Name: Marcy G. Dyer
Book(s) Title: Desert Winds Series: Down & Out, Out for Blood, Blood &Lies,
Lies & Alibis, Contagion, Inquisition - releases 3/1/18; Perseverance - 11/11/18
Series Title: Dark Days - newest series; Desert Winds
Genre(s): Suspense/Thriller - Dark Days is a dystopian future
 
Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?

I'm a retired nurse and have worked in dialysis, hospice, and oncology. When I was younger, I was an athlete. I love to be active and do anything physical. As a result, I started Tae Kwon Do classes. I earned my black belt and won several trophies at competitions.

Fast forward a few years, and I have several autoimmune diseases the prevent me from continuing on in martial arts, so now I maintain a blog that helps those who are dealing with chronic illnesses and disabilities. It's called Gimpy Gal.

I've also been to Ukraine on two different occasions and speak and understand some Russian - very little, but enough to buy water, find a bathroom, and order a meal.
 
Million dollar question, are you working on another book?

I'm working on the second book in the Dark Days series, but I have two new series in mind, and plan to start plotting as soon as I finish the Dark Days books.

Have you written any other books that are not published?

Oh, goodness, yes! I started writing when I was quite young. Most of those have hit the trash barrel years ago. There is one book that I started when I first started writing. It's still on my heart, but needs to be completely revamped. One day, I'll tackle that book.

Do you still write? If so, what does your typical day look like?

I don't have a typical day. Since I live with chronic illnesses and disabilities, there are days that I don't write a single word. Some days I'll write a paragraph. It just depends on how I feel that day.

Most writers I know sit at a desk and compose their stories, but that doesn't work for me. I can't sit at a desk for hours, so I take my laptop to my comfy recliner and write for a little bit at a time then take a break.

Pen or type writer or computer?

Computer. I could never get all of the words out by hand!

Music or silence?

I need noise. It may be music or the television droning in the background, but if it's too quiet, I can't concentrate.

What tactics do you have when writing? (For example: outline or just write)
               
I do a bare bones outline. When I started I was a pantser, but then my mind would wander and the book would end up following a rabbit trail into the unknown. At least when I outline, if I deviate, it's intentional.
What is/are your book(s) about?
               
The first series, the books are all suspense with a hint of romance. In the Dark Days series, the books are about a weaponized rabies virus that someone dumps around the world. It has devastating effects.

If you were running the 100 yard dash with a new writer. What writing, publishing wisdom would you bestow upon him/her before you reached the 100 yards?
               
I would tell him/her to join a critique group, read books, and take lessons on the craft of writing. The talent is in the storytelling, but learn to do it well.

If you could spend time a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day? (PG-13 please :) ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUESTIONS TO ASK.
               
My latest book, I would like to spend a day with Randi. She's tough and holds everyone at arm's length. I'd like to spend time talking to her and trying get her to open up to me. She holds in so many things and so much guilt. I think if she would open up and talk, it would help her have peace of mind.

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?
               
I had someone tell me once that I would never be a good writer because I was too verbose. She went on to basically tell me to I needed to quit writing. I was determined to turn it around and learn the craft of writing. So her harsh criticism actually helped me grow.

What has been the best compliment?
               
I had one of the editors tell my publisher that she couldn't breathe and her heart was still pounding after finishing my newest book.

What is something memorable you have heard from your readers/fans?
               
I met a woman online in a group, and she saw my name. She asked if I was the writer. I told her I was. She then told me how much her son loves my books. I'm used to hearing women who like my books, but when she told me her son had read all of my books, and loved them, it made my day.

What book that you have read has most influenced your life?
               
I would have to say the Bible. Every time I read it, I get something out of it. It's influenced me so many ways.

What is the most amusing thing that has ever happened to you?
               
It's funny, now, but at the time it was horrible. Toward the end of my nursing career, I was working part time as a home health nurse. I was sent to a patient's house. They said he couldn't come to the door, but the key was in the back yard in a drawer.

I get to his house, grab the key, and go inside. I'm calling his name as I walk through the house. When I get to the back, this woman steps out, sees me, and screams. I had walked into the wrong house. I read the address wrong. Both houses had the key in a drawer in the back yard.
               
She didn't shoot me, or even call the police. I stayed with her until she'd calmed down, apologized profusely, and she was so very kind about the entire situation.

