit down five days a week and write.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

The third book in the Castle Drogo series will be out at the end of the year or early next year. The first draft of my new novel, Only Breath & Shadow has been completed, and I am at the stage where I am editing it. After that, I intend to take a break from the Castle Drogo series and start on a project about the Battle of Imjin River and the stand of the Glorious Glosters. I am not sure about what comes next, although I have two more ideas for novels in the Castle Drogo series and perhaps a play.

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About the Author

Andrew has worked as a chef, a lawyer and is now an author. 

‘Of All Faiths & None’ was Andrew’s first novel, published in 2022, and tells the story of the Drewe and Lutyens families in the final years before World War 1. The novel is centred around Castle Drogo, the last great castle to be built in England. The castle is out-of-place in a modern world and its construction reflects the turmoil of the times. However, foremost the novel is a romance where relationships are shattered by an unrelenting war. Andrew’s second novel ‘A Remembrance of Death’ takes the story from 1917 to 1955 and deals with Basil Drewe and Celia Lutyens and their relationship during the darkest moments of modern history. Andrew is currently writing a third novel in the Castle Drogo series which he hopes will be publish in 2026.

https://www.ofallfaiths.com/

Links to purchase the books:

 Amazon link (UK) – https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B0BDX43P8J             

Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/andrew%20tweeddale    

Apple Books – https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-remembrance-of-death/id6738423011     

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550014597188

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofallfaiths/

X: (17) Andrew Tweeddale (@AndrewTweeddal1) / X    

Interview with Author Ray Franklin

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I grew up in Houston, Texas and became fascinated with science fiction when I got my first library card. Some of my favorite authors are Ray Bradbury, Martha Wells, Iain M. Banks, Ursula K. LeGuin, and Michael Swanwick. I wanted to write stories since I was ten, but only learned the craft of storytelling after 2022.

Engineering has been my career for years and I have remained interested in science and science fiction the whole time. I read the science magazines Discover and Science News to keep informed on the rapid pace of scientific progress. Sometimes, the articles trigger story ideas.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

NASA and the space race captured my imagination in the 1970s. When NASA released images from the Hubble Space Telescope, I wanted to see every one. Eventually, I realized I could share my excitement with others by writing a book. I settled on galaxies for the subject because Hubble generated such amazing images of these giant star configurations.

By digging deeper into what astronomers know about galaxies near and far, I learned far more about astronomy. The more I learned, the more I wanted to include in the book.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Galaxies grow and change in beautiful and amazing ways. We can’t watch these changes happen because they are so slow. But galaxies are born, grow up, get old, and then die, which makes them a bit like us. Each galaxy is also unique, just like every person.

We know so much about galaxies because astronomers have discovered the truth by looking through telescopes for hundreds of years. Any young person who wants to know more about our universe can become an astronomer.

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4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Science fiction is fun and exciting, but science fact is what makes science fiction possible. Hubble Space Telescope images of galaxies are beautiful and incredibly moving. Non-fiction was the best way to tell the story of the galaxies that fill our universe.

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I use Mastodon, @rnf@mindly.social, to connect with other writers. Mindly.social has worked out well in that regard. We share thoughts on the many challenges that every indie writer faces. Some people on Mindly might also be interested in reading my science fiction, when I have a novel published.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Write about something you love. Your passion for the subject will show up in your writing and readers will recognize it as authentic. That personal connection is one thing that kept me going when I hit difficulties with Galaxy Astronomy. I didn’t have the option to give up because I cared too much about my vision for the book. It gave me the strength to persevere, which is something everyone needs when life gets tough.

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

A companion to Galaxy Astronomy is in the idea phase. I envision using images from the new James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to explore infrared astronomy. Astronomers need time to create each color composite image from the many sensors JWST uses. But the telescope is sending new images continuously. A single new image can take weeks, months, or even years to reach publication. I will also need to learn much more about JWST’s astronomical instruments, and time to browse all the available images. Understanding what each image means is as important as how marvelous it looks. Turning all that into a book can take me a year or more.

I’m also actively working on my first science fiction novel. It’s a space opera about humans and extraterrestrials. Set on a planet circling another star, the novel contains some horror and high-tech manipulation. This will be the first of a series of at least three books, and maybe more.

