Book is available: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09RN7MSNR

Author Interview with Katherine E. Soto

1. What is the first book that made you cry? The Prisoner of Azkaban
2. What is your writing Kryptonite? Descriptions. I absolutely hate them.
3. Who is one author are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer? I have many author friends and they support me in different ways, listen to my rants, help me when I’m stuck with a story idea or cover concept and they are always there for me when I need them just like I’m always there for them. That’s what friends are for.

4. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? Believe in yourself.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing? It didn’t. But several books later, I’ve learned a lot about writing, believe in myself and that characters have the bad habit to commit suicide on the page. You can’t stop them. You just have to watch make the most stupid decisions while you try to steer them into the right direction.
6. What was the best money you ever spent as a writer? If you have not made any money, dream about it?
7. As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal? Rabbits.
8. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
9. Have you read anything that made you think differently about fiction? Every book is different. I can’t say that one book has made me feel differently about fiction but there are certain books that want to tear your heart into pieces.
10. How do you select the names of your characters? Baby websites or fantasy title generator.
11. What is your favorite childhood book? Enid Blyton’s books.

Author Bio

Maria Vermisoglou is an International Bestselling author of fantasy and
paranormal with an obsession for witches. She loves throwing her heroes
into impossible situations. Maria draws inspiration from books, travel,
and…the ceiling. (So blame the ceiling!)
Maria started writing when the stories she read became too boring and
the voices in her mind too loud.
When she’s not writing, she loves a good riding on the fantasy dragon,
but a book can also be exciting, along with a cup of tea.
Nowadays, you can find her in Athens, exploring the mysteries of the
ancient world.

Connect with her: https://linktr.ee/portal_to_the_unknown

Subscribe and you will getting monthly updates and book sales:
https://maraki2311.wixsite.com/creativequill/

—
Maria Vermisoglou – International Bestselling author of fantasy & fairytales

Website:https://maraki2311.wixsite.com/creativequill
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thecursedgirl16/
Bookbub:https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maria-vermisoglou
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17909964.Maria_Vermisoglou

Book  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09RN7MSNR

Just for Fun

Author interview

• What is the first book that made you cry?

I don’t really remember, but I do know which one moved me in a way I will never forget. It was Panti – The Making of a Woman: A Memoir by Rory O’Neill.

• What is your writing Kryptonite?

My husband. When I was working, I only wrote when he was at work and never on the weekends. Then he retired. It became harder to find time to write. Now I am retired, and it’s only gotten worse. If he wants my attention, I will not deny it, but fortunately, he does allow me a day or so a week to work. I’d much rather prefer having a set schedule, but somebody has to do the shopping and the laundry.

• Who is one author are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

This is a hard one as I have many friends in the writing community who support my work, and whom I support in turn. I guess it is my editor, Dennis Doty. He started as a friend I could trust to tell me the truth. I have since hired him as my editor and have learned a great deal about how to polish my work. He’s still a dear friend, even though he did have me remove my semi-colon key.

4. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Keep writing, even if it is just to store your stories in a notebook, your words are meaningful.

5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

Oh my, no one truly prepares you for the time that needs to be devoted to marketing and publicity. Yes, I read a few books on the subject beforehand, but until you have the product in hand, it doesn’t mean all the much. It’s actually very similar to becoming a parent for the first time. Your opportunities and activities change, some for the better, some for the worse.

6. What was the best money you ever spent as a writer? If you have not made any money, dream about it?

The best money was in hiring a professional editor. Besides Dennis, I have paid to have my worked edited by a couple of other people as well. Best investment ever!

7. As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

I actually have a Muse, only I can see her, but she is quite real to me. She’s everything I am not, tall, leggy, daring, and loves to live life on the edge. There are times when she tires easy and takes off for places unknown to recharge her batteries, but when she returns it is with a vengeance and we must work, work, work!

8. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

I have an unpublished novel, it is at the stage when I need to polish and plump it up before it is worth spending any money on her for a private edit, or time for manuscript submissions. There are a couple of stories that are partially written and notes for at least two dozen more.

9. Have you read anything that made you think differently about fiction?

Yes, Grant Hudson’s book, How Stories Really Work. He presents storytelling as a science as much as an art. There times when I watch movies, or read certain books, where the light switch flips on and I have one of those a-ha moments, where what he taught sinks in.

10. How do you select the names of your characters?

Sometimes they name themselves. Most of my stories are based on dreams that I have had and the names I use are the ones thought of in the dream. Other times, I will use names that seem appropriate, or I will “honor” someone by using their name (usually a last name). If I use a first name, I always ask permission if the character is not exactly of the same personality type of the person named, and this is because I think their name is really cool.