Where can we find you online?  www.marcydyer.com

Any website or resources that have been helpful to you as a writer?

Kathy Ide's books on grammar, punctuation, and self-editing.

Amazon Author Page Link: 
https://www.amazon.com/Marcy-Dyer/e/B00AVP81K0/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1501266602&sr=8-1
Twitter Handle: @marcydyer
Facebook Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/MarcyDyer/

Check out her books on Amazon!!!
​​

Name: Jesper Schmidt
Book(s) Title: Desolation
Series Title: The Keystone Bone Trilogy
Genre(s): Fantasy

Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?

I'm Danish and live together with my wife and two sons, just south west of Copenhagen. It's about a 40 minute drive, so we enjoy some more peace and quietness down here.

What most people don't know is that I used to earn a living from sailing on cable ships. I was testing and repairing fiber-optic sea cables. It was in fact my first job in telecommunications.

Million dollar question, are you working on another book?

I am indeed. Desolation was the first book in the Keystone Bone trilogy, followed by Degradation, which was the second book that released not that long ago. I'm now fully into plotting the third and final instalment of the series.

I won't reveal the title just yet, but I guess you can spot the trend based on the titles of the first two books in the trilogy. Can't you?

What do you think about the ebook revolution?

This is a big topic and I could probably go on and on. Many opinions have been voiced both pro and con ebooks - and often bashing indie publishing.

Whichever way you look at it though, I don't think anyone can argue against the fact that the introduction of the ebook has made writing a possible occupation for many. Anyone can now circumvent the gatekeepers at the traditional publishing houses if they want to.

This level of freedom comes with responsibilities though... A responsibility to treat writing as a profession; at least if you want to make a living from it. This involves producing a professional book cover, having the book worked on by an editor, and basically all the steps necessary to put a quality product on the market.

As long as we treat it with the respect it deserves, I do think that the ebook revolution has opened many doors. And not only for writers. Readers can now get books cheaper than ever before.

Do you still write? If so, what does your typical day look like?

I manage a very demanding full time job alongside my writing, so it's not always easy to get everything done. It involves getting up very early in the morning and get to writing first thing. I'm actually running a YouTube channel as well and one of my videos covers what a typical writing day looks like for me. If you are interested you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/b7LyJ3tYFjk?list=PL7pVHfk0zVX72LA6fokdI3XT3fXECwVYU

Pen or type writer or computer?

Oh, it would take way too long to write things out by the use of pen or even a type writer. In fact, I also find writing on the computer too slow. I have therefore embarked on a new journey. My plan is to "write" book 3 of the Keystone Bone trilogy using dictation. We will see how that goes, but if successful that might be my method going forward.

Music or silence?

I have to have silence around me when writing. Otherwise, I get distracted. Actually, it's going to be interesting when I get into dictation as the plan is to "write" while out walking. That is an environment with many potential distractions, but I like the idea of being outside too much to not give it a try.

What tactics do you have when writing? (For example: outline or just write)

I'm a very firm believer of outlining. When I first started out, I just wrote though. The result was that I had to scrap 50k words of the first book in the Keystone Bone trilogy. It was three months of hard work down the drain, but it had to be done. So I started over. It felt terrible and I learned a valuable lesson.

I have worked in project management for more than a decade, and if I have learned anything, it is to plan ahead. That's how my brain works and I should have known better. Oh, well...

What is/are  your book(s) about?

The main character, Aea, lost her family as a child and now pregnant herself, her troubled life seems finally to be turning for the better.

She discovers that her mother and sister are still alive, but if she wants to save them she will have to leave the symbiotic shelter of the forest which keeps her race alive.

​Aea finds herself in a race against time, while an ancient demon lord begins his revenge against a world that imprisoned him eons ago. Even the great dragon, the last of his kin, will have to alter his plans of invasion to begin a chase for the long-forgotten Keystone Bone.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

No, I'm in full control. I know exactly what is going to happen in every single chapter before I write the first word.

That said, during the outlining process something unexpected can pop up. Most of the time, it's just a matter of embracing it  and see where it takes me.

What book that you have read has most influenced your life?

I will have to go with some of the classics. Lord of the Rings, The Dragonlance Chronicles and the vampire books by Anne Rice have all had a major influence on my love for fantasy.

