Today I Welcome Author Jill Sanders

Good morning, Jill. Welcome to my blog. Thank you for taking the time to interview with us today. Please tell us about yourself.

I survived 80′s pop music, and life as an identical twin in a chaotic family of nine. A feat by any standard! I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, relocated to Colorado for college and a successful IT career at IBM in Boulder.

Narrowly escaping before all creativity was squashed, I jumped at the chance to trade the mundane world of computers for the sexy, exciting world of my own imagination. I now live in charming rural Texas writing wonderful novels such as the Pride series.

My debut novel, Finding Pride, was shortlisted in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards 2013, and has received glowing industry and reader reviews from around the world. My latest release is Discovering Pride. Yet another novel, Returning Pride, is slated for July 2013.

Please tell me about your novel.

 Returning Pride is the third book in my Pride Series. Short blurb:

Everything seems to be going Iian’s way, he has a successful restaurant, a beautiful home, family, and friends. He’s even overcome the loss of his hearing, but why does he still feels like something is missing.

Allison has worked hard to make a name for herself in the art world, now all she wants is peace and quiet to work on her passion. But, with her mother overtaken by illness, she has less time than ever. When everything is stripped away in one tragic blow, and she’s being stalked by a mad-man, she’ll need the help of her hometown and an old flame, to turn everything around and find what she’s been looking for.

Returning Pride is book three of the Pride Series Romance Novels, a sexy contemporary romance series by Jill Sanders.

Who or what was your inspiration behind it?

I love to create stories in my head, as far as inspiration, I think every book or story I've ever enjoyed has helped spark my imagination.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? 

The only bad criticism I've received has been on the lack of editing, which as an indie author seems to be always hard to cross all the T's and dot all the I's.

What was the biggest compliment? 

When people tell me they want to visit Pride, OR and actually get to know my characters.

What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun? 

Good strong characters, strong descriptions of locations & people, chemistry between the characters and romance.
What has been your favorite part of being an author? 

Telling my stories & getting these people out of my head.

What has been your least favorite? 

Editing & promoting

When you walk into a book store, where do you head to first? Why?

 Romance section. It's what I do...

Did you get to quit your day job and become an author or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?

I did get to stop working outside the home. But, only because we moved from the hustle & bustle of city life to rural Texas where everything is slower.

What do you listen to when you write? Do you find one type of music over another that inspires you to write? Why?

 If I do listen to music, it's usually soft so it's not disruptive. U2, Pink Floyd, others like this. What can I say, I'm an 80's girl.

On a typical weekend, what can we find you doing? Who are you with?

Writing, working in the yard, walking with my family & dogs, playing basketball with family, cooking out & hanging out in the yard or going down t the beach for summer fun.

What genre are you most looking forward to exploring during your writing career? Why? 

I'm going to start getting into writing sci-fi and paranormal. I'm really looking forward to adding these aspects to my writing.

Who was your current novel dedicated to? Any particular reason?

 My family. I grew up with 6 siblings. They have all helped me in one way or another during my writing career. I can't thank them enough.

What are you currently reading?

 I'm reading & will review Sapphire Universe by Devon Herrera.

Who are your favorite authors?

I've enjoyed Nora Roberts for many years.
What authors inspired you to write this particular novel? Why? 

None really. I think every author or book I've ever read has inspired me in one way or another.

What 7 words would you use to describe yourself.

 Caring, funny, honest, enjoyable, mom, wife & romantic
Is there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview?

If you enjoy a book from any author, please leave a review. It's like leaving a tip without having to pull out your wallet.