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About the Author

Ray Franklin grew up in Houston, Texas, the home of NASA. He followed the space race for years and stayed up late to watch Neil Armstrong step onto the moon. Years later, when stunning images from the Hubble Space Telescope became available, he saw expansive possibilities. Being a father and working with kids as a volunteer had given him an appreciation for how fast children can learn complex topics with the right mix of fun and challenge. This is what drove him to write ‘Galaxy Astronomy: Field Guide For Kids.’

Helioza.com

Interview with Author Dana Robertson

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

Writing is something I’ve done for as long as I can remember, jotting down ideas and random thoughts. I studied literature at university, completing a degree in English and psychology.

However, I pursued a career in psychology, working in counseling, vocational rehabilitation and psychometry. But my love of literature and passion for writing always remained, which I’m now focused on. And I’m excited and nervous to share my debut novel.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

My fascination with abandoned buildings and old theaters inspired The Abandoned Theater. I’m intrigued by the buildings themselves, the grand lobbies, ornate ceilings and rich tapestries throughout. And the shared experience as an audience reacts to the actors in unison, holding their breath, gasping, and laughing.

I pictured a theater standing in eerie silence and imagined what could have happened, causing it to be abandoned. I envisioned the audience settling into their seats, the anticipation building, then silence as the last performance begins. Their eyes widening, and gasps echoing as fear took hold. I imagined them scrambling over the seats, spilling into the aisles, desperate to escape.

Then I built the story around the mystery of that theater.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

The Abandoned Theater while, intended as a fun escape and easy read, touches on deeper themes middle graders could encounter. Hopefully, the reader can relate to some of what the characters are experiencing, and their friendships while highlighting discovery and resilience.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I write mystery, science fiction and fantasy. I particularly enjoy writing middle grade fantasy because it frees your imagination to explore fantastical worlds and to go on magical adventures.

Middle schoolers are full of wonder and curiosity. And it’s fun to reflect how it felt at that age.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I would sit down with Darthius and ask if he regrets any of his choices, knowing now where they led.

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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I’m not very savvy with social media, although I’m currently exploring Instagram and finding some wonderful connections.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

The best advice I ever received is after you write your first novel, put it away. Then write at least a couple more and read. When you go back to the original one, you’ll realize how much can be improved after honing your skills, practicing, reading and learning.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

The Abandoned Theater is book one of the Alderland Series, soon to be followed by book two, Return to Gatland. I’m also completing the final rewrites of an adult mystery novel, Murder in Rockwell Estates.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dana Robertson lives in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. She completed a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Psychology with Trent University in Peterborough Ontario, followed by a graduate creative writing program with the Humber School for Writers in Toronto, Ontario.

Formerly, a vocational rehabilitation consultant, psychometrist, youth counselor, and a small business operator.

She writes fantasy, mystery, science fiction and middle grade fiction. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, nature, hiking and reading.The Abandoned Theater is her debut novel and book one of the Alderland Series.

Links to sites:

Author website: www.danarobertsonbooks.com

Publisher website: Abandoned Theater, The from Our Street

Instagram: Instagram

Facebook: Facebook

Purchase links: 

Amazon: The Abandoned Theater: Alderland Series – Book One (A Novel): Robertson, Dana: 9781803417509: Amazon.com: Books

Barnes and Noble: The Abandoned Theater by Dana Robertson, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®

Indigo: The Abandoned Theater: Alderland Series – Book One (a Novel) Book By Dana Robertson, (Paperback) | Indigo

Walmart: Alderland The Abandoned Theater, (Paperback) – Walmart.com

Interview with Author Jonni Jordyn

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?


I was first introduced to writing in high-school when a friend an I started making radio plays for our English class. For our class finale, we made a movie in which I also acted, directed and spent time behind the camera. In college, I always took creative writing classes and had some poems published.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?


The Diva of Mud Flats was inspired entirely by an idea I had for a character that was completely phony, yet actually attained some true notoriety, but couldn’t shake the false persona she created for herself. The other characters defined themselves as I created a story around her.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?


I hope readers will come away from reading my book seeing how stereotypes don’t define a person and how abusing power will always carry consequences.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?


I have written a lot of genres, but this was my first venture into romcoms. I wanted to write a genre bending story that included scifi, westerns, comedy and romance.