What gives you inspiration for your book(s)?

If you will allow me to keep it brief, because this is actually another topic I covered in one of my videos:

https://youtu.be/rpxaWOadDX0


​Amazon Author Page Link: http://amzn.to/28VRmvr
Twitter Handle: @schmidtjesper http://bit.ly/28O3ArW
Facebook Page Link: http://bit.ly/28NJQXO

Get his books on Amazon!!!

Name: Angel Chadwick
Book Title: Weeping Well
Genre(s): International Crime Mystery/Thriller/Suspense/Young
Adult/New Adult/Supernatural/Multicultural Romance/Action/Sports/Some Sci-fi/Literary Fiction

Tell us a little about yourself? 

Perhaps something not many people know? I’m a mom of a ten year old boy who is autistic/nonverbal and making steady and exceptional progress everyday, an author and inventor. I also have my own publishing imprints which I will be using in the near future. I have traveled the all over world. This is includes Quebec, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Niagara Falls, NY, New York, Erie, Pennsylvania, Hershey, Pennsylvania, Hot Springs, Arkansas, Atlanta, Georgia, Columbus, Georgia to name some all while I was between the ages of 17-19 years old.  I was a lead singer in a choir. I’m a contralto. I’m a great dancer. In the eleventh grade, I wrote my first play for which my classmates acted out, which was a bit weird having my work being displayed in such a wonderful way.  I got a B+ on that.

​What made you want to become a writer?

My junior high school teacher who encouraged me to keep writing after I wrote a short story for an English assignment, which I got an A+ on.  I’ve been writing since I was thirteen years old. So about 27 years.

​Million dollar question, are you working on another book?

I have two books out now. But I’m always working on another book or creative project. Right now, I have several in the works. A series of cozy mysteries, two set of cozy mysteries, several plays at least ten to mention a few things.

Have you written any other books that are not published?

Yes, I have written 801 books yet to be published. On my way to getting them there.

What do you think about the ebook revolution?

I think has been an uphill battle for me at times. I’ve had some success in that department but is very fickle and sales aren’t always there. I really have love-hate relationship with it. Mostly hate. But I always have print editions of my book along with the e-book versions.  But it is whatever it is.

What is your advice to Indie Authors? On writing? Marketing?

Write. Promote. Network. Do this always and you’ll have a snowball’s chance. No sanity, but at least a chance.

Do you still write?

If so, what does your typical day look like? Yes, I will be writing until the day I die and if there’s an afterlife I’ll still be writing even then. Publishing from the beyond might be a problem, though.

What is your writing style?

I’ve been told that I have a very unique, lyrical style.

Pen or type writer or computer?

I started out using pen to paper, then the typewriter every since I got a computer, it’s been just that.  

Do you write alone or in public?

Both, but lately it’s been at home, but not always alone. I have a ten year old son who keeps me pretty busy.

Music or silence?

Both. But music helps me more when I’m writing.

Have you thought about joining with another author to write a book?

I’ve co-authored with an author before and I will never do it again. It was a few years ago when I’d just become a member on Wattpad.com. I have recently done a little more ghostwriting for a few people. It’s something I started doing when I was in high school. I’ve done some editing services, too. I prefer the ghostwriting. And yes, I’m able to fully detach myself when I’m writing for someone else. I do ghostwriting and editing services on the side. The most recent I’ve done was for a university professor for his dissertation for his doctorate and the latest for a retired teacher who wants to break into writing children’s books. I write all genres so that works.

Do you consider yourself to be a successful writer? If so, why? If not, what would make you successful? 

No, I consider myself a prolific writer, a multitalented one, but successful, no. I couldn’t say what would be my big break into success. I guess one day I’ll crack that mystery wide open.

Do you do book tours?

I’ve done blog tours, a blog hop, a lot of promos but an outright book tour, no not yet. But maybe one soon, I hope.

What character in your book are you least likely to get along with?

I would get along with all of my characters, for  the simple fact that they live vicariously through me not the other way around. They are a part of me, my personality, who I am, what I am, my psyche, etc. all aspects that I am more than comfortable with exploring and exploiting.  