Returning Pride by Jill Sanders
ISBN-13: 978-1484949283
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Softcover (300 pages)

Purchase the book here: Amazon

Book blurb:
Iian Jordan runs a successful restaurant that has been in his family for generations. He has a large beautiful house that overlooks the shoreline and his hometown. Why then, does he feel like something is missing? And he isn’t talking about his hearing, which he’d lost in a tragic accident over ten years ago. No, what he is missing is the person who’d just driven back into town. Someone he’s always loved from afar. Now, was when he needed to step up and grab what he wanted, before she gets away again. In the past two years, Allison Adams has made a name for herself in the art world. All she wants now is some peace and quiet from all hassles and pressures of her demanding career. Some time to get back to her roots and focus on painting. But, when she arrives home, she finds her mother trapped in an illness that consumes her every waking moment. Just when she thinks she knows the path she wants to follow, everything is taken away from her in one night and now she is being stalked by a mad-man. But, with the help of the good people in her hometown, and an old flame, she finds returning home was the best thing that could have happened to her.

Today I Welcome Author K. Hari Kumar

Good morning Hari and welcome to my blog. Please tell us about yourself.

I am the author of the English novel When Strangers Meet. I am also a two time International award nominated Photographer. Having born in to a Tulu family in Tripunithara, I grew up in the thick suburbs of the Millennium city, Gurgaon. I received my schooling from DAV Public School, Gurgaon. After completing my engineering in 2011, I left for my hometown in Trichur, Kerala. Since then I have been assisting a couple of ad-filmmakers from Cochin and has ghost-written dozens of conceptual screenplays for TVCs of reputed brands. Storytelling is my passion and I am working on my second novel. I wish to assist mainstream filmmakers and eventually make Feature films in future. My earliest attempt ‘The Man who loved me’ was selected for the prelims at ‘IFF Melbourne’ in the year 2011. The film had me in the seats of Lead Protagonist, Screenwriter, editor & Director. It was made with a digicam. I have directed 4 short films and a cinematic documentary till date. I chose not to act in my 4th short film ‘The Visitor’ which is a horror short film shot entirely in Black and white, as an ode to classic Noir of the 50s. My greatest fascination is tales about the supernatural and I am an ardent lover of Hitchcock movies. My blog ‘Strangeronmyshelf.in’ is an innovative concept where upcoming short-filmmakers, writers, poets, photographers, musicians etc are given a free of cost platform to portray their works of creative art. The blog now boasts of a small family but I wish to extend it to a large family of Strangers who shall help others to showcase their dreams on the world wide web thereby promoting mutual cooperation as well. The blog has over eight lakh hits already. I am currently travelling across the major metros of India, promoting his novel to the farthest possible extent.

Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?

My novel is about three strangers who are stranded in a metro station an how one Stranger's tale changes the lives of the other two. A chance meeting with a stranger in a train was the inspiration.

What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?

I love to read Thrillers. Dan Brown, EV Lucas, Camus, David Baldacci, Khalid Hosseini, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Roald Dahl and Paulo Coelho being my favorite authors. The effect of Black and White horror movies has been profound, therefore I prefer writing thrillers, satire and maybe sci-fi fantasy in future.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What was the biggest compliment? Did those change how or what you did in your next novel?

Typographical errors have put down few readers, however, the narration and easy readability has won hearts all over the country. I have a descriptive style of narration, which makes it easy for the reader to picture each and every sentence into cinematic frames.
When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other?

I do both, depending on the mood as well as on the availability. The prefer writing with my fountain pen over typing on a computer. However I like thematic music around while writing.

What do you do when you are not writing? Do you pick up some from you to be read pile?

I make short films or assist directors to make television commercials.

Compared to when you first started writing, have you notice any big changes in your writing style or how you write compared from then to now?

Yes, I got the determination to sit through an entire story. ;)
What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?

Emotions.

What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite?

Completing the story and then seeing my book in stores. Marketing the debut novel is a full time job in itself, tougher than writing or getting published. But at the end of the day, the results pour down as sweet honey.

When you walk into a book store, where do you head to first? Why?

Thrillers. However, nowadays, I simply rush to the New Arrivals (to check out my book, of course ;))

Did you get to quit your day job and become an author or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?

Storytelling is my passion. I completed my first novel 'WHEN STRANGERS MEET..' back in college. I also write screenplays and assist in Film direction.