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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?


There are so many interesting and wacky characters in my book, that you could spend days interviewing them, but I might be tempted to sit down with Elizabeth, the diva’s personal manager, and the most normal person in the book. I would ask her how she can tolerate so much abuse from the diva. Answering this question was somewhat cathartic as I realized just how much she is me.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?


I stopped branding myself on Twitter and have built a small following on tiktok. I have hired a publicist and need to work with her on my social media, but you can find me on tiktok @jonni_jordyn.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?


I think it’s important for aspiring authors to recognize how creative they are. Natural creativity is very important for fiction, but other writers can still pursue a career in nonfiction. Still others may find their niche in editing and publishing. If you have that special spark, find your method, whether you are an outliner or a panster. Then learn how you like to polish it during revisions.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the h (horizon?)


I am currently revising an upcoming novel that I hope to have out by the end of the year. It will be the third and final book of my Virus series. Following that, I think I’ll finish the last book of my grill series, which I think has eight chapters completed. Then, I have to write the last book of my magic series. So, I’m planning out to the end of 2026.

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About the Author

Jonni Jordyn, an award winning American author born in Oakland, Ca, started out playing music at age two, and moved on to singing and acting in grade school. High School introduced writing and film making followed by drawing and photography in college. In other words, she had a VERY LIBERAL arts education.

Jonni published some poetry and some india ink drawings in literary magazines while in college, won critical acclaim for her acting in a cabaret theater, but was faced with a decision to pick out the arts she wanted to pursue.

Of all the available opportunities, music and song writing won the first round when she found herself performing with legendary stars of the sixties and seventies.

Round two began years later, after leaving California for Arizona. It all started with a blank piece of paper and the question, “how can I possibly write more than eleven thousand words for a single story?” A valid question which was followed up a year later with, “How did I ever write 160,000 words?”

Now, the writing comes much easier, but still there are questions like, “How will I ever get all these ideas written down?” followed closely by, “How many times can I edit the same book?”

Jonni currently lives in Colorado with her bird.

https://www.jordynatlargebooks.com/

Interview with Author Mark Everglade

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’ve always loved science fiction because it’s ultimately not about the future, but the present. Sci-fi represents the cultural weaknesses and problems of our present-day society, the failures of both utopia and dystopia. Sometimes it’s easier to see those things when they are pointed out on a fictional planet than in our civilization.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

KillSwitch OverKill was inspired by the need for redemption. We all want to believe that no matter what we do, that life will offer second chances and a chance to make things right. Sabrina in the novel had been manipulated by the false promises of a fascist regime, but works to use her tech skills to ultimately overcome it, in typical cyberpunk fashion.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

That friends are your chosen family and that people you once considered your nemesis can actually become your friend and have value to your life. They can be part of your progress or journey through this world, and a learning instrument. I’m reminded of the story of Buddha and Devadetta, for instance.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Cyberpunk is just cool. It’s sexy, sleek, metallic, retro-futuristic, noir. It’s in your face, unapologetic, blunt.

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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I would ask Sabrina Underfoot in my cyberpunk novel KillSwitch OverKill how being orphaned by her parents’ indifference impacted her life. And the challenges she faced as a child genius who was unappreciated, and taken advantage of by her teachers and others.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Twitter, though I don’t use it since Musk took over, as I don’t fund fascists and oligarchs.

The writing community was great on there, but ethically – people need to switch to a decentralized non-corporate platform like Mastodon and resist the Server State.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Build your author platform two years before your book releases, minimum, and socially network. Of course many of us authors are introverts, but we have to push ourselves to collaborate. You can’t do it alone.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I’m going to take a hiatus to focus on rebuilding family after some recent, tragic losses.