Amazon Author Page Link: 
https://www.amazon.com/Mrs.-Angel-M.B.-Chadwick/e/B00O4KZI8Q/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Twitter Handle:https://twitter.com/goddessamabo23
Facebook Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/angel.chadwick.10/

Check out her book on Amazon!!!

Name:   P. Wesley Lundburg
Book Titles: Frank Mattituck Series: Skipper’s Oath (Book 1), Poacher’s End (Book 2), Hinchinbrook’s Hunted (Book 3, due in September).  The Clayton Chronicles: The Stateroom Tryst (Book 1), (Book 2 coming soon!) and a novella titled On Rocks and Clouds
Genres: Mattituck series is mystery/suspense; Clayton Chronicles series is hard-boiled, noir detective fiction

Million dollar question, are you working on another book?

I’m always working on a book. It’s like once I really put myself to this business of writing novels (about 2 years ago), I’m non-stop. It’s my favorite pastime, and when I’m stressed from work, my wife often hands me my laptop, a touch (I swear!) of rum, and turns me toward the couch. Right now, I have two series going, and probably will continue both into perpetuity. The stories and characters are just too good and too fun to think about limiting. I’m working on the 3rd book in The Frank Mattituck Series right now, and as soon as that’s off to editors and beta readers, I’ll be at work on Book 2 in The Clayton Chronicles. I also have a short story or novella on the side that I dabble with.

Have you written any other books that are not published?

Yes, years ago. It was called The A-B Zone, and was an action-adventure that took place between Southeast Alaska and Canada. The A-B Zone is a disputed water way, and I had a crazed Canadian fisherman who went nuts over the territorial rights, ramming U.S. fishing boats and killing indiscriminately. One publisher looked at it, liked it but said “no, thanks” and I never went back to it. The fun thing about it is that the crazed fisherman is the inspiration for Ned Simmons, the widely hated murder victim in Poacher’s End, Book 2 in the Mattituck series. I think I’m a much better writer now, especially in terms of plotting, and so I think I’ll leave The A-B Zone as a relic in the writing laboratory.

Goals of certain # of words a week or when inspiration strikes

I don’t have a certain number of words I try to hit, but I try to write every day. When I do, I often hit 1,000+ words. Inspiration is a funny thing. As a younger writer, I used to wait for the muse to speak, or struggled to identify a story worth writing. Now I’m more like Tom Clancy when he said, “Just write the damned story.” That works for me. Even when I’m not in the mood, if I sit down and start writing, I’m very into it immediately. I don’t remember the last time I was ‘unproductive’ on any day I sat down to write.

What tactics do you have when writing? (For example: outline or just write)

Once I have a story or plot idea, I scratch it out in a sort of map that follows a timeline. Where I feel I need to capture more detail, I write something like “Note A” and then write out the expanded note on a subsequent page. I do that so the timeline doesn’t get too cluttered. I like to have the entire book in view on one page; that’s why I do the addendum notes. Each novel has a 2-3 page map, with the entire timeline on page one. From that, I sit and draft on the laptop. There are usually things I need to keep tabs on (how many bullets to the body, from what angle, etc) that I keep at the bottom of the document as I draft so that it’s right there. I also have notes on all the characters and details (boats, guns, etc) in a separate document that I refer to as needed.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

Oh, I keep them in line! Ha! I wish. I have the story mapped, and the characters always stay on task with that, but beyond that they do what they do. I don’t try to keep them tightly controlled. I know who they are, and when they are in a situation I’m writing, I let who they are drive their actions, words, and thoughts.

If you could spend time a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day? (PG-13 please :) ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUESTIONS TO ASK.

A lot of them actually, but the one who really jumps out right now is Clay – Rick Clayton from The Clayton Chronicles. He’s savvy, wise, and cynical . . . and tough as nails. But he’s also kind and diplomatic. He only says and does what he has to in order to get the job done – and he’s very focused on the job at hand. Plus, he drives an International Scout II and surfs. My kind of guy!

What is something memorable you have heard from your readers/fans?

With the Mattituck series, I had really hoped to build a sense of community among the characters in the books, but I hadn’t really expected it to be a powerful element in the books. Several reviews and many who have given me feedback have commented that this is one of their favorite aspects of the books. Another memorable comment regarding The Stateroom Tryst said that the book reminded her of Raymond Chandler. What I have hoped to do with that series is revive the old hard-boiled detective character and drop him into a modern day setting. The comment makes me think I may be pulling it off.