11. What is your favorite childhood book?

Go Dog Go, by P.D. Eastman

Blurb for Witness Testimony and Other Tales

Some authors paint such vivid pictures with their words that the reader feels as though he or she is actually present, a silent observer or phantom, almost participating in the events of a tale. Such an author is P. A. O’Neil — but that’s not all: there’s a powerful golden thread of charm or warmth or humanity that runs through her stories too. Not to mention that within these pages you’ll also encounter Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes and more, and venture to as far-flung places as Venice, Vancouver Island and Faerie. With a Foreword by Steve Carr. P.A. O’Neil has been writing professionally for four years. In that time, her stories have been featured in multiple anthologies (many of them international best-sellers), as well as on-line journals and magazines from several continents. She and her husband reside in Olympia, Washington, with her adult children living nearby.

Author bio for P.A. O’Neil

P.A. O’Neil has been writing professionally five years. Her stories have been featured in multiple anthologies, as well as on-line journals and magazines from several continents. She is twice winner of “Story of the Month” on the Spillwords.com website. She and her husband reside in Thurston County, Washington. Her book, Witness Testimony and Other Tales, is available in paperback and eBook, from Amazon. For links to other books which feature her stories, look under the Photo sections of her Facebook author page: P.A. O’Neil, Storyteller, or visit her Amazon author page: P.A. O’Neil.

Link for Witness Testimony and Other Tales

Witness Testimony and Other Tales: O’Neil, P. A.: 9780244279622: Amazon.com: Books

Available at several book dealers online: https://books2read.com/u/4NyEg9

Book Description

Grey Dawn of Dharaven: Katz Island

A fantasy adventure book about an archeology expedition that heads off into uncharted areas on Katz Island on the planet Dharaven. Earth Dragon Clan born archaeologist Grey Dawn Fields leads to a team of explorers and archaeologists into the wilds of Katz Island looking for a human underground settlement. She’s seen it on an ancient map found in an antiquarian store. That’s when the problems start, and they’re not only coming from the island. When they arrive on Katz Island the expedition is forced to wonder why they are even there when they find little in the first valley the team ground searches. The second valley is more promising as it shows signs of old habitation in its cliff caverns. It’s still not what Grey is looking for.

When an Earth Dragon attacks the second camp looking for food, then dies leaving a baby Earth dragon behind; Grey realizes she has trouble on her hands. Between training a baby Earth Dragon and her archaeology expedition duties Grey is required to stretch her problem solving capabilities and is forced to rely on her friends, colleagues and even her Earth Dragon Clan for help.

Is there an ancient human underground settlement on Katz Island or is Grey on a crazy quest to find something that does not exist? Grey’s archaeology career rests on her ability to solve every problem that stands in her way of success.  Readers of fantasy adventure books will be captivated by this book.

Author Bio

Katherine Soto is a writer of fantasy novels. She was born and raised in California with a few teen years spent in Georgia and Tennessee.  She has a BA in Anthropology and earned three teaching credentials. She taught for twenty years, fifteen spent teaching in 6th grade learning handicapped classrooms.

Her first writings were free-form poetry, although there are fond memories of creative stories written for her grandmother. Katherine enjoys composing short stories, flash fiction, poetry, sci-fi/fantasy novels, and nonfiction. She claims her writing muse is a dragon who rampages in her mind until she sits down and starts creating. She has written a sci-fi/fantasy fiction novel, with a series in mind. 

She enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy books, creating art journals, and antiquing.  She can be contacted at her author site: linktr.ee/KatherineESotoAuthor

Interview with Author

• What is the first book that made you cry?

The first book that made me cry was Black Beauty. The horse was so mistreated after being brought up in a wonderful environment. It did not seem fair to me at all.

• What is your writing Kryptonite?

I Suppose the internet. I can suck me into vortexes of research and wandering around that I don’t get any writing done.

• Who is one author are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

One author I have shared some experiences with has been Greg Marchand author of Yellowstone Shifters.  He has been great at answering my publishing and book marketing questions. I enjoyed his thriller book and gave him a review. He has returned the favor and reviewed my book.

• If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Write, just write. Write that idea down. Keep a file of your ideas.

• How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

I think the process made me a better writer. I think about words when I am writing. It’s also taught me to be patient with the process.

• What was the best money you ever spent as a writer? If you have not made any money, dream about it?

The best money I will spend will be on the books I can put into my hands and sign them for my friends and family. When I can pay a bill off with author money I will be pleased.

• As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

A large dragon is my writing muse.