What has been the strangest thing that a reader has asked you?

There was this girl in my college who asked me 'Who wrote your novel?' , I told her, 'Dan Brown wrote my book!' :P


What is your favorite junk food vice?

Crisps, Cutlet, Dosa and Burger! Vegetarian though :)
Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?

Making movies!

Did you have any teacher in school that encouraged you to write? Did you take their advice?

Yes, there were. Especially my English teacher from High School... She was the only person to have asked me to pursue my passion for writing at a time when everyone around me dismissed it as mere waste of time. I have credited her at the end of the book.

We all have our little things when it comes to reading, is there anything that bugs you when you read a novel? What is it?

Too much of unwanted description, especially when the protagonist is narrating the story. It's done to sound sarcastic and funny, but sometimes an overdose kills the enthusiasm to move further.

What do you listen to when you write? Do you find one type of music over another that inspires you to write? Why?

Like I mentioned before, I always need music while I write. November rain was the theme song for 'When Strangers meet..' for such was the mood of the entire story. Mostly alternative rock make up my playlist.
On a typical weekend, what can we find you doing? Who are you with?

Pondering, watching some movie, reading a book, helping my mom in the kitchen or playing with my cats.

What genre are you most looking forward to exploring during your writing career? Why?

Sci-fi and Commercial Fiction

Who was your current novel dedicated to? Any particular reason?

My novel 'When Strangers meet..' is a dedication to my father... to all fathers on this planet. It's a tale about that touches the sensitive and common issue of generation gap. As a son, I might have pissed off my dear old man on several occasions. But at the end of the day one must realize that our fathers work their sweat off to raise their families. To make us what we are today... I wanted to acknowledge his efforts.
What are you currently reading?

I was reading Life of Pi, however, I have put it down for the moment.

Who are your favorite authors?

Dan Brown, Paulo Coelho, David Baldacci, Khalid Hosseini, Camus, Doyle, Dahl and MEEEEE! :P
What authors inspired you to write this particular novel? Why?

Dan Brown's descriptive narration and Coelho's method of planting seeds of positivism into seemingly difficult plots were my early inspirations for the book. Khalid Hosseini was the last one to creep into this set and that's how the third stranger was born in my story.

What 7 words would you use to describe yourself.

I just need one word: Simple :)

Which is your favorite character in your book and why?
The Stranger called Iyer is my favorite character because he is someone who doesn't give damn to the world, he makes others laugh and above all... is an Inspiration! Second one being Pathan, I love him coz of his dedication to his faith and belief in God despite being in the most miserable plight ever imagined.

Is there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview?

Yes, please do buy my book and I wish the Stranger finds a way into your hearts... forever... (that's what I have been signing on every copy that I have given away)

Contact the Author: Facebook | Blog | Email

When Strangers Meet by K. Hari Kumar
ISBN-13: 9789380349930
Publisher: Srishti Publishers & Distributors
Softcover (216 pages)

Purchase the book here: Amazon | Alibris

Book blurb:

What happens when an irritating but lovable wise-cracking 'Stranger' called Iyer meets a frustrated and arrogant teenager, Jay, on a fateful day in a congested room at the metro station? Catastrophe!!!
Meanwhile, Pathan never had the pleasure of happiness in his life yet he thanked Allah for every second of it...
Abandoned by fate and friends, surrounded by responsibilities and poverty... This hard-coated man from the city of Delhi knew only thing and that was to keep faith in Allah... Now he is set on a journey to turn around his fate...

The tale from the Iyer's past will change Pathan's present and Jay's future... And trust me...
Sometimes all it takes is a stranger's tale to change the track of your life...

Three Men... One fateful day... and a Story of a Lifetime...

The Stranger has arrived at your doorstep... are you ready to receive him? ;)

Today I Welcome Author Lynne Stringer

Good morning, Lynne. Welcome to my blog. Please tell us about yourself.