Anything you would like to say to your readers and fans?

I’m a firm believer that writers only do half the creative work in a story. The rest is done by the reader. Thank you for enjoying these stories along with me!

What gives you inspiration for your book(s)?

Places are really important to me. I try to give a vivid sense of place, not just through description, but spatially as well. So I try to build in action that involves the scene in a way that readers pick up on the ambiance of the place. I’m also inspired by the kind of bravery that people have when they endure hardship, and especially if they carry it with grace and are still kind in the midst of their pain. As far as the stories, I’m inspired by the gritty detective novels of the 1930s and 1940s: Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. But I’m also inspired by the far less exciting character-focused writings of Eudora Welty and Anne Tyler, among many others.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

Both. None of them are straight-out real people, but many of them take on a variety of characteristics of real people I’ve known; in some cases, the role of a real person is the basis for a character. Hemingway said that all fiction is autobiographical, so there is probably more of me and my life in my stories than I care to admit.

Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read?

My most recent is The Stateroom Tryst, first in The Clayton Chronicles. Why do I think it’s a must-read? Because it’s a new take on mystery novels. As I’ve said to a lot of people, I wanted to take that Chandler/Hammett hero, the cynical loner of a hard-boiled private eye, and drop him into a modern day setting. I chose San Diego because I grew up there, and because that place allows for a backdrop that works well for the stories. There’s a fair amount of humor, which I think is necessary to pull this off, and much of that is wrapped up in the two inept sons of the detective agency owner the protagonist works for. Snappy dialog is also modeled after the hard-boiled detective, as is the fast-action. The protagonist often wears a plain 40s style suit with a skinny tie, but he drives an International Scout and surfs. Really…. You have to read it to believe it!

What do you love most about the writing process?

The planning and drafting are my favorite parts. I love coming up with an idea, then brainstorming how it might work out if this or that happens, then backing up with a “no, that won’t work” and trying again. It’s fun. I enjoy putting it into a timeline and mapping the story out, then sitting down and following the timeline and notes. It’s almost like I’m watching the story happen and simply capturing it in words.

What is the biggest surprise that you experienced after becoming a writer?

How easy it’s been once I found my groove. Some call it finding your voice, or your style, or your way of crafting a story. Whatever it is exactly, I was surprised at how easy it all happened. I wrote a novel when I was younger, and it was work. Real work. And it took a long time to write. Skipper’s Oath came together fast. So did Poacher’s End, and The Stateroom Tryst. I’ve found what works for me and I’ve taken pressure off myself to be writing anything in particular—or rather, I’ve stopped trying to achieve some preconceived perfection. Once I map a story out and have the characters developed in notes, the stories almost write themselves. I only have to fix a few things here and there as the plot gets detailed, but it’s overall very easy. That surprises me.

Tell us a little about your plans for the future. Where do you see yourself as a writer in five years?

I see myself with a dozen books in the Mattituck series and about as many in The Clayton Chronicles. I see myself actually making a living at this so that I can dedicate myself full-time to it. At that point, I would like to do some stand-alone novels, and do more in the Young Adult arena.

What character in your book are you least likely to get along with?

GREAT question. Without a doubt, Ned Simmons, the poaching halibut fisherman in Poacher’s End.  He’s the kind of person that is contrary to everything in me. He’s just a jerk, clean through. Hateful, bitter, self-centered, and mean…. Just pure unadulterated meanness. Nobody could get along with an arse like that…. not even over a frosty Guinness!

Amazon Author Page Link:  https://tinyurl.com/y87zyxch
Twitter Handle: @pwesleylundburg
Facebook Page Link: https://tinyurl.com/y88qjcnv
 
Check out his books on Amazon!!!

Name: Kimberly Hockaday
Book Title: A Mourner's Diary: Poems of Grief and Healing
Genre: Poetry

Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must read?
 
My book "A Mourner's Diary: Poems of Grief and Healing" is very personal. In February 2016, I lost an aunt to cancer and then four months later my uncle passed away from his battle with cancer. It was a very painful and confusing time. I had so many thoughts and questions that flowed from my heart in the form of poetry. So this book is almost like my diary. It is a must read because many people can relate to the poetry. This book is not only my way of honoring my loved ones but also to reach those who are grieving and feeling lost and confused. Grieving is a different journey for everyone but we all grieve and eventually healing will come.