• How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

I have four started books. One is a mystery set in futuristic NYC; another is a romance novel that takes place between Italy and the US; I am writing Sarina’s story- Grey Dawn’s daughter’s story with her dragons.

• Have you read anything that made you think differently about fiction?

DIY/MFA was a great help in teaching me the parts to a fiction book.  I have a set of notes I took from the book that I go back to for reminders.

• How do you select the names of your characters?

I tend to use a fantasy name generator online  and pick a name. I might modify the name to fit my purposes.

• What is your favorite childhood book?

My favorite childhood book was The Wizard of Oz.

As creatives we tend to forget about the world we live in as we create new worlds in our books and art. However let me drag you down into reality.  We need to consider our platform.  What will we be doing to promote our books and art?  Where do we want to be represented andhow are we going to represent ourselves on each platform are questions we need to consider.

Platform One: A web page- this can be a simple or as complicated as you want it to be.  This is where you talk about you, your life, your services, products and etc. This where every other part of your platform will send people back to find out information about you, You can do it yourself or someone else can make it for you.

Platform Two: Social Media-Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linked In, and Pinterest.

Make sure your logo is the same across all your platforms that way people know it’s you.

Your Facebook can be a personal or business page. I recommend a business page that way you can sell things on it if you want to and run advertising on it.

Twitter is for short tweets about you, your life or your products/business.

Instagram is all about pictures and business stuff. Be intentional with your Instagram posts. Put links into your pictures and not in your message. Instagram hates links in posts.

Linked In is a business page primarily. Keep posts business oriented and related here.

Pinterest is an world unto itself. Learn about it and use it to pin your stuff you post onto it. It has a stiff learning curve to know how to use it effectively. Take a class that is offered.

All of the social media is used to point toy our websites or direct products for sale.

This is the beginning of a platform for you and your business. For more information you can purchase my downloadable printable How to Build and Author Platform available at: https://payhip.com/b/CZxz.

January

Began Lifebook 2021 classes- Art

Poem accepted by Carcosa Magazine for April Publication

February

Cleaned out clothes closet 2/2

Victor brought me flowers 2/11

Violet turned 5 2/20

1^st Covid shot 2/23

March

“Rise” accepted for publication in Sensations Magazine 3/2

Lotherien Poetry Collection published six haiku poems 3/21

2^nd covid shot 3/23

April

Preorder for Anthology Abducted 4/16

 Clowns Story- on Fiction Break online 4/10

Rebel Giveaway 4/10

Payhip.com 4/16

Terry Brooks sent a postcard 4/17

May

MYNZDREAMBLOG.com interview 5/20

Barnes and Noble and Red Robin trip out 5/28

June

New glasses 6/5

30 Day email developed 6/10

Creatng New Worlds business 6/14

Blake Goldburst Show 6/17

July

Down to 211 lbs from 220 7/14

Babysat Violet 7/17

Business website 7/24

Victor to Urgent Care 7/27

August

Mom came to live with us this month

September

Mom left our house 9/10

October

AME classes started 10/12

IHD reunion 10/16

Abducted anthology published 10/25

November

Victor Bladder surgery 11/4

Kitchen floods 11/12

Short story sent to Tarina Publication LeBeau Enterprises 11/16

The Author’s Porch Interview 11/30

Story sent to Author’s Porch- Anthology- Trixie in Troubled

December

Organizing and packing house for major move to Tucson, AZ

12/31- Birthday Celebrations- Red Robin and Benihana, cake with Mom and Christy at their house.

• 

• 

Author Interview with Katherine E. Soto

1. What is the first book that made you cry?
   1. The first book to ever make me cry was probably Charlotte’s Web. Why Charlotte, whyyy?
2. What is your writing Kryptonite?
   1. Outlines. I’m a pantser, so I don’t plan things out beforehand which makes editing and writing a bit slower. No matter how many classes I take on it, my process just won’t include an outline.
3. Who is one author are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
   1. I’m very close to G.S. Carr who is a wonderful Historical Romance writer with several pennames. She’s always great for a huge dose of motivation and inspiration and she’s also a hybrid, traditional published and indie published author which I find incredibly cool.

4. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
   1. I would tell my younger self that one book won’t launch my career. It takes years of honing your craft and millions of words and consistency to get where I want to be. Also, not to compare myself to others.
5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
   1. It might sound silly and obvious but that book changed everything because after I wrote it, I knew I could write a book. Before that I was kind of testing it out to see if I could. I learned a ton about publishing that helped me launch my next book better and I learned to start writing the next book as soon as I finish writing one instead of waiting until after a book launch.
6. What was the best money you ever spent as a writer? If you have not made any money, dream about it?
   1. The best money I’ve ever spent as a self-published author is probably the Vellum program for formatting. Formatting by yourself is ideal because you’ll always need to go back in and make changes, or update the back matter. I also think saving up for your ideal book cover is important too. You spend so many hours pouring your soul into writing the book, you deserve the cover of your dreams. That’s the fun part.
7. As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
   1. A frog—with wings if I’m allowed to enchant it. I’ve always loved frogs for some reason.
8. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
   1. Oh boy. Uhm. At least 10 half-finished ones, several fully finished ones that I scrapped, and a few that I’m shopping with publishers. I think only one unpublished one, eight published, four boxsets, and seven shorts.
9. Have you read anything that made you think differently about fiction?
   1. Every single thing I read changes how I think about fiction. Everyone has such a wildly different yet enthralling way of storytelling. I try to study the books I read and apply what I learn to my own writing.
10. How do you select the names of your characters?
    1. I’m the worst at this. I spend hours on those baby name websites and usually change a name several times before the draft hits the shelf.
11. What is your favorite childhood book?
    1. The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodle by Julie Andrews. I loved that book around 4^th grade. Also The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster.

Book Blurb

My first kiss nearly killed me—literally. 

When 80% of the population is gifted with touch magic, it’s best to keep your hands—and your lips—to yourself. Especially if you’re an ungifted serf like I am. 

The problem is, the most dangerous guy at Gifted Fae Academy is the one I want to touch more than anything, even as I draw the attention of the school’s most gorgeous Apprentice Fae. 

When my entry exam leads to the revelation that I may not be as Ungifted as I previously believed… well… surviving until graduation might prove harder than I thought—particularly when a certain fatal touch may be worth the risk.

If you love reading about childhood friends, enemies-to-lovers, royal and celebrity classmates, and everything Fae, then one-click today and fall into this magical new series that’s Gossip Girl meets My Hero Academia!

This Upper YA/NA series is intended for mature audiences. It contains cursing, sexual situations, bullying, and violence.

Diverse Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Enemies-To-Lovers, Paranormal Romance, Multi-POV 

Author Bio

Brittni Chenelle is a USA Today Bestselling Multicultural Fantasy Author who specializes in multi-POV romances. She loves to explore the blurred lines between good and evil and believes wholeheartedly in a great story’s ability to bring people together.

When she’s not writing, she can be found at her home in South Korea where she spends far too much time consuming coffee, dark chocolate, and videos of animals doing human things.

Visit www.BrittniChenelle.com to browse her complete catalog, including upcoming books.

Social Media Links
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Brittni-Chenelle/e/B00K4SAKOO
Website: www.brittnichenelle.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/brittnichenelle
Instagram: www.instagram.com/brittnichenelle

It is a busy time here in my life. We had a flood in our kitchen and have to pack up the house to get the floors redone. We have also decided to make the big move out of state at this time. I am unloading things out the house as quick as I can and reorganizing what I am keeping because we w ill be downsizing into a smaller house.

I took a week long trip to Tucson, AZ to look over rental properties. What week of trying to get appointments and find places to look at. I will be moving my business Creating New Worlds LLC and the author business with me, of course, since they are online and I can work anywhere.

Look what I did in November. It was a lot of fun to do this podcast.

https://www.facebook.com/theauthorsporch/videos/429848091983073/

This is the Author’s Porch. The host was marvelous and we had a great time!

My novel has been delayed once more due to health problems with the guy who does all the stuff. He says 5 or so delay. Listen for the yell in California when it comes out!

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• 

We live in an interconnected world with the internet. People can send a message and get an instant connection. Because of this, it seems that traditional networking has gone by the wayside. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

Social media is a great avenue for people to exchange ideas and meet new contacts. But, it never will have the same power as a face-to-face meetup with someone. Communication is at its strongest when two people can see each other. People learn more about others in a few seconds of in-person contact than they ever could with a strictly online one.

Another point to remember is that online people may not be who they say they are. Think about how easy it is to create an online persona. People are capable of being anyone they want online. That means the connections you make could be phony, which won’t help you when asking people to help you.  Networking is about engaging with others and a certain give-and-take involved in the exchange.

Online connections do have their place. They can be a great starting point in the networking hierarchy of events. They can be a great way to hook up with people who you would never have using traditional means. However, as specified, you need to take the exchange further and try to arrange an in-person meeting. The contact gives people confirmation that the people you connected with are real. It’s the reason why people often use the phrase, “it’s nice to put a face with the name.”