I have been passionate about writing all my life. I was the editor of a small newspaper (later magazine) for seven years, and currently work as a professional editor and proofreader. I wrote my YA sci-fi romance novel, The Heir, in 2010. The Heir is the first book in the Verindon trilogy.

Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?

The Heir was inspired by a pick up line. My husband loves to look around for the worst pick up lines because he thinks they're really funny (fortunately, he doesn't use them on anyone!) and one day when he was discussing some, I thought of the line that says, "You are the only reason I was put on this planet." I thought, what if someone said that to a girl and he meant it literally? What would be the implications of that?

What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?
I love science fiction and I love romance. Any fantasy romance is right up my alley. I also like historical stories based on real events, but romance seems to be a must for all my favourite novels.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What was the biggest compliment? Did those change how or what you did in your next novel?

This is my first novel, and it did receive some criticism from an editor early in the process. It's always hard to read things from someone when they have been critical of your baby. Most of what she said proved helpful and benefited the book once I got past the emotional side of it. I think the best compliment I've received so far was when I saw a friend for the first time since she finished my book, and she came straight up to me and shook me, saying, "Where is The Crown?" The Crown is the sequel to The Heir, and she is desperate to read it to see what happens next!

When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other?

I use a computer. I hate writing longhand. Not to mention that I usually alter all kinds of things, and it would get messy if I was writing longhand!

Compared to when you first started writing, have you notice any big changes in your writing style or how you write compared from then to now?

I've learned to cut the excess words down a lot. When I wrote my latest manuscript I noticed a significant difference in how I was wording it because I had a better understanding of how to do it. It made the whole process a lot quicker and easier.

What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite?

I like it when people come up to me and say they enjoyed the book. I haven't liked what I've had to do to promote it. I did my first signing in a bookstore the other day, and it's difficult for an introvert to engage strangers in conversation.

When you walk into a book store, where do you head to first? Why?

The sci-fi, fantasy section.

Did you get to quit your day job and become an author or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?

No, I still have two day jobs. I also do some editing on the side. Writing doesn't make much money; not yet, anyway.

Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?

Spend time with my family.

Who was your current novel dedicated to? Any particular reason?

It's dedicated to five friends of mine. They were the first to read The Heir and it was their belief in it that made me try and get it published. If it wasn't for them, it probably would have stayed on my computer.

The Gatekeeper's Challenge by Eva Pohler

The Gatekeeper's Challenge by Eva Pohler
ISBN-13: 978-0615719283
Publisher: Green Press
Softcover (234 pages)

Purchase the book here: Amazon

Book blurb:

Ten agonizing months have gone by since Therese faced off against her parents’ murderer at Mount Olympus, and she suspects Thanatos's absence is meant to send her a message: go on with your life. She tries to return Pete’s affections, but when Than shows up to take her hamster’s soul, she sees him and becomes infuriated when he says he’s “been busy.” In cahoots with her new friend, Vicki, who's gotten in with the Demon Druggies at school, Therese takes a drug that simulates a near-death experience, planning to tell Than off so she can have closure and move on, but things go very, very wrong. Eventually she learns Than has been busy searching for a way to make her a god, and he’s found it, but it requires her to complete a set of impossible challenges designed by Hades, who hopes to see her fail.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.

Eva Pohler does it again. She continues to captivate the reader with the continuation of her Gatekeeper's Trilogy series.  The second book in the series is just as amazing as the first one. Ms. Pohler's imagination is on fire. I like her wonderful story-telling abilities. Despite this series being a genre that I don't normally read, it has captured my interest. I am hooked until the end of the series so that I can find out what happens to Therese and Thanatos. Ms. Pohler continues to use her vast knowledge of Greek mythology to weave a story that is enjoyable, exciting and leaves you wondering.

I recommend this book for any who enjoy mythology, fantasy or a good action romance story.

I give this book 4 stars out of a total of 5.