 What is your favorite part of the book?
 
My favorite part of the book is my final poem ," A Note To God." This is my favorite poem because honestly, healing came with writing this poem. With this poem came the release of everything I was feeling and I came to the acceptance of the death of my loved ones.

What genre do you consider your books? Have you considered writing in another genre?
 
Currently the books I am publishing are poetry. I also write fiction but I am following the advice I was given from a publisher. She stated I should stick to one genre, gain a fan base of readers before switching to other genres. So right now it's poetry, but I promise you one day you will read works of other genres by me.

 What is something memorable you have heard from your readers or fans?
  
A few years ago my photo was in the newspaper. One day an old man approached me and asked if I was the woman in the photo? When I told him I was, he told me that I should be very proud of myself. He said that I was now an author and everyone in my town will now know that I was an author. He told me regardless of what happens, if I should write more books are decide to not write anymore books, that I will forever have the title as an author and will be forever known as an author.  That meant so much to me and I have never forgotten that man or what he told me.

What has been the best compliment?
  
The best compliment is when a person tells me that my book moved them, brought them to tears, or made them feel better.

Tell us a little bit about your plans for the future. Where do you see yourself in five years?
  
At the moment I have a part-time job that has nothing to do with writing but I hope to one day work for a magazine and start my own performance arts organization. In five years I see myself still writing and publishing books.

Do you do book tours?
 
I have never done a book tour but would love to. It sounds like it would be fun.

Do you consider yourself to be a successful writer? If so why?
 
I do consider myself to be a successful writer. I am not a famous writer like Stephen King but I am a writer. I am successful because all I have ever wanted to be since I was four years old was to grow up and become a writer. It has been a long and hard journey with mistakes and rejections, but I never gave up. Money doesn't define success. It is the hard work and determination that makes you a success.  I said I wanted to be a writer and I did the work to become a writer.  That is what makes me a success.

Million dollar question, are you working on another book?
  
Absolutely.  I do not want to give anything away yet, but hopefully you can expect my next book the beginning of 2018.

Anything you would like to say to your readers and fans?
 
I want to say thank you to every single person who has purchased a copy of my book. It truly means a lot to me.  Thank you. I hope you continue to buy and enjoy my work.

 Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Kimberly-Hockaday/e/B06WLP6TY9
 Twitter Handler: @thankfulpoet
​
Check out Kimberly's Book on Amazon!!!
​

Name: Craig Anderson
Book(s) Title: Getting Lucky, Lucky Shot, Lucky Break, The Colony, TROJAN (Coming soon!)
Series Title: The Lucky Beggar Trilogy
Genre(s): Humour, Sci-fi, Techno-Thriller

Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?

My accent is a disaster. I grew up in England, spent 2 years in Australia and have now lived in Canada for the last 8 years. I use slang and phrases from all 3 countries, so everywhere I go people ask me where I am from. My wife keeps telling me off for teaching our children the ‘wrong’ words for things (For example I told my daughter it`s called a swimming costume)

Million dollar question, are you working on another book?

Always! My challenge is picking which book to write next. I’m going to work on the sequel for The Colony next as a lot of people have asked me about it. I like to alternate projects, I don’t write sequels immediately after the previous book, I like to step away from a world so I can come back to it fresh.

Have you written any other books that are not published?

My very first book has never been published and has languished at 90% complete for 8 years and counting! I didn’t realize it at the time but it was my training wheels, I needed to figure out how to structure a 90k word novel and I am very much a hands on learner. I keep promising myself that one day I will loop back around and finish it as there are parts of it that I absolutely love, but I’ve been saying that for a loooong time now and there is no shortage of other books for me to write…

What do you think about the ebook revolution?

Well it’s the reason people have read my books, so I am all for it! I did however finally get around to making a paperback of my first novel and there is something to be said about holding a physical copy of your book. It somehow made the whole thing feel more real. I’ve only sold a handful of paperbacks, but I definitely recommend taking the time to create a paperback version if you can.

What is your advice to Indie Authors? On writing? Marketing?