If you don’t believe that in-person meetups are important, ask yourself how many online-only connections have become your friends. It’s likely to be a small number and even more likely to be none. While you won’t become friends with everyone you meet face-to-face, the number will most likely be larger than online-only connections.

It’s not practical to meet face-to-face with every person you connect with online. Some people live far from you. However, people should not treat the internet as the only way to connect with others. A great way to use the internet for networking is to use websites like Meetup.com. You can find people that have similar interests to your own and attend meetings. You can even create meetups yourself if a group doesn’t currently exist on the website.

There is no magic formula for networking, although some techniques may work better than others. Using face-to-face connections is one technique that should yield better results than a purely cyber strategy.

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Name Dropping purchase link: https://amzn.to/3kFjYQP

Author Interview

1. What is the first book that made you cry?

It had to have been Where the Red Fern Grows. It was the first “big kid” book I read when I was little and I remember realizing how much more impactful the book was than the movie because I had created my own movie in my mind haha!

2. What is your writing Kryptonite?

Definitely YouTube. Even when I’m trying to use it to clarify an idea I’m writing or some fact, you end up falling down a rabbit hole of stuff like “When Celebrities Fight Fans” or something silly.

3. Who is one author are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

An author I really enjoy is Nadine Vanders (@nadia_vanders). She has taught me a lot about building friendships and networking with other authors as well as fun ways to connect with your readers.

4. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Write every day! I don’t care if it’s good or not, just the act of writing every single day is so important and something I still need to remind myself of daily.

5. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

I think the editing process will be what changes my outlook the most moving forward when I go to write any other books. If I can cut down on overused words and mistakes in general, hopefully that part of the process will go a lot smoother and a lot quicker.

6. What was the best money you ever spent as a writer? If you have not made any money, dream about it?

That’s a good question. It would certainly be making sure I have a comfortable and fun space to write. I have a home office but it can feel cluttered and uninspiring so make sure you have a space that is all yours and reflects how you want to feel when you write. Make sure you have plenty of room and surround yourself with things that make you happy. Mine is a simple desk set up with a record player and a comfy chair. I’m surrounded by my favorite books, photos and records.

7. As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

Definitely a fox. I have always loved them and they’ve always felt somehow like an inspiration. I can’t explain why, but they remind me of creativity and writing specifically.

8. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

I have several half outlines and pages of ideas or notes. Right now I’m working on a comedy and trying to stick to writing something every day of November. I’m only about 40 some pages deep but it’s a story I really want to tell and one that I haven’t really worked on in almost a year. I’m glad to be playing in this world again!

9. Have you read anything that made you think differently about fiction?

Oh definitely the book Go Now by Richard Hell. Not only does he write in voice I envied and could never explain fully before I read the book, but he can get so silly, making indirect jokes to the reader then saying “just kidding” and moves on without addressing this weird thing he just did. I recommend checking it out!

10. How do you select the names of your characters?

For fiction I’ve realized that I start off by naming them people I know, but that can get tricky because often my brain will box them into traits that those real life people have. To keep track however I’ll often keep those real life names or name them something just slightly off, like Ray for Ryan, that kind of thing. In the end I’ll brainstorm something completely unrelated and use those.

11. What is your favorite childhood book?

Either Where The Red Fern Grows or The Outsiders. I think The Outsiders really kicked off my love for that time period and it felt like reading something more adult than I had before. There are so many great YA books I’m probably missing here!

 Bio: 

Jameson Ketchum is a writer, podcaster, and publicist. He currently hosts The Godspeed Podcast where he continues to interview musicians, authors, actors, and comics. Namedropping: Seeking Creative Truth Through Trendy Altruism and Punk Rock is his second book. 

Summary:

Detailing Ketchum’s time touring with Christian heavy metal bands and trendy non-profits, Namedropping: Seeking Creative Truth Through Trendy Altruism and Punk Rock is a fly on the wall perspective of trends in “hip” Christian culture told through the eyes of a self-doubting rock journalist begging to belong. Witnessing healings, demonic possession, and the ever-present rock star ego, Ketchum’s stories are hilarious and heartfelt. One minute he’s sleeping under vans in Wal-Mart parking lots and the next he’s staring A-list creatives in the face, likely asking how he can work for them one day (or in the case of world-renowned rappers, fumbling over the simplest of questions).This book shows Ketchum exploring artistic doubts while pursuing truth in all aspects of his professional life. Name Dropping is one part memoir and one part self-help. It’s Saved! meets Almost Famous sprinkled with a healthy dose of The Perks of Being a Wallflower. 

Name Dropping purchase link: https://amzn.to/3kFjYQP