The Gatekeepers Sons by Eva Pohler

The Gatekeepers Sons by Eva Pohler
ISBN-13: 978-0615685960
Publisher: Green Press
Softcover (380 pages)

Purchase the book here: Amazon

Book blurb:

Fifteen-year-old Therese watches her parents die. While in a coma, she meets the twin sons of Hades—Hypnos, the god of sleep, and Thanatos, the god of death. She thinks she's manipulating a dream, not kissing the god of death and totally rocking his world. Than makes a deal with Hades and goes as a mortal to the Upperworld to try and win Therese's heart, but not all the gods are happy. Some give her gifts. Others try to kill her. The deal requires Therese to avenge the death of her parents. With the help of Than’s fierce and exotic sisters, the Furies, she finds herself in an arena face to face with the murderer, and only one will survive.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.


I don't normally read mythology or fantasy books, but this book was definitely interesting. It made me think about the story of Hercules that we had to read in school many years ago. Ms. Pohler did a wonderful job of drawing you (the reader) into the story. The Gatekeeper's Sons is an unusual love story between a young human girl, Therese and the god Thanatos. The author's vast knowledge of Greek mythology is very evident in her story. She not only tells a unique story, but one that is captivating. Just when I thought that I would be putting the book down for the day, I would get sucked back in and continue reading wanting to know what was going to happen next. Her characters seemed so real at times, that I would find myself rooting for some and booing others. I like how Ms. Pohler drew you into the story from page one and keeps your attention until the very end.


I recommend this book for those who enjoy reading mythology and fantasy books. This is one that you will definitely enjoy.


I give this book a 4 stars out of a total of 5.

Sisterchicks in Gondolas by Robin Jones Gunn

Sisterchicks in Gondolas by Robin Jones Gunn
ISBN-13: 978-1590525050
Publisher: Multnomah Publishers
Softcover (304 pages)

Purchase the book: Amazon

Book blurb:

Sisterchicks Take the Boot! (and we don’t mean shoe thievery)

Jenna and Sue have been sisters-in-law for nearly thirty years but inseparable friends for only the last five. When Jenna is invited to a week’s stay at a fifteenth century restored palace on a quiet canal in Venice , Sue is her travel companion of choice. The catch? They must cook for a group that is staying at the palace for a retreat. It’s the first time Sue has been this far from home, and both women are coming out of a valley season of life where they operated each day in long shadow s of fear. Entering into the lilting gondola-paced Italian lifestyle and discovering corners of Venice most tourists never see, they welcome a new time of refreshing. And over boiling pots of pasta, they dare each other to dream again.

Ciao bella!

SISTERCHICK n.: a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like a sister, and provides a reality check when you’re being a brat.

When Jenna is invited to Venice for a week of cooking for a small retreat group, she knows just who to take along: her sister-in-law Sue. With her Dallas drawl and wild tangle of red hair, Sue desperately needs her own retreat from the pressures of the past two years…and blessedly for their guests, Sue actually knows how to cook (unlike Jenna)!

With about six words of Italian between them, a map, and a keen appetite for gelato, they puzzle out the lovely city together. During their stay, Jenna and Sue become victims of grace in ways they never expected—starting with their accommodations: a restored fifteenth-century palace on a quiet canal complete with a stairwell perfect for mattress sledding!

Coming out of a time of dark shadows in their lives, these two friends dive into a new season of refreshing and realize that sometimes when serving God, the most important thing to do is just show up…and watch for goodness and mercy to follow close behind. Come join Jenna and Sue over boiling pots of pasta in this lilting gondola-paced adventure! 


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging For Books for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.

Sisterchicks in Gondolas is definitely an acquired taste. The book is written in first person, which unfortunately  made me want to stop reading as I hate "I" books. It was really hard for me to get past this annoying tidbit and I ended up only reading part of the book before closing it for good.

