Tag: Interviews

Interview with Author Rowland Grover

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

I’ve enjoyed writing since I was a kid, although back then I was mostly coming up with ideas for fantasy stories and drawing maps. Then in high school, I expanded my writing to include short stories, and I continued scribbling ideas in several notebooks. It wasn’t until I went to college that I first discovered nonfiction essay writing. I enjoyed taking seemingly unrelated and inconsequential events and turning them into an interesting and humorous story.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I was in graduate school in Thailand, sitting through a boring lecture, so I began pondering my life growing up biracial. Then I had the idea to write a memoir about my experiences. However, I just wanted to procrastinate working on my thesis.

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

My desire is that people who read my book will have a better understanding of other people’s experiences and sympathize with them. And for those who have gone through similar experiences can empathize, and we can connect, grow, and heal together. Then hopefully the world will have a little more peace, love, and happiness.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

When I first had the idea to write a memoir, I asked an old high school classmate for tips because he was the only person I knew who was a writer. He gave me a list of books and essays that influenced me so much, such as Educated by Tara Westover and Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. Sedaris specifically made me want to focus on nonfiction essays, which became the majority of my book.

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

My advice for starting authors out there is not to be afraid to tell your story. All of us have stories to share, so write them down for the world to read. Also, find joy in each part of the writing journey. It is long and difficult, but it is also rewarding and thrilling.

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

I have too many ideas and need to focus on one project at a time! First, I would like to record the audiobook and create a visual novel video game based on my book. Later, I would like to write bilingual children’s books because that is what my son loves to read. Finally, I will write a fantasy book based on Thai mythology. I have notes, maps, and ideas, but one day it will become a book. 

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About the Author

Since he was young, Rowland has loved to create stories. Whether that was using stuffed animals to portray the horror of war and class division or writing and drawing maps in a notebook for a fantasy story that was not a rip-off of any other popular series. Rowland’s debut book, ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person, utilizes his love of story-telling to reflect on and analyze his life, race and ethnicity, culture, faith, family, and more.

Rowland Grover was born and raised in Idaho, which, believe it or not, is a real place in the United States. Starting in his late teens, he lived on and off in Thailand, China, and Taiwan for several years. Rowland graduated with a B.A. in International Studies because he had no life plan. Then, he enrolled at Chulalongkorn University to study Southeast Asia Area Studies, but he had to drop out because, quote, “no money.”

He currently lives in Taiwan with his wife, two children, and two cats. Besides unromantic walks on the beach, he enjoys playing video games and studying languages.

https://rowlandgroverauthor.weebly.com/

Interview with Author Melanie Lane Durham

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

I have always loved writing since I was a young girl. I would get lost in books, and would spend hours pretending to be the characters in my favorite stories. I was very drawn to writing poetry and short stories as a kid, and knew I wanted to write something some day!

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

My family and I had just moved into a new house, it was a big move for us and I was constantly telling my two small children how magical everything was going to be when we got settled in. Unfortunately, the house ended up making me very ill. I was stuck in bed all the time and wracked with guilt for life not living up to this magical promise I had made. I was looking for a way to communicate this to my older daughter, and in that, the first draft of Every Day Magic was born. I wrote it as a note in my phone and asked if I could read her a “book with no pictures”, and explained to her that it would help her understand how life could still be full of magic even while Mommy was sick. She ended up loving it, and that inspired me to pursue publishing! 

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

I really hope that all readers of my book, young and young at heart, come to realize that the magic in life is what’s happening while we’re out there searching for it. We as a society, as parents, as partners, as friends, tend to put so much pressure on how things look and less on how they feel — and often we miss what’s right in front of us. Those small, quiet moments filled with beauty, that’s where the magic lies!

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I never planned to write a children’s book, but having kids can definitely give you the courage to do things you never thought you were capable of before!

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

I’d love to ask the main character, Edie, how she plans to include the baby in the book in some of her rituals. The characters are all based on my own family, and with my youngest walking and talking now, I’d love to see how her role in the story may change!