Don’t aim for perfect. Firstly, there is no such thing and you are setting yourself up for failure. Secondly, it is really easy to fall into the trap of editing the soul right out of your book. If you find yourself on yet another editing pass, moving commas around or tweaking a single word here or there, then you need to take a step back and hit publish. Publishing is scary, putting your book out there is scary, getting reviews is scary, but the scariest thing of all is no-one ever reading your book because it is still lurking in editing limbo on your hard drive. In this new world of e-books anything can be fixed after the fact. In one of my books I accidentally changed the name of a characters brother half way through and no-one noticed for 2 years! As soon as someone pointed it out I had it fixed and a new version uploaded the same day.

​Do you still write? If so, what does your typical day look like?

I have two small kids under 4, so my day is pretty action packed. They get up at 6am, and I am not a morning person, so I had to learn to survive on 6 hours sleep. When my wife goes to bed at 10pm that is my time to write, I get a solid couple of hours in before I go to bed at midnight. The house is eerily silent and I am alone with my thoughts, which is perfect. I have always been a night owl so this suits me perfectly.

What is your writing style?

I love to write humour, so no matter what genre I write in there is always an element of sarcasm or banter between my characters. I also love to incorporate elements that make readers stop and think. I wrote a series where karma was instant (The Lucky Beggar Trilogy) and the main character has to adjust his behaviour as his every action is immediately judged. I’ve got a lot of great feedback from readers saying it made them think about their own actions.

Music or silence?

Music for writing and silence for editing. I don`t know why, but my brain can tune out the music when I am writing a sentence for the first time, and it actually helps me to stay focused. I listen to the same album on repeat so it is more of a background noise than something I have to pay attention to. My last book was written to Ed Sheeran’s latest album.
​
However I tried listening to music when editing and it did not go well at all. I kept mixing the words from the song with the words I was reading and it led to me missing things, so now I edit in silence.

What have you put most of your effort into regarding writing?

Editing. Urgh, I hate editing. It has to be done and it makes my stories better, but its sooooo dull. I love the messy process of creating worlds and characters, I hate cleaning them up afterwards!

Does your book have a lesson? Moral?

I always try to incorporate morals or lessons in my books as normally there is a core question that led me to write the book in the first place. For example, the Lucky Beggar trilogy all stemmed from an internal struggle I was having. I very firmly believe in karma, that if you put good out into the world then you will be rewarded. However I am not religious and don’t believe there is some entity always watching us and keeping score. I had no way to reconcile these two beliefs, how can good deeds be rewarded if no-one is keeping track? That made me re-think karma, which led to a new question. What would the world be like if karma was instant? How would that influence people’s behaviour? This created a lot of fun scenarios and I wanted to keep it light hearted, so I wrote a humour series (The Lucky Beggar Trilogy) based around all these questions.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

My characters are 100% in charge. They go where they want to go and do what they want to do. Sometimes I give them a nudge, but they don’t always listen. I have previously tried to force the story upon them, but it always felt wooden and out of character, so now I just leave them to it and write what they decide.

If you could spend time a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day? (PG-13 please :) ONE OF MY FAVORITE QUESTIONS TO ASK.

I have an Otterhound called Lucky in my book that is my favourite character. He is lovable, intelligent, loyal and a bit daft. I can picture him so clearly in my mind and I would love nothing more than to spend an afternoon with him as he joyfully bumbles around London getting us both into trouble.  

Who is your favorite author?

Terry Pratchett. Man that guy could write a great story. He had such a good eye for satire, he could find all these everyday things that you took for granted and point out the inherent silliness of them. His characters are so memorable and believable.

Do consider yourself to be a successful writer? If so, why? If not, what would make you successful?

Yes, because I finished a book, published it and people have read it and enjoyed it. That’s all I ever really hoped for as a writer. One day I would like to make a living doing this, but to me that is more of a question of scale, if I keep writing books that people enjoy eventually I will earn enough to not have to work anymore. That could be two books from now or twenty, but I will be writing those books either way because I love to write :)  

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

I once had a picnic with Russell Crowe and his family while watching David Hasselhoff sing. The best part is I didn’t recognize RC as he had a thick beard. It was in a park in Sydney and we just sat down next to them and got chatting. I’m playing with his kids and chatting with his parents and then he suddenly leaves midway through the concert. I ask if he’s ok and RC’s Dad says, “Oh he has an interview in the morning.” And I say, “Oh, for a new job?” he looks at me baffled and says it is with a magazine about his new movie and that’s when I twig it was Russell Crowe! 