The book is well written and interesting. It would have been such a good book if it were written in a different point of view writing style. I think had the author chosen to write in third person, I would have really enjoyed the book more. She does have some interesting characters in the story that will make you laugh, cry, smile. It's easy to identify with some of her characters. The author has a wonderful idea for a story and it is worth a read if you don't mind the constant I's throughout the book.

I recommend this book for people who don't mind books written in the first person and enjoy a good story.

I give this book 3 stars out of a total of 5.

Today I Welcome Author Elizabeth Bowers

Good morning Elizabeth and thank you for interviewing with us this morning. Please tell us a little about yourself.

Born and raised in Absecon, a small town in Southern New Jersey, I spent my childhood looking for ways to make sense out of life. This search blossomed into a passionate need to understand eternal truisms. My father, a Christian minister, taught me about the Christian Faith, from a fundamental point of view. But I saw a deeper meaning in Biblical metaphors and similes. After a lengthy career in human services and involvement in human rights and positive social reform I retired and began an earnest quest for a greater connection with Spirit. This has lead me on a spiritual journey that continues to this day. Along the path, I have studied the writings of many of the world's religions and through that study, have developed an understanding of spiritual law and the impact that our own thinking has on our lives. I learned that prayer and meditation, when practiced diligently, keep us aligned with the Spirit as we travel the worlds of God. I have discovered for myself, as have others, that all thoughts are creative. Through thought control, we can participate in the creation of our own world view. I am the wife of William H. Bowers. Together we have two children and four grandchildren. I have written many short stories, vignettes and journalistic articles. I am the compiler and co-author of "Pieces of The Tapestry", and am a prolific poet and student of metaphysics. Among my published works are "The Inner Garden", and a children's book, "Poetry Can Be Fun". I hold a Master of Arts Degree from Lindenwood College, (now Lindenwood University) and have been very active in the field of the humanities for more than forty two years. Look for my upcoming novel, "EPACE".


Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?
God is my inspiration for writing this story. My novel, “Every Ready Soul Comes,” is my testimony to the world of humanity that we are all one with God who is the Energy sustaining all that is with the word “Be.” It has and continues to be my experience that thoughts manifest materially, when powered with acceptance. Knowingness shapes our experience of the moment for good or ill. Nevertheless, we are all destined for greatness. The life forced within us continues to travel endlessly through the vast worlds of God without number as we continue to dance in the heart beat of God Himself. It is an allegorical fantasy work of fiction, showcasing divinely distilled dialogue that unites the various characters featured within the story’s sundry scenarios. From Compochia’s travels through the snow-filled land of Koobaca—a world brightened by lavender twin suns suspended in a cloudless purple sky—to the land between the old life and the new life called Beck Forest, a place where tired souls refresh themselves before taking their next spin of life’s wheel, I have created a ‘forever-forever land’ learning lab model illuminating discovery and inquiry of universal spiritual lessons and truths. It is available at amazon.com and is in e-book and soft cover. “Every Ready Soul Comes,” is also available for special order at most fine bookstores.

What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?

Fantasy and Philosophy. I am an avid student of all the scriptures of all faiths. I read a lot of associated essays and text that provide further insight into the religions of the world. I find that strip of customs and dogma, the same truth is revealed in the magnificent poetry and prose of the Holy Scriptures of all Faiths. The basic truth is the same: “As we think, so shall it be materialized in our lives and affairs. God is, and we are all one in Him.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What was the biggest compliment? Did those change how or what you did in your next novel?

That’s funny. I’ve been asked not to advertise my book on Face Book by at least one person. Another person defriended on me on face book for daring to assert that the basic truths of all religions is not in conflict. The conflict comes when tradition and dogma enter the picture.
When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer?

 I actually do both. I use my dreams for inspiration. I keep pen and notebook at my bedside. Before I lift my head off my pillow, I record everything I can remember about my dream. Do you prefer one way or the other? I use my computer’s Word Program to turn my dreams into prose or poetry.

What do you do when you are not writing?