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

Unfortunately, social media hasn’t been a huge help to me. I’m sure it’s just user error! I have loved sharing my book within my community, as a small business owner my current clients and customers have become my biggest fans!

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

Just start. If you wait for it to be perfect, you’ll never be ready. Jump in, learn as you go, and believe in yourself!

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

As for now, I’m still learning how to adjust to selling, marketing, and managing the one book on top of my business and raising two small children. I really hope to write more in the future, and hopefully get some good footing navigating the landscape that is children’s books! It’s been an incredible ride so far.

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Melanie, and I’m so grateful you’re here! As a small business owner, mom of two small children, and lover of magic and mindfulness — the opportunity to share my book with the world is a dream come true. I have loved to write since I was a young girl and I hope getting my words out there shows readers, young and old, that it’s never too late to follow your dreams! When I am not writing or working in my business, you can find me chasing my two littles (and the dog!) around my Northern California backyard or spending time with family friends.

My Story: I believe in the power of life’s little wonders. Born out of a personal journey, Everyday Magic is one of those wonders! In 2023 I was met with the sudden onset of a chronic illness caused by unforeseen circumstances with roots going back to my early childhood. What felt like overnight, I found myself going from an active entrepreneur to a woman often stuck in bed.

I began dreaming up ways to engage with my kids and make meaningful memories, even when my energy was low. These ideas became the heart of this book, a story crafted with love, imagination, and the belief that magic isn’t something we find; it’s something we create! I believe every single one of us has the power within to bring that magic to life.

I hope this story sparks wonder, connection, and a little bit of magic for you and your family- just as it has for mine!

https://a.co/fGhcEpp

Interview with Author Lincoln James

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Interviews2 Comments

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

I started writing pretty young. I grew up in a small town in Georgia with a public library right behind my house, and I practically lived in it. By fourth grade, I was already writing short mystery stories and would ask my teacher if I could read them to the class. Every now and then, she’d say yes—and something about those moments stuck with me. I think I knew even then that storytelling was what I wanted to do with my life.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

All the Time is a very personal book for me. It’s about nostalgia as a survival tactic—how we sometimes escape into the past to avoid dealing with the present, and what happens when we get stuck there. The story was inspired by the media I grew up loving (such as Back to the Future and The Wizard of Oz), and also by a kind of imagined version of my own adolescence—one that might’ve existed if I’d been born a decade earlier. It’s rooted in longing, grief, and the desire to find meaning in unlikely places.

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

At its core, All the Time is about connection—how grief and uncertainty can bring people together, even in the most unexpected ways. I hope readers walk away with the reminder that we’re never truly alone in what we’re feeling, even if it sometimes seems that way. And as Yeats once wrote, “There are no strangers here, only friends you haven’t met yet.” That’s the heart of the book.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Growing up in rural Georgia, there wasn’t much to do. During the day, I was buried in library books; at night, my older brother—who worked at Blockbuster—would bring home horror movies and try to scare me. The plan backfired spectacularly. He’d fall asleep, and I’d stay up late imagining how I’d survive if I were the final girl. That love for the eerie and emotional never left. My sister’s obsession with Unsolved Mysteries and Dateline sealed the deal—I was hooked on suspense, survival, and the strange tenderness hiding inside scary stories.

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

I’d choose Nat. She’s the grounding force Carter never saw coming—the friend who shows up just when he needs one most. She’s smart, practical, and emotionally complex. I’d ask how she interpreted the events of the story and whether the experience made her more hopeful or more afraid. She carries so much weight quietly, and I’d love to know what she held back, and why.

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

Instagram has definitely been the most helpful. It’s where I connect with readers most directly—whether through posts, stories, or DMs. I used to have a big presence on Vine and Musical.ly back in the day, but after stepping into my adult life and shifting focus to writing, Instagram has become my main space. It’s where I share updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and stay in conversation with the people reading my work.