You can find Craig on all the following platforms:
Amazon Author Page Link: https://www.amazon.com/Craig-Anderson/e/B00D9FXE7O
Twitter Handle: @todayschapter
Facebook Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/CraigAndersonAuthor/

Check out his books on Amazon below!!!

​What is your book(s) about?

It’s a young adult LGBT romance! Here’s the blurb from the book:
​
Nick is gay, and he'd do anything to hide it. That's why his best friend, Jordan, sets him up on a date with a girl. But things are never as simple as they seem, and dating Aria turns out to be an eye opening experience. With an emerging love interest conflicting with his plans, Nick has a big decision to make: has to decide whether he wants to live a lie or be true to himself.

What has been the best compliment as a writer?

I had a fan once who told me they had dressed up as one of my characters for Halloween. It was when I first started posting my work on Wattpad and the joy it gave me was unreal. I’ll never forget that day.

What do you love most about the writing process?

The best part is when things finally start to come together. Since I don’t tend to plan much, I tend to get stuck around the middle of the novel. But once I push through and get closer to the finish line, everything seems to move quicker. That’s the moment that I realise I will actually finish a draft, rather than abandoning another work in progress.

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?

In Double Bluff, I really love Jordan. She’s a bit of a Marmite character – she’s gutsy, sometime rude, always blunt and always honest. She is who she is and she doesn’t hide from that. I see myself in her a little – the self I would be if I didn’t have a filter, and said everything on my mind. We’re all like her, secretly – she just voices her thoughts a little more freely.

Any website or resources that have been helpful to you as a writer?

Wattpad has been the home of my writing for almost five years. Before that, I used some other great websites like Figment and abctales, but Wattpad was where I found true friends and fans. It’s centred around teenagers reading teen fiction, which is exactly what I needed at the time. I may be growing out of it a little bit, but Wattpad will always have a special place in my heart.

Have you thought about joining with another author to write a book?

My friend and I write an apocalypse type series on Wattpad which has attracted thousands of readers over the years. It’s free to read, and we write under the name @HayleyandLaura

Do you write alone or in public?

A bit of both. If I had the time and money, I would probably spend all of my days writing in indie cafes where I feel most at home, but for now, my bedroom is my writing hub.

Goals of certain # of words a week or when inspiration strikes?  

I have terrible droughts when it comes to writing. I work as a freelance writer, so when my work day is up, it’s hard to find the energy to pen a novel. When inspiration strikes, though, I have glorious days where my head is filled with ideas, and my fingers barely leave my keyboard – eat, sleep, type, repeat.

Have you written any other books that are not published?

I’ve written a lot over the past few years. All of my early drafts are posted on Wattpad under the username @Hazzer123.

If you could spend time a character from your book whom would it be?

And what would you do during that day? I’d love to spend a day with Aria from Double Bluff, because I feel like we’d have the most wonderfully stimulating conversations. I think she could teach me a thing or two about feminism, and I would love to see the side to her lesser explored in Double Bluff – the creative mastermind who isn’t necessarily an artist or a writer, but creates fascination through her actions. In some ways, she’s a performer, except everything she says and does is true to herself.

Music or silence?

Music, always. Silence is okay for dreaming, but for writing, I need something to set the tone.

Pen or type writer or computer?

I romanticise the idea of writing on paper in beautiful notebooks with a fountain pen, but my reality is I always write on my computer.  A pen can’t keep up with my thoughts.

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

My tutor at university spent a whole hour ripping one of my short stories apart in front of my entire class, while I tried to sink through the floor. I don’t regret it, though – tough love is a blessing, even if it doesn’t feel that way at the time!

What is your favorite part of the book?

There’s a scene where my main character and his love interest go for a bike ride together. I love the idea of going on a date to the countryside on a bike (even though I can’t ride one…) and it gives me a fuzzy feeling when I read the scene back.

Million dollar question, are you working on another book?

I’m always working on something, even if it’s slow progress. I’m hoping to have another novel finished by the end of the summer, and it’ll be posted on my Wattpad account.

Follow Hayley on Twitter @handerton96 

You can get Hayley's book by clicking the link below!

​