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About the Author

Mark Everglade has spent his life as a sociologist, studying conflict on all levels of society. He wrote Hemispheres to sooth our ideological divisiveness at a time of increased polarization as he explores how our underlying values are more similar than we think, regardless of how we look, act, or vote. An avid reader of science fiction, he takes both its warnings, and opportunities for change, to heart. His previous works have appeared in Exoplanet Magazine and Unrealpolitik. He currently resides in Florida with his wife and four children.

https://www.markeverglade.com

Interview with Author Zakary Kerr

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I joined the Marine Corps at 17, but I always wanted to create and share stories. This was initially by way of video games, but as time went on and I began approaching 30, I realized that making my own game studio is unlikely for me. Still wanting to share stories and coming around to teaching, my wife actually suggested that I write and publish my ideas as books! I began looking high and low for how to structure a story, writing habits and advice, and of course information on publishing. I started in fiction, which remains unpublished, but shifted my focus to educational non-fiction as a start.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

A Practical Guide to Spanish was inspired by three things. First, my love of languages. Spanish is the fifth foreign language that I’ve taken seriously and I’d like to think that, by now, I have something of a process down. Second, is how I enjoy teaching. The more I learned, the more people came to me for advice. After noticing a series of FAQs I got and how I was able to help those around me, I figured getting it all into one place might be helpful. Third, frankly, is my personal aversion to publishing my fiction. In this genre, it’s fact-based, tried and true, where fiction is much more personal. This route was undeniably easier in more ways than one.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

What I hope my readers take from A Practical Guide to Spanish is really two things. First, that Spanish is a series of logic and patterns that can be quickly mastered if you have a keen eye for said patterns, chunk the language down to what will directly benefit you, and develop a sense of fluidity with meaning. Second, that this mindset can be applied to any language. Grammar is finite worldwide; things are things and actions are actions, no matter the language. If you understand the “theory” of grammar, learning the “practice” is exponentially easier and even more so when you can notice patterns and similarities.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I started taking educational non-fiction seriously because I love learning and I deeply enjoy teaching. Not only is it an opportunity for me to share what I’ve learned and to help people reach their language goals, but it’s also a form of self-help exercise in my opinion. I believe that many people, at least in the US, believe that learning a language is simply out of reach for them and they couldn’t be more mistaken. There are a series of problems with how we approach language acquisition in the US whether it’s via apps, classes, or courses, ranging from the material of the media to the very mindset that they instill. Over time, I developed a strong sense of wanting to remedy that in whatever way I could which is another reason why I paused my fiction to pursue this genre.

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5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

While I have a page on Facebook and I’m active on YouTube, I’ve found the most success and engagement on TikTok. Language Haus is the channel on both YouTube and TikTok, where I share my language focused material, habits, and resources. Now that I’m posting on social media, I’m discovering first hand the challenges with it, but I’d never say no to a good learning experience even if that’s all I get from it.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Let your ideas run and understand that it’s as hard and expensive as you make it. Whether it’s a daydream that inspires a series or a passion or interest that you want to share, make a basic outline and start writing. The hardest part is starting, but once you do, not only is it extremely rewarding to see your final product online and/or physically, it opens up a world of opportunity. 95% of the writing, editing, and publishing processes can be done by yourself and if you have a decent eye for design, know someone with high attention to detail, and use technology as a tool (not a replacement for the human touch), then cover design, editing, and marketing can also be free or low cost. You are your own worst enemy; a limiting mindset will ruin your book a hundred times before anything else.

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

A Practical Guide to Spanish is the first in what I call the Spanish Master Suite of Language Haus. I’ve also published a language journal and one beginner story book, but I have another Spanish story book, coloring books for kids and adults with vocabulary, and courses in the works for Spanish. This same model is going to be ported into other languages like French, Mandarin, German, and others that I know or can find partners for. I haven’t let go of my fiction though. Over time, I’d like to get back to that since psychological thrillers and historical fiction definitely take up some of my headspace. For now, though, I’m set on Spanish.

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About the Author

Zakary Kerr is the founder of Little House Publishing and the creative force behind Language Haus, a unique educational initiative dedicated to making language learning accessible and enjoyable for adults and children alike. With a passion for linguistic education and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by language learners, Zakary has developed the Language Haus Master Suite, a comprehensive series of educational resources designed to guide learners from beginner to advanced levels.

The first Language Haus Master Suite, focused on Spanish, combines a concise, practical guide, graded readers, children’s books, and engaging multimedia content. Zakary’s approach emphasizes real-world application, cultural understanding, and a structured yet flexible learning process. His materials are crafted to help learners independently achieve fluency in their target language while enjoying the journey.

Zakary continues to expand Language Haus with new language offerings, aiming to foster a global community of enthusiastic language learners.