At first light, I walk outside for an hour observing the beauty of nature and getting inspired by it. I do the normal things that we all must have done like washing clothes, watching TV with my husband, and reading the works of other writers. 

Do you pick up some from your to be read pile? 

I have an entire library of books I downloaded to my kindle from amazon.com. I retire early and read whatever I am in the mood until I fall asleep.

Compared to when you first started writing, have you notice any big changes in your writing style or how you write compared from then to now? 

 Yes, when I look at my earlier works I realize that my thinking is constantly evolving.

What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?

 I love fantasy with a happy ending.

What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite? 

The feeling that I have during the initial creative process is the best thing about writing. Like an architect, I develop the plot with attention to the scope. I plan my story by first deciding what I am going to write. I plot out the story-line (usually based on a dream) and decide the characters needed to make the story happen. I decide what each will look like in terms of physical features, personality, and fit. My least favorite part of writing is the marketing aspect.

 When you walk into a book store, where do you head to first? 

The Religious Section.

Why?

 It is sure to have something of interest to me. However, since the advent of the amazon.com kindle, I buy my books at their kindle store.

Did you get to quit your day job and become an author or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?

 My husband and I are retired.

What has been the strangest thing that a reader has asked you?

 As I mentioned before, a person on face book called me a false prophet. I found that to be very disconcerting.

What is your favorite junk food vice?

 Popcorn

 Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?

 I love to draw and paint.

Did you have any teacher in school that encouraged you to write? My high school English Teacher and my history teacher. Did you take their advice? 

Yes I did.

We all have our little things when it comes to reading, is there anything that bugs you when you read a novel? 

 I have a horrible habit of dissecting the characters and the plot.


What do you listen to when you write? Do you find one type of music over another that inspires you to write? Why?

 I listen to music that is without words, non-intrusive such as meditation music.

On a typical weekend, what can we find you doing?

 I am usually at my computer writing.

Who are you with?

 My eighteen year old cat Mandy. Since we both have computers in the same room that we call our office, my husband pops in for a short while to read the news updates and check on the weather.

What genre are you most looking forward to exploring during your writing career?

 Mysticism. 

Why? 

Because all of the prophets of God are mystics and I am interested in their every word.

Who was your current novel dedicated to?

 My husband William. 

Any particular reason? 

Yes, he is my rock and my greatest fan.

What are you currently reading? 

Beautiful Creatures
Who are your favorite authors? 

Bahaullah, Abdu’l-Bahá, Ernest Holms Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, Joseph Murphy, Richard Back, and Kahlil Gibran are my favorite authors. I read from their books over and over. They inspire me very much.

What authors inspired you to write this particular novel?

 I suppose every author I have ever read has been an inspiration to me at least in some way.

Why?

 Reading, like everything else, is a life experience. This is because we are all connected and denizens of the great sea of thought.

What 7 words would you use to describe yourself ?

 I am spirit enjoying my human experience.
Which character is your favorite?

 Compochia is my favorite character and the one that has taught me the most about my own hidden motives, fears and talents.


Is there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview?

Understand that “Every Ready Soul Comes” is an allegorical fantasy. Forewarned, leap into the adventure and simply enjoy it.
 
Thank for sharing with us today, Elizabeth. 

Every Ready Soul Comes by Elizabeth Bowers
ISBN-13 978-1434369215
Publisher AuthorHouse
Softcover (436 pages)

Purchase the book here: Amazon

Book blurb:

Every Ready Soul Comes, is an incandescent work of fiction in which a true seeker searches for herself as she travels through the worlds of God. Her celebrated life and career in Sector One leaves her unfulfilled and feeling the need to go on searching for a more fulfilling purpose to justify her existence. She passes through tunnels of cold and desolate places. Her many travels are arguably the most thrilling and significant elixir of self knowledge and character development. Her power to influence others as well as circumstances grows with each step along the cobblestone path of her ever changing reality.