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

Find writer friends. Truly. Having people who understand the ups and downs of this process makes all the difference. I met some of my closest friends in undergrad creative writing classes, and we still hold each other accountable, cheer each other on, and read each other’s work. Writing can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Join workshops, submit to forums, follow writing communities on social media. And if you’re ever in need of a lifeline—I mean this—my DMs are always open. I believe in paying it forward.

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

Absolutely. My latest novel, Written Just For You, released this past May, and I’m incredibly proud of how it’s been received. It’s set in 1962 and follows Will, a teenage boy who falls in love with a girl the town claims either never existed—or died long ago. As he tries to save her from the house she’s trapped in, he starts to wonder whether he’s chasing a ghost… or becoming one. It’s haunting, heartfelt, and might just be my favorite book yet. And I’ve got even more stories on the way.


(Social media link: @lincolnjjames on Instagram)

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About the Author


Lincoln James, your favorite author’s favorite author, is celebrated for his haunting love stories, vintage thrillers, and slow-burn suspense. His characters feel, ache, and bleed, often trapped between the past and the people who won’t let them forget it.

In 2025, James was featured in The New York Review and named Best New Thriller Author in New York by Best of Best Review, honors recognizing his compelling storytelling and emotional depth.

When he’s not writing, James is a Communication professor in New York City and cherishes moments with friends and family, proving that the most thrilling tales lie in the love and laughter shared with those closest to us.

https://thelincolnjames.com/

Interview with Author Brent Golembiewski

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

I grew up in Michigan wanting to be a Disney Cartoonist but life had a different plan for me. After high school and a semester in college I joined the Air Force working on F-16s as an avionics tech. I finished my College degree going to night school and was accepted to Officer Training School where I gained my commission and went on to fly helicopters specifically the UH-1N Huey for over 17 years before retiring. My writing journey really began during a deployment to Iraq but it wasn’t until I retired I buckled down and finished my first book. I have published a Sci-Fi trilogy, another stand alone Sci-Fi dystopian novel and a self help book based on my USAF career aimed to help young people who are looking to join the USAF.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I wrote my current book “The Boy the Cube and the Elf” to target the middle grade readers ages 8-12 with a story that is fast fun and something kids would love to read and hold their attention even if they are not avid readers.

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

The theme I hope to portray is that hard work, good choices and faith in God will help you overcome any obstacle life throws your way.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I have always loved the Sci-fi realm, especially space and the unknown of what’s beyond our solar system. New technology intrigues me and the great potential we have moving forward.

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

I would love to sit down with Nico and ask him how amazing his journey has been, what he’s learned, how learning things he never would have thought possible has affected him. 

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

I mainly use Facebook and it has been helpful in some aspects. I see a shift to other platform and are working on learning them and seeing how they can help.

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

Write, Write Write. Get out there and do it. The world is full of people saying they can only to sit on their hands either scared or distracted. Just start doing it and don’t worry about anything. It’s cliche but be true to yourself.

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

I’ve just finished the draft for the second book in my central fire series and am publishing “Flick of the Switch” on September 14th. Its a near future sci-fi about a teenage girl who attends a video game academy playing flight simulators only to find out they are real and actually fighting a war. In addition im looking to dip my toe into filming and am in the initial stages of developing a short film based on Flick of the Switch and have the screen play written.

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About the Author

Brent Golembiewski is a U. S. Air Force veteran with 20+ years of service. He started his career as an enlisted troop, working as an Electronic Warfare Technician, and completed it as an officer, never working a day as a Helicopter Evaluator Pilot, flying the mighty UH-1N “Huey”. After retiring from the USAF, he began Valkyrie Air, providing aircraft charter operations for people who find value in time. He met the love of his life in the second-worst place he’d ever been stationed and she’s still on active duty. Together they have two boys, the terrible Ts, and one old caricature of a dog that will never die.

www.authorbrentg.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066743936699

https://www.instagram.com/authorbrentg/

Interview with Author Barry Harden

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

I was born to a working-class couple in post-WWII London and arrived with significantly less enthusiasm than was had at my procreation. In due time, I was left to my own devices at a very young age with no guidebook for the scenic route or the pitfalls. While animals and nature offered me solace, the injustices I witnessed ignited a growing rage, one that found its voice in scribbled thoughts on pub serviettes, which later took shape as poems and stories

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

In Ada and Eddie, it was recently pointed out to me that the character of Eddie, a homeless drifter, was unconsciously created from my own experiences growing up alone from an early age. I had a home but was spiritually homeless. I wrote Ada as the character who embodied my ideal companion. Amanita Virosa: The Destroying Angel was inspired by the plight of the Romani people during the Bosnia War, in particular a female fighter, Fadila Odžaković Žuta, who was killed at age 34. She served as my inspiration for Amanita.

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

My novels are rooted in a deep commitment to address issues which I’m passionate about: social inequality, the preservation of nature and wildlife, and society’s power to address the challenges of political malfeasance. In writing fact-based political thrillers, I aim to bring these injustices to light and engage readers who might not seek such information in nonfiction formats. Stories of ordinary citizens fighting for change can inspire readers to demand accountability, participate in civic life, and push for reforms.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

The political thriller genre allows me to weave serious ideas into compelling narratives, shedding light on real historical events and abuses of power while keeping readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. It’s a way of holding up a mirror to the world while hoping people look deep enough to see what lies beneath.

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

I’d sit down with Eddie, the homeless man who discovers the body on the moors. His ostracization, his quiet endurance, and his humility mirror much of what I’ve experienced myself. I’d ask him how he manages to hold on to his sense of self in a world that insists on making him invisible. I’d want to know where he finds the strength to keep going when so much has been stripped away—because in truth, I’ve often asked myself the same question.

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

Facebook and Goodreads have been somewhat helpful but reviewers and bloggers such as yourself bring invaluable exposure to readers.

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

Read as many notable authors in your genre as possible and note what makes their stories work. Ensure your work is grammatically flawless and has a clear story arc. Use reviewers or beta readers not related to you to give unbiased opinions.

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

I’ve just published a memoir, Throwaway, and completed a new thriller, Carney, about a Jamaican crusader for victims of abuse and social injustice.

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About the Author

I am the author of five political thrillers, a collection of provocative short stories, and a book of dark poetry. Sociopolitical commentary is infused into my work, whether through fictional narratives, allegorical short stories or scathing satire that exposes the absurdities of human interaction with each other, animals, and the environment.

When not writing, I find solace in a glass (or two) of a well-aged Corbières while listening to Black jazz of the 20s and 30s. Born and raised in North Harrow, London, I now enjoy the peace and comfort of nature and wildlife and the company of my feral furry friends in my cat sanctuary. A change of scenery to the seashore sparks creativity—without the distraction of my cats adding their input on the keyboard.

Website: www.barryhardenauthor.com

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@barryharden-writer

Interview with Author Marina Osipova

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

The idea of becoming a writer never entered my mind until I moved to the United States from Russia. With my little English, I, inevitably, should have set my mind on studying the language seriously. I signed up for an ESL course in Manhattan, NY. To evaluate the level of my knowledge, the teacher asked me to write a quick test. “My name is . . . I was born in . . . I came from . . . Something like that,” she said. Boring, I thought. Let me write a story, I decided, and I did. It was about a young man in the subway car, who took a sit facing me. He blew his nose into his blue and white floral kerchief, scrutinized the result, then wound the kerchief around his head covered with dark, long, braided hair.

Next time I had the class, during the break, I presented my very first literary opus to the teacher. While she was reading it, I watched her eyebrows shooting up several times. Returning the paper with my scribbles, she said, “You should publish it.” Years later, after two manuscripts, one of 600 pages and the other of 260 (eventually, I buried them somewhere in the bottomless deposits of my PC) the idea of writing a story, which would be set up during WWII came to my head. Since then, I have published seven books, all WWII historical fiction, except for the last one, which is a bit different.

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 2) What inspired you to write your book?

My own life. I was born in East Germany, in Beelitz-Heilstätten, a Soviet military hospital, and since I can remember myself, I wanted to visit the place. My desire came true in 2018. The history of the place is so rich and ominous, I couldn’t help but to tell its story to my readers.

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

WWI, WWII . . . Other wars . . . Before and after . . . Wars wasted millions of innocent lives. What for? The territories? Subsoils with deposits of minerals? Somebody’s (or of a group of individuals) ambitions? Lust for power and recognition? Why do some people become murderers? Isn’t it all relevant today?

I hope the readers of my book will close the last page and ask themselves, “Why?” and “Should we remember?”

“The one who doesn’t remember history is bound to live through it again.” — George Santayana.

 4) What drew you into this particular genre?

All my published books are historical fiction. This one, to some extent, is too. To integrate my personal life experiences and biographical details, I resolved to turn to the elements of time-slip, thriller, and psychological drama so to broaden my readership, to make my book more appealing to those who are interested in these other genres.

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

Writing WWII historical fiction, I subconsciously wanted to come face to face with Adolf Hitler—his inescapable presence is obvious in all my books. I made this wish come true in this story. If you read it, you’ll feel my feelings and disgust at this evil of the 20th century. Unfortunately, his insidious influence on some minds expands—a sickening trend tendency!

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

Bloggers like you, Anthony, and FB helped me to find most of the like-minded people, writers and readers.

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

Who was it who said that everyone has a story to tell? If you feel you can’t continue living without telling your story/stories to the world or just to yourself, don’t suppress this inner push – write and see if it makes you happy. Don’t think about fame and money. Only a bunch of authors live on royalties. Do it for your inner peace and excitement. Trust yourself. Write only if you feel you’ll “drown” if you don’t. Write from your soul. If the process, however difficult, brings you joy, it’s a sign you are a writer.

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

My problem is that too many enticing stories live in my head, waiting to be spilled into my PC screen. Time will show which one will win next time.

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About the author

Marina Osipova was born in East Germany into a military family and grew up in Russia, where she graduated from the Moscow State Institute of History and Archives. When she was five, she decided she wants to speak German and, years later, she earned a diploma as a German language translator from the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Languages. In Russia, she worked first in a scientific-technical institute as a translator, then in a Government Ministry in the office of international relations, later for some Austrian firms. For many years, she lived in New York, working in a law firm, and then in Austria for several years. In the spring of 2022, after spending ten months in Russia, some unfortunate world events brought her back to the United States.

A long-standing member of the Historical Novel Society, she is dedicated to writing historical fiction, especially related to WWII. Her books garnered numerous literary awards, including a 1st Place WINNER of the 2021 Hemingway Book Awards novel competition for 20th Century Wartime Fiction (a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards). At some point or another, all her books hit the Amazon Top 100 lists in Historical Russian Fiction and Historical German Fiction and even #1 or #2 in War Fiction in Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Her readers praise her books for emotional realism, for taking on a subject few authors have touched, for writing with heart and compassion while not holding back from hard cold realities of war, for giving an authentic and in-depth look at a culture that tends to baffle westerners.

Osipova is passionately dedicated to the stories she writes, but when away from her desk and laptop, she, even if for one time, knows how it feels to fly with a helicopter over the Alaskan glaciers, to jump with a parachute upstate NY, to dive to the bottom of the Black Sea with a scuba gear, to fish on a little boat in the Gulf of Siam and catch a real shark however small. She brags about mounting a pensive elephant in Thailand, or an apathetic camel in Gran Canaria. She will never forget her experience riding a retired Russian circus mare who tried to throw her off, which she found much scarier than riding a Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle at a speed of up to 260 km/h (about 162 mph). She experienced a thrill while zip lining through boreal forests at a dizzying height. She will never forget that feeling of humble ecstasy while performing on stage of an off-off (but close) Broadway; the most profound excitement she experienced as Marquerite in Camino Real by Tennessee Williams and Queen Elizabeth in The Dark Lady of the Sonnets by George Bernard Shaw. What other dreams does she have? Well . . . to find herself inside a Cheops pyramid (not like a mummy) and write all the stories that populate her head. The To-Write-List is big and growing.

Website: https://www.marina-osipova.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marina.osipova.14/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4701687.Marina_Osipova

Interview with Author Joel McKay

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

When I was 12, my best friend told me I was too old to play with action figures and it wasn’t “cool” anymore. I had some pretty elaborate action figure-based stories underway I didn’t want to lose track of, so I started writing them down. That’s how it all started and it’s never stopped.

2) What inspired you to write your book?

I’ve wanted to write a fun fantasy adventure novel since I was 12. It’s the genre I started with and loved the most. So this new novel is really an ode to pocketbook fantasy adventures that I grew up reading and enjoying.

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

In so many ways this book is about courage: the courage to keep going, the courage to set boundaries, the courage to forgive. It’s also about the journey, it’s the adventure itself that matters, less so the outcome.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I’ve been drawn to fantasy all my life, it’s pure escapist magic but also founded in great truths about the human experience. I think through fantasy you can have a flashy, fun rollicking adventure and also say things about life in a way that’s far simpler and more impactful because of the fantastic setting. That appeals to me.

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

I’d sit down with Ruddlefunt and ask him to tell me the entire history of Roan and everything packed into his mechanical head. We only get shades of it in the story, and the characters are too darned caught up in their own dramas to realize he’s the treasure.

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

Instagram, likely. In all honesty, I’m not great at social media. I try to keep it alive as best I can but it’s not my strength, never has been.

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

Just write. Enjoy the craft. Enjoy the process. Have fun with it even when you’re not. And when you’re not, take a break, then get back to it.

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

The Dungeoneers and the Treasure of Roan is due out August 15th. I’m also starting edits on a full-length epic cosmic horror novel now … should see the light of day in a year or two…

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About the Author

Joel McKay is an award-winning author, journalist and executive from Northern British Columbia. His fiction includes the horror comedy novella Wolf at the Door, the anthology It Came From the Trees and Other Violent Aberrations and a host of short stories published in various anthologies and online.

https://www.joelmckay.ca/

Interview with Author Glenda Benevides 

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

I’m a lifelong artist and GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter who has spent years touring the world, recording music, and connecting with audiences through performance. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been writing—not just songs, but stories woven with meaning. Lyricism was my first language of expression, born from a deep desire to uplift, inspire, and reflect the human experience.

My transition into writing books was a surprising evolution. I was wondering if my experiences were valuable and supportive to others. So, I began putting pen to page in a outline as a way to offer deeper introspection—sharing hard-won insights, soul reflections, and lessons on courage, confidence, self-expression, and the power of finding your voice. Writing became another stage, another kind of performance—this time to let others know they matter, they’re powerful, and their dreams are more than possible… they’re sacred and important.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

As a singer songwriter, I’ve always expressed myself through music, doing my own internal transformational work and just listening to people, but I found myself wondering: could the life lessons I’ve lived through, the trials I’ve overcome, and the wisdom I’ve gained offer something meaningful beyond the stage? That curiosity sparked the beginning of my journey into writing a book.

When I looked back at my own path—from heartache to healing, frustration to clarity—I saw patterns. I realized that I had moved through life guided by five core principles: Clarity, Courage, Confidence, Commitment, and Community. These weren’t just abstract ideals—they were a sequence, a roadmap. And they were the very tools that helped me express my voice fully and rise above life’s  continued challenges.

I felt called to share that process in a way that was both intimate and practical—a teaching memoir that could serve as a companion for anyone seeking to express themselves more boldly and live more purposefully. My book is an invitation to claim your own voice, to find your fire, and to turn your dreams into reality—step by step, with grace and grit.

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

I hope readers walk away with the deep knowing that they matter—and that their voice, their dreams, and their truth are not only valid, but vital. Huge Value! You never know who’ll you’ll touch by being you! At its heart, this book is a call to action: to awaken the clarity within you, summon the courage to stand in your truth, and embrace the confidence to express yourself fully—no matter what the world says or throw’s at you.

It’s about reclaiming your power and remembering that you are the author of your own story. Through each chapter, I want readers to feel supported, seen, and equipped with practical steps they can use to break through limitations and move toward a life that is authentic, inspired, and fiercely free.

This book is more than words—it’s a mirror, a mentor, and a musical note echoing the anthem: You are enough. You are powerful. And your time is now. MUSIC UNITY ACTION is my theme – what is YOURS?

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4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I was drawn to this genre because it allows me to merge storytelling with soul work. As a singer-songwriter, I’ve always been in the business of truth-telling through emotion—turning life’s raw moments into lyrics that move people. Writing in the self-help/memoir genre felt like a natural extension of that same mission. Body, Mind and Spirit!

I didn’t want to just share my story—I wanted to offer something useful, something that could light the way for others on their own journey. This genre gave me the freedom to be vulnerable while also being practical and courageous. It let me blend personal experience with transformational tools that empower others to rise, to express, and to heal. To consider getting support to move through feeling stuck and to just ask. 

Ultimately, I chose this path because it reflects who I am at the core: an artist, a mentor, and a woman deeply committed to helping others find their voice and step into their power.

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

Honestly, while social media is a easy tool to stay visible and share updates, it’s live performance, interviews and real human connection that have truly built my readership and following. There’s something powerful and unforgettable about being in a room with people—sharing stories, music, and energy in real time. That’s where the magic happens. That’s where trust and resonance are born.

Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have been fine in keeping the conversation going and letting people see behind the scenes. But it’s the face-to-face, heart-to-heart moments that truly deepen connection and turn listeners or readers into lifelong supporters.

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

Just do it—leap! Don’t wait until you think you’re “ready” or everything is perfect, because the truth is, your voice is needed now. Writing isn’t about being flawless—it’s about being fearless in your authenticity.

Have fun with it. Let your curiosity lead the way. Most importantly, connect to the passion and purpose behind your words. When you fall in love with who you are and what you want to share, the writing becomes electric—it speaks, it sings, it resonates.

Trust that your story matters. Start where you are, write from the heart, and remember: every great author was once a beginner who decided to be brave.

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About the Author

Glenda the author, is celebrated for her motivational and empowering works, she has penned four impactful books: “Courage,” “Find Your Fire and Ignite Action in Your Life,” the e-book “Soul On Fire,” and “Own The Goddess Within.” Each book offers a unique blend of inspiration, practical advice, and deep introspection, guiding readers to discover their inner strength and ignite their passions. Additionally, the author has collaborated with visual artist DS Thornburg on “Grimoire of Lost Lore,” a captivating fusion of evocative storytelling and mesmerizing visuals, further showcasing their versatile creativity and profound ability to inspire.

(Music.Unity.Action) GlendaBenevides.com  Musician, Author, Altruist 

Interview with Author JM Shaw

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

I have been an avid writer for over thirty years, ever since my mom bought me a typewriter—yes, I’m that old. Exercising my creative muscles has become more than a hobby; it has grown into a passion that, at times, borders on obsession. Fortunately, writing is decidedly cheaper than therapy. 

In 2019, I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. This was a surprise, but rather than viewing my neurodiversity as a hindrance, I choose to see it as a gift. It offers me a unique lens through which to see the world and infuses my creative works with distinctiveness and depth. 

Over the years, I have filled several hard drives with poems, short stories, and full-length novels, yet there are still countless ideas rattling around in my head, just waiting to be unleashed. 

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What inspired you to write your book?

I’ve always been a “what if” kind of person, and my muse for this series was sparked by the question: “What if fairy tales were more than stories, and monsters were flesh and blood?”

As someone who believes in good triumphing over evil, I started my series with the idea that my protagonist would strive to do good in the world—whether they wanted to or not. Along the way, I drew inspiration from the Arthurian legends, particularly the tales of Merlin, whose power and wisdom have fascinated me.

In many ways, my protagonist became my vision of a young Merlin, brimming with potential, longing for a normal life, but burdened by magical gifts that make such a life impossible.

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

The overarching theme in my series is being true to oneself despite life’s challenges, trusting those we love to have our backs, and finding a sense of belonging. I enjoy tackling mental health issues—such as guilt, despair, and loneliness—and demonstrating how my characters overcome their adversity in an adventure setting. I also routinely incorporate wholesome messages that give my readers something to think about. 

In my latest novel, Forsaken Souls, my protagonist’s metaphysical and magical abilities continue to grow, bordering on uncontrollable, which is both worrying and dangerous. At the same time, Callum is traumatized from the events of the first three novels—particularly those of the third book—which have tainted his outlook and self-concept.  Instead of facing his fears, he avoids them, which only deepens his pain. Only by trusting in those he loves, leaning on their strength, and confronting his past can he begin to heal. 

Callum’s journey is ultimately one of identity, trust, and connection, a reminder that family and friends are invaluable. I hope readers take to heart the message that emotional pain after trauma is a normal part of life, but the strength to overcome our torment is found through the bonds we forge with our loved ones.

What drew you into this particular genre?

I’m drawn to those genres that offer me creative freedom, and fantasy adventure gives me exactly that. I’m also partial to sci-fi, supernatural, paranormal, thrillers, and horror. Basically, any genre that allows me to explore outlandish concepts while weaving adventure and action into my novels is appealing. Although each genre requires a unique frame of mind, and with the latter two, I must leave the lights on while I write to avoid nightmares. 

Oddly enough, I never set out to write an epic fantasy adventure; it just happened naturally. And while I’m committed to finishing my Callum Walker Series, I will eventually branch into other genres.

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

Honestly, I already know everything there is to know about my characters—their histories, desires, fears, and the choices they’ll make. So rather than asking them a question, I think I’d sit with them. Maybe offer a moment of peace, or even a heartfelt “thank you” for letting me tell their story.

If I had to ask something, it might be this: “Do you forgive me for everything I’ve put you through?”


Because, as any author knows, there is no story without conflict, and we aren’t always kind to our characters.

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

Instagram and Facebook are my preferred platforms for building readership. Their visual nature allows me to showcase my novels, share behind-the-scenes content, and connect more personally with fans and fellow authors. That said, nothing compares to the impact of face-to-face interactions. Author events and book signings are, without a doubt, my most effective tool—those who take the time to stop and chat often feel a stronger connection to both me and my work. From there, word of mouth takes over, which I’ve found to be the most powerful and lasting form of promotion.

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

Perseverance, especially in the face of criticism, is essential for any writer. You can’t please everyone, and there will always be those who dislike your work. But writing is a passion—untamed and unscripted—it is about personal expression rather than pleasing the masses. You must hold tightly to your reason for writing or risk losing sight of your passion as you pursue everyone else’s expectations. Otherwise, your art will become emotionless and void of authenticity. Thusly, every time I sit down to write, I remind myself that whatever I create must come from the heart. After all, that is where the magic lives.

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

I’m currently working my way through the fifth novel in my Callum Walker Series, with the sixth already in development. Beyond that, I’m toying with the idea of writing a standalone or a novel set outside my current series—something more sci-fi than fantasy, fresh and creatively liberating.

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About the Author

J.M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta, with her husband and two young children. She and her family embarked upon a journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning when they discovered their shared diagnosis of autism and ADHD.   Writing is her passion and, with experience and interests in healthcare, psychology, martial arts, and personal training, she pours her unique insights and knowledge into all her creative fictions.

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