The Hero's Lot by Patrick Carr

The Hero's Lot by Patrick Carr
ISBN-13: 978-0764210440
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Softcover (448 pages)

Purchase book here: Amazon

Book blurb:

When Sarin Valon, the corrupt secondus of the conclave, flees Erinon and the kingdom, Errol Stone believes his troubles have at last ended. But other forces bent on the destruction of the kingdom remain and conspire to accuse Errol and his friends of a conspiracy to usurp the throne.

In a bid to keep the three of them from the axe, Archbenefice Canon sends Martin and Luis to Errol's home village, Callowford, to discover what makes him so important to the kingdom. But Errol is also accused of consorting with spirits. Convicted, his punishment is a journey to the enemy kingdom of Merakh, where he must find Sarin Valon, and kill him. To enforce their sentence, Errol is placed under a compulsion, and he is driven to accomplish his task or die resisting. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.
  
 The author gives us another great story with the continuation of Errol's journey in The Hero's Lot. The author continues to entertain the reader and draw them into the world of Errol. I was definitely not disappointed with this next book in Carr's The Staff and The Sword series. Carr is a wonderful storyteller with a creative imagination. This story is full of action and twists and turns to keep the reader glued to the book. This is one series that is hard to put down. 

I recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a good medieval times story. 

I give this book 5 stars out of a total of 5.

A Cast of Stones by Patrick Carr

A Cast of Stones by Patrick Carr
ISBN-13: 978-0764210433
Publisher: Bethany House
Softcover (432 pages)

Purchase here: Amazon

Book blurb:

In the backwater village of Callowford, Errol Stone's search for a drink is interrupted by a church messenger who arrives with urgent missives for the hermit priest in the hills. Desperate for coin, Errol volunteers to deliver them but soon finds himself hunted by deadly assassins. Forced to flee with the priest and a small band of travelers, Errol soon learns he's joined a quest that could change the fate of his kingdom.

Protected for millennia by the heirs of the first king, the kingdom's dynasty is near an end and a new king must be selected. As tension and danger mount, Errol must leave behind his drunkenness and grief, learn to fight, and come to know his God in order to survive a journey to discover his destiny. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.

A Cast of Stones is an unique Christian fantasy novel that will draw you into the story from the very first page. The author has done a marvelous job writing this novel. I'm not a big fantasy reader, but the story was really interesting. It is a cross between Lord of the Rings and King Arthur.  There are characters in the story that you will both love and hate. For example, the main character is Errol, the town drunk. He is someone that you would not think that would be chosen for much of anything. But he is chosen to go on a simple task (delivering some letters to the local priest) which turns into a quest that no one expected.There is plenty of action going on throughout the story, drawing you further into the series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward towards reading the rest of the series. I recommend this story for anyone who wants a good book to read. 

I give this book 5 stars out of a total of 5.

Marcia Gates: Angel of Bataan by Melissa Bowersock

Marcia Gates: Angel of Bataan by Melissa Bowersock
ISBN-13 978-1460973196
Publisher CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Softcover (176 pages)

Purchase the book here: Amazon

Book blurb:

Marcia L. Gates was an Army nurse and prisoner of war during WWII. As an "Angel of Bataan," she spent three years in a Japanese internment camp in the Philippines. This is her award-winning story, told through her letters and the newspaper clippings, photos and letters collected by her mother.

 I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.

Marcia Gates: Angel of Bataan is a wonderful story about a young woman's courage and determination during World War II. Despite being a POW for 3 years she perseveres through it all and even wants to return after recuperating so that she can help more people. Very few people would even want to do something like that after the trauma of being a POW. Marcia was a very courageous woman.

The story is mainly told through letters sent home by Marcia and letters that were written by others. The author does add some more information into the story, as well as archived photos, but the main focus of the story is on the letters. The letters are very descriptive to a point as many letters during war time are censored to protect the soldiers.  You will get drawn into the story and can almost feel what the people were going through. It was a very interesting story and I believe that others will enjoy it as well.

I give the book 4 stars out of a total